Chapter 248: The Final Opponent
Chapter 248: The Final Opponent (Requesting Monthly Vote)
"Now, let's welcome our semifinalists to the stage."
"They are Han Zhen from Azure Firmament Martial Academy and Tan Peier from Shanyu Martial Academy."
"These two powerhouse competitors will battle for supremacy. Who will claim victory and advance to the finals? Let's find out..."
As Xu Wenji's voice echoed across the arena, his figure dissolved into crimson light particles.
In the audience stands, Han Zhen rose to his feet with a confident smirk.
"Just two more matches and this national Freshman Competition title will be mine."
"Tan Peier's a Psychoflux Wielder, but without her Special Ability, she's at a massive disadvantage."
"She's got zero chance against me."
As he spoke, a pillar of crimson light engulfed him before he descended onto the Ruins Arena.
Dust swirled across the gray concrete battlefield in the gentle breeze.
When the crimson light faded, Tan Peier emerged - tall, pink-haired, and wielding her longsword. Across from her, Han Zhen strode forward in black-and-red battle gear, gripping his gleaming silver battle saber.
Their eyes locked, the tension palpable as they squared off.
Tan Peier's expression darkened. She'd expected an easy run, but Han Zhen's appearance changed everything. Without her Spiritual Power, her strength had plummeted.
"Sorry, Tan Peier", Han Zhen smirked. "I've already claimed my spot in the finals."
[Semifinal Begins!]
The mechanical announcement triggered their clash.
In the audience stands, spectators watched with bated breath - even more intently than Lin Qi's previous match. That fight had ended too quickly to appreciate.
Now, Tan Peier vs Han Zhen promised a high-stakes battle.
Lin Qi observed carefully. Having already qualified for the finals, he studied their techniques. Understanding their martial arts styles would help him prepare countermeasures.
Boom!
They collided in an instant.
Tan Peier's speed surpassed all competitors except Li Hanjiang. Her higher Vital Energy Stat (approaching 70) and superior Body Constitution gave her an edge even Lin Qi couldn't match. Han Zhen might be pushing 80 in Vital Energy - dangerously close to the 80 threshold where late-stage practitioners broke through to mid-stage cultivation.
Her sword techniques approached third-tier proficiency, outclassing Li Hanjiang and Huo Wanyang.
Han Zhen's blade techniques were equally formidable - raw power matched with brutal precision.
"Tan Peier's swordplay and Han Zhen's blade techniques look unfamiliar", Jiang Tao observed. "Are those advanced techniques?"
"They're not Bronze-Rank manuals", Zhou Xi Yin interjected. "They're using Silver-ranked martial arts."
"Silver-ranked?!" The audience erupted. "We haven't even mastered Third Killing Move yet!"
Lin Qi furrowed his brow. He'd planned to study Silver-ranked techniques after improving his Split Mountain Spear Techniques, but these two had already mastered theirs.
"Look at Han Zhen's red blade aura!" Jiang Tao exclaimed.
The battle intensified. Tan Peier's flurry of sword strikes rained down like a silver storm, but Han Zhen's battle saber parried effortlessly. His large frame moved with uncanny agility.
When Han Zhen's saber flared crimson, he unleashed a shockwave that sent Tan Peier flying, her sword clattering away.
"What's happening? Special Abilities are banned!"
"That's definitely cheating!" the crowd roared.
At Azure Firmament's section, Guo Heng explained, "It's their inherent Vital Force. Those with awakened Special Abilities fuse their power with their martial arts. Even restricted, their techniques retain enhanced potency."
Tan Peier's Psychoflux Wielder abilities left her helpless - her Spiritual Perception couldn't compensate for diminished striking power.
"This isn't fair!" Jiang Tao complained.
Guo Heng shrugged. "Life's unfair."
Lin Qi remained calm, his expression unreadable.
...
Crack!
Han Zhen's crimson-wreathed blade sliced Tan Peier's throat.
"Sorry, but I win", he declared. "This championship is mine!"
Tan Peier's eyes widened as she dissolved into light.
[Semifinal Result: Han Zhen (Azure Firmament) Wins!]
Xu Wenji announced triumphantly, "Han Zhen from Azure Firmament Martial Academy has claimed victory! Regardless of the final match, our champion comes from Azure Firmament!"
Back at Shanyu's section, Tan Peier seethed, "If I could use Spiritual Power, I'd pierce his heart with my flying daggers."
...
The crowd erupted in applause.
"Han Zhen's dominance is undeniable!"
"Lin Qi won't stand a chance. His match against Li Hanjiang was nothing compared to this!"
Most spectators wrote Lin Qi off completely, some even logging out.
At Azure Firmament's section, Han Zhen stood ready.
"Time to end this", he muttered. "Beat Lin Qi easily, perfect tournament."
A girl teased, "Looks like you're the biggest winner."
"Stay cautious", a classmate warned. "Lin Qi's different."
Han Zhen scoffed, "Relax, I'll go all out."
...
"Viewers, after five thrilling days, we arrive at the climactic final of this national Freshman Competition!" Xu Wenji announced.
"Our finalists both hail from Azure Firmament Martial Academy!"
As applause thundered, Lin Qi rose from his seat.
"Brother Qi, though the odds are against you..." Jiang Tao said earnestly.
Lin Qi smiled, "The final match might surprise you."
With that, he vanished in crimson light.
...
At Azure Firmament's Vip section, Wu Yueze mused, "Letting Lin Qi witness the gap between Ten Institute prodigies is valuable."
Dean Liu nodded as Mu Hong appeared beside them.
"You arrived just in time", Dean Liu said.
Mu Hong's gaze fixed on the arena, "Perfect timing indeed."
...
The Ruins Arena shimmered as crimson light faded, revealing Han Zhen - massive, saber gleaming with cold light. His round face twisted with ferocious energy.
Lin Qi sensed waves of heat radiating from him.
"Lava Finch Evolution Method", Lin Qi deduced. "His Special Ability: Crimson Flame grants mastery over fire."
"You've impressed me", Han Zhen twirled his saber. "Your strength and speed exceed ordinary competitors."
"But today's match teaches you - this is how true geniuses fight. It's your greatest lesson."
He gripped his saber, muscles bulging. "But the championship? I'll take that!"
"Unless I win?" Lin Qi asked lightly.
[Countdown: 3...2...1...]
[Final Match Begins!]
Deputy Principal Xu Wenji's voice announced the start.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
