When the competition commenced, each participating student was assigned a numbered plate. As they received their plates, an image materialized on the competition stage.
One of the overseeing teachers announced, “All the numbers are in. Next, competitors with simultaneous numbers will face off. The sole rule of the competition is simple: step out of the ring, and you lose.”
“Above the ring, if you’re not an adversary, surrender is an option, and you’ll concede if you do. If you persist after defeat, your opponent bears no responsibility for any consequences, even fatal. I hope all students prioritize surrendering and valuing their lives when faced with defeat.”
After the teacher’s address, four pillars ascended from the competition stage’s corners, emanating potent spiritual power. Connecting with each other, they formed a four-sided barrier that slowly enveloped the competition stage.
This barrier, distinct from the previous one, not only contained spiritual power but also served as a boundary. While it prevented the leakage of spiritual power, it couldn’t hinder physical movement. If forcibly displaced, it would fall off the stage without affecting the barrier’s integrity.
Following the barrier’s appearance, the screen flickered, displaying flashing numbers. When it settled, the screen presented the numbers 28 and 96.
Number 28 represented a student from the Nanyuan Empire, while number 96 belonged to a student from a small country college.
These two students ascended the competition stage and commenced their match.
The Nanyuan Empire student was a first-level mysterious spiritual master with the fire spiritual root.
Conversely, the student from the small country possessed the ice spiritual root, inherently countered by the fire counterpart. The outcome of their battle was evident when strength prevailed.
Soon, the match concluded with victory for the Nanyuan Empire student. As one game ended, another began.
In the seventh match, a student from the Tianhuang Kingdom was drawn against an opponent from a small country. However, the adversary proved stronger than the Tianhuang Kingdom’s student, resulting in the defeat of Tianhuang Academy.
“You gave it your all,” the dean consoled the injured student, “Don’t blame yourself.”
The student nodded in sorrow, remaining silent.
“Number 37 versus Number 65,” echoed the teacher’s voice throughout the room.
Following the announcement, a student from the Xiwu Empire rose from their seat.
“It’s done,” sighed the injured student, gazing sadly at Nangong Mian. “Apart from Huang Quan, the most formidable person here is Amian. Who would have thought Amian would be so unlucky…” He is facing a student from the Xiwu Empire.
“It’s alright,” reassured Nangong Mian. “I’ll give it my best shot.”
“Third brother, remember the elixir I gave you,” urged Huang Quan, looking at Nangong Mian. “No need to save it, use it when the time comes.”
Adding another reminder, Huang Quan said, “Don’t hold back.”
“I know,” replied Nangong Mian with a smile. “Quanquan, don’t worry.”
“Third brother, go on. You’ve got this.”
“Yeah,” Nangong Mian nodded, stood up, and descended from the seating area.
Once both students were on stage, the teacher signaled the start of the match.
With the commencement, the Xiwu Empire students swiftly attacked Nangong Mian like specters.
Nangong Mian moved his fingers, and vines sprouted from under his feet, weaving a cage around him.
As the vine cage enveloped Nangong Mian, it became a protective barrier. To harm him, the opponent had to break the cage first. Once the cage was breached, Nangong Mian would retaliate!
As anticipated by Nangong Mian, his opponent appeared in front of him and swung their weapon directly at the cage. At the moment the weapon descended, Nangong Mian’s fingers moved with the speed of thunder and lightning.
