Chapter 205: The Arrival of the Tournament's Virtual Battle

Chapter 205: The Arrival of the Tournament's Virtual Battle

"Not me?" The woman in the purple training uniform was slightly startled. "Who? Dantai Feng?"

"No," the middle-aged man in the suit shook his head slightly.

"Then is it Zhu Tong or Yu Mingwei?" The woman in the purple training uniform quickly named two more people.

These individuals were the ones she considered the greatest threats to her competing for the 'Second-tier Martial Deity Heritage Slot.'

Some were from Starfire University, while others were from different universities.

However, they all shared three common traits. First, they were all from Xia Nation.

Second, none of them had been to Flying Star.

Third, they were all third-year students or below.

"None of them," the middle-aged man in the suit shook his head.

"Could it be someone from the fourth or fifth year?" The woman in the purple training uniform couldn't help but ask, "Principal Yu, in normal circumstances, isn't this privileged slot given to students in their third year or below?"

"Yin Man, don't be anxious," Principal Yu reassured her. "This person is around the same age as Dantai Feng, and they're not from the top three elite martial arts schools."

"Li Yuan?" The woman in the purple training uniform instantly guessed, her eyes flashing with determination.

Principal Yu paused for a moment before nodding.

"Has he broken through to the Fifth Level Technique?" Yin Man asked directly, her eyes filled with determination.

Principal Yu shook his head. "His exact strength is still unclear, but according to the information I have, the two Star Sovereigns of Xia Nation directly decided on his slot, and it cannot be changed."

"Most likely, he must have made an extraordinary breakthrough," Principal Yu added.

"Two Star Sovereigns?" Yin Man's heart trembled.

How many Star Sovereigns were there in Xia Nation? What had this Li Yuan done to receive such favor from two Star Sovereigns?

As far as she knew, even the main principal of her own Starfire University was not a Star Sovereign.

"This news did come as a surprise," Principal Yu sighed. "It caught us off guard. The school had planned to recommend you to compete for the Second-tier Martial Deity Heritage Slot."

"After all, in terms of strength alone, you should be the strongest in this year's Global University Martial Arts Tournament, whether in the virtual battle or the real battle," Principal Yu explained. "Among the many geniuses in Xia Nation, you are far ahead. Then, next year, we would send Dantai Feng to compete for the Second-tier Martial Deity Heritage Slot."

Yin Man listened silently.

The strongest in terms of strength?

Last year, when she was in her second year, Yin Man successfully made it to the top ten in the virtual battle of the Global University Martial Arts Tournament.

She was the only second-year student in the top ten at the time, but in the end, she narrowly missed out on being selected for the Martial Deity Heritage Slot.

After all, every year, only around ten martial arts prodigies under the age of 30 from the entire Blue Planet were chosen, making the competition incredibly fierce.

This year, Yin Man's goal was not only to aim for the top spot in both the virtual and real battles but also to directly secure the Second-tier Martial Deity Heritage Slot for Xia Nation.

Although it was possible to gradually advance from the third tier after going to Flying Star, it would be much slower.

A quick step forward meant faster progress overall.

With her aspirations to surpass the Ascendant Realm and stand at the pinnacle of civilization, Yin Man naturally yearned for this Second-tier Martial Deity Heritage Slot.

"Principal Yu, is there no chance at all?" Yin Man clenched her teeth.

"There's no chance. The slot has been confirmed," Principal Yu said. "Don't be too discouraged. If you can steadily break into the top three in the virtual battle, you'll still have a chance to obtain the Martial Deity Heritage Slot."

"The difference between the third tier and the second tier isn't that significant," Principal Yu added. "As long as you're outstanding enough, when you reach Flying Star in the future, you'll still have the hope of becoming a second-tier or even a first-tier."

"Hmm." Yin Man nodded slightly. "Principal, I'll do my best."

"Oh, Principal," Yin Man suddenly said. "Will this Li Yuan also participate in the virtual battle?"

"Definitely. The virtual battle is a rare opportunity for tempering, and he will certainly be allowed to compete," Principal Yu replied.

He already understood Yin Man's thoughts, but he didn't ask further.

Soon, both sides ended their communication.

"Li Yuan?"

"Decided by two Star Sovereigns?" Yin Man stood alone in the martial arts room, gripping her sword, her eyes cold. "Without even watching the competition, they directly confirmed his slot?"

"Perhaps this Li Yuan is exceptional, but he didn't even give me a chance."

"Alright."

"Then let me see just how strong this Li Yuan is." Yin Man's heart was filled with a nameless rage.

As the top student in her third year at Starfire University, and even arguably the best in the world, she was extremely proud.

Geniuses, by nature, were born with an unyielding spirit.

If she lost in a competition, she would accept it.

Even if their strengths were similar, she would acknowledge it, especially since she was two years older than Li Yuan.

But to not even have a chance to compete? She couldn't accept that.

