"Ooooooooooohhhhh————!"
The entire Sirius Dome venue resounded with cheers that could topple mountains and overturn seas, instantly igniting the atmosphere. Countless converging spotlights danced in the air before finally focusing on the two platforms.
The entrances to the column platforms immediately opened, extending a corridor towards the stage as if building a bridge. Contestants from both sides emerged simultaneously from the entrances, exposed to the spotlight, and appearing in the enormous space window suspended in mid-air.
Fang Li and Cecily walked slowly from the entrance of the left platform.
Meanwhile, the live broadcast continued.
"Ladies and gentlemen, let's first take a look at the contestants entering from the left. They are Fang Li, a contestant from Jie Long Seventh Institute, and Contestant Cecily Wong!"
"Both of them are my fellow alumni, especially Contestant Cecily Wong. Even though I have already graduated, I often hear her name."
"Yes, indeed. Contestant Cecily Wong is ranked fourth in Jie Long Seventh Institute's sequence ranking. She's also the second disciple of 'Banyuu Tenra' and made it to the finals in the previous 'Phoenix Festa,' securing the runner-up position. Her strength is undeniable and she's definitely one of the hot contestants of this 'Phoenix Festa.'"
"Online discussions have been ongoing about this. Everyone believes that if Contestant Cecily Wong continued to team up with Zhao Hufeng, the contestant ranked fifth from the last 'Phoenix Festa,' they would have likely secured the championship this time, right?"
"However, Contestant Cecily Wong chose to team up with Fang Li. What could be the reason behind this?"
"It's indeed quite baffling. After all, according to the rules, Zhao Hufeng, who only participated in the previous 'Phoenix Festa,' is still eligible for two more tournaments, and his age doesn't exceed the competition category."
"On the other hand, Fang Li is currently outside the rankings, and it seems he hasn't engaged in any duels at Jie Long Seventh Institute. Furthermore, he just enrolled this year, making him a completely new student."
"But according to the rumors, Fang Li is also a disciple of 'Banyuu Tenra.' Despite lacking rankings and achievements, he shouldn't be underestimated."
"So, he's what they call a 'Mystery' participant, right? Truly a contestant that can stir up discussions!"
It had to be acknowledged that the live broadcast was of very high quality. They portrayed Fang Li, who was relatively unknown, as a mysterious and captivating contestant, which only fueled the enthusiasm and cheers of the audience.
Fang Li and Cecily walked side by side, exchanging a glance and both couldn't help but smile.
"Did you hear that, Senior Sister Wong?" Fang Li playfully remarked. "Everyone's saying that if you teamed up with Senior Brother Zhao, you'd easily win this 'Phoenix Festa.'"
"Don't underestimate yourself. While others might not know, can it be that I, who has been sparring with you for two months, don't know?" Cecily responded with an enigmatic smile. "You're not inferior to Hufeng; it's just that you, kid, aren't interested in seeking fame. Otherwise, Jie Long's Page One would certainly have a place for you."
As they exchanged these words, Fang Li and Cecily had already stepped onto the stage.
On the opposite side, two contestants dressed in pitch-black uniforms, emitting an intimidating aura, slowly walked in and arrived opposite Fang Li and Cecily.
Their attire made it clear to everyone that these two contestants were students from the infamous Rewolf Black Academy, rumored to be the worst among the Six Great Academies.
Upon closer inspection, their appearance was somewhat disheveled, resembling the characteristic style of students from the violence-prone Rewolf Black Academy.
However, despite their fierce appearance, their expressions remained tightly controlled, and their gaze was solely focused on Cecily, completely ignoring Fang Li.
Evidently, these two individuals considered Cecily to be their formidable adversary.
As for Fang Li, with no ranking and no records, he was completely disregarded.
Shortly afterward, the emblems of the four contestants simultaneously lit up.
The automated duel request was initiated, a function allowed only during the "Phoenix Festa" competition period, eliminating the need for the usual declaration and agreement process. Following this, a mechanical voice resonated from their emblems.
"Match start."
As the words fell, a thunderous cry erupted from the front. Two contestants from Rewolf Black Academy brandished axe and knife-shaped Lux, charging rapidly towards Fang Li and Cecily. Although their speed was impressive, it only reached the fifth rank and was far from the fourth rank.
Upon exchanging a glance, Fang Li and Cecily quickly decided on their strategy. Fang Li remained motionless in his place, while Cecily retrieved a talisman, held it between her fingers, and raised it high into the air.
"**Biri Biri————!**"
In the next moment, a fierce sound of electrical discharge resounded. It was the noise produced by the astonishing electric current surging from the talisman. Suddenly, a lightning bolt burst forth from the talisman, transforming into a temporal arrow, streaking through space with blinding radiance, heading straight for the charging opponents.
"What…!"
"No…!"
The two contestants from the opposing side were immediately taken aback. However, by that time, the lightning bolt had crossed through space and crashed heavily right in front of them.
"**Pang————!**"
Accompanied by the sound of thunder, as if it had struck the ground, a powerful explosion reverberated across the stage.
"**UghAaahAah————!**"
The two Rewolf Black Academy contestants let out cries of agony as their entire bodies were enveloped in the lightning's current, enduring a tremendous shock. When the electrical discharge finally ceased, a burst of black smoke emerged from their scorched bodies.
The wails abruptly ended.
The entire arena fell into silence. After a few moments, the two contestants, with their bodies covered in charred marks, rolled their eyes back and collapsed onto the ground, their emblem's light dimming.
"The match is over. The victors are Fang Li and Cecily-Wang."
As the mechanical announcement echoed throughout the venue, the spectators in the stands exchanged bewildered looks. But in the next moment…
"**OoohOoohOoohOoohOooh————!**"
A resounding cheer erupted once more, shaking the air. Fang Li and Cecily, the sole figures left standing, extended their hands toward each other and exchanged a hearty high-five.
The first match of the "Phoenix Festa," on the first day, ended with Fang Li and Cecily completely unscathed, not even moving a step—an emphatic victory that sent the crowd into wild jubilation.
...
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