(Authors Note: Starting from this chapter. Original Chinese names will be used.)
Zhu Jian, with his honest character, showed extraordinary determination!
Black and white light flickered in his eyes, his hair trembled, and every strand of it seemed to carry the weight of a surging force!
In his palm, a black sphere and a white sphere circled around, each exuding faint ripples of mystical power, seemingly accompanied by a mysterious divine sound reverberating within.
Many teachers' expressions changed drastically.
As high-level lords, they could easily sense Zhu Jian's current state!
The divine roar emanating from within, the sheer force of his integrity, was palpable to all!
Of course, he wouldn't attack Luo Xianzi.
However, her oppressive aura was overwhelmingly heavy, condensed into a tangible suppression, forcing Zhu Jian to hold his tongue.
Left with no other choice, he exerted all his strength to resist, resulting in the current spectacle!
"Zhu Jian, why do this?"
"After all, it's just an exam."
A teacher commented indifferently, though he failed to grasp the situation entirely.
"Why act so excessively over a student facing a little difficulty?"
Zhu Jian remained silent but stood firm.
Luo Xianzi's eyes narrowed slightly, letting out a cold snort before waving her hand dismissively!
Clang—!
It was as if a dragon roared.
Zhu Jian was directly expelled from the small world without the slightest resistance!
The disparity in strength was overwhelming.
Upon witnessing this, the expressions of many teachers shifted subtly, though none dared to say a word.
Outside the arena, all the students were silent, their stunned gazes darting around nervously.
Soon after, Luo Xianzi spoke up, waving her hand as a head instructor stepped forward, took a deep breath, and announced in a stern voice:
"This year's rules have been revised! All of you will form teams and station yourselves at the northern fortress! Wu Chi will face you alone from the southern fortress!"
"Heroes, troops, tools, and even territorial structures—whatever means you possess, you may use!"
"If Wu Chi loses, each of you will receive an additional reward of 10,000 Void Crystals, along with the privilege to select an Elemental Tower of your choice."
"However, if Wu Chi emerges victorious, all of your rewards for this match will be revoked, and your results will be deemed a failure!"
This declaration instantly sparked an uproar among the crowd!
Such stringent rules were undeniably harsh, pushing both Wu Chi and the other students to their absolute limits!
"Why is this happening?"
"Teacher Zhu was expelled, and the principal's decision is too severe!"
"Did Wu Chi offend the principal somehow? Does this have anything to do with Chen Youyi?"
"What's going on? Wu Chi is doomed! No matter how strong his hero is, he can't possibly withstand the might of an army, let alone the combined forces of several hundred lords! The sheer numbers alone—tens of thousands, perhaps—are insurmountable!"
"Pity. Wu Chi's hero was outstanding but ended up angering the principal!"
The students' reactions varied, their complex emotions evident in their glances toward Wu Chi.
Though many sympathized with him, they had no choice but to give their all to defeat him!
For one, the rewards were too enticing.
Secondly, failure was a cost they couldn't afford!
For ordinary families or small-time wealthy individuals, their children had prepared extensively for this moment, aiming to stand out and earn school rewards.
As for those from affluent backgrounds or tied to investment contracts, the results were even more critical!
Take Li Dali, for example.
Even after losing to Wu Chi, his displayed strength was sufficient to avoid failure.
Though disappointed, he wasn't overly concerned.
But now…
Should he fail again in the upcoming team battle, the verdict would mark him as a loser, which the War Frenzy Guild would undoubtedly take note of.
This would doom both his future and career prospects!
Similarly, students from influential families faced similar predicaments, needing stellar results to secure their family's continued support.
One Noble heir raised a brow, whispering to Chen Youyi, "Chen, do you have any connection with the principal?"
"I don't! I don't!"
He vehemently denied, his confusion apparent. at this point, a lanky young man chuckled slyly, "Could it be the principal likes you? Seeing you defeated by Wu Chi stirred her feelings of resentment, so she decided to punish him instead?"
"This…"
Chen Youyi's eyes sparkled as he grew increasingly thrilled.
Could it be… he truly was the subject of her affections?
The more he thought about it, the more convinced he became.
Chen Youyi delight grew, his thoughts spiraling into a narrative straight out of a melodrama, complete with forty-eight episodes of "The Tyrannical Principal Falls for Me."
On the other hand, Wu Chi's expression was one of bemusement, having nearly pieced together Luo Xianzi's intent.
She wanted to probe his depths!
However, rather than directly questioning him or employing extraordinary measures, she chose the guise of a "mock battle" to see how Wu Chi would respond!
"Teacher Zhu is too upright, and now he's been ousted…"
Wu Chi sighed inwardly, having deduced that Luo Xianzi's so-called punishments would likely be nullified later.
In fact, after the mock battle, everyone would likely receive greater rewards.
But…
The newly appointed lords wouldn't believe that!
Their youthful fervor lacked Wu Chi's dual lifetime wisdom!
"Wu Chi…"
Meanwhile, Li Bo and his companions wore conflicted expressions.
Though they shared a friendly rapport with Wu Chi, abandoning the rewards wasn't an option for them.
Wu Chi, however, remained unperturbed, smiling faintly. "Please, show no mercy!"
"Understood!"
His companions straightened their postures and saluted earnestly!
High above the sea of clouds, Luo Xianzi waved her hand, causing the spatial environment to shift drastically.
Wu Chi was transported to the northern fortress of a vast plain, while the rest of the hundreds of lords were stationed in the southern stronghold.
The battle arena was set.
This was a war for students to determine their tactics and prowess.
Hundreds against one. Defense or offense—each side had to decide their strategies!
Wu Chi surveyed his surroundings.
There was only a single banner flying, the terrain barren.
A notification arrived.
Its message explained:
By channeling the "Lord's Heart," students could project their buildings, heroes, and troops into the battlefield. They could also summon usable tools.
"Between the northern and southern strongholds lies a vast distance. Should I construct defensive walls and towers?"
Wu Chi mused, raising a finger and projecting a 200 x 200 Lightning Enchanted Stone Wall.
Afterward, he projected three defensive towers in various locations, totaling twelve in all.
His expertise in tower defense games naturally translated into strategic placements— a balance of control, offense, and utility.
Positioning himself atop the stone wall, he thoughtfully evaluated his options.
Meanwhile, in the sea of clouds, the teachers exchanged concerned glances as they observed the movements of both sides.
While the students at the southern fortress were diligently rallying their troops and heroes, Wu Chi's calm demeanor stood in stark contrast.