Chapter Thirty-Six What's The Difference Anyway

  Another year's anniversary after January.

  Still joyful dance fills the sky, still propitious snow brings a bumper harvest.

  Lu Fan sat on the main seat, calmly watching the one by one tests of the Lu family children below.

  In the past, Lu Fan was also among these people, punching against Mo Shi. But this year, because his strength had already exceeded Mo Shi's testing range, he didn't need to continue testing and instead sat quietly with his father Lu Hao in the main seat, just like he was no longer a junior of the Lu family. However, the looks that other Lu family juniors gave him these days were indeed more and more like looking at a senior.

  Lu Ming still sat among the younger generation, just like in previous years. As a model for the Lu family's younger generation, he was about to show everyone the power of refining his body to the ninth level.

  But this year, everyone's enthusiasm and amazement for Lu Ming's strength have faded. Because everyone knows that the leader of the Lu family, and even the next head of the household, is undoubtedly Lu Fan. Instead, one by one, gazes are fixed on Lu Fan above, filled with admiration, envy, and adoration.

  The test is over, the banquet begins. Xiao Hei runs around eating things everywhere. Seeing that he is Lu Fan's pet, everyone lets Xiao Hei have his way, and it makes him exceptionally happy.

  Every year during the festival, it's the happiest moment for the younger generation, eating and drinking freely, rejoicing and celebrating.

  "Lu Fan, after the New Year's ceremony, you will also go to the Martial Arts Academy. Your family has prepared some money and medicinal materials for you. When you arrive, bring them along, these things will still be useful in the Martial Arts Academy."

  Lu Hao Ran said as he let Lu Hao take out the things.

  Lu Fan took a look and found that they were all high-quality medicinal materials, and there was even a gold coin card inside.

  A simple package, yet full of family savings.

  Lu Fan didn't say anything, silently accepting it. Because this was the family's rule, when Lu Ming went to Wudao Academy, the family did it this way. Now it was his turn, and the family still did it the same way.

  "By the way, Lu Fan, have you taken the elixir from Nalan Ruo? Has your strength been enhanced?" Lu Hao asked with a smile.

  Lu Fan shook his head and said, "Not yet eaten. That bottle of Dan medicine is a Rebound Dan, not used to increase strength. It's for recovering combat power during battle."

  Lu Hao nodded in understanding. It seemed that this bottle of Dan medicine was quite useful.

  However, when it came to Dan medicine, Lu Hao Ran's face changed slightly, and he let out a soft sigh.

  Lu Fan felt something was off, why did Grandpa look like he had a worry on his mind?

  "Grandpa, what's wrong?" Lu Fan asked aloud.

  Lu Hao Ran slowly said: "It's nothing big either. Lu Feng, you say it."

  Lu Feng nodded and said: "Recently, the Mo family seems to have invited a Qi Refining Master. Father is worried about this matter."

  When he heard the three words "Lian Qi Shi", Lu Fan's eyes moved slightly.

  "Alchemist? When was this? I haven't heard anything about it."

  Lu Hao furrowed his brow and asked.

  Lu Feng continued, "It wasn't long ago, just recently discovered. A few days ago, Lu Tian Gang that kid and the Mo family people had a fight on the street because of a medicinal herb. The result was a crushing defeat, and he was even injured. Originally we thought it was the young master of the Mo family who took action, either Mo Yun Fei or Mo Hong. But after asking around, it turned out that it was actually Mo Hai from the Mo family, a kid who was originally far inferior to Lu Tian Gang."

  Lu Hao said: "Is it because of the Qi Refining Master?"

  Lu Feng nodded and said, "That's right, it's all because of the Qi Refining Master. I've investigated and found that not only Mo Hai, but many of the Mo family's younger generation have benefited from the Qi Refining Master. Their strength has increased greatly, and it seems that Mo Yunfei has also managed to cultivate his inner energy through medicinal pills. I asked Lu Ming about it, and he said that it was probably a Qi Refining Master friend of Mo Yunfei's from the academy who helped him. Alas, at this rate, the overall strength of the younger generation of the Mo family will soon surpass ours."

  "Alright, no need to say any more. We're in the middle of celebrating the New Year, let's not talk about unhappy things. Lu Fan, you've entered the Martial Academy and can make friends with a Qi Refiner, that would be great. A Qi Refiner is extremely helpful to our small family. Mo Yunfei originally wanted to catch up with you, but at least half a year's time was needed. Now, with just one Dan medicine, he's caught up with your footsteps. I hope the Qi Refiner only lent a hand to the Mo family and doesn't plan on staying for long, or that would be troublesome."

  Lu Hao also let out a sigh and said, "The Mo family's luck is indeed good. It's said that even in the Martial Arts Academy, there are only a few Qi Refiners. I didn't think he'd be able to make friends with one so easily. But that Qi Refiner will have to return to the academy soon. He won't be staying for long, Father doesn't need to worry."

  Lu Haoran nodded slightly and stopped discussing this matter.

  Lu Fan was still learning for the first time that within the Martial Arts Academy, there were actually Qi Refining Masters.

  Seeing Lu Hao Ran's worried expression, Lu Fan had an urge to tell them that he was also a Qi Refiner.

  But he endured it, not that he didn't trust his father and grandfather, but the matter was of great importance and also involved the secret of the Leng family. Lu Fan ultimately didn't say anything.

