Almost simultaneously, on the other side.

"Father, Mother, that's basically how it happened," Fang Zheng stood straight, speaking respectfully.

In the hall, Fang Yuan's uncle-in-law, Gu Yue Dong Tu, and aunt-in-law sat on wide-backed chairs, both frowning.

Aunt-in-law gritted her teeth, feeling both indignant for Fang Zheng and slightly schadenfreude: "That little brat Fang Yuan, it's one thing for him to extort others, but I didn't expect him to even spare his own brother. Such heartlessness! But since he's made such a grave mistake this time, I reckon he'll soon be expelled from the academy."

"Alright, say no more," Uncle-in-law sighed and then addressed Fang Zheng, "You've lost a Primordial Stone, but it's just one, no big deal. Go to the accounts office and get another one. There's nothing more for you here, go and cultivate well. With your Grade A aptitude, becoming the first Intermediate Gu Master is highly possible. Don't waste your talent; your mother and I are both looking forward to you being the first."

"Yes, Father, Mother, I'll take my leave," Fang Zheng retreated, full of thoughts.

He pondered silently: "Brother blocked the academy's gate today and robbed all the students. With such a terrible impact, he might really get expelled. When that time comes, should I plead for him?"

Two voices clashed in his mind.

One voice said, "Don't plead. He even robbed you, his own brother. If he's expelled, it's his own fault. Heaven's sins can be forgiven, but self-inflicted ones cannot."

Another voice argued, "But he's your brother, with a face so similar to yours, blood is thicker than water. Even if you don't acknowledge him, you should plead. If you don't, what will others think of you? They might see you as heartless."

Watching Fang Zheng leave the hall, Aunt-in-law couldn't hold back her glee, "Master, we've cut off Fang Yuan's living expenses. That little brat couldn't bear it and made a big mistake this time! To dare block the academy gate, fight publicly, and extort, he's challenging the Academy Elder. I think his expulsion is almost certain."

Uncle-in-law shook his head, "You're oversimplifying things. Fang Yuan won't be expelled, he might not even be punished."

"Why?" Aunt-in-law was puzzled.

Uncle-in-law sneered, "Fighting is encouraged, as long as there are no serious consequences. Were any students killed in this fight? No."

Aunt-in-law was unconvinced, "How do you know there weren't? Fights always have unexpected outcomes."

Uncle-in-law closed his eyes, leaning back, "You're naive. Do you really think the Academy Elder is just for show? When did the guards intervene? They moved in at the end, which means the situation was under control. If someone was seriously injured, they would have acted immediately, not waited."

"You're not a Gu Master, so you wouldn't understand. The academy doesn't prohibit student fights; it even encourages them. The more they fight, the better they get at combat. Some students even form strong bonds through fighting. Elders won't pursue this matter; it's a tradition. Anyone who tries to intervene would be breaking the rules."

Aunt-in-law was dumbfounded, unwilling to accept, "So Fang Yuan gets away with robbing so many Primordial Stones? With that many stones, his cultivation will greatly benefit."

Uncle-in-law opened his eyes, his face gloomy, "What else can we do? Should I personally go and take his stones? But we can use this. Fang Yuan robbing even his brother Fang Zheng is his mistake. Fang Zheng has Grade A aptitude and will surpass him one day. We can use this to drive a wedge between them, making Fang Zheng distance himself from Fang Yuan and work for us!"

And so, three days passed.

The uproar over Fang Yuan's robbery and extortion didn't spread or escalate; instead, it began to die down.

No elder broke the rules to trouble Fang Yuan personally, and the Academy Elder turned a blind eye.

During this time, two or three youths, dissatisfied with having their Primordial Stones taken, challenged Fang Yuan again.

But after Fang Yuan easily defeated them, everyone realized that without diligent practice, they couldn't beat Fang Yuan.

Among these youths, a wave of intense practice in basic fist and kick techniques swept through.

The Martial Instructor was delighted; he had never seen a batch of students so passionate and dedicated to basic techniques. Previously, when he taught, the students were uninterested and yawning. Now, they were eager and constantly seeking guidance.

The Academy Elder specifically inquired about the situation.

The Martial Instructor, with excitement, reported, "The students have shown unexpected enthusiasm, such a big change. But there's one called Fang Yuan who's still as lazy as before."

The Academy Elder laughed, patting his shoulder, "The student you mentioned is the very reason for the others' change."

The Martial Instructor was surprised and puzzled.

Of course, the changes didn't stop there.

After this incident, Fang Yuan undoubtedly became the public enemy of all students, facing hostility and isolation.

No one spoke to him or greeted him.

The youths were all determined, secretly practicing basic techniques diligently. Encouraged and instructed by their elders, they decided to personally reclaim their dignity.

Beneath the calm surface, undercurrents surged.

Another four days passed.

The Academy Elder distributed Primordial Stone subsidies again, and it was time for Fang Yuan to act once more.

"Fang Yuan, isn't once enough? You want to rob our Primordial Stones again?!" The students, blocked by Fang Yuan at the entrance, were both shocked and furious.

Fang Yuan stood in the center of the gate, hands behind his back, expression cold, tone indifferent, "One Primordial Stone each, and you can avoid a beating."

"Fang Yuan, you've gone too far. I challenge you!" Gu Yue Mo Bei roared, stepping forward first.

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"Oh?" Fang Yuan's eyebrows slightly raised.

Mo Bei charged with his fists raised, but after a few rounds, he lay unconscious on the ground.

"Mo Bei, you're useless, watch me!" Gu Yue Chi Cheng shouted, rushing at Fang Yuan.

After a brief exchange, he followed in Mo Bei's footsteps.

Fang Yuan's combat experience was far beyond theirs, and though he had just started cultivating, he used every ounce of strength perfectly.

These youths were just starting out; if they rushed him together, they might cause him some minor trouble. But challenging him one by one was even easier than the first robbery.

A quarter of an hour later, he left with a bulging money bag, leaving behind a group of youths, some unconscious, some groaning and clutching their stomachs or groins.

"Brothers, come clean up the mess," the guards called, rushing forward.