Chapter 436: A New Tournament Format
Chapter 436: A New Tournament Format (Request Monthly Vote)
"Brother Qi, congratulations on qualifying for the main tournament."
After returning to the Xia Kingdom area, Guo Heng offered his congratulations.
Jiang Tao shook his head. "Ah Heng, that’s not quite right."
"What’s there to celebrate? Let’s wait until Brother Qi makes it into the top 64 of the main tournament before we cheer."
Others laughed as well. Compared to other regions, the atmosphere here was relaxed and casual.
Lin Qi focused his attention on his Status Panel.
[During Round Two of the preliminaries, battling swarms of Disaster Beasts deepened your understanding of Grand Scenic Aesthetic. Spear Techniques +1%]
[During Round Two of the preliminaries, surviving countless Disaster Beast attacks led to a breakthrough in your Body Technique Thunderclap Nine Flashes. Body Techniques +1%]
[Spear Techniques: Fourth-Circle 58% → Fourth-Circle 59%]
[Body Techniques: Fourth-Circle 55% → Fourth-Circle 56%]
...
Lin Qi felt a lingering thrill. During the preliminaries, waves of Disaster Beasts had pushed him to his limits.
The pressure had unlocked his potential, advancing both his River and Mountain Spear Techniques and Thunderclap Nine Flashes.
If he’d had a few more hours, his Spear Techniques might have even broken into the late Fourth-Circle.
Just a little further.
Thinking this, he exchanged a few brief words with Jiang Tao before logging out to return to the Gravity Chamber for Spear Technique training.
At this rate, his Spear Techniques would breakthrough within days.
His second Special Ability was also on the verge of Awakening. The more he trained, the higher his chances of breaking through.
...
Another day passed, marking the official end of Preliminary Round Two.
May 3rd
When Lin Qi re-entered the Scarlet Realm and joined the Global Martial Arts Championship, the environment around him had transformed dramatically.
"Boom!!"
A melodious, resonant tune filled his ears. His vision cleared, revealing he’d been placed in a luxurious Vip section of a colossal arena.
The circular arena floated in a void, constructed from pure white stone with a diameter of nearly a kilometer. Tiered spectator stands encircled it like an ancient Greek coliseum, radiating grandeur.
Lin Qi found himself seated in an intelligent recliner, adjustable for maximum comfort. Before him, holographic screens displayed the entire arena, divided into 80 national sectors. The Xia Kingdom section was further segmented by schools.
The screens showed over ten million spectators already seated. This wasn’t the Scarlet Realm’s limit, but rather due to smaller nations lacking sufficient Neural Pods. With enough Pods, the audience could easily swell to one hundred million.
The air buzzed with excited chatter and roaring cheers. Though many had been eliminated, enthusiasm remained high as spectators cheered for their countrymen to dominate foreign rivals. Victory meant national pride.
"Brother Qi!"
Jiang Tao, Wan Ming, Yu Zhuoran, and others greeted him as they logged in.
Then came a familiar face.
"Brother Qi, I’m here to cheer you on too."
Jiang Miaoyin, tall and refined, smiled warmly.
"Ah Miao!" Lin Qi grinned at the sight of her.
"Contenders!"
A thunderous voice echoed through the arena.
Above the arena, the Mountain and River King reappeared via projection—clad in a silver robe, his massive frame radiating unshakable authority. His presence alone silenced the ten-million-strong crowd.
He spoke slowly, his voice rolling across the stands:
"Welcome, one and all, to the Global Martial Arts Championship."
"Clap clap clap!!"
Applause erupted like rolling thunder, followed by deafening cheers.
"After three days of fierce competition in two preliminary rounds, let’s congratulate all qualifiers—you’ve emerged victorious from twenty million contenders."
"Clap clap!!"
Another storm of applause. The Mountain and River King continued:
"Now, the 20,000 qualifiers will enter the main tournament. For Round One, you’ll be divided into ten groups of 2,000 competitors each. You’ll battle for thirty minutes—not against other players, but against Vermin Race-Enhanced Martial Artists."
"Each kill earns one Point. After ten matches, only the top 1,000 Point scorers advance to Round Two. If a Vermin Race-Enhanced Martial Artist kills you, you’re eliminated—no revives, and your Points are locked."
Vermin Race-Enhanced Martial Artist?
Gasps rippled through the crowd. Though these enhanced martial artists were discussed in martial arts courses, few had ever seen them.
Lin Qi’s eyes narrowed. He’d once faced their swarms—no one had more experience than him.
The tournament’s design intrigued him. The first rounds pitted contenders against humanity’s two greatest threats: Disaster Beasts, then Vermin Races.
Was this meant to train the next generation of geniuses?
Even past champions whispered in confusion—the tournament had never included such stages before.
"Interesting. Vermin Race-Enhanced Martial Artists."
"In class, teachers described them as terrifying. I’m dying to see if they live up to the hype."
The Mountain and River King continued:
"From the 20,000 qualifiers, only 1,000 will advance to Round Two—and they’ll each receive 80 million Xia Kingdom Currency as a reward."
The prize had increased by 30 million from the previous round—a fortune even for geniuses.
"Round One begins now!"
"Boom!!"
The arena flashed red. Two thousand contenders materialized as pillars of light onto the arena floor. The terrain shifted into a maze of crumbling ruins.
"Boom!!"
Light faded. Competitors emerged—armed and ready. Jiang Tao stood among them, his muscles coiled like dormant volcanoes. He swung his massive silver Battle Saber, scanning the ruins curiously.
"Buzz buzz!!"
Suddenly, figures emerged from the shadows—ordinary martial artists clad in sportswear, wielding weapons.
Their skin shifted to eerie hues—cyan, gold, black—as they locked eyes on the contenders, radiating terror.
[Main Tournament Round One has begun!]
...
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
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