The sight of nearly a million spectators filled everyone with excitement and even pride. It was Zhou Yan and the others' first time leaving the academy to showcase their strength on an external stage.
Today, they were all protagonists, but only a few would stand on the podium.
The cheers of the entire venue, accompanied by warm applause, signaled the host to begin introducing their names. Zhou Yan and his companions stood on the competition grounds, awaiting the start of the games.
They were all in high spirits, heads held high, exuding a sunny confidence.
Zhou Yan looked towards the four teleportation channels in the center, each representing a competition arena they would soon enter.
Floating high above the center of the venue was a large, square screen. Countless fist-sized cameras hovered in the distance, broadcasting the event live.
Although the broadcast was limited to the four academies and a specific location, the competition had already ignited the anticipation of countless people.
After the final appearance of Sheng Yang Academy, all participants from the four major academies had arrived.
The people from Zi Wei Academy specifically observed the teachers from Sheng Yang Academy. They noticed that their injuries had healed, leaving no trace of the previous assault. It was evident they must have used potent healing elixirs.
Chu Luoyan's attacks were exceptionally peculiar; ordinary pills and spiritual materials would have had no effect on such wounds. It seemed they had invested considerable effort to present a dignified appearance today.
This was the consequence of provoking Chu Luoyan. Even Zhou Yan, upon witnessing Chu Luoyan reveal her divine artifact, lost all confidence in his ability to contend with her.
That was a divine artifact. Ten pseudo-divine artifacts might not even match one divine artifact. Such was the might of a divine artifact.
Moreover, divine artifacts were not common commodities; they were truly rare, each possessing world-shattering power.
The students and teachers from the four major academies had now taken their positions.
Following this, it was time for the lead teachers from the four academies to give their speeches.
The teachers from Long Qing Academy and Bei Di Academy delivered eloquent speeches that earned thunderous applause from the audience.
Finally, it was Chu Luoyan's turn, representing Zi Wei Academy. She was the only female teacher leading a team. Those unfamiliar with her, upon seeing her icy, angelic face, would naturally be captivated.
However, those who knew Chu Luoyan dared not harbor any disrespectful thoughts. Provoking her meant preparing to spend the rest of one's life lying down.
Chu Luoyan also shared her thoughts, saying, "Work hard. That's all."
Her simple words left everyone speechless.
Chu Luoyan was truly willful.
While other teachers had prepared lengthy speeches, hers concluded with mere four words.
Even the two hosts felt a touch awkward, but they quickly responded, "Concise and to the point. Everyone, do your best."
The representative from Sheng Yang Academy, however, was far more verbose, delivering a lengthy string of flowery words before concluding.
Next, the hosts finally began to reveal the details of the grand competition, starting with the rules for the first-year students. The rules were displayed on all the large screens.
Upon seeing the rules, everyone became incredibly curious and began to discuss.
"I never expected the rules for the first-year competition to be like this. This tests more than just combat ability."
"At the start, only twenty thousand people can be summoned. But these twenty thousand cannot all be soldiers; there must be individuals with life professions. The crafting speed within is a hundred times faster than outside. Whoever can equip themselves in the shortest amount of time will gain a significant advantage."
"I'm very curious about how these first-year freshmen will manage. I believe these competition rules will be a challenge for them."
"A nation isn't just about fighting. Just you wait, there will undoubtedly be many unforeseen events awaiting them."
...
After the competition rules for the first-year students were announced, a teleportation channel erupted with brilliant light, releasing a powerful energy fluctuation.
"Please, all forty first-year students, step forward!" the host called out.
"Let's go, we can't let them down!" Zhou Yan and the others stepped forward together, standing before the teleportation channel with students from the other three academies.
"First-year students may now teleport into the competition space," the host announced again.
Zhou Yan led his group towards the teleportation channel and walked into it, disappearing from the competition grounds.
The world flashed, and when Zhou Yan opened his eyes again, he found himself in a palace.
This palace, of course, could not compare to his [Emperor's Heavenly Palace], but it was still quite impressive.
[Welcome, student, to the competition grounds. You are currently the Emperor of Da Zhou Kingdom. You have ten minutes to familiarize yourself with matters concerning this kingdom. After ten minutes, you may summon various talents...]
Zhou Yan carefully listened to the prompt and understood.
He looked around and found himself seated on the imperial throne. Below him, there was no one. Beside him stood a person who appeared to be an ancient eunuch.
Zhou Yan looked at the individual, and some information appeared:
[Name: Xiao De Zi]
[Nation: Da Zhou Kingdom]
[Loyalty: 80]
[Position: Chief Eunuch]
[Strength: Ten Levels]
There were only five pieces of information. At the initial stage, everyone should be the same.
If Zhou Yan wanted to quickly understand the country, he could only start with this Xiao De Zi.
"Xiao De Zi!" Zhou Yan said.
"Your Majesty, what are your orders?" Xiao De Zi asked promptly.
"What is the current situation of our country?" Zhou Yan inquired.
"Your Majesty, the four seas are peaceful, the nation is prosperous, and the people live and work in contentment. This is all due to your wise governance," Xiao De Zi replied quickly.
Zhou Yan was taken aback. He realized that this Xiao De Zi was just like the eunuchs of ancient times—a group who only knew how to speak pleasantries.
It seemed he would have to rely on himself to understand the country's current state.
Thus, Zhou Yan inquired about the current officials, barracks, and mining sites of Da Zhou Kingdom.
Xiao De Zi quickly responded, "This humble servant is unaware. Perhaps I should help you inform the Minister of Revenue? He is currently waiting just outside the main hall."
Zhou Yan was speechless. Would that person not come in if he didn't ask?
"No, summon all officials," Zhou Yan replied.
"Yes!" Upon hearing this, Xiao De Zi quickly responded and walked a few steps, shouting, "His Majesty's decree! Summon all noble lords into the hall."
This was likely a series of clues. If he didn't ask, these people would have remained waiting outside. It seemed this competition was indeed quite interesting.
On the surface, it was merely a competitive match between two lords, but there were many other matters for the lords to handle, testing their management skills, coordination abilities, and various stratagems.
For instance, Zhou Yan believed that once these people entered, they should be able to provide him with a wealth of useful information. How to utilize this information wisely and turn it into an advantage for himself was extremely important.