Chapter 382: Iron-Clad Steel Fist

"Everyone, this battle is the one where we, Eternal, will undergo our transformation. I won't say much about the situation with Li Hao and Cheng Konghai; they may seem to have been wasting time for a few years, but they are definitely lying in ambush, waiting for an opportunity. Cheng Konghai's ability is very likely related to strength. We can set our target directly to the Soul Origin State. Yemi, he will be left to you. It is very likely he will be the one to fight in tomorrow's Vanguard battle," Fan Liweite said.

Yemi nodded, remaining silent. He was the second strongest point of the Eternal Team, but his personality was very low-key. He excelled at light-type mecha and was best at countering heavy armor. He was also no stranger to Cheng Konghai. In Tianqi, not everyone liked to show off; people like Luo Bi liked to shout regardless of whether they had the strength or not, while Yemi belonged to the type that was both powerful and low-key. Back then, Eternal had also spent a great deal of effort to bring him over, which was also strongly requested by Fan Liweite. He knew that if Eternal wanted to win the championship, they had to have dual cores, and Yemi was that other core.

"Those who have been enduring for a long time like them must be especially eager to perform and show off. We can take advantage of this psychology," Fan Liweite said. "Leave Li Hao to me. The current Tianjing Mecha Martial Arts Team must be feeling very proud. Everyone's performance in the Hailong Exchange Tournament was excellent, and now it is time to reap the rewards."

Everyone's face was filled with an eager fighting spirit. The Heavenly King Fan Liweite, as the defending champion and the strongest point, had his thunder stolen by many people in this tournament. The "Hailong Incident" was the key; rumors were everywhere that Fan Liweite had lost and even turned cowardly. The subsequent low-key nature of Eternal seemed to confirm this, though in reality, a part of it was Fan Liweite letting people stir the pot.

Defending champion, how does one defend a title?

Is it by having your enemies study you and value you?

Or is it by letting them all underestimate you?

Li Hao's actions woke Fan Liweite up. He took this opportunity to push Tianjing to the forefront, while they became the side that was overlooked. This kind of refusal to accept defeat and this endurance were also a form of spurring for the team members, rather than blindly acting recklessly and losing one's head.

This was his opportunity. Others thought his S10 championship win was just luck, but who knew how much he had paid for it.

"Everyone, get some rest early. Tomorrow night, I will celebrate our victory with you all!"

"Eternal will surely win!"

Every member of the Eternal Team longed for a greater victory and more glorious achievements. The first two consecutive championships in human mecha combat history—this was something that would go down in history.

Only Fan Liweite remained in the operations room. Even after winning the championship, his ranking in Tianqi had not budged. Xilian and Fan Liweite were always pressing down on him, and even Basta and Romero dared to be insolent with him. This was what made him the angriest.

Tomorrow was the time to change all of this.

He was the new king of Tianqi!

The third day of the Round of Eight: Tianjing Mecha Martial Arts Team vs. Eternal Team.

Wailing Team vs. Super Starry Sky Team.

At 6:00 PM, the livestream room of Huonan and Kuangwu Daren had already broken records, with popularity exceeding five billion. The invincible War God Puppet of EMP versus the defending champion, Heavenly King Fan Liweite—just thinking about it felt exciting. Moreover, rumors had spread before the match that Puppet had defeated the Heavenly King during the exchange tournament. Although it had not been confirmed by either side, the heart of gossip was already burning fiercely.

Of course, all of this was because Tianjing was relatively weak, and there were also claims that Tianjing Mecha Martial Arts had actually hidden their strength, with team members coming from some mysterious group, etc., which added a certain amount of suspense and hope to the match itself. After all, most were ordinary people who didn't understand the industry, especially Earthlings and Puppet fans, who only felt hope for victory when seeing these things.

Huonan was dressed in an all-black outfit with black sunglasses, looking cool from head to toe, leaving Kuangwu Daren looking completely bewildered. "What kind of look is this?"

"Isn't it obvious enough? Sending Mu Jiang on his way. My dear viewers, I am the explosive Huonan, and this is the Kuangwu little man."

