That's indeed what's being said.
A Huang tier, though seemingly formidable, was still defeated one by one by Yan Jiaojiao during the arena battles.
Perhaps Yan Jiaojiao's individual combat ability is very strong, but the fact that Gunan Academy lost in the first round already speaks volumes.
"Gunan Academy surely doesn't have many disciples left who can put up a fight, otherwise Yan Jiaojiao wouldn't have chosen such tactics. She's just feigning a vacant city."
"She deliberately used the first match to attract our attention, wanting us to think Gunan Academy has plenty of people with her cultivation level. Once our people start to fear and get nervous, they'll realize that Yan Jiaojiao is the only one Gunan Academy has to fight."
"Yan Jiaojiao really thinks she's some great player, but her scheme has long been seen through."
Upon hearing this, everyone relaxed.
"If that's the case, then Gunan Academy is indeed a ripe and easy target for us now."
"Alright, let's just follow along and cheer. Haven't you seen that Sacred Chalice Academy has such high confidence this time? They'll likely be the ones directly confronting Gunan Academy; it shouldn't be our turn."
These academies are not foolish. Even if they could crush Gunan Academy, there are still several higher-ranked academies ahead of them.
Unlike Sacred Chalice Academy, which only needs to defeat the top contender to become number one and shed its perennial second-place status.
So, in this academy competition, many participants are somewhat just going through the motions. Only Sacred Chalice Academy is truly serious and striving to defeat Gunan Academy.
"Looking at it this way, dealing with Gunan Academy isn't difficult."
Originally, the emergence of Yan Jiaojiao had caused everyone some panic. After discussing it, they actually regained some confidence.
Even more confident than before.
"Of course, if it weren't for this, others wouldn't have been so eager to hold the academy competition. If they don't seize this opportunity to take down Gunan Academy now and give Gunan Academy some breathing room, it will become a behemoth again."
Gunan Academy's resources are still the best. Even though many students left after the incident, it doesn't prevent others from choosing to enroll in the academy to improve themselves.
With such excellent resources, given a little time, the academy will become an existence that others can only gaze at in admiration.
"It's agreed this time: as long as Gunan Academy is forced to disband, its resources and benefits will be divided equally among us. No one is to hoard it for themselves."
"Naturally."
A knowing smile was exchanged among them, and their faces showed a hint of eagerness and excitement.
These top academies in the academy competition are motivated by gain. Without potential benefits, they wouldn't have agreed to come.
After all, whether Gunan Academy disbands or not doesn't significantly impact them.
However, with a common goal and something to be divided, the dissolution of Gunan Academy has become imperative.
After all, the destruction of one Gunan Academy could lead to the growth of their own academies.
It's truly exhilarating to think about.
"Nothing else matters now. The priority is to carefully handle the group stage and team matches. Although Gunan Academy is not to be feared, everyone should still be cautious. There's no need to be overly reserved; reveal your strengths early. Otherwise, if Yan Jiaojiao detects any flaws and exploits them to win a round, the situation could become unpredictable."
Everyone nodded in understanding.
"Tomorrow is the group stage. Good luck to everyone!"
...
On the first day of the group stage, Gunan Academy finally seemed to be treated fairly, as they were not listed on the schedule.
However, due to the previous disruptive maneuver of temporarily changing the rules for the individual matches, Yan Jiaojiao had little faith in the tournament's judges and referees. Therefore, even though they had no matches on the first day, she still appeared at the venue.
"Announcement of the rules for the second round of the group stage—
Each team will freely form teams of three, five, and seven. Two academy teams of the same number of members will enter the same spirit beast sphere. The team that subdues the spirit beast first and obtains the spirit beast sphere wins."
It was evident that Yan Jiaojiao's words in the first round had some effect, as the opposing side did not go to the insane extent of perpetuating unfairness to the very end.
The rules for the second round were no different from previous years. If there was any change, it was that the level of spirit beasts within the spirit beast spheres had been elevated compared to the past.
A spirit beast sphere is a place akin to a barrier or domain. Once one enters the spirit beast sphere through the entrance, the exit will not open unless the spirit beast within is captured and pledges allegiance to a cultivator.
Those outside can clearly see what's happening inside, but those inside will be completely immersed in the world of the spirit beast sphere, with little perception of the outside world.
"The spirit beasts this time are all of Huang tier."
"Huang tier spirit beasts," Yan Jiaojiao said with a chilling smile, "These people are truly willing to spare no expense."
Huang tier spirit beasts are not common. Although their location, Mount Mang, allows for local sourcing, capturing a Huang tier spirit beast requires individuals with cultivation at least three tiers higher than the spirit beast.
Moreover, the process of capturing these spirit beasts would not be easy.
Capturing one is already a significant expenditure of manpower and resources. To capture at least ten spirit beasts for this academy competition is something beyond the capabilities of ordinary people.
Furthermore, the academy competition came suddenly, with only a few days for preparation. To accomplish all this under such harsh conditions clearly indicates that the organizers have put forth their utmost effort to assemble it.
"Jiaojiao, do you truly believe others can win this group stage?"
The one asking the question was Jiang Yiling. If there was anyone among them who was genuinely worried about the competition, it was Jiang Yiling.
In the past, he was the most disciplined, a model senior that could be called a walking benchmark. Now, with Gunan Academy facing such troubles, he stepped up without hesitation.
However, he clearly still wasn't accustomed to such matters, and thus appeared quite worried.
"If they believe they can win, then they certainly will."
Yan Jiaojiao knew that those individuals weren't exceptionally powerful, but at this moment, only by having confidence could they achieve unexpected results.
If they were to start doubting themselves and not believe they could win, then it would truly be over.
Jiang Yiling didn't understand Yan Jiaojiao's "chicken soup therapy." These were, after all, derived from Yan Jiaojiao's summation of some modern-day inspirational literature.
Although it seemed somewhat far-fetched, modern society had numerous examples of optimistic individuals who successfully battled and overcame cancer. The disciples of Gunan Academy were not lacking in quality; what they needed was a belief.
Yan Jiaojiao had given them this belief, and thus they would undoubtedly display a prowess even greater than their actual capabilities.
"I believe in you. If you say they can win, then everyone will surely win."