Fifty students entered the square and looked at one another in dismay.
Even Han Yue, who had participated in an Inner Academy Selection Tournament before, seemed uncertain about the situation.
But she quickly realized that the rules the Vice Dean had announced placed no restrictions on forming teams!
That meant teamwork could give them a greater advantage in the free-for-all!
On the other side, Bai Cheng's voice rang across the square.
"Everyone, you've all seen the earlier matches. The combined strength of Xiao Ze and his two companions is unmatched!"
"If we don't eliminate them first, they'll take the top three spots among the five most valuable places in the Inner Academy Selection Tournament!"
"If we eliminate them first, I, Bai Cheng, will take just one spot. The rest will be up for you to compete for!"
Bai Cheng's words were highly persuasive.
Anyone with eyes could see that Xiao Ze and his companions, working together, were far stronger than the rest.
If they didn't eliminate them first, the three of them would claim three of the top five spots!
Even if the others were willing to join Xiao Ze's side, they would still be left fighting for the two remaining places.
They might as well throw in with Bai Cheng or Han Yue instead. Those two would claim fewer spots!
Standing in a corner, Xiao Ze listened to Bai Cheng with a faint smile and said nothing in response.
Xiao Ze knew perfectly well that, given his reputation, all he had to do was call out and most of the students would gather around him, pushing everyone else out.
But that still wouldn't change the situation.
The remaining students would still be fighting for just two spots.
The students wavering on the square couldn't help looking toward Xiao Ze's