161: Chapter 161 Returning to Xia Kingdom, the Strongest Prodigy

"Alright, it's time for us to go back!"

Soon after, as the contestants from Country M had all left the Ancient Mystic Realm.

Ouyang Hong hurriedly said to his teammates beside him.

Everyone nodded. Zhou Bai also collected his thoughts and followed Ouyang Hong into the vortex.

"Whoosh whoosh whoosh!!!!"

After stepping into the vortex, everyone immediately felt a force completely envelop them, the whole world spinning.

Because Zhou Bai possessed the Divine Sense Master talent, he was less affected and could sense a profound force wrapping around him, guiding him through dimensional space.

However, at this moment, Zhou Bai also simultaneously felt as if there was a faint, almost imperceptible gaze peering at him.

This gaze seemed to transcend space, causing Zhou Bai's body to feel a slight stiffness.

Not long after, Zhou Bai and the others returned to the Hengduan Mountain Range.

After returning, that feeling of being watched finally dissipated for Zhou Bai.

"Fortunately, that existence bore me no ill will!"

Zhou Bai let out a soft sigh, his eyes filled with deep, flowing light.

"Welcome back, all you prodigies. Your performance in the World Martial Arts Tournament has secured vast benefits for our Xia Country. You are the heroes of Xia Country!"

A kindly voice came through.

Zhou Bai slowly looked up towards the source of the voice and immediately saw a middle-aged man dressed in white clothes.

The middle-aged man wore glasses and appeared very scholarly and refined.

Around them were many other martial artists, all looking at Zhou Bai and the others with fervent gazes.

"Welcome back, heroes!"

The crowd cheered loudly, followed by enthusiastic applause.

Seeing these powerhouses from the University Alliance and the Martial Arts Alliance cheering for them, Xu Xiu and the others felt their hearts stir intensely.

Even Zhou Bai felt a warmth in his heart at this moment.

Coupled with being back within the borders of Xia Country, Zhou Bai felt an increased sense of belonging.

"Alliance Leader Song, you came in person!"

Seeing the scholarly middle-aged man not far away, Ouyang Hong said with a smile.

"Isn't that only right? In this World Martial Arts Tournament, our prodigy students have brought immense glory to our Xia Country, winning the championship decisively and securing for us a large share of development rights and resource quotas in the Ancient Mystic Realm..."

Song Wangtian said solemnly.

"Let's go, let's head back. Please, our young heroes, return to the University Alliance!"

Song Wangtian then said to Zhou Bai and the others.

After speaking, a massive airship descended from the sky and stopped in front of Zhou Bai and the others.

"Heroes, you board first!"

Song Wangtian looked at Zhou Bai and the others with a smile.

Zhou Bai nodded, then led Ye Wushang and the others onto the airship.

After everyone boarded, the airship shot away like a meteor towards the distance, leaving behind a brilliant arc of light.

...

At the same time, Qingcheng City, Martial Arts Alliance Branch.

Outside the entrance of the Martial Arts Alliance branch, a large crowd of Qingcheng martial artists and many university students had gathered.

"Soon, they'll announce the results of this World Martial Arts Tournament..."

"I really don't get it. Why was the secrecy for this tournament so tight? Not even a whisper leaked out..."

"Yeah, previous tournaments we could watch live at the venue or through global broadcasts..."

"I heard this tournament was related to the competition for critical resources, so strict confidentiality was necessary..."

Outside the branch entrance, many martial artists were discussing.

They were all waiting for the competition results. On the huge electronic screen above the branch entrance, there was a three-minute countdown.

Once the countdown finished, the results would be announced, along with other details and key points of the tournament.

"Everyone can disperse. I have inside information. Our Xia Country won the championship. Zhou Bai, the champion of the dawn battle, became the key player, leading our Xia Country team to victory decisively!"

Soon after, a young man wearing a white jacket loudly addressed the many martial artists waiting at the entrance.

"Zhang Wei, if you want to chase clout, at least have some common sense. Zhou Bai single-handedly defeating the entire Country M team? You're dreaming. Although Zhou Bai is the Dawn Battle Champion, he's just a freshman, only there to make up the numbers..."

"Exactly. I suggest you check the contestant list. Our Xia Country's contestants are led by Ye Wushang from Imperial Martial, a top-tier SSS-grade talent, an invincible prodigy. He's our team captain. It's more likely he led us to victory..."

"Ridiculous. What kind of idiot says this? Zhou Bai's talent and strength might be decent, but this is the World Martial Arts Tournament. Do you understand what that means? That's the World Martial Arts Grand Prix. How could a mere 'great god' from a junior college like Zhou Bai even compare..."

"Hahaha, what a clown. Why don't you just say Zhou Bai single-handedly wiped out the entire Country M team..."

"I'm laughing. You're insane for chasing hype. If Zhou Bai could lead the team to victory, I'll eat * while standing on my head..."

"Right, what kind of stuff is Zhou Bai made of? Being a substitute is already his peak. Him leading to victory? Pure fantasy talk..."

After Zhang Wei from Qingcheng University spoke, the surrounding martial artists all started discussing, looking at Zhang Wei with contempt in their eyes.

Clearly, they had all done their homework and knew the key points of this tournament.

Zhou Bai participated as a substitute. Although his talent was indeed good, compared to the top prodigy contestants in the World Martial Arts Tournament, there was still a significant gap.

"Hmph, what do you guys know? White God's talent is unparalleled throughout the ages!"

Zhang Wei snorted coldly, looking down on the surrounding martial artists, and said,

"White God is a truly invincible prodigy, a real prodigy. How could you people possibly fathom him..."

"Enough. There's one minute left until the results come out. I hope your mouth remains this stubborn when the results are announced!"

Not far away, a Fifth-Rank Martial Artist said gravely.

Hearing this, everyone stopped talking and instead stared intently at the screen above the Martial Arts Alliance branch.

The countdown ended. Soon, the large screen displayed the results of this World Martial Arts Tournament.

"In this World Martial Arts Tournament, our martial arts prodigies poured out their sweat and efforts, successfully helping our Xia Country win the championship. We have obtained a quarter share of the spirit crystal vein resources in the Ancient Mystic Realm, as well as a large number of priority development rights for resources..."

"In the competition, all martial arts prodigies fought very hard. Among them, a rising star prodigy, Zhou Bai from Azure Bird Academy, turned the tide when our Xia Country was in an absolutely disadvantaged and collapsing situation. He single-handedly defeated all seven members of the entire Country M team, making him the well-deserved strongest prodigy of this World Martial Arts Tournament..."

A solemn and dignified voice came from the large screen.

Simultaneously, highlights of the brilliant performances by many prodigy students during the tournament were shown.

Hunting ferocious beasts, team battles, the final match, Zhou Bai's one-versus-seven...

The exciting video clips paired with thatPassion (rèxuè - passionate) commentary instantly stunned all the martial artists at the Martial Arts Alliance branch.