Chapter 773
Chapter 773
Yu Shuang helped prepare the dipping sauce, while Lin Xuan was in charge of pouring the wine.
The family sat around the long table on the terrace, eating barbecue, drinking chilled beer and juice, and chatting about all sorts of interesting things.
As night falls, the temperature in the mountains drops slightly, and the stars dot the night sky, creating a tranquil and beautiful scene.
"These days are so comfortable." Rita leaned on Su Mo's shoulder and sighed slightly, feeling a little tipsy. "I wish it could stay like this forever."
“Yes, we will.” Su Mo picked up his cup and looked at the starry sky. “After I win every championship I can, until I don’t want to play anymore, we’ll find a quiet place and live like this forever.”
This statement, though lacking in grand pronouncements, is like a most solemn promise.
The girls' eyes were glistening with emotion.
They knew that this man would always do what he said.
The short holiday passed by in the blink of an eye.
three days later.
When the nanny van drove back into the bustling city center of Shanghai, the atmosphere inside the van had shifted from languid to tense and focused.
The LPL Summer Playoffs have officially begun!
As the top team in the regular season, EDG was directly promoted to the semifinals (winners' bracket finals).
Their opponent is JDG, a formidable foe who fought their way up from the loser's bracket and is in red-hot form!
"I've watched JDG's recent matches. Kanavi and Knight's mid-jungle synergy is getting better and better. Also, after being crushed by your Vladimir in the regular season, 369's ability to withstand pressure has made a qualitative leap." Abu was giving a pre-match analysis in the meeting room.
"In these few games, Ruler's performance in the bot lane has been key. As long as the game drags on past 30 minutes, JDG's win rate is as high as 90%," Mingkai added.
Su Mo sat in a chair, holding a thermos, his deep eyes fixed on the recent data analysis of JDG on the screen.
Thirty minutes?
Su Mo gently put down the thermos, a cold smile curving her lips.
"Then we'll flatten their high ground within twenty minutes."
The real battle is about to begin on the playoff stage.
Two days before the playoff semifinals, the air in EDG's training room seemed to freeze.
"Ah Chen, why didn't you call for the mid laner to cover you during this jungle invasion? Do you think you're Mozi, able to take on two opponents and get a kill?" Mingkai stood behind Ah Chen and reprimanded him sternly.
Ah Chen stared at the gray screen, beads of sweat forming on his forehead: "Oh no, coach. I saw the enemy jungler was at half health and was thinking of going to steal the F6 camp..."
"In the playoffs, any pointless risk could lead to the collapse of the entire game! We are a team, not five random players!" Mingkai's tone was unusually stern, reflecting his profound understanding of the cruelty of the playoffs as a veteran.
Su Mo sat in front of another computer, playing solo queue. He didn't speak, his deep eyes fixed on the screen, his fingers tapping the keyboard and mouse at an extremely steady pace. Even in a practice match, he maintained that suffocating sense of pressure.
The playoff format is a brutal best-of-five (BO5). It's not just a contest of skill, but also a comprehensive test of tactical reserves, hero pool depth, and mental fortitude.
"JDG is an extremely resilient team, especially when they are behind. Their ability to find opportunities to turn the tide is the best in the entire league." Abu pushed up his glasses and threw a thick analysis report on the conference table. "Therefore, we cannot pin our hopes on team fights in the mid-to-late game. Mozi, in the first three games, we must establish an irreversible advantage in the first twenty minutes and crush them."
Su Mo picked up his thermos, took a sip of goji berry water, and nodded slightly: "Okay. Give me heroes who can single-target burst damage, no need for front-line heroes."
This incredibly arrogant statement, if uttered by someone else, would certainly be ridiculed as overestimating their abilities. But for Su Mo, it was the most solid tactical guarantee.
Match day, 3 PM.
The sky over Shanghai was overcast, with a light drizzle falling, but the autumn rain did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm of esports fans.
Outside the Shanghai Hongqiao Performing Arts Center, a sea of people had already gathered. The red and black EDG support jerseys and the blue and white JDG team jerseys were intertwined, and fans held up huge light boards and banners, chanting the names of their respective teams and players in the rain.
