179: Chapter 179 A Gathering of Heroes!

Xiao Wangshu, standing to the side, didn't speak, but she was listening quietly.

She naturally noticed that her best friend's concern for Qin Yan seemed unusually detailed and attentive.

Her cool gaze drifted slightly between the two of them, yet she said nothing.

Qin Yan took Lu Youyou's reminder to heart and nodded solemnly. "Thank you for the reminder, Senior Sister. I'll keep it in mind."

This advice from his Senior Sister would indeed save him from many detours.

...

The Grand Pavilion Hotel, located in a bustling area of Modu's city center, is one of the properties under Modu University of Martial Arts and one of the city's landmarks.

Standing thirty-five stories tall, its design is modern and magnificent, with an all-glass curtain wall that glitters brilliantly in the night.

The interior decoration is even more luxurious, with gold and marble elements intertwined and crystal chandeliers shining dazzlingly.

Tonight, the venue was booked for a social gathering following the Top 100 Martial Arts University Exchange Competition.

Different floors corresponded to different participants.

The three of them took the high-speed elevator directly to the thirty-third floor.

Those who could come to this floor were all the true cores and leaders of their respective schools, the shining stars of this Exchange Competition.

The reserve members from Modu University of Martial Arts could only interact with the main forces and elites of other schools on the floors below.

The elevator doors opened to reveal a spacious, bright, and elegantly decorated hall with great style.

Soothing music flowed, and long tables were laden with a dazzling array of exquisite pastries, fruits, and drinks.

Quite a few people had already arrived, gathered in small groups and chatting.

Qin Yan's gaze swept across the room, and he quickly spotted many familiar figures.

Lin Qingyue from Jingdu University of Martial Arts was wearing a pale blue gown, her expression calm.

Her blue eyes looked out at the night view through the window, appearing somewhat empty and lonely.

Chen Tian was also there, chatting and laughing with several captains from other universities, though a hint of sharpness would occasionally flash in his eyes when they glanced toward the hall entrance.

Liu Ruyan from Longhua Martial University had shed her icy demeanor from the arena.

Dressed in a fiery red gown, she looked like a rose in full bloom, bright and flamboyant.

She was surrounded by quite a few people, smiling and chatting gracefully, seemingly the center of attention wherever she went.

Cang Yue from Kunlun Martial Arts University, with his burly physique, sat in a corner drinking alone.

From the corner of his eye, he would look toward Liu Ruyan's direction from time to time.

There were also people from Modu Jiaotong University, Tiannan Martial Arts University, Sifang Martial Arts University...

One by one, these captain-level figures who had commanded the arena...

...had now set aside the tension of battle, appearing here in a more relaxed manner.

The appearance of Qin Yan's group of three immediately attracted many gazes.

After all, as the biggest dark horse and the core of the ultimate championship team...

Qin Yan's performance in the Exchange Competition had been too brilliant; it was hard not to be the center of attention.

Although the Exchange Competition had ended, the debate over "who is truly the strongest freshman this year" spread fiercely among the audience and students of various martial arts universities, even forming several distinct "factions."

The majority supported Qin Yan.

They believed Qin Yan's record was the most convincing; starting from his defeat of Liu Ruyan, he had overcome every obstacle, ultimately almost single-handedly withstanding the onslaught of Jingdu University of Martial Arts's strongest Twin Stars.

The resilience, tactical wisdom, and ruthlessness in critical moments he displayed earned him the title of the "Uncrowned King."

However, many others insisted that Lin Qingyue was stronger.

They felt that Qin Yan's victory over Lin Qingyue involved elements of "sneak attacks" and "tactical deception," making it an unfair win.

Furthermore, they emphasized that before facing Qin Yan, Lin Qingyue had already fought two consecutive intense battles and was heavily exhausted, not in peak condition.

Had it been a fair fight, the outcome might still be uncertain.

Another group favored Chen Tian.

They believed the match between Chen Tian and Qin Yan was a true clash between equals.

Qin Yan had only managed to force a draw by using a tragic, mutual-destruction method; in terms of absolute strength, Chen Tian might not be weaker than Qin Yan.

Only a small minority believed that the mysterious Xiao Wangshu, who had never gone all out, was the most unfathomable one.

But because she had fought so few times and lacked a sufficient record to back it up, this view remained a niche speculation for now.

Qin Yan nodded slightly, acknowledging those who looked his way.

This was both a matter of politeness and a signal of goodwill.

After all, the original intention of tonight's gathering was for these young people, who might fight side-by-side in the future, to get to know and interact with each other, rather than to start another conflict.

Sensing the goodwill in Qin Yan's gaze, most of the geniuses nodded or smiled back.

The atmosphere softened in an invisible understanding.

Soon, those who were extroverted or who sincerely admired Qin Yan's strength took the initiative to come forward and chat.

Long Dan, the captain of Sifang Martial Arts University, walked over with large strides, holding a glass of amber-colored liquor.

"Qin Yan! Well done! That last move with Chen Tian was ruthless! Powerful! I truly respect you! Come, a toast to you!"

Long Dan was very bold, showing no concern for Chen Tian, whose face had darkened in the distance.

With the ice broken, the conversation began to flow smoothly.

Several more top talents from different martial arts universities gathered around.

Qin Yan welcomed everyone with a sincere attitude, being neither overly humble nor arrogant in his speech.

He did not hesitate to praise others' strengths and frankly shared his own experiences.

His tone was calm, a world away from the brave and decisive figure on the arena who seemed to burn his very life.

This gentle and honest posture made the atmosphere of the conversation increasingly harmonious.

For a time, Qin Yan's small circle was filled with laughter and talk, attracting even more attention.

Not just Qin Yan, but Lu Youyou was also surrounded by many people.

Lu Youyou was naturally lively and cheerful; whether the other person was steady and reserved or bold and talkative, she could always find a common topic, her smiles and words making people feel as refreshed as a spring breeze.

In contrast, the area around Xiao Wangshu appeared somewhat "deserted."

It wasn't that no one wanted to befriend this cool, fairy-like, and unfathomably strong top student of Modu University of Martial Arts.

However, no matter who went up to talk, the responses they received were extremely brief.

Often it was just a slight nod or a one- or two-word reply, making her feel unapproachable.

After a few attempts, most people knew to back off.

At a table not far diagonally across from Qin Yan, whenever Lin Qingyue saw Qin Yan's face with its gentle smile, a phantom pain seemed to throb at the stump of her severed left arm, bringing with it a surge of nameless anger.

There was the unwillingness of defeat, and even more, the resentment of being outmaneuvered.

She was so annoyed that she immediately looked away, not wanting to see him for another second.

Surprisingly, it was Chen Tian, one of the Twin Stars of Jingdu University of Martial Arts, who took the initiative to walk over to Qin Yan with a wine glass.

When he looked at Qin Yan, the cold severity from the arena was gone.

Instead, it was replaced by a sense of relief and appreciation after having met a worthy opponent.

(A reader sent a big gift today requesting an extra chapter, but I can't manage it today; I'll make it up tomorrow~)