101: Chapter 11 Theory Runner-up, what champion are you?

"Why look down on us? What if they're fifth rank? Does cultivation level represent everything?"

Upon hearing Mu Qinghuang's words, Xu Xiu snorted coldly.

He clearly had strong objections to what Mu Qinghuang had said.

Mu Qinghuang's footsteps paused slightly, but in the end, she didn't stop and left directly.

"Instructor, who is that person? So arrogant, thinking we're no good without even having fought us?"

Seeing Mu Qinghuang completely ignore him, Xu Xiu continued angrily.

"She's Mu Qinghuang, a sophomore at Xia Yuan Martial Arts University, and also last year's semi-finalist in the Battle of the Dawn!"

Qin Hao beside him slowly explained, his gaze fixed on the departing Mu Qinghuang.

"Hmph, just a semi-finalist from last year, what's there to be so cocky about? I'm this year's theoretical runner-up!"

Hearing Qin Hao's words, Xu Xiu snorted.

"Theoretical runner-up? What do you mean?"

Qin Hao looked at Xu Xiu with confusion.

Zhou Bai and the others were also bewildered. What theoretical runner-up?

"Huh? Don't you guys usually check the forums?"

Xu Xiu glanced at the group, then said seriously,

"After the Battle of the Dawn ended, there was a post specifically analyzing my strength, evaluating combat power from multiple angles. In that assessment, I was the runner-up. That post got over a billion likes!"

"Theoretical runner-up? Is that the post from that idiot God Xiu? I bet that 'God Xiu' is just your alt account. A theoretical runner-up? You're really making me laugh!"

As soon as Xu Xiu finished speaking, Ling Xiao beside him burst out laughing.

"What alt account? I don't know what you're talking about. And what do you know? Do you realize what a billion likes means? It represents the recognition of countless martial arts experts. Even the Vice Principal of Imperial Martial Arts University liked it!"

Xu Xiu continued, speaking with righteous indignation.

"Heh, you're the theoretical runner-up? Then what am I? Did I, the actual runner-up, recognize you? Damn it..."

Hearing Xu Xiu's words, Ling Xiao became even more furious. Was someone really trying to claim the runner-up title like this?

Qin Hao beside them felt a pang in his heart.

If Xu Xiu is the theoretical runner-up, then could I call myself the theoretical Champion...

"Do I need your recognition? You're just a lucky runner-up. Didn't you see what the post said? If it weren't for..."

Xu Xiu argued back, continuing.

"Enough with the post! Damn it, if that post is so amazing, why don't we all just stop competing and let the post analyze everything..."

"See, you're getting impatient again. I said it's theoretical, do you understand what 'theoretical' means..."

"Who the hell is impatient? It's you, you idiot, spouting such outrageous theories..."

The two argued more and more heatedly, seemingly on the verge of a fight.

Seeing them like this, Zhou Bai silently quickened his pace.

Chu Lingyan, equally tacitly, distanced herself from the quarreling pair.

Zhou Bai and Chu Lingyan were actually walking side by side, a rare occurrence...

Seeing this, Qin Hao felt speechless. How could they argue over something like this? It's so embarrassing... no sense of propriety...

"Huh? Why are the freshmen from Xia Country arguing..."

"Seems like they're fighting over who gets second place. Is there even a need to fight for second?"

"As expected, people from Xia Country love internal strife. They're already in the World Martial Arts Competition and still fighting..."

"Exactly. Can't beat us, so they fight among themselves..."

"Looks like Xia Country is doomed to be eliminated in tomorrow's team match. They're in such chaos before it even starts. Can these people even cooperate?"

The argument between the two left the other country's ability users around them stunned.

At the same time, it gave them more confidence for tomorrow's battle, with one less strong enemy like Xia Country.

Not far away, other top martial artists from Xia Country who had originally intended to come encourage the freshmen heard the argument and their faces darkened.

Arguing over a runner-up spot like this... there's no need for encouragement anymore.

Can't rely on others. Better to focus on improving ourselves.

...

A while later, Zhou Bai and the others entered the depths of Xuanhuang Fortress and settled into a classical palace.

In the main hall of the palace, Zhou Bai, Chu Lingyan, Qin Hao, Xu Xiu, and Ling Xiao were all seated cross-legged.

"Here is some information on the top freshmen from other countries. Due to the time constraints, much of the information isn't fully collected. So, tomorrow's team match will require your own exquisite coordination!"

Ouyang Hong handed them an electronic document he had just obtained and spoke slowly.

"Among them, there are two fifth-rank individuals you need to pay special attention to: one is Karen Smith from M Country, and the other is Yamamoto Musashi from Sakura Country. Of course, we can't rule out other hidden fifth-rank experts..."

After distributing the information, Ouyang Hong continued.

Zhou Bai and the others opened the profiles of the two fifth-rank freshmen.

Both possessed top-tier SS-rank Talents and, additionally, dual talents, with the second talent being S-rank.

"Fifth-rank martial artists with dual talents!"

Seeing some of the information in the profiles, everyone felt a heavy sense of pressure.

"How did these two monsters cultivate? I received massive resource investment from my family and school and still haven't broken into the fifth rank. They're freshmen too, how is that fair!"

Seeing the two profiles, Xu Xiu couldn't help but say.

"Xu Xiu, there's always someone better. Those two are also from top ability user families in their countries. The resources they enjoy are no less than yours, and they work harder than you!"

Ouyang Hong continued slowly.

Hearing Ouyang Hong's words, Xu Xiu toned down his dismissiveness.

"Next, discuss your strategies and coordination for tomorrow's opponents yourselves. Tomorrow's team match is very important, as it also relates to resource allocation in the Ancient Mystic Realm. So, do your best!"

Ouyang Hong addressed the group.

After speaking, Ouyang Hong left the hall directly, giving the space to these young prodigies.

"How do we fight tomorrow?"

As soon as Ouyang Hong left, Xu Xiu immediately asked the group about their combat strategy.

Ling Xiao and Chu Lingyan didn't answer, instead turning their gazes toward Zhou Bai.

Feeling their stares, Zhou Bai raised an eyebrow.

It seems being the Champion of the Battle of the Dawn is somewhat useful. At least, those he defeated instinctively rely on him.

Qin Hao, on the side, frowned slightly, then said calmly, "My strength is the greatest. I'll make the arrangements!"

"Why should you? God Bai is the Champion of the Battle of the Dawn. What title do you have to make arrangements? Has God Bai even spoken?"

As soon as Qin Hao finished speaking, Xu Xiu immediately retorted, his tone extremely disdainful.

"If you didn't speak, no one would think you're mute!"

Hearing Xu Xiu's words, Qin Hao's face instantly darkened. This Xu Xiu was utterly reckless, daring to say anything.

"Tomorrow, Qin Hao, Ling Xiao, you two handle crowd control. Use your Gravity and Space Talents to suppress them hard. Leave the rest to me and Chu Lingyan!"

Zhou Bai pondered for a moment, then said calmly.

"Zhou Bai, your strength isn't greater than mine. Why should I listen to you?"

Qin Hao slowly looked up, his gaze fixed intently on Zhou Bai, battle intent flickering in his eyes.

"Because I'm the Champion. Any problem with that?"

Zhou Bai didn't back down, his gaze equally fixed on Qin Hao.

...