Li Hao's figure slowly materialized in the South Courtyard's rest area. His face was pale, and his chest still throbbed with the phantom pain of being pierced by a sword.
He lowered his head, lips pressed tightly together, and said nothing.
The roar of the crowd washed over him like a tide. Most of the audience was still buzzing with excitement from the spectacular and intense duel.
The South Courtyard students behind Li Hao were also cheering him on.
"What a shame, Li Hao was so close!"
"Qin Rui's final backhand with the sword was stunning! It was almost inhuman!"
"Li Hao can hold his head high even in defeat. It's amazing that he could push Qin Rui that far!"
"The South Courtyard may have lost the match, but Li Hao didn't bring us any shame!"
The chatter was filled with respect for Li Hao's skill and sympathy for his narrow loss.
