October 26th was an overcast day, but the air quality was good. The Red Flag High School bus, driven by Grandpa Qin, chugged its way to Hongye High School.
As a prestigious school that had risen to prominence over the past decade, Hongye High School's campus was clean and beautiful, with almost all new buildings. It was reputed to have the most scientifically planned campus in Liuhe Base City.
It also boasted many of the latest cultivation devices, which even some older prestigious schools might not have. Their Hongye Laboratory was the most advanced in the city, as it had luxurious rehabilitation and relaxation facilities.
"Our school updates its equipment faster than any other in the city." Principal Xiao Hongye showed them around with pride, "Our students always have access to the most advanced cultivation facilities in the country, including but not limited to light core mainframes, starforce meters, star core absorption devices, and muscle enhancement devices."
As the most renowned female powerhouse in the high school education sector of Liuhe Base City, Principal Xiao Hongye's personal reception showed great respect for Red Flag High School. This was in stark contrast to the reception at Longteng High School.
The team members and students of Red Flag High School immediately had a good impression of the elegant and charming principal. Even Li Xiaofei was no exception. He could clearly feel that this elegant and beautiful woman genuinely loved her school and her students. In fact, there were many reports about Xiao Hongye on the light-network.
Ten years ago, Hongye High School's situation was worse than that of Red Flag High School. It was on the verge of bankruptcy and being delisted. But then, Xiao Hongye appeared in the eleventh hour. She was like a savior from legend as she took over Hongye High School. The effort Xiao Hongye put in was beyond anyone's understanding or imagination.
She personally funded the construction of school buildings, acquired land to expand the campus, built various training facilities, tirelessly sought sponsors, purchased cultivation resources, and spared no effort in recruiting talented middle school students.
This single woman, known as a powerful leader, had said in interviews more than once that Hongye High School was her everything. She had married herself to Hongye High School. Therefore, she no longer considered personal romantic relationships.
The Education Department had commended Xiao Hongye multiple times. Even the highest administrative officer of the Northwest District of the Great Xia Republic had met with this legendary principal. Her tireless and dedicated effort over the last ten years had led to the rapid rise of Hongye High School.
In the last ten years, Hongye High School had transformed from a powerless unknown institution on the brink of bankruptcy into a powerhouse that had carved out a place for itself in the private school monopoly dominated by the five major families. It had leaped to become a prestigious school recognized by all in Liuhe Base City.
Xiao Hongye had achieved what even Principal Chen Fei had not. Li Xiaofei had immense respect for such a person.
"Li Xiaofei, we finally meet." Xiao Hongye extended her hand. "The biggest dark horse of this league and a one-in-a-million traditional martial arts genius. It's truly enviable. How wonderful it would be if you were a student at Hongye High School."
Li Xiaofei was taken aback. He had long heard that Xiao Hongye had a special fondness for talented students. Whenever a genius emerged at any school, she would find ways to recruit them. Even if she couldn't recruit them, she would offer various forms of support to build a good relationship. As expected, she immediately took the initiative to greet him.
Li Xiaofei respectfully shook her hand. "Principal Xiao, you flatter me. You are my idol. It's an honor to receive such praise from you."
"Idol? Really?" Xiao Hongye held onto Li Xiaofei's hand, blinking playfully. "Are you interested in joining my school? Any conditions can be negotiated."
Li Xiaofei was momentarily speechless, but he smoothly withdrew his hand and said, "Today, we are opponents."
Xiao Hongye's smile was both charming and dangerous.
She handed him an electronic business card and said with a smile, "Let's exchange contact information first. Even if you're not a student at Hongye High School, you can always reach out to me for any help. I do have some connections in the city."
Li Xiaofei thought for a moment and accepted the card.
The Red Flag High School battle team was then escorted to their prepared changing room. The accompanying cheering squad, led by several student leaders from Hongye High School, continued their campus tour and would later proceed directly to the stands in the arena. Such arrangements were both enthusiastic and considerate.
"Wow, this is too luxurious."
"They even have an air bath massage machine."
"The most advanced strength testing equipment."
"Muscle relaxation oscillation device."
Bai Longfei, Fang Buyi, and the others felt like country bumpkins entering a grand palace, as they saw the various auxiliary devices in the spacious locker room. They felt as though their eyes weren't enough to take it all in.
They had only seen many of these high-tech cultivation aids on the light-network. Even the cheapest air bath massage machine cost over ten thousand credits. This truly was the newest school in Liuhe Base City. Even a mere locker room was decorated lavishly.
One could infer what kind of dreamy treatment the members of Hongye High School's battle team must receive daily. Just thinking about it made them drool with envy.
But Principal Chen Fei felt a bit embarrassed.
"Ahem..." He cleared his throat. "You rascals, are you focusing on unimportant details instead of preparing for your formidable enemies ahead... Have I not treated you well enough?"
Li Xiaofei immediately raised his arm and shouted, "Long live the principal."
Bai Longfei reacted quickly, following with, "We will always support Principal Chen."
The other students caught on and echoed in unison.
Even Bai Qiqi stammered, "P-principal is v-very... very good to us."
Yan Chiyu watched from the side, feeling both amused and exasperated. She was in a good mood. She had been healing well, and would be able to join her team in the next round of the league. This was definitely good news for Red Flag High School.
When the prodigious talent Yan Chiyu returned, Red Flag High School could secure a stable win in solo mode.
"Alright, enough joking. Focus and get ready for the battle." Grandpa Qin interjected, "Although Hongye High School's rise has been recent, they are a formidable foe on par with the five major prestigious schools. They are the strongest opponent we have faced thus far in the league. We cannot afford any carelessness and must give our all."
"Yes!" The team members responded loudly.
They knew in their hearts that today's battle would be the biggest challenge Red Flag High School had faced since the start of the league. It was also a touchstone.
Today would determine whether Red Flag High School had the strength to challenge the educational monopoly of the prestigious private schools backed by the five major families and carve out a path in a league full of formidable opponents.
As the team's primary fighter and greatest hope, Li Xiaofei undoubtedly bore the greatest pressure. Everyone looked at Li Xiaofei.