Chapter 19
Voluntary Forfeiture, A Battle of Fate
An hour later, the first round of battles came to an end.
Among the top ten, Zhao Yao, Zhu Yuting, Gu Lin, Yan Shouxu, Wei Xuan, and Yan Zhengzhao all successfully entered the winning zone.
Win one more game and you'll secure a seeded spot.
Liu Si, Li Qingwu, Wu Tong, and Li Jiuzhi fell into the losing zone!
The orange-clad flying fish-patterned man solemnly said:
"Losers will be drawn in the loser's bracket; losers will be eliminated immediately!!"
There was no time for the losers to recover; the next round of competition began immediately.
Li Qingwu drew Li Yu, who ranked eighteenth in all three tests.
This time, she defeated Li Yu cleanly and decisively within three moves.
Liu Si, Wu Tong, and Li Jiuzhi didn't draw any of their own cards, and they all dealt heavy blows to their opponents.
The orange-clad flying fish announced in public:
"Double loss, five players eliminated!"
Lu Pili, Li Yu, and the other four were in low spirits as they staggered down from the platform, facing a barrage of gazes.
Only fifteen players remained in the arena.
Next up is the highly anticipated showdown between the winners and losers.
The winner gets a seeded spot directly.
The ghostwriter continued drawing lots.
The orange-clad flying fish suit received the note and said in a booming voice:
"The first match is between Zhu Yuting and Wei Xuan."
The exquisite and graceful Goddess Wei's face was tense at this moment, and her eyes were filled with extreme emotional fluctuations.
She bit her lip lightly, clasped her hands in a fist and bowed, and said:
"I give up!"
As soon as he finished speaking, the man in the orange flying fish robe nodded slightly.
"Congratulations to Zhu Yuting for securing a seed spot at Shiyang Academy."
Zhu Yuting remained calm and composed, simply bowing to the group of swordsmen in return before heading to a secluded corner to watch the remaining duels.
Ghostwriter draws lots:
"The second match is between Yan Zhengzhao and Yan Shouxu!"
There were almost no surprises.
Yan Zhengzhao voluntarily conceded defeat, preparing for the final battle.
In the final round, the winner advances, and the loser is eliminated.
If he insists on fighting Tsukasa, his chances of winning are less than 20%!
Yan Shouxu returned the greeting with clasped hands, and thunderous applause erupted throughout the academy.
Dean Yan stroked his long beard. Although his grandson's limelight had been stolen by Zhu Yuting and Gu Lin, he had still managed to secure a seed spot.
The orange-clad flying fish uniform nodded:
"Congratulations to Yan Shouxu for securing a seed spot at Shiyang Academy."
"The third draw."
He took out the slip of paper and announced it again:
"Gu Lin vs. Zhao Yao!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Zhao Yao's eyes flashed with light, and he took a step forward.
The entire audience turned to look at Gu Lin.
Gu Lin pondered for a moment, showing no intention of moving, and said frankly:
"I abstain."
Fighting to the death is unwise. Even if you use all your trump cards, you may not have much of a chance of winning. The difference in cultivation level is too great; your opponent is approaching the Cave Profound Realm.
It's better to save your strength for the next opponent; as long as you get the spot, that's enough.
The man in the orange flying fish uniform nodded, about to announce that Zhao Yao had secured a spot.
Sudden.
Zhao Yao's expression was cold, and he said in a chilling voice:
"You claim victory in martial arts will, but where is your will? Cowardly and timid, lacking even a shred of courage, do you even deserve to stand on the dueling platform?!"
As he spoke, many of the ghostwriters frowned deeply.
As a ninth-level Qi Condensation Realm cultivator, do you really want to let someone at the third level of Qi Condensation Realm, like an ant trying to shake a tree, do you?
The atmosphere inside and outside the square suddenly changed, and countless onlookers looked at each other in bewilderment.
It seems that failing the test of willpower has left a shadow in Young Master Qilin's heart.
Is this the unparalleled genius who leads the academy, so lacking in manners?
Not to mention the difference of six realms, and moreover, when Wei Xuan and Yan Zhengzhao forfeited and admitted defeat, Zhu Yuting and Yan Shouxu returned the gesture with clasped hands, without any intention of mocking them.
"Zhao Yao!" County Magistrate Zhao roared in fury.
He doesn't care what they do in private.
But this is a grand gathering of wise men!