"Whoosh!" Streaks of sword light blossomed, the sword beams surging with fierce intensity.

In an instant, shocking cracks appeared on the four walls of the entire underground martial arts room.

...

At the same time, the news reached not only Yin Man, who had a chance at winning the virtual battle, but also...

In addition to the other top geniuses from Xia Nation, there was also Dantai Feng.

"Principal Yu, you said that Xia Nation's privileged slot has been confirmed?" Dantai Feng looked at the middle-aged man in a suit on the holographic screen and couldn't help but ask, "Yin Man?"

The first person who came to his mind was Yin Man.

"No," Principal Yu shook his head.

"Then it must be Li Yuan," Dantai Feng said with a smile, "I'm sure of it."

"You guessed right," Principal Yu replied with a smile.

"It's not hard to guess," Dantai Feng shrugged, "In terms of strength, Yin Man is the strongest... But in terms of potential, Li Yuan broke through half a month earlier than me. If we're talking about progress, he's been much faster than me for more than a year now."

"I admit that his technique level is currently better than mine."

"I'm not surprised he was chosen."

"Moreover, according to tradition, we would have to wait until the real battle is over to confirm. But now, the two Star Masters have directly confirmed him. If there are no surprises, he must have done something extraordinary." Dantai Feng said.

Principal Yu smiled.

He could sense Yin Man's unwillingness, but Dantai Feng seemed much more at ease.

"Keep working hard."

"You're only a freshman, but you've already reached the fifth level of technique," Principal Yu said with a smile, "As long as you perform slightly better, you have a chance to be directly selected."

"I understand," Dantai Feng nodded.

If he could make it to the top three in the virtual or real battles, he would definitely obtain the Martial Deity Heritage slot.

But what if he didn't make it to the top three? Then it would be up to the judgment of the higher-ups.

However, no matter what, he was only in his first year, and in terms of potential, he had a much better chance than Yin Man from last year.

The call ended.

"Li Yuan got the slot directly? He's insane," Dantai Feng muttered to himself, "I thought that after my breakthrough, I could catch up to him."

"Looks like the gap has widened."

"I hope I don't run into you in the virtual battle," Dantai Feng muttered, "That way, my win rate against you will still be 100%."

"Haha, no matter how strong you are, you'll still be my defeated opponent in the end."

Dantai Feng felt very calm inside.

Let him be as strong as he wants, Dantai Feng only pursued his own strength and... showmanship.

"Hmm," Dantai Feng thought to himself, "I'll definitely lose to Yin Man and that group of freaks in the real battle. So, I'll aim to shine in the virtual battle and strive for the first place."

"First place in the virtual battle is still first place!"

...

Day by day passed.

Back at school, Li Yuan resumed his peaceful life, attending general education classes every morning as usual.

Occasionally, he would hang out with classmates like An Nong and Gu Qianghan.

In the blink of an eye, it was February 1st. Inside the villa at Kunlun Martial Arts University, as night fell, Li Yuan entered the underground martial arts room.

"Whoosh!"

"Whoosh!" Having just finished dinner, Li Yuan silently practiced his gun technique, feeling the changes in his body and the world around him as he channeled the technique.

The gun tip moved swiftly, creating dozens of gun shadows with extreme speed.

"My mind can merge with heaven and earth," Li Yuan thought.

"Even if I calm my mind and meditate, I can make my entire body gradually merge with the surroundings." Li Yuan thought to himself, "But as soon as I start to unleash my technique, this state of mind is disrupted, and even merging my mind with heaven and earth becomes difficult."

This was due to a lack of control.

His cultivation level was insufficient.

"Slow."

"I need to slow down," Li Yuan said as he slowed down the movements of his long gun, "I'll focus on the spiritual connection with each shot, aiming for the maximum power and following the natural flow of heaven and earth."

"Strive for the ultimate power."

"To merge one's entire being with heaven and earth is the level of a perfect fifth level. I can't achieve that yet."

"I can only try to merge each shot with heaven and earth," Li Yuan thought.

Through repeated cultivation of the Starlight Intent technique, including his previous discussions with Li Yang and Principal Xu, Li Yuan had a clear plan for his future cultivation path.

First, he would slow down his gun technique, allowing each shot to merge with heaven and earth.

Then, he would speed up again, merging his technique with heaven and earth.

Finally, he would be able to merge his entire being, including his movements and technique, with heaven and earth. At that point, his power, whether in body or gun technique, would reach an unimaginable level.

Merging with heaven and earth was the initial stage of Heaven-Earth Unity.

And merging one's body with heaven and earth was the perfection of the fifth level.

Time ticked by, second by second.

Suddenly, Li Yuan felt a vibration on his smart ring and looked down to see an unfamiliar communication request.

The request read: "I'm Dantai Feng, and Daziang gave me your number."

Li Yuan couldn't help but smile and accepted the friend request, answering the call.

The holographic projection appeared, showing Dantai Feng in a martial arts room.

