Bai Long's expression was solemn. He hadn't taken Lu Fan seriously at first, but after their brief exchange, he could clearly sense that Lu Fan was not simple.
Bai Long stood steadily, his expression indifferent. "I underestimated you just now, but now I will treat you with utmost seriousness and will not hold back. You had better be prepared."
"Senior Brother, please proceed!"
Lu Fan cupped his fists. Since he dared to stand here, he was fully prepared. No matter what methods Bai Long had, he could withstand them.
Seeing Lu Fan's confidence, Bai Long was instantly angered. He took a sudden step forward and unleashed his ultimate technique, the Divine Wind Leg.
This Divine Wind Leg could sweep across a thousand armies. Moreover, Bai Long was a Spirit King realm cultivator. When such a powerful expert unleashed the Divine Wind Leg, its might was even greater than in the past.
"It's Senior Brother Bai Long's Divine Wind Leg! It seems this new student is in trouble!"
"Who says not! Back then, Senior Brother Bai Long's Divine Wind Leg was unmatched in the entire academy. Today, it's likely even stronger!"
Many onlookers conversed, watching from the side.
Upon hearing this, Long Yi's brow furrowed slightly. Bai Long was a Spirit King realm cultivator. If he was truly that powerful, Lu Fan might be in danger.
However, at this very moment, facing the Divine Wind Leg, Lu Fan remained composed. As he dodged, he unleashed a surge of energy.
Bai Long fell to the ground in response, his Divine Wind Leg abruptly halted. He was filled with disbelief. He never imagined that his Divine Wind Leg would be interrupted, and Lu Fan remained completely unfazed, as if he were merely a clown.
"Senior Brother, I concede!" Lu Fan cupped his fists and smiled.
"Impossible, this is absolutely impossible!"
Bai Long exclaimed, "How can a mere freshman possess such strength and talent? He shouldn't have joined North Sea Academy."
"Perhaps I cultivated too quickly. When I joined North Sea Academy, I was only a Great Spirit Master!" Lu Fan chuckled. "But regardless, thank you, Senior Brother, for holding back earlier."
Bai Long stood stunned for a moment before slowly getting up. "Forget it, forget it. I admit defeat today. You truly have some skill, boy. Being able to knock me off the stage, I assume you'll have no problem entering the top three. Unfortunately, my situation is rather dire."
Lu Fan smiled faintly, his expression becoming indifferent. In truth, he felt a bit helpless about the situation. Bai Long seemed like a good person, and he didn't want him to be eliminated. However, on this stage, only the strong could stand until the end.
At the same time, Bi Yao and the others also finished their matches. The five individuals standing within the barrier were full of spirit and pride.
Those who could fight to the end were the elites of North Sea Academy, the cream of the crop.
Looking at the five individuals before him, the Grand Elder was quite pleased. "Your success in reaching the final proves you have extraordinary qualities. Next, we will proceed with a draw. One of the lots will be a bye; whoever draws it will be exempted from the next match!"
Lu Fan and the others exchanged glances and nodded slightly. Lu Fan then looked at Bi Yao. "Senior Sister Bi Yao, I hope we don't draw each other!"
"Hope is one thing, but if we do draw each other, then there's nothing we can do," Bi Yao smiled faintly. "After all, in this Grand Competition, the strong will eventually reach the final."
Lu Fan gave a wry smile and then drew a lot. Bi Yao also drew one. After opening his, he looked at Lu Fan. "Is yours number 1?"
"No, it's the bye."
Lu Fan replied, taking out his bamboo slip. The people around him looked on with envy. Drawing the bye meant not having to compete and directly advancing to the next round.
"You are too lucky, kid!" Bi Yao smiled wryly. "But don't worry, Senior Sister, I will definitely persist until the end!"
Lu Fan nodded slightly. "I hope Senior Sister Bi Yao returns victorious!"
A short while later, four figures entered the barrier. These four were all elites of North Sea Academy, each holding a significant position within the academy.
"The one fighting Senior Sister Bi Yao should be the President of the Heaven and Earth Society!"
Long Yi remarked, "One of the three major factions in North Sea Academy. With him making a move, I wonder if Senior Sister Bi Yao can hold on."
"Senior Sister Bi Yao is quite famous in North Sea Academy, and it's not just because of her looks," Chu Ting chuckled. "I inquired once, and within North Sea Academy, even those from the three major powers dare not disrespect Senior Sister Bi Yao. This is enough to show Senior Sister Bi Yao's formidable strength!"
Everyone nodded slightly, largely agreeing with Chu Ting's words.
Lu Fan walked over to the group and let out a sigh of relief. "Fortunately, I drew the bye. Otherwise, it would have been another fight."
"Sect Leader, you are now among the top 5 in the academy," Li Ziming said with a smile. "In the future, in North Sea Academy, I'd like to see who dares to mock us."
"You only know how to brag by association!" Chu Ting rolled her eyes. "You're the young master of the Li family from Yun Province, yet you need someone to protect you within North Sea Academy. How embarrassing!"
"I..."
Li Ziming was instantly dismayed. Chu Ting's words had struck a nerve. As the young master of the Li family, he couldn't display any advantage within North Sea Academy. In fact, if it weren't for Lu Fan, he might have been bullied.
However, after entering North Sea Academy, he truly understood that even powerful families like the three great clans were nothing compared to North Sea Academy.
After a fierce struggle, Bi Yao leaped into the air, her body instantly stiffening. The President of the Heaven and Earth Society was repelled, and she was struck by a palm strike that sent him out of the barrier.
Witnessing this scene, the crowd erupted in gasps of astonishment. They had long heard of Senior Sister Bi Yao's formidable strength, and seeing it now, it was indeed extraordinary that she could strike someone out of the barrier.
At the same time, another man in white emerged from the barrier. This was Bai Yetian, the Sect Master of the Bai Sect, and Bai Long's elder brother.
Bi Yao and Bai Yetian both approached the elder and bowed slightly. Lu Fan also walked over, feeling somewhat uneasy. After all, he had advanced directly in this match, which felt rather unnatural.
"The three of you are the top three in the academy!"
The Grand Elder announced, "We will proceed with the final battle in ten days!"
"Grand Elder, why not finish it directly? There's no need to drag it out so late," Bi Yao said eagerly, as if the first place was already hers.
"I don't mind!" Bai Yetian smiled, his expression indifferent. Within North Sea Academy, Bi Yao was the strongest among the women, and Bai Yetian was the strongest among the men.
More importantly, Bai Yetian was the Sect Master of the Bai Sect. The Bai Sect was the foremost sect in North Sea Academy. If he were to leave in the future, he would undoubtedly gain considerable fame in Yun Province, of that there was no doubt.
"You are all exhausted after multiple battles!" the Grand Elder stated directly. "Let's have the peak battle in ten days!"