Xiao Yun's Impromptu Speech

After the awards were presented, applause rose once more and lingered for a long time.

Meng Shenji gestured for everyone to quiet down and looked at Xiao Yun. "Commissioner Xiao, do you have anything you'd like to say to everyone?"

Xiao Yun took a deep breath and walked to the front edge of the podium. He looked at the sea of people below—those youthful faces, including familiar team members, unfamiliar junior students, former colleagues, and people who had once doubted him.

"Thank you." His voice was not loud, yet it was exceptionally clear. "Thank you to the academy, thank you to the three commissioners, and thank you to everyone who supported us."

He paused before continuing, "Some say Imperial Dou Team One are flowers raised in a greenhouse, unable to withstand wind and rain. Some say we merely relied on piled-up resources, and that once we reached a true battlefield, we would reveal our true colors."

The audience fell completely silent.

"Before the tournament, I was worried too. I worried whether my team members would freeze under pressure, whether they could bear the strain, whether I, as their teacher and leader, was qualified enough." Xiao Yun's gaze swept over the nine team members below. "But after this tournament, I know—those worries were unnecessary."

"Yu Tianheng never took a single step back when facing opponents stronger and more famous than himself. After her poison was countered, Dugu Yan did not panic, but calmly considered new tactics. Zhu Zhuqing could face many opponents alone for the team. Ning Rongrong could accurately enhance every team member in battle. Ye Lingling's healing was always timely. Xivia could withstand the enemy's powerful attacks. Shenghua could effectively hold back the opposing Soul Masters. Brothers Shi Mo and Shi Mo used their flesh and blood to build