Hearing this, everyone in the room perked up instantly.
The Elite Class of Tianzhou Academy consisted of the top 30 new students undeniably the strongest among their peers. They naturally had a great interest in formidable opponents.
"Of course, we've heard about it, teacher!"
"I even managed to get a copy of the recording. Honestly, that person's methods were extremely impressive."
"They seem somewhat similar to Bai Ze's!"
Hearing this, Bai Ze's body tensed up slightly. He forced an awkward yet polite smile.
Unfortunately, his classmates weren't done.
"Yeah, I've seen the recording too."
"But I wonder, which academy in Sulin Province does that student belong to? How come we didn't see someone like that during the freshman trials?"
"Bai Ze, you must have seen the recording as well. What do you think? How would you fare against them?"
With the conversation suddenly shifting toward Bai Ze, all 29 students in the room turned their gazes on him.
His expression darkened slightly as his eyelids twitched uncontrollably. Smiling wryly, he said, "I... probably wouldn't have much of a chance. After all, they're really strong..."
"Oh, come on, Bai Ze, don't be so modest," one classmate interjected.
"To be honest, I think it would at least be a 50-50 match!"
"Don't forget, Bai Ze, you're the top freshman in the entire province and even broke records. Even the former strongest, Tang Qingcheng, couldn't beat you. Facing that mysterious student shouldn't be an issue!"
Listening to the various compliments and encouragements, Bai Ze gulped and decided to remain silent.
At that moment, their teacher, Zhou Qing, suddenly spoke.
"Looks like all of you are quite well-informed."
"But I'd like to emphasize something here."
"If we're talking purely about combat ability, Bai Ze wouldn't be able to defeat the student you're discussing."
"However, Bai Ze, there's no need to feel discouraged. After all, there's always someone stronger, and there's no need to surpass every single person."
"At the very least, your future in the Federation is already secured."
Zhou Qing's tone was serious, speaking earnestly to Bai Ze while subtly offering both guidance and comfort.
But Bai Ze was utterly speechless.
Wasn't that obvious?
The version of himself during the freshman trials and the version that fought the Lich wasn't even on the same level!
Of course, he couldn't have beaten that!
What they didn't know was that the person they referred to as "someone stronger" was him, and the "sky beyond the sky" was still him.
Sigh...
Bai Ze sighed silently to himself.
Seeing his silence, Xia Yinyue stepped forward to offer comfort.
"That's right, Bai Ze. Teacher Zhou is right."
"There's always someone stronger, and no one can remain the strongest forever."
"Just stay calm and composed. You're already amazing."
Even Xia Yinyue chimed in, prompting Bai Ze to offer a bitter smile and nod.
"Don't worry, Yinyue. I understand. I won't push myself too hard," Bai Ze said with a wave of his hand.
Hearing this, Zhou Qing felt a bit relieved.
For a young prodigy, who wouldn't dislike being overshadowed by someone else?
Especially for someone like Bai Ze, who had achieved great success at a young age.
If he couldn't let go of that resentment, it might lead to his downfall.
However, seeing his nonchalant attitude now, Zhou Qing assumed her words had worked.
Having some pressure above you could be a good thing, after all.
"All right, everyone, let's put this matter aside for now."
"Next, I'll be distributing your course schedules and explaining the layout of the Tianzhou Academy campus to ensure you don't get lost."
"With that, today's orientation will conclude."
Afterward, Zhou Qing went on to explain the academy's courses and layout.
Soon, the first day of orientation came to an end.
At the door, Zhou Qing turned back and offered one last piece of advice.
"Remember, focus on your training, and don't slack off."
"You might be top talents in Sulin Province, but as I said before, there's always someone stronger out there."
"For example, even in the Imperial Capital, there are plenty of people who surpass the so-called 'Invincible Goddess,' Tang Qingcheng."
With that, Zhou Qing left without looking back.
The students began to disperse.
"Let's head back to the dorms."
"Yeah, I want to rewatch that recording a few more times."
"I need to analyze exactly how that student managed to defeat the Lich against all odds."
As the students walked out, they continued discussing the topic.
Bai Ze and Xia Yinyue also prepared to leave.
"Bai Ze, we need to work hard too."
"University life has officially begun; we can't slack off now."
Xia Yinyue raised her small fist as if cheering herself on.
Bai Ze recalled how he had promised a few days ago to help Xia Yinyue with her world's troubles.
Now that the Lich issue was resolved, this seemed like a good time.
"Sure, let's head back first."
"By the way, I'm feeling a bit hungry. You'll cook for me, won't you?" Bai Ze teased.
"Hmph! You wish! Always making me do the work!"
Xia Yinyue turned her head with a mock pout, but a smile tugged at the corners of her lips.
The two bantered back to the villa.
After a simple lunch, Bai Ze spent the rest of the day relaxing until evening.
As he scrolled through his phone, he noticed that nearly every news platform and trending topic revolved around the new Creator who had wiped out the Lich race, benefiting all of humanity.
The news dominated headlines, and short video platforms, and even pushed his own ranking out of the top spots, angering many of his loyal fans.
What Bai Ze didn't know was that his mysterious identity as a student had already caught the attention of many top talents in the Federation's capital.
These geniuses were eager to test their mettle against someone who threatened their status.
"Speaking of the Lich, I should double-check to make sure they're truly gone."
"If any Lich managed to escape the storm zone, that would be a disaster."
With that thought, Bai Ze put down his phone and let his consciousness descend into his world.
The passage of time flowed differently between the external world and his inner realm.
In just one day outside, many events had already transpired on his home planet.
[Ding! Commencing report on significant events.]
[Event 1: After returning to the home planet, the species have been recovering and reproducing rapidly. The numbers of both the Roc and the Sea Emperor clans have begun to recover, escaping the threat of extinction.]
[Event 2: Under Aurora's leadership, the Treants have developed far beyond the other races. Centered around a massive ancient tree, they have begun constructing a Treant Empire on a grand scale.]
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