  Lu Hao Ran suddenly changed the subject, smiling at Lu Fan: "Lu Fan, you're also over 18 now. Why don't I find a wife for you first? Do you have anyone in mind?"

  Lu Fan was eating something and almost choked, saying somewhat awkwardly: "I haven't found the right person yet, but there's no need to rush, I'm not prepared for marriage yet."

  Lu Haoran burst out laughing and said, "No need to prepare anything. Just choose a good woman from the families I've found for you. You've been cultivating on the mountain all this time, so you might not know that people have been coming to propose marriage to you, almost wearing down the threshold of the Lu family. It's about time for you to get married and have children, to continue the family line."

  Lu Fan shook his head instantly like a rattle drum: "No need, no need, I don't want to get married now, absolutely not. Lu Ming didn't get married either?"

  Having no other choice, Lu Fan had to use Lu Ming as a shield.

  But then, Lu Feng said: "Lu Fan, you want to talk about Lu Ming's marriage. But Lu Ming has already chosen his wife, the daughter of the wealthy merchant Xu family, Xu Hang. Next year during the annual festival, they will get married. Otherwise, you should also hurry up and get married with Lu Ming together."

  Lu Fan Zhang opened his mouth and said: "No way. I'll go find it in the Martial Arts Academy instead. The ones inside the Martial Arts Academy are definitely better."

  Lu Fan could only use this kind of talk to muddle through, who knows what's going on inside the Wudao Academy, anyway, just bluff your way through for now.

  Lu Hao Ran said: "Alright. If you can find a female companion from the Martial Arts Academy, that would be best. Alright, I won't force you today."

  Lu Haoran, Lu Hao and Lu Feng looked at Lu Fan's embarrassed expression and burst out laughing.

  A festive New Year's Eve dinner party came to a close in a joyful atmosphere.

  The next day, Lu Fan got up early and prepared to leave the city for Xishan again.

  Logically speaking, today is also a holiday, and Master has taken his leave. But Lu Fan, who has already cultivated to the point of madness, feels that if he doesn't cultivate for a day, something will be missing. Holidays are not suitable for him, and a night's relaxation is enough.

  What's more important is that although his father said they wouldn't force him to get married last night, it's possible that he'll bring back a girl from another family for him to meet today.

  Just thinking about it makes Lu Fan's scalp feel numb, and he still dodges subtly.

  Walking on the main street, today's shops that opened are very few, all immersed in a joyful atmosphere.

  Just as they were approaching the city gate, Lu Fan suddenly heard the sound of fighting.

  Turning around a street corner, Lu Fan suddenly saw several familiar figures.

  Aren't these the young masters of the Lu family? What are they doing here?

  The leader of the Lu family's children was surprisingly Lu Tianxia, whom Lu Fan knew, while on the opposite side were some Mo family children that Lu Fan didn't recognize.

  Both sides were easily recognizable, wearing their respective family's clothes, with around ten people fighting fiercely on the street.

  However, this small alley was originally deserted. Adding that it's a holiday season, the whole street only had a dozen or so people fighting. A few households opened their windows to watch, treating it as a lively spectacle.

  In this place where martial arts are valued, street fights happen every day. However, it's rare to see members of two big families ganging up on each other.

  "Lu Tianpeng, last time I beat you up and you still don't know your place. This time I'll beat you up again, it seems like this year you're going to spend New Year's in bed."

  As he spoke, a Mo family disciple holding a long sword slashed two swords on Lu Tianjue's arm.

  Lu Tianpeng was beaten back step by step, and the situation of other Lu family children didn't look optimistic either.

  These Mo family disciples were almost all one level higher in cultivation than the Lu family disciples. Lu Fan furrowed his brow, although he had a past conflict with Lu Tianxia, after all these people were still Lu family disciples.

  Watching the Lu family's children being beaten was inevitable, after all, having a higher level of cultivation meant a significant improvement in strength, speed, and endurance.

  Moreover, the Mo family is also a martial arts family, and their martial skills are not weak. The two sides clashed, with equal strength, and the Lu family's children may not have the upper hand, let alone being one level behind in cultivation.

  Lu Fan quickly stepped forward, his figure like a gust of wind directly punching out the guy who was chopping at Lu Tian Gang.

  Although Lu Fan didn't use much strength, that guy was like being hit by a giant stone, flying out ten zhang away and heavily smashing onto the ground.

  "Everybody stop!"

  A loud shout, Lu Fan's eyes scanned the entire scene.

  In an instant, everyone froze in place.

  "Lu Fan is Lu Fan's brother."

  The Lu family members saw Lu Fan as if they had seen a lifesaver and immediately stood behind him.

  The Mo family's young masters also gathered together, gritting their teeth as they stared at Lu Fan, deeply aware that they were no match for him.

  Just then, a figure suddenly appeared.

  "Lu Fan, what a big show you're putting on."

  Suddenly appearing was Mo Yunfei's father, Mo Lin.

  Mo Yunfei was also standing beside Mo Lin, it turned out they had been watching from the side all along.

  Mo Yunfei hastily went to see the person who was knocked flying by Lu Fan, while Mo Lin stepped forward and said: "Lu Fan, you dare to hurt a child of the Mo family."

  "What's it to you?"