Back at school, Lu Fan's outward demeanor remained calm and composed. Yet inside, he was sharpening both body and mind.
He balanced tutoring jobs and studies with cultivation practice. His friendships kept him grounded—Jia Wei often asked if he needed help, unaware of the true struggles beneath Lu Fan's smile.
Lu Fan also began gathering information on Xie Ren. Rumors whispered that Xie had connections to a mysterious cultivation faction known for ruthless training methods.
He trained daily to perfect Celestial Palm's power and refine Healing Tide's subtle energy control. The secret Veil of Shadows allowed him to hide his true strength, making each breakthrough a surprise.
Every night, Lu Fan rehearsed strategies for the inevitable confrontation, knowing it would test not just his power, but his heart.