The emergence of the top three sent the surrounding crowd into an even greater frenzy. Xiao Xun'er had already been immensely popular at the academy, and now that she was a potential champion, the male students-and even some female students-went wild for her. Of course, they all ignored Xiao Yan's existence.
Once again, Hu Gan walked onto the viewing stand with a box in his hands. Under everyone's gaze, he reached into the wooden box once more.
"Xiao Xun'er."
"Ah, what a shame! Xun'er didn't get the bye!"
"Xiao Yan."
"Ah, now this is even more exciting! Xun'er, please defeat Xiao Yan! Trample him beneath your feet! He isn't worthy of you!"
Hearing the names Vice Dean Hu Gan drew, the surrounding students grew excited. Judging by the way they cheered Xun'er on, they harbored more than a little ill will toward Xiao Yan.
Then... under everyone's gaze, Xiao Xun'er slowly rose to her feet. Carried by her Dou Qi, her graceful voice spread throughout the arena.
"I concede."
The crowd fell silent for an instant, then erupted into an even louder uproar. Beside her, Xiao Yan had never expected Xiao Xun'er to concede outright either. He shook his head helplessly and looked at the girl next to him. "Xun'er..."
Xiao Xun'er stretched out her index finger and pressed it against Xiao Yan's lips, looking at him with a radiant smile. "Brother Xiao Yan, go on." Then she turned her gaze toward Xiao Fan beside them. "Good luck, Brother Xiao Fan."
Xiao Fan said with a look of surprise, "Oh? I never thought Xun'er would actually spare a thought for me!"
Then he exchanged a glance with Xiao Yan, and almost simultaneously, the two shot toward the Competition Stage.
On the viewing stand, the yellow-robed elder glanced at Hu Gan,