After several intense rounds of competition, Kion Academy finally stood on the stage of the semifinals. If they won this match, they would advance to the finals. However, their opponent, Mu Yan Academy, though not considered a powerhouse, would still be no easy challenge.
The semifinals took place in the largest martial arena in Galaxy City, surrounded by spectators packed tightly in the stands, all eagerly awaiting the decisive showdown. The sky was a clear blue, with not a cloud in sight, but the air was thick with tension.
"Kion Academy versus Mu Yan Academy, the match is about to begin!"
As the referee's voice echoed through the arena, the audience erupted in cheers. The five competitors from Kion Academy entered the stage one by one. Chu Yi, Ju Gouzi, Qing Xiu'er, Zhang Liya, and Lin Xuanwu were all in top form, ready for this crucial battle.
On the other side, Mu Yan Academy's competitors also stepped up. But to everyone's surprise, there were only two of them standing on the opposing team.
"What's... going on?" Qing Xiu'er frowned at the sight, filled with confusion.
"Where's their team? Only two people?" Zhang Yu was equally baffled.
At that moment, the referee stepped forward with a serious expression and explained, "Three students from Mu Yan Academy were severely injured in the last match and are unable to continue, so they have only sent two competitors. The match will proceed as usual."
Hearing this, the Kion Academy team exchanged glances. What was expected to be a fierce semifinal suddenly became much easier due to the lack of opponents.
"Well, it seems like this match won't be as difficult," Chu Yi remarked with a light smile, though his eyes showed no signs of underestimation. He understood that despite the opponent's reduced numbers, they couldn't afford to be careless—any moment of relaxation could turn the tide.
"Don't let your guard down," Qing Xiu'er calmly reminded her teammates. "We must give it our all to ensure we leave nothing to chance."
The sound of the horn marked the start of the semifinal.
Though Mu Yan Academy's two players were strong, they were clearly outmatched by Kion Academy's full lineup. Early in the match, Chu Yi launched the first strike, with lightning talismans flickering in his hands, sending streams of electricity snaking toward the opponents like silver serpents.
"Thunder Cage!" Chu Yi shouted, forming a seal with his hands. A massive cage of lightning trapped one of the opponents. Though the two tried to split up, one was still caught, their movements severely restricted.
At the same time, Lin Xuanwu and Qing Xiu'er sprang into action. Lin Xuanwu's defensive skills were outstanding—standing at the front like an impenetrable wall, the glowing rings in his hands deflected the opponents' fire-based attacks. Qing Xiu'er danced lightly across the battlefield, her longsword slicing through the air, forcing the enemy into retreat.
Before long, both players from Mu Yan Academy were defeated and collapsed onto the ground. The whistle signaling the end of the match sounded, and Kion Academy easily secured victory, advancing to the finals.
However, there wasn't the expected explosion of cheers. Instead, a strange atmosphere hung over the arena. The audience, seemingly unimpressed with the outcome, appeared underwhelmed, especially after witnessing the incomplete lineup from Mu Yan Academy.
"That was too easy," Lin Xuanwu said, somewhat disappointed. He had anticipated a hard-fought battle in the semifinals, only for the match to feel dull due to their opponents' misfortune.
"Victory is victory, don't overthink it," Qing Xiu'er replied calmly, though her eyes also betrayed a hint of regret. She, too, had hoped for a more challenging fight rather than such an easy win due to the other team's lack of numbers.
"In any case, we're in the finals now," Chu Yi said, patting Lin Xuanwu's shoulder with a smile. "The real challenge lies ahead."
As night fell, the sky above Galaxy City was illuminated by a bright, clear moon. After a day of battles, the team from Kion Academy finally had some time to rest, gathering at their inn while they waited for the outcome of the other semifinal match.
"Lanling Academy versus Sky Hall. Who do you think will win?" Zhang Liya asked, her eyes gleaming with excitement.
"The Lanling Academy mainly trains warriors, with students specializing in external martial arts. In battles against spirit masters, they might be at a disadvantage when it comes to the use of spiritual energy," said Instructor Bi Hei
"Sky Hall has won three consecutive championships. It's almost always them, so they'll probably win again this time," Lin Xuanwu replied casually, clearly confident in Sky Hall's prowess.
"Lanling Academy won!" an event organizer suddenly announced.
When this news reached the team from Kion Academy, everyone was stunned. Lanling Academy had defeated the three-time champion, Sky Hall, to advance to the finals—a result that shocked everyone.
"How is that possible?" Ju Gouzi exclaimed, eyes wide in disbelief. "Sky Hall actually lost?"
"We underestimated the strength of the warriors and also misjudged Lan Ling Academy's power," Qing Xiu'er's expression turned serious, clearly taken aback by Lan Ling Academy's unexpected victory over such a powerful opponent.
"This final is going to be interesting," Bi Hei said with a grin, his eyes glinting with anticipation. He knew that the final would be a true test of their strength.
Kion Academy and Lanling Academy—two schools that had never won a championship—would now face off in the finals. Given that Lanling Academy had managed to defeat Sky Hall, they were clearly hiding some immense power.
"Everyone, get ready. Tomorrow's final will be against a much stronger opponent than we originally thought," Bi Hei said, his voice carrying a note of gravity.
The team members nodded, exchanging determined glances. Their eyes were filled with resolve and anticipation.
Tomorrow's final would decide the ultimate victor, and they weren't about to let this opportunity slip away.
—10 minutes into the final battle—
"Stop the match! Don't fight anymore!" Bi Hei screamed desperately. "Chu Yi! Ju Gouzi! Get off the stage! Are you ignoring your mentor's words?!"