The morning sun bathed No. 2 High School in a warm golden glow as the top five students gathered in the main courtyard.
Elder Zhou, the head examiner, stood at the front, his stern gaze scanning the faces of the young martial artists before him. By his side was Principal Qin Wu, his hands clasped behind his back, his posture exuding authority and calm confidence.
"Today," Elder Zhou began, his voice carrying a weight of solemnity, "you five have been chosen as the representatives of No. 2 High School, with shows your talent here. What lies ahead will be challenging, but it is also a rare opportunity. Seize it with all your strength."
The five students—Chu Yan, Su Ming, Li Fui, Lin Chen, and Ouyang Feng—stood in disciplined silence, absorbing the gravity of Elder Zhou's words.
Principal Qin Wu stepped forward, his voice softer yet no less authoritative. "The Federation Branch's martial stadium awaits. There, you will be tested against the best from other schools in our city. This is your moment to shine, to prove that your hard work and dedication have not been in vain."
He paused, his gaze shifting to Chu Yan, Lin Chen, and the others. "Today, we travel to the Federation Branch. Use this time to focus your mind and steel your resolve. This is your moment to prove yourselves on a grander stage."
With the briefing complete, Elder Zhou led the group to the waiting bus parked just outside the school gates. The bus was sleek and modern, its dark blue exterior reflecting the morning sunlight.
As the bus moved through the city streets, leaving No. 2 High School behind, the atmosphere inside was a mix of quiet determination and subdued excitement.
With Federation Alliance's famous background, Federation White River City's Branch undoubtedly as grand as the rumors claimed.
It occupied a large area that was even bigger than the size of No. 2 high school area. It had all kinds of facilities.
Although competition had yet to start, many students from various schools had rushed here early in the morning. Today was the school exchange meeting day. Although it was not the first time that the school exchange conference was being held, there was no doubt that this time was different.
Due to Chu Yan uprising fame, many students were very enthusiastic and came to support their own school student. In addition to the elites and geniuses of the various schools, the entrance of Federation was swarming with people.
"That's the top 5 of No. 2 High School, right? They don't look like much. Maybe they aren't as great as our school."
"Don't look down on these top 5. Although they are the 5 of an ordinary high school, they are more powerful than most of our students. Ordinary high schools have many talents too!"
"However, the most outstanding students will definitely not be in an ordinary high school. At most, they'll be about the same as those in our school's focus classes!"
"Which school do you think will be the first place this year? Is it still No. 1 or would it be No. 3 ?"
"Why can't Ran Jun of our school be the champion? Ran Jun's strength is well-known within the White River City."
At the security gate, many students of were discussing animatedly. They all had their own opinions on who would be the champion this year.
In the distance, five figures appeared in front of everyone.
The group consisted of three men and one woman. At the center stood a handsome young man with a cold, inscrutable expression. Flanking him were two men: one tall and muscular, with an ordinary face, and the other with a more nondescript appearance. Among the women, one was tall and slender, exuding an air of grace, while the other beamed with a sunny, radiant smile.
"Who are these people?" a student asked. Then his friend knocked on his head, "Are you kidding me? You don't know that person is?"
That student rubbed his head while asking. "Bastard don't hit me! How can I know every person in the city?!"
Ignoring his friend's resentment, he continued, "That group belongs to the geniuses from No. 1 High School. The two men among them are likely the infamous Ming He and Xu Cheng. Their strengths are comparable, and they are known to be rivals. As for the two women, one is Su Yan, a well-known social media influencer, while the elegant and graceful woman beside her is Ye Ruxue, the daughter of the City Lord."
He then glanced at the young man at the center of the group. "As for him, that's Mu Hai, the most promising genius in White River City. It's rumored that numerous Martial Masters have tried to take him on as their disciple, but he has turned down all their offers. No one knows the reason behind his refusal."
"What?! A Martial Master's disciple? If it were me, I would be overjoyed to death just to be considered!"
The students buzzed with animated discussion, their excitement palpable. A few were so engrossed that they could barely contain their drool. These were not hidden secrets; such information was readily available on the official websites of all the schools.
Within Federation area, all students from all school, including Chu Yan, observed them, trying to gauge their strength. Chu Yan then the system panel to observe Mu Hai's information. Seeing the information, Chu Yan shocked.
Name : Mu Hai
Race : Human
Qualification : A ( Lower Rank)
Realm : Sixth-Layer Martial Artist (Bone Hardening)
Training : Infernal Ember Body Refinement Art (Middle-grade)
Martial Arts : Basic Saber Technique [Transformation] , Basic Movement Technique [Transformation] , Blue Inferno Spear Art [Perfection], Serpent Phantom Steps [Mastery]
"Sixth Layer! It looks like the rumors were true after all!" Chu Yan frowned, his skepticism giving way to surprise. He had initially thought the rumors were just a ploy to boost Mu Hai's reputation, but it seemed that Mu Hai was not the type to indulge in such deceptions.
At the same time, Mu Hai turned his gaze toward No. 2 High School and asked, "Is that Chu Yan?"
Xu Cheng, standing beside him, nodded in confirmation. "Yes, he's the rising genius from No. 2 High School."
Mu Hai's expression showed a hint of disappointment before he turned and walked away. Observing this, the rest of the group followed suit, leaving the area behind.