"God Mo! Invincible Golden Body!"
"JDG! Never give up!"
The deafening sound could be heard clearly even through the thick walls of the venue.
EDG's bus, escorted by security personnel, slowly drove into the underground parking garage.
The car door opened, and Su Mo was the first to get out.
Today he was wearing EDG's signature black and red team jacket, zipped all the way up, concealing his sexy Adam's apple. His black baseball cap was pulled low, but it still couldn't hide his deep, cool eyes.
Countless flashes went off as media reporters and fans frantically took photos across the police cordon.
Su Mo didn't stop, wave, or show any expression. He simply carried the black thermos and walked steadily and powerfully towards the contestants' passage.
This imposing imperial aura, even without anger, caused the noisy crowd around to fall silent for half a second.
"So cool... Is this the aura of a seven-time champion? Even his walk exudes a murderous aura." A photographer with a long lens embellished his words.
It was 4:30 p.m., half an hour before the competition was scheduled to begin.
The arena was packed, brightly lit, and huge four-sided electronic screens were playing highlights of the two teams' performances in the regular season and playoffs.
The commentary team today consists of LPL's "Haier Brothers" Wawa and Miller, as well as special guest, former professional player Zz1tai.
"Summoners, welcome to the 2024 LPL Summer Playoffs Semifinals!" Wawa's signature passionate voice instantly ignited the atmosphere. "Today, we will witness a true clash of titans! On one side is EDG, the undefeated champions who finished the regular season undefeated! On the other side is JDG, the Avengers, who fought their way through the loser's bracket and are getting stronger with each battle!"
Miller continued, "Yes! There are so many things to watch in this BO5! Will Mozi continue his top lane dominance, or can 369 withstand the pressure in dire straits? Will Kanavi and Knight's mid-jungle synergy tear apart EDG's defenses, or can Achen and Xiaoyue hold their ground? All the suspense will soon be revealed!"
Zita stroked his chin and chuckled, "Hehe, I checked the forums before the match, and a lot of people were betting on what unconventional top laner Mozi would pull out today. To be honest, against a team like JDG that likes to team fight, I'm really looking forward to seeing how Mozi will tear apart their formation."
4:55 PM.
The lights inside the venue suddenly went out.
Only four huge electronic screens remained, flashing a ghostly blue light, accompanied by a low, rapid heartbeat sound effect.
"Boom...boom...boom..."
The audience held their breath.
Suddenly, a dazzling white spotlight shone on the center of the stage!
A stirring battle song suddenly resounded!
A host dressed in a gorgeous evening gown walked onto the stage. It was Luo Xin, who had just been promoted to an official LPL host this year (note: still categorized as a new host). Although she is a playful girl at home, on stage she displayed extremely professionalism and elegant demeanor.
"Welcome to the ultimate showdown of the playoffs!" Luo Xin's clear and melodious voice echoed in the hall. "First of all, let's welcome the JDG team, who fought their way out of the loser's bracket and are now charging towards the championship throne!"
Amid cheers from JDG fans, five players—369, Kanavi, Knight, Ruler, and Missing—walked onto the stage one by one, their expressions serious.
"Next," Luo Xin's voice trembled slightly, barely concealing her excitement, "let's welcome the undefeated champions of the regular season, the pillar of the LPL, that invincible red dynasty—EDG!"
The red lights instantly illuminated the entire other side of the stage!
"EDG! EDG! EDG!"
The deafening shouts almost lifted the roof off!
The four contestants, Ah Chen, Xiao Yue, Leave, and Vamp, took turns standing on the stage.
Finally, amidst the loudest screams from the entire audience.
Holding a thermos, Su Mo walked unhurriedly from the shadows into the spotlight.
Unlike the other players, he didn't wave. Instead, he stood quietly at the highest point of the stage, his deep gaze sweeping across the entire arena before finally settling on the JDG player opposite him.
It was a kind of cold indifference, looking down on all living beings from a superior position.
369 looked at the man wearing a baseball cap, swallowed hard, and felt a chill run down his spine.
"Both teams are in position! Now, please have the team captains come forward and shake hands!" Luo Xin announced.
Su Mo and Knight, representing their respective teams, walked to the center of the stage.
