Yan Ruxue had initially expected everyone else to agree with her when she spoke.
However, she had forgotten that those who remained in Gunan Academy now genuinely considered it their home and truly cared for its welfare.
Yan Jiaojiao was the savior of the academy this time, and she was also the one who had saved all of them. While everyone eagerly hoped Yan Jiaojiao would help them again, they weren't blind. Yan Jiaojiao's own movements were difficult; no matter how capable she was, they couldn't force her to step up for the academy at such a time.
Though they were anxious, they would never do something so heartless.
Therefore, after Yan Ruxue spoke, even the female disciples who usually didn't see eye-to-eye with Yan Jiaojiao remained silent.
The atmosphere immediately became very awkward.
Yan Ruxue knitted her brows and looked at the others, "Do you all wish for our academy to be disbanded?"
Wen Jinshu, unable to listen further, stood up directly and said, "Yan Ruxue, do you really think your petty schemes are invisible to others? The last incident of the Demon King's awakening had a part in your contribution. Because Gunan Academy is in a difficult situation now and there are more important matters to attend to, everyone didn't settle the score with you. Yet you have the audacity to stir up trouble again?"
Due to her status and her cultivation being among the highest of the disciples, Wen Jinshu had always associated with Gao Su and a few others. She possessed the pride of a strong individual and was a woman of few words.
She fit the image of the popular, accomplished figure in the academy: "good family background, excellent talent and cultivation, no shortage of followers."
And indeed, she was.
She and Gao Su were once described as the golden couple of Gunan Academy.
Everyone knew Wen Jinshu was capable and taciturn. Seeing her step up so fiercely for Yan Jiaojiao, the crowd was surprised for a moment before breaking into smiles.
This was how the disciples of Gunan Academy should be now.
In contrast, Yan Ruxue appeared even more repulsive.
The crowd couldn't help but chime in to taunt her, "Senior Sister Yan Jiaojiao, can't you see her current condition? To deliberately say such disgusting words at this time, do you really think people can't see through your little plans? Isn't it disgusting? If I recall correctly, you're also an Orange-tier expert, right? Are you confident you can improve your cultivation in a short period to participate in the grand competition?"
"That's right, since you've said so much, you're definitely willing to participate in the competition for the academy, aren't you?"
Seeing so many people defending her, Yan Jiaojiao swallowed the words that had reached her lips.
It turned out her efforts to protect these people were not in vain.
As expected, having grateful people around made saving them feel quite satisfying.
This was all she deserved.
"You... my cultivation isn't as powerful as Yan Jiaojiao's... I'm also doing this for the good of our academy. Things are like this now, besides her, who else can step forward?"
Yan Ruxue couldn't even bother to maintain her pretense anymore and directly targeted Yan Jiaojiao.
The disciples of Gunan Academy glared at Yan Ruxue.
"Yan Ruxue, just drop your petty schemes! Originally, we thought that since you were willing to stay during Gunan Academy's precarious times, you at least had some feelings for it. Now it seems you're deliberately staying to watch the show, aren't you?"
Yan Ruxue snorted lightly.
"I have my reasons for staying."
In fact, she really wanted to leave, but not long ago, an academy had contacted her, hoping she would stay and gather information about the academy.
In truth, the news of Gunan Academy's decline had been spread by her.
In exchange for this information, she had already received an admission notice from Saint Goblet Academy, which was second only to Gunan Academy.
Seeing that Gunan Academy was on its last legs, Yan Ruxue would never waste her time here.
She chose to leave Gunan Academy and enroll in Saint Goblet Academy, which was poised to replace Gunan Academy.
However, Saint Goblet Academy had conditions, and Yan Ruxue also genuinely wanted to see how Yan Jiaojiao would be dragged down by Gunan Academy. Thus, she chose to stay.
She no longer feared anything. Gunan Academy was now severely lacking in talented disciples, and there was an age limit for participating in the academy grand competition: only disciples who had been enrolled for less than three years could participate. This meant Yan Ruxue was indeed an important candidate now.
She just wanted to see these people unable to drive her away, forced to beg her in a flustered and subservient manner.
The smugness on Yan Ruxue's face was almost palpable, making everyone feel extremely displeased.
However, internal strife was of no benefit at this moment.
"Alright, no need to be so angry. Regarding this academy grand competition, we sect leaders have discussed it. We'll just go through the motions. It doesn't matter even if we come in last place; we will naturally find a way to preserve the academy."
"My sincerest apologies to all the students. These are not matters that should fall upon your shoulders. It is our failure as sect leaders that things have come to this. Your most important task is still to cultivate well and strive to improve yourselves. You don't need to worry about anything else."
The rules of the academy grand competition were continental regulations. For Luo Guiyuan to say this meant he was willing to directly defy the continental laws to prevent the academy from disbanding.
This would undoubtedly come at a great cost, possibly even the lives of several sect leaders!
The disciples showed expressions of pity. One by one, people stood up, declaring their willingness to participate in the academy grand competition.
Although these individuals' cultivations were indeed quite good, the prospect of participating in the grand competition still felt somewhat slim.
Wei Congling also announced that she wished to participate in the grand competition.
Even if she could only be a reserve due to insufficient cultivation, she wanted to contribute to Gunan Academy.
Yan Jiaojiao, moved by these people, initially didn't intend to impulsively take on more. But thinking that she had already saved the academy once, doing a little more wouldn't hurt.
As a millennia-old ancestor, although Yan Jiaojiao couldn't forcefully enhance the cultivation of these people, she was very skilled in strategy and troop deployment.
"I'll participate too."
As soon as Yan Jiaojiao finished speaking, everyone's eyes, for some unknown reason, grew a little moist.
Shangguan Yuan frowned, "Jiaojiao, with your current physical condition, you shouldn't—"
Yan Jiaojiao smiled faintly, "It's alright, Sect Leader. If I dare to participate, I naturally have means of recovery. However, to be frank, it's too difficult for the people in our academy to win first place in the grand competition. But if you are willing to let me lead, I can guarantee that we won't come in last."
The moment Yan Jiaojiao's words fell, those who had expressed willingness to participate in the grand competition said in unison, "We'll listen to you!"
Yan Jiaojiao looked at those bright, eager eyes, and her blood began to boil. "Alright then, everyone rest for the night. Tomorrow morning, we meet on the high platform."
"Okay!"
There was no need for the sect leaders to make arrangements; Yan Jiaojiao had already become the leader in these people's hearts, and they voluntarily chose to follow her lead.
Yan Ruxue sat quietly in the crowd, her face filled with vicious killing intent.
Yan Jiaojiao, you love to show off, let's see how you die in the academy grand competition!!