High Martial Arts: Grinding for the Supreme Talent

Chapter 247: Chapter 247: The Final Opponent

"Now, let’s welcome the two contestants for the semifinals."

"They are Han Zhen from Azure Sky Martial Arts Academy and Tan Pei’er from Shanyu Martial Arts University."

"Both contestants are incredibly powerful. Who will advance to the finals? Let’s wait and see..."

High above the arena, Xu Wenji finished speaking and dissolved into red light particles.

In the audience stands, Han Zhen slowly stood up and said with a smile:

"Only two more matches to go. The championship of the National Freshman Competition is already within my grasp."

"Tan Pei’er is a Spiritual Mind Master. Not being able to use Special Abilities is a huge disadvantage for her."

"She has no advantage against me at all."

"In the end, the championship will belong to our Azure Sky Martial Arts Academy!"

After speaking, he transformed into a crimson pillar of light and descended upon the ruined arena.

On the gray concrete road, dust scattered in the gentle breeze.

The crimson pillar of light faded, and Tan Pei’er, tall and slender with pink hair, slowly walked out, a longsword in hand.

Opposite her, Han Zhen, clad in a black and red combat suit and wielding a silver battle saber, strode out like a meteor.

Their eyes met, and the air grew heavy as they faced off against each other.

Tan Pei’er’s expression was grim. She had thought she was the only one of her level in this competition, but then Han Zhen had appeared unexpectedly.

She was confident she could easily handle the other contestants, but against Han Zhen, her confidence wavered.

With her Spiritual Mind Master abilities banned, her strength was severely diminished.

"Sorry, Tan Pei’er, but I’ve already secured my spot in the finals," Han Zhen said with a grin.

[The semifinals have officially begun!]

With the AI’s announcement, the battle between the two officially commenced.

In the stands, countless people were completely focused, watching even more intently than they had for the match between Lin Qi and Li Hanjiang.

The previous fight had ended too quickly; it was over before they could even get a clear look.

Tan Pei’er versus Han Zhen—this was destined to be a match of a much higher caliber.

In the stands, Lin Qi also watched the battle between the two with curiosity.

He had received a bye into the finals, so for either Tan Pei’er or Han Zhen to advance, they couldn’t afford to hold back like in previous matches.

They would have to use their full strength, and he could use this battle to gain a better understanding of both of their Secret Techniques.

That way, he would have a better way to deal with them in the finals.

BOOM!!

In the next instant, the two collided.

Tan Pei’er’s fighting style was defined by a speed that far surpassed others; even Li Hanjiang was nowhere near her level.

Her Qi and Blood Value was higher, and her physical conditioning was stronger. ’Even I’m not her equal in that regard,’ he thought.

’My Qi and Blood Value is close to 70, but I suspect Tan Pei’er’s has already broken past 70 and is approaching 80.’

Each Realm was divided into four minor stages based on Qi and Blood Value: Initial, Middle, Late, and Peak.

The Third Realm began at a Qi and Blood Value of 60, with each minor stage spanning 20 points.

Tan Pei’er was on the verge of breaking through to the Middle Stage.

Her swordsmanship was also superb, approaching the level of Tier Three Initial Stage.

’Li Hanjiang, Huo Wanyang, Liang Yuxin... even I am far behind them in comparison.’

And that wasn’t even mentioning Han Zhen. His physical conditioning was even greater, his strength tyrannical, and his saber techniques were ferocious and domineering.

"Tan Pei’er’s swordsmanship and Han Zhen’s saber techniques are so unfamiliar. Have you guys seen them before?" Jiangtao asked suddenly, his curiosity piqued as he watched the fight.

Everyone shook their heads.

Just then, Zhou Xiyin spoke up. "These aren’t Bronze Level Secret Manuals. They’re using Silver Level Secret Manuals."

"Silver Level Secret Manuals!"

Everyone was stunned. "Silver Secret Manuals?"

