Chapter 26: Unable to Fight, Outmatched in Words—Li Xi on the Verge of Losing It

In the world of superhumans, things are different from those of ordinary people. Within their ranks, hierarchy is strictly enforced. Li Xi naturally assumed that these incoming freshmen should obey her without question—after all, she was used to being commanding. So, she hadn't expected this student to dare to talk back to her, especially given that he was only an E-level talent. She was furious but didn't know how to respond.

Moreover, because Liam showed no sign of intimidation, Li Xi even felt a sense of pressure emanating from this seemingly inexperienced rookie. She found herself at a loss for words.

From the moment the argument between them started, the entire hall fell silent. As always, onlookers were the first to gather, eager to witness the drama. They all heard Liam's final statement, which left everyone, including Sofia, momentarily stunned.

Sofia, who had already been annoyed by Li Xi's interference, had been worried that Liam might suffer at the hands of this difficult woman. However, she hadn't expected him to come out with such a sharp retort.

It must be said that Master Lu's wisdom (Brother Xun's words) still held power, even in this different world. Liam's words left Li Xi speechless, while also sending the other candidates into deep thought.

Liam then looked around at the hundred or so candidates present and pointed at the sign on the wall that read:

"The food and drinks are complimentary. Please help yourselves before the assessment to ensure you are fully prepared."

"So, why aren't any of you eating? To be honest, the food is pretty good. Except for the green goji berries, which you should avoid, a lot of the items have special effects, including enhancing physical strength."

After saying this, Liam turned away from Li Xi, no longer interested in dealing with her, and continued with his plate of food. After all, he hadn't finished eating.

Silence...

Complete silence...

This peculiar scene had started and ended just as abruptly, yet it shattered the previously tense and awkward atmosphere in the hall.

Finally, Lila and Ryan were the first to stand up and head towards the food section, each picking up a plate. Liam made a good point—if there was food available, why not eat it? With the assessment ahead and the uncertainty surrounding its format, it made sense to replenish their energy.

Seeing that someone had taken the lead, the other candidates, not wanting to be left out, also began to rise from their seats and move towards the food area.

In an instant, the oppressive atmosphere in the hall lifted, giving way to a more relaxed vibe, as if everyone were attending a social gathering rather than a high-stakes assessment.

Liam, like a brazen catfish in a fishpond, had stirred the waters, bringing the once-still pool to life.

However, this was not entirely to his benefit. Now that everyone was eating, there were far fewer options left for him.

Liam: ...If I had known, I wouldn't have spoken up.

Watching the empty platters before him, Liam couldn't help but regret his earlier actions.

With the hall now buzzing with activity, Li Xi's anger reached a boiling point. She was already furious after being left speechless by Liam's words, but now she felt an overwhelming sense of helplessness. She couldn't hit him, and she couldn't out-argue him, either. Moreover, the other candidates had sided with him, in a way, by following his lead.

Li Xi felt that this man, whose name she didn't even know, had quickly become an even more annoying presence in her life than Sofia!

Just as she was about to lose her temper completely, someone brushed past her, momentarily distracting her.

Sofia had walked down from the judges' table and passed right by Li Xi, not even sparing her a glance. Sofia had never regarded Li Xi as a rival or an enemy—she simply walked by, focused on her own business.

She approached Liam and, without hesitation, took a fruit from his plate and popped it into her mouth.

Liam: ?

Why is she taking my food...

"I didn't expect you to come out with such a philosophical statement," Sofia said casually as she ate.

"You mean what I just said?" Liam ignored the fact that Sofia had taken his food and picked up more for himself.

"That wasn't my original line. It's something a guy back in my hometown said. He liked to plant two jujube trees in front of his house."

Sofia smiled slightly. She didn't understand the reference, but by now, she was used to Liam saying things that went over her head. She didn't dwell on it and instead reminded him:

"That woman might be targeting you. The fact that you took down those God Servants on your own hasn't been made public yet, so in everyone's eyes, you're still just an E-level talent."

"This assessment is your chance to silence all the doubters. Make sure you perform well, and be wary of those around you."

Sofia's words were laced with a deeper warning.

Liam nodded. After hearing Sofia's advice so many times recently, he had grown accustomed to it. Despite his laid-back appearance, he wasn't as careless as he might seem.

"But if someone really hates you, no matter what you do, you won't be able to shut them up," Liam said. "So, don't worry too much. But I'll do my best in this assessment."

The two of them continued their casual conversation, both seemingly relaxed. Liam was confident in his abilities, and Sofia had even more faith in him.

Meanwhile, unnoticed by anyone, Li Xi stood fuming in the crowd, her expression as sour as if she'd swallowed something rotten.

"Senior, that E-level guy really has no manners. He's just a smooth talker who somehow got his way in here," a male student approached, trying to flatter Li Xi. He was one of the candidates she had recommended and was looking to curry favor with her. Besides, he also looked down on E-level superhumans.

Seeing Liam so chummy with someone like Sofia only made him more jealous, so he decided to side with Li Xi.

Finally hearing someone echo her thoughts, Li Xi turned to the student with an angry expression, venting her frustration:

"I've never seen Sofia get along so well with anyone. This guy—he's either a relative of hers or some kept boy!"

"Yeah, yeah, that's exactly what I think too," the student quickly agreed, lacking any original thoughts of his own. He was all too happy to simply nod along.

Li Xi's eyes narrowed as she formulated a plan. She leaned in close to the student and whispered:

"Liu Peng, when I start talking later, make sure you..."