The participants who were extremely confident in their abilities hoped to climb higher, aiming for the top 500. That way, they would catch the attention of prestigious universities.
If one could make it into the top 100, they would secure a direct admission spot to Earthstar University.
On the third day, Kent once again achieved a perfect victory.
The same happened on the fourth day.
By the fifth day, he was unstoppable.
On the sixth day, he was simply unbeatable.
By the seventh day, Kent had won every match, with no one to challenge him.
At this point, Kent's performance in the tournament had been nothing short of spectacular. His popularity soared, and he became one of the few undefeated seeded students.
The following matches grew more thrilling, and many live streaming platforms broadcasted the event. Kent's strength gained widespread recognition, and the reputation of Saint Stone High also rose dramatically.
As a result, Kent's personal profile was dug up, though no one realized he had a four-star inspector as his guardian. Many factions, whether hopeful or not, extended invitations to Kent, offering high salaries to cultivate his talents.
However, Kent immediately declined without hesitation. He didn't need money, and even a million-dollar salary was insignificant to him. He wasn't lacking in ways to make money.
Kent's popularity continued to rise, and even Zhao Mengxi, who had lost two matches in the tournament, was overshadowed by his undefeated streak. His momentum toward an unblemished victory made him shine like the sun, and no one dared to underestimate him anymore.
Leng Zimu's face darkened, but he was helpless.
Zhao Shi and Zhao Xuan exchanged glances, eventually lowering their heads in silence.
During this time, both Leng Zimu and Zhao Shi obediently transferred one million dollar into Kent's identity wristband.
"I didn't expect you to hide your strength so well," Zhao Mengxi said with a charming smile, causing flowers to pale in comparison.
"Not bad," Kent replied with a light smile. "I've been quite exhausted these days. I've got matches during the day, training in swordsmanship and archery in the afternoon, and still have to go shopping with you at night."
"You mean you don't enjoy being with me?" Zhao Mengxi teased him with a playful smile.
"Of course not," Kent chuckled, gently brushing his finger against hers. "Let's go to Earthstar University together."
"Mm, together," Zhao Mengxi blushed slightly, giving him a playful glare.
After the top 500 participants were decided, the rankings were determined by win points, and a two-day challenge tournament was held. Lower-ranked participants could challenge those ranked higher, and if they won, they would take over the other's position.
Each participant had three opportunities to challenge others or be challenged. Once challenged, they had no choice but to fight. The winner would take the higher rank.
Despite Kent's perfect record, he wasn't the only one undefeated. The top 20 participants had all maintained perfect records.
However, based on performance and time, a more detailed ranking emerged. Kent placed sixth, while Zhao Mengxi was ranked 66th.
After a day of rest, the challenge tournament officially began. Kent and Zhao Mengxi sat together, waiting to be challenged.
But by midday, no one had challenged them.
"I'm wondering why no one is challenging me," Kent said, puzzled.
"Your strength is too overwhelming. Even Dongfang Jing, one of the Four Young Masters of Microglow City, isn't your match," Zhao Mengxi rolled her eyes and then shifted the conversation, "But me, my rank is pretty average, yet no one is challenging me either."
Kent looked at her with a confused expression. "Who would challenge you? Unless they're out of their minds."
"Why do you say that?" Zhao Mengxi asked, puzzled.
"Sigh… Not to mention how beautiful you are, no one would want to lay a hand on you. Besides, your dad is watching from the stands. Who would dare attack you?" Kent chuckled.
"Uh… That's true. But still, if that's the case, why did I lose two matches? Wouldn't it be better if I went undefeated?" Zhao Mengxi asked, somewhat frustrated.
"The challenge tournament allows you to choose your opponents, but the elimination round doesn't work that way. It's system-matched, and your opponents also want to win. Besides, they'll be careful not to injure you, so it's no big deal. General Zhao is in a high position and is someone who handles significant matters. He wouldn't lack the compassion to allow something like this. As long as no one intentionally acts foolish, he won't interfere." Kent said with some envy.
As the two continued chatting, they watched the matches on the arena with ease.
However, it seemed that no one wanted to reveal their full strength too soon, and they were holding back. No particularly exciting matches had occurred yet.
"Tomorrow, they'll grab their opportunities and start challenging fiercely. If they go all out today, it might give others the chance to knock them down later."
Kent understood the other participants' thinking, and he was also thinking the same way.
"Throughout history, the top ten, even second place, are just supporting roles for first place."
Kent's goal was, of course, first place, but he didn't immediately challenge others. He chose to observe because he wasn't fully confident that he could win and retain his spot at the top.
The best approach was to let others challenge him first, using up their three chances. Once that was done, he would challenge for first place without any worries.
Of course, to secure that first place, he had to stay vigilant and ready to act.
If someone challenged the first-place holder and failed three times in a row, that first-place participant would no longer be eligible to be challenged and would secure their position.
Thus, if anyone attempted to challenge first place twice and failed, Kent would seize the opportunity to challenge for first place. He needed to hold onto that third challenge opportunity for himself.
The second day of the challenge tournament, which was also the final day of the preliminary rounds, Kent was indeed forced to challenge the first-place participant.
If he didn't challenge now, the first-place participant, who had already repelled two challenges and maintained their position, would likely use their last challenge opportunity to take on someone else.
"I want to challenge Li Zicheng."
Kent issued his challenge immediately, causing other would-be challengers to feel frustrated, yet secretly hopeful.
Kent's strength was undeniable, and it was still uncertain whether the first-place holder could keep their position.
If Kent succeeded in taking the top spot, others could challenge him for first place, as he still hadn't been challenged yet and had three chances to be challenged.
The referee accepted Kent's challenge request and checked the schedule. "Li Zicheng has just been challenged. According to the rules, he gets an hour to rest and recover. After an hour, the system will arrange your match. Please be ready."
Kent nodded and returned to his seat, his gaze intense as he looked at Li Zicheng. Just then, Li Zicheng also looked back at him, his eyes sharp and filled with determination and confidence.
"Kent, be careful. Li Zicheng is no pushover. He's the top student of the second-ranked school, Purple Star School, and has been the top of his grade for three years. Although his family background is average, the Giant Group has been cultivating him, and they see great potential in him. It's said that after entering Earthstar University, he might rank in the top ten among new students," Zhao Mengxi said, somewhat worried.