After Ning Fengzhi finished his address, the host did not immediately announce the next item on the agenda. Instead, he smiled and asked:
"Sect Master Ning, you are the esteemed master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, as well as an experienced and powerful Soul Master."
"Surely your judgment must be far better than ours."
"Could you tell us which of the teams competing this year you have the highest hopes for?"
At those words, the stands grew noticeably quieter. Tens of thousands of eyes turned in unison toward Ning Fengzhi on the dais.
Ning Fengzhi wore his usual gentle smile as he slowly began to speak, serving up a bottle of poisoned praise.
"As for which team I favor most in this tournament..."
"Naturally, it is the Second Team of the Heaven Dou Royal Academy Team, led by our Heaven Dou Crown Prince, Xue Qinghe. Their teaching staff and the talents of their members make them the finest team I have ever seen."
His words set off a wave of discussion in the stands.
Ning Fengzhi continued, "I believe our Heaven Dou Royal Academy Second Team will achieve the finest results in this tournament, perhaps even claiming the championship."
As his words fell, cheers rose one after another throughout the stands.
The teams on the arena floor, however, reacted in precisely the opposite way.
The members of the Five Elements Academy looked as though something had struck a nerve, their faces brimming with indignation.
Huo Wu of Blazing Fire Academy even gave a cold snort, making no attempt to conceal her displeasure.
The host picked up the conversation at just the right moment, drawing everyone's attention back to him. "Thank you for your wonderful commentary, Sect Master Ning! Next, please welcome Lord Salas, White-Clothed Bishop and master of