Chapter 372: Chapter 239: Semifinals

Holman took a deep breath, “Grandfather, I still refuse to accept it. Strength determines everything, and whether or not to hide is not very meaningful. He is not as good as me.”

Duke Tia looked at Holman. Holman shrugged helplessly, “I understand, I will definitely be careful. You also know that I am not someone who underestimates the enemy. But everyone has different personalities, different paths, and I cannot imitate others. Constantly defending against schemes is not as good as striving to achieve the utmost in oneself.”

Duke Tia was slightly stunned, “Do according to your own thoughts. Young people have the thoughts and futures of young people, but ultimately you are just competitors. The enemy is outside.”

Holman nodded. He understood the hidden meaning in his grandfather’s words: without a broad perspective, one can’t achieve great things. Unexpectedly, his ultimate rival turned out to be Simmons. Perhaps there is a certain destiny at work. This is also a confrontation between the Knight Academy faction and the Canon Law School. It would inevitably come, this is the first time but not the last, as both Knight Academy and Canon Law School are parts of Moncalleta Kingdom.

However, Simmons first needs to get past Zheng Shengxun; otherwise, he won’t qualify to have a showdown with him.

Duke Tia looked at Holman, his eyes full of reflections from when he was young. Holman was not wrong, nor was he. He didn’t continue preaching; saying it when it’s not realized is useless, and both Achilles and Simmons are young people. To have such depths, besides innate talent, they must have experienced a lot to reach this level.

In one’s lifetime, the mistakes to be made and the detours to be taken are inevitable.

…

In the semifinals, perhaps due to Simmons leading the Canon Law School being such a disruptive force, rarity breeds value, adding record-making, both Hex Bird Report and Hedan Daily featured focused coverage, both negative and positive. Attention was wildly intense, and the fervent audience made newspapers feel strange, with circulation shooting up very much compared to previous terms. Eight out of ten talked about Simmons and Canon Law School.

This point is also not difficult to understand. How many can enter or hope to enter Knight Academy? But how many can enter Canon Law School?

Public perception is quietly changing, even if they themselves haven’t realized it. Some people speak with disdain for the Canon Law School, claiming it can’t move forward. However, when quieted down, they suddenly wonder if their own children, too, could enter Canon Law School. The school’s level is indeed high.

This Glory Celebration’s significance lies precisely in this. The Celestial Principle Academy’s gains exceeded expectations. Vladimir felt it most directly; as a demigod on the path of Celestial Dao, his power is continually growing, meaning the foundation of the path is being consolidated. People’s willing participation is the most important part of a path. Interestingly, such cohesion used to require hundreds of years or even longer, but now it’s coming together much faster.

At the Observatory Tower, Vladimir brewed tea for two old friends and the princess, “What do you think is the reason?”

“Simmons, his performance is quite stunning.” James laughed, having driven away nuisances, making way for concessions from the Church. Their days have never been more comfortable, with much less resistance in policy execution. Such taste is incredibly satisfying for a reformer, especially with his fiery nature.

“Simmons is excellent, but far from the point of causing such large-scale momentum.” Vladimir shook his head.

“Could it be the compounded effects of the Canon Law School? We invested so much in it, so we should be seeing some returns,” Kundra happily savored the demigod-brewed tea. The taste was indeed superior to any teahouse’s.

“What are your thoughts, Princess?” Vladimir smiled at Estella.

After exchanging ideas with Mr. Gemini, she temporarily put aside thoughts of marriage, ready to deal with whatever came her way. “I think it’s the newspaper.”

“How so?” Vladimir’s smile deepened.

“The Glory Celebration, Canon Law School’s years of accumulation, and Simmons’s breakthrough performance are all upsides. The real transformation of these into influence, embedding deeply in people’s hearts, and strengthening their recognition is the newspapers. Whether it’s Hex Bird Report or Hedan Daily, whether it’s praise or criticism, it has enhanced the comprehension of this matter among Hedan’s citizens. People are thought-driven; they know what is good, and all of this exponentially increases the actual impact.”

Clap clap clap~~~

Vladimir applauded, “Princess, you hit the nail on the head. This is exactly why I advocated bringing in the Hex Bird Report against all objections. While the Church accomplished much over thousands of years with preachers, newspapers can achieve this in a very short time. Not to say newspapers have no flaws; tools are static but people are dynamic, and times advance. Those who can’t keep up must be eliminated.”

Estella’s beautiful eyes shimmered. Mr. Gemini said exactly the same thing, sharing the same view as Vladimir.

“Is that what he thinks?” Vladimir asked.

Estella nodded with a smile.

“Haha, using the Celestial people’s saying, that is ’great minds think alike.’ Mr. Li is a guiding figure of our Celestial Principle School.” Vladimir laughed.

At the side, Kundra and James drank tea with smiles. Estella’s heart pounded; was it really so exaggerated? There seemed more to the words than met the eye. What were the teachers implying?

“Luthor was an extraordinary figure. It’s unfortunate he fell,” James said. “The Hex-Tech he built has gradually had a huge influence, but he didn’t catch up.”

“That’s destiny. Luthor had great wisdom and capability, but he chose a wrong path. Wanting to defy fate is easier said than done,” Kundra lamented. “You know more of the story, don’t you?”

The three looked at Vladimir. Vladimir picked up his teacup, “Not really sure.”

“Old man, quit pretending. ’Not really sure’ means you know something. Tell us about it, just for gossip,” James clamored.

Vladimir smiled wryly, shaking his head, “I haven’t reached their level; speaking randomly is pointless and does you no good.”

“Are you going to the finals?”

“No, you being there is enough. As a demigod, if the Pope is not going, neither am I.”

“So you’re holding back,” James laughed, “Okay, then we won’t stand on ceremony.”

The next day, the semifinals began, with unprecedented grandeur. This Glory Battle was far hotter than before, permeating from top to bottom, and with bird report coverage, everyone’s discussion had more substance rather than relying solely on hearsay. Moreover, the depth and intensity of newspaper coverage these years couldn’t compare to that in the past.

Once the progress of civilization starts, it won’t regress.

The hot favorite to win, Lion Lord Holman with his Royal Knight Team, exuded a murderous aura. He respects his grandfather, and with his father frequently absent, Duke Tia is like a godlike figure to him. Grandfather’s high regard for Simmons also stirred boundless fighting spirit within him.

Then, Didia ended up unlucky.

Didia wasn’t weak. His Thunder Greatsword naturally belongs to powerful aggressive type. Ever since “losing” to Simmons, he focused on improving himself with determination and patience. During this period, he and Simmons were the most law-abiding. Yet in the first Captain’s battle, Hokele with an energy like having consumed a Spring Magic Potion, brutalized Didia throughout, leaving him no chance to resist.

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