"Actually, there's nothing particularly special about it."
Su Zhan said with a smile: "I just train until early morning every day, practicing each movement ten thousand times."
"Liar!"
A bespectacled junior shouted: "I've watched your competition footage—that's definitely not something ordinary training can achieve!"
"Exactly! Exactly!"
A female student chimed in: "Senior, do you have some special cultivation method? Tell us secretly!"
Su Zhan felt somewhat helpless.
He was telling the truth.
But right now, someone would definitely say, "Aren't you just naturally talented?"
Su Zhan could only say: Without talent, all you can do is work hard.
Seeing the situation about to spiral out of control, the principal quickly took the microphone: "Students, don't rush! Su Zhan will share his experiences in detail later on the sports field. Let him rest for now!"
The crowd reluctantly parted to create a path, but the murmuring continued:
"I heard online that he only sleeps two hours a day..."
"My cousin's friend's friend studies at Vermilion Bird Academy and says he can catch bullets with his bare hands..."
"Look at his arm definition! I even heard he arm-wrestles strong assault-type awakeners at Vermilion Bird Academy and wins every time!"
Su Zhan moved with difficulty through the school grounds under the protection of Wang Mingyuan and the principal.
His ears were filled with all kinds of outrageous rumors.
He couldn't help turning to Wang Mingyuan and whispering: "Teacher, are they really talking about me?"
Wang Mingyuan adjusted his glasses and smiled: "Heroes always get mythologized. You'll get used to it."
Su Zhan shrugged helplessly.
When I cross the pass, there will naturally be great scholars to debate the scriptures for me.
The weight of this saying continues to increase.
The group continued walking.
The raised platform on the sports field was covered with red carpet.
Colorful flags fluttered all around.
A huge banner read: "Warmly Welcome Vermilion Bird Academy Genius Su Zhan's Glorious Return to His Alma Mater."
The entire sports field was packed with teachers and students, with even the surrounding teaching building corridors filled with curious students watching—a vast sea of dark heads stretching as far as the eye could see.
Most of these people weren't from No.3 High School, but had specifically come from other schools to watch.
The principal didn't stop them, thinking this was a great opportunity to promote the school.
Seeing this scene.
Su Zhan's first thought was: Damn, I asked for too little money.
With a turnout like this, asking for a million wouldn't be excessive.
Though his heart was bleeding.
He still had professional ethics and naturally wouldn't do something like suddenly raising his price midway through.
The principal, beaming with pleasure, stepped onto the platform and raised his hands to signal for quiet:
"Teachers and students, today is a day worthy of being recorded in our school's history!
We are extremely honored to have invited our outstanding alumnus who started from our school.
Su Zhan, winner of five consecutive victories in the Vermilion Bird Academy exchange tournament, possessor of an SSS-grade Life Soul!"
Thunderous applause instantly erupted across the sports field.
"Su Zhan has proven with his strength that our Jiangcheng No.3 High School's educational philosophy is completely correct!"
The principal waved his arms excitedly: "This is not only Su Zhan's personal honor, but the pride of all our teachers and students!"
Applause thundered once again.
The principal turned to indicate several leaders sitting on the podium: "Today, we are also honored to have several important guests.
This is Director Chen from the Jiangcheng Education Development Bureau. It is under Director Chen's wise leadership that Jiangcheng's education sector has been flourishing!"
A middle-aged man with graying hair stood up and smiled in acknowledgment.
"This is Director Wang from the Youth Potential Development Center. He personally guided our teaching philosophy at Jiangcheng No.3 High School, indirectly providing crucial guidance for cultivating talents like Su Zhan!"
A refined man wearing glasses nodded in acknowledgment.
"Finally, this is Chairman Li from the Jiangcheng Education Foundation. It is through Chairman Li's strong support that our school's teaching equipment continues to be updated!"
A slightly portly middle-aged man waved his hand.
Su Zhan raised an eyebrow slightly when he saw him.
He knew this old man, or rather, there was memory of this person from his original body.
As for the reason, it was simple.
This man was Li Yuqin's father.
Well, well, so he's the chairman of the Jiangcheng Education Foundation.
Can businessmen hold such positions too?
This shows some serious connections.
"Let us once again give a warm round of applause to thank these leaders for taking time out of their busy schedules to grace us with their guidance!"
The principal led the applause: "Now, let's give the floor to today's main character—Su Zhan!"
Finally, it was his turn.
He always hated these kinds of situations the most.
These leaders' speeches were always so drawn-out and tedious.
Better to finish the task quickly and clock out early.
"Good afternoon, teachers and students."
Su Zhan stood before the microphone, his voice amplified throughout the sports field.
The audience immediately erupted with screams and applause, with several excited girls even jumping up.
"Quiet! Everyone quiet!"
The principal used the microphone to maintain order.
Su Zhan raised his hand and made a downward-pressing gesture.
Through their coordinated efforts, the entire sports field gradually quieted down.
"Actually, just one year ago, I was just like everyone here, sitting on this very sports field, listening to outstanding graduate representatives speak."
Su Zhan's gaze swept across the audience: "Back then, I was wondering when I would be able to stand in this position."
He had long prepared these remarks in his mind.
Speaking came smoothly without any stumbling or hesitation.
Good-natured laughter and applause immediately rose from the audience.
"The most important thing I learned during these six months at Vermilion Bird Academy is..."
Su Zhan deliberately paused, looking at the countless pairs of expectant eyes in the audience: "Hard work never lies to you."
"Liar! Senior Su, you have an SSS Life Soul! Can you really say your current achievements are all due to hard work!?"
The venue immediately erupted in laughter.
Then several voices rose one after another:
"Exactly! Easy for you to say—it doesn't hurt your back to stand and talk! For example, someone with a C-grade Life Soul could never catch up to you no matter how much they train!"
"Of course geniuses can say hard work is important—they're amazing no matter how they train!"
"If you only had a B-grade Life Soul, you probably couldn't even touch the gates of Vermilion Bird Academy right now!"
...
The aggressive comments kept coming.
The principal immediately grabbed the microphone: "Quiet! You few wearing our school uniforms—if you cause any more trouble, you'll be expelled immediately!"
Damn it, our school produced a genius who returned to give a speech that brings honor to our institution.
At a time like this, there were actually blind students coming to challenge Su Zhan.
If they were from other schools, that would be one thing.
But all these challengers were our own students.
Wasn't this slapping our own school in the face?
He never imagined his own students could be this stupid.
How was Su Zhan supposed to answer?
What if he couldn't answer?
Who loses face when you make someone else lose face?
Jiangcheng No.3 High School's reputation suffers!
The principal now wished he could skin these students alive.
The students who had shouted the loudest immediately shrank their necks.
Compared to their dissatisfaction, their academic careers were definitely more important.
The challenges instantly dissipated.
However, everyone's eyes remained fixed on Su Zhan, clearly waiting for his response to these challenges.