"What good news?"
At the mention of good news, everyone's eyes lit up. Even Wang Yan, Ma Xiaotao, and the others grew curious. After all, if Gu Qingnian called it good news, it might really be something wonderful.
Everyone immediately crowded around Gu Qingnian, looking at him eagerly.
Gu Qingnian took an unhurried sip of tea, then slowly crossed his legs and said:
"As far away as the horizon, yet right before your eyes."
Everyone froze, exchanged glances, then carefully inspected the area around Gu Qingnian.
Then they were utterly baffled.
"Stop keeping us in suspense and tell us already!" The impatient Wang Dong could not help urging him.
"Yes, hurry up and say it!" Ma Xiaotao added impatiently.
Gu Qingnian pointed lightly. "Isn't having me the best news you could ask for?"
Everyone paused, then returned to their seats in perfect unison and fell silent, as though all worldly affairs had nothing whatsoever to do with them.
"Do I really need to repeat the advantages of having me? Any other team would be thrilled to death!" Gu Qingnian could not help curling his lip.
Everyone wanted to argue but had no idea where to begin. Still, his antics had eased the atmosphere considerably.
"All right, you'll find out later whether this counts as good news. For now, Mr. Wang Yan, sorry for the trouble, but could you explain the tournament rules?" Gu Qingnian said casually.
Wang Yan smiled and nodded. "Of course." Truthfully, he could not help feeling a flicker of hope himself.
"The Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Soul Fighting Tournament is the ultimate showdown between the academies of every nation.
"In the spirit of fairness and impartiality, it tests each academy's overall strength. That is why its competition formats are so varied and flexible.
"I went to