"Kuangwu Daren!"

"Not very important. What we are about to present to you is today's focal battle: defending champion Eternal Team vs. Tianjing Mecha Martial Arts. This is Mu Jiang's final match, and I will definitely commentate for everyone with all my heart." Huonan took off his sunglasses, his mouth filled with an irrepressible smile.

"Hello everyone, I am Kuangwu Daren. Here, I would also like to represent the USE Children's Foundation to thank Teacher Huo for his donation. Of course, the donation will be calculated after the S Tournament is completed, but I will follow up on it," Kuangwu Daren laughed.

Overwhelming "666"s filled the screen—don't hit the face when scolding, what a great draw.

"Too narrow, too narrow. I'm serious about doing charity," Huonan waved his hand dismissively.

"His hand is shaking."

"It's really shaking. Huonan is truly a tough guy!"

"Teacher Huo, don't get carried away. Kuangwu Daren is seducing you."

"Teacher Huo, you should just submit to the Puppet God."

"Brothers and sisters, let's take a look at the pre-match video. This is an interview with the two team leaders. Let's see how they evaluate their opponents." Huonan clicked on the official data.

First was the Eternal Team leader, Fan Liweite.

"Team Leader Fan Liweite, what is your goal?"

"The championship!"

"How do you evaluate your Round of Eight opponent, Tianjing Mecha Martial Arts?"

"Just one of the opponents."

"It is rumored that Team Leader Li Hao defeated you during the exchange tournament. Is this true? How do you evaluate his strength? Have you watched Puppet's combat videos?"

"You saying that makes me feel like we weren't the ones who won the championship last year. I train quite a lot, so I haven't paid much attention to others."

In the video, Fan Liweite spoke eloquently, his coldness tinged with pride. His handsome appearance drew waves of screams from the audience on site.

"It seems the Heavenly King is still quite tactful. Personally, I feel that discussing Mu Jiang and the Heavenly King together is an insult to the Heavenly King. Everyone can feel free to express their own views and speak their minds. Currently, the support rate for the Eternal Team is 91%. Is there really still anyone who believes Tianjing Mecha Martial Arts will win?" Huonan laughed. "Come, let's see what Mu Jiang has to say."

The video of Tianjing Mecha Martial Arts was played. Compared to Fan Liweite's spirited appearance, Li Hao's hair was a bit messy, as if he had just washed his face and come out, and his clothes were full of wrinkles... Is he really this casual?

"Team Leader Li Hao, what is Tianjing Mecha Martial Arts' goal for this S Tournament?"

"Secure the top eight, strive for the top four. That's what the principal said."

"Then what are the team members' own thoughts?"

"Participation is what matters; enjoy the competition."

"How do you evaluate the defending champion, Eternal Team, and Team Leader Fan Liweite?"

"Not very clear."

"Team Leader Li Hao, you can be a bit bolder. Our pre-match interview is meant to show your fighting spirit and strength. How do you view the strength of the defending champion, especially the opponent you are about to face, last year's MVP Fan Liweite?"

"Fan Liweite, hmm, his combat style has no flaws, but it also has no strengths."

The entire venue was playing this pre-match trash-talk segment, which was actually meant to encourage both sides to say harsh words, but no one expected this Team Leader Li Hao to be so crazy. He was the first person to dare to say that about Fan Liweite.

Everyone could feel the reporter's surprise and excitement. "I heard you two sparred. Can you tell everyone the result?"

"Never lost."

The scene was like a pot exploding. Wow, that Tianjing Mecha Martial Arts team leader is truly daring. Awesome plus, he really has the potential to be an internet celebrity; he grasped the traffic code in an instant.

By that time, the number of people in the livestream room had already broken seven billion, while the other livestream room had only just over one billion.

"As expected of Mu Jiang, his skin is thicker than mine, and his way of speaking is quite artistic. He is right, he really hasn't lost, because he hasn't had the chance to face a champion warrior like Fan Liweite," Huonan laughed. "Non-combat, invincible. Come on, comrades, let's cheer for Mu Jiang's final shine. I hope he doesn't perform too poorly today. I predict Eternal will defeat Tianjing Mecha Martial Arts four to one."

