Chapter 107: Exchange Match

Zu Jiming instinctively tried to defend himself, blurting out, "Wait, it wasn't me—"

"Heh, if not you, then who? Do you think I don't know you?"

"Of course, keep your mouth shut. The families behind the other exchange students have already coordinated with the institutions, offering massive compensations to both Imperial Capital and Pearl Academies. Your price is just being kicked out of Imperial Capital Academy—be grateful."

Hearing this, Zu Jiming hesitated, his words caught in his throat.

However, Zu Xiangtian's tone shifted slightly as he calmly continued, "Don't worry. I've already made arrangements. Keep a low profile for now. Without solid evidence, wait for the heat to die down. Then you'll join the Ancient Capital Academy in the west and return to the National Battle Team."

"By then, who will even remember the names of those exchange students?"

Zu Jiming, hearing this, immediately changed his tune, promising, "Don't worry. I won't cause any more trouble."

After hanging up, he looked at his companions, only to be met with cold, disdainful gazes, and felt stifled beyond words.

Not long after, their supervisor, Professor Yuan, rushed over from the laboratory, his face full of dissatisfaction. Sweeping his eyes over the group, he reprimanded, "Can't you people behave for once? Always causing problems!"

"Students from the Imperial Capital Academy doing such things—what a disgrace!"

This comment completely ignited Zu Jiming's already burning anger. Like a powder keg, he exploded. Looming over the professor with his towering physique, he growled, "You idiotic teacher, always shirking responsibility! What does this have to do with you? I've wanted to hit you for a long time!"

"Heh." Professor Yuan sneered, "So you screw up, and now you're blaming me for it?"

"Was I too lenient before, or are you just in your rebellious phase? You want to hit me? Let's see what you've got!"

Professor Yuan smirked coldly. Without hesitation, he made his move. His eyes glowed a deep violet as the air around him rippled, layer upon layer of sound waves accompanied by immense mental pressure quickly converging on Zu Jiming. The distortion in the air was almost tangible.

"AAARGHH!!"

The next second, Zu Jiming dropped to his knees, clutching his head as he screamed in agony. It was as if an unrelenting curse had been cast upon him. His mind reeled with oppressive emotions, the torment so overwhelming that the thought of ending his life even crossed his mind.

"The world is composed of waves. By plucking the strings, we can control everything."

Professor Yuan's voice was indifferent, his gaze condescending as he sneered at Zu Jiming. "You think you're strong? At your age, I would've trampled over someone like you. Pathetic."

Everyone else held their breath, astonished. None of them had expected this seemingly young professor to be such a powerful high-tier mage with an exceptionally refined mental domain.

With that, Professor Yuan stormed off, leaving only one comment over his shoulder: "The exchange match begins in two hours. Handle it yourselves. You're on your own—I'm done babysitting!"

Zu Jiming, still trembling, struggled to get back on his feet after a long while. His head buzzed, his thoughts muddled. Ever since arriving in the Pearl Academy's domain, he had suffered defeat after defeat, and now he felt utterly lost.

The rest of the exchange students exchanged awkward glances. Jiang Yu, who had stayed out of trouble entirely, was bewildered. How had the team crumbled into such disarray so quickly?

The black cat nestled in Jiang Yu's arms yawned lazily, clearly uninterested in the complicated world of humans.

Meanwhile, Lu Jun and Ding Yumian walked side by side. After their late-night excursion, neither of them had gone back to sleep. Instead, they strolled back to Pearl Academy, chatting as they went.

"By the way…" Ding Yumian's bright eyes glanced at the man beside her. Curiosity sparkled in her gaze as she asked, "What exactly did you weave into his nightmare?"

"Uh…" Lu Jun stiffened slightly and replied, "You really don't want to know."

Quickly, he changed the topic. "Let's go. The exchange match is about to begin."

Seeing his reaction, Ding Yumian wisely decided not to press further.

Before long, the two arrived at the Beast Arena, where the team had already assembled. Dongfang Ming, Bai Zhengfeng, and Huang Lixing were all present.

The supervising teacher for the match was none other than Gu Han, the Beast Arena's referee. He greeted the pair with a smile as soon as they arrived. "You're here. Great. I've drawn the team battle slot. Four-on-four, and I'm assigning you, Bai Zhengfeng, Ding Yumian, and Dongfang Ming to compete."

"No problem," Lu Jun nodded. Scanning his teammates, he couldn't help but feel a wave of emotion. Though he was familiar with them all, aside from himself and Ding Yumian, the rest were rather unremarkable.

Bai Zhengfeng specialized in mid-tier Ice and Earth magic, making him a solid defensive pick. Dongfang Ming was naturally talented, boasting impressive combat strength, but his magic system—Fire—overlapped with Ding Yumian's.

The team's composition lacked diversity, with only one mind-oriented mage and a single rare-element user. It wasn't an ideal lineup.

In contrast, the Imperial Capital team was overwhelmingly superior. Their lineup for the National Battle Team included:

Zu Jiming: Curse + Poison

Guan Yu: Wind + Earth

Mu Tingying: Fire + Ice

Jiang Yu: Lightning + Summoning

Nanrong Ni: Healing + Plant

Not only were there no repeated elements, but every member also possessed unique talents or family secrets, fully equipped with magical artifacts tailored to their abilities. They could dominate even with their eyes closed.

If not for himself and Ding Yumian, Lu Jun thought, this match would've been hopeless. Unfortunately, Ding Yumian couldn't unleash her full power, meaning she would likely hold back.

"So, it's another solo carry match for me, huh?"

Lu Jun sighed but felt a twinge of excitement. Finally, he had a worthy opponent. Being invincible could be terribly lonely.

Over at the Imperial Capital camp, the remaining exchange students arrived late, notably without their supervising teacher. Five students stood awkwardly to the side, their faces grim as they waited.

Meanwhile, Pearl Academy's students filled the arena, buzzing with energy. The male and female mages alike seemed eager to get started, their killing intent almost palpable.

As this was a closed match, it wasn't open to the public, nor was it being broadcast. Discussions and speculations ran wild among the students.

"Just wait until we beat these Imperial Capital brats. They'll leave here crawling!"

"Don't generalize! Didn't you hear? It was just a handful of those exchange students from prominent families causing trouble. Damn those elites."

"But this year's Imperial Capital freshmen are supposed to be ridiculously strong. What if we can't settle the score and instead let them humiliate us on our home turf?"

"Stop being a defeatist! Someone take this guy out and use him as a sacrificial offering!"

"It's true, though…"

"Doesn't matter. We have Lu 'Butcher' Jun!" one voice suddenly rang out.

The arena fell silent for a moment before the realization hit. "Oh right, we have Lu Jun. What are we even worried about? He'll wipe the floor with them!"

As the words spread, female students began cheering loudly as Lu Jun entered. Some adjusted their outfits, calling out to him with bold whistles.

"Lu Butcher, give them hell!"

Caught off guard, Lu Jun felt slightly embarrassed. Glancing at Ding Yumian, he noticed her staring back at him. Her large, expressive eyes seemed to sparkle, her elegant and refined features almost otherworldly.

Finally, the last two members of the Imperial Capital team arrived, looking disheveled. The sight immediately drew laughter from the Pearl students.

No wonder they were late—they looked ridiculous. Though there was no concrete evidence, everyone tacitly understood who had attempted to sneak into the girls' dormitory.

Lu Jun's expression also turned strange. Guan Yu sported a wig to cover his bald head, while Zu Jiming, once rugged and hairy, was now entirely smooth and hairless. His skin was marred with scratches, making him look grotesque.

The two had barely managed to wash up and conceal their shame before rushing to the arena.

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