"I haven’t even grasped the third killing technique, and they’re already practicing stronger secret manuals?"

Lin Qi also frowned. He had planned to start learning a Silver Level Secret Manual only after practicing the Mountain Splitting Spear Technique for a while longer.

But as it turned out, Tan Pei’er and Han Zhen had already started, and they looked extremely proficient.

"Look, why is the light from Han Zhen’s saber turning red?" Jiangtao suddenly exclaimed.

All eyes turned to the arena. The battle had reached a fever pitch. Tan Pei’er’s swordsmanship was swift and sharp, and a sky full of sword shadows descended upon Han Zhen.

But his opponent, Han Zhen, met the flurry of attacks with steadfastness. He raised his battle saber to defend. Though his frame was large and powerful, he wasn’t clumsy; on the contrary, he was exceptionally agile.

Tan Pei’er couldn’t gain much of an advantage against Han Zhen.

Then, the sharp battle saber in Han Zhen’s hand was covered in a red glow. A single slash stirred up a gale, and the surrounding air seemed to ripple like waves.

As saber and sword clashed, the air exploded. Tan Pei’er was sent flying like a rag doll, her longsword knocked from her grasp.

The spectators who witnessed this were all shocked.

"What’s going on? Aren’t Special Abilities forbidden?"

"What is that?"

"He’s definitely using a Special Ability! That’s cheating!" someone declared with certainty.

...

In the stands for the Azure Sky Sixth Institute, the crowd was both amazed and confused.

"It’s a special Power!" Guo Heng slowly began to explain.

"For those who have Awakened a Special Ability, their bodies and abilities become one. The Power generated from practicing secret techniques naturally integrates with their Special Ability."

"My older sister and Han Zhen Awakened the same Special Ability. When she executes her techniques, the same kind of change occurs."

"Even with Special Abilities banned, their unique special Power makes their secret techniques more destructive."

"Tan Pei’er is a Spiritual Mind Master, so her Spiritual Power is restricted. Although her Perception is strong enough to find an opponent’s weaknesses, she has no way to enhance the power of her techniques."

"It’s highly likely she’s no match for Han Zhen."

"Who could possibly beat that? This is still unfair!" Jiangtao complained immediately after hearing this.

The others nodded in agreement. It was indeed unfair.

Guo Heng shook his head. "The world is just unfair like that."

Jiangtao looked at Lin Qi again and saw that his expression was calm, as if he wasn’t affected at all.

’Does Brother Qi have an ace up his sleeve?’

...

「On the ruined arena」

PSH~

Han Zhen swung his battle saber, imbued with red Power, and instantly slit Tan Pei’er’s throat.

"Sorry, but I’m the one who won in the end!"

"I’ll be taking this championship!"

Tan Pei’er’s eyes widened as she dissolved into nothingness amidst a spray of blood.

[Semifinals: Han Zhen (Azure Sky) is victorious!]

"Let’s congratulate contestant Han Zhen from Azure Sky Martial Arts Academy on his victory! After a spectacular battle, he has powerfully defeated contestant Tan Pei’er and successfully advanced to the finals."

Xu Wenji announced the result in a loud voice, clearly in a good mood.

No matter who won the final, the champion would be from their Azure Sky Martial Arts Academy.

...

「In the stands for Shanyu Martial Arts University」

After being teleported back, Tan Pei’er’s expression turned ugly.

"Damn it! If I could have used my Spiritual Power, there’s no way I would have lost to that guy."

"My top-level flying knives would have pierced his heart in an instant."

To not even get second place in this National Freshman Competition... What a huge embarrassment.

...

CLAP CLAP!!

The stands erupted with applause and excited chatter.

"Han Zhen is really something else. Looks like the championship is his for the taking."

"Lin Qi is no match for him at all. The quality of the fight between Lin Qi and Li Hanjiang was nothing compared to this one. The gap is just too big!" The spectators had already made up their minds.