The Zhao family boasts two Supreme Beings, renowned throughout Shiyang. How can they afford to lose even the slightest dignity? If Can'er is implicated and ridiculed by her colleagues in the Martial Peak Hall, what punishment will Zhao Yao receive?!
A gloomy look flashed in Zhao Yao's eyes. He wasn't someone who couldn't afford to lose in the test of willpower, but how could he lose to a good-for-nothing who took the crooked path!
To maintain its authority, the government office, which was essentially acting as a scapegoat, refused to acknowledge that the person surnamed Gu was unaffected by the Blood Sea while practicing his special evil arts!
Having never suffered a defeat among his peers, how could he leave a stain on his record?!
Zhao Yao coldly scrutinized Gu Lin, and couldn't help but utter a single sentence:
"You are only fit to look up to me. If you miss the chance to talk to me, you will never see my back again."
Gu Lin smiled, a particularly bright smile.
He replied slowly and deliberately:
"If we meet in the Holy Land selection competition, then we'll each rely on our own abilities."
Zhao Yao also smiled, but meeting his father's threatening gaze, he suppressed his inner resentment and anger, and said slowly and deliberately:
"If we can't even get a seed spot, then we'll make a fool of ourselves."
After saying that, he turned and left.
Haha, Shiyang Academy, someone actually dares to talk back to us!
The orange-clad flying fish announced in public:
Congratulations to Zhao Yao for securing a seed spot at Shiyang Academy!
After the interlude, the drawing of lots continued.
Lin Yan'er in the winning area drew Wei Yuan.
Jin Zhong drew Liu Suifeng.
This was the luckiest and most evenly matched duel.
Lin Yan'er and Wei Yuan are evenly matched in strength.
Jin Zhong and Liu Suifeng were really lucky to have signed a contract. They were among the eight in the winning zone, and whenever they drew a prodigy other than Gu Lin, they suffered a crushing defeat. Yet, they just happened to run into each other.
These two matches are destined to be exciting, and neither side wants to fall into a do-or-die situation in the loser's zone.
Especially for Jin Zhong and Liu Suifeng, this defeat could cost them their seeded spots!
After an incense stick had burned, specks of flesh and blood remained along the edge of the arena, and a long trail of blood stretched across the ground.
After two fierce battles, Lin Yan'er was seriously injured, but ultimately secured a spot.
Liu Suifeng immediately lost consciousness, and before collapsing, he kicked Jin Zhong off the dueling platform.
The orange-clad flying fish announced in public:
Congratulations to Lin Yan'er on securing a spot at Shiyang Academy!
Congratulations to Liu Suifeng for securing a seed spot at Shiyang Academy!
The final match of the winners' zone has concluded, and five seeded players have been determined: Zhu Yuting, Yan Shouxu, Zhao Yao, Lin Yan'er, and Liu Suifeng.
Five people have already advanced.
Five people have been eliminated.
The remaining ten people competed in a single match to determine the final five spots.
Wei Yuan and Jin Zhong were seriously injured and were urgently treating their wounds in a corner of the training platform. The swordsman generously provided them with medicine to help them recover quickly.
Apart from Gu Lin, the other seven people all turned their attention to Wei Jin and the other two.
This one needs a bit of luck.
If you draw either Wei Yuan or Jin Zhong, you have an 80% chance of winning!
The most anticipated moment arrived. The man in the orange flying fish suit walked up to the man in the black suit and took the note handed to him by the swordsman.
He slowly unfolded the scroll and announced to the public:
"Li Qingwu".
In an instant, Li Qingwu looked at Wei Yuan and Jin Zhong, hoping to draw the names of these two injured people whose breathing was disordered.
The others were also praying that they wouldn't be chosen.
The orange-clad flying fish suit and expressionless face:
"Gu Lin!"
"In the first match, Li Qingwu will face off against Gu Lin. The winner will secure a spot, while the loser will be eliminated."
In an instant, Gu Lin smiled.
Li Qingwu smiled too, her smile as beautiful as a flower.
Li Jisheng, Li's father, who was watching from a distance, also smiled, pleased that his daughter had drawn a good lot.
Gu Changchuan frowned deeply. He was more nervous than anyone else. Not to mention that his son was two realms weaker, he was afraid that his son's emotions would be affected!
Gu Lin suppressed his smile and calmly stepped onto the high platform.
Li Qingwu's smile grew even wider.
I never imagined that I would be able to personally put an end to that unrealistic fantasy of the man surnamed Gu.
