As a middle-aged referee slowly walked onto the square, a deafening cheer erupted from the stands. The cheers gradually subsided as the referee lowered his hand. After glancing around, the middle-aged referee announced in a clear voice, “Dear students, after yesterday’s preliminary elimination, the original three hundred contestants have been reduced to one hundred and seventy-four today. At this rate, fifty spots for those qualified to enter the inner academy will be determined by the end of today.”
“Alright, it’s time for the selection matches. Now, all contestants whose names are called, please come to the stage as quickly as possible. Those who exceed the designated time will be considered to have forfeited.”
Without further ado, the middle-aged referee briefly introduced the rules and then retired to the referee stand on the square. At this moment, two names were called out.
“Xuan Rank Class Three, Lu Fu!”
“Xuan Rank Class Five, Ge Li!”
Hearing their names, two figures, already prepared, swiftly descended from the stands, landing steadily in the arena. They exchanged fierce glances, and different attributes of fighting energy surged from their bodies, wrapping them in a perfect aura armor. Though they were not among the top celebrities like Bai Shan within the academy, they still had some fame. Hence, upon their appearance, cheering from the stands began. Qualifying for the second round, regardless of how one puts it, meant that at least they were above average in strength within the outer academy.
The two in the arena both came from Xuan Rank classes; one was nimble and graceful with wind attributes, while the other was sturdy and steady with earth attributes. One emphasized agility and mobility, the other solid defense. With nearly equal strength and contrasting abilities, the match promised to be an intense, closely contested battle—and so it proved. From the start, the wind-attribute contestant transformed into a green shadow, darting around his opponent, using his speed advantage to launch precise attacks at vital points. Despite his aggressive assault, his adversary, with his rock-like stability and renowned endurance, managed to withstand each attack, seemingly at a disadvantage but actually minimizing damage through his robust earth-attribute energy.
The fierce offense and defense of the two captivated the audience. Shouts and cheers melded into a rolling thunder, echoing incessantly over the square.
“Lu Fu seems to have a good chance of winning…” Leaning back in his chair, Xiao Yan observed the contestant who neutralized every attack with minimal effort, smiling faintly.
“But isn’t he being suppressed by Ge Li?” Xiao Yu muttered beside him.
“Though Ge Li’s attacks appear ferocious, over time, his fighting energy will wane. Judging from the color of his energy, he likely practices a less advanced cultivation method, which can’t sustain such intense use. In contrast, Lu Fu has barely moved from his initial position and subtly diverts the impact into the ground whenever attacked, a clumsy yet effective technique. Without any decisive move, Ge Li’s attacks will weaken, leading to eventual defeat after about thirty more rounds,” Xuner explained with a smile.
Impressed by Xuner’s detailed analysis, both Xiao Yu and Xiao Yan cast her a surprised glance. He hadn’t noticed such nuances himself.
“I wonder what level she has reached in these two years. She must be no weaker than me,” Xiao Yan mused inwardly, somewhat resigned. Though he had thought his own progress was good, Xuner seemed even more formidable, perhaps due to the powerful and mysterious force behind her.
Regardless, Xuner’s innate talent and superior resources, including high-level cultivation techniques and rare medicinal pills, made her advancement far easier than his. As Xiao Yan pondered, the situation in the arena changed. Sensing trouble, Ge Li decided to slow his attacks, but Lu Fu seized the moment, unleashing a sharp, uncharacteristically aggressive move, pushing Ge Li back several steps and causing him to cough up blood, losing combat ability immediately.
“Motionless as a mountain, swift as thunder—defeating the enemy in one move. Impressive, no wonder Canaan Academy produces such high-quality fighters. No wonder Ruo Lin was so disappointed during my absence. Such a training system would be hard to catch up to without Master’s guidance,” Xiao Yan remarked, slightly astonished.
Sighing, Xiao Yan refocused on the arena. After the referee declared Lu Fu the winner, the two contestants, with contrasting emotions, left under the gazes of many. The next match followed closely.
The continuous excitement kept the atmosphere electric, with roaring cheers reverberating through the square. Watching the matches, Xiao Yan felt increasingly impressed by Canaan Academy. The contest reflected the upper echelon of the outer academy, and the participants’ skilled and ruthless combat, far from conventional, revealed the academy’s effectiveness in training.
“Every year, the academy sends students to the Black-Corner Region for experience. Though dangerous, the few who return undergo significant transformations in both strength and demeanor,” a low voice said beside him. Turning, he saw Instructor Ruo Lin.
“Oh?” Surprised, Xiao Yan nodded. “Indeed, the Black-Corner Region is a natural proving ground, though I didn’t expect the academy to have such audacity. That place devours people whole.”
“Students can go solo or in groups, but solo trips are rare. Groups include an inner academy member as leader, guiding them through the brutal trials. Bai Shan and Lu Mu once went solo, so don’t underestimate them.”
Brows raised, Xiao Yan glanced at Bai Shan, now aware of his experiences. As they conversed, the arena entered its final stages. The wounded contestants were helped off, and the referee called, “Thirty-eighth match: Lu Mu from the Alchemy Department vs. Xiao Yan from Yellow Rank Class Two.”
Silence fell, and all eyes turned to Xiao Yan, some hostile. “Many hope to see you fail. Lu Mu ranks in the top ten of the outer academy and, as an alchemist, controls a powerful flame. Be careful… Also, defeating him is crucial to avoid future troubles like last night with Bai Shan,” Ruo Lin warned softly.
“Xiao Yan, good luck,” Xuner smiled encouragingly.
“Don’t embarrass us. Losing to that annoying guy will be humiliating,” Xiao Yu added, waving her fist.
“Will do,” Xiao Yan smiled, rising gracefully from his seat. With a light touch, he leaped onto the square, his tall figure and large Heavy Profound Scale creating a striking image. Moments later, a clear whistle sounded, and a blue-clad figure darted into the arena, greeted by roars of support. Many hoped Lu Mu would humble the new, assertive Xiao Yan.
“This should bring out his best. Lu Mu is not like Xu Beng,” Bai Shan smirked. “I’ll see what makes you worthy of Xuner.”
“Go ahead, beat each other half to death. Then Xuner won’t be tainted by Xiao Yan, or I’ll have to step in,” the red-robed girl muttered elsewhere in the stands.
Amidst mixed motives, the crucial match for Xiao Yan was about to begin.
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