Su Lin Province's once top-ranked freshman represented the strongest among the province's newcomers.
Having witnessed her charisma, influence, and strength firsthand, Bai Ze knew well of her prowess. If even she had been defeated, it would only highlight how terrifyingly powerful this divine prodigy was.
"Uh... as for Miss Tang..."
"Well, it's not that she wasn't defeated. A couple of days ago, she happened to return to her family for some matters and wasn't at the school."
"So, she didn't encounter that divine prodigy from the Imperial Capital."
"As a result, he turned his attention to Tianzhou Academy and caused quite a stir, shouting things like, 'Cowardly rats, come out!' and the like."
"It seemed like he was searching for someone..."
"Searching for someone?" Bai Ze immediately caught the key point.
Could it be that this divine prodigy didn't know his true identity?
Was he merely using the top talents of Su Lin Province's younger generation to flaunt his strength, hoping to intimidate and flush out a so-called 'mysterious student'?
Otherwise, who exactly was he looking for?
After some thought, Bai Ze felt this theory was highly plausible.
This prodigy first went to Su Lin Academy, defeating Zhao Jinzhu and Wang Tiangang, then came to Tianzhou Academy, calling Bai Ze out by name.
It was clear he was deliberately targeting the top-ranking freshmen.
"Alright, I understand the gist of it. Lead the way," Bai Ze finally said.
"Also, on the way, tell me more about how this divine prodigy defeated Zhao Jinzhu and Wang Tiangang. How much damage did their creations suffer? What were the matchups like? I need as much detailed intel as possible."
The student nodded quickly. "Got it, Bai Ze. Follow me."
As he spoke, Bai Ze followed the student, heading in a particular direction.
Behind them, Xia Yinyue, worried for Bai Ze, jogged to catch up.
The Scene at the Academy Grounds
The three of them walked to the academy's sports field.
The vast space was already packed with people, a dense crowd leaving no room to move.
Students even stood in rows on the balcony railings of the nearby teaching buildings, staring intently at the scene below. Among them were upperclassmen from the second and third years, seemingly enjoying the spectacle.
"Make way! Make way! Bai Ze is here!"
The student leading Bai Ze called out while pushing through the crowd.
The surrounding students, hearing Bai Ze's name, quickly parted to let him through.
"He's here! Bai Ze is here!"
"Hurry, get to the front! That divine prodigy is still battling someone!"
Amid the buzzing voices of the crowd, the trio finally reached a good vantage point near the front.
At the center of attention stood a ping pong table.
On the left side of the table was a young man with brown hair. His eyes were closed, but his lips curved upward in a self-assured smirk, exuding arrogance.
On the right stood Wei Chi, a silver-haired student.
Wei Chi's gritted teeth and trembling eyelids betrayed his inner turmoil both fear and rage.
There was no doubt these two were engaged in a Realm War!
Suddenly, a faint system notification rang out.
[Ding! One Creator has conceded. This Realm War has ended!]
[Victor: Zhong Peng]
[Ding! Per Realm War rules, the loser must cede territory to the victor.]
[Ding! Territory transfer successful. Zhong Peng's world has expanded!]
The next moment, Wei Chi spat out a mouthful of blood, stumbling several steps back.
If not for Huang Tian catching him, Wei Chi would've collapsed to the ground.
"Damn you! You..." Wei Chi tried to speak but coughed up another mouthful of blood, his anger and frustration clear.
"Hahaha!"
"Is this the best Su Lin Province has to offer?"
"The freshmen from Tianzhou Academy are even weaker than Su Lin Academy's at least they had two who could put up a fight."
The young man on the left opened his eyes, crossing his arms in disdain.
"What a shame that Tang Qingcheng from Su Lin Academy wasn't around."
"Otherwise, that so-called undefeated queen, that so-called celestial beauty I'd have trampled them all underfoot just the same."
"Once I've crushed the younger generation of Su Lin Province, that coward hiding in the shadows will have no choice but to reveal themselves."
His arrogant words drew anger and frustration from the surrounding students.
But despite their indignation, no one dared step forward.
Even Su Lin Academy's Zhao Jinzhu and Wang Tiangang, the third-ranked freshmen, had been defeated.
Wei Chi's attempt at heroism had ended in humiliation, and everyone had seen the outcome.
Who would dare challenge this prodigy now?
Losing a Realm War meant compensating the victor with territory.
No one wanted their precious little world to be taken away.
"Well? Is this it?"
"Is this all Su Lin Province's second-ranked, nationally top-ten Tianzhou Academy has to offer?"
"I casually beat a little nobody, and none of you dare step forward?"
"If that's the case, does this mean I've officially crushed the top academies ranked in the nation's top ten?"
As he continued his mocking, a voice suddenly cut through the crowd.
"Bai Ze is here! Bai Ze is here!"
"Yes! We still have Bai Ze, the true first-ranked freshman of the entire province!"
"Bai Ze, go and crush him for us!"
In an instant, the crowd's mood shifted, igniting with hope as cheers erupted.
Scanning the suddenly energized atmosphere, Zhong Peng frowned.
"Hmm?"
He shifted his gaze, finally settling on Bai Ze.
"So, you're Bai Ze?"
"The freshman who broke Su Lin Province's records, defeated Tang Qingcheng, and claimed the top spot?"
Zhong Peng's sharp eyes assessed Bai Ze from head to toe.
Tang Qingcheng's reputation wasn't just big within Su Lin Province it had reached the Imperial Capital as well.
Defeating her naturally made Bai Ze the most prominent freshman in the province.
"That's right, it's me," Bai Ze replied calmly.
"You've been looking for me. What's the matter?"
Hearing this, Zhong Peng laughed heartily, his expression relaxed.
"Of course, there's something. Your arrival is perfect."
"Let's have a match, a Realm War. Once I defeat you, I'll announce it across the entire Su Lin Province."
"I want that coward hiding in the shadows to see how I've crushed Su Lin Province underfoot!"
Bai Ze immediately understood it seemed his earlier assumption was correct.
This prodigy didn't know his true identity. Instead, he was using this as a way to flush out the so-called 'mysterious student.'
"Sorry to disappoint, but as far as I know, Realm Wars between Creators aren't supposed to be initiated so casually, are they?"
"Your actions seem to be breaking the rules."
"Rules?" Hearing Bai Ze's words, Zhong Peng burst into laughter.
"What nonsense rules? I am the rule!"
"I'd like to see who can stop me!"
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