Zhao Longfei openly mocked Southern Zhen University, deliberately provoking them so they would serve as a whetstone for Nanrong University's students.
Everyone from Nanrong was fired up, too. None of them wanted the humiliation of losing a match.
"Nanrong University's Huang Jingran defeated Southern Revival University's Xu Jingmang 9-3. Huang Jingran withdraws."
"Nanrong University's Dai Guangliang defeated Southern Revival University's Hou Nian 9-3. Dai Guangliang withdraws."
"Nanrong University's Wu Zixiao defeated Southern Revival University's Pan Wenlong 9-2. Wu Zixiao withdraws."
Four consecutive withdrawals effectively handed over four match points, leaving the burden of securing the final point on Duan Chongfang's shoulders.
Duan Chongfang needed little time. In under ten seconds, he had Southern Zhen's top third-year student beneath his foot.
"Nanrong University's Duan Chongfang defeated Southern Revival University's Gao Xing 9-0."
"In the third-year division, Nanrong University takes the first point!"
After suffering a near-humiliating defeat at Nanrong University's hands, everyone from Southern Zhen was red-faced with shame and anger.
The spectators outside the Championship Arena were also stunned by the scoreboard for Nanrong University's match against Southern Revival University.
"Huh? Why are the names different for every bout? Isn't this round a gauntlet? Did they switch to individual matchups?"
"No, the gauntlet rules haven't changed... I think Nanrong University is voluntarily giving up the right to stay in the Arena. Their winning students are forfeiting immediately."
"What? Against Southern Zhen, Zhao Longfei actually dares to have his winning students forfeit outright? He's treating Southern Zhen like they're nothing! Nanrong is way too tough!"
"You can say that again. But Nanrong has Duan Chongfang among the third-years, Ban Dingyuan among the second-years, and Qin Siyang among the first-years. All three are monsters in their respective years. With them as the safety net, Nanrong can't lose."
"Right. I heard Duan Chongfang