As the dispatched ship entered the venue, the path paved with flowers slowly receded, revealing another tier of walkway whose color deepened from light to dark, emerging without floral decoration, but instead featuring the most ancient spectrum—a shimmering, magnificent rainbow bridge stretching for hundreds of thousands of meters. Set against the natural starlit sky, the scene was dreamlike and breathtaking.

The arriving guests were predominantly heavyweights of various factions; those slightly less influential were instantly swallowed by the crowd.

“Mr. Moluochi, Head of the Mecha Department of the Moke Family, has arrived!”

“Director Gu Tianpeng of the Huaxia Legion’s Education Bureau has arrived!”

Li Chunyu’s eyes immediately lit up. “Wonderful! Someone from our legion is here!”

The twins offered their congratulations with a sigh. “We still don't know who’s coming for our legion; how sad. Congratulations to you.”

Li Chunyu couldn't conceal her grin. “He definitely didn't come alone. I really want to see who he’s with.”

Zi Bai shot her a look, sighing. “It’s questionable if anyone from our legion will even show up, so you two should just be grateful. And Chun'er Shixiong, stop stirring up envy.”

Ling Yin skipped over cheerfully, embracing the attention. “My mother is coming!”

Zi Ye pouted, retreating to a corner to draw circles on the floor.

She hadn't realized before that the awards ceremony was not just about handing out trophies; it was a prime platform for students to subtly display their backing, their connections, and to forge educational partnerships with Kaga Future. She hadn't mentioned any of this to the people from the Wolf Den Legion beforehand. Was it too late to tell them now?

Zi Ye listened as the dignitaries from the major powers expressed profound regret, just beginning to stand up, planning a strategic retreat to make a private call, when the announcer's voice cut through the air.

“Ms. Redhead, Combat Director of the Wolf Den Legion, has arrived!”

Zi Ye froze instantly.

Redhead was here?

The Combat Director, showing up for an education forum?

How unexpectedly comical!

Also, Redhead had left Kaga less than a month ago, only to return immediately under a different identity. Wasn't she worried about being recognized by the boys in her CQC class?

Still, Zi Ye was genuinely thrilled that Redhead could come; she was no longer alone.

What’s more, Redhead had worked as a teacher in Kaga and was familiar with the situation here. Having won a major award this year, establishing educational cooperation wouldn't be difficult for her.

At this thought, a wave of guilt washed over Zi Ye. She realized she habitually prioritized herself rather than considering the legion's interests—it was profoundly selfish.

In contrast, every action Redhead took carried significant weight for the legion.

In a word: Redhead was magnificent!

Just then, she heard the name of the next guest announced.

“Mr. Lan Li, Vice Commander of the Angel Legion, has arrived!”

What the—Redhead and Lan Li arrived together?

The expectant gaze of the twins had now turned to dejection. “Why the Vice Commander? Why would the Commander abandon us? Ahhh, this is illogical!”

This time, it was Zi Ye’s turn to laugh heartily. “Hahahaha, I’m so happy.” The twins playfully pinched her in frustration.

Of the six of them, Popo remained the most composed. The Stellar Federation was bound to send someone, but he didn’t particularly care who it was.

There were far more guests than competing teams. Huaxia, the Angels, and the Wolf Den were all represented. Ling Yin knew her mother, in such an overwhelmingly powerful assembly, would likely enter as a regular audience member, perhaps drawing circles in a corner. “What you all see broadcasted is the happy part. I don’t even know when Mom will arrive or where she’ll be sitting.”

The others reassured her calmly. “That’s fine, low profile is good.”

Ling Yin wasn't truly bothered; she just smiled and moved on.

At that moment, a massive bombshell dropped: “Supreme Commander Karu of the Stellar Federation has arrived!”

The entire Sealoop erupted; cheers surged higher and higher. Even a figure at the absolute pinnacle of the combat hierarchy was present!!!

Popo shot to his feet, his expression one of disbelief. Was it raining stars today? Otherwise, why would he be here?

Zi Ye, however, instantly calmed down. It was fortunate that Lan Li, not An Junlie, represented the Angel Legion. An enemy encounter would certainly lead to friction, and if a fight broke out, everything would be ruined.

Looking at the grand scene, the caliber of guests for this year’s Mecha Competition had elevated by more than one tier compared to previous years.

In the past, it was mostly department heads from Education and Mecha who came to observe, gauge the latest trends in student development, and encourage their legion’s students to study hard. Now, the guest list was growing increasingly powerful, second only to the Legion Convention held by the Unified Command. Every faction was out to flaunt its strength!

It was no wonder Illya was willing to resort to any means necessary to win the championship. Winning meant walking right in front of these towering figures, gaining recognition, and securing leverage for future endeavors.

Finally, the guests invited by Kaga entered. By the time the entry channel closed, Popo still hadn't heard the name of anyone from the Tang Sect. He couldn’t help but wonder, “The Tang Sect isn't that secretive, are they? Operating so furtively in the realm of education seems out of character.”

Because of Tang Wen, Chushou had been paying attention to the Tang Sect. Frankly, aside from their traditional cooperation with the Four Great Families, the Tang Sect hadn't announced any major partnerships with other legions, so everyone was waiting to see where they would align.

Ling Yin scoffed dismissively. “Didn't you know that the stellar superstar Angel, who is here today, is an artist signed under the Tang Sect?”

The members of Chushou: ……

Just how powerful is the Tang Sect?!!! The top three teams in this Mecha Competition were Chushou, Feifei, and Qingtian. According to the awards ceremony protocol, the process could be summarized as: the ancient champion parading through the streets for all to behold.

Yet, as Zi Ye stood on the highest point of the award dais, she felt an undeniable surge of excitement.

Standing there, she could see the entire venue, every spectator, and even the stars visible outside the semi-open hall—it felt as if she were the center of the galaxy, looking down upon space!

This feeling was an experience she would never forget.

In that instant, Zi Ye understood why some individuals would risk life and limb, even bleeding profusely, just to reach the apex of the pyramid.

She thought that she, too, would stand at the summit, and surely would.

However, she would not be as ruthless as Illya. She would achieve her goals by collaborating with like-minded individuals, much like the partnership within the Chushou team.

The sword-shaped mecha of Chushou was placed on the display stage. The host briefly explained the Sword’s parameters, systems, and firepower, then smilingly asked Tang Wen, who was seated in the front row, “Professor Tang, you are a leading figure in the mecha field, and student Zi Ye is one of your pupils. In your view, what is the greatest success of this mecha?”

Tang Wen smiled faintly, his voice deep and magnetic. “Its greatest advantage is its toughness. Any mecha, provided it can withstand the fire, has a chance to win.”

The host nodded. “Professor Tang is indeed sharp. Indeed, some say this mecha already shows the nascent form of your earlier works. What are your thoughts?”

Tang Wen gazed into the distance. “I hope she will soon stand shoulder-to-shoulder with me.”