The week passed in a blur of excitement and anticipation. Li Xun felt like a new person, invigorated by his training sessions with Mei Ling and the successful formation of his study group. Each day brought a new reward from the mysterious system, enhancing his skills and confidence. He was eager for the upcoming martial arts competition, a significant event that could change his trajectory.
As the day of the competition approached, the university buzzed with energy. Posters adorned the walls, advertising the event, and students engaged in heated discussions about their favorites to win. Li Xun found himself drawn into these conversations, sharing his thoughts with newfound confidence.
In class, he sat next to Zhang Wei, who had been contributing greatly to their study group. "Have you heard about the competition?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "I can't wait to see who wins!"
"I'm excited too. I'm actually going to support Mei Ling," he replied, a smile creeping onto his face at the thought of her in action.
"You're friends with Mei Ling? That's awesome! She's one of the top competitors," Zhang Wei said, her admiration evident. "You must be learning a lot from her."
"Yeah, she's been a great teacher," Li Xun said, pride swelling within him. "I've been training hard."
The day before the competition, Li Xun found himself at the dojo once again. He arrived early, hoping to get in some extra practice before Mei Ling arrived. The air was filled with the scent of sweat and determination as other students trained, their movements sharp and focused.
As he warmed up, he focused on the techniques Mei Ling had taught him. He practiced stances, kicks, and punches, feeling the rhythm of his body. Each movement flowed more smoothly than the last, bolstered by the skill in persuasion he had received. He was becoming not only more confident but also more physically capable.
After a while, Mei Ling joined him, her presence like a spark igniting his energy. "You're here early! I love the dedication," she said, her voice light with enthusiasm.
"Just trying to get some extra practice in," he replied, wiping sweat from his brow. "I want to be prepared for tomorrow."
"Let's do a few sparring rounds to warm up. It'll help you get used to the competition atmosphere," she suggested, her eyes glinting with excitement.
They moved to the sparring mat, and Li Xun felt a rush of adrenaline as they faced off. Mei Ling was quick and agile, her movements fluid as she dodged his initial attacks. With each encounter, he learned to read her movements better, slowly adapting and improving.
"You're getting faster! Just remember to keep your balance," she called out, her tone encouraging.
As the rounds continued, Li Xun felt himself growing stronger. He executed a series of kicks and punches, impressing even himself with his progress. Mei Ling's guidance was invaluable, but he could feel the influence of his system's rewards in his growing confidence.
After their practice session, they sat on the edge of the mat, panting and exhilarated. "You've come a long way in just a week, Li Xun. I'm proud of you," Mei Ling said, her smile warm.
"Thanks, Mei Ling. I couldn't have done it without your help," he replied, a sense of camaraderie forming between them.
That evening, Li Xun couldn't sleep. He lay in bed, replaying the day's events and feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety about the competition. What if he let Mei Ling down? What if he didn't measure up? But then he remembered the words of Old Man Zhang and the strength he felt from the talisman.
Determined to push through his doubts, he pulled out the talisman and held it tightly. "What's next?" he whispered, feeling the familiar warmth pulse through his fingers.
As he closed his eyes, a vision enveloped him, and he found himself standing in the void once more. The interface reappeared, glowing brightly with new options. A banner flashed: Daily Reward Available.
With a mix of eagerness and apprehension, he selected the icon for the daily reward. The screen erupted in light, and a message emerged: Congratulations! You have received: Enhanced Agility Level 1.
Li Xun's heart raced. Agility would be crucial in the competition, allowing him to move faster and dodge more effectively. As the vision faded, he felt a surge of energy coursing through him. This was the boost he needed.
The next morning, he woke up feeling invigorated. After a quick breakfast, he put on his training gear and made his way to the competition venue. The atmosphere was electric; banners waved, and students buzzed with excitement.
As he entered the gymnasium, he spotted Mei Ling among the competitors, warming up and chatting with her friends. She looked fierce and focused, her determination palpable. Li Xun felt a sense of pride knowing he was supporting her, even if he wasn't competing.
The event kicked off with an opening ceremony, the crowd cheering loudly. Competitors from different universities showcased their skills, and Li Xun watched in awe. He had never seen martial arts displayed so passionately before. The energy in the room was contagious, fueling his anticipation.
As the competition progressed, he found himself absorbed in the performances, cheering for Mei Ling as she fought through the brackets. Her movements were mesmerizing; each strike and counter was executed with precision and grace. He felt a sense of admiration for her not just as a martial artist but as a person.
During a brief intermission, Li Xun caught Mei Ling's eye as she approached him, flushed with excitement. "Did you see that last match? I can't believe how fast he was!"
"It was incredible! You're going to do great out there," Li Xun encouraged, feeling the thrill of the moment.
"Thanks! I'm glad you're here," she said, her smile lighting up her face. "You've been training hard too, right?"
"Yeah, I've been practicing," he replied, a hint of nervousness creeping in. "I can't wait to see you compete."
As the competition resumed, Li Xun felt a rush of anticipation. The atmosphere crackled with energy, and he knew this was just the beginning of his journey. With his newfound skills and determination, he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
The day unfolded in a whirlwind of excitement, and as the final matches approached, Li Xun's heart raced with anticipation. He was here to support Mei Ling, but he could feel his own potential growing, waiting for the right moment to emerge.
Tomorrow would be a pivotal day—a test not just for Mei Ling but for himself as well.