The