Chapter 198: Unexpected Doubles, Lion King vs Emperor

Whoosh~

The weather today is comfortable; the sky is clear and the sunshine gentle, unlike the scorching heat of a while ago, and a occasional breeze drifts by, making it perfect for the competition.

And the much‑anticipated National Competition finals are about to begin.

The finals venue was already a sea of people; not only had the number of spectators reached its peak, but teams from each school had also arrived at the stands, ready to witness who would claim this year's championship.

Will Rihai High clinch a second consecutive title, or will Budongfeng's new king ascend the throne?!

Everyone's faces wore enthusiastic expressions, eagerly anticipating the upcoming climax battle.

For a moment, the hall roared with bustling, noisy chatter—what a lively scene.

Beep—

Accompanied by a bright whistle, the venue fell silent.

"Next, the finals of the National Competition will begin, featuring Budongfeng Middle School from Tokyo against Rihai High School Affiliated Middle School from Shen Na Chuan Xian."

The referee's voice rang out, and the two teams stepped out from their respective passages.

As if fate were teasing, the two teams that once clashed fiercely in the Kanto finals were about to collide even more intensely on the National Competition finals stage.

The moment both teams set foot on the court, the stands erupted with passionate, vigorous cheers.

"Budongfeng! Victory!"

"Victory! Budongfeng!"

"Always victorious, Rihai High! Go, go, Rihai High!!"

Flag‑waving cheers rang to the heavens; the two cheer squads locked eyes, hinting at a subtle rivalry.

No side yielded; the cheering grew ever louder, and beyond the court another clash unfolded—though the match hadn't started, the venue's atmosphere was already scorching.

On the court, the two teams didn't delay long.

Just a brief handshake, no extensive talk, not even a harsh word, yet everyone could sense the full powder‑keg tension.

Both sides walked off the court, each tightening their nerves, anxiously awaiting the start.

Ten minutes later.

"Next, Single Match No. 3 will begin, featuring Budongfeng Middle School's Ji Le Jing Xing versus Rihai High School Affiliated Middle School's Mao Li Shousanlang."

"Both contestants, step forward!"

The broadcast sounded, and the big screen flickered with light, displaying the two names.

"It's him!"

Liu Lian Er opened his half‑squinting eyes, his expression shifting slightly.

"Not Yiwu Shen Si, nor Ju Juping, but the player who should have been in the doubles slot, Ji Le Jing Xing?!"

Seeing this lineup, Liu Lian Er immediately realized Budongfeng's doubles would undergo an unexpected change, yet he was merely surprised, his face remaining calm and composed, as if fully confident.

"Senior Mao Li, I'm counting on you for this match!"

Looking at Mao Li Shousanlang, Xing Cun handed the newly taped racket to him, speaking gently.

He took a light breath, Mao Li Shousanlang stretched lazily and slowly rose: "Ah, I can't even steal a moment of leisure."

With a casual smile, he nodded slightly at Xing Cun after taking the racket, then walked toward the court.

"Lazy fellow."

Seeing this, Sanada tugged the brim of his hat lightly and scolded coldly.

But Xing Cun smiled and shook his head, disagreeing with Sanada in his heart.

Perhaps the former Senior Mao Li truly was as Sanada said, but since he lost to Jibu, although he still appears lazy, Xing Cun sensed a lingering, unwilling yearning in him.

That was something he previously lacked.

On the other side.

"The opponent's left‑right footwork at the net is flawless, but the forward‑backward movement is slightly sluggish."

Jiecheng Wu looked at Ji Le Jing Xing and gave a final pre‑match reminder.

Then.

He paused briefly, then smiled and said, "Don't carry too heavy a mental burden; give your all and play a match you won't regret."

"Yes!"

Ji Le Jing Xing said coldly.

He turned his head toward Mao Li Shousanlang, who was already heading to the court, a faint fire flashing in his eyes.

He was assigned to Single Match No. 3.

Jiecheng Wu had already explained the implication to him; this was a match that had been abandoned.

But he still wanted to try.

"I will win!"

With a resolute voice in his heart, Ji Le Jing Xing tightened his racket and walked steadily toward the court.

"The match begins with Budongfeng Middle School's Ji Le Jing Xing serving, end of the set."

Guess side ends.

Ji Le Jing Xing was lucky and got the serve first.

"Make good use of the serving advantage."

His fingers brushed the felt surface of the tennis ball, Ji Le Jing Xing lowered his gaze, and several targeted tactics flashed in his mind.

