Within the Outer Sect disciples of the First Heaven, Lu Fan spent a full seven days, constantly sensing the aura of the Third Heaven.
Meanwhile, within the Third Heaven, the Pavilion Master of the Heavenly Fire Pavilion had grown impatient. They had suspected someone was coveting the Azure Lotus Sacred Fire, but no one had come forward, leaving him quite disappointed.
On this particular day, outside the alchemy room, many disciples were playfully brawling. Soon, elixirs would be distributed, which would further advance their cultivation.
"Senior Brother Lin Ze, you're quite something now, having reached the Half-step Grand Spiritual Master realm. If you break through to the Grand Spiritual Master realm, you can enter the Second Heaven," one disciple remarked.
"Need you even ask? Senior Brother Lin Ze is a prodigy of the First Heaven!" the others praised enthusiastically.
These outer sect disciples might remain in the outer sect for their entire lives. If anyone managed to enter the inner sect, many disciples would undoubtedly seek to curry favor. Such an unparalleled prodigy would surely have a boundless future.
"Don't you all make noise! hurry to collect your elixirs!" Ling'er said. "If you keep arguing, these elixirs will be gone!"
The disciples quickly lined up, not daring to make a sound.
Each disciple received their elixir. After the outer sect disciples finished, it was the turn of the disciples from the miscellaneous affairs room. They too could receive ordinary spiritual fluid. Although this spiritual fluid was inferior to elixirs, it still had some efficacy.
"How are you doing in the outer sect?"
Big Head came up to Lu Fan and smiled, "You seem to be doing well, even entering the alchemy room!"
"I have thanks to Steward Zhao for his support," Lu Fan smiled. "Indeed, I am currently serving in the alchemy room!"
"If you strike it rich, you mustn't forget me!" Big Head teased.
After collecting their spiritual fluid, everyone prepared to return to their respective peaks. Lu Fan was also packing up the spiritual fluid. Though extremely cheap, this spiritual fluid was a priceless treasure for the menial laborers.
"Wait up, you lot!"
As Big Head and the others were about to leave, several men approached and snatched the spiritual fluid from Big Head and the others' hands. "You are just a bunch of laborers, this spiritual fluid is of no use to you. Why not let us have it."
"Senior Brother, this spiritual fluid rightfully belongs to us laborers," one man protested. "You have your share, why are you snatching ours?"
"I see you're new and don't understand the rules, do you?"
The disciple was unceremonious, delivering a kick. "Let me tell you the truth, you ordinary laborers are nothing but dogs before us. How dare you be dissatisfied with us!"
Big Head frowned. He had worked in the Heavenly Fire Pavilion for three years, and every time spiritual fluid was distributed, it would be snatched. He seemed to have grown accustomed to it.
The man wanted to say more, but Big Head stopped him. This man was also new and didn't understand the rules of the Heavenly Fire Pavilion. Within this First Heaven, laborers had no human rights and could only be bullied.
Steward Zhao stood not far away, silently watching the scene unfold with a sense of helplessness. Perhaps the entire spiritual realm was like this; the weak would always be bullied before powerful experts.
"According to the distribution rules, you shouldn't be snatching their spiritual fluid!"
Lu Fan stepped forward, fixing his gaze on the disciple. "You should return the spiritual fluid to them."
"Who do you think you are, to lecture me?"
The white-robed disciple said coldly, "Don't think that just because you have some connections and entered the alchemy room, you can lord over us!"
"That's not what I meant!" Lu Fan shook his head. "But this spiritual fluid is indeed theirs. Why do you have to be like this!"
"You really like to meddle!"
The white-robed disciple sneered, "I think you haven't been taught a lesson!"
"Don't speak too confidently, or you'll end up biting your tongue," Lu Fan said angrily.
He had no pleasant attitude towards such overbearing disciples.
As the white-robed disciple was about to make a move, Ling'er walked over. "What are you trying to do? Are you going to lay hands on someone from my alchemy room? Believe it or not, you won't get your elixirs next month!"
"I..." The white-robed disciple froze. "Junior Sister Ling'er, please don't mind me. I was just joking; I had no intention of fighting him."
"It's best if you didn't. Regardless, he is someone from my alchemy room, and not just anyone can touch him!" Ling'er said unceremoniously.
The white-robed disciple quickly nodded, handed over the spiritual fluid, and then turned to leave.
He was well aware that Ling'er had charmed an inner sect disciple in the Second Heaven. If that were true, he wouldn't dare to offend Ling'er lightly, lest disaster befall him.
Compared to the Second Heaven, the First Heaven was ultimately on a different level.
After the white-robed disciple left, Lu Fan handed the spiritual fluid to Big Head. "This spiritual fluid is rightfully yours. Take it quickly."
"Thank you!" Big Head expressed his gratitude. If Lu Fan hadn't intervened, how would they have received the spiritual fluid?
"No need to thank me," Lu Fan waved his hand and then looked at the outer sect disciples. "I hope everyone will take this as a warning. If I hear of anyone snatching the laborers' spiritual fluid again, I will not distribute your elixirs."
The disciples frowned. Lu Fan was merely an alchemy laborer disciple, yet his tone was exceedingly arrogant.
However, they were not familiar with Lu Fan and could only compromise. Offending someone from the alchemy room was not a good thing for them.
"Senior Brother Lin Ze, this brat is too arrogant!" the lean disciple said. "After entering the alchemy room, he really thinks he's somebody, threatening us outer sect disciples like this!"
Lin Ze frowned slightly. He also disliked Lu Fan's actions. He never showed leniency to those he disliked.
"This brat indeed needs a lesson."
Lin Ze nodded and said, "Let's ask him to come out tonight. If he dares to come out, we will definitely make him pay the price. Does he really think all outer sect disciples will obey him!"
"We'll go with you, Senior Brother Lin Ze!"
Many men spoke up, their faces showing joy. They knew very well that once Lin Ze decided to make a move, this person would likely be finished.
Moreover, Lin Ze was about to enter the Second Heaven, so dealing with someone from the alchemy room was hardly a problem.
When night fell, Lu Fan received a letter, which asked him to come out. However, Lu Fan was too lazy to bother with it and simply tossed the letter aside.
Lin Ze and the others waited all night, but Lu Fan did not appear, instantly infuriating them. "Good, good, good. He truly has guts, not even putting me in his eyes."
"This brat is unbelievably arrogant. If we don't teach him a lesson, who knows who the real boss is among the outer sect disciples!" the white-robed disciple said.