As Elder Zhou declared Lin Chen the victor, the cheers from the crowd reverberated through the training hall. Standing still, Lin Chen's gaze shifted from the unconscious Ouyang Feng to Chu Yan, his expression thoughtful and intense.
As Ouyang Feng was carefully carried off the stage by the healers, the crowd's attention turned to the ring itself. The ground was scorched and cracked from the heat from the clashes between those two.
Elder Zhou assessed the damage and made a swift decision. "This arena is no longer suitable for the remaining matches," he declared, his voice ringing out over the crowd. "We'll take a brief intermission to replace the ring. Contestants, please stay on standby and remain prepared."
Students and spectators watched as a team of workers swiftly moved in to dismantle the damaged ring. The floor was strewn with cracks, scorch marks, and debris from the intense clash.
It was evident that the ring had been barely able to withstand the power of the combatants, serving as a stark reminder of the immense strength that had been on display.
As the new ring was put in place, Elder Zhou stepped forward again. "The next match will begin shortly," he announced. "Contestants, please take this time to prepare yourselves."
After ring been repaired, Elder Zhou stepped forward, holding a small box containing the names of the remaining contestants.
"Attention, everyone," Elder Zhou's voice boomed across the hall. "We will now proceed with the draw to determine the next match. The winner of this match will advance to face Chu Yan in the final battle for the top spot."
"The next match will be... Lin Chen versus Li Fui!"
With Lin Chen's momentum from the previous match, many are still unsure who will be the number 1 student in the entire No. 2 high school. Even though Li Fui is strong compared to Ouyang Feng, he is still far off, not to mention someone who can defeat Ouyang Feng.
Li Fui walked into the ring, his full of nervousness. He was a powerful martial artist, having reached the peak stage, Second-Layer of the Martial Artist realm, but he knew that Lin Chen's realm alone was enough to suppress him, let alone in martial arts.
Chu Yan watched from the sidelines, his eyes keenly observing both fighters. He was particularly interested in Lin Chen, who was capable of defeating Ouyang Feng.
Elder Zhou looked at both students, ensuring they were ready. "Prepare yourselves. This match will determine who advances to the final round."
The crowd fell into a tense silence as Lin Chen and Li Fui took their positions at opposite ends of the ring. Lin Chen's hand rested firmly on the hilt of his saber, his gaze fixed intently on Li Fui. Meanwhile, Li Fui settled into a defensive stance, his posture tense and ready for the confrontation.
Elder Zhou raised his hand. "Begin!"
Li Fui wasted no time, launching himself forward with a burst of speed. He unleashed a flurry of rapid slashes aimed at Lin Chen's midsection, utilizing his Wind Shadow Sword technique. This yellow-level, low-grade martial art was renowned for its agility and versatility in attack.
Lin Chen remained steadfast, his expression unchanged. As Li Fui's blade closed in, Lin Chen smoothly drew his saber, which immediately ignited with a fierce crimson flame. With just a single strike, he not only deflected Li Fui's attack but also sent him staggering backward from the force of the counter.
The sudden display of power drew gasps from the audience. Chu Yan's eyes narrowed, recognizing that Li Fui was at a severe disadvantage. The disparity in strength between the two combatants was too great to overcome.
Li Fui quickly regained his footing, his face set in a fierce expression of determination. He launched another assault, trying to catch Lin Chen off guard with a deceptive feint. Yet, Lin Chen saw through the ruse with ease, remaining unfazed.
"You're skilled, Li Fui, but not skilled enough," Lin Chen said calmly, his voice carrying a hint of sympathy.
Before Li Fui could react, Lin Chen surged forward, his saber trailing a blaze of searing fire as he executed the Crimson Flame Slash, a signature move of the Crimson Flame Saber technique. The attack was both swift and devastating, with the intense heat compelling those in the front rows to shield their faces.
Li Fui's eyes widened in shock as he desperately raised his sword in defense, but it was too late. The blazing blade collided with his weapon, shattering it on impact and continuing its path until it halted mere inches from his chest.
A hush fell over the crowd as the realization of the match's conclusion settled in. Beads of sweat trickled down Li Fui's face as he stood frozen, his eyes locked on the deadly blade that hovered inches from his chest.
Lin Chen withdrew his saber, and the flames flickered out immediately. "You fought well," he said, glancing at Li Fui calmly.
Li Fui exhaled slowly, relief and resignation washing over him. He bowed slightly. "Thank you for the match."
The head examiner stepped forward, raising his hand to announce the outcome. "Winner: Lin Chen!"
The crowd erupted into applause, celebrating the decisive victory. Though the match had been brief, it had clearly demonstrated Lin Chen's formidable strength and skill. Chu Yan observed with keen interest, already formulating his strategy for the impending final match.
As the excitement from Lin Chen's victory began to wane, Elder Zhou addressed the crowd once more.
"With this, we have our finalists for the top position: Chu Yan and Lin Chen. The final match will be held tomorrow to give both contestants time to rest and prepare. You are dismissed!"
Students and spectators began to disperse, animatedly discussing the day's events as they exited the arena.
As Chu Yan was about to leave, Su Ming approached him, a grin plastered on his face despite the bandage wrapped around his arm from their earlier match.
"Well, well, Brother Yan. Looks like you've got quite the opponent tomorrow," Su Ming teased.
Chu Yan chuckled, shaking his head. "Lin Chen is strong, no doubt about it. But I've faced strong opponents before."
Su Ming patted Chu Yan on the back. "Just make sure you don't underestimate him. That Crimson Flame Saber of his packs a punch."
"I've noticed," Chu Yan replied thoughtfully. "But I have a few tricks up my sleeve too."
Su Ming's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Oh? Care to share?"
Chu Yan smirked. "You'll see tomorrow."
Chu Yan directly returned to his home. What he didn't know was that just after he exited the school gate, two shadow figures from the building far away, spying him.