https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-154-Holding-Out-for-a-Better-Offer/13507139/
Chapter 155: Genius Battle Tournament Top 16
Chapter 155: Genius Battle Tournament Top 16 (Monthly Vote Request)
Noon, Rongshan Residential District, Apartment 301
“Mmm~”
Smoke and oil fumes wafted through the living room as the balcony window was left open to air out the apartment.
In the small, outdated kitchen, Fang Huiyi carried a large pot of corn and rib soup to the dining table. The table was already laden with dishes—stir-fried pork with chili peppers, scrambled eggs with tomatoes, spicy shredded potatoes—the aroma filling the room.
Lin Qi wasted no time, grabbing a rice bowl from his father and scooping up steaming white rice, then digging in heartily.
Across the table, his mother Fang Huiyi began eating too, her complexion much improved compared to her usual weary pallor.
“Mom, how have you been feeling lately?” Lin Qi asked.
Fang Huiyi replied, “Much better. My vitality is recovering steadily.”
Lin Zhen chimed in with a grin, “Your mother’s vitality stat is already back to 5.0. Her fist strength just lags a bit—still under 200 kilograms.”
Lin Qi nodded, his expression neutral.
Inside, though, he frowned. His mother’s body had been detoxifying for over two months now.
Once a Second Realm martial artist, she’d only regained 5.0 vitality. The recovery speed was slower than expected. They’d spent hundreds of thousands in Xia Kingdom currency buying medicinal resources during this period.
He suddenly recalled Li Doctor’s warning—restoring her martial arts foundation would require an immense investment.
Now he understood exactly what “immense” meant.
“Her internal organs were severely corroded. Taking resources now yields minimal results. Efficiency is terrible. I need to find a way to repair her organs first.”
He mused, calculating his funds. He had over 8 million in cash, and upgrading to an S-Rank contract would add another 10 million. Enough to afford high-grade healing resources.
“Honey, I heard you excelled at the survival training camp,” Lin Zhen suddenly said.
Lin Qi swallowed his rice, shrugging casually.
“Just broke the record. Got first place.”
“Fir—First Place?!”
Lin Zhen’s eyes widened as he exchanged stunned glances with Fang Huiyi.
Both were visibly shaken.
“You’re sure you’re not mistaken?” Fang Huiyi asked cautiously.
Lin Qi set down his chopsticks. “No mistake. I’m the undisputed champion.”
“In the entire Cang Province, I—Lin Qi—am now the strongest.”
The couple sat in dazed silence. Their son, the strongest in Cang Province?
Unbelievable. Yet the pride in their hearts surged, unstoppable.
They were ordinary folks, but their genius son was rewriting reality.
---
Afternoon, Crimson Vault Martial Arts Pavilion, Master’s Office
“Beep!”
The office door slid open. Yue Feng, in a black suit, turned to see Lin Qi enter.
A smile spread across his face as he stepped forward, clapping Lin Qi’s shoulder.
“Welcome back.”
“You’ve exceeded every expectation.”
Lin Qi grinned. “I’ve aimed to repay your trust.”
Yue Feng gestured to the tea table opposite his desk. A steaming pot of oolong tea filled the air with fragrance.
“Hah! What a triumph!”
“You crushed Chen Li, an S-Rank genius, so thoroughly—how could anyone doubt your S-Rank ranking? Rest assured, tomorrow’s second vote is already yours.” Yue Feng thumped his chest confidently.
“Any word on Li Zehao’s performance?” Lin Qi sipped his tea. The initial bitterness gave way to a sweet aftertaste, chilling his mind and sharpening his focus.
Yue Feng shook his head. “No details yet. Likely hiding his results, like we did. We’ll know tomorrow—but the second vote is happening then too.”
“A final surprise, perhaps.”
Lin Qi’s lips curled. “Then let’s give them another one. Tonight’s Genius Battle Tournament—Round 7, the final 32 to 16 elimination.”
Yue Feng’s eyes lit up. “Brilliant! The 32 contenders include nearly all S-Rank geniuses. A 16th-place finish would be undeniable proof.”
Lin Qi sipped tea, already anticipating the night’s battle.
---
7:30 PM
After a day’s rest, Tianhai City’s geniuses gathered at the three major martial arts pavilions for the tournament’s climax.
Inside Crimson Vault’s Virtual Hall, murmurs buzzed through the crowd.
“Zhou Xi Yin’s here!”
“The goddess came to watch the final round!”
A tall figure in white caught eyes, her long legs impossible to miss.
Zhou Xi Yin, ponytail swaying, scanned the crowd until her gaze locked on a familiar tall frame.
Spotting Lin Qi, she quickened her pace.
“Lin Qi!”
Lin Qi smiled at her energetic approach. “Glad you made it.”
“Good luck tonight! I’m sure you’ll advance easily,” she said.
“You’re absolutely right,” he grinned.
Behind Jiang Tao, Jiang Miaoyin entered in a baggy uniform, her hair in twin buns radiating youthful charm. She frowned slightly at Zhou Xi Yin’s presence.
“Brother, who’s that girl?”
Jiang Tao introduced, “Zhou Xi Yin—ranked fourth in Cang Province. A role model for you.”
Jiang Miaoyin huffed. “Only fourth? Next year, I’ll crack the top three.”
Jiang Tao chuckled. “That’s the spirit.”
---
“Brother Qi, good luck!”
As Lü Xiang, Wu Feng, and Guo Heng cheered him on, Lin Qi exchanged brief greetings before entering a nearby Neural Pod, logging into the Scarlet Realm.
Above the hall, a massive screen displayed the 32 finalists.
“Two from Cang Province—impressive!”
“Most are from the Imperial Capital, Demon Capital, Bei Jiang, Shu Province, Jiangnan, Yue Province…”
“Wonder if Chen Li and Lin Qi can make top 16?” a spectator wondered aloud.
---
Imperial Capital, a luxurious villa
Li Zehao in white sportswear watched a hologram of Zhang Tai’s face on-screen.
“The tournament’s final round rewards are excellent. Secure them,” Zhang Tai urged gently.
Li Zehao clenched his fist, confidence radiating. “Relax, Uncle. My current strength easily makes top fifteen nationwide.”
“I’ll claim top sixteen—and tomorrow’s S-Rank contract.”
A middle-aged woman in red beside him smirked. “My son’s unmatched.”
Li Zehao stepped into his Neural Pod, logging into his Personal Space. His eyes gleamed with anticipation.
“Across the Xia Kingdom, few remain who can challenge me.”
“Whoever faces me—will curse their luck.”
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
