The doors of the gymnasium swung open, and in that instant, as Lin Feng's team and the Red Cloud Team stepped out, even without a word spoken, the students waiting outside instantly understood the outcome of this challenge match.

Right now, in Lin Feng's team, apart from Lin Feng who managed to keep his cool, all four of the others—including Yun Kai—could barely hide their excitement and joy. Yu Qiao strutted with a swagger, his face openly beaming with pride.

After braving the clouds, at last the sun and moon are revealed.

Even Yu Qiao had to admit, he admired himself—how could he be this smart, this quick-witted!

In contrast, Yang Ningbing's group of five wore expressions so dark you'd think stormwater was about to pour out. Some looked lost, some felt dejected, others had furrowed brows, as if suppressing a smoldering anger.

Sure, they were willing to gamble and accept defeat, believing in might makes right, but after four years of hard work, a bright future was snatched away at the finish line by others with such ease—they couldn't help the urge to vent their fury.

"Did Lin Feng's team win?"

"Did you not see old Yu walking around all cocky like that? They definitely won—Red Cloud's going to flip the table!"

"It's not just Red Cloud, the whole country's gonna blow up. Lin Feng and his team are only juniors—they can compete again next year!"

"Stronger than the Red Cloud Team too. This time, could they even grab the championship?"

"Champion is uncertain, but runner-up is within reach!"

The students were left in shock, voices buzzing with chatter.

Though everyone knew Lin Feng must have had enough confidence to publicly challenge the throne, most folks still figured the Red Cloud Team had a better shot at winning.

After all, whether it was age, overall strength, or combat experience—the Red Cloud Team far outmatched Lin Feng's squad.

"Anything left to pack? If not, let's just bounce." Yang Qing said to Yang Ningbing.

Yang Ningbing nodded, having already come to terms with reality and smoothed her mood: "I'll go say something to the team."

She walked up to her teammates, looking at their faces full of dismay and rage. As captain, Yang Ningbing didn't know what words of comfort to offer.

Because honestly, any comfort was pointless.

"I'm leaving. If you ever come to Shangjing, make sure to find me."

"Go find your mom, bitch."

Rong Wei lowered his head, eyes rimmed red—not from sorrow, but furious intent to kill.

"Bitch! Damn fucking bitch."

Furious screams echoed in his heart, Rong Wei's entire body shook as he fought to keep his rage and bloodlust in check.

As student union president, Yang Ningbing didn't actually need to leave Red Cloud so urgently just because she lost. If he'd guessed right, it was almost certainly so she could return to Shangjing, join Great Wall University, and seize a spot as a core starter.

With Yang Ningbing's strength, plus the Yang Family's maneuvering, it wasn't impossible.

Yang Ningbing lost, dusted off, and left—she had another chance.

But he could only slink away from Red Cloud, with nothing waiting for him.

All just to support Yang Ningbing, he'd absorbed two Water Series soul skills—not much attack power, not much benefit for himself. His sole purpose was to take part in the National College Glory Battle.

As long as he could join the national championship, it would all be worth it.

Now, he'd gained the soul skills, but lost his position—everything was wrecked.

"Lin Feng and Yang Ningbing, just you wait. I'm going to kill you both, mark my words!"

Secretly swearing in his heart, Rong Wei lifted his head. The murderous intent was gone; his expression turned calm, though his voice carried a hint of reluctant farewell: "Mm. Safe travels. Take care."

Yang Ningbing patted Rong Wei on the shoulder, said brief goodbyes to the rest of her team, and walked over to Yang Qing's side.

"Let's go. See you when fate allows."

Yang Qing exchanged brief farewells with Bu Zheng and Deng Lun. Their relationship was average, not enough for tragic brotherhood or sorrowful parting.

"Not looking for anyone?" Bu Zheng asked, puzzled.

Yang Qing shook his head, not offering any explanation.

"Not gonna have a word with Lin Feng?"

Just before leaving, Yang Ningbing hesitated, then asked quietly.

He knew why Uncle Thirteen had come to Red Cloud. Just leaving like this—wouldn't the elders complain if they heard?

Despite some resentment for Lin Feng, Yang Ningbing understood that a genius who could dominate at the same tier was crucial to the family.

Compared with the family's future, these childish grudges were nothing!

"He won't come back."

Yang Qing replied calmly.

Before leaving, he glanced deeply at Lin Feng.

Fifteen years apart—their first meeting. This kid had shaken him like nothing else.

Yang Qing was proud, but pride was built on discipline and outstanding talent; the result was power leagues ahead of his peers.

Still, even at his cockiest, he had to admit—back when he was twenty, he was nowhere near as brilliant as Lin Feng.

After today, Lin Feng will once more become a national sensation.

Martial Arts Demon Fiend.

Soul Cultivator Demon Fiend.

Battle Genius.

If nothing goes wrong, this kid's future will be dazzling—spectacular.

Any regrets?

Yeah, maybe a few.

....

Lin Feng didn't even spare a look at Yang Qing's departure.

He was surrounded by cheers and congratulations from club members.

Replacing the Red Cloud Team wasn't just about qualifying for the National College Glory Battle. It also meant that, at Red Cloud University, no one had more glory or clout than their five.

If they could win the championship, Jianghu Martial Arts Club would take the place of the student union as Red Cloud's top student faction.

By then, not only would income surge, but a bunch of plans could finally kick off.

Martial Artist Forum.

Once the post about Lin Feng's team crushing the Red Cloud Team went up, the Martial Artist Forum blew up.

The whole nation was stirred.

No one had seen the match, but everybody knew—the glory child who once sat atop the throne had finally returned!

Shangjing.

Great Wall University.

"They actually won!"

Right now, Ye Qiu's eyes were wide with shock, his face conflicted.

'South Yeqiu, North Linfeng.'

That youth who once shared equal fame with him—now, he'd been surpassed.

He felt himself falling behind Lin Feng's pace.

"Made up your mind?" his teammate asked beside him.

"Mm. I want to fight for it!" Ye Qiu resolved, determination burning in his eyes.

With his strength, there's still hope for a core starter position.

Ye Qiu wasn't the only one thinking that way; Lin Feng's unconventional surge put a ton of pressure on the nation's super-geniuses.

"This is just crazy."

Feng Yining, dressed head-to-toe in fiery red, couldn't help but click her tongue, then glanced at her bestie. She moved close to the girl's ear, whispering, "With an ex-boyfriend this awesome—even if it's a bit rude—I really have to ask, how do you feel right now?"

Ya Ge didn't get mad at her friend's curiosity, just answered bluntly, "Tons of pressure. My feelings are all over the place."

"For real. We're both juniors, but he's already competing in the National College Glory Battle. Two years from now, who even knows if we'll qualify."

Feng Yining sighed, "The prelims for nationals are on Demon Star, the semis are at Great Wall; month and a half, and we'll see Lin Feng. Honestly, I'm kinda excited."

"Alright, I'm heading to Ju Xing." Ya Ge clearly didn't want to keep talking about it.

"What for?"

"The evolution path for Enchanting Demoness just came out—I'm about to try it!"

Ya Ge waved her hand, and her figure slowly faded away.

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