The next moment.

Ji Le Jing Xing's shoulders dipped slightly, his calf tightened, and he tossed the ball and leapt.

Boom!

He swung the racket forcefully, and the tennis ball landed precisely in the outer corner of the receiving area.

"Wow, the speed's pretty good!"

Mao Li Shousanlang wore a faint smile, his steps casually catching up to the ball's trajectory, his racket extending from the ground and scooping upward.

Bang!

The tennis ball flew swiftly over the net.

"Straight shot return, draw him in."

Ji Le Jing Xing quickly made a decision in his mind, his foot stepping forward toward the ball's landing point, the racket in his hand drawn out to his side.

Bang!

A powerful topspin shot shot straight along the right‑side boundary line.

Moreover, the tennis ball wavered up and down during its flight, like a leaf swaying in the wind, unpredictable.

Mao Li Shousanlang managed to chase in time, but when he swung his racket, the ball slipped past the strings.

"Budongfeng Middle School Ji Le Jing Xing scores, 15‑0."

"It's Spirit Wind!"

From the sidelines, Neicun Jingjie's eyes lit up; having previously teamed with Ji Le Jing Xing to unleash the thunderous move, he was intimately familiar with Spirit Wind's properties.

But using this technique right at the start—was that really safe?

Bang!

This time the ball came at a wide diagonal angle; under Spirit Wind's effect the tennis ball still bobbed up and down, then lightly flicked out from the back‑corner.

"Budongfeng Middle School Ji Le Jing Xing scores, 30‑0."

"Good, the varied trajectory is working!"

Seeing his attack take effect, Ji Le Jing Xing felt his confidence surge dramatically, though he hadn't wanted to deploy Spirit Wind so early.

However, without using this move, scoring against the national‑level Mao Li Shousanlang would be impossible.

Bang!

"Budongfeng Middle School Ji Le Jing Xing scores, 40‑0."

Bang!

"Game, Budongfeng Middle School Ji Le Jing Xing, 1‑0."

"A very smooth start!"

Neicun Jingjie's eyes showed a hint of joy; Ji Le Jing Xing's offensive fully targeted the opponent's weak point, and Rikai University's Mao Li Shousanlang couldn't even mount an effective counter.

If this continues, there might really be a chance.

Off the court.

Ji Le Jing Xing breathed lightly, a few drops of sweat seeping through his palm, his eyes fixed on the opponent holding the ball.

"Next

as long as I break serve, this match will be completely under my control."

But before the thought even settled in his mind,

Bang!

A blindingly swift golden flash erupted suddenly.

"Rikai University Affiliated High School Mao Li Shousanlang scores, 15‑0!"

The referee glanced at the imprint on the boundary line and immediately announced the score.

"Good, so fast!"

Ji Le Jing Xing was startled, his eyes flickering, as if he could hardly believe it.

Clack! Clack!

But the next instant, he struck his thigh twice with the racket face; the mild sting jolted him back to his senses.

"Can't be distracted any longer; I must rally my spirit and prepare to counter."

With a hint of realization in his eyes, Ji Le Jing Xing moved back to the opposite service box, racket in hand, awaiting the next serve.

On the other side.

"Wow, I'm really going to play seriously now!"

Mao Li Shousanlang quickly tapped the tennis ball on the ground twice.

Bang!

The tennis ball shot from his racket, instantly turning into a sharp golden streak.

"It's an inside‑angle shot near the center line."

With a single glance, Ji Le Jing Xing read the serve's direction.

Bang!

He pulled his racket upward, delivering a powerful topspin shot that arced like a banana and struck the baseline.

This time, he opted for a more conservative baseline rally, not continuing the fierce attack of the first game.

However.

Mao Li Shousanlang, however, seemed to have no such plan; his footwork shifted as he rushed to the net.

Tap tap tap.

A light footstep sounded, and before the ball touched the ground, his racket struck forcefully.

Bang!

The tennis ball spun rapidly above the net, and Mao Li Shousanlang seized the chance to reach the net.

"."

Seeing the tall, slender figure at the net, Ji Le Jing Xing's heart sank instantly, feeling a heavy pressure; the opponent indeed chose to attack during his service game.

Swish.

With a thought, he immediately pressed down the racket; as the ball fell, his arm whipped out like a long whip.

Bang!

Accompanied by a crisp sound, the ball was carried by him in a high golden arc, attempting to fly over the opponent's head.

Thud thud

Mao Li Shousanlang slightly raised his head; the ball's height was indeed high, so he decisively stepped back backwards.

