"Zhong, what's wrong with you lately? You seem so happy!"
On the arena stage before the year-end grand competition, Hu Liena, among the first-year Class A students who had arrived, asked Wang Zhong, who had a smile on his face, curiously.
"Yes, I am indeed very happy!"
Wang Zhong admitted directly. Even though three days had passed, recalling the warm embrace from that day, he felt an irrepressible happiness and satisfaction emanating from the bottom of his heart.
Upon receiving this answer, Hu Liena blinked and looked at Wang Zhong's genuine smile. It seemed to infect her as well, and a gentle smile rose on her face.
As always, for the year-end grand competition, Ying Yanyang led Class A to arrive first, followed by Shuang Yuelian, Xia Xuan, and Yue Shan in succession.
Yue Shan's arrival caused the smile on Wang Zhong's face to recede slightly. He stared at the five people behind Yue Shan, with whom he had met once before, his eyes gleaming with spirit.
The one at the head wore the distinctive school uniform of the academy, with a delicate and attractive appearance. Although she wore no ornate clothing and displayed no ostentatious demeanor, anyone would be drawn to her the moment she appeared.
It wasn't her appearance, but her temperament, confidence, and spirit that shone brightly on her, drawing everyone's attention.
Si Qianyi, this was the woman's name.
"Si Qianyi, Martial Soul: Ni Chang, twenty-three years old, level fifty-three Spirit Control Titled Douluo, fifth-year lead sister, ranked first in individual battles, ranked first in team battles."
The next person was the woman in the ink-wash landscape dress who had once sent a shiver down Wang Zhong's spine. She was tall and slender, and as she moved, it was like strolling leisurely, giving people a sense of walking through mountains and rivers, bamboo groves, serene elegance, and tranquility.
"Shangguan Lanyou, Martial Soul: Dong Xiao, twenty-three years old, level forty-nine Spirit Control Titled Douluo, ranked fourth in individual battles in the fifth year, ranked first in team battles."
After Shangguan Lanyou came the twin sisters, who looked identical, dressed identically, and were almost like reflections in a mirror.
"Luo Pianruo, Luo Wanruo, twin sisters, same martial soul, same strength, same age. Both twenty-one years old, level forty-nine Spirit Control Titled Douluo, Martial Soul: Moyu Ancient Zither. Ranked eighth in individual battles, first in team battles."
"Zhan Sheng, the only male among the five-person team, twenty-four years old, level forty-nine Spirit Control Titled Douluo, Martial Soul: Drumstick, ranked tenth in individual battles, first in team battles."
As these five people walked past, Wang Zhong silently recited the information he had gathered from Hu Liena, a look of gravity on his brow.
These five, with the exception of Si Qianyi and Shangguan Lanyou, who held their positions in Class A based on their individual strength and team battle victories, Luo Pianruo, Luo Wanruo, and Zhan Sheng were entirely squeezed into the class by the glory of their undefeated team battle victories.
Because of their absolute victory in team battles, they had even pushed those with individual strength far superior to their own, ranked second, third, and fifth in individual battles, into Class B.
Such a team possessed monstrous overall strength. In Wang Zhong's estimation, if this small team were to appear in the Great Spirit Arena, the so-called Golden Douluo teams would be insufficient to measure them; perhaps Purple-Gold Douluo teams could describe their might.
"Dance, flute, drum, zither – four musical instrument martial souls. Every opponent they face is like confronting a grand superstar concert. Everyone is captivated by them, cheering for them. Standing opposite them on the stage, you would feel a sense of powerlessness, as if you were facing the entire crowd in the plaza. The fervent cheers would not be for you."
"They steal all the attention and admiration! Every other team fights alone, while they have an army of thousands!"
He clicked his tongue softly, recalling Hu Liena's description of the five-person team battle. Wang Zhong felt an eager anticipation, wanting to witness firsthand why they had earned such a reputation.
"It was a great loss not to have watched their team battle last year."
Wang Zhong sighed, regretting his decision from the previous year.
Just as he was thinking this, a majestic and solemn voice echoed across the plaza, "Welcome, Your Excellency the Pope!"
"Welcome, Your Excellency the Pope!"
All the teachers and students bowed in unison. Bibi Dong, clad in the papal robes and holding the papal scepter, ascended the throne amidst the respectful voices.
"My proud disciples of the Spirit Hall, I look forward to you bringing me a series of unique and incredibly exciting battles today."
"Let me see how bright and powerful the future of the Spirit Hall is!"
With a few simple words of encouragement, Bibi Dong took her seat on the throne. The arena stages were cleared as before. Wang Zhong, holding the flag of the first-year students, walked solemnly and with great importance onto the high platform.
Kneeling on one knee, Wang Zhong's gaze was steady. He held the flag with both hands and presented it before Bibi Dong. There was no trace of his usual disarray, laughter, or casualness on his face; he was extremely solemn and proper.
Seeing this, Yue Guan and Gui Mei on either side were both surprised. This little fellow seemed to have transformed.
Even they could find no fault with his demeanor and expression.
"Tsk, little Wang Zhong, have you turned over a new leaf? Not a single etiquette error today," Yue Guan remarked from the side, stroking his chin with one hand, marveling.
"Good progress, continue to maintain it!" Gui Mei nodded with satisfaction, but his expression remained cold.
"Heh heh!"
Wang Zhong grinned, a smug expression on his face. This smile, however, made Yue Guan and Gui Mei both chuckle and shake their heads.
Well, this little fellow couldn't be changed. He had already slipped up after just one compliment.
Taking the flag, Bibi Dong still extended her fair and slender palm towards Wang Zhong. On her transcendentally beautiful and noble face, she wore a gentle and tender smile.
Having experienced it before, Wang Zhong skillfully grasped the fingertips of that hand and lightly kissed the back of her smooth hand.
Below the stage, a group of teachers and students were already accustomed to this. In the entire academy, only Wang Zhong of Class A in the first year dared to do this and could do so. When students from other years stepped forward to submit their flags, they would receive the flag from either Yue Guan or Gui Mei, not Pope Bibi Dong.
Wang Zhong's favor with the Pope was unique throughout the academy.
"Big sister, should we go easy on him later?"
"Yeah, yeah! The Pope seems to really like that little brat. You were only patted on the shoulder for encouragement before, but he got two, no! Three hand-kissing ceremonies!"
In Class A of the fourth year, Luo Pianruo and Luo Wanruo leaned their necks and whispered into Si Qianyi's ear.
"To go easy on someone when it's already agreed upon would be the greatest insult to this little fellow!"
"To be so favored by the Pope is enough to prove his talent and potential. And his victory over Lu Xiaoshuang proves his strength! If we hold back, it's likely we who will lose!"
"Pride comes before a fall. Have you forgotten what Teacher Ying taught you in the first year!"
Si Qianyi glared at the two sisters displeased, brimming with annoyance. To have such thoughts of retreat before battle, they deserved it.
Thinking this, she flicked both their smooth foreheads hard with her hand, leaving them red, as if painted with cinnabar.
"Ouch!"
"Got it!"
The two sisters simultaneously ducked, rubbing their foreheads, and responded with pained yelps, indicating they understood.