At that moment, Zhu Wuneng stepped forward, his slightly plump frame jiggling. "We won't necessarily lose every match, will we? I heard there'll be quite a few people competing."
Mu Zilian shook her head with a bitter smile. "That's even better for them. They have plenty of ways to pour effort, money, and connections into poaching our students who win their matches behind the scenes. After all, they're the largest imperial academy, with resources and connections we simply can't match."
Beside her, Zhu Wuneng interjected in a somewhat guileless voice, "Then why don't we just ignore them?"
Mu Zilian gave a bitter laugh. "That's impossible, Wuneng. They've already issued a challenge. If we refuse, we won't just lose face-we'll damage the academy's reputation."
Mu Zilian continued, "Besides, we're both part of the same system. Whether we look up or down, we're bound to cross paths. They have considerable influence in both the Imperial Capital and the Ministry of Education. Often, they might not be able to make something happen, but they have more than enough power to ruin our plans."
Everyone in the square fell silent at her words.
A gentle breeze brushed past, stirring the hems of their clothes and dispersing a little of the uncertainty in their hearts.
Chen Xiaojun broke into a broad smile. "Come on, let's take a look and cheer for our academy."
Zhu Wuneng nodded too, shouting, "Exactly! Let them know that we people of Fasno aren't so easy to push around!"
Xixi clenched her little fists and smiled sweetly. "Come on, come on! Let's go watch!"
Sunlight spilled over them, as though draping them in golden armor.
A fierce battle between Chang'an Academy and Heaven Dou Academy unfolded on the Soul Fighting Platform.
Sunlight shone upon the arena, reflecting a dazzling brilliance,