"Teacher Wang."
Liu Ziming turned to Wang Mingyuan: "If we continuously challenge the one-on-one matches but lose, will the academy directly fail our assessment?"
The preparation area instantly fell silent, everyone's gaze focusing on Wang Mingyuan.
This question truly voiced the concern in everyone's heart.
"According to academy regulations..."
Wang Mingyuan deliberately paused, watching several students unconsciously tense up, then smiled: "As long as you win three or more consecutive one-on-one matches, even if you lose later, it doesn't count as assessment failure.
Correspondingly, if you lose after winning three or more consecutive matches, your opponents also won't meet Vermilion Bird Academy's admission requirements."
"Whew—"
Everyone collectively breathed a sigh of relief.
His thoughts involuntarily drifted back to his own youth.
Back then, he had been just like these teenagers.
Filled with passion and fervent belief that he could change the world.
He remembered during his first exchange competition, he and his teammates had also made bold declarations about breaking all records.
Those youthful, reckless vows.
That unstoppable, impulsive energy.
Thinking back on it now still made his heart surge with emotion.
Wang Mingyuan's gaze gradually softened.
That spirited young man who once stood on the arena platform had now become a steady, self-possessed mentor.
But at this moment, watching these students before him, he seemed to touch that long-lost passion once more.
"Teacher Wang?"
Su Zhan's voice pulled him back to reality: "We're ready."
Wang Mingyuan adjusted his glasses.
Let the passion of youth continue burning in these young people.
"Go on, let everyone see what true Vermilion Bird Academy style looks like."
On the surface, Vermilion Bird Academy's five members seemed unstoppable, each victory appearing effortless.
But only they themselves knew what price lay behind this crushing dominance.
To end battles in the shortest time possible, everyone had to instantly mobilize all their spiritual energy.
The third round of one-on-one matches began.
Starlight Academy finally sent out their true elites.
Every opponent who stepped onto the platform came with targeted tactics and abundant stamina.
Victory still belonged to Vermilion Bird.
But when each person stepped down from the platform, their footsteps were no longer light.
The fourth round opponents moved with steady steps, sharp eyes, surrounded by spiritual energy fluctuations completely different from before.
They were the true powerhouses among Starlight Academy's freshmen.
Each possessed an S-grade Life Soul.
Su Zhan's opponent actually had an ability that countered the Time Abyss Pupil's slowing effect.
Xie Xi faced a heavy armored warrior wielding dual shields, the Destruction Scythe's edge completely blocked for the first time.
Liu Ziming's lightning was dispersed by some strange force field.
Feng Jue's sword had all its trajectories predicted for the first time.
Xu Hao's teleportation landing points were preemptively sealed.
In the spectator stands, a suffocating silence prevailed.
Starlight Academy students clenched their fists, complex emotions burning in their eyes.
Only when they saw Su Zhan and the others struggling for the first time.
Did they finally erupt completely.
"Well done!"
"Finally our turn!"
"What geniuses, just average, crush them!"
But when Su Zhan and the others exerted their full power.
The opponents were still defeated.
However, this time was more difficult than any before.
Yet victory still belonged to Vermilion Bird Academy.
The spectator stands fell into dead silence.
All those cheers, jeers, and insults completely vanished.
Starlight Academy's teachers and students had grim expressions.
After the fourth match concluded, there was a brief rest period.
Starlight Academy's Dean Li slowly approached Vermilion Bird Academy's preparation area.
The white-haired elder wore a complex expression, his gaze lingering on the five injured young people before finally settling on Wang Mingyuan.
"Teacher Wang."
Dean Li carefully chose his words: "Both our academies are Daxia's top awakened institutions, exchange competitions are meant for mutual learning... Given the current situation, continuing might..."
Wang Mingyuan adjusted his glasses and countered: "What does Dean Li mean?"
"Know when to stop."
Dean Li sighed: "Continuing further benefits neither side. Young people are impulsive, pursuing victory without considering consequences. If they get injured, it might affect their foundation..."
Five pairs of eyes simultaneously turned toward them.
"You heard. Dean Li suggests we stop here."
Wang Mingyuan turned to face his students: "The choice is yours."
Everyone spoke in unison: "Continue fighting."
"Teacher Wang, these children are young and impulsive, don't know their limits, but you're their teacher!"
Dean Li spoke earnestly: "Look at their current condition...
If they damage their foundation for momentary pride, they'll regret it forever!
And to be frank, our students have also been provoked, if they start going all out..."
He didn't finish, but the meaning was clear.
"Everything you say is correct."
Wang Mingyuan nodded, but then changed tack: "But some lessons aren't in textbooks."
He turned to face the five battered but determined students:
"Listen carefully! Dean Li says you're all injured, low on stamina, continuing the competition might damage your foundation, even affect future cultivation.
Moreover, Starlight Academy has been provoked, next match they'll likely fight ruthlessly.
Continuing has serious consequences, still want to fight?"
"Fight!"
Five voices remained resolute as ever.
Wang Mingyuan turned to Dean Li: "You see, as their teacher, I respect their choice."
Dean Li frowned deeply: "This is irresponsible! They're young and don't know better, but you should!"
"Precisely because I know."
Wang Mingyuan looked directly into Dean Li's eyes: "I cannot make this decision for them.
Ten years from now, when they look back on today, I want them to remember giving their all by choice, not regrets left from teachers stopping them."
"But if something happens..."
"That's also a lesson."
Wang Mingyuan interrupted: "Vermilion Bird Academy members must make certain choices themselves, some obstacles must be overcome personally to truly grow."
Dean Li remained silent for a long time, finally shaking his head with a long sigh: "Fine, but I'll have medical teams standing by throughout."
Wang Mingyuan slightly nodded: "Thank you."
Outside the preparation area.
Starlight Academy's teachers and students saw Dean Li shaking his head and immediately understood everything.
The atmosphere in the spectator stands shifted.
There was anger, confusion, but mostly a certain indescribable respect.
Su Zhan's gaze swept over his teammates in the preparation area.
Xie Xi's breathing was somewhat rapid, but her eyes remained sharp.
Probably retained about fifty percent combat strength.
Feng Jue stood straight, but his knuckles were pale.
At most fifty percent strength remaining.
Liu Ziming's face was pale, doing well to exert forty percent strength.
Worst off was Xu Hao.
He slumped on the bench, hands trembling uncontrollably, barely able to hold his dagger.
The fourth match opponent skilled at prediction had pushed him to his limit.
Standing up now would be a miracle.
As for himself...
Su Zhan looked down at his palm.
Although in better condition than the others, probably about sixty percent stamina remaining.
But this final match.
Starlight Academy would definitely send their true ace.
As for chances of victory... he didn't have much confidence either.