"What the heck, both students in the first match are from Canglan Academy. It would have been fine if they didn't fight each other, but the students from Beihai Academy actually conceded directly, which means two matches won't be necessary."
"In my opinion, it's because the Crown Prince's strength is too formidable. The students from Canglan Academy didn't have the courage to confront the Crown Prince. However, it's also a wise decision on their part."
"The Crown Prince will definitely take first place. Xiao Lanmei must be aiming to preserve her strength and secure second or even third place."
Upon hearing the discussions of the crowd, Xiao Lanmei's deep eyes grew shadowed, and her fists unconsciously clenched, causing her knuckles to turn white.
Baili Hongzhuang, after noticing Xiao Lanmei's reaction, also noticed the relaxed expressions of Mo Xinghai and the other person, and she immediately understood what was happening.
It seemed that Xiao Lanmei's surrender was not voluntary but forced upon her.
"It looks like this is a deal between Beihai Academy and Lingyin Academy."
Xiao Hei's voice sounded slowly, and his gaze kept scanning Jian Qingqiu and Cang Hongxi. Huan Chu You seemed surprised when he saw Xiao Lanmei concede, but Cang Hongxi and Jian Qingqiu showed no signs of surprise.
Obviously, those two had known about it earlier.
"This is indeed a great deal!" Xiao Bai chuckled lightly. "Lingyin Academy helps Beihai Academy win first place in the Alchemy Grand Competition, and in return, Beihai Academy helps Lingyin Academy secure first place in the Cultivators' Tournament. As a result, Canglan Academy has no hope left."
The pitch-black eyes flickered with wise and complex light, and Baili Hongzhuang's gaze fell on Xiao Lanmei, tinged with a hint of sympathy and emotion.
"For the two academies, this may be an excellent deal, but they completely overlook the students' own thoughts."
In that instant, Baili Hongzhuang suddenly felt a sense of pity for the students of Beihai Academy.
To Cang Hongxi and the others, the students were merely pawns in their hands.
They didn't care about how important this competition was for cultivators. They only cared about the interests of their academies.
The act of surrender at this moment was probably a disgrace for Xiao Lanmei as well. Everyone would say that she conceded directly because she was afraid of Nangong Aochen.
It was a stain that Xiao Lanmei, with her proud character, would find difficult to accept.
That was why Xiao Lanmei struggled so much.
Baili Hongzhuang felt somewhat astonished, unsure of what leverage Beihai Academy had to make Xiao Lanmei choose to concede.
However, as the vice principal and mentor, Canglan Academy's approach was truly despicable.
"Xiao Lanmei actually chose to concede. I thought she had strong abilities. It's said that she has even reached the Second Stage of the Vermillion Realm. If it were me, I would have fought with all my might. Conceding like this is really lacking in backbone."
Bai Junyu shook his head speechlessly, disappointed after having high hopes for Xiao Lanmei. He didn't expect her to make such a choice at a critical moment.
"What do you think, Zhiqing?" Bai Junyu nudged Xia Zhiqing and asked.
Xia Zhiqing glanced at Xiao Lanmei and shrugged her shoulders. "I think the students from Beihai Academy are really not that impressive. They may be good at talking, but they have no redeeming qualities whatsoever."
She couldn't understand why students of Beihai Academy, with such a level, dared to be so arrogant. Aren't they afraid of being ridiculed by others?