Chapter Sixty-Nine: The Second Round of the Competition

The sports plaza was abuzz as the second round of the promotion tournament was about to begin. On the giant screen, the results of the first round were displayed.

[Cheng Feng VS Jiang He, Winner: Cheng Feng—Advances to the Top Eight]

In the medical room on the west side, the severely injured Jiang He lay on a hospital bed, his upper body tightly wrapped in thick white bandages. After a period of surgical treatment, the attending physician and his medical team ensured his condition was stable before giving him a few words of advice and leaving the room.

Jiang He stared at the ceiling, the cheers from the audience outside grating on his ears like waves of mockery, lingering around him and refusing to fade. Agitated and troubled, his brow was deeply furrowed, unable to let go of his defeat against Cheng Feng. He had lost more than just a match…

Cheng Feng entered the medical room, his gaze quickly locating Jiang He’s bed. “How are your injuries? Are you feeling any better?”

His tone was calm, with no hint of mockery or the arrogance of a victor.

You’re the one who did this to me, and now you’re asking if I’m better? Jiang He cursed inwardly, his eyelids twitching as he looked away. “I’ll live. What do you want? Are you here to laugh at this loser?”

Cheng Feng had no such inclination. He spoke concisely, “Our agreement before the match—will you keep your word?”

Jiang He clenched the bedsheet lightly, his voice tinged with unwillingness. “Of course… I won’t go back on my word. A loss is a loss. From now on, I won’t interfere with you or Shiyu. Today’s defeat is my own disgrace.”

Seeing his reasonable attitude, Cheng Feng’s tone softened, “Our true enemies are the monsters. There’s no need for hostility among colleagues. It’s best if you understand that.”

Jiang He remained silent.

“And another thing,” Cheng Feng corrected, “the relationship between Liu Shiyu and me isn’t what you think. Don’t misunderstand.”

“Really?”

“At least, not at the moment.”

Jiang He: “…”

“Where did you hear such rumors?” Cheng Feng asked.

“Isn’t it obvious?” Jiang He’s mouth twitched as he explained, “The whole association is talking about it. A girl as outstanding as Liu Shiyu has too many admirers. Yet all these years, she’s kept everyone at a distance, never getting close to any man—except you. Now do you understand? Even if I believe you, the rumors won’t die.”

“Rumors spread with one mouth, but to clarify them takes a hundred legs,” Cheng Feng sighed, rubbing his forehead helplessly.

After Cheng Feng left, silence fell over the medical room once more. Soon, another visitor arrived to see Jiang He.

…

Cheng Feng walked toward the waiting area, clearly sensing the changed looks from the other contestants—he was now seen as one of the day’s strongest rivals.

He paid little mind, only wanting to watch the upcoming matches and gather information on his next opponent.

“A new storm has arisen—how could I ever stand still? Through time and space, I’ll give my all. I’ll come to you!”

Suddenly, his phone rang. He pulled it out to see his sister’s name flashing.

He answered, and her voice burst through, excited and delighted, “Brother, you were amazing! I can’t believe how strong you are!”

He smiled slightly, “You saw the match?”

“Of course! Even Sister Shi was full of praise for you.”

Cheng Feng’s eyes flickered as a thought occurred to him. “Xiaoyi, does Dad know about me joining the Demon Hunters and competing?”

“He’s been working out of town—he doesn’t know.”

“That’s good.”

Afterward, Cheng Feng opened his class group chat, finding it flooded with messages, everyone discussing him.

…

At the arena, the broadcast sounded.

[Second Round: Contestant 08, Gu Yan versus Contestant 20, Wang Yuming]

Amid thunderous cheers, a young man named Wang Yuming stepped onto the stage. Dressed in the association-issued black-and-white combat uniform, he exuded an aura that set him apart.

“Finally, it's my turn. Watch how I bring this guy down,” he murmured.

Gu Yan, brimming with fighting spirit, cracked her knuckles, ready to go up. But from behind, Luo Ke suddenly called out, “Yan, wait a moment.”

Gu Yan turned her head. “What?”

Luo Ke said solemnly, “Don’t be careless. I have a feeling this one’s not as simple as he looks.”

“Tch! I knew you’d say that. Just wait and see—I’ll make you eat your words.”

Ignoring him, Gu Yan strode confidently onto the ring.

Cheng Feng approached Luo Ke from behind. “Luo Ke, has the second round started?”

“It just began.” Luo Ke sized him up. “Cheng Feng, you were injured in the last match. Shouldn’t you get checked out? You still have more rounds.”

“I have healing abilities. No need.”

Cheng Feng waved him off, turning his gaze toward the stage, eyes narrowing as he studied Wang Yuming.

The twin-tailed girl in her gothic black-and-red dress had only just stepped onto the arena when a wave of enthusiastic cheers greeted her.

In the center of the ring, the host glanced left at the gothic, doll-like girl, then right at the calm young man, and raised the microphone. “Before the match begins, do either of you have anything to say?”

Gu Yan stood with hands on her hips, replying with arrogance, “There’s nothing to say. The winner this round will be me.”

“Oh?” The host dramatically leaned back. “Our contestant Gu Yan is so confident! Clearly, she has faith in her abilities.”

“Naturally.”

“And may I ask, where does this confidence come from?”

“From my strength, of course.”

“Well said! In that case…” The host’s eyes lit up, seizing the opportunity to stir the crowd. He brought the microphone closer. “Gu Yan, what is your goal for today’s tournament?”

“You sure talk a lot for a host,” Gu Yan shot him a glare, then declared, “My goal is the championship!”

“Wow! Who would have thought?” The host feigned surprise.

Gu Yan snorted, “Anyone who tries to stop me from winning will end up full of holes!”

“Even knowing the promotion tournament is full of strong contenders, our Gu Yan still sets her sights high. Let’s look forward to her performance later!”

The host turned to the young man on the right, extending the microphone. “Wang Yuming, how confident are you about winning this match?”

“I don’t know,” Wang Yuming replied, his gaze deep and his tone indifferent. “I’ll just give it my all—fight until the very end.”

“Excellent! From Wang Yuming’s few words, we can feel his burning desire for victory.”

The host raised his voice, “Everyone, let’s give these contestants a round of applause!”

A storm of applause from over thirty thousand spectators thundered through the arena.

“And now, let the match begin!” the host announced, then quickly left the stage.

Ding! Ding! Ding!

The crisp sound of the bell echoed through the arena—the second round had officially begun.

Wang Yuming clenched his fist in the air, and a slender golden spirit blade appeared in his hand, its formidable aura radiating outward.

Gu Yan grinned, instantly raising two uniquely shaped pistols. With a burst of gunfire, over a dozen bullets shot out in rapid succession.

Superpower—Unlimited Firepower!

ps: Thank you to the kind newcomer for the tip