Chapter Fifty-Six: The Competition Draws to a Close

Liu Feng and Li Rui continued to face off, both trembling violently, on the verge of collapsing onto the stage. Yet, their eyes grew ever brighter, their bodies emanating an unyielding will that refused to accept defeat.

“Both have reached the limits of their strength, sustained only by sheer willpower.”

“At this point, it wouldn’t be surprising for either to win or lose; both will reap tremendous rewards.”

“They are both exceptionally gifted—truly a blessing for the academy.”

“In terms of talent and aptitude, few in the academy can compare.”

Several instructors seated on the eastern stands nodded approvingly, deeply satisfied with the performance of the two on the stage. Even Liu Feng and Li Rui’s own mentors, Zhang Ning and Zhang Ying, were overjoyed, feeling validated in both their judgment and luck.

With a resounding crash, the contest drew to a close.

All eyes turned to the stage: Li Rui had fallen to the ground, breathing heavily through mouth and nose, while Liu Feng remained half-kneeling, one hand braced against the stage.

By the slimmest of margins, Liu Feng had secured a hard-fought victory.

“What a pity—Li Rui was just a step away from winning.”

“For Li Rui, the gains from this battle surely outweigh the outcome.”

Witnessing the result, students from both classes remained calm, and no further quarrels erupted—a rare occurrence indeed.

The matches continued, with students from Class One and Class Three engaging in equally fierce combat. After several bouts, victories and defeats were evenly split.

In the afternoon, Class Two faced off against Class Four.

Zhao Hui was the first to enter the ring, her movements ethereal and agile, yet each strike was imbued with immense power, driving her opponent back with each blow. She claimed victory in just five moves.

Thunderous applause erupted from the stands. Zhao Hui’s popularity soared, surpassing that of all other competitors. Some even speculated that she had broken through the Qi-Gathering Realm, reaching the Yin-Yang Realm of Soul Condensation. Of course, such speculation lacked solid proof.

Next, Li Fei from Class Four also demonstrated formidable strength, dispatching his opponent in moments. He, too, was considered a favorite in the competition.

In the remaining matches, the differences in strength among the contestants were negligible. Each fought with utmost seriousness, resulting in victories and defeats on both sides.

The second day of competition concluded amidst cheers and applause. The participating students dispersed, preparing to rest and gather their strength for the following day.

The next morning, the seats around the arena filled early. Some conversed quietly, others sat with eyes closed in contemplation, all awaiting the final day’s matches.

“Today’s matches: Class One versus Class Four, Class Two versus Class Three,” Zhang Guang announced loudly from the stage.

The competitors drew lots to determine their match order.

The first duel was between Li Jingtian and Li Fei.

As they stepped onto the stage, the crowd erupted in enthusiastic cheers—both were top students in their respective classes, each enjoying great popularity. After announcing their names, they locked eyes, sizing each other up.

Li Fei struck first, his fists flying with lightning speed, violent power radiating from every blow as he aimed directly at Li Jingtian.

Li Jingtian remained calm, forming his fingers into a sword. A sharp sword-light took shape, and with a swift motion, he slashed toward Li Fei’s fists.

Fist and sword-light collided, unleashing a massive wave of energy that made the stage tremble. The two separated briefly, then launched themselves at each other again.

Their speed rivaled that of tigers and leopards, their strength immense as the shockwaves of their power rippled outward.

In the blink of an eye, they had exchanged a hundred blows, locked in a stalemate.

“Impressive—both are outstanding talents.”

“One is fierce and swift, the other steady and forceful. Both are exceptional.”

A few instructors watched with satisfied expressions.

“Giant Sword Slash!” Li Jingtian shouted, bringing his palms together to conjure a massive sword-light, sharp and wild. He swung with both hands, slashing at Li Fei.

“Furious Fists!” Li Fei roared in response, his fists glowing brilliantly as torrents of power surged forth. The air crackled as his punches collided with the giant sword-light.

Thunderous crashes echoed as wild energy blasted in all directions, the blue stone slabs of the stage shattering beneath the onslaught.

Sword-light and fists clashed, surging waves of energy making their clothes whip about. Both unleashed their full strength, true energy surging toward one another.

“I wonder who will win?”

“It could very well end in a draw.”

All eyes from the stands were fixed on the stage, watching intently as the battle unfolded.

After about a quarter of an hour, a deafening crash erupted from the stage, and the outcome was finally decided.

Both fighters collapsed onto the stage, gasping for breath.

“For this round, both classes earn one point each,” Zhang Guang announced.

Next up was Liu Feng, facing a frail-looking youth.

“Liu Feng.”

“Wang Jing.” The two saluted each other.

Wang Jing struck first, his fists whipping through the air with fierce power, attacking Liu Feng relentlessly.

Liu Feng formed his fingers into a sword, gathering a sharp blade of energy. He slashed directly at Wang Jing’s fists.

With a loud bang, Wang Jing was knocked backward.

Liu Feng strode forward in a flash, instantly closing the distance. Another blade of sword-light struck at Wang Jing.

In a panic, Wang Jing tried to block with his fists, but the force of the collision sent him flying, crashing down onto the stage.

“Victory to Liu Feng.”

This was followed by three more matches, with victories and defeats on both sides.

In the afternoon, Class Two faced Class Three.

Zhao Hui once again attacked with decisive force, defeating her opponent in three moves. An air of mystery surrounded her, making it impossible to gauge the depths of her strength.

Next, Li Rui from Class Three overwhelmed his opponent with brutal force, securing an easy victory.

Several more matches followed, with both classes claiming wins. Amidst the cheers, the grand class competition drew to a close.

“Class One and Class Two are tied for first place, Class Four comes in third, and Class Three finishes last,” Zhang Guang announced the final results.

Hearing this, the students of Classes One and Two erupted in cheers, while those from Class Three hung their heads in defeat, and the students of Class Four looked on with indifference.

The mentors from each class displayed varied emotions—some pleased, others fuming.

The head of the academy glanced at the likes of Zhao Hui and Liu Feng, the most gifted among the students, a faint smile on his lips. No one could guess what he was thinking.

After a moment, Zhang Guang distributed the cultivation resources—spirit stones, elixirs, and more—to the participants.