"So young, yet possessing such cultivation, I was indeed presumptuous," the Green-Robed Elder said with a wry smile. "Thank you, Lord Lu, for showing mercy just now. Otherwise, I fear I would not have lived to tell the tale."
"No need for pleasantries. It was merely a spar; how could I take your life?" Lu Fan waved his hand. "Are there any others who wish to spar?"
The elders exchanged glances, none daring to step forward. Lu Fan's displayed strength was enough to instill fear in them.
"Among the elders, the Green-Robed Elder is the strongest," the Iron Mountain Sect Master said with a smile. "Therefore, the other elders naturally submit willingly."
"That is for the best, then," Lu Fan nodded slightly and sat down. He understood clearly that without demonstrating some strength, he would inevitably face doubt. His forceful actions just now were precisely for this reason.
"Lord Lu possesses vast divine abilities. Are you willing to take charge of the Iron Mountain Sect?" the Iron Mountain Sect Master asked directly, without any evasion. The elders present were startled, not expecting the Sect Master to speak so plainly, as if he intended for Lu Fan to become the Sect Master of the Iron Mountain Sect.
"I have no such interest," Lu Fan shook his head. "After staying at the Iron Mountain Sect, I will depart directly."
"This..." The Iron Mountain Sect Master was somewhat disappointed. He had intended to win Lu Fan over, even offering his position as Sect Master, but he had not expected Lu Fan to disregard it.
"Sect Master, you may not know, but Lord Lu has extraordinary talent. His purpose in coming to the Tri-Angle Domain this time is to enter the Tongtian Academy," Tie Bao stated directly. "However, the Tongtian Academy is quite mysterious, and it is not easy to enter."
"That is not entirely accurate. With Lord Lu's talent, he will surely be able to enter the Tongtian Academy," Elder Fei Niao said repeatedly.
"Yes, yes, yes, I misspoke just now," Tie Bao quickly nodded.
"Is the Tongtian Academy truly that difficult to enter?" Lu Fan frowned.
"Lord Lu may not know, but although the Tongtian Academy is located in the Tri-Angle Domain, even the super dynasties nearby dare not provoke it," the Iron Mountain Sect Master stated directly. "These dynasties all have Saints presiding over them."
"So that's how it is!" Lu Fan nodded slightly, a hint of emotion in his expression. His purpose in coming to the Tri-Angle Domain was to enter the Tongtian Academy. If he couldn't, wouldn't his trip be in vain?
"However, my lord, rest assured. With your talent, you are more than capable of entering the Tongtian Academy!" the Iron Mountain Sect Master said with a light smile. "Please stay for a few days, my lord. When the Tongtian Academy begins its admissions, I will notify you in advance!"
"Thank you kindly, then!" Lu Fan smiled, quite courteously. Under normal circumstances, the Iron Mountain Sect had no obligation to help him, so Lu Fan felt a sense of gratitude towards them.
After the banquet concluded, Lu Fan went to his quarters. They were built against the mountain, appearing to be a pleasant location.
"My lord, are we really going to stay at the Iron Mountain Sect the entire time?" Hu Yu suddenly asked.
"What, you don't want to?" Lu Fan asked with a light smile.
"It's not that. I just feel it's inconvenient here. The Tri-Angle Domain is such a vast place, and there are many areas we haven't visited. Staying at the Iron Mountain Sect all the time would be too boring," Hu Yu said with an awkward smile.
"I see!" Lu Fan smiled faintly. "Since you find it so boring, then go out and explore. I won't stop you."
"My lord is joking again. With my strength, if I were to go out alone, I might not even be able to return," Hu Yu said with an awkward smile. "You know how chaotic the Tri-Angle Domain is."
"In that case, if I have free time, I'll accompany you," Lu Fan shrugged.
"Is that true?" Hu Yu's face lit up with joy. With Lu Fan accompanying him, he wouldn't be as fearful. Although the Tri-Angle Domain was a chaotic place, Lu Fan's strength was so formidable that if anything were to happen, he could handle it with ease.
"My lord, if you plan to go down the mountain, I can accompany you," a woman said, stepping forward. She was dressed in red and looked quite comely.
"Who are you? How dare you eavesdrop on our conversation?" Hu Yu frowned. "Is this the hospitality of the Iron Mountain Sect?"
"Please don't misunderstand, young lady. I was not eavesdropping; I was merely passing by," Xiao Hong quickly explained. "I am just a disciple of the Iron Mountain Sect. How could I dare to eavesdrop on your words?"
"So, you are familiar with the Tri-Angle Domain?" Lu Fan looked at Xiao Hong. "Would you be willing to guide us? I happen to have nothing to do tomorrow and would like to go out for a walk."
"Oh, yes, yes!" Xiao Hong nodded eagerly, her face beaming with joy. She had appeared here intentionally, having already prepared. After all, Lu Fan was young and promising, and many female disciples in the sect were quite taken with him. To be able to guide Lu Fan was likely a dream come true for many of them.
"I think she's being overly solicitous for no reason. It's suspicious!" Hu Yu remarked. "Perhaps we should explore on our own."
"It's fine. Isn't it better to have someone who knows the way?" Lu Fan waved his hand. Hu Yu felt a bit helpless and didn't say much more. He wouldn't dare to delay anything Lu Fan had decided.
"My lord, I will go prepare now!" Xiao Hong said with a smile. "I will accompany you to the city tomorrow."
Lu Fan nodded slightly, not paying too much attention. The reason he wanted to go out was to understand the Tri-Angle Domain better. After all, he might be living here for some time, and being unfamiliar with the situation would put him at a significant disadvantage.
Upon returning to his room, Lu Fan began to circulate his energy. After traveling for some time, his cultivation had improved considerably. He no longer feared encountering even Heavenly Venerable-level experts. However, if he encountered a Half-Saint, Lu Fan would still have to flee. Half-Saints represented a threshold, and reaching that level likely required many opportunities.
Azure Hawk City was located in the central region of the Northern Corner Domain, only about a hundred kilometers from the Iron Mountain Sect. Led by Xiao Hong, Lu Fan arrived in the city. Along both sides of the city, there were many people coming and going, appearing quite bustling. However, they all carried defensive weapons, and none of them seemed like benevolent individuals.
"This Azure Hawk City is the closest city to North Sea City," Xiao Hong said. "There are many trading points here, but within this city, murder and robbery are commonplace, so you must be careful."
"Murder and robbery?" Lu Fan narrowed his eyes. "The Tri-Angle Domain is indeed unusual. But it's also understandable. With no one in charge here, everyone can act as they please. This is only natural."
"Step right up, don't miss out! Absolutely divine beasts, absolutely divine beasts! Only a thousand spirit stones to purchase one!" Cries echoed. In the center of the road, a group of spirit beasts was displayed.