Both Hu Jia and Wu Hao disregarded the intense heat as they hurried to position themselves behind Bai Shan. Wu Hao's fierce rivalry with Bai Shan fueled his determination to shield him. Meanwhile, Hu Jia's decision stemmed from a sense of helplessness. Witnessing Xiao Ning's attack, she grasped the immense disparity between them, realizing she couldn't possibly contend with him alone.
Wu Hao and Hu Jia unleashed their dou qi to prevent the flame python from getting any closer. Their sudden intervention allowed Bai Shan to breathe a sigh of relief. Under the intense pressure and searing heat of the golden-flaming python, their hidden potential was unleashed. Each of them felt as if a barrier had been shattered, and their cultivation level increased by one star.
As the dramatic scene unfolded, a collective wave of relief washed over Hu Gan and the others in the viewing gallery, dispelling the tension that had gripped their nerves. This was particularly true for Hu Gan, the deputy headmaster of the outer academy, who held a special place in his heart for Hu Jia, his cherished granddaughter. His unwavering affection for her, nurtured since the day she was born, made his heart swell with pride and worry in equal measure.
At the same time, Yao Yan was also struggling to stand up to Xiao Ning's attack. His stubborn heart did not want to admit that Xiao Ning was better than him at flame manipulation. His eyes resolutely stared at the menacing, fiery golden python before him, urging the icy white flames on his palms to change their shape and defend against it.
Xiao Ning remained in the same position with his arms folded from the moment he unleashed his first attack. He witnessed Wu Hao and Hu Jia's rescue attempt and Yao Yan's desperate effort, but he did not intervene. As Xiao Ning's strength increased, his mindset also shifted. In other words, there was a gap in their understanding. He believed that a single blow would be enough to make them surrender.
Xiao Ning could not conceal his surprise as he watched Bai Shan, Wu Hao, and Hu Jia breakthrough under pressure. A feeling of admiration washed over him as he marveled at their exceptional talent. Reflecting on his own journey, Xiao Ning realized that without the various adventures and opportunities he had experienced, he wouldn't have believed that he could have outperformed them.
His eyes flickered with anticipation as he observed Wu Hao and Hu Jia grappling with challenges. He sensed that they had the potential to become valuable allies. Undoubtedly, they possessed remarkable talent, ranking just below that of Xiao Ning, Yao Yan, and Gu Xun Er. Xiao Ning made a mental note to closely observe their progress during his tenure in the inner academy.
The next moment, his eyes wandered through the crowd, and he thought, 'It's time to end this competition.' Xiao Ning raised his index finger and flicked it lightly. In response, the golden fiery python became more energetic, and its power doubled.
The sudden change took everyone by surprise. They were already struggling, and now the fiery python exploded with double the strength. Hu Jia, Wu Hao, and Bai Shan were managing a bit better as they were working together, so the pressure on each individual wasn't as great as it was on Yao Yan. Yao Yan, however, was hit hard; he was pushed a few steps back, and blood dripped from the corner of his mouth. Gu Xun Er, who was behind him, saw this and her little face was filled with worry.
Gu Xun Er wanted to step forward and help Yao Yan share the pressure, but she was worried that her rash intervention would hurt Yao Yan's pride. Ultimately, she could only stare at Xiao Ning with resentful eyes. At the same time, a hint of fear grew in her heart; only Gu Xun Er did not know about it right now.
Xiao Ning's commanding voice reverberated through the arena, sending shivers down the spines of those who heard it. His intense gaze seemed to pierce through their souls as if a primordial giant was locking their eyes with them. The unspoken message was clear: surrender now, or face the consequences.
Wu Hao was the most sensitive to bloodlust and murderous intent among the five present. As soon as Xiao Ning spoke, he felt an eerie murderous intent from Xiao Ning, which made his heart tremble. "Hu Jia, Bai Shan, trust me and surrender," he said solemnly. Hu Jia and Bai Shan looked at Xiao Ning's expression and nodded immediately. The three of them simultaneously raised their hands and gave up. At the same time, they jumped off together, making it difficult for the judge to assign their rank.
The fiery python that had targeted Wu Hao's group didn't disappear; instead, it turned around and attacked Yao Yan and Gu Xun Er. Xiao Ning's actions made Yao Yan and Gu Xun Er's hearts tremble. After seeing the trembling back of the boy in front of her, Gu Xun Er spoke softly to Yao Yan, "Yao Yan, it's not worth it."
Yao Yan's body trembled as her voice reached his ears, causing him to pause before finally deciding to speak. "We surrender," he uttered with a lonely voice, betraying the inner turmoil he was experiencing.
The next moment, with Gu Xun Er's support, Yao Yan turned around and walked off the arena; in a matter of seconds, they disappeared among the crowd.
Yao Yan's surrender meant that the winner had been determined. As he walked off the stage, the crowd erupted in cheers. All eyes were on Xiao Ning's confident figure as the audience shouted at the top of their lungs.
Hu Gan, who had been sitting in the viewing gallery, disappeared from his seat and reappeared in front of Xiao Ning. He looked at the young boy and clicked his tongue in amazement. The next moment, his expression changed, and Hu Gan glared at Xiao Ning and asked, "Boy, how dare you treat my granddaughter like that?"
The corner of Xiao Ning's mouth twitched after he heard Hu Gan's question, and in the end, he smiled wryly and said, "The deputy headmaster is fair, isn't he?"
Hu Gan snorted, but he did not pursue the issue any longer. He just asked to vent his inner dissatisfaction, which had no other meaning behind it.