"You're quite generous, giving away a Saint Sword just like that," Hong Meng the old man remarked. "Even I would feel a pang of regret."
"It's unavoidable. I've just arrived at Tongtian Academy, and it's important to build good relationships," Lu Fan shrugged. "Besides, the Blazing Saint Sword is something Senior Sister Bi Qing favors. How could I possibly seize it by force!"
Hong Meng the old man said no more. How could he not understand what Lu Fan was saying?
Lu Fan spent several days within the forest, suppressing his aura and continuously refining the lightning and flames. Lightning energy surged around him, and his entire presence changed significantly.
Meanwhile, within the courtyard, Han Xiaoxiao and the others were perplexed. They had long since left the cultivation pavilion but couldn't find any sign of Lu Fan. He had been missing for days.
"Could something have happened?" Zhao Hanxue voiced her concern. "Although this is Tongtian Academy, it's not absolutely safe."
"That's right. Tongtian Academy is so vast. If something were to happen, no one would likely know," another added.
Han Xiaoxiao frowned. "Could it be Chu Tianhai's doing?"
"His strength might not be enough to threaten Lu Fan!" Zhao Hanxue shook her head. "It's probably not him!"
"Then it's truly strange. If it wasn't him, then who could it be?" Han Xiaoxiao grew puzzled, her brow furrowed. Lu Fan possessed the Divine Emperor Cauldron, something he cared deeply about. If something were to happen to him, wouldn't all his efforts be in vain?
"Let me divine it!" Liuli spoke up. "Using divination techniques, I should be able to deduce his life force!"
"Then hurry!" Zhao Hanxue urged.
Liuli wasted no time, taking out her Bagua disk. This was the true divination art of Shenji Mountain. She instantly became engrossed.
Shen Ye Hong stood by, also feeling worried. His disappearance for days was unprecedented, especially within Tongtian Academy. If he had entered some forbidden area, it would likely mean certain death.
After a period of divination, Liuli's complexion was slightly pale. She then stated directly, "He's not in any major trouble. You can rest assured, he should be fine!" Su Dan Novel Network.
"If he's fine, then why hasn't he appeared yet?" Zhao Hanxue was surprised and somewhat bewildered.
"Perhaps he's cultivating somewhere and lost track of time," Liuli explained. "I'm not entirely sure what's going on."
As they were conversing, a group of uninvited guests arrived outside the courtyard. Leading them was Chu Tianhai. "Get that brat out here! Today, I will make him pay!"
"You were thoroughly taught a lesson last time in the cultivation pavilion," Zhao Hanxue said with a light laugh. "You still dare to come looking for trouble? You've got quite a bit of nerve!"
"Before was before, now is now!" Chu Tianhai said coldly. "My elder brother is here. If that brat doesn't kneel and apologize, he will pay the price."
Zhao Hanxue glanced over and noticed that the man beside Chu Tianhai possessed a powerful aura, seemingly not an ordinary person. However, compared to them, he was still somewhat inferior.
"I am Chu Tianhe!" the man stated coldly. "To dare to lay hands on my brother within the academy, that new student is quite formidable. Where is he now? I want to spar with him."
Following these words, many senior students immediately began to stir. Chu Tianhe was a Heavenly Venerate, just one step away from the Half-Saint realm. He was considered a significant figure within the entire Eastern Courtyard. Now that he had personally come to cause trouble, this new student was likely in danger.
"You've come at an inconvenient time. He's not in the courtyard!" Han Xiaoxiao said with a smile. "Perhaps you should wait until he returns before seeking him out!"
"What a joke! If he's not in the courtyard, then where is he?" Chu Tianhai sneered. "I think he's just scared and deliberately hiding. But that won't work. If he doesn't apologize to me, I won't let him off easily."
Facing these words, Han Xiaoxiao sneered, "Even if you let your elder brother make a move, I doubt he can do much. I think you should save yourself the trouble!"
"Are you looking down on me?" Chu Tianhe's expression turned cold. Just as he was about to question Han Xiaoxiao, Bi Qing walked out slowly. "What's happening? Why are so many people gathered here?"
"Senior Sister Bi Qing!" The senior and junior students alike cupped their fists. They dared not show any disrespect to the sister before them.
"Senior Sister, that brat injured my brother. I've come to seek an explanation," Chu Tianhe stated. "I have no intention of bullying a new student."
"Chu Tianhe, you should know that sparring is normal within Tongtian Academy," Bi Qing said directly. "As for Chu Tianhai's matter, I've heard about it. I think it's best to let this matter rest here."
"Is Senior Sister protecting that new student?" Chu Tianhe's brow furrowed, his gaze growing displeased. Bi Qing was stronger than him, but within Tongtian Academy, no one wanted to offend others. After all, they might form connections outside in the future.
"What if I am protecting him?" Bi Qing said coldly. "Are you perhaps intending to make a move against me?"
Chu Tianhe's expression changed instantly. He had never expected Bi Qing to be so resolute against him for the sake of an ordinary disciple.
"This is my business. Senior Sister Bi Qing need not interfere!" a voice called out. Lu Fan walked over slowly, flames surrounding him, as if he had devoured something.
"You're the one who injured my brother?" Chu Tianhe's expression was cold as he looked at Lu Fan, his eyes filled with disdain.
"You are correct, it was me!" Lu Fan's expression was indifferent; he didn't take it seriously at all. Now that he had devoured the Lightning Saint Flame, unless a Saint appeared, no one could trouble him. How could he possibly put a mere Heavenly Venerate in his eyes?
"Where did you go? We haven't seen you these past few days," Han Xiaoxiao said with a glare. "We thought you were dead."
"I'm not that easily killed," Lu Fan shrugged. "Besides, are you wishing for my death?"
"I didn't mean it like that!" Han Xiaoxiao quickly shook his head, showing an awkward smile. What he had just said was indeed inappropriate.
Lu Fan didn't dwell on it, instead turning his gaze to Chu Tianhe. "Since you've come to avenge him, let's spar. However, I must state upfront: if you lose today, you are not to bother me again!"
"Lose?" Chu Tianhe burst into laughter, his eyes growing colder. "You have a big mouth, you actually think I will lose?"
"So much nonsense!" Lu Fan's expression was indifferent, and he prepared to make a move.
"What are you two doing?" At that very moment, an aged voice echoed. The Eighteenth Elder walked over. "This is Tongtian Academy, not a place for your games!"