226: Chapter 226 Forbidden Valley, can I borrow Li Fan for a while?

"Senior Ji, Director Liu, may I ask why you suddenly summoned me?"

Cang Hai asked respectfully.

The Middle-aged Man, who was the Director Liu mentioned by Cang Hai, pointed to the virtual screen in front of them. "You'll know when you see it for yourself."

Several dozen breaths of time passed.

"This is... Li Fan?!"

Cang Hai's eyes widened as he watched the playback on the virtual screen.

Immediately after, a look of excitement flashed across Cang Hai's face:

"He defeated Fang Tong?!"

As soon as these words were spoken, Director Liu and the elder surnamed Ji immediately looked grim.

"Ahem, is that the main point? I asked you to look at the fact that the Sparring Partner you brought violated the rules!"

"When you brought them over, didn't you explain the principles for being a Sparring Partner to them?"

"Also, you should know the penalty for a Sparring Partner causing trouble for a Formal Student, right?!"

The elder surnamed Ji said angrily.

Hearing this, Cang Hai finally realized his oversight, and his expression became solemn.

"Senior Ji, I am truly sorry for causing trouble for you and the Discipline Department."

Cang Hai bowed slightly to apologize, then continued, "According to the rules, if Li Fan seriously injures a Formal Student to this extent, he should be expelled."

"However, there was a reason for this incident. You saw it too; Fang Tong was the one who actively provoked trouble, and Li Fan was only fighting back, not intentionally offending. Therefore, I believe the punishment can be lenient. Moreover, you have seen Li Fan's talent; he has a high chance of comprehending a trace of the laws on the enlightenment stele and becoming a Formal Student!"

"Expelling such a good seedling would absolutely be a huge loss for our academy!"

"..."

By the time Cang Hai finished speaking, his tone was exceptionally grave, as if the academy was truly about to lose a great opportunity.

Both Director Liu and the elder surnamed Ji found it hard not to chuckle.

Aside from his stubborn temper, Cang Hai was also famous for his silver tongue. If Cang Hai continued like this, Li Fan would probably be acquitted.

"Enough, we don't intend to expel this kid," the elder surnamed Ji interrupted Cang Hai.

Hearing the elder's words, Cang Hai immediately breathed a sigh of relief.

The elder surnamed Ji continued, "As you said, this kid's talent is indeed not bad, but it's not as outrageous as you claim—that expelling him would be a loss to the academy."

"In this fight, Fang Tong mainly underestimated his opponent; he didn't even have time to use his killing moves or pupil arts before losing. If it were a fair fight, Fang Tong would definitely have won overwhelmingly."

"Among the Formal Students, this kid would at best rank around the hundredth spot. Whether he can even make the top ten in the New Student Competition a month from now is questionable, let alone pass the enlightenment stele trial."

Cang Hai nodded repeatedly.

Indeed.

Although Li Fan won, he did so by relying on his opponent's underestimation and his own trickery.

In a real fight, he wouldn't be Fang Tong's match.

Even looking at all the Formal Students, he wouldn't be able to rank among the top.

"How about this: punish him by making him stay in the Confinement Valley for half a month to temper his state of mind. This young man is indeed at an age where his sharpness is apparent, but being too sharp without knowing how to conceal one's edge will make it hard for him to go far."

The elder surnamed Ji gave the final decision.

When Cang Hai heard the punishment, his face immediately changed.

"What? To stay in the Confinement Valley for half a month? Senior Ji, that is absolutely impossible!"

"The Confinement Valley is far too dangerous for someone at the Star-Treading Level. It's very easy to suffer a mental breakdown. Moreover, half a month is too long; the New Student Competition is in a month, and he already has little time for cultivation..."

Before Cang Hai could finish, his words were cut off.

"You don't need to say any more. It's settled. I will send people over to carry it out immediately. You go along with them and properly explain the rules to him again, and also warn the other Sparring Partners about the consequences of violating the rules."

With that said,

Cang Hai dared not say another word.

He knew the punishment was set, and no matter what he said, it couldn't be changed.

...

On the other side.

Li Fan was still within Duan Ping's manor.

Duan Ping and Duan Linger treated Li Fan with the utmost hospitality, ensuring he had plenty of tea and food.

After some time chatting, Li Fan also learned about some of Duan Ping's past deeds from Duan Linger.

Li Fan hadn't expected that the refined Duan Ping before him was once a fallen genius who had been full of vigor.

It seemed, however, that the experience of falling from grace had struck Duan Ping too hard, causing him to completely lose his edge now.

This was truly somewhat lamentable.

As for Duan Linger.

Duan Linger had a simpler mind and a purer heart. Her journey seemed to have been smooth sailing all the way. Li Fan could almost instantly deduce how she had spent the past decade or so; judging by her experiences, she was a relatively boring person.

"If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave now," Li Fan said, standing up, preparing to depart.

The New Student Competition was in a month, and his time was tight. Spending time chatting idly was not what he wanted.

"Yes, then Brother Li, I will rely on you for guidance in the future."

"Also, if the academy comes looking for you, remember to contact us immediately. We will explain things for you," Duan Ping followed suit, escorting Li Fan to the manor gate, saying seriously.

Li Fan nodded and then leaped away from the place.

"Cousin, this Li Fan is really interesting. Can I borrow him for a while in the future? I'll have my Sparring Partner practice with you instead," looking at Li Fan's departing back, Duan Linger turned to Duan Ping, her bright, sparkling eyes full of spirit.

Duan Ping looked at Duan Linger's expression and immediately knew what her simple mind was thinking.

"Brother Li is married. I advise you to calm down a bit."

"Besides, Brother Li is not an object that you can just borrow. You need his consent first."

Upon hearing this,

Duan Linger's small face immediately flushed crimson.

"Cousin, what are you saying? What married? I just admire his strength."

Duan Ping just smiled without answering Duan Linger's defense.

This undoubtedly made Duan Linger even more flustered.

"Cousin, do you think I look like a lovesick fool?!"

"Hmm... hard to say."

"Cousin!!!"

...

Li Fan sped away.

Not long after, he returned to the Sparring Partner dormitory area.

However, just as he arrived,

An uninvited guest appeared.

It was Cang Hai and four personnel from the Discipline Department.

Their arrival immediately drew the attention of all the Sparring Partners, especially the veteran ones.

"Isn't that someone from the Discipline Department?"

"Why are people from the Discipline Department here? Did some newcomer cause trouble?"

"Tsk tsk tsk, they caused trouble just a few days after arriving? This batch of newcomers is really bold!"

"I wonder which brave soul it is?"

Noisy chatter rose from all directions.

Many new Sparring Partners looked curious when they heard that people from the Discipline Department were present.

However, they soon learned the answer from Cang Hai's mouth.