You think you deserve a seeded spot?!
Among the top ten, Zhao Yao, Zhu Yuting, Gu Lin, Yan Shouxu, Wei Xuan, and Yan Zhengzhao all successfully entered the winning zone.
Win one more game and you'll secure a seeded spot.
Liu Si, Li Qingwu, Wu Tong, and Li Jiuzhi fell into the losing zone!
The orange-clad flying fish-patterned man solemnly said:
"Losers will be drawn in the loser's bracket; losers will be eliminated immediately!!"
There was no time for the losers to recover; the next round of competition began immediately.
Li Qingwu drew Li Yu, who ranked eighteenth in all three tests.
This time, she defeated Li Yu cleanly and decisively within three moves.
Liu Si, Wu Tong, and Li Jiuzhi didn't draw any of their own cards, and they all dealt heavy blows to their opponents.
The orange-clad flying fish announced in public:
"Double loss, five players eliminated!"
Lu Pili, Li Yu, and the other four were in low spirits as they staggered down from the platform, facing a barrage of gazes.
Only fifteen players remained in the arena.
Next up is the highly anticipated showdown between the winners and losers.
The winner gets a seeded spot directly.
The ghostwriter continued drawing lots.
The orange-clad flying fish suit received the note and said in a booming voice:
"The first match is between Zhu Yuting and Wei Xuan."
The exquisite and graceful Goddess Wei's face was tense at this moment, and her eyes were filled with extreme emotional fluctuations.
She bit her lip lightly, clasped her hands in a fist and bowed, and said:
"I give up!"
As soon as he finished speaking, the man in the orange flying fish robe nodded slightly.
"Congratulations to Zhu Yuting for securing a seed spot at Shiyang Academy."
Zhu Yuting remained calm and composed, simply bowing to the group of swordsmen in return before heading to a secluded corner to watch the remaining duels.
Ghostwriter draws lots:
"The second match is between Yan Zhengzhao and Yan Shouxu!"
There were almost no surprises.
Yan Zhengzhao voluntarily conceded defeat, preparing for the final battle.
In the final round, the winner advances, and the loser is eliminated.
If he insists on fighting Tsukasa, his chances of winning are less than 20%!
Yan Shouxu returned the greeting with clasped hands, and thunderous applause erupted throughout the academy.
Dean Yan stroked his long beard. Although his grandson's limelight had been stolen by Zhu Yuting and Gu Lin, he had still managed to secure a seed spot.
The orange-clad flying fish uniform nodded:
"Congratulations to Yan Shouxu for securing a seed spot at Shiyang Academy."
"The third draw."
He took out the slip of paper and announced it again:
"Gu Lin vs. Zhao Yao!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Zhao Yao's eyes flashed with light, and he took a step forward.
The entire audience turned to look at Gu Lin.
Gu Lin pondered for a moment, showing no intention of moving, and said frankly:
"I abstain."
Fighting to the death is unwise. Even if you use all your trump cards, you may not have much of a chance of winning. The difference in cultivation level is too great; your opponent is approaching the Cave Profound Realm.
It's better to save your strength for the next opponent; as long as you get the spot, that's enough.
The man in the orange flying fish uniform nodded, about to announce that Zhao Yao had secured a spot.
Sudden.
Zhao Yao's expression was cold, and he said in a chilling voice:
"You claim victory in martial arts will, but where is your will? Cowardly and timid, lacking even a shred of courage, do you even deserve to stand on the dueling platform?!"
As he spoke, many of the ghostwriters frowned deeply.
As a ninth-level Qi Condensation Realm cultivator, do you really want to let someone at the third level of Qi Condensation Realm, like an ant trying to shake a tree, do you?
The atmosphere inside and outside the square suddenly changed, and countless onlookers looked at each other in bewilderment.
It seems that failing the test of willpower has left a shadow in Young Master Qilin's heart.
Is this the unparalleled genius who leads the academy, so lacking in manners?
Not to mention the difference of six realms, and moreover, when Wei Xuan and Yan Zhengzhao forfeited and admitted defeat, Zhu Yuting and Yan Shouxu returned the gesture with clasped hands, without any intention of mocking them.
"Zhao Yao!" County Magistrate Zhao roared in fury.
He doesn't care what they do in private.
But this is a grand gathering of wise men!
