Jing Hongchen nodded. His expression seemed a lot better than before with the Imperial Tutor’s affirmation.

The rostrum was calm and cool, but that didn’t mean the audience shared the same composure. Retreating without a battle was a cowardly act in their eyes, and the team that represented the empire’s dignity actually admitted defeat, just like that! Shouts and curses echoed throughout the arena, and some impulsive citizens would have rushed forward if there hadn’t been soldiers standing guard all around.

Xiao Hongchen threw a cold glance in Huo Yuhao’s direction after admitting defeat, before jumping down from the competition stage along with his sister and his two remaining companions. Nothing else was said.

Huo Yuhao’s eyes closed into slits. “The Sun Moon Empire will be a lot harder to deal with now.”

Xu Sanshi frowned and said, “I wanted to take this chance to cripple them for good. I didn’t expect them to be so frightened.”

Jiang Nannan shook her head and said, “I don’t think they’re afraid. Look at Xiao Hongchen’s eyes... do you see a drop of fear? We would definitely be unable to emerge unscathed even...