章 142: Hong's Pressure
After the group battle, participants take a day to rest before advancing to the second phase: the one-on-one matches.
The rules are straightforward—each match pits two contestants against one another; the victor continues onward, while the defeated are moved to the "defeated group." Of the 10,000 participants, they are first divided into 5,000 pairs, battling until only 5,000 victors remain, while 5,000 others are moved to the defeated group.
These remaining winners proceed to subsequent rounds, continuing to pair off until 625 winners are left after four rounds. These victors earn 625 of the total 900 slots, while the defeated group of 9,375 contenders enter the grueling "Final Selection," where the final 275 places are won.
In the Final Selection, each of the 9,375 defeated contestants must engage in one-on-one matches with each of the others, ten fights daily. Thus, this cycle stretches nearly three years, testing every participant's endurance. Out of the 10,000 contestants, only 521 have reached the initial stages of mastering laws, yet 625 placements remain.
Virtual Universe Company has arranged the tournament such that about 100 of the strongest contenders will face off by the fourth round, among whom Luo Feng will eventually encounter 'Rong Jun,' another formidable warrior of the Ganwu Universe Country.
Luo Feng, however, is relieved at not having to face Wang Yi, as he holds little confidence in victory against him. The outcome, however, is far more uncertain for Hong, who, even if he clears the first three rounds, will likely meet a formidable warrior who has crossed into the law threshold. Despite being ranked between 7,000 and 8,000 among the 10,000 contestants, Hong does not waver in his resolve.
Finally, the day of the one-on-one battles arrives.
On July 23, 2066, the arena is alight with energy as the announcer's voice rings out, "Up next is the genius from the Lugu Star Territory, 'Aivain!'" As the crowd erupts with applause, the Lugu Star Territory spectators are especially thunderous in their support.
"Aivain!" "Aivain!"
In the audience, Wang Yi and Thor, who were was eliminated, watch the match intently. Both wear serious expressions, knowing well that Hong faces a steep uphill battle. Soon, a young man with dark hair and black attire strides confidently into the ring. Cheers of "Hong! Hong!" echo from the crowd, which includes Black Dragon Mountain Empire supporters, their roars loud enough to rattle the stadium. The atmosphere is at its peak.
On the arena's massive central stage, two young warriors stand across from each other: Hong, tall, somber, and clad in black with an unyielding stance, and Aivain, a silver-haired, charismatic man with a weapon of force floating at his feet, exuding an air of effortless confidence as if this were a mere social event rather than a battle of life and death. Yet Hong remains resolute, a calm focus radiating from him as he stands unmoved by the surrounding cheers.
The match begins.
As soon as the announcer vanishes, a powerful surge of black and white energy, streaked with lightning, engulfs the arena. Aivain's expression shifts to intensity, and he rockets toward Hong with immense speed, wielding his weapon. A streak of lightning surges from his weapon toward Hong, like a dragon's roar splitting the air. Hong tenses, steadying his grip on his silver spear, channeling a black vortex of energy that collides with Aivain's lightning-fueled weapon.
The impact sends a numbing shock through Hong's arms. He manages to withstand a barrage of strikes, but Aivain's assault doesn't relent, forcing Hong back. Each strike feels heavier, and a sense of dread looms. In the audience, Wang Yi and Thor's expressions grow grim as they watch Hong struggle.
"Aivain is certainly stronger in direct combat than any of Hong's previous opponents," Wang Yi observes. But though Hong is cornered, his resolve remains unshaken, and he channels his martial skill into each deflective maneuver, grounding himself with every counter. He bides his time, watching for an opening as the attacks press on.
Hong, finally feeling his energy nearing a limit, realizes he must act. Yet, Aivain maintains his distance, delivering a relentless onslaught through his weapon, moving at a speed that keeps Hong at bay. Despite using techniques similar to Tai Chi to divert much of the power, Aivain's weapon, charged with intense force, feels like a relentless drill tearing through the air. Hong's heart races as he anticipates Aivain's every move. Although his opponent is far from a novice, Hong's calm determination transforms into a laser focus, his mind, heart, and spear aligned as one.
As the spear strikes his opponent's weapon again, Hong feels a sudden shift. The pressure in his arm lightens, and he realizes he's managed to find a fragile balance in the face of Aivain's force. The audience looks on in surprise—Hong is no longer on the defensive but stands poised.
Aivain feels the change, sensing a mysterious weight in the air as Hong's strength grows. In that instant, Hong crosses a threshold, and his awareness sharpens to a piercing clarity. The crowd feels the tension rise, and Aivain's confident smile falters.
"You've… broken through?"
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