The Zhao family boasts two Supreme Beings, renowned throughout Shiyang. How can they afford to lose even the slightest dignity? If Can'er is implicated and ridiculed by her colleagues in the Martial Peak Hall, what punishment will Zhao Yao receive?!
A gloomy look flashed in Zhao Yao's eyes. He wasn't someone who couldn't afford to lose in the test of willpower, but how could he lose to a good-for-nothing who took the crooked path!
To maintain its authority, the government office, which was essentially acting as a scapegoat, refused to acknowledge that the person surnamed Gu was unaffected by the Blood Sea while practicing his special evil arts!
Having never suffered a defeat among his peers, how could he leave a stain on his record?!
Zhao Yao coldly scrutinized Gu Lin, and couldn't help but utter a single sentence:
"You are only fit to look up to me. If you miss the chance to talk to me, you will never see my back again."
Gu Lin smiled, a particularly bright smile.
He replied slowly and deliberately:
"If we meet in the Holy Land selection competition, then we'll each rely on our own abilities."
Zhao Yao also smiled, but meeting his father's threatening gaze, he suppressed his inner resentment and anger, and said slowly and deliberately:
"If we can't even get a seed spot, then we'll make a fool of ourselves."
After saying that, he turned and left.
Haha, Shiyang Academy, someone actually dares to talk back to us!
The orange-clad flying fish announced in public:
Congratulations to Zhao Yao for securing a seed spot at Shiyang Academy!
After the interlude, the drawing of lots continued.
Lin Yan'er in the winning area drew Wei Yuan.
Jin Zhong drew Liu Suifeng.
This was the luckiest and most evenly matched duel.
Lin Yan'er and Wei Yuan are evenly matched in strength.
Jin Zhong and Liu Suifeng were really lucky to have signed a contract. They were among the eight in the winning zone, and whenever they drew a prodigy other than Gu Lin, they suffered a crushing defeat. Yet, they just happened to run into each other.
These two matches are destined to be exciting, and neither side wants to fall into a do-or-die situation in the loser's zone.
Especially for Jin Zhong and Liu Suifeng, this defeat could cost them their seeded spots!
After an incense stick had burned, specks of flesh and blood remained along the edge of the arena, and a long trail of blood stretched across the ground.
After two fierce battles, Lin Yan'er was seriously injured, but ultimately secured a spot.
Liu Suifeng immediately lost consciousness, and before collapsing, he kicked Jin Zhong off the dueling platform.
The orange-clad flying fish announced in public:
Congratulations to Lin Yan'er on securing a spot at Shiyang Academy!
Congratulations to Liu Suifeng for securing a seed spot at Shiyang Academy!
The final match of the winners' zone has concluded, and five seeded players have been determined: Zhu Yuting, Yan Shouxu, Zhao Yao, Lin Yan'er, and Liu Suifeng.
Five people have already advanced.
Five people have been eliminated.
The remaining ten people competed in a single match to determine the final five spots.
Wei Yuan and Jin Zhong were seriously injured and were urgently treating their wounds in a corner of the training platform. The swordsman generously provided them with medicine to help them recover quickly.
Apart from Gu Lin, the other seven people all turned their attention to Wei Jin and the other two.
This one needs a bit of luck.
If you draw either Wei Yuan or Jin Zhong, you have an 80% chance of winning!
The most anticipated moment arrived. The man in the orange flying fish suit walked up to the man in the black suit and took the note handed to him by the swordsman.
He slowly unfolded the scroll and announced to the public:
"Li Qingwu".
In an instant, Li Qingwu looked at Wei Yuan and Jin Zhong, hoping to draw the names of these two injured people whose breathing was disordered.
The others were also praying that they wouldn't be chosen.
The orange-clad flying fish suit and expressionless face:
"Gu Lin!"
"In the first match, Li Qingwu will face off against Gu Lin. The winner will secure a spot, while the loser will be eliminated."
In an instant, Gu Lin smiled.
Li Qingwu smiled too, her smile as beautiful as a flower.
Li Jisheng, Li's father, who was watching from a distance, also smiled, pleased that his daughter had drawn a good lot.
Gu Changchuan frowned deeply. He was more nervous than anyone else. Not to mention that his son was two realms weaker, he was afraid that his son's emotions would be affected!
Gu Lin suppressed his smile and calmly stepped onto the high platform.
Li Qingwu's smile grew even wider.
I never imagined that I would be able to personally put an end to that unrealistic fantasy of the man surnamed Gu.
You think you deserve a seeded spot?!