Chapter 338: Battle Against Senichirou (Request Monthly Tickets)

Yu Yu Zhuoran, Hazel, and Victor maintained calm expressions.

They had likely guessed the system's—or the higher-ups'—intentions, and they were extremely confident in their own strength.

They had all but secured their spots in the semifinals, claiming three of the slots in advance.

Kong Kong Ruoxuan, Alex, and Erica, however, frowned deeply.

Their chances of advancing in the next round were very low.

Even if they drew different opponents, they still couldn't win.

The probability of advancing was too low.

On the cherry blossom nation's spectator seats, a beautiful S-class female prodigy exclaimed indignantly:

"Senichirou-kun, they're underestimating you—do they really think you won't advance?"

Others' faces also showed clear dissatisfaction; seeing Senichirou underestimated made them angry too.

After hearing this, Senichirou replied calmly:

"I will prove my strength with the sword in my hand—I will slay every opponent!"

Even without mastering a Minor Divine Art, he remained utterly confident in his power.

…

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Quarterfinals!"

"The matches ahead will only grow more thrilling!"

"Among the eight strongest competitors, who will claim a semifinal spot?"

Above the arena, Xu Xu Wenji's projected image spoke, his simple words igniting every spectator's excitement.

The quarterfinal matchups were revealed; everyone was already eager to watch the next bouts.

"Enough talk—let's welcome our first pair of competitors: Yu Yu Zhuoran from Xia Guo!"

"And Alex Freck from the Sunset Empire…"

The moment Xu Xu Wenji finished speaking, his image dissolved, and simultaneously, two crimson light columns descended upon the arena.

Yu Yu Zhuoran and his opponent, Alex, stepped forward.

Lin Qi, seated among the spectators, watched this match closely.

Yu Yu Zhuoran himself needed no introduction—his strength and speed were formidable, nearly identical to his own, with no obvious weaknesses.

His opponent was no slouch either: Alex Freck from the Sunset Nation.

Alex was a tall, stern-faced man with a composed demeanor, clad in a white combat suit and wielding a heavy black sword.

Alex was immensely powerful, a top prodigy with a real shot at the top five.

His only regret was that he had not mastered a Minor Divine Art.

Otherwise, he might have had a chance to compete for the championship.

【BATTLE COMMENCES!】

At the AI's announcement, the fight erupted instantly.

"BOOM!!"

"ZZZZ!!"

Yu Yu Zhuoran wielded a silver combat blade, surging it with electric currents like silver serpents, clashing violently with Alex's black heavy sword.

Both sides unleashed terrifying power—lightning versus flame!

"BOOM BOOM!!"

The released force unleashed gales that shattered the surrounding concrete flooring.

The battle lasted a considerable length of time.

Their overall strengths were nearly equal.

If Yu Yu Zhuoran activated his Minor Divine Art, he could end the fight instantly.

But he did not!

Or rather, he scorned to do so—if he couldn't defeat his opponent without his Minor Divine Art,

how could he hope to compete for the championship?

Lin Qi understood this mindset; Harvey and Victor likely felt the same.

The match lasted four minutes before ending, ultimately won by Yu Yu Zhuoran.

He excelled in both strength and speed, with no weaknesses.

"Let us congratulate Yu Yu Zhuoran from Xia Guo, who has defeated Alex of the Sunset Empire and advanced to the semifinals!"

As Xu Xu Wenji announced the result, the spectator seats erupted in cheers.

On the second-to-last tier of the pyramid, Yu Yu Zhuoran's virtual avatar stepped forward first.

Xu Xu Wenji nodded; though he was vice principal, the Tenth Academy fell under his jurisdiction.

In his eyes, as long as Yu Yu Zhuoran remained cautious, he had over a 50% chance of claiming the championship.

He then turned his gaze to Lin Qi—thankfully, another Lin Qi had emerged; with two safeguards, the championship would surely remain in Xia Guo's hands.

…

"Yu Yu Zhuoran, it looks like the championship is yours!" said Wan Ming from the Xia Guo spectator seats, smiling.

Yu Yu Zhuoran did not deny it; instead, a faint smile curled his lips.

Defeating Alex without using his Minor Divine Art had boosted his confidence immensely—the championship was within reach.

…

"Yu Yu Zhuoran is indeed strong, but Senior Lin, you're no weaker than him!"

On the Sixth Academy's spectator seats, Jiang Tao remarked, then added:

Zhou Zhou Xiyin nodded:

"That's right—Senichirou won't be your match."

"Senior Lin will definitely be in the semifinals!"

"Senior Lin will win!!"

!

Others nodded and cheered loudly in support.

Lin Qi, standing tall, rose and said:

"It's my turn."

He then vanished in a crimson light column, descending onto the arena.

No one doubted Lin Qi's strength anymore—his advancement to the semifinals was certain.

The only question was whether he'd fall in the semifinals—or reach the finals.

Top four? Runner-up? Or champion?

…

"Next, let us welcome our second pair of competitors: Lin Qi from Xia Guo—the record-breaking prodigy!"

"And Senichirou from Sakura Nation—the famed Little Sword Saint!"

"Who among these two will advance to the semifinals?"

The moment Xu Xu Wenji finished speaking, two crimson light columns descended upon the Ruins Arena, stirring up tremors and gales.

Two figures slowly emerged into the view of all spectators.

The stands erupted in deafening cheers.

On the screen, Sakura Nation's fans flooded the chat with messages.

Most did not know Lin Qi had also mastered a Minor Divine Art, so they blindly believed their nation's Senichirou

could reach the semifinals—and even win the championship.

"Senichirou-kun, defeat Xia Guo's Lin Qi! Prove Sakura Nation's strength with your sword!!"

"Victory!"

"Sakura Nation will rise at last—the championship belongs to us!"

Xia Guo's spectators refused to be outdone, flooding the chat in return:

"Lin Qi will win!"

"We Xia Guo will claim two semifinal spots—and the championship too!"

"Sakura Nation, stop dreaming!"

…

On the Ruins Arena, the smoke cleared.

Lin Qi and Senichirou finally saw each other; invisible pressure radiated from both.

On Lin Qi's body, a colossal white-gold death-tiger seemed to materialize, its terrifying aura swirling around him.

"ROAR~"

Around Senichirou, fierce winds suddenly howled into existence.

As if a giant eagle faced off against Lin Qi—it was the Level Nine Catastrophic Beast: Black-Gold Azure Eagle!

The invisible pressures clashed.

Senichirou's refined face tightened; he spoke first:

"Lin Qi, you are incredibly strong!"

"You are an astonishing master."

"But I want to win!"

As he said this, his gaze sharpened.

Lin Qi said calmly:

"Use all your strength—leave no room for regret!"

As he finished, a terrifying aura erupted; his eyes became like those of a tiger, imposing without even angering.

【Countdown: 3, 2, 1…】

【Competition begins!】

The moment Lin Qi finished speaking, the intelligent voice echoed above the arena.

This battle to advance from eight to four officially began!

……

(End of Chapter)