Chapter 57: Open The Gates!
“Ren Xu, previously the second-ranked main force player from Wuyu Middle School, is also at Six Dragon Gate like Hua Zihang, and he also follows the Breakthrough route.”
Gu Yang said: “Although it’s good news for us, it’s too bad that he suddenly went abroad. I don’t know what caused it.”
He was spun like a top.
Li Ye shook his head with a smile and continued looking toward the center of the field. The first match was already starting to prepare.
The three players from No. 2 Middle School and No. 7 Middle School who took the field, their strongest each followed the Breakthrough route, either Four Dragon Gates or Five Dragon Gates.
The rest were either Half Breakthrough or from Martial Arts Schools.
But the order of appearance was very interesting; they were all trying every trick to play the Tian Ji horse race.
The order of their strongest players wasn’t fixed. No. 2 Middle School’s strongest went first and took out No. 7 Middle School’s second. No. 7 Middle School’s strongest went in the second match and took out No. 2 Middle School’s second.
In the end, the decisive player was left to their third, who appeared last.
All were Four Dragon Gates, and they all learned Martial Arts School techniques. No. 2 Middle School practiced the same Hammer Breaking City Skill as Deng Hao, wielding two great hammers, with slow attacks but immense power.
No. 7 Middle School was half a fellow disciple with Li Ye, practicing Jinglei Martial Arts Hall’s Seventy-two Forms of Thunder Leg, focusing on burst power and speed.
Also Four Dragon Gates, the double hammer user had great power, wielding weapons fiercely on the field, kicking up dust when smashing the ground, but it was hard to hit the leg practitioner.
Relying on speed, No. 7 Middle School’s martial artist dodged left and right, kicking No. 2 Middle School’s martial artist mid-dodge, making him stagger.
But No. 2 Middle School’s martial artist seemed to have Hardening Technique as well. This martial art inherently resisted strikes and combined Hardening Technique, enduring No. 7 Middle School’s attacks without falling, instead landing a few hits on No. 7 Middle School’s martial artist during the prolonged fight.
The opponent seemed to have practiced only one martial art; after two hammer strikes, his movement was restricted, clearly slower, and finally No. 2 Middle School’s martial artist seized the chance, smashing his chest with one hammer, causing him to faint.
No. 2 Middle School advances.
That Teacher Li who had greeted Gu Yang earlier, with the prominent Thunder Sound on her chest, clearly showed a happy smile.
As the students on the field were carried off or left, Yang Jie supported himself with one hand on the front railing and leaped down.
“I’m going first!”
When he entered the field, No. 10 Middle School also sent one person. Seeing this person, Gu Yang clearly showed joy.
“It’s steady!”
That person was No. 10 Middle School’s third, a Four Dragon Gates from Martial Arts School techniques, not Yang Jie’s opponent!
The sent martial artist also saw the newcomer, his expression changing as he instinctively turned to look at the teacher in the seats.
No. 10 Middle School’s coaching teacher rubbed his forehead and waved his hand. That martial artist directly raised his hand and said loudly: “I concede!”
No. 7 Middle School’s coaching teacher was right next to No. 10 Middle School. Hearing this, he glared angrily: “That’s a bit despicable, isn’t it!”
“All’s fair in war.”
No. 10 Middle School’s teacher chuckled: “Can’t get top three, but grabbing fourth is better than fifth.”
Ever since Fu Chuxue arrived at No. 14 Middle School, Ningjiang City’s Martial Arts Competition inherently had one loss. Only by matching their weakest against Fu Chuxue did they have a chance to win.
If any upset happened, it was a guaranteed loss.
Better to concede directly, preserve strength, and fight for top four.
No. 7 Middle School called him despicable, but last year, they did the same.
No need for Fu Chuxue to even take the field; after conceding, No. 10 Middle School conceded overall.
The third match was Wuyu Middle School consecutively challenging two middle schools, fighting in draw order.
But unsurprisingly, both middle schools directly conceded without fighting, preserving strength for top four.
But in the end, No. 10 Middle School was a cut above, defeating No. 7 Middle School which had some losses from fighting, eliminating them first.
After top four were decided, they proceeded to grouping.
Gu Yang went forward to draw lots, handed the lot to the staff, let the mayor glance at it, and the mayor picked up the microphone and said:
“Group matches, top four to top three begin. First group: Wuyu Middle School vs Ningjiang No. 14 Middle School. Second group: Ningjiang No. 2 Middle School vs Ningjiang No. 10 Middle School.”
At these words, No. 2 Middle School and No. 10 Middle School clearly burst into laughter, each showing excitement.
No. 14 Middle School had always been criticized and doubted due to Fu Chuxue’s presence, but now it was good—they were up against Wuyu, a sure loss!
Instead, their side, as long as they won, could get second place!
