Hearing Lin Beiya's rebuttal, the teachers' expressions grew even more troubled.
Although they also felt that Lin Beiya had a point, mishandling this matter could stir up collective outrage among the students.
Sure enough, when the teachers turned around, they saw the students' unconvinced expressions.
Lin Beiya had naturally anticipated this, and hadn't expected a few words to dispel their suspicion that Shi Nuo had cheated.
"Since everyone thinks that's unacceptable, then I'll have to wear this Sacred Cloth and compete myself. It's my Martial Soul, so it wouldn't count as cheating if I wore it, right?"
"Uh..."
The moment they heard Lin Beiya wanted to compete, the students instantly caved. The indignation on their faces vanished in an instant.
"Junior Bei Ya, what are you saying? Being able to wear the Sacred Cloth is part of Junior Shi Nuo's ability. Of course it doesn't count as cheating!"
"That's right, that's right! If anyone says Junior Shi Nuo cheated again, they'll have to answer to me!"
"What cheating? If you're so capable, get Junior Bei Ya to lend you his Sacred Cloth! You've got nothing better to do all day than gossip!"
"..."
Compared to Lin Beiya competing, they could accept Shi Nuo wearing the Sacred Cloth in the tournament. One after another, they took back what they'd said and firmly defended Shi Nuo's interests, leaving the teachers struggling not to laugh.
"All right. Since no one objects, I hereby declare this year's Academy Grand Tournament open."
In a tournament open to the entire academy, only upperclassmen confident in their own strength would dare sign up.
So although the scene was lively, the number of students who entered wasn't particularly large. After all, no one wanted to embarrass themselves in front of the entire faculty and student body.
Apart from