Within Beihai Academy, everyone was filled with shock. They hadn't expected Lu Fan to be so formidable, nor so unrestrained.
Regardless of the circumstances, Wan Hai was the direct disciple of the Seventh Elder. To see him in such a state evoked a sense of lament.
In the past, Wan Hai had enjoyed immense prestige within Beihai Academy, envied by countless individuals, especially with a fiercely protective master. Yet, he had met such a tragic end.
The Grand Elder had intended to intervene, but it was too late. He couldn't help but feel a stirring within: "While the Pinnacle Competition may involve casualties, intentional harm is forbidden, lest it violate the rules!"
"Indeed!"
The Third Elder spoke up: "It was Wan Hai who broke the rules first. If he hadn't used the berserk pill, he wouldn't have suffered such a grim fate. This is his own doing."
The Elders exchanged glances and nodded slightly: "The Third Elder speaks the truth. Although Wan Hai died unjustly, it was of his own making."
Lin Beixuan stood to the side, feeling a sense of helplessness. He did not desire internal strife within the academy.
However, as things stood, this was the only outcome. Wan Hai's actions had infringed upon Beihai Academy's rules, and his subsequent killing by Lu Fan was a just retribution.
Following the third round of the competition, Lu Fan advanced once more. As the subsequent matches progressed, only by the seventh round did the formation barrier gradually dissipate. Once the formation concluded, Lu Fan and the others returned to Cloud Peak. However, only ten individuals emerged from the formation, representing the top ten of Beihai Academy.
Besides Lu Fan, Bi Yao was also among them. These ten individuals possessed formidable strength and were considered candidates by the Elders of Beihai Academy. Even the Dean regarded them with seriousness. Each of them was an unparalleled expert, capable of stirring up immense waves in Yun Prefecture.
"Junior Brother Lu, we've all made it into the top ten. However, we might face each other next!"
Bi Yao chuckled lightly: "If that's the case, it would be a shame. Two prodigies clashing will inevitably lead to one's defeat!"
"Senior Sister, rest assured, I won't let you hold back," Lu Fan replied with a smile. "Let's engage in a serious match. Senior Sister can unleash her full power."
"Naturally. The Pinnacle Tournament is no trivial matter; it offers extremely generous rewards each year. Senior Sister will not yield," Bi Yao nodded slightly. "As long as one enters the top three, they can do as they please within Beihai Academy, even choosing the Dean as their master!"
Lu Fan nodded slightly, aware of this.
However, having already secured a spot in the top ten, he didn't pay much heed to the remaining rankings.
"With the Sect Master entering the top ten this time, Qingyun Sect will be able to hold its head high within Beihai Academy in the future!"
Li Ziming chuckled: "It seems I was quite wise back then, knowing to join Qingyun Sect early!"
"You're just talking nonsense!"
Chu Ting rolled her eyes: "Who was it that didn't want to join initially, only to sound so grand now!"
Li Ziming instantly felt embarrassed, then smiled. He hadn't expected Chu Ting to expose his past so readily, putting him in an awkward position.
"To reach the top ten of the academy signifies that you will be able to go further within the Spirit Realm in the future!"
The Grand Elder looked at everyone, his expression filled with relief. These ten individuals had all reached at least the Half-step Spirit King realm. Such a powerful lineup was truly extraordinary.
"Next, we will proceed with the draw for the matches to eliminate five individuals!"
Following the Grand Elder's words, Lu Fan and the others stepped forward, drawing bamboo slips.
Each slip corresponded to a specific formation barrier. The other disciples present also watched intently, their expressions grave.
Upon entering his formation barrier, Lu Fan saw a handsome man holding a paper fan, dressed in white, his aura radiating immense power.
"If I recall correctly, you must be that new student?" Bai Long stated directly. "To gain such fame shortly after arriving at Beihai Academy is quite something!"
"Thank you for the compliment, Senior Brother!"
Lu Fan cupped his fists: "I haven't seen Senior Brother around Beihai Academy!"
"I am often away on missions and rarely return."
Bai Long waved his hand: "Upon my return to the academy, I heard much about you. You're quite similar to me! When I entered the academy back then, I was also renowned throughout the North Sea!"
"Since Senior Brother is so formidable, please be gentle when you strike!" Lu Fan said earnestly.
"Rest assured, I won't bully newcomers. Although you possess some skill, you've only been in the academy for a short time. When the time comes, I will give you some leeway!"
"Thank you for your generosity, Senior Brother!"
Lu Fan raised an eyebrow slightly. The man in white before him was a Spirit Master and likely possessed considerable skill. Even he dared not be careless.
"Who is the person dueling the Sect Master?"
Han Feng inquired: "He seems rather extraordinary!"
"I heard his name is Bai Long, and his strength is not weak!"
Chu Ting replied: "He has quite a reputation in Beihai Academy. While not on par with Senior Sister Bi Yao, he is undoubtedly among the elite."
"In that case, isn't the Sect Master in danger!"
Li Ziming exclaimed, his concern palpable. The Pinnacle Tournament was a matter of life and death, he knew this all too well.
"It shouldn't be that dire!"
Long Yi shook his head: "Little Fan is no ordinary person either. Although Senior Brother Bai Long is formidable, with Little Fan's strength, he might not be his match."
"I agree!"
Han Feng nodded: "The Sect Master's strength is considerable. Even Senior Brother Bai Long will likely not have the upper hand."
As they conversed, within the formation barrier, Bai Long had already made his move. Fueled by spiritual energy, he surged towards Lu Fan, exuding an overwhelming aura.
Sensing the sharp gust of wind, Lu Fan retreated slightly, simultaneously slamming his palm forward. Bai Long was a Spirit Master, and Lu Fan dared not be overly casual.
Boom!
The collision of their fist and palm strikes produced a deafening roar.
Even the formation barrier began to tremble. Several Elders watched from the side.
"Bai Long is at the Spirit King realm. It's truly impressive that this young man could force him back!"
"Who's to say otherwise!"
Another Elder nodded: "To possess such strength shortly after entering the academy, his future is bound to be limitless. If one could take him as a disciple, it would be a blessing!"
"For someone with such talent, we are likely not qualified to take him as a disciple!"
The Grand Elder said softly: "Perhaps only the Dean of Beihai Academy has such a qualification!"
Following the Grand Elder's words, the Elders all looked towards the Dean, noticing that the Dean was also observing Lu Fan with considerable satisfaction.
Bai Long staggered back, his face appearing somewhat pale: "You are also a Spirit King!"
"I broke through not long ago!"
Lu Fan smiled: "Senior Brother, you must be careful!"