Three days later, on the summit of Beihai Academy, Lu Fan slowly rose and unleashed a palm strike. The strike was powerful, imbued with a hint of lightning, appearing incredibly fearsome.
A large tree beside him instantly vanished, reduced to nothing under the potent force of the lightning.
"This Xuan Lei Jue is truly formidable, capable of generating lightning with a mere palm strike!"
Lu Fan exclaimed, "In these past three days, I've gained some understanding of the Xuan Lei Jue. Being able to transform my palm into lightning with such power is truly terrifying."
"The move you just displayed barely utilized one ten-thousandth of the Xuan Lei Jue's power," the elder Hong Meng shook his head. "When you cultivate the Xuan Lei Jue to its highest level, you will truly grasp its absolute might."
Lu Fan nodded slightly, his expression growing more solemn. If Hong Meng had said this, it was enough to indicate that the Xuan Lei Jue's power far surpassed what he had witnessed.
For the next ten days, Lu Fan remained in seclusion, never leaving the summit of Beihai Mountain. Long Yi and the others were growing increasingly anxious. Lu Fan's ten-day absence filled them with worry, yet they dared not disturb him.
"What do you think our Sect Leader is practicing that requires him to be in seclusion for so long?" Li Ziming asked. "Will he suffer qi deviation if this continues? Is the pressure too great?"
"It shouldn't be that bad!" Chu Ting shook her head. "He must be cultivating an extremely powerful technique, otherwise, he wouldn't be so engrossed in it, neglecting food and sleep."
"The final round of the Peak Competition is fast approaching, and he still hasn't emerged from seclusion," Han Feng frowned. "What will we do if this continues? If there's any mistake, we might miss this final battle."
"I'll go and remind Xiao Fan!" Long Yi declared, his expression turning serious.
However, just as he was about to step forward, a surge of lightning erupted from the summit of Beihai Academy. A distinct bolt of lightning gathered above the peak, appearing immensely powerful.
Witnessing this, Long Yi and the others were astonished. They had never imagined Lu Fan could draw upon the power of heaven and earth, let alone with such intensity.
"Such potent lightning power, what is happening?"
Everyone within Beihai Academy exclaimed, their gazes fixed on the summit, wondering what had transpired.
At this very moment, even Lin Beixuan stood by, observing quietly. "I truly didn't expect this brat to be able to draw upon the power of heaven and earth. It seems his talent is no less than yours."
"Master, I admit that Junior Brother Lu is strong, but no matter how strong he is, he can't be my opponent, can he? After all, I am Senior Sister Bi Yao of Beihai Academy!" Bi Yao declared confidently, with a hint of arrogance. She recalled winning first place in the previous Peak Competition, though Bai Yetian was not present at Beihai Academy then and did not participate. This time, the Peak Competition posed a bit of a challenge.
"Do not be so arrogant," Lin Beixuan said directly. "You only have the advantage of seniority. In time, he will definitely surpass you, and you two will not even be in the same league."
Bi Yao felt a pang of indignation but had no retort. As Lin Beixuan had said, she was merely relying on her seniority. Lu Fan, at such a young age, was already catching up to her, and he was even a third-grade alchemist. His future status would naturally be above hers.
Lu Fan, on the summit of Beihai Mountain, gazed at the powerful lightning, a look of satisfaction on his face. He then slowly retracted the Xuan Lei Jue and began to regulate his breathing. He had now cultivated the Xuan Lei Jue to the minor accomplishment stage. If he were to truly unleash it, it would undoubtedly impress.
Some time later, on Yunfeng, numerous disciples gathered, all discussing the events that had just occurred on the summit of Beihai Academy. They had witnessed it clearly, and Lu Fan's strength was quite astonishing.
"I wonder who will be first in this Peak Competition!"
"Of course, it's Senior Brother Bai Yetian. He is the undisputed number one of Beihai Academy."
"I can't say for sure. Senior Sister Bi Yao's strength is evident to everyone. If Senior Sister Bi Yao makes a move, Senior Brother Bai Yetian might not be her match!"
"Exactly! Senior Sister Bi Yao was the ceiling in the last competition, and she'll take first place again in this Peak Competition!"
"That's not certain. Have you forgotten the power Lu Fan displayed on the peak of Beihai Academy just now? Such immense power is not something anyone can wield!"
The disciples chattered amongst themselves, their expressions growing serious as they cast their gazes towards the high platform, filled with a sense of apprehension.
The final battle was about to commence, and even they felt their blood boiling.
Bai Yetian and Bi Yao had arrived and stood on the high platform, awaiting the elders' arrangements. Only Lu Fan's absence caused a stir of surprise.
"What's going on? Why isn't the Sect Leader here yet?" Li Ziming exclaimed. "If this drags on any longer, it will be troublesome. This is no trivial matter!"
"Don't worry, Sect Leader Wen will never know," Chu Ting said seriously, her faith in Lu Fan unwavering.
As they were conversing, Lu Fan arrived fashionably late and walked towards the high platform. Under the gaze of many, he appeared rather striking.
"Junior Brother Lu, I thought you weren't coming!" Bi Yao chuckled. "Why was there such powerful lightning on the peak earlier? Have you cultivated some peerless technique?"
"Not really!" Lu Fan replied with a wry smile. "Senior Sister Bi Yao, please don't tease me."
With these words, Bi Yao rolled her eyes. "You're clearly not being honest. You've clearly mastered a supreme technique but are still hiding it. Are you preparing to deal with me?"
"Senior Sister Bi Yao is so formidable. Even if I had cultivated some peerless technique, I would still be no match for Senior Sister Bi Yao," Lu Fan said with a faint smile.
"Anyone who makes it into the top three is no ordinary person. Brother Lu is too modest," Bai Yetian said with a light laugh. "My brother, Bai Long, was defeated by you. He told me you are not simple!"
"You flatter me!" Lu Fan smiled wryly. In front of the two esteemed figures of the academy, he dared not boast too much, lest he court disaster.
"The final round of the Peak Competition is about to begin. You shall draw lots!" the Grand Elder announced. "There are three lots in total, one of which is a blank. Whoever draws the blank lot will advance directly."
With these words, everyone nodded slightly and stepped forward to draw their lots.
When the lots were revealed, Bi Yao let out a loud laugh. "Heaven truly blesses me! I have drawn the blank lot, meaning I do not need to fight and can advance directly!"