Chapter 1086: Finals!
Dong!
The crisp sound of a bell rang out through the stands, and the voice of the mentor who was hosting the compet.i.tion was heard.
"Now that we have four squads with a result of seven stars, the final battles to determine the first tier winners has arrived. We will now begin the final round. The ones who have qualified are as follows: Lake Sage College, Lunar Sage College, Thunder Sage College, and Astral Sage College!"
"Next up, we will have Vice Princ.i.p.al Wu Yu draw lots for the finals!"
The entire area erupted with excitement at this announcement. Although many sage colleges were regretful that their squads had not managed to achieve a first tier spot, they were still looking forward to the final battle.
This would the highest level battle amongst the sage colleges.
Additionally, this was the first academic evaluation where things were a little different. There was a certain squad that didn"t seem to truly belong to the group that was partic.i.p.ating in the finals. That was, of course, the Astral Sage College.
An outer divine continent sage college had managed to muddle their way into the finals. This sort of situation hadn"t been seen in countless years.
This was not to say that the students from sage colleges in the outer divine continents were untalented. It was simply a reflection of the stark difference in cultivation resources available to those in the inner divine continents versus everyone else. Though it was not just cultivation resources that created the gap—the worldly natural energy in the inner divine continents was incomparably denser. This had a significant impact, and as a result, the inner divine continent students were several steps ahead.
The difference might not have been evident if one looked at it over the span of a few days. However, over many years of time and acc.u.mulation, just how large would the gap become? The influence of their environment was something even a Heavenly Emperor was unable to resolve. Thus those in the inner divine continents usually monopolized the first tier spots and a good portion of the second tier spots. The outer divine continent colleges could only take what was left.
Yet against all odds, an outer divine continent student had fumbled their way into the finals!
What made everyone more surprised was that there was only one representative! One individual representing an entire squad had rushed all the way to the end. Such an outstanding achievement had attracted the attention of all the students, and they couldn"t help but feel a sense of admiration towards him.
Whether the Astral Sage College was able to obtain a first tier spot or not was secondary. His feats and reputation had already spread amongst the sage colleges, cementing a legacy of his creation.
Li Luo"s name now resounded throughout their halls. Amidst the cheering hubbub, Vice Princ.i.p.al Wu Yu calmly stood up from his viewing platform. At the same time, green vines sprouted from the ground and a lottery box with two lots formed. Mysterious light flowed around it, shrouding the process from sight.
The two lots within would determine the final format. Would it be a single battle or a group battle?
As everyone"s curious gazes focused upon the box, Vice Princ.i.p.al Wu Yu casually plucked out a lot before raising it up high. A red lot shone in his hand before the sun"s radiant rays. The finals would be a group battle!
The entire field burst out in sighs. All four teams would now compete against each other on the same battlefield.
The crowd gradually turned heated.
Unfortunately, such a format was disadvantageous to the Astral Sage College. If there were no accidents, the other three teams would likely choose to eliminate the Astral Sage College first.
Additionally, Li Luo was just a single individual, so he would be at a disadvantage regardless of who he faced.
No one was optimistic of his chances of success. He had beaten Chen Xuan, but the opponents he now faced all possessed Heavenly Resonance Golden Seals. Their strength was an entire grade above Chen Xuan"s.
In this situation, coming out with a first tier spot would be as difficult as ascending into the skies.
On the viewing platform, countless outer divine continent squads were sighing in regret. They had hoped to see Li Luo come out on top. Li Luo"s victory would also bring pride to all of them.
"Despicable! This is too unlucky! How could it be a group battle?" Lu Ming smacked the stone pillar beside her as frustration flooded her face.
"This is a very unfortunate situation for Li Luo," Sun Dasheng said.
Even Jing Taixu was nodding in agreement with a look of regret.
Sun Dasheng and Jing Taixu"s colleges had suffered three losses and had been eliminated. Amongst the trio, it was surprising that Lu Ming"s Heavenly Inferno Sage College had managed to obtain a second tier spot because of that victory with Li Luo. The rest had obtained third tier spots.
"Well, it might not have mattered regardless. Even in a single battle, Li Luo might not be able to win. The trio are at the Illusory Seal-grade at the Lesser Heavenly Resonance Tier. They are much stronger than Chen Xuan," Jing Taixu said.
Both Lu Ming and Sun Dasheng felt a little dissatisfied at his depressing words. However, they knew he was right. No matter how strong Chen Xuan was, there was still a significant gap between him and Gao Xuhan and the other two.
Li Luo"s final trial would be an arduous one.
At the same time, Mentor Chi Chan frowned. If it were a single battle, Li Luo would merely have to defeat a single opponent. In a group battle, he would have to contest against three strong opponents who held malicious intentions.
Chi Chan clenched her teeth as she said, "This must have been Wu Yu"s doing!"
Although the lot drawing process seemed fair, playing a small trick was child"s play for someone with Wu Yu"s strength and stature. No one would suspect him of doing so. In fact, no one would even dare to.
It was not a wise decision to question the actions of a King, especially without conclusive evidence.
Thus, even though Mentor Chi Chan held reservations in her heart, she would not dare to voice them out.
Li Luo"s gaze remained calm. This unfortunate situation was something he had already mentally prepared himself for. Since Vice Princ.i.p.al Wu Yu had set the stakes, he would naturally not allow him to win so easily. What he had expected was a trial that was akin to the depths of h.e.l.l and not a walk in the park.
"There is no need to worry, Mentor. No one knows the result until the end," Li Luo said.
Chi Chan lightly pursed her lips. "I"ve had you bear such a heavy burden, and yet I can"t help in any way. I can only sit and watch you helplessly."
Li Luo smiled. "When House Luolan was surrounded by enemies, you chose to relinquish your position and confront House Lanling"s lord. These are just three Illusory Seal-grades; even if it was three Dukes, I would happily raise my blade against them to repay the favor."
Mentor Chi Chan smiled slightly and nodded. Li Luo"s consoling words had allowed her to feel a sense of relief before she attentively spoke up. "Li Luo, just do your best. There is no need to endanger yourself, and failing is fine. We can think of other ways."
Li Luo nodded in acknowledgement.
On the viewing platform, Vice Princ.i.p.al Wu Yu indifferently looked down upon the field, his powerful voice ringing in everyone"s ears.
"The squads from the four sage colleges are to enter now."
With that, he turned around and returned to his seat.
At the side, Vice Princ.i.p.al Qing Man glanced at him before coolly commenting, "Your actions are too rough."
"And so what? Do you plan to expose me in public?" Vice Princ.i.p.al Wu Yu retorted.
Vice Princ.i.p.al Qing Man continued, "This has nothing to do with me—you"ve created a rift with Li Luo."
"When he finally reaches the King Stage, you can remind me again. However, right now..." Vice Princ.i.p.al Wu Yu shook his head. He couldn"t be bothered to continue.
If not for the backing of the Bloodline of Heavenly Emperor Li, Li Luo would not even have the right to speak with him. His apathetic gaze was then directed towards the battle platform in the center. With his exhortation, the four squads shot forward explosively, entering the field.