Challange Accepted

Anping naturally anticipated Ling Hongchen's forthcoming arrangement, considering the grudge spanning over ten thousand years. He found himself at a loss for words when Gu Yuena agreed so readily.

As Ling Hongchen exited the office, Gu Yuena noticed Anping's peculiar gaze and queried, "Is there an issue with what I said? We've been studying here for so long; there's no reason to decline such a trivial challenge, right?"

Anping replied, "That's not the problem. Do you know who is challenging this time?"

Gu Yuena, puzzled, responded, "Huh? I don't know. Do you?"

Anping nodded, surprising Gu Yuena, and disclosed, "Judging by the voice, the team leader is Wu Zhangkong, our instructor from Eastsea Academy. If my assumptions hold, the challengers should be Tang Wulin, Xie Xie, Xu Xiaoyan—I'm uncertain about the other two, possibly Ye Xinglan and Xu Lizhi. But articulating this would complicate matters."

Gu Yuena nodded in agreement, saying, "When you put it that way, it does sound familiar. It's likely them. In that case, I'll be more confident."

Anping, remembering that Gu Yuena and Xu Xiaoyan remained in contact after leaving Eastsea City, asked, "Considering your relationship with Xu Xiaoyan, didn't she inform you in advance about challenging Sun Moon academy?"

Gu Yuena shook her head, explaining, "No, there was no prior notice. I only knew they had to submit the communication soul guide for the final exam, and we lost touch after that. I didn't expect their final exam to be challenging Sun and Moon Academy. I told her we might leave Sun Moon academy, and she assumed we already had, leading to the challenge."

Anping acknowledged this possibility and shifted the topic, asking, "Do you know what Dean Hongchen arranged then?"

Gu Yuena, perplexed, replied, "Isn't it just organizing the competition venue? If it's a simple contest, finding a training ground wouldn't require his personal involvement. What could it be?"

Anping concurred, saying, "For other academies, normal channels suffice for discussions. But this is Shrek Academy, provoking us with such grandiosity. Dean Hongchen can't remain passive. If my speculation is accurate, he'll leverage his personal connections to publicize the matter, ensuring everyone is aware." Gu Yuena grasped the situation and nodded, understanding the necessity of Hongchen's actions given Sun Moon academy's animosity towards Shrek academy and their bold provocation.

Under Ling Hongchen's swift arrangements, within an hour, the news of Shrek Academy challenging Sun Moon Academy spread across the federation via TV stations, mobile phone live broadcasts, and other channels.

Wu Zhangkong surveyed the news displayed on each building and slightly narrowed his eyes. The influence of Sun Moon Academy in Mingdu couldn't be underestimated. In such a short time, the entire publicity apparatus of Mingdu had mobilized.

At that moment, his cellphone rang. Seeing Shen Yi calling for consultation, he answered directly. Before he could speak, Shen Yi's surprised voice emanated from the receiver, "What's the situation with you?"

Wu Zhangkong calmly replied, "It's nothing. Those youngsters came to Sun and Moon Royal Academy to challenge me. I merely added fuel to their fire."

Shen Yi's voice deepened, "Do you realize the impact this has? The entire federation now knows that Shrek Academy has challenged Sun Moon Academy. If we lose, it will harm Shrek Academy's reputation significantly. Have you considered that?"

Wu Changkong stated, "I know my disciples well, so I made this decision. The greater the pressure, the more they can unleash their potential. If they lose, I'll take the blame and resign. If they win, they'll leave a mark on this generation's qualifications as the Shrek Seven Devils. I believe they'll use everything to safeguard the academy's reputation. I have confidence in them."

After hearing Wu Zhangkong's words, Shen Yi fell silent for a moment before speaking, "Do you remember the two students you taught at Eastsea Academy? They later went to Sun Moon Academy. There's a high chance we'll encounter them in this challenge. Despite that, do you still have confidence in them?"

Wu Zhangkong affirmed, "I remember. Part of the reason for challenging Sun Moon Academy is because of them. During their time in East Sea City, the two had a significant impact on Tang Wulin and the others. Breaking that influence will be more conducive to their future cultivation."

"I'll report to the academy about their stance, and I'll get back to you shortly." Shen Yi sighed as she spoke.

After a while, the call resumed, and Shen Yi's tone lightened, "Ms. Cai said you can proceed. Whether you win or lose, ensure their safe return. They are the future of the academy. As long as it's not a devastating loss, the academy can accept it. Sometimes failure isn't necessarily a bad thing."

Wu Zhangkong affirmed resolutely, "While failure is the mother of success, meeting Anping and Gu Yuena would only cast a greater psychological shadow if we fail. I believe they will win. Moreover, Tang Wulin's bloodline power has undergone two consecutive evolutions. His level may not match theirs, but his actual combat ability will undoubtedly rival theirs."

Shen Yi sighed and remarked, "As long as you understand the situation, ensure their safe return no matter what."

"Very well, I'll bring them back unharmed. The match will likely commence soon. I'll go take a look," Wu Zhangkong declared before ending the call.

Putting away his cell phone, Wu Zhangkong headed towards Sun Moon Academy. Despite his confidence in Tang Wulin, his presence at the match was necessary to prevent any unforeseen incidents.

Sun Moon Academy showed no surprise at Shrek Academy having a supervising teacher. After confirming Wu Zhangkong's identity, he was escorted to the viewing area.

Back in the office, Ling Hongchen found Anping and Gu Yuena enjoying tea, a gift from their former students. Accustomed to their behavior, he stated, "It's been arranged. Do you need any preparation time?"

Gu Yuena shook her head, asserting, "No need for preparation. Finish the fight early, and we finish early."

"Are you certain you don't want assigned teammates?" Despite the prior agreement for Anping and Gu Yuena to participate, Ling Hongchen sought final confirmation.

Seeing the duo shake their heads in unison, Ling Hongchen noticed Anping hadn't set down his teacup. Urging them, he said, "In that case, skip the tea. If you like it, consider it a gift from me."

"Thank you, Dean." Anping expressed his gratitude and stowed the tea leaves in his storage tool.

Observing Anping's adept movements, Ling Hongchen shook his head slightly, said nothing more, and exited the office.