"That's conservative. I thought you would say a seven-to-zero sweep," Kuangwu Daren laughed.

"Don't say that, I actually think highly of one player from Tianjing Mecha Martial Arts. Very talented, very promising!" Huonan laughed.

"Wuzang?" Kuangwu Daren was a bit stunned.

"Wrong, Ma Long. Your substitute Ma Long, the healer talent. I think he can achieve great things. That one point is bet on Ma Long."

The barrage flew across the screen. Martians also swarmed in to join the fun. As long as they were against Puppet, they were friends of Mars. After Tianjing Mecha Martial Arts eliminated Wolf Martial, they had already entered the Martians' blacklist.

The guest area is truly star-studded, with celebrities and the wealthy gathered; we are all here to support the Eternal Team. Compared to the old champions, we are more optimistic about the young, rich, and energetic Fan Liweite. Besides, just looking at his looks, one should know who to support.

In the contestant area, when the director's camera panned over, the cheers rose wave after wave; it's a matter of prestige, truly awesome.

From the Moon, the already qualified God of War Maxis and all the members of Galaxy, Xie'an and all members of Sea Dragon, and Dita's Tianxing Mecha are here. Except for those competing in the Super Starry Sky at another venue, all other Big Dipper stars are present; it is clear how much they value this match. From Mars, Basta has arrived with the entire Vulcan team, Duanwu with the entire Wolf Demon team, and some members of the Langwu Team have also come, but there is no sign of Romero. From Earth, Chao Qinglong has brought the entire North Caro team, and the defeated Aofei, Lomachenko, Verne, and others have also made appearances.

"The USE War Zone hasn't had it easy lately, but their thirst for truth is still worth praising. As expected of the Heavenly King Fan Liweite, this prestige is unmatched." Huonv is genuinely envious; both North Caro and Sea Dragon have given up training to come, which shows both sides' confidence and the importance they place on the Eternal Team.

"Is there a possibility that they aren't here for Fan Liweite?" Kuangwu Daren said.

Huonv chuckled, "Kuangwu, be serious. We are professionals; it's not time for the comedy segment yet."

Both teams take the stage and enter the tactical rooms. The Vanguard battle is a must-win for both sides, and there are all sorts of predictions before the match. Many Eternal fans are suggesting that Fan Liweite should just come out and catch Li Hao, given the lesson learned from Luo Bi.

At this moment, Luo Bi is also lying on his hospital bed watching the live stream. This guy is living quite comfortably, occasionally showing off his pectoral muscles and teasing the pretty young nurse with a sexy smile. As for Cougar and Luo Bi, they gave it their all, and any result is acceptable. Moreover, he believes that his Seventh Brother will definitely avenge him. He bites into an apple, as if gnawing on the bones of Maxis, using Fan Liweite as a snack to whet his appetite first.

Will they use a big move?

Aofei and the others are also very worried. Official matches are different from daily ones; the Eternal lineup cannot be underestimated. Tianjing has no weak points, but its shortcomings are also very obvious. For the first match, it is safe to let Cheng Konghai go; the Ants don't need to hide anything anymore. Bring out real strength, step by step, because even in team battles, there are still various uncertain factors. The victory of Tianxing Mecha has fully proven this point.

Dita is happy. From a standpoint, she hopes Eternal wins, but from a relationship perspective, she hopes Tianjing Mecha can win. Although the chances are small, Li Hao is quite fierce, but he can't withstand an entire team. However, she just appreciates boys who don't follow the normal path; he has some personality.

25? Who are you looking down on!

"Do you think this guy will cry if he loses?" For some reason, Dita really wants to see Li Hao looking sad.

A Youyou smiles slightly, "You guess?"

A Youyou is sandwiched between Dita and Su Yu. Su Yu is like a proud fighting cock, her murderous gaze directly stopping any potential attempts at chatting from those around her. Isn't the VIP box good enough? Why come here to join the excitement? How is she supposed to cheer for her idol properly now?

