Chapter 34: An Easy Preliminary Round

Let us set aside the matter of Boca for now, as the preliminary round was about to begin. There were only nineteen classes participating in the competition, and with the addition of the Legendary Team, there were twenty teams in total. The preliminary round was decided by drawing lots—a brutally simple format: win and advance, lose and you’re out. In other words, if anyone drew the Legendary Team in the first round, even though most teams were no match for them, a single loss meant immediate elimination.

The drawing of lots was conducted by each team’s advisor. Everyone prayed fervently that they would not be matched against the Legendary Team.

A wave of cheers broke out—someone had avoided drawing the Legendary Team.

“We forfeit!” While some cheered, others wept; one team chose to forfeit outright, clearly having drawn the Legendary Team as their opponent.

Thus, the Legendary Team advanced to the next round without even competing.

After the Legendary Team’s unlucky match-up, the remaining students picked their lots with a sigh of relief.

Advisor Song drew a lot: Team Sixteen, against a group of short students. Mao Xuanzi stepped forward and called out, “Shall we compete?”

As soon as everyone saw Mao Xuanzi, they immediately forfeited.

“Well, before the competition has even truly begun, two teams have already advanced!”

All eyes naturally turned to the second team to advance—Hantian Yue's team, who basked in the sudden attention.

The four members of the Legendary Team cast a glance at Mao Xuanzi, snorted coldly, and turned to leave.

“How amusing—Mao Xuanzi has broken away from the Legendary Team and now stands on the opposing side. I’m curious to see what happens next!” Amid the crowd, a figure of enormous girth grinned at Mao Xuanzi.

“Shattered!” A golden light flashed in the sky, followed by the loudspeaker’s announcement: “The third team to advance has been decided!”

“So fast!” Mao Xuanzi turned to look toward the source of the golden light.

“They’re truly formidable!” Advisor Song approached and said, “Jinqian, Wang Chong, Water Rhino, and Duona—they are not to be underestimated!”

“One move to settle the match. We must do everything we can to avoid facing them!” Feng Shang said gravely.

“And yet you mocked them as pigs before,” Fang Zhe teased.

Feng Shang blanched. “Who knew you really can’t judge by appearances!”

“The fourth team to advance has been decided!”

It was Advisor Yun’s students; though all were women, their strength was not lacking.

“Congratulations, Yun!” Advisor Song stepped forward to offer his praise.

Advisor Yun returned the sentiment, “Congratulations to you too, Song. You’ve moved on with ease!”

As the beautiful women approached, Feng Shang hurried over and announced, “Look at us—second only to the Legendary Team, we were the second to advance!”

Zhang Min smiled. “It’s all thanks to Mao Xuanzi!”

With nothing left to say, Feng Shang slunk away in embarrassment.

Soon, all ten teams advancing to the next round were decided, bringing the preliminary matches to a close.

Gold medals, favorites, recommendations, clicks, comments, red envelopes, gifts—I’ll take whatever you have to offer! Let it all come my way!