The moment the two shook hands.
Knight looked at Su Mo, gritted his teeth, and said in a low voice, "Brother Mo, we won't give up so easily today like we did in the regular season. We'll bring you down from your pedestal."
Su Mo's eyes were calm as still water, and he didn't even blink.
"A pedestal isn't built by empty words."
He let go of her hand and picked up the thermos.
"Use your strength to please me."
It was 5:00 PM. The players took their seats in the soundproof booths.
The equipment was tested and ready, and the referee's countdown sounded through the headset.
"The competition officially begins!"
The large screen then switches to the draft/ban interface for the first game of the BO5 series.
Since EDG was first in the regular season, they had the priority to choose sides in the first game and decisively chose the blue side.
"EDG is on the blue side, JDG is on the red side! Start banning in the first three picks!" Wawa announced loudly.
EDG's first three bans were very standard, banning Kai'Sa, Sejuani, and Wukong, targeting Ruler's signature champions and Kanavi's engage jungle playstyle.
JDG's first three picks, on the other hand, seemed extremely heavy.
"JDG banned Fiora in the first pick! They banned Aatrox in the second pick! And they banned Rengar in the third pick!"
Miller gasped: "Three top lane bans again! JDG's coaching staff are clearly extremely wary of Mozi's split-pushing and backline-diving abilities! These three picks are all unreasonable single-target burst damage champions!"
Enter the first round of picking.
EDG made a quick and decisive move, locking in the extremely strong mid-laner in the current meta – [The Emperor of the Sands – Azir]!
"Xiao Yue got Azir! This is a powerful mid-laner, and his ability to initiate team fights by pushing walls in the late game is extremely strong!"
JDG's first and second picks were Lee Sin and Varus, respectively.
"Tarzan's signature Lee Sin, paired with Ruler's Varus, is going to dominate the early game lane and jungle tempo!"
EDG added the bot lane duo of Ezreal and Braum on the second and third floors. It's a very solid system for withstanding pressure and counter-attacking.
On the third floor of JDG, Knight picked Sylas, the Unshackled One, to counter Azir and steal his ultimate.
The second round of bans.
JDG will continue to target EDG's top lane in the fourth and fifth picks!
Ban the Desert Butcher - Crocodile!
Ban Jax, the Weapon Master!
"My God! Five bans on top lane!!!" PDD patted his stomach in the commentary booth. "JDG is determined to turn the top lane into a mess! They've shut down all the light and heavy warriors who can lane and split push!"
EDG banned [Deep Sea Titan] and [Leona] in the fourth and fifth picks to limit JDG's support's ability to initiate fights.
Second round of picking.
On the fourth floor of LNG, the support Missing brought out [Bright Candle - Milio] to protect Varus and provide range.
On the fourth floor of EDG, A-Chen locked in [Twisted Treant - Maokai] (the Great Tree) to supplement the front-line control and team fight initiation.
Now, all the suspense is focused on JDG on the fifth floor of the red team and EDG on the fifth floor of the blue team!
Because EDG is on the blue side, they must reveal their top laner first! And JDG has the last counter pick!
"This draft is extremely unfavorable to Mozi," Wawa frowned. "Five bans on top laners, plus the fact that he has to pick first, JDG has cornered Mozi. If he picks a tank, 369 in the counter pick position will definitely pick a lifesteal warrior to dominate him!"
Miller nodded: "Yes. Right now, the only warriors left that can fight are some heroes that are out of meta."
EDG's match lineup.
Mingkai looked at the top lane champion pool, which was riddled with bans, and took a deep breath: "Mozi, they'll definitely reserve their counter picks for 369 this game. If you pick first, you'll be too easy to counter. How about picking Ornn to play it safe?"
Su Mo held the thermos cup and gently blew on the steam rising from the rim.
"Kant me?"
A cold and dangerous smile appeared on Su Mo's lips.
"Then let them see what true, ultimate offense is."
He put down the thermos and swiped his left hand across the mouse.
A portrait of a female swordsman holding a broken sword, exuding determination and killing intent, suddenly lit up on the fifth floor of the blue building!
"The day the broken sword is reforged will be the day the knight returns!"
