Chapter Forty: The First Advancement

As he had said, Mao Xuanzi did not go to the secret meeting. It was not until three days later, at the finals, that he appeared before everyone. An brushed past Mao Xuanzi without saying a word or so much as acknowledging him.

Mao Xuanzi glanced at An's departing figure.

Standing nearby, Han Tianyue, who understood Mao Xuanzi's mood, stepped forward and said, “Today’s match is important!”

Just then, the competition organizers suddenly announced a change, “Due to a last-minute decision, today’s finals will be switched from one-on-one duels to a randomized group draw for the arena battles. The lists of group members will now be handed over by the respective advisors, and each member will draw lots to determine their one-on-one opponent!”

“How could this be?” Advisor Song cried out in confusion.

“This is a temporary decision,” came the explanation.

Han Tianyue walked over to Advisor Song and said, “Don’t worry, Teacher Song, we’ll be fine.”

Mao Xuanzi, Fang Zhe, and Feng Shang also nodded in agreement.

Only then did Advisor Song refrain from protesting further.

The drawing of lots began, and the matchups were as follows: Zuo Qi vs. Jin Qian, Xin Zhong vs. Qing Ni, Luo Ye vs. Bai Bi, Boca vs. Han Tianyue, Mao Xuanzi vs. Name Register, An vs. Xing Tu, Fang Zhe vs. Broken Hand, Feng Shang vs. Huang Ya, Ghost Hand vs. Iron Wood, Lietu vs. Zhang Min.

After the lots were drawn, the participants did not regroup but were instead led by the referees to their respective arenas to prepare.

On the arena where Boca and Han Tianyue faced each other, both stood quietly on opposite sides, gazing at one another. “This is an era where only the strong survive. Only by being stronger can one endure,” Boca declared. Despite wearing a mask, his eyes and words made it clear he was no longer the fragile Boca of before—now he was proud and aloof.

“Hate it as you might, Boca, you’ll never understand!” Han Tianyue loathed the man before him, but had no intention of killing him, for from Boca he had learned the importance of cherishing.

“Someone like me?” Boca sneered. “Of course I understand everything you do—and far more.”

A seven-colored rainbow swirled around Boca. His every word and gesture, cast in radiant light, seemed even more arrogant.

“But today, I won’t fight you,” Boca, proud and solitary, made a decision Han Tianyue could never have anticipated. “I forfeit this match.”

Han Tianyue couldn’t believe his ears. “Why?” he demanded, striding up to Boca.

Boca laughed, “I, the proud Boca, forfeit only to show my contempt for your existence!” He lifted his head arrogantly and turned away. As he left, his voice drifted back, “Next time we meet, I won’t hold back. Never!”

“Boca forfeits. Han Tianyue is the winner!”

As for Mao Xuanzi and Name Register, a single book was Name Register’s fatal weakness. Combined with Mao Xuanzi’s scorching power, victory was quickly decided.

Fang Zhe faced Broken Hand. Repeated use of sonic waves disrupted Broken Hand’s slow movements, and, thrown off balance by the relentless waves, Broken Hand accidentally fell out of the arena.

As for Feng Shang and Huang Ya—one attacked with flowery fists, the other countered with elegant kicks. The match looked less like a contest and more like a dance of courtship.

Now only Feng Shang remained. Fang Zhe ran to the edge of Feng Shang's arena and shouted, “Feng Shang, it’s all up to you!”

Feng Shang, showing no mercy, summoned a storm. Huang Ya, as delicate as a young shoot, was blown right out of the arena.

And so, in the finals, Han Tianyue, Mao Xuanzi, Fang Zhe, and Feng Shang became the first group to advance to the ultimate showdown.

Seeking the gold medal, seeking favorites, seeking recommendations, seeking clicks, seeking comments, seeking red envelopes, seeking gifts—whatever you have to offer, let it all come!