"Gonan Academy won?"
Everyone stared blankly at the scene.
If the scene of the spirit beast prostrating itself earlier had seemed bizarre, even making them doubt their own eyes, this time they watched them emerge with their own eyes. Dust was kicked up as they landed, and anyone with sight could see these people had truly come out.
Faces were etched with horror.
They were unwilling to believe that their academy had lost so thoroughly.
Someone indignantly exclaimed, "This is impossible! The disciples of Gonan Academy must have cheated!"
"Definitely cheated!"
"Investigate Gonan Academy thoroughly; they must have done something to the Ghost-faced Spider!"
"Investigate thoroughly!"
The crowd roared in anger. Had the Gonan Academy disciples fought the spirit beasts at any point, they would not have suspected cheating.
But with no action taken and yet such a result, they refused to believe it.
They felt something was amiss.
These three disciples from Gonan Academy might not even be at the Yellow rank. How could they have won the competition?
As the crowd, flushed with anger, roared until their faces were red, the disciples from Shengbei Academy emerged.
"First place isn't ours? There must be something fishy going on; we demand a review!"
The spirit beast spheres contained recording talismans precisely to prevent situations where contestants questioned the results and referees were unable to reconstruct the circumstances.
With the recording talismans, everything could be clarified.
While the crowd clamored, the disciples from Gonan Academy quietly returned to stand behind Yan Jiaojiao.
Initially, they had been somewhat indignant. After all, they had earned first place through their own strength, only to be so questioned. This was not just a doubt of their abilities but an insult to their character.
Those who remained at Gonan Academy were loyal, willing to face hardships together. To represent the academy in this competition, they had endured unimaginable suffering.
These people did not understand what Gonan Academy had gone through to be able to speak so dismissively.
They had initially intended to argue with the crowd but, seeing Yan Jiaojiao’s composure from beginning to end, they miraculously calmed down.
At some point, Yan Jiaojiao had become their pillar of strength.
No matter what happened, as long as Yan Jiaojiao was present, they felt a profound sense of security.
"A review is acceptable; we Gonan Academy accepts your scrutiny. However, once the review concludes and the results are out, if our disciples are found to be innocent, I expect you to apologize to them."
"Our academy has done nothing wrong. Our disciples are the most innocent victims caught in this ordeal. When our Gonan Academy faced difficulties, your first thought was not to help, but to add insult to injury and exert pressure. We remember all these actions and will repay them in kind."
Yan Jiaojiao's words struck a chord with the crowd.
"We didn't mean it that way..."
"Right, we just wanted to witness the prowess of the top academy... You make it sound like we were bullying the weak, and besides, we didn't even manage to bully you..."
They spoke as if they were the wronged party.
Yan Jiaojiao was almost amused to the point of tears by their audacity.
So, the fact that they hadn't managed to bully or mock them was somehow their fault?
"Regardless of your intentions, my condition stands. If you do not agree, I will not consent to a review."
The academy undergoing review held the power of a single veto.
As long as they refused, a review could not proceed smoothly.
Although refusing a review might imply guilt, in this situation, if Yan Jiaojiao truly refused, others could not do much to Gonan Academy.
"We agree!"
"Proceed with the review quickly!"
"Hmph, I will never apologize. Your Gonan Academy definitely cheated!"
The trio from Shengbei Academy were all Yellow rank disciples. Three Yellow ranks fighting one spirit beast, with their synchronized teamwork, had taken the shortest amount of time.
They refused to believe anyone could be more formidable.
More contestants gradually emerged from the spirit beast spheres. As points were involved, only the top five were counted.
Groups emerging after fifth place would no longer accumulate points.
The second round was point-based. Currently, Gonan Academy was ranked first, having emerged first and completely defeated the Ghost-faced Spider. Their points were far ahead.
The crowd, filled with envy and jealousy, gazed at the score board.
At this moment, they cared little for fairness and only wished for a speedy review and the announcement of results to bring down Gonan Academy.
Otherwise, Gonan Academy might truly achieve a comeback in the second round.
"Don't speak too soon. Others, prepare for the next group's competition. Don't waste time here."
With Yan Jiaojiao's command, the five-person team immediately collected themselves and went to the side to warm up.
Seeing that the Gonan Academy members still had the presence of mind to warm up, others' expressions became complicated.
From this perspective, the Gonan Academy members truly seemed unfazed.
Could it be that they genuinely hadn't cheated?
But how was that possible? If they hadn't cheated, how could they have secured first place?
With complex emotions, the crowd stood aside, chattering and endlessly discussing the matter.
Yan Jiaojiao stood with her back straight, her unwavering demeanor deeply impressing many.
Despite being a young girl, Yan Jiaojiao bore the heavy responsibility of caring for all the disciples.
Frankly, most of them were around Yan Jiaojiao's age, yet they could not achieve what she did.
It was already difficult enough to focus solely on their own cultivation, but Yan Jiaojiao consistently cared for the other members of the academy.
This was truly admirable.
"Actually, I don't think a review is necessary. Yan Jiaojiao must have some special cultivation method. Did you hear about the dual combat over there? Yan Jiaojiao's teammate used an ice-elemental confinement cage."
"Really? The disciples of Gonan Academy have such abilities?"
"Yes, so I think it's normal for the current situation to arise."
"Alas, forget it. No use second-guessing now. Everyone is calling for a review, so let's just wait for it."
The review began quickly.
Several judges took out the recording talismans and chose to play the footage from the spirit beast spheres. The crowd eagerly scrutinized it, hoping to find evidence of Gonan Academy cheating.
But after looking through it all, they found nothing unusual.
The disciples of Gonan Academy simply sat there, muttering incantations. The Ghost-faced Spider's expressions were even more captivating.
"The Ghost-faced Spider's expression changes are so vivid! Why is it like a child? Look at its demeanor, isn't it a bit confused and curious?"