On the viewing stand, No. 2 Middle School’s principal smiled at No. 14 Middle School’s principal: “Not great luck this year, huh.”
No. 14 Middle School’s principal smiled faintly: “Not necessarily.”
“Oh? Got some extra trump card?”
No. 10 Middle School’s principal laughed upon hearing: “You can’t have another ‘friend’ pop up from somewhere, who happens to have a child of age, who’s also a Martial Arts genius, and then joins your school, right?”
Nearby, Wuyu Middle School’s principal joked: “Who knows, our principal here has vast connections; he can even call the Demon Realm frontline command. Recruiting another genius wouldn’t be strange.”
“Too bad, we at Wuyu can only cultivate our own local martial artists.”
These barbed words made everyone laugh.
No. 14 Middle School’s principal kept his expression unchanged, smiling: “No choice, unlike some schools that ignore ordinary people and put martial artists above all. To get ranking, we have to try other ways.”
“But my connections aren’t that exaggerated. Our new main force player has always been a No. 14 Middle School student; this is his first time on the field. If he doesn’t perform well later, please forgive him.”
At these words, except for Wuyu’s principal whose face darkened, others sat upright, silent.
They couldn’t casually respond; they were public schools, representing the nation.
If their bias was discovered, trouble would follow.
Instead, Ningjiang University’s principal on the rear viewing stand spoke.
“These rankings are all for better experience. Whether specializing in cultivating martial artists or fully nurturing the grassroots, it’s all for future contributions.”
He smiled: “I think this Li Ye is pretty good. We can chat after the competition.”
The main force players’ information for the Martial Arts Competition had already reached various universities. Though he came for Wuyu Middle School’s face, as Ningjiang University’s principal, local students needed attention.
This Li Ye hadn’t been heard of competing before, meaning he broke through to Four Dragon Gates this year, likely mainly with Foundation Establishment Technique.
But still Four Dragon Gates; Ningjiang University wanted him too. With good treatment, he might sign a contract—better to be the top here than tail at a key Martial Arts University.
After Gu Yang returned, he pondered and said: “Same setup. Yang Jie, you continue as lead; you can concede.”
Following Wuyu Middle School’s usual order, they definitely didn’t want Hua Zihang to face Fu Chuxue, most likely placing him first or second, as he used to save Fu Chuxue for last.
Now adjust: as long as Fu Chuxue meets Hua Zihang second, they definitely win. If not, no matter—as long as Hua Zihang doesn’t meet Li Ye.
Yang Jie nodded. As the match began, he went onto the field.
The opponent sent was third-ranked Lei Yu, Five Dragon Gates, practicing a technique straight to Qi Meridian Pass, excelling in palm techniques, focusing on endurance.
Both were hard-hitting types, but Yang Jie was at a disadvantage. Same cultivation, but inferior technique strength.
The opponent not only excelled in palms but also had Lightness Skill. Yang Jie only had Hardening Technique and no energy for else, couldn’t touch or win. After ten minutes, his Hardening Technique was broken by Lei Yu; he fell and conceded.
But when the second match started, Gu Yang’s face changed drastically.
Not Hua Zihang—it was that Army Breaking Pass route Gong Zhongda, who directly conceded upon meeting Fu Chuxue, without fighting.
“Third match: Wuyu Middle School Hua Zihang vs Ningjiang No. 14 Middle School Li Ye!”
After the hosting district head announced, everyone burst into laughter.
“Lost.”
No. 2 Middle School’s Teacher Li shook his head: “Old Gu guessed wrong. Didn’t expect Hua Zihang to be last.”
As for Li Ye, they knew the name, as a main force player. But a newly promoted Four Dragon Gates, no matter how strong, was just Martial Arts School level, or he’d be famous already.
How could he handle Hua Zihang, who passed two passes and was Six Dragon Gates.
Gu Yang’s face flickered darkly as he looked at Li Ye and advised: “Actually, I wanted you to concede directly. Time is long; we still have City Martial Arts Competition. Avoid his edge first.”
Three Passes route was strong, but still Four Dragon Gates; against two passes Six Dragon Gates, it was somewhat lacking.
If they really fought hard, Li Ye losing was fine, but heavy injury preventing further fights might make them unable to hold third.
Holding top three let them go to City Martial Arts Competition.
“Me avoid his edge?”
Li Ye laughed, stepped on the railing with one foot and jumped down, not looking at Gu Yang, heading straight to the field.
“Brother Ye! Go for it!”
Yao Ledan cheered Li Ye: “No matter what, show your style!”
“Right, Brother Ye, slap his face!”
Deng Hao and Jia Dong shouted: “Let him see the value of our Martial Arts Track Class’s one and only Brother Ye!”
“Newbie huh.”
