https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-330-Overpowering-the-Opponent-at-Double-Speed/13507435/
Chapter 329: A Crane Among Chickens
Chapter 329: A Crane Among Chickens (Requesting Monthly Votes)
April 29th – Day Three of the Global Freshman Competition.
Scarlet Realm, the global arena of the tournament.
Amidst a cacophony of noise, Xu Wenji’s crimson-robed projection materialized. In his hand, a giant red screen displayed the names of 250 competitors.
Of these, 229 bore glowing crimson flame marks—awakened prodigies, every one.
"Ladies and gentlemen", Xu Wenji announced, his voice booming over the crowd, "after three intense rounds, we’ve officially concluded Round Three!"
"Let’s give it up for these 250 competitors who’ve advanced to Round Four—they’ll battle for the next stage!!"
A tidal wave of cheers erupted from the audience stands. The giant screen’s comment feed scrolled furiously with real-time reactions.
The crowd’s excitement surged. The display of awakened genius abilities had left even seasoned martial artists awestruck. Anticipation for the next round—where awakened prodigies would clash—burned brighter than ever.
On the Xia Kingdom’s audience stand, Lin Qi studied the list. Alongside 229 awakened geniuses, the remaining 21 qualifiers were elite non-awakened fighters. Only four from Azure Firmament Martial Academy had advanced: himself, Jiang Tao, Ao Feng, and Duan Chuchu.
The Xia Kingdom sent seven into Round Four, including Li Hanjiang and Wei Peng from Minghai Martial Institute, plus Liang Yuxin from Shanyu Martial Academy—the strongest of Xia’s S-Rank geniuses. Other nations fared poorly, with many completely eliminated. Jiang Tao had solidified his place among the top-tier S-Rank geniuses.
But Round Four would eliminate most. Only awakened prodigies remained.
"Round Four begins!" Xu Wenji continued. "250 competitors vie for 125 spots!"
"This is the first true test—awakened geniuses battling evenly matched foes!"
"Those advancing to Round Five will receive a 50 million yuan cash prize!"
With a sweep of his hand, Xu Wenji summoned a towering, nine-layered pyramid hologram. At its base, 250 black-and-white avatars flickered on a chessboard-like grid.
Boom!
A fiery explosion of special effects erupted, reforming into a fresh matchup chart. Spectators scrambled to find their favorites. Even awakened geniuses couldn’t mask their tension—this was a battlefield of equals. One misstep meant elimination.
Lin Qi searched eagerly for his opponent.
Match #1: Lin Qi (Xia Kingdom) vs. Li Hexuan (Korea)
Lin Qi’s mind raced through the 230 awakened genius profiles. Korea, once split into North and South, had merged during the Disaster Beast invasions. Now ranked among the top five Eastern powers, they sent seven awakened geniuses. Their strongest was SS-Rank Song Zhengzai, followed closely by this Li Hexuan.
On Korea’s audience stand, a tall, sharp-featured man smirked.
"Fate pits me against Xia’s Lin Qi!"
"He’s the rare non-awakened prodigy who defeated an awakened one—a feat only Nine Realms expert ‘Bladebreaker Wang’ matched in our history."
"Any other opponent might reach Round Five, but not against me."
Li Hexuan’s smile widened.
A bearded man beside him frowned. "Hexuan, don’t underestimate him. Lin Qi’s no ordinary fighter."
A curvy long-haired woman scoffed. "Relax. Hexuan’s ‘Frost’ ability—his Blue Demon moniker—will freeze that guy’s Blood Constitution to death."
Song Zhengzai watched silently, uneasy. Xia Kingdom’s Hidden Tigers always held surprises.
"Now presenting Match #1!"
"Lin Qi (Xia Kingdom) vs. Li Hexuan (Korea)!"
Lin Qi stood as the arena AI announced the match.
"Brother Qi, nail that arrogant Korean!" Jiang Tao punched the air. "They still act like they’re in the ‘Cosmic Kingdom’ era—let’s teach them humility!"
The crowd chuckled.
Lin Qi nodded. "Got it."
Red light enveloped him, teleporting to the Ruins Arena. He donned combat gear, gripping his Black Long Spear as he stepped forward.
Clack! Clack!
Li Hexuan emerged—tall, agile, wielding a blue Tang Dao. His frosty aura chilled the air.
"Greetings, Lin Qi of Xia", he said flawlessly. "Your nation’s strength commands respect."
"You’re a top-tier genius", he added, almost pitying. "A shame you lack awakening. Your potential’s unimaginable."
Lin Qi countered calmly, "The rules ban Special Abilities. Fairness is universal."
Li Hexuan laughed. "You’ll see soon—fairness is relative!"
Countdown: 3... 2... 1...
"Battle commencement!"
The arena AI roared.
Whoosh!
Li Hexuan struck first, a lithe panther sprinting. His foot struck concrete, leaving an icy crater. Blue energy cloaked his blade as he slashed—a Siberian gale preceding the strike.
Lin Qi answered with equal ferocity. His spear lashed like a roaring dragon, clashing with the frost-wielding Korean. The battle of titans had begun...
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
