Early the next morning.
Wu Changkong led the five members of Class Zero out of Eastsea Academy early and arrived at Eastsea Plaza in the city center to await departure.
Wu Changkong was not the only one leading the team today. The dean of studies, Long Hengxu, had personally come along to oversee things.
Besides Class Zero, all the participating students from the academy's senior division were also present.
The senior division competed in the youth division for ages fifteen to twenty and was Eastsea Academy's longtime main force for striving for tournament rankings.
Amid the bustling crowd, Chen An casually swept his gaze around and immediately spotted a familiar figure.
It was Xu Xiaoyan's older brother, Xu Xiaoyu.
Xu Xiaoyu happened to be passing by Class Zero's group with several senior division students.
His gaze immediately fell on his little sister. As he passed, he deliberately slowed his pace, his tone carrying a hint of deliberate intimidation and protectiveness, as if declaring his claim.
"Xiaoyan, if anyone dares bully you, tell your brother right away."
Xu Xiaoyan immediately pouted, looking unconvinced as she quietly retorted.
"Brother, everyone in Class Zero treats me super well. Nobody bullies me at all.
"You, on the other hand, better not fail to make it through the preliminaries again like in previous years. That'd be so embarrassing."
Xu Xiaoyu's expression instantly stiffened. Looking somewhat embarrassed, he then forced himself to speak with confidence.
"Impossible! Absolutely impossible! Every member of our team this time is above the Three-Ring Realm. We're far stronger than in previous years, and we'll definitely achieve great results."
Beside him, Xie Xie clenched his back teeth, frantically chanting in his heart: They're on our side. I can't laugh.
The senior division was competing in the seven-person team event, the most watched