Chapter 18

The news that the First and Second Institutes would be competing for five golden leaves spread almost instantly, and in no time, the Phase Force Tree, which towered like a skyscraper, was teeming with people from the various institutes of the Southwind Academy, all gathered to watch the spectacle.

The Southwind Academy had a total of four institutes. The First Institute was for elites, the Second Institute was like a preparatory team, and the Third and Fourth Institutes, while it might be an exaggeration to say they were just making up the numbers, were indeed of a relatively lower standard.

Therefore, the golden leaf cultivation platforms on the Phase Force Tree were something they could only aspire to but never reach. Now, being able to watch the First and Second Institutes compete was a rare and exciting event.

Although almost no one believed that the Second Institute could truly outdo the First Institute.

On the eastern side of the Phase Force Tree, a cluster of branches, thick like giant pythons, intertwined to form a wooden platform about dozens of meters long and wide. In the past, this area was used for sparring and competitions after the students finished their cultivation.

At this moment, the platform was packed with people.

The First and Second Institutes each occupied the east and west sides, but the atmosphere on both sides was different. On the First Institute's side, most of the students wore mocking smiles, clearly not taking the competition too seriously. This was understandable, as the competition had restrictions on Phase Force levels, and the Sixth Seal level was not even in the top ten in the First Institute.

This meant that the truly powerful students from the First Institute would not participate.

In contrast to the First Institute's relaxed and mocking atmosphere, the Second Institute's side was filled with a mix of excitement and anxiety. After all, they were from the same academy, and they were well aware of the First Institute's strength. If they were to say that the Second Institute had a high chance of winning, they probably wouldn't even believe it themselves. At this moment, they just hoped not to lose too badly.

"Truly boring, this kind of competition is meaningless," Tifa Qing stretched lazily on the viewing stand. The curves of her school uniform drew envious glances from nearby girls, and the faces of some young men turned slightly red.

Tifa Qing's status as one of the golden flowers of the Southwind Academy was well-deserved.

"Perhaps it can pass the time," a gentle laugh sounded from beside her. Tifa Qing turned her head and saw Lü Qing'er, with her flowing long hair and exceptionally beautiful and graceful appearance, her skin as smooth as jade.

"Sister Qing'er," Tifa Qing's eyes lit up, and she greeted her enthusiastically. Lü Qing'er's fame in the Southwind Academy surpassed even Tifa Qing's, and most importantly, she was not just known for her looks. Her strength firmly outshone many outstanding students in the First Institute.

She was a living golden signboard of the Southwind Academy.

If it weren't for the brilliance of Jiang Qing'e, everyone would have thought that Lü Qing'er would become the legend of the Southwind Academy.

So, while Tifa Qing's top idol was Jiang Qing'e, Lü Qing'er was her second.

The two women, the most beautiful and graceful in the Southwind Academy, standing together instantly became a beautiful sight, gradually drawing the attention of others.

"Sister Qing'er, don't you usually dislike such gatherings?" Tifa Qing asked curiously.

Lü Qing'er smiled gently, "Just taking a look."

Her beautiful eyes focused on the Second Institute's side, "Who do you think the Second Institute will send out?"

Tifa Qing said indifferently, "The Second Institute only has Zhao Kuo and Yuan Qiu who have reached the Sixth Seal, and they both just recently advanced."

"Who will be the third?" Lü Qing'er asked.

Tifa Qing paused, and someone nearby chimed in with a laugh, "It's likely to be Li Luo. Although he is a Void Phase, he has a great talent in Phase Techniques and can勉强算得上能与五印境的人交手。"

With Lü Qing'er's arrival, the top students from the First Institute, who had initially shown little interest in the competition, also gathered around. The one speaking now was a tall, handsome young man.

Tifa Qing glanced at him and teased, "Song Yunfeng, you actually came to watch the fun? Truly, the drunkard's intentions are not on the wine."

Song Yunfeng was also a well-known figure in the Southwind Academy. In terms of strength, he was second only to Lü Qing'er. Additionally, he came from the Song family, which had a strong background.

Song Yunfeng's affection for Lü Qing'er was no secret in the Southwind Academy, as he had never tried to hide it.

Facing Tifa Qing's teasing, Song Yunfeng smiled warmly without rebutting, his gaze lingering on Lü Qing'er's beautiful face.

Seeing his direct and passionate gaze, Lü Qing'er remained unperturbed, responding with a polite but distant smile.

Noticing Lü Qing'er's reaction, Tifa Qing quickly changed the topic, "If the Second Institute really sends Li Luo out, it will be a humiliation for them. After all, the three Sixth Seal students we send from the First Institute will be the best among the Sixth Seals."

Song Yunfeng smiled and said pointedly, "Do you really think the Second Institute is here to win? It's just a formality."

"True," Tifa Qing agreed with a laugh.

Lü Qing'er's gaze remained fixed on the field. She looked at Li Luo's figure and, for some reason, felt that today's Li Luo seemed a bit different.

So she smiled slightly, "I think... it might not be as you think."

Her words immediately drew surprised looks from Tifa Qing, Song Yunfeng, and other top students from the First Institute.

Following Lü Qing'er's gaze, Song Yunfeng also saw Li Luo. The faint smile on Lü Qing'er's face made him feel uncomfortable.

