"Thanks to the reader 'Ink Path' for pointing out the bug."
The match between the two was a pure clash of power, without any flashy moves.
Initially, some had underestimated Chu Tian, thinking that he might be defeated by someone like Yu Tiexiong. However, it had become clear that their strengths were quite evenly matched.
Even Clarissa, sitting in her private viewing box, couldn't help but take notice. She knew of Yu Tiexiong, although they had interacted only a few times, and he had always been indifferent. After all, Yu Tiexiong's name had been on the original list of students to join the Saxon Battle Academy.
As for Chu Tian, Clarissa had her sights set on him as one of the rising stars. The future of the Third Human Base required an infusion of fresh blood. Moreover, with the Federation's recent actions, someone like Chu Tian, a prodigious talent, needed to be protected and his special abilities kept hidden.
Chu Tian and Yu Tiexiong's match had become intense. After a few exchanges, Chu Tian landed a punch on Yu Tiexiong's abdomen, while Yu Tiexiong delivered a kick to Chu Tian's chest.
Both of them staggered back several steps, struggling to regain their balance. Yu Tiexiong's strength was immense, and Chu Tian nearly coughed up blood from the impact of the kick.
However, Yu Tiexiong, too, was showing signs of fatigue as his arms trembled slightly.
Although both were formidable among B+ tier talented warriors, their specific talents made a difference, and Yu Tiexiong's natural physique gave him an edge.
Taking a deep breath, Yu Tiexiong launched another attack, but Chu Tian was not about to let him have his way. He used his spiritual power to sense Yu Tiexiong's movements and, when Yu Tiexiong appeared, Chu Tian executed a swift side kick that sent Yu Tiexiong flying off the stage.
Yu Tiexiong climbed back onto the stage after a few seconds, nodded at Chu Tian, and proceeded to put on his armor before leaving the number one stage.
Chu Tian quickly adjusted his disrupted spiritual energy after the match. The intense exertion had taken a toll on his body.
Fortunately, no one else dared to step onto Chu Tian's stage after Yu Tiexiong's match. One Yu Tiexiong was terrifying enough, but the prospect of facing someone even stronger was discouraging.
The B+ tier talented warriors seemed to overlook one crucial factor—Chu Tian's level. He was currently only a C-tier talented warrior, and in terms of spiritual energy, he did not hold an advantage over the B+ tier participants. After all, passive talents also consumed spiritual energy, though this depletion wasn't easily noticeable by talented warriors.
After all the matches concluded, the host announced the top eight in the B+ tier, marking the end of the morning session.
The afternoon session would feature the top eight progressing to the semi-finals.
Chu Tian knew that the competitors who had made it to the top eight in the B+ tier were undoubtedly strong individuals.
He was now looking forward to the semi-finals.
The venue was rearranged, and the first event was the semi-finals for the E-tier talented warriors.
After about two hours, the semi-finals for the B+ tier commenced.
In these semi-finals, there were three stages, and the competitors were selected by drawing lots. Each participant had the opportunity to step onto three different stages.
Chu Tian was still on the number one stage.
Standing on the stage, Chu Tian awaited his first opponent.
Soon, a man stepped onto the stage. He appeared to be in his mid-twenties, not as massive as a tower but still close to six and a half feet tall. His muscular build was well-defined, indicating considerable explosive power. He also possessed combat-oriented talents.
[Blink Step, Regeneration, Lightning]
Chu Tian recognized the threat in talents like Regeneration and Blink Step, combined with a ranged attack ability. Regeneration was not a commonly seen talent.
"I'm Xia Long, the captain of the Rising Dragon Mercenary Corps," the man politely introduced himself.
Chu Tian smiled slightly and made a welcoming gesture, saying, "I'm Chu Tian, the captain of the X Mercenary Corps."
"I hope Captain Chu will go easy on me," Xia Long said, and suddenly, he disappeared from Chu Tian's view while greeting him.
Chu Tian was taken aback by Xia Long's abrupt attack during the greeting. He immediately released his spiritual power to locate Xia Long, who had reappeared at a different spot.
Without hesitation, Chu Tian stepped forward, and a shard of ice formed in his hand, which he hurled toward Xia Long. A thunderous boom echoed as Xia Long's lightning attack collided with the icy projectile in mid-air, causing the ice to melt into a small mist.
Chu Tian turned around, facing Xia Long, who was preparing for another Blink Step attack.
But Chu Tian was not about to let Xia Long have his way. He locked onto Xia Long's location with his spiritual power and, as soon as Xia Long reappeared, executed a flying kick that sent him flying off