Chapter 456: The Final Spot
Chapter 456: The Final Spot (Requesting Monthly Vote)
[Countdown Sequence: ……3, 2, 1]
[Round 8, Match 8 of the Main Tournament has officially begun!]
The arena’s automated voice echoed through the audience stands.
Lin Qi and Winnie activated their Special Abilities simultaneously, their auras erupting as the battle ignited instantaneously.
Two minutes later
“Boom!”
Winnie, clad in a green battle suit, soared uncontrollably through the air after a devastating strike. Her sword flew from her grasp, and the green plant armor covering her body shattered instantly.
This armor was forged from her Special Ability, [Ten Thousand Trees].
Lin Qi observed the remains of her ability. [Ten Thousand Trees] was unique—it granted the Awakened extraordinary stamina and regeneration. Small wounds healed before one’s eyes, and even severe injuries mended within moments. However, its combat power enhancement lagged behind other Special Abilities.
Yet, if paired with the rare plant life Ren Vine, its potential surged. The vine could erupt into growth, forming resilient armor or crystallizing into piercing thorns rivaling blades. Ren Vine offered both offense and defense, dramatically amplifying combat prowess.
But now, Winnie’s vine armor lay pierced by a golden spear, fragments scattering like shrapnel.
“Hmph!”
The spearhead impaled her heart, spewing blood.
Winnie dissolved into nothingness, instantly teleporting back to the audience stand.
“He’s too strong—I don’t stand a chance. Is he even a Sixth Realm Martial Artist anymore?”
Shaking her head, Winnie sighed. She’d fought Seventh Realm warriors before, but the overwhelming power she sensed now mirrored those battles.
“He’s no longer inferior to a Seventh Realm Martial Artist.”
…
[Match 8: Lin Qi (Xia Kingdom) wins!]
The arena’s voice announced the result.
“Clap! Clap!!”
Thunderous applause and cheers erupted from the stands as spectators erupted into frenzy.
“He’s broken the record! Lin Qi’s actually done it!”
“In 35 editions of the Global Martial Arts Championship, no one’s ever reached Top 8 as a Sophomore—until now!”
“Top 8 might not even be his limit. He could storm into the semifinals!”
The crowd buzzed, witnessing history unfold.
…
Upper Audience Stand – Sunset Empire Section
A muscular blonde man slapped his forehead in regret.
“Unfortunately, Winnie still lost in the end.”
“Who’d have thought the Xia Kingdom would birth another terrifying genius?”
“Why couldn’t such a prodigy be ours?”
“Sigh~”
…
Meanwhile, in the Xia Kingdom’s Upper Audience Stand
Seats grew scarce as more high-ranking martial artists logged in.
“Xu Qin, your record’s been shattered!”
A green-robed, coldly elegant girl smiled brightly beside the speaker.
“All the better. It proves our kingdom’s birthed an even stronger genius.”
Nearby, a muscular, buzz-cut male chuckled.
“That’s thanks to the Heavenly Dome Institute.”
“If the Institute existed when you were a Sophomore, you’d have reached the semifinals as a Junior. Lin Qi’s just reaping the rewards of the Institute’s reforms.”
Xu Qin shook her head, unconvinced.
Both radiated powerful fluctuations—recent graduates who’d ascended to the Seventh Realm.
“Buzz!”
Two figures materialized mid-air, their oppressive auras silencing nearby spectators.
“Bei Jiang Sword King!”
“Heavenly Saber!”
Voices gasped at the newcomers.
One wore a golden robe, towering with sharp features that exuded raw sharpness, as if blades could erupt from him at any moment.
This was Principal Li Qifeng of Azure Firmament Martial Academy.
The other matched his aura—lean, frost-faced, silver-haired, with a claw scar across his left eye. His gaze pierced like twin swords.
This was Bei Jiang Sword King Yu Zhenhai, a recent Nine Realms breakthrough.
The air stilled at their presence, their auras suppressed only by Mountain and River King, who greeted casually.
“Back already?”
Principal Li Qifeng grinned.
“Back. The Global Martial Arts Championship began, so I came with Zhenhai to watch.”
As others nodded greetings, Bei Jiang Sword King merely inclined his head, stoic as ever.
After greetings, Li Qifeng turned to the arena.
“What round are we on? Lin Qi’s still in?”
“Did he make Top 32?”
Deputy Principal Xu Wenji chuckled.
“Eighth round—16 to 8 has just concluded. Lin Qi’s made history: Top 8.”
Li Qifeng’s eyes widened.
“Months ago, he was Fifth Realm. After the Institute’s reforms, he improved this drastically?”
“He’s a Sophomore, awakened his Special Ability months ago, still an SS-Rank Genius?”
Bei Jiang Sword King, seated nearby, listened with growing surprise.
At 35, he’d competed in the Global Martial Arts Championship before. He understood the weight of a Sophomore reaching Top 8.
“This Lin Qi prodigy… seems extraordinary.”
As Xu Wenji detailed Lin Qi’s feats, Li Qifeng and Yu Zhenhai nodded, their curiosity piqued.
Li Qifeng mused, “This tournament’s quality is astounding—two Seventh Realm Martial Artists already, and Lin Qi, an Sss-Rank caliber, breaking records.”
“I wonder who’ll claim the crown.”
As they chatted, Mountain and River King vanished, projecting himself onto the arena.
…
Xia Kingdom Audience Stand
“Brother Qi, you’re seriously aiming for the championship?”
Jiang Tao and others watched, intrigued. Even Chu Yu leaned in, no longer doubting Lin Qi’s strength.
Lin Qi grinned. “Why not?”
“Here we go…”
Jiang Tao and Guo Heng exchanged glances. This was the same aura Lin Qi had before last year’s championship, when few believed he’d win—until he crushed Havel.
Now, Lin Qi stood stronger. His only rivals were Seventh Realm breakthroughs: Ivan Petrov and Shen Heng.
They itched with curiosity—could he actually win?
“All contestants!”
A booming voice captured the crowd’s attention.
Mountain and River King’s projection summoned eight names—the tournament’s strongest eight, each an SS-Rank Genius, Sixth Realm Peak masters of Minor Divine Abilities, capable of slaying ordinary Seventh Realm warriors.
“After this intense round, we reach the climax: the final three rounds!”
“The next round will crown only four semifinalists—only four will vie for the final!”
“Semifinalists earn 180 million credits, 8,000 kg Grade 7 Disaster Beast Flesh, and 2,000 kg Grade 8!”
(End of Chapter)
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