"Qing'er, things are not the same as they were before," Song Yunfeng said with a hint of meaning.

Lü Qing'er did not respond, only giving a noncommittal smile. For some reason, Song Yunfeng felt a surge of anger, and his gaze towards Li Luo became colder.

This bastard, even after falling into the mire, why is he still so persistent.

...

As the atmosphere in the field continued to rise, three figures emerged from the Second Institute, as expected, Li Luo, Zhao Kuo, and Yuan Qiu.

From the First Institute, three people also stepped forward.

In the middle was Bei Kun, whom they had just met, and the other two were also well-known Sixth Seal students in the First Institute.

"Li Luo, what do you plan to do this time? Continue with your threats?" Bei Kun's eyes locked onto Li Luo, a mocking smile on his lips.

Earlier, it was he who had deliberately caused trouble for Li Luo, and Li Luo had retaliated with unconventional means. While this couldn't be said to be against the rules, this was now an official competition. If Li Luo tried to use the same threats, it would be a laughingstock, and the academy might even punish him.

Li Luo ignored him and waved to Zhao Kuo and Yuan Qiu, "I'll go first."

Zhao Kuo quickly said, "Be careful. If you can't handle it, admit defeat and retreat. Your handsome face would be a great loss if it gets damaged."

Li Luo gave a thumbs up, "Good brother, you have good judgment."

Yuan Qiu sighed lightly, his lackluster appearance clearly showing his lack of confidence in the upcoming competition.

Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Li Luo stepped into the field and casually picked up an iron rod from the weapon rack. He dragged it along the ground, creating a harsh scraping sound.

The crowd's attention on Li Luo's appearance caused a stir.

"The Second Institute actually sent Li Luo to lead... This is clearly a sacrificial lamb."

"Ha, indeed. Li Luo, who was kicked out of the First Institute, is now challenging the First Institute... If he wins, that would be quite something."

"Think what you will... He is a Void Phase. No matter how skilled he is in Phase Techniques, it's hard for him to beat a Sixth Seal."

"Ha, just a joke to liven up the atmosphere."

"..."

Li Luo's appearance piqued the interest of many students. After all, in the Southwind Academy, Li Luo was a bit of a legend...

And most importantly, it was said that last week, Senior Jiang Qing'e had returned to Southwind City and even picked up Li Luo at the academy gate, which was enviable and jealousy-inducing.

With this mindset, many still wanted to see Li Luo get beaten up today...

Bei Kun crossed his arms, his gaze playfully fixed on Li Luo, then turned to the other two, "Liu Yang, go play with him."

While he wanted to beat Li Luo himself, he felt that such an entrance would not be cool enough, so he decided to let someone else warm up the atmosphere first.

Liu Yang, a tall young man, was somewhat dissatisfied. With so many people watching, this was a good opportunity to show off. Being sent to fight a sacrificial lamb was a bit demeaning.

"If you can take down Li Luo in two moves, you can fight the others. If you're strong enough, beat all three of them," Bei Kun said.

"True," Liu Yang nodded, took an iron spear, and walked into the field with a casual pace, smiling at Li Luo, "Li Luo, go easy on me."

His words were clearly teasing.

Li Luo gripped the iron rod, his expression indifferent.

At that moment, the old dean nodded, and Xu Shanyue and Lin Feng, the heads of the two institutes, simultaneously announced, "Begin!"

As the announcement fell, Li Luo and Liu Yang shot forward almost simultaneously.

Liu Yang looked at the figure opposite him and couldn't help but smile, "Your speed... is a bit..."

Bang!

Just as his words trailed off, Li Luo's foot suddenly touched the ground, and he accelerated like a flying eagle. In that instant, a sharp whistling sound could be heard.

Liu Yang's laughter had not fully escaped his lips when his vision blurred, and Li Luo's figure suddenly appeared in front of him.

Following Li Luo's figure was a whistling rod, which moved so fast that Liu Yang had no time to react. At the last moment, he instinctively channeled some Phase Force to protect his chest.

Li Luo's sudden speed was shocking, but without Phase Force, his attack was limited. As long as he could defend with Phase Force, he could make Li Luo pay.

As Liu Yang thought this, the rod struck his chest.

Bang!

A low,闷沉的声音响起，紧接着，剧痛从刘阳的胸膛传来，这一刻，他的心中涌起了惊骇，因为他覆盖在胸膛上的相力，在与李洛的棍影接触的瞬间，竟然被摧枯拉朽般地撕裂了。

同一时间，刘阳的身体倒飞出去，重重地砸在场外，还在地面上划出了几米的痕迹。

此时，场外的众多学员，喧闹声还未完全落下，声音就这样突然间戛然而止了。

第一学院的那些学员，愣愣地望着飞出场外，然后在地上痛苦打滚的刘阳，眼中满是茫然。

刚才，发生了什么？

怎么飞出去的，不是李洛？

他们疑惑的目光投向场中，此时的李洛，手中的铁棍保持着平击而出的姿势，他迎着那些目光，看向刘阳，那帅得足以让对方自惭形秽的脸上，露出了一抹灿烂的笑容。

“你说...有点什么？”