On Wuyu Middle School’s side, Gong Zhongda and Lei Yu—one with hands on railing, the other waist-hands-on-hips looking out—both sneered contemptuously.
Gong Zhongda said: “What’s the point of coming out now? Just concede cleanly.”
“Gotta let them show their face; facing Boss Hua is a rare chance. Gauge the newbie.” Lei Yu laughed.
Gong Zhongda shook his head: “Too bad, our teacher fully considered Boss Hua’s opinion this time, saving him for last against Fu Chuxue. Now no chance.”
Swapped in a newbie, still Four Dragon Gates—they definitely win steadily. No need to guess order; conventionally, save highest-probability-last Fu Chuxue for Hua Zihang.
This was also Hua Zihang’s request.
Didn’t expect them to change plans, still missing.
“Boss Hua, you—”
Gong Zhongda was about to say more when Lei Yu quietly nudged him; he saw Hua Zihang’s ugly expression.
He stepped forward, lightness skill in air, gracefully and sharply landing in the field center. Facing Li Ye approaching, he pointed and said coldly:
“Concede, get lost. I don’t have time for you. Showing face last match is enough!”
No. 14 Middle School sent a weakling this time; even against Fu Chuxue, they could win. He wanted to chat with Fu Chuxue during the match, but they didn’t play by rules, ruining his plan.
Of course no good expression.
Li Ye?
Just a newbie, not worth minding.
Such a Four Dragon Gates could only share stage with him in high school. In university, they weren’t in the same world.
Crack!
Li Ye twisted his neck, shook his arms, saying nothing.
But this stance clearly meant no leaving.
Seeing this, Hua Zihang’s face grew colder.
“Insist on showing this face? I’m very angry now, no time to play house. Match hasn’t started; better concede, or it won’t be just losing later. Go fight for third; otherwise, next City Martial Arts Competition, I guarantee you won’t make it.”
Putting someone in hospital for months or half a year, Hua Zihang could do.
“You’re indeed pretty arrogant.”
Li Ye grinned: “I’m not as arrogant as you. Be careful; tough talk is useless.”
Hua Zihang was stunned, then laughed angrily, drawing his waist sword with a clear ring: “Fine! I’ll show you who’s tough!”
“Both in position… Begin!”
As the district head spoke through the mic, Hua Zihang instantly moved, his figure flashing a afterimage low in air, sword blade trailing cold light, stabbing straight at Li Ye’s mouth.
Very fast, and the Qi Force from the thrusting blade made Li Ye’s hair fly back before fully approaching.
A newbie without weapon training, just fist and foot, dared talk like that?
Tough mouth?
Tough mouth gets hit in mouth!
Knock those teeth out first!
Clang!
But when sword tip was inches from Li Ye’s mouth, a ring sounded. One hand steadily reached up, grabbing the Qi Force-filled blade.
But just gripping, Li Ye’s hand on blade immediately released, turning to palm to slap the blade away.
This sudden move stunned Hua Zihang, who didn’t attack right away.
“Hardening Technique?”
Hua Zihang sized up Li Ye: “Breakthrough route? No wonder tough mouth. But you’re just Four Dragon Gates; Hardening Technique alone is useless! If I want to hit your mouth, I will!”
“Satsutaba Meteor!”
He flashed, appearing above Li Ye in air, sword blade falling like meteor, turning cold gleam stabbing at Li Ye’s lips.
“Careful!” Gu Yang behind couldn’t help shouting.
If he couldn’t dodge, not only teeth pierced, maybe jaw too.
Li Ye just looked at blood flowing from his palm, frowning slightly.
Power much stronger than Wu Yongnian, momentum good too. At this power, he could block, probably tie at end, unknown win/loss, likely Li Ye wins on endurance.
But too slow, doesn’t show worth.
So…
Boom!
Thunder Sound erupted from Li Ye’s body, rumbling, making white qi spray from his nostrils.
Hiss!!
As that sword light neared, white qi danced like long dragon whiskers, spreading on ground.
“Open the gate!!”
Li Ye roared, left hand lightning out, pressing down the incoming blade, gripping steadily then pulling, making the figure above fall faster.
“Golden Dragon Grasp…”
Right hand first clawed, but instantly turned fist, smashing fiercely into Hua Zihang’s chest as he fell.
“Shatter the Universe!”
Bang!!
Like great bell ringing, or air exploding, Li Ye’s fist hit, erupting qi wave from fist, sending Hua Zihang flying back faster than before, smashing toward viewing stand behind, breaking railing, crashing hard into seats.
Boom!
After flipping several seats, smashing a hole, Hua Zihang lay inside, eyes closed.
Gong Zhongda and Lei Yu still held smiles, completely unreacted.
As if that fist’s great bell sound boomed in everyone’s hearts, stunning them speechless.
The whole field silent.
Seeking follow-up reading, seeking monthly tickets