Meanwhile.

The racket rose with his gaze; when the ball began to fall, his retreating steps stopped.

Swish~

His center of gravity sank slightly, then he exerted force with his thighs, leaping high, and slammed the racket down hard.

Bang!

Before the ball hit the ground, he smashed it away.

"Rikkaidai Affiliated Middle School Mao Li Shousanlang scores, 30-0!"

"Budongfeng's intelligence is very detailed, and Ji Le Jing Xing's tactics are equally meticulous."

Looking back at the recent exchange, Liu Lian Er narrowed his eyes and praised softly, the opponent had even considered the weak point of Mao Li Shousanlang's forward and backward movement; the pre-match preparation was extremely meticulous.

Unfortunately

Ji Le Jing Xing's strength ultimately fell short; in singles matches, his threat level dropped even further.

In the Ice Emperor's camp, the thousand‑year‑old's expression was slightly stern; although his heart leaned toward Budongfeng, he likewise had no confidence in Jing Xing.

Mao Li Shou Sanlang lost a match in the semifinals, but that does not mean he is weak; the opponent was simply stronger.

Indeed.

Bang!

"Game, Ritsui High School Affiliated, Mao Li Shou Sanlang, 1-1!"

Bang!

"2-1!"

After the first game, Mao Li Shou Sanlang fully displayed his strength, continuously launching fierce attacks, completely suppressing Jing Xing, who still wanted to win the match.

"Perfect, flawless net steps."

Ju Juping said in a deep voice, even as an opponent, he had to acknowledge the other's prowess at the net.

"Spirit Wind!"

With a low shout in his heart, Jing Xing's racket instantly tilted, cutting the rebounding tennis ball sharply forward.

Bang!

It was as if a gust of wind sliced the air for the tennis ball, allowing it to fly over the net at extreme speed.

"The basic strength is still weak; otherwise, at this moment the move should be the Wind Talisman's Guard and Annihilation, not merely a simple alteration of the tennis ball's trajectory and a quick hit."

Jiecheng Wu let out a soft sigh in his heart.

Even with Ji Le Taizao's inheritance, Jing Xing lacks sufficient ability to unleash its true power.

"Sorry about that, Sanada's wind is faster than yours~"

A figure flashed across the net; the slightly reddish curls swayed gently in the gust, and Mao Li Shou Sanlang swung his racket horizontally.

Swish!

After his foot landed, his body turned quickly, the racket spun a full circle, his back to the net, and with a backhand block he intercepted the Spirit Wind.

Bang!

The tennis ball turned into a streak of golden light, landing tightly beside Jing Xing's foot.

He wanted to react, but this chase ball is the hardest to return; his body stiffened, and the tennis ball vanished.

"Game, Ritsui High School Affiliated, Mao Li Shou Sanlang, 6-1!"

"The match ended, Ritsui High School Affiliated won, total score 1-0!"

"Ever victorious, Ritsui! Go forward, go forward, Ritsui!!"

Enjoying the crowd's cheers, Mao Li Shou Sanlang raised his racket, a faint smile on his face, then bowed deeply toward the four directions.

Although he has always played tennis for fun,

"This should be the last match of my middle‑school career."

He glanced at Jing Xing across the net; no matter how much he suppressed him, the guy never showed any sign of giving up, and even after losing the match, his gaze became even more resolute.

He smiled lightly, Mao Li Shou Sanlang stepped onto the net, extended his right hand and said, "This was a good match!"

Watching the score on the big screen, Liu Lian Er's expression remained unchanged; everything was progressing according to his plan.

Handing a towel to the sweat‑soaked Jing Xing, Jiecheng Wu turned his head and said, "Their warm‑up should be ending soon, Neicun, go inform them."

"Yes."

Hearing the voice, Neicun Jingjie immediately ran out through the corridor.

After a short while.

Three figures walked out of the corridor.

And the broadcast voice rang out.

"Next, the second doubles match will begin, with Budongfeng Middle School's Ju Juping and Yiwu Shen Si facing Ritsui High School Affiliated's Sanada Genichiro and Qie Yuan Chi Ye!"

"Please have both sides' players take the court!"

The words just fell, and a commotion rose from the audience seats, especially from schools that had previously faced Budongfeng Ritsui, their faces full of astonishment and surprise.

"Ju Juping?! Yiwu Shen Si?!"

「Sanada Gen'ichirō?! Kirihara Kazuya?! 」

(End of chapter)