"Li Yuan, it's been a while." Dantai Feng struck a pose he deemed cool and smiled, "Still cultivating at this late hour?"

"How can I catch up to you without putting in the effort?" Li Yuan joked, "The Global Virtual Battle is coming up soon, and I want to beat you once and get my revenge from last time."

"Why don't we have a match on the Starry Sky Combat Network first?" Li Yuan suggested with a smile, "Just a friendly spar?"

"No need. I don't want to face you." Dantai Feng laughed, "Don't try to trick me. I know you've already broken through to the Fifth Level Technique."

"I won't fall for it." Dantai Feng asserted confidently.

Li Yuan shook his head and chuckled.

He wasn't surprised that Dantai Feng knew about his breakthrough; Li Yang had mentioned it before.

"Is there something you need?" Li Yuan asked.

"The Second-tier Martial Deity Heritage slot for this year, you got it, right?" Dantai Feng smiled.

Li Yuan's face showed confusion.

"Don't play dumb. This isn't a secret to me. Our Vice President informed me." Dantai Feng smiled, "I'm not here just to congratulate you. I wanted to tell you to be careful."

"Careful?" Li Yuan was puzzled.

"There's someone at Starfire University named Yin Man. I think you've heard of her." Dantai Feng smiled, "She is..."

"Never heard of her." Li Yuan shook his head.

Dantai Feng paused, then laughed, "In that case, let me enlighten you..."

Soon, Li Yuan learned who Yin Man was.

"This Privileged Slot, was it originally meant for her?" Li Yuan pondered.

"I can only say she had the highest hopes." Dantai Feng smiled, "But even before the competition started, you snatched it away. With her personality, she might not take it well."

"So be it." Li Yuan smiled, "Do you expect me to make her feel better?"

"She probably wants to beat you up." Dantai Feng laughed, "I just wanted to warn you. Be careful during the tournament, don't lose too badly if you meet her."

"Lose?"

"This Yin Man, she broke into the top ten of the Virtual Battle in her sophomore year. Is she that strong?" Li Yuan smiled faintly, "Which one of us isn't stronger than her?"

Dantai Feng paused, then burst into laughter, "Hahaha, no wonder it's Li Yuan. You're right, which one of us isn't stronger? Indeed, we don't need to fear her."

"Alright."

"Then I look forward to your match with her." Dantai Feng smiled, "Remember, if we meet in the main tournament, go easy on me and save some face for me."

"If I go easy on you, I'll lose." Li Yuan smiled.

Soon after, both parties ended the communication.

"According to the information provided by the teacher, she was in the top ten of the Virtual Battle in her sophomore year. Now, another year has passed. This Yin Man has a good chance of becoming the number one in the Virtual Battle this year." Li Yuan smiled slightly, "Moreover, she's already a senior, so her physical qualities must be exceptional. She might even have a shot at the top spot in the real battle."

Li Yuan had just claimed not to know Yin Man, but in reality, he had reviewed the information sent by Li Yang a couple of days ago.

The document specifically highlighted Yin Man as the top-seeded competitor.

"She's strong, but my Gun Technique is no less formidable." Li Yuan's heart remained calm.

He continued cultivating his Gun Technique.

He practiced the technique until late at night, 12 o'clock.

"【Your Gun Technique has improved from 23% to 24% of the Fifth Level Technique】"

"【Your Movement Technique has improved from 24% to 25% of the Fifth Level Technique】"

Two consecutive notifications from the Mind Divine Palace flashed by.

...

In the blink of an eye, two more days had passed.

On February 3rd, around noon, the first-year students of the six colleges emerged from the Black Dragon Tower.

"Senior Brother, can you guide me with my sword technique after lunch?" An Nong smiled.

"Sure." Li Yuan smiled faintly, "Come to my villa this afternoon."

Li Yuan never refused requests for guidance from his close classmates and friends.

Teaching others was also a way of teaching himself.

During the process of guiding others, he might unknowingly clarify some points that had previously been unclear.

"Brother Li, do you have confidence in breaking into the top hundred in the Global University Martial Arts Tournament Virtual Battle?" Gu Qianghan asked excitedly.

"What about you?" Li Yuan smiled, "Do you have confidence in making it to the main tournament?"

"Damn, if I could make it to the main tournament in my freshman year, my dad would be so proud." Gu Qianghan shook his head, "I think you have a better chance of winning the championship than me making it to the main tournament."

"We'll see." Li Yuan smiled.

Suddenly,

"Buzz~" "Buzz~" Almost simultaneously, the Assistant AI rings on Li Yuan, Gu Qianghan, and An Nong's hands vibrated.

Everyone instinctively looked at their rings.

Li Yuan wasn't surprised. He clicked the light screen, and a projection appeared—a document from the school titled "Global University Martial Arts Tournament 2044 (Virtual Battle) Schedule and Regulations."

"The Virtual Battle is finally here." Li Yuan smiled slightly.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end