"What if it's heard? This badge is mine!" Lu Fan said directly, "I naturally have the right to control it. Besides, Senior Sister Biyao will only use it for a few days, and I trust her very much."
The primordial elder said no more, a look of helplessness on his face.
Meanwhile, beside a thatched hut at the North Sea Academy, a white-haired elder was refining pills, his face etched with the vicissitudes of life.
"Master, I'm back!"
Biyao walked over, looking rather carefree and much more spirited.
"Why are you back?"
The white-haired elder frowned slightly, "Didn't I ask you to attend the alchemy competition in Dan City?"
"I've already participated and finished!"
Biyao chuckled, "Most importantly, I've received recognition from the Dan Tower!"
"Dan Tower?"
The white-haired elder trembled, his surprise and joy evident, "Really? You've truly obtained the Alchemist's Badge? To achieve this at such a young age, you will surely become famous throughout the White Dragon Dynasty!"
"Of course, it's true!"
Biyao nodded slightly, and at the same time, produced a badge. "To win first place in this Dan City competition, I put in a great deal of effort."
Gazing at the badge, Lin Beixuan's expression turned solemn. "That's wonderful. I never imagined that my disciple, Lin Beixuan, would also become an alchemist recognized by the Dan Tower!"
"According to our agreement, now that I've obtained the Alchemist's Badge, old man, you must give me that secret technique!" Biyao said earnestly, "I believe you won't go back on your word."
"Don't worry, I won't go back on what I promised you!"
Lin Beixuan waved his hand. "By successfully winning first place in Dan City, your perception has also reached a certain level. This technique is most suitable for you."
Biyao nodded slightly, her joy increasing. She had heard the old man say that this technique possessed boundless power, and if she could learn it, she would surely achieve great things in the future.
It was for this very reason that she began refining pills. The old man had promised her that as long as she successfully won first place in Dan City, she would receive the technique. Now, with the badge in hand, it seemed effortless.
However, at this moment, Lin Beixuan frowned, "That's not right. Your perception hasn't reached third grade. Under normal circumstances, to become first in Dan City, one must be a third-grade alchemist."
"Old man, you don't think I'm lying to you, do you?" Biyao's expression turned serious. "Look closely, the badge is right in front of you. Could it be fake? I can't forge a Dan Tower badge!"
After observing for a moment, Lin Beixuan nodded slightly. "That may be so, but this badge can be snatched or stolen. However, one thing remains unchanged: with your perception and alchemy skills, it's impossible for you to have won first place in Dan City."
Hearing the old man's words, Biyao instantly felt guilty. She knew very well that if the old man pursued the matter, she would have difficulty explaining herself.
"Tell me the truth, what exactly happened!"
Lin Beixuan narrowed his eyes. "If you lie to me again, you'd better think carefully. I'm not that easily fooled."
"Alright, alright, I'll tell you the truth then!" Biyao said helplessly. "Actually, this badge isn't mine; it belongs to Junior Brother Lu. I just borrowed his badge to use, and I didn't expect you to see through it!"
"Junior Brother Lu?"
Lin Qingxuan was somewhat surprised. As the dean of the North Sea Academy, he had never heard this name before, nor did he know that there was a third-grade alchemist within the academy.
One must know that becoming a third-grade alchemist is no ordinary feat. Moreover, being called Junior Brother by Biyao was enough to indicate that this person was not old. To become a third-grade alchemist at such an age was something that not just anyone could achieve.
"That's right, it's Junior Brother Lu!" Biyao said repeatedly. "He's quite handsome and exceptionally talented. Would you like me to introduce you?"
"Since he is a disciple of the North Sea Academy, let him develop naturally," Lin Beixuan smiled. "I'm not in a hurry."
"If that's the case, then I won't make the introduction," Biyao chuckled. "I believe you will see his prowess at the academy's peak competition."
"Peak competition?"
Lin Beixuan smiled slightly. "I recall that in past peak competitions, many prodigies emerged. This time should be even more exciting."
"Indeed, many formidable students have come to the North Sea Academy this time," Biyao nodded slightly. "It probably won't be long before even I am surpassed."
"You're talking more and more mysteriously!"
Lin Beixuan said directly, "According to the academy's rules, if you haven't obtained the badge, I cannot give you the secret technique. However, if one day you can gain the recognition of the Dan Tower, I will naturally give you the secret technique!"
"Thank you, Master, for that," Biyao nodded slightly, feeling a bit helpless.
In fact, she wanted to obtain it now, but this old man was too shrewd, leaving her no room to maneuver.
When Lu Fan returned to the courtyard, everyone came out to greet him, their faces filled with joy. "Sect Master, you're finally back!"
"Yes, you've been gone for a few days, why are you all so enthusiastic?" Lu Fan said awkwardly.
"A few days apart feel like years!" Chu Ting chuckled, "Of course, we missed you dearly."
"I think what you miss isn't me, but the pills on me!"
Lu Fan smiled faintly and took out a few pills from his body. "These Spirit Gathering Pills are even better than the last batch. Take them! They can also help you improve your cultivation. After all, in the North Sea Academy, if you don't have strong cultivation, you'll be bullied."
"Thank you, Sect Master!" Everyone nodded.
Chu Ting then said with a smile, "Sect Master may not know, but since many sects learned of the close relationship between the Sect Master and Senior Sister Biyao, they have become extremely respectful to the Azure Cloud Sect, not daring to overstep."
"I see!" Lu Fan frowned, his expression turning somewhat cold. He hadn't expected such a thing to happen. But then again, Biyao's status in the North Sea Academy was indeed quite high.
As they were talking, Li Ziming and a few disciples walked in from outside, their faces bearing injuries and looking quite disheveled.
"What happened to you?"
Lu Fan asked, "Why are your faces so badly injured?"
"Sect Master!" The men clasped their fists, but they still looked quite battered.
"We were cultivating in the cultivation pavilion, had a dispute with someone, and then started fighting," one of the men explained.
"Why are you injured like this?" Long Yi frowned, "Who exactly is it that is so reckless?"
"It seems to be a direct disciple of some elder!" Li Ziming said. "His talent is indeed not weak, and he has a group of disciples following him!"
"Couldn't you fight back?" Chu Ting frowned, "To be beaten to this state."