Chapter 48: Challenge from the Top Ten (Request Follows)

Two more days passed.

That morning, just minutes before the martial arts class, the elite class unusually had everyone present in the classroom.

“What’s going on today? Teacher Zhang said something important is being announced, and everyone has to come.”

A group of students chatted idly, and soon the conversation turned to contracts.

“Li Zhou hasn’t signed an A-class contract yet; reportedly, the three major martial arts gyms are waiting to see his performance in the mid-term exam.”

“Right now in Tianhai City, fewer than five people can sign an A-class contract.”

“What? So strict? Even Li Zhou isn’t qualified?” the others exclaimed.

The strictness of the A-class contract gave everyone a sobering reality check.

“Jiang Tao, why haven’t you signed a contract yet?”

As Jiang Tao was resting and drinking water, a figure suddenly appeared beside him, curiously asking.

He was a boy about 1.85 meters tall, with lean, muscular build and a slightly handsome face.

His movements were agile and fluid, his steps swift as wind, appearing suddenly beside Jiang Tao.

He was Qiu Jie, ranked tenth in the grade, nicknamed: Sudden Rain Spear.

“I’m waiting for Qi Ge. When he signs, I’ll sign too.” Jiang Tao said, looking at Lin Qi not far away.

Qiu Jie shook his head: “I just don’t get it—why do you call Lin Qi ‘Ge’? His strength isn’t even stronger than yours.”

“What gives him the right?”

“If you’re going by that logic, you could call me Qiu Ge or Jie Ge.” Qiu Jie laughed.

Jiang Tao’s face darkened instantly: “What I call him is none of your damn business. Get lost!”

“Alright, alright, don’t get mad, just joking.” Qiu Jie spread his hands in apology, found it boring, and walked away.

“Don’t be upset!” Lin Qi walked over and patted Jiang Tao’s shoulder to comfort him.

“That Qiu Jie—I really want to tear his mouth apart, trying to stir up trouble between us.” Jiang Tao sneered.

Lin Qi watched Qiu Jie’s back and narrowed his eyes.

“Ding ding ding!!”

At that moment, the class bell rang, and Zhang Cheng strode into the classroom with a powerful, commanding presence.

His gaze swept over everyone, lingering especially on Li Zhou, Yu Jing, Qi Yuelin, and the other top ten students.

“I’ve gathered you all here to announce something.”

Zhang Cheng’s voice was loud, his expression serious; everyone knew something major was coming.

“Every year in November, major middle schools in Tianhai City hold a martial arts exchange competition to spar and improve skills.”

“But this year is different—your opponents are now the key middle schools from Bai Lu City.”

Upon hearing this, the class erupted in shock.

“We have to compete? Do we have to participate?”

“It doesn’t concern us—exchange competitions are only between the strongest students from both schools.” The students murmured.

“The rules are: each school sends ten students to compete one-on-one; the school with more wins takes the victory,” Zhang Cheng continued explaining.

“These ten will represent our school and Tianhai City against Bai Lu City.”

“This year’s exchange competition will be held at Chi Arena; other students can watch via their phones by logging into the official website.”

“Of course, if you compete for our school and Tianhai City and win, you’ll receive a cash reward.”

Upon hearing this, many eyes lit up.

Lin Qi was no exception—he desperately needed money.

“Too bad, I probably won’t make the top ten list.”

Lin Qi felt regretful.

“I’m now calling out the names of those selected to compete.” Zhang Cheng began listing them one by one.

Everyone’s anticipation surged.

“First: Li Zhou!” Zhang Cheng called out.

Li Zhou’s lips curled slightly, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

“Second: Yu Jing.”

Yu Jing lifted his head and rolled his neck.

“Third: Qi Yuelin.”

Qi Yuelin’s expression remained unchanged.

“...”

“Seventh: Jiang Tao!”

Jiang Tao clenched his fists: “Qi Ge, this time I might have to fight alone.”

Lin Qi shook his head.

“He’s directly calling out the top ten.” The students whispered. Qiu Jie also smiled, puffing out his chest, waiting for his name to be called—he was ready to represent the school without hesitation.

“Tenth: Lin Qi!” Zhang Cheng announced the final name, then looked at Lin Qi.

Lin Qi: “?”

Everyone: “?”

Qiu Jie froze in place, stunned.

“Did I hear that right? Who? Lin Qi?” Someone was bewildered.

Many in the class were stunned, staring at Lin Qi in the corner—including Li Zhou, Yu Jing, Qi Yuelin, and the rest of the top ten.

Lin Qi himself was puzzled—why was he chosen?

“Dude, Qi Ge, we can fight side by side again!” Jiang Tao didn’t care about anyone else; he grinned and wrapped his arm around Lin Qi.

All eyes turned back to the martial arts teacher, Zhang Cheng.

“Does anyone have objections to my list?” Zhang Cheng asked.

!

No sooner had he spoken than someone eagerly raised their hand.

“Me!”

Qiu Jie stepped forward, face flushed with resentment: “Teacher Zhang, I object!”

“Lin Qi is only ranked 18th—why is he on the list? Shouldn’t it be me?”

Zhang Cheng’s expression darkened; a terrifying aura spread from him:

“Are you questioning my decision?”

Qiu Jie felt as if a mountain had crushed him—he struggled to breathe.

“I dare not!” he bowed his head.

Zhang Cheng scanned the room, taking in every expression, then retracted his aura and grinned:

“I know some of you don’t understand. Fine—Lin Qi, Qiu Jie, fight each other.”

“The winner takes the final spot.”

“For absolute fairness, you’ll use the virtual chamber—no restrictions on qi or physical stats, you can go all out.”

With that, he left the classroom first, heading for the virtual chamber; Qiu Jie immediately followed.

Curious students followed en masse.

Moments later, all fifty students gathered in the virtual chamber, surrounding Lin Qi and Qiu Jie.

“You two enter Chi Arena, select one-on-one mode, and enable spectator mode,” Zhang Cheng said from the side.

Qiu Jie glared at Lin Qi, then stepped angrily into the virtual pod.

“Qi Ge, crush Qiu Jie—I believe you can do it,” Jiang Tao said firmly.

“I will,” Lin Qi exhaled.

He too entered the virtual pod and logged into Chi Arena.

Beside them, Zhang Cheng operated the projector, casting a massive screen before everyone.

On the screen, an empty arena showed two figures—one in black, one in blue—both wielding spears.

Inside Chi Arena

Lin Qi wore a black combat suit, gripping a black long spear.

Opposite him, Qiu Jie wore a blue combat suit, shouldering a white long spear.

“Teacher Zhang made a mistake—letting you steal my spot.”

“What gives you the right?”

“Let me teach you how to use a spear—I’ll pierce your heart with my spear within ten moves.”

Qiu Jie sneered at Lin Qi, his eyes filled with mockery.

“Just a clown,” Lin Qi replied coldly.

“No amount of bluster can hide the huge gap in our strength.”

[One-on-One Arena Preparation Starting!]

[3, 2, 1]

[Arena Battle Commencing!]

As the AI female voice announced it, Qiu Jie flashed forward, swinging his spear with eager aggression.

His steps were agile, swift and nimble as a hunting leopard, leaving behind afterimages.

“Whoosh~”

Lin Qi shot forward like lightning, his spear trembling with a humming sound.

Gales howled alongside the spear.

The two’s battle was about to erupt.

……

(End of Chapter)