Riven, the Exile!
locking!
"Riven?!?!"
The entire venue fell into a deathly silence.
Then, a terrifying scream erupted, loud enough to blow the roof off!
"Holy crap!!! Mozi picked Riven when he was banned five times and had no counter picks!!!" Guan Zeyuan roared hoarsely, "In this meta where heavy tanks and scaling carries are rampant, he picked Riven, the most mechanically demanding champion, the one that needs lane priority the most, and has an extremely low margin for error!!"
PDD was also shocked: "This is insane! This is absolutely insane! If Riven gets ganked and killed by the jungler even once in the early game, the game is over! Mozi has completely blocked his own escape route!"
On JDG's playing field.
369 stared at the Riven avatar for two seconds, then his eyes burst with ecstasy!
"He dares to pick Riven first?!" 369 shouted excitedly in the voice chat. "Coach, get me Renekton! Or Poppy! I'm going to smash his head in this game!"
JDG's coach also breathed a sigh of relief, feeling that his five-ban strategy had finally worked, forcing Su Mo to choose a hero that was easy to counter.
JDG's fifth-floor counter-seat lit up.
Without any hesitation!
"All will submit to me!"
【Renker, the Butcher of the Desert】!!! (Note: EDG banned Renekton in the previous article; this has been changed to another champion that is extremely effective against Riven.)
We will crush them!
Poppy, the Keeper of the Hammer!
locking!
"Poppy!! 369 decisively locked in Poppy in the counter pick position!" Wawa shouted on the commentary stage, "This is a counter to Riven's ultimate! Poppy's W skill [Unwavering Demeanor] can perfectly block all of Riven's Q and E movement skills! As long as Poppy has her W ready, Riven can't even touch Poppy in lane!"
Miller gasped, "Poppy is incredibly tanky, and her passive provides a shield. Mozi's choice of Riven first has really put him in a desperate situation! This top lane matchup is hell for Riven!"
PDD stroked his chin and shook his head repeatedly: "My goodness, Mozi got too cocky this game. Poppy against Riven is like a father beating his son. As long as 369 doesn't make any mistakes, Mozi is doomed in lane. And if Kanavi's Lee Sin comes to tower dive top lane early on, Riven won't even have a place to run!"
Game loading screen.
All the attention was focused on the extremely extreme laning relationship between the top laners.
One is Riven, which has an extremely high skill ceiling but is hard-countered.
One is as steady as Mount Tai, the Holy Hammer of Perseverance, who is the best at dealing with all sorts of fancy tricks.
The first game of the playoff semifinals was already incredibly intense!
Welcome to Summoner's Rift!
As the system's female voice sounded, ten heroes were born from the fountain.
The director very considerately focused the camera on Su Mo's Riven.
To everyone's great surprise...
Su Mo's Riven didn't choose the standard Doran's Shield for starting items, which is usually used to tank Poppy. Instead, she aggressively bought a Long Sword and three health potions!
The Summoner Spells have been completely abandoned, replaced by Flash and Ignite!
For runes, the primary rune path is Conqueror, and the secondary rune path is the extremely rare Resolve path—Bone Plating and Second Wind!
"A longsword, three red buffs, and Ignite?!" Guan Zeyuan's eyes widened. "Brother Mozi is determined to fight Poppy to the death online! But how can you fight like that? Poppy just stands there and lets you hit her, you can't even scratch her!"
"This starting build is too extreme, with almost zero margin for error. Once Riven loses a full set, she won't even have the chance to return to lane," Miller analyzed.
At one minute and thirty seconds, the entire army launched an attack.
Su Mo, controlling Riven and carrying the broken sword, walked resolutely towards the top lane.
369's Poppy seemed very relaxed. He brought Doran's Shield and Grasp of the Undying, and stood in front of the minion wave at level one, ready to use his passive ranged shield to harass Riven.
"Chen, drive normally in the bottom half of the map, don't come to the top lane." Su Mo gave the instruction in a calm tone over the voice chat.
"Got it, Mo Ge! I'm watching your performance this game!" Ah Chen's tree plunged headfirst into his own lower jungle.
The minion waves converge. (End of Chapter)