Chapter 0418: Reversal

Some students laughed at the ridiculous comment, but most of them were still looking curiously at the youth who had emerged victorious.

Li Luo had won?!

They could not believe their eyes. How had he turned the situation?

Before they had plunged into the lake, Lu Cāng had been dominating. And yet he had lost?

And from his unconscious state, he had been outclassed by a fair amount.

Their disbelief and curiosity finally gave way to exuberance, and the Astral Sage students started to cheer for their champion. "Li Luo!"

"Li Luo!"

They were hyper-excited. This was a ridiculous comeback. Lu Cāng's overpowered ability had seriously diminished their confidence in Li Luo, and the more pessimistic ones had already given up on the Astral Sage College's chance at the ticket.

No one had expected this turn of events.

Of course, without those like Gong Shenjun and Jiang Qing'e, Astral Sage would not even have made it this far. But the excitement and spectacle always belonged to the finale.

More importantly, Li Luo had managed to pull free of the danger at the most critical moment, and he had stopped the key part of the Blue Abyss Sage College's plan to take the ticket match away from the Astral Sage College.

This alone was enough for many to brand Li Luo's victory with the seal of absolute perfection.

The overseeing Violet Vibrance mentors called out the result formally. "Astral Sage College, Li Luo. Winner!

"With this, the ticket match is over. The Astral Sage College ended with 3 wins, 2 draws, 2 losses. The Blue Abyss Sage College ended with 2 wins, 2 draws, 3 losses.

"The winner is... the Astral Sage College!"

ROAR!

The spectators cheered again, a deafening chorus of whoops and yells that shook the mountains themselves.

The mood was as high as could be. For the students, the Holy Grail Meet was the greatest event in the East Divine Continent, a competition at the highest caliber. Every school spent years carefully preparing for it, biding their strength and resources accordingly. There were two things that all schools prioritized above all else: one was the Umbra Cave. The other was the quadrennial Holy Grail Meet.

And indeed, the Holy Grail Meet had plenty to warrant that level of importance.

The Dragon Bone Holy Grail went without saying—the ultimate prize. With that holy object, the Umbra Cave would be shut away. The winning school could save many of its talents from brutal death and sacrifice. Besides that, the placings of the Holy Grail Meet would also be reported to the Academic Federation, who would then distribute resources accordingly.

Resources from the Academic Federation were a huge boon for any sage college.

"He actually won..."

The First Princess, Gong Shenjun, and the others were still staring down at the battlefield in wonder. Not even at their level had they predicted this outcome.

"Li Luo is a bag full of surprises." Wang Chao, one of the Seven Astral Pillars, laughed.

The others nodded in agreement. A moment ago, Li Luo was getting wrecked, and badly. Yet the moment they had gone underwater, things had been completely reversed. Li Luo must have been hiding some skill up till now.

The First Princess' phoenix eyes surveyed Li Luo thoughtfully. He was truly one to work miracles when no one expected it.

In truth, when Lu Cāng had revealed his true powers, no one would have blamed Li Luo if he had lost. Lu Cāng was undeniably strong in that state, at the top level even at the Holy Grail Meet.

There would have been no shame in losing to him.

But Li Luo had prevailed, putting an abrupt end to the Blue Abyss Sage College's plans.

The First Princess leaned forward on the railing, arms crossed beneath her ample chest. Her red lips parted slightly. She was curious about Li Luo. Of course, not in a romantic way—she simply wanted to know how much more Jiang Qing'e's consort was hiding.

"Do you think he might win the strongest One Star Hall student title at the Holy Grail Meet?" She smiled.

The others turned to look at her.

"That's a little ambitious," Gong Shenjun said casually. "Lu Cāng might be in the top 10 among One Star Hall students, and Li Luo beating him would put him in the top 8... top 5 even. But the strongest? Those guys are on a different level.

"You should know what sort of monsters there are at the Holy Grail Meet... and Li Luo's not the only dual resonance cultivator in the world."

The First Princess had to agree with his analysis. Dual resonances were rare, but those who gathered at the Holy Grail Meet were the best in the entire continent. You could not really be surprised by all the walking wonders and unimaginable unicorns that were sure to show up there. When you set your sights that high, what was a mere dual resonance cultivator?

"Still, even if he doesn't take the title, Li Luo will definitely be one of the most closely watched at the Holy Grail Meet."

This observation was one they all agreed with. The battle they had just witnessed would be considered high level even at the Holy Grail Meet. Li Luo's victory spoke volumes about his ability.

...

The One Star Hall cheers were still going strong. They were flushed and heady with excitement. Their champion had won a splendid victory for all of them.

They were screaming and crying, flailing their hands and yelling nonsense words in glee.

Lu Qing'er and Bai Mengmeng slumped in relief, the long-held tension seeping out of their bodies.

"Leader is really awesome," Bai Mengmeng said adoringly.

Lu Qing'er's smile was the mirror image of Li Luo's own, broad grins of pure happiness as they enjoyed the moment. There was a soft look in her eyes as she watched the silver-haired youth down below. His handsomeness was like a fine wine, and only got better and better with time. He had matured significantly since their time at Southwind Academy—he was now a more confident, attractive person.

She had always thought well of his talent, and that he should get more attention.

He was just as good as anyone else.

Including Jiang Qing'e.

She looked over at the golden-haired girl.

Sensing Lu Qing'er's gaze, Jiang Qing'e turned to her, a knowing look in her eyes.

"Well? What do you think of my fiancé?"