245: Chapter 245 Departure: The Freshman Competition Begins!

"Those are the two Sparring Partners who are going to participate in the New Student Competition with us?"

"That handsome one with the fair skin is Li Fan, the one who beat Fang Tong so badly he was looking for his teeth on the ground, right? He doesn't look any different from the other Sparring Partners."

"To be able to defeat a fraud like Fang Tong, he must have some skill, but if he thinks he can make it to the top ten, I think he's dreaming."

"That dark-skinned kid with the sword on his back is Peng Song, who defeated Luo Ling. I personally saw him have an epiphany during a lecture; he does have some talent."

"Tsk, is that tiny spark of talent even worth mentioning? Being on the same stage as such a lowly commoner is truly uncomfortable!"

"I feel the same. They should just honestly be Sparring Partners. To actually delude themselves into thinking they can break into the top ten before us is utterly ridiculous!"

...

Discussions broke out everywhere.

On the faces of most Formal Students, one could see unconcealed disgust and discrimination.

"Is that the Li Fan who defeated you twice?"

Duan Xuan looked at Fang Tong beside him.

Fang Tong did not hesitate and immediately nodded. "That's right, it's him!"

"Don't be fooled by his average appearance. When it comes to strength, he really has a few tricks up his sleeve. If we happen to meet him, we absolutely cannot underestimate him!"

As he said this, Fang Tong's expression was quite solemn.

Although he hated Li Fan, having been beaten down twice in a row, he still acknowledged Li Fan's strength.

Hearing Fang Tong's words...

Not only did Duan Xuan not take them to heart, but he also looked down on Fang Tong even more.

He was just a mere Sparring Partner, and the guy who had beaten him up at that.

To think Fang Tong would give him such high praise.

Meanwhile, on Li Fan and Peng Song's side.

"Brother Fan, it seems we're quite the celebrities!"

Peng Song looked at the gazes and the discussions, unable to help but laugh, his eyes flashing with a surge of excitement.

The more these Students discriminated against him, the more he looked forward to seeing their faces when he broke into the top ten.

Beside him, Li Fan showed no excessive emotion, remaining completely calm.

Because his goal wasn't to compete with these people for status, but to go after the Academy's resources.

No matter how much prejudice these Students had against him, he didn't care.

Of course.

If someone actively sought trouble like Fang Tong did, they couldn't blame him for being too ruthless.

After the two arrived...

They didn't head for some corner to silently avoid everyone's gaze. Instead, they walked straight to the very center of the crowd, the most conspicuous position.

Needless to say, this was naturally Peng Song's idea.

At this sight, many Students felt even more like they had a lump in their throats.

However, with the instructors present, no one dared to directly find trouble with the two of them.

Not long after.

Their teammates, Duan Ping, Duan Linger, and Luo Ling, also arrived.

As someone who, like Fang Tong, had been defeated by a Sparring Partner and was considered a fraud by the Students, Luo Ling also drew quite a bit of attention.

Duan Ping went without saying—the Young Sword Sovereign of the Sword Abyss Sea and Duan Xuan's younger brother.

As soon as the three arrived, they became the focus of everyone's attention.

And when the three went to stand beside Li Fan and Peng Song...

The scene instantly erupted into a frenzy.

"What?!"

"This... what's going on?"

"Luo Ling and Duan Ping are going to team up with those two Sparring Partners?"

"Am I seeing this right? Are these three crazy? Teaming up with those two Sparring Partners?"

"They're absolutely insane!"

"It's one thing for Duan Ping and Duan Linger to team up with that Li Fan, but why Luo Ling? Wasn't he personally defeated by that guy named Peng Song? How can they even be in the same group?"

"I heard that Luo Ling is very close with that Peng Song. He's long since fallen from grace."

...

Clearly.

No one had expected...

That any Students would actually choose to team up with two Sparring Partners!

For a moment.

The gazes they directed at Duan Ping's group also became contemptuous.

To be in league with lowly Sparring Partners was truly beneath their dignity.

"Big Brother, that fellow Duan Ping!"

Fang Tong looked at Duan Xuan beside him and frowned.

Duan Xuan, however, gave a slight wave of his hand, indicating it was fine.

In truth, Duan Xuan had already guessed this outcome. He wasn't surprised, nor did he intend to interfere.

Previously, he would have cared about the family's reputation and might have scolded Duan Ping.

But ever since Duan Ping went to the Discipline Department to kneel and plead for Li Fan, he had come to terms with it.

The more degenerate Duan Ping appeared...

The more the family elders would have against him.

This was an outcome he was very happy to see.

Back to Li Fan's side.

Duan Ping and the others also ignored the surrounding rumors and gossip.

After arriving in front of Li Fan and Peng Song, they began to converse.

"You must be Brother Li Fan. I'm Luo Ling. I've heard much about your great name, Brother Li. I hope we have a pleasant cooperation this time!" Luo Ling was the first to greet Li Fan, his words very polite.

Just as Peng Song had said, this Luo Ling was as gentle as jade, without a hint of the arrogance one would expect from a great family.

On the other side, Duan Ping and Duan Linger also greeted Peng Song.

After a brief conversation.

The group was already getting along very harmoniously.

In the blink of an eye.

As time passed.

All the New Students arrived one after another.

Once everyone was present.

The instructors in charge of this New Student Competition spoke.

"The New Student Competition is about to begin."

"Next, we will distribute the Teleportation Rings."

"Keep the Teleportation Ring on you. Once you face a life-threatening situation, it will teleport you out immediately. Of course, being teleported out also means elimination."

"So for your safety, you must keep this Teleportation Ring on you!"

As they spoke.

Two instructors on the side waved their hands, and a series of small, pale blue rings flew in front of everyone present.

Li Fan caught the ring in front of him.

It was cold to the touch. Upon contact, it automatically appeared on his wrist, slowly merging with his skin.

From the faint, violent spatial power emanating from it, one could predict that with this ring, it was basically impossible for them to perish.

And that was indeed the reality.

Everyone present was a genius from various great families; the Academy would not joke with their lives.

"Alright, everyone, board the ship!"

"Set off!"

With the arrival of the transport ship...

The instructors gave a loud shout.

All participants boarded the ship, heading toward that desolate planet.

This year's New Student Competition of Huangchen Academy had officially begun!