Looks are justice. Before Li Hao gets her the Ocean Heart, she is firmly and resolutely supporting Fan Liweite.

"Both sides are showing their cards. I feel it should be Ants versus Dufeng."

"If it were me, I'd use Li Hao to trade one; that would be a huge profit."

"It's worth using tactics. Fan Liweite is very steady and shouldn't act recklessly. Send Li Hao to trade off the second-weakest point; that's a huge profit."

"A frontal fight wouldn't be cowardly either; the Ants were super fierce back in the day."

"You said it yourself, 'back in the day.' If it follows the previous two matches, I'm afraid he won't last thirty seconds in Dufeng's hands."

Yemi, Shadow Scout Team Leader, one of the fierce generals of Tianqi back in the day. No one knows what Fan Liweite used to move him. Without Yemi, there would be no championship for Fan Liweite.

"Still can't be careless. Back then the difference wasn't big, and the Ants have been delayed for several years after all."

Xie'an and the Sea Dragon crowd are very relaxed, chatting and laughing. Xie'an is enjoying every detail.

"Ants and Dufeng, it's a fifty-fifty split. No matter who it is, they have to bring out some real stuff."

"Boss, what do you say? They are placing bets. I'm putting a hand on Li Hao," Anlita laughed.

Xie'an smiles and does not participate. He wants to see Li Hao's state and intentions from Li Hao's choice.

At this time, the Vanguard battle list is announced.

Cheng Konghai vs. Yemi.

Neither side used a big move, choosing instead to confront each other head-on. The Eternal Team members and staff clenched their fists; this is the best choice. They were very worried about a Li Hao or someone else being used for a trade. Against a weak chicken like Tianjing, their goal is to solve the opponent in a one-on-one.

The two contestants take the stage, enter the combat room, and start debugging their equipment. Most of the audience feels it's a bit unexpected. Not sending Wuzang?

Letting a Heavy Armor fight Yemi?

It feels like they don't want to trade. If they wanted to trade, wouldn't Li Hao be better?

The screen is flooded with comments. Ma Laoshi can't help but take a look and is speechless. Why must the one being traded be himself? As a Nailong, doesn't he have any pride?

But thinking about the opponent's operations, forget it. Unless he is reborn and practices again from his mother's womb.

Match mode: Kepler Jungle.

Yemi chose the Phantom Fighter.

Phantom Fighter, NUP.

65-ton dual-engine nuclear fission drive, short-range laser gun, Bee Stinger K23 Titanium Sword.

The Phantom Fighter, an advanced mecha born after the Yaoying Athena. While the Yaoying's characteristic is its short-distance linear burst speed, the Phantom's characteristic lies in its short-distance variable speed. Its control ceiling is high, and of course, the requirements for the pilot are extremely high. Those who have used it know that the burden is extremely heavy. It is a hot favorite in the EMP, but this is indeed Yemi's specialty and also the killer weapon that swept the field in S10.

Now that he has fully mastered the Zone, the ceiling of the Phantom Fighter is really unimaginable. His level of difficulty might even exceed Fan Liweite's.

Facing the sensitivity of the Phantom Fighter, which leads all mechas in the Solar System, a Heavy Armor... racking one's brains, it really is going to be played to death.

Everyone's attention is on Cheng Konghai, this freshman who was unknown before this S Tournament. He has shown his face in this competition, though there have been many mistakes. Last time in the Langwu team battle, he actually got lost; that is truly something.

Using him to trade off Yemi is actually a profit, as this can free up Wuzang.

Cheng Konghai's mecha is confirmed, and instantly the whole arena is filled with whispering discussions. The live stream room is even more explosive; a hot favorite among hot favorites has appeared.

Although the Phantom Fighter is hot, that is because of the high difficulty of operation, yet there are still many strong people who like to use it. But Cheng Konghai's mecha is comparable to the once dust-covered Armor Leopard, with the second-to-last usage rate.

Iron Armor Steel Fist.