Lu Fan felt a moment of helplessness, especially with Han Xiaoxiao's words, which left him unsure how to retort.
Meanwhile, within the Tongtian Academy, the elders' faces turned ashen, and they too were at a loss, for in the past few days, since Lu Fan had left the academy, many forces had come, seeking to gather information about the Ancient Divine Body.
However, the Tongtian Academy had not revealed Lu Fan's whereabouts, and they themselves did not know where he had gone. Therefore, they had not provided much in the way of answers to these forces' inquiries. It was precisely because of this that the entire Tongtian Academy was now being closely watched by numerous factions.
Some even believed that the Tongtian Academy was deliberately hiding Lu Fan, intending to allow the Ancient Divine Body to reach its full potential, thereby enabling the academy to dominate everything in the future.
Not a small number of forces harbored this thought, and discussions were rife, causing considerable concern.
They were acutely aware that once this public opinion took hold, it would inevitably lead to endless turmoil, and the Tongtian Academy itself would face immense disaster.
They understood this point very clearly.
At the same time, the Dean convened an emergency meeting with the elders, reaching the peak of their arrangements for the Tongtian Academy.
However, the Tongtian Academy, currently in the spotlight, appeared precarious and vulnerable. Some forces could no longer wait and were eager to make a move against the academy.
Once the Ancient Divine Body emerged, it would spell great disaster for them. They understood this implicitly, which was why they were acting this way.
"Dean, it seems that even allowing Lu Fan to leave might not quell this storm," Elder Jiu stated. "If my guess is correct, the Holy Land will not let this matter rest. What should we do?"
"The situation has evolved to this point, and it's not something we can control!"
The Dean said with a wry smile, "We can only wait and see what happens. But no matter how things change, we must preserve everyone's lives!"
"But now, numerous forces harbor intentions of invading the Tongtian Academy. This will likely lead to considerable trouble!"
Elder Jiu spoke directly, "Even if a mysterious force intends to act against the Tongtian Academy, the academy will be unable to resist."
"This is precisely why I summoned you all!"
The Dean nodded slightly. "This matter has spread throughout the Eastern Domain. As long as the Tongtian Academy exists, the risk will only increase!"
"If that is the case, then what should we do?"
The elders present spoke, their surprise evident. They could clearly discern that the Dean seemed to have a plan already.
"I propose disbanding the Tongtian Academy. Only then can everyone's safety be secured," the Dean stated directly.
"Disband the Tongtian Academy?"
Those present heard this and their expressions grew flustered. They had not expected the Dean to have such an idea.
"This matter is of great consequence. If the academy is truly disbanded, will all our years of effort be in vain?" one elder frowned, unsure of what to do.
"This is all we can do now!" the Dean said helplessly. "Currently, many forces wish to obtain the Ancient Divine Body, but Lu Fan's whereabouts are unknown. If the academy continues to exist, how can they be appeased?"
The elders present could only nod slightly upon hearing this. As the Dean had said, the situation had reached a point where there was no room for maneuver. If a decision were not made soon, it would lead to endless trouble.
"Since the Dean has made his decision, we will naturally follow your lead!"
The elders nodded, not daring to voice any other opinions. They were now acutely aware that the academy was at a critical juncture for its survival, and all matters must now be deferred to the Dean.
As they were conversing, the entire Tongtian Academy suddenly trembled. A white-haired old man stood atop the peak of the Tongtian Academy, his gaze fixed upon the academy, his expression appearing calm.
"Who goes there!"
The Dean's expression changed. He transformed into a streak of light and appeared before the white-haired old man. Simultaneously, the numerous elders of the Tongtian Academy also mobilized, not daring to delay even for a moment, as they did not know who this visitor was, possessing such a powerful aura.
"I am from the Purple Light Holy Land!"
The white-haired old man spoke. "I heard that the Tongtian Academy has produced a Divine Body, and I have come specifically to see it!"
"So, it is a senior from the Purple Light Holy Land!"
The Dean quickly cupped his fists, not daring to offend in the slightest. He was well aware of the immense power wielded by the Purple Light Holy Land in the Eastern Domain. If they were to offend the Purple Light Holy Land, their academy would likely be destroyed in an instant.
"To be frank, there is indeed an Ancient Divine Body, but he is not currently in the academy. I fear I must disappoint you, Senior!" the Dean said quickly.
"I have already stated that my purpose in coming to the Tongtian Academy this time is for the Divine Body. Do I need to repeat myself?"
The white-haired old man's words were irrefutable, and his gaze sharpened, fixing upon the Dean as if he could instantly kill him if he wished.
The Dean's expression changed, and he was at a loss. He had never imagined that someone from the Holy Land would arrive so quickly. He had already made preparations, but it seemed it was too late.
"Esteemed Senior, our Dean has already stated that the Ancient Divine Body is not in the academy!" Elder Jiu spoke. "I fear we cannot arrange a meeting. We beg your forgiveness, Senior!"
"Who do you think you are, to have a say here?" The white-haired old man glanced at him and with a mere lift of his hand, a terrifying aura instantly crushed down, surging towards Elder Jiu.
Elder Jiu's face turned ashen. He quickly dodged, but in the face of such immense power, he seemed insignificant. In the blink of an eye, his body was violently flung away, without any hesitation.
"Puff!"
Elder Jiu spat out a mouthful of blood, his eyes filled with unwillingness. However, he understood very clearly that he could only endure now, lest he implicate the entire academy. At that point, no one would be able to save the Tongtian Academy.
"Today, I must see the Divine Body. No one can stop me!" the white-haired old man stated directly. "If the Tongtian Academy cannot hand over the Divine Body, then it shall cease to exist!"
"Senior, the Ancient Divine Body departed long ago!" the Dean frowned. "I am helpless in this matter!"
"If you are helpless, then the entire Tongtian Academy will pay the price!" the white-haired old man narrowed his eyes. "As a person of the Purple Light Holy Land, since I have come to the Tongtian Academy, I shall be the one to dictate. If my demands are not met, do not blame me for my merciless actions!"
The Dean's face turned ashen. He wanted to say something but ultimately dared not speak. The situation had reached this point, and he realized he had miscalculated.