novelraw Chapter 369: About to Begin
Chapter 369: About to Begin
Wang Mingyuan adjusted his glasses, defending his student:
"Teacher, I understand your concerns, but please trust my judgment, and trust that child Su Zhan.
I have taught him for many years and know his character deeply.
He may be aloof, his methods may be resolute, but at his core, he values loyalty and righteousness, and is clear about gratitude and grudges.
The trust and protection we gave him, the unreserved brotherhood from Feng Jue, Liu Ziming, and Xu Hao.
And also... his feelings for Vermilion Bird Academy, for this land, these are not so easily erased.
The official pursuit of him was indeed a great injury.
But precisely because he distinguishes gratitude from grudges clearly, he should understand even better that his enemies are those specific individuals who carried out the orders, like Qin Bai, not some vague notion of all humanity.
The ideology of that group of madmen from the Transcendence Society is completely contrary to his inherent nature.
I believe, no matter where he is now, no matter what he is experiencing, he is still that Su Zhan worthy of our investment.What we need to do now is not doubt, but to find a way so that when he returns, we can give him sufficient support and..."
Ye Hongyu looked at the unwavering trust in Wang Mingyuan's eyes, remained silent for a long time, and finally sighed slowly:
"I hope... your judgment is correct."
...
At the entrance of Vermilion Bird Academy.
Feng Jue, Liu Ziming, and Xu Hao, the three of them, were fully prepared to depart.
The aura emanating from them had clearly stepped into the first stage of the Abyss Realm.
In half a year, they had successfully reached the Abyss Realm.
Liu Ziming flexed his wrist and grinned: "Hey, who would have thought, the three of us are now senior students? Logically, we should have graduated and left long ago, but because of this war, we've been stuck at the academy for an extra half year."
"Strictly speaking, we are now seventh-year students, although the academy doesn't have this grade officially. Last year's fifth-year students are now the official sixth-years, but they are not qualified to participate in this Grand Competition. Their competition time is in half a year, which is when they graduate."
Xu Hao smiled: "And we... are considered special cases, allowed to participate in this final battle as deferred graduates representing Vermilion Bird Academy."
His tone was emotional, his gaze sweeping over the familiar academy gate. This place held too many memories for them, especially about that person.
"The final battle."
Feng Jue was concise.
"Yeah, the final battle."
Liu Ziming retracted his smile, his eyes turning serious: "I heard this one is especially huge? Nationally broadcast?"
"Yes, after the war, there's a need to boost morale, to show the public the hope of the younger generation. This Grand Competition has been endowed with far greater significance than before. The attention is unprecedented."
Xu Hao nodded: "We... cannot disgrace the academy, especially..."
He paused, not finishing.
But the other two understood his meaning.
Especially cannot disgrace that person who was once the pride of Vermilion Bird Academy and whose whereabouts are now unknown.
"The pressure is immense."
Liu Ziming exaggeratedly patted his chest: "But that's fine too, let everyone see that those who come from Vermilion Bird Academy are no cowards! If Brother Su could see..."
Feng Jue spoke up: "He will see."
"Let's go, the flight to the Capital takes off in one hour."
Xu Hao took a deep breath: "This is our final battle as students of Vermilion Bird Academy. No matter what, we must display our spirit."
The three looked at each other and nodded, saying no more, turning to embark on the road to the Capital.
...
The Capital, the heart of Daxia.
Currently, due to the hosting of the Five Great Academies Grand Competition, it was immersed in a fervent atmosphere distinctly different from the solemnity of post-war reconstruction.
Along both sides of the main thoroughfare running through the city, the flags of the Five Great Academies and the flags symbolizing Daxia were hung, fluttering in the wind.
Giant holographic projections rolled promotional videos for the Grand Competition across the sky and on the facades of skyscrapers.
Stirring music and highlight reels from past competitions attracted countless citizens to stop and watch.
In every street and alley, people's conversations revolved around the upcoming grand event.
Kirin Academy, as the host, had its magnificent architectural complex located in the core area of the Capital. Its gates were now wide open, welcoming guests and opponents from all directions.
The Capital's largest airport was exceptionally busy today.
On the runways, planes continuously landed smoothly.
Special flights disembarked elite students from the four great academies: Southern Vermilion Bird, Eastern Azure Dragon, Northern Black Tortoise, and Western White Tiger.
They wore their respective academies' distinctive uniforms, their faces bearing expressions of fighting for their academy's honor.
Due to the war, this Grand Competition had been postponed by half a year.
This also meant that the sixth-year students from half a year ago, now gathered in the Capital, would, after completing this final battle, regardless of the outcome, formally graduate from the academy, step into society, head to various parts of Daxia, and become the new force rebuilding their homeland.
Therefore, this was not just a competition, but also their final battle as students, with extraordinary significance.
Feng Jue, Liu Ziming, and Xu Hao walked off the plane with the flow of people from Vermilion Bird Academy.
Immediately, well-trained staff approached, verified their identities, and politely guided them onto a dedicated vehicle heading to their accommodations at Kirin Academy.
The entire process was extremely efficient.
Besides official personnel and teachers and students from the academies.
The streets and alleys of the Capital were also packed with media reporters and numerous internet celebrities from all over the country.
They set up professional cameras or held portable live-streaming equipment, capturing every possible piece of material.
The determined eyes of the students, the expectations of the leading teachers, the enthusiastic support of the Capital's citizens.
The tone of all reports and videos was highly consistent.
Showcasing hope, inspiring people.
In this special period of low morale.
This grand event gathering the strongest of the younger generation was entrusted with a significant mission.
The entire Capital, revolving around the core of the Five Great Academies Grand Competition, exuded vibrant, upward energy.
Everyone hoped this grand event could become a hopeful new starting point for Daxia to emerge from its trauma.
The vehicle drove smoothly on the Capital's broad streets.
Outside the window, bustling scenes and fervent promotions about the Grand Competition constantly passed by.
Liu Ziming looked out the window and whistled: "Wow, this scale is much more impressive than our academy's year-end assessments. Nationally broadcast, thinking about it makes me a little nervous."
"After all, it's the first nationwide large-scale activity after the war, aimed at boosting morale."
Xu Hao took over: "Kirin Academy, as the host, is handling the reception for all participating teams. This is also a time to display its magnanimity. We will stay in Kirin Academy's reception area for the next few days."
Feng Jue had been resting with his eyes closed.
Liu Ziming put away his joking expression: "No matter what the scale is, we only have one goal: defeat the other academies.
This is our final battle at Vermilion Bird, we must fight with might and prestige!"
The vehicle passed through heavily guarded checkpoints and drove into the interior of Kirin Academy.
The buildings here were solemn and grand, full of a sense of historical sedimentation.