With Li Yuan's defeat, he left the stage.
Dantai Feng stood alone on the arena, receiving cheers of celebration from hundreds of thousands of spectators, their excitement and shouts filling the air.
Dantai Feng was truly ecstatic.
Since he had decided to participate in the Ten Schools' Freshman War, he had been looking forward to this moment.
Under normal circumstances, a genius like him wouldn't have joined the Ten Schools' Freshman War.
What was special this time? It wasn't because the higher-ups at Starfire University had any special considerations.
It was merely Dantai Feng's own application, his insistent demand.
His goal wasn't to hone himself but simply to enjoy the sensation of being the center of attention.
Yes, the reason was that simple.
"That guy's showing off again." Sitting in the Spectator Platform, Tian Dazhuang watched the scene, grinding his teeth: "He won another 20 million and got Heavenly Materials Treasures too! No, I have to bleed him dry tonight."
The way Tian Dazhuang thought about getting revenge.
Was to make Dantai Feng treat him to a big meal.
"Whoosh!" Li Yuan also returned to the Spectator Platform, appearing among the Sixth Institute's freshmen.
"Li Yuan." An Nong, Gu Qianghan, Wu Luo, and the other freshmen, even Qiu Jing, Shi Xiao, and other upperclassmen couldn't help but look at Li Yuan, filled with regret.
For most of the Xia Country spectators, it didn't matter whether Li Yuan or Dantai Feng won.
However, naturally, the Kunlun Martial University students wished from their hearts that Li Yuan would win the championship.
Moreover, in most people's eyes, Li Yuan was just a little short of winning the final battle.
"Haha, why are you all looking at me like that?" Li Yuan laughed and said, "Victory and defeat are all common in war, losing is not a disgrace."
Li Yuan was very composed.
Victory or defeat? As a Martial Artist who aspired to reach the pinnacle, he was undoubtedly striving for the championship, striving to be number one!
But he must also recognize that what's important is the pursuit of being first, not the result.
Those who seek for the highest, achieve something in between.
Just like moving from the senior third year to the college entrance exams, Li Yuan asked himself and felt he had given his all; although his scores weren't the top in the province or the city, he was satisfied.
The same applied to this Ten Schools' Freshman War, Li Yuan believed he had gained a lot, and the process had been thoroughly fulfilling.
Not winning the championship?
Then he would strive for it next time.
"Congratulations to Junior Brother Li Yuan for reaching Subtlety." Suddenly, a deep and penetrating voice came from the higher part of the Spectator Platform.
Many people instinctively looked back to see a square-faced young man in a black robe, sitting higher up on the Spectator Platform, his face full of smiles.
"Senior Brother Jin."
"Senior Brother Jin came to watch too? What did Senior Brother Jin just say, Subtlety? Has Li Yuan's skill advanced to achieve Fourth Level Perfection?" The thousands of Kunlun Martial University students were all astir, shocked as they stared at Li Yuan, then looked toward Senior Brother Jin.
"Senior Brother Jin." Li Yuan also smiled.
Jin Huguo's name was one he had been hearing since he entered the university.
It resonated like thunder.
Today was the first time the two men met, even if it was just a virtual meeting.
"This battle was really wonderful," Jin Huguo said with a smile: "Let's work hard together for the Global University Martial Path Contest in February next year."
"Yes! Let's work hard together." Li Yuan also smiled.
As far as he knew, Jin Huguo had already achieved Subtlety in the first semester of his sophomore year.
A year had passed, how strong Jin Huguo had become was unknown.
But for now, Li Yuan was clear that he was no match for Jin Huguo.
Whether it was in virtual combat or actual combat.
"Congratulations to Dantai Feng for winning the championship."
The muscular host's high-spirited voice echoed in the expansive dueling space: "And congratulations to Li Yuan for winning the runner-up."
"Thank you both for bringing us an incredibly exciting final battle in this year's Ten Schools' Freshman War, which is undoubtedly the most thrilling peak showdown since the Ten Schools' Freshman War shifted to 'virtual combat' in 2009."
"I believe, for many years to come, the finals of future Ten Schools' Freshman Wars will be compared to today's battle."
"I am even more convinced that both of them will shine in the upcoming Global University Martial Path Contest, and even in the Elite Martial Path Battles of humanity!"
"I hereby announce...the 2043 Ten Schools' Freshman War has come to an end."
With that, the Ten Schools' Freshman War concluded.
The entire Spectator Platform erupted in fervent cheering, with students from various countries and schools spontaneously giving applause.
Everyone had to admit that this year's Ten Schools' Elite Battle had indeed brought forth many martial arts prodigies.
Especially the clash between Li Yuan and Dantai Feng, Li Yuan's breakthrough during the fight, and Dantai Feng being pushed to reveal his full strength, could be called classic.
Eventually, Dantai Feng won the first place, with Li Yuan taking second.
In a higher-level Spectator Space.
"The battle of Subtlety."
"Unexpectedly, in a freshman fight, one could witness a battle where both participants reached Subtlety, it's too rare."
"In the history of the Ten Schools' Freshman War virtual battles, this is the first time."
"Even in the annual December 'Three Schools Freshman Clash' of Starfire, Starry Sky, and Black Stone, it often takes years before such a battle occurs."
"Freshmen achieving Subtlety? And suddenly, two of them appeared, it's too rare." Many teachers discussed, all feeling astonished and emotional.
Such talents are hard to come by on Blue Star, maybe one can emerge in a year.
"Both of them have the talent to ascend to Flying Heaven stature."
"Dantai Feng is stronger than we imagined, just one step away from entering the Fifth Stage, and might break through before February next year."
"From Subtlety to Unity of Heaven and Man, it's extremely difficult to cross, but there is indeed hope."
"In Xia Country, since Yu Jinghe, there might not be many who can compare with Dantai Feng."
"Dantai Feng is strong, but Li Yuan is even more frightening."