“You bunch of daredevils, how dare you lay a hand on us!” the skinny one said coldly, “You’ll regret this when we’re done with you.”
“Qingyun Sect doesn’t pick fights, but we’re not afraid of them either!”
Lu Fan said coldly, “If anyone dares to provoke us, we won’t show any mercy.”
“Good, good, good, I was waiting for you to say that!”
The skinny one spoke coldly before leaving with the胖子 (pàngzi - fatty). They were filled with righteous indignation. Although their strength wasn’t great, they were members of the Black Shark Gang, and being bullied like this was unbearable.
After the two left, Lu Fan turned to Li Ziming, “You were too rash just now. You won’t last long in Beihai Academy like this.”
“I am the eldest young master of the Li family in Yunzhou. I’d like to see who dares to touch me!” Li Ziming’s expression was indifferent.
“Even if the Li family is powerful, can they interfere with Beihai Academy?”
Lu Fan’s expression was cold, “Haven’t you realized yet? Beihai Academy is a microcosm of society, and external forces cannot influence it. It doesn’t matter if you are from the three great families of Yunzhou or any other major power; here, you are on your own. You can only rely on your own strength and connections.”
“Brother Ye is right!”
Han Feng nodded, “This matter is not trivial. The Black Shark Gang coming after us will likely cause trouble.”
“I think this is a good thing!”
Lu Fan stated directly, “If we teach the Black Shark Gang a lesson, Qingyun Sect will have an easier time in Beihai Academy in the future!”
With these words, everyone was slightly surprised, not expecting Lu Fan to say this.
However, as Lu Fan said, if they could truly teach the Black Shark Gang a lesson, their reputation in Beihai Academy would undoubtedly grow stronger.
“It’s best if no one goes out today!”
Lu Fan advised, “After they go back, they will definitely report this. The Black Shark Gang won’t let this go.”
Everyone nodded slightly. Staying in the courtyard was the safest option; they all knew this.
Returning to his room, Lu Fan sat cross-legged. After the day’s assessment, he was also a bit tired.
“You’re quite capable, kid!”
The elder Hongmeng smiled, “You became the leader in just a few moves. I expect you’ll be dominating Beihai Academy before long!”
“I don’t have such ambitions!”
Lu Fan rolled his eyes, “Being able to steadily improve my strength is the most important thing.”
“That’s true!”
The elder Hongmeng nodded, “You can go pick some medicinal herbs. How about I teach you the art of alchemy?”
“The art of alchemy?”
Lu Fan was slightly surprised, “I’ve practiced making some pills before, but they have no effect on my current cultivation.”
“If it has no effect, can it even be called a pill?”
The elder Hongmeng rolled his eyes, “Remember, when I refined a pill back then, it could allow someone to break through two realms consecutively!”
“That miraculous?” Lu Fan’s interest was instantly piqued. If he could improve his realm through pills, he could take this shortcut.
“Naturally. I used to be a renowned alchemist!” the elder Hongmeng said directly, “However, with your current perception, it will be somewhat difficult to refine excellent pills.”
“One must endure hardships to excel. I’ll go gather herbs now!”
Lu Fan stood up abruptly. He wouldn’t miss such a good opportunity.
The old man looked helpless and didn’t say anything.
Seeing Lu Fan leave the room, Han Feng asked, “Brother Lu, where are you going? Why are you in such a hurry?”
“I’m going to gather medicinal herbs!”
Lu Fan smiled, “You all stay in the courtyard and don’t go out. If the Black Shark Gang shows up, use a signal flare to notify me!”
“Don’t worry, even if you’re not here, if the Black Shark Gang comes, they’ll be forced to scram!” Li Ziming said proudly.
Lu Fan gave a wry smile and didn’t say much. He wasn’t bothered by Li Ziming’s confidence.
After leaving the courtyard, Lu Fan arrived at the back mountain of Beihai Academy. The entire mountain was covered in weeds, as if no one had been there for a long time.
“What medicinal herbs are needed to refine excellent pills?”
Lu Fan said, “I can’t wait.”
“Why are you in such a hurry, kid!”
The elder Hongmeng rolled his eyes, “To refine good pills, you need good medicinal herbs. See that Snow Lotus over there? Pick it, and you can refine high-grade pills!”
Lu Fan was delighted and immediately stepped forward to pluck the Snow Lotus.
“I didn’t expect there to be so many medicinal herbs in this back mountain!”
Lu Fan looked at the various medicinal herbs beside the Snow Lotus with great joy. He had been worried about not having enough herbs, but now his worries seemed unnecessary.
“This doesn’t look like it grew naturally.”
The old man said directly, “It’s very likely someone planted it. If you uproot these herbs, kid, it’s considered theft!”
“Planted by someone else?”
Lu Fan was slightly taken aback, and his face instantly became awkward. If that were the case, wouldn’t he become a thief? How would he be able to establish himself in Beihai Academy in the future?
“Perhaps I should put this Snow Lotus back!” Lu Fan was somewhat reluctant.
“If you put these medicinal herbs back, you won’t be able to refine high-grade pills, and you won’t be able to break through again. This is crucial for you!” The elder Hongmeng said directly, “Don’t do anything foolish.”
“But as you said, how could there be so many wild medicinal herbs in this back mountain? They are probably cultivated by others.”
Lu Fan said seriously, “If that’s the case, I would be stealing someone else’s achievements.”
“They don’t care about these things in the Spirit Realm!”
The elder Hongmeng stated directly, “It’s all about strength. As long as you are strong, you can do whatever you want. If you are weak, you can only become someone else’s puppet!”
Lu Fan gritted his teeth slightly but no longer hesitated. He took the Snow Lotus and left. To help Lin Ke recover her golden body as soon as possible, even if it meant being a thief, he had to accept it.
Meanwhile, in the courtyard, Han Feng and the others were basking in the sun when a group of uninvited guests arrived outside the courtyard, looking imposing and carrying a significant aura.
“Isn’t that Zhao Wei from the Black Shark Gang? Why is he going to the newcomer’s courtyard?”
“Do you even need to ask? He’s probably there to collect spirit stones. The Black Shark Gang always preys on the weak, you know that!”
Within Beihai Academy, people were watching and making sarcastic remarks.
At this moment, Zhao Wei kicked open the courtyard gate and walked straight in, his expression extremely cold. Many figures followed him.
“Which of you is Steward Zhao?”
Zhao Wei’s expression was displeased, “You have quite the nerve to offend the Black Shark Gang? Do you not want to stay in Beihai Academy anymore?”
“Our steward isn’t here!”
Long Yi smiled faintly, “However, isn’t the Black Shark Gang’s rule a bit too much?”