No one believed Lin Qi could win and take the championship.

Some audience members had even chosen to log off already.

For them, the most exciting battle was already over. The last remaining match wasn’t worth watching.

...

「In a corner of the Azure Sky Martial Arts Academy stands」

The powerfully built Han Zhen returned to his seat and stood waiting for the final match to begin.

’It’ll all be over soon!’

’I’ll deal with that Lin Qi easily, take the championship, and this National Freshman Competition will come to a perfect conclusion.’

A girl next to him smiled. "Looks like you’re going to be the biggest winner."

A young man with a gentle temperament spoke up, reminding him:

"It’s better to be careful!"

"Lin Qi is different from the other contestants!"

Han Zhen said dismissively, "Don’t worry, I’ll go all out."

"Just wait for my good news."

...

"Esteemed spectators, after five days of brilliant competition, our National Freshman Competition is about to reach its grand finale."

Xu Wenji announced in a clear, loud voice.

"Both of our finalists are from Azure Sky Martial Arts University, and they will battle to determine the ultimate champion."

"The contestant who becomes champion will also receive an extremely generous reward."

"And now, let’s welcome our two finalists to the stage!!"

CLAP CLAP!!

Amidst the applause, Lin Qi slowly rose from his seat in the stands.

The finals were finally here. His heart couldn’t help but start beating faster.

"Brother Qi, even though the chances of winning are low..."

"I still believe you can take the championship!" Jiangtao said earnestly.

A corner of Lin Qi’s mouth lifted. He glanced around and said:

"It’s the final match. Maybe there’ll be a surprise!"

After speaking, he vanished on the spot, transforming into a crimson flash of light.

"A surprise?" the others wondered, confused.

...

「In the leadership seats of Azure Sky Martial Arts Academy.」

"This year’s National Freshman Competition has come to a perfect conclusion, more or less."

"It’s good for Lin Qi to see the gap between himself and a genius from the Tenth Institute," said the scholarly-looking Wu Yueze.

Dean Liu also nodded. "What he’s achieved is already quite impressive."

In the next second, a figure appeared in the seat next to him, dressed in a black martial uniform, with an upright and proud posture.

"Old Mu, you’re late. Your disciple’s most exciting battle is already over," Dean Liu said.

Mu Hong looked at the two figures in the arena and said in a deep voice, "I think my timing is just right!"

...

「On the ruined arena」

A crimson pillar of light descended and slowly faded away.

Han Zhen, powerfully built and clad in a black and red combat suit, slowly walked out, the silver battle saber in his hand giving off a sinister, cold gleam.

He had a round, seemingly honest face, but the terrifying aura now pouring from his body twisted his features into a ferocious mask.

His entire demeanor had become frenzied.

Lin Qi, however, felt waves of scorching heat radiating from Han Zhen’s body.

’As expected of a genius from the Tenth Institute. His aura alone far surpasses others.’

He judged that Han Zhen practiced the Lava Sparrow Evolution Technique, and that his Awakened Special Ability was Red Flame.

It granted the power to control flames, making it an exceptionally good match for the Lava Sparrow Evolution Technique.

"Lin Qi, you’re quite impressive!"

Han Zhen spun the silver battle saber in his hand. Unable to resist saying something, he began to praise Lin Qi:

"I’ve seen your fights. Your strength and speed far exceed that of an ordinary person."

"But today will be your first time fighting a genius like me. Getting to witness this will be your greatest reward."

"As for the championship, I’ll be taking it without ceremony!"

With that, he stopped spinning the saber and gripped it tightly, his muscles bulging to reveal a physique forged like tempered steel.

Sensing the dangerous aura surrounding Han Zhen, Lin Qi replied nonchalantly, "And what if I win?"

[Countdown: 3, 2, 1...]

[The finals have officially begun!!]

Vice Principal Xu Wenji’s voice rang out across the arena.

...

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