Twenty-five limit-breakers!
How can we even compete?
"The ’Jian Province Competition’ hasn’t even started, and Guangling Academy has already taken four spots for advancement!" Shao Yancong’s old face wrinkled into a frown, "If I’d known it would be , I should have had you four merge into one team, then perhaps there’d be a glimmer of hope!"
Shao Yancong looked at Yan Chuan, Tian Xiu, Liu He, and Yan Baishou, filled with regret.
Just a few days ago I joked that these two were Guangling Academy’s moles, but it seems now their lips were sealed tight, hiding the news extremely well!
Tian Xiu, fearless as a newborn calf, remained optimistic and laughed: "Even if Guangling Academy takes four spots, aren’t there still six left? We still have a chance."
Hearing this, everyone’s spirits lifted.
Du Zhenzong said bitterly: "Do you think Guangling Academy is the only impressive lineup? No! Not only them! Liyang Academy is even more outrageous, boasting forty-two limit-breaking Heavenly Prides, forming six teams, even the substitutes are limit-breakers!"
He looked to the sky and sighed long—
"Just these two academies already make ten limit-breaking teams!"
"What does Taikang have to compete with?"
With those words uttered.
Silence fell over the scene.
After a deathly silence, there was a crushing blow to morale.
Seeing this, Du Zhenzong’s bitter smile deepened.
Did he not know this news would heavily hit Taikang Academy’s morale?
But in this situation, does high morale even matter for Taikang Academy?
"I tell you this news, not to discourage you, but to adjust strategies promptly." Du Zhenzong exhaled deeply, forcing himself to stay upbeat: "This time in the ’Jian Province Competition’ we’re not aiming to advance, we’re not dreaming of fighting those all-limit-breaking teams, no chance, we simply can’t compete. Our main focus should be reserved for taking on the second-tier teams, striving to achieve higher ranks outside of those all-limit-breaking teams."
Du Zhenzong has no extravagant hopes of competing with Guangling Academy or Liyang Academy.
He only hopes that Taikang Academy doesn’t come in last, and can slightly improve their ranking among the Nine Counties of Jian Province, that would suffice.
"This edition is about participation."
Du Zhenzong honestly couldn’t say anything more to boost morale, even he himself, having been repeatedly shown up by Gu Shengyan and Zhao Xi, needed some comforting!
"Professor Yan, where are you going?"
Shao Yancong sighed as well but suddenly noticed Yan Chuan turning away to slip out, quickly calling him back—
They can’t aim for the championship, can’t advance, but also can’t just quit and leave now!
Yan Chuan turned back, grinning at Shao Yancong: "I’m placed at the forty-fourth match in the first round; it’s unlikely to reach me in the first three days. In the meantime, I’ll be watching in our Taikang Academy’s observation seat. It’s far, but lively—I like the atmosphere there."
Shao Yancong frowned.
"Rest assured, Elder Shao."
"Even if they’re all limit-breakers, it doesn’t mean we can’t fight."
Yan Chuan chuckled, pointing at Yu Jinpeng and the other five, "You all come with me, when the first round starts, I’ll give you a detailed explanation. How much you understand and whether you can break limits in these days depends on your comprehension."
Yan Chuan gave Shao Yancong a fist salute, then led Yu Jinpeng and the other five out of the Preparation Zone, heading directly to Taikang Academy’s observation seats.
Tian Xiu watched Yan Chuan leave, doubting what he had just heard: "Did he imply, temporary limit-breaking training?"
Liu He and Yan Baishou exchanged glances, confirming they hadn’t misheard: "That’s what he meant."
The three were shocked.
This Yan Chuan, truly audacious!