"You talk a big game, young man. Whether you can survive against the Seventh Elder is another matter," the Grand Elder scoffed. "Prepare yourself. Try not to leave the academy unless absolutely necessary. As long as you remain within the North Sea Academy, the Seventh Elder won't dare lay a hand on you."
"Thank you for the reminder, Grand Elder!" Lu Fan bowed slightly, not taking it too seriously.
After a brief exchange with Lu Fan, the Dean and the others departed. The Grand Elder shook his head, "This kid has good talent, but he's too arrogant. This won't end well for him."
"I don't see it that way!" the North Sea Dean chuckled. "This kid's spirit reminds me of our youth. However, nothing untoward can happen within the North Sea Academy, especially an elder killing a disciple. That's a grave taboo for the academy."
"Rest assured, Dean. Old Seven has already promised me he won't act within the North Sea Academy," the Grand Elder stated directly. "As for outside the academy, we may not be able to control it. Regardless, his personal disciple was killed. He's likely already displeased."
The other elders nodded in agreement. While Lu Fan possessed exceptional talent, opposing an elder was akin to seeking his own demise.
Returning to his courtyard, Lu Fan found Long Yi engrossed in a ledger, a smile plastered on his face.
"What's happened? Why are you so happy, Long Yi?"
Lu Fan approached with a smile. "I've never seen you so joyous before."
"Need you ask!"
Long Yi nodded. "You've been busy cultivating these past few days, so you might not know, but our Qingyun Sect now has over ten Great Spirit Masters. With this formidable force, we are quite renowned throughout Yunzhou."
"Over ten Great Spirit Masters?"
Lu Fan was slightly surprised, not expecting the Qingyun Sect to have grown to such an extent. However, he hadn't paid much attention to the sect's development.
"Sect Master, the Peak Competition has concluded. I'm planning to go home for a visit!" Chu Ting announced. "Would you like to accompany me? We can visit my Chu family and see the sights."
"Go home with you?" Lu Fan was perplexed. Back on Earth, when a girl invited a guy home, it usually implied a certain relationship. But he and Chu Ting were entirely innocent.
"Sect Master, please don't misunderstand. I'm not inviting just you!" Chu Ting quickly clarified. "I want all of you to go. It'll be a good chance to relax. Everyone was on edge during the Peak Competition. Now that we finally have some free time, we shouldn't let it pass."
"Have they all agreed?" Lu Fan asked. "If they agree, I'll gladly go. I was also thinking of going out for a bit."
"Then we'll depart tomorrow!" Chu Ting said eagerly. She had been away from home for quite some time and missed it dearly.
"You all go ahead tomorrow. I'll leave the day after," Lu Fan stated. "Just give me your address then."
"Why not travel together?" Long Yi stepped forward. "Wouldn't it be better to travel, chat, and laugh together?"
"Have you forgotten? You haven't broken through to Spirit King yet, so you can't fly with your swords. I'm different. My speed is more than ten times faster than yours. Even if I leave a day later, I'll still arrive before you," Lu Fan said with a faint smile.
Long Yi's expression turned peculiar. It was only then he realized Lu Fan's words were pure bragging. Once one reached the Spirit King realm, they could fly with their swords and didn't need to travel with others.
In truth, Lu Fan's real intention was not to burden them. He was well aware that the Seventh Elder would seek him out once he left the North Sea Academy. Bringing a group along would likely be inconvenient.
The next morning, Long Yi and Chu Ting, having prepared their luggage, departed from the North Sea Academy in haste.
There was still a considerable distance to Chu City, and they dared not delay.
Watching their receding figures, Lu Fan nodded slightly before returning to his courtyard to cultivate. Alone in the courtyard, it was considerably quieter.
However, outside the courtyard, Lu Fan could vaguely sense a spiritual consciousness constantly observing him, as if monitoring his every move.
"I never expected that old fellow to be so concerned about you," the Primordial Elder remarked. "He's watching you daily. The moment you leave the academy, he'll likely make his move."
"Hmph, I'm not the same person I used to be," Lu Fan snorted. "He's a Spirit King, and so am I."
"Even so, he's a peak Myriad King expert," the Primordial Elder chuckled. "You need to be careful, kid."
"Even if I can't defeat him, I still have you!" Lu Fan shrugged. "I won't feel at ease until this threat is eliminated."
The next day, Lu Fan made his preparations and headed out of the academy. He wouldn't remain confined within the academy simply because of the Seventh Elder's words.
"Senior Brother Lu, are you leaving the academy?"
The gatekeeper disciple asked, "The Dean repeatedly instructed me to be extra cautious if you were to leave the academy."
"Thank you for the warning!"
Lu Fan nodded slightly and turned to leave, not paying it much mind. Even if the Seventh Elder intended to deal with him, he was already prepared.
On the peak of the North Sea Academy, the Seventh Elder watched Lu Fan's departing figure and let out a wild laugh. He had been waiting impatiently. Now that Lu Fan had left the academy, he would make him pay the price.
As an elder of the North Sea Academy, being slandered by others was all Lu Fan's doing.
In a flash, the Seventh Elder vanished from the peak and pursued Lu Fan.
Not long after he left, two figures suddenly appeared on the peak – the Dean and the Grand Elder.
"I wonder if that kid can weather this danger," the Grand Elder said.
"I believe he can!" the Dean stated directly. "This kid not only has exceptional talent but also many secrets. You shouldn't be worried about him, but rather whether Old Seven can return!"
"Worried about Old Seven?"
The Grand Elder looked bewildered. The Seventh Elder was a peak Spirit King expert, with one foot already in the Emperor realm. How could Lu Fan, who had just broken through to the Spirit King realm, possibly contend with such a formidable existence?
"Don't forget the techniques that kid displayed during the Peak Competition," the Dean said. "With such abilities, he's no ordinary person. However, this is not something the academy can handle. Let them resolve it privately. As for the outcome, it is all destiny."
"That's the only way," the Grand Elder nodded, a hint of helplessness in his voice.