"The situation is likely more complicated than we imagined!"
Lu Fan stated directly, "Don't you see? The sacred swords we obtained might not be able to leave the Myriad Demon Cave!"
"What do you mean by that?"
Han Xiaoxiao asked, perplexed. She looked outside and indeed saw many figures waiting at the edge of the Myriad Demon Cave. These were people who had just left, or hadn't even entered. They were waiting outside to snatch the sacred swords, thereby gaining entry into Tongtian Academy.
"I can't believe it's so disgusting!"
Han Xiaoxiao expressed her displeasure. "I must teach them a lesson!"
"They aren't trying to snatch anything from you, so why bother making a move," Lu Fan shrugged. "If anyone is foolish enough to try and steal the sacred swords from us, then it will be time to act!"
Han Xiaoxiao nodded slightly. "Then I'll do as you say. If anyone dares to make a move, I'll make them regret it!"
Not long after, Lu Fan and the others arrived at the outer perimeter of the Myriad Demon Cave. Within the perimeter, hundreds of experts were fighting each other, all vying for the sacred swords. Those who held a sacred sword were already covered in wounds. Some had used their strength to kill formidable opponents and were heading towards Tongtian Mountain, while others had their sacred swords snatched away, some even losing their lives.
The other groups had initially intended to attack Lu Fan and his companions, but the aura emanating from Lu Fan and his group was extraordinary, deterring them from making a rash move. They could only target those who were weaker.
At that very moment, Shen Yehong was also under siege. Holding a sacred sword, she radiated a powerful aura, but under the combined assault of the crowd, she was gradually falling into a disadvantage. Seeing the dire situation, Liuli quickly moved to help. As a member of the Taiyan Dynasty, he naturally could not stand by and watch Shen Yehong perish.
"I am the Princess of the Taiyan Dynasty. If you dare to snatch the sacred sword from me, my father will never forgive you," Shen Yehong threatened coldly, blood already seeping from her arm. The numerous prodigies present paid her no heed. Who among them didn't have a powerful backing? A mere princess of the Taiyan Dynasty was not something they would take seriously.
Seeing that they did not care about her, Shen Yehong's face turned ashen, and she didn't know what to do. Although she had obtained a sacred sword, her strength was not formidable. Facing the onslaught of the crowd, she was clearly unable to cope.
"Should we help?" Zhao Hanxue asked, glancing at Liuli.
"No need. This is their business," Lu Fan waved his hand. He didn't have a good impression of Shen Yehong and saw no reason to intervene.
"Masters, you possess three sacred swords. Shouldn't you share one?"
Just then, several men stepped forward, blocking Lu Fan and his companions. Those who obtained a sacred sword could enter Tongtian Academy, which was the only way. They would not let this opportunity pass them by, even though they could sense that the aura emanating from Lu Fan was not that of an ordinary person.
"With just the likes of you, do you think you can make us leave our sacred swords?" Zhao Hanxue raised an eyebrow slightly. "You have quite the nerve. I'm truly curious who gave you the confidence."
"So, you are unwilling?" The leader of the men's expressions turned cold. There were over a dozen of them, and they were not afraid.
"Don't think that just because you have numbers, you can do whatever you want," Zhao Hanxue said sternly. "The sacred swords in our hands are not something you can covet!"
In that instant, Zhao Hanxue moved, carrying a formidable gust of wind. In the blink of an eye, she repelled the group of men, who were unable to even get close to her.
"People like them don't need to be kept alive!" Han Xiaoxiao said without hesitation, stepping forward and unleashing her sword energy. In the blink of an eye, over a dozen figures met their demise.
Witnessing the scene, Lu Fan was somewhat astonished, gaining a new respect for Han Xiaoxiao. Young and beautiful, yet so ruthless. It was likely not something an ordinary person could achieve. Seeing how powerful Lu Fan and his companions were, the others present retreated, not daring to look directly at them. They wished to enter Tongtian Academy, but not at the risk of their lives. Especially with Lu Fan and his group possessing such strength, they knew they couldn't possibly win if they fought. It would only be self-humiliation.
Meanwhile, on the other side, despite Liuli's assistance, Shen Yehong was still at a disadvantage. She was covered in blood, her face exceptionally pale. She never expected that as the dignified Princess of the Taiyan Dynasty, she would be reduced to such a pathetic state, being bullied like this in the Tri-Realm. Liuli's expression was also grim. The participants in the assessment were all peerless prodigies, not inferior in strength to them. Now that they held two sacred swords, it was unlikely they could leave safely.
"Since you are unwilling to hand over the sacred swords, don't blame us for being ruthless!" the voices of several men echoed, filled with coldness and a powerful, fierce energy. In that moment, they charged towards the two, their eyes devoid of emotion.
"With so many of you, what kind of skill is it to bully two women?"
Just then, Lu Fan's voice rang out. He looked towards the dozen men, his words filled with disdain.
"And who are you?" The men looked at Lu Fan. "Since you've already obtained a sacred sword, you should return to Tongtian Mountain quickly. Don't meddle in other people's affairs, or you'll bring trouble upon yourself."
"I am the type of person who is most ignorant of propriety. If you say it like that, I'd rather see how I bring trouble upon myself."
Shen Yehong stood aside, her brow slightly raised. She was inwardly delighted, never having expected Lu Fan to step forward at this moment, and so dominantly, treating the men before him as if they were nothing. It seemed the divination from Shenji Mountain was accurate; she and Lu Fan were destined to be together. If she hadn't been so stubborn back then, they wouldn't have drifted apart like this.
Seeing Lu Fan's formidable presence, the men instantly became apprehensive. They could discern the aura radiating from Lu Fan, knowing he was no ordinary person. If they were to confront him head-on, they might not gain any advantage. With that thought, the men turned and left, heading to snatch from others. Lu Fan and his companions were not weak; otherwise, their sacred swords would have been taken long ago. They understood this clearly.
After they left, Lu Fan said, "Let's go. Head to Tongtian Mountain! To enter Tongtian Academy!" Zhao Hanxue and Han Xiaoxiao nodded slightly and prepared to set off.
Shen Yehong, however, spoke up, "I didn't ask you to save me. You weren't reluctant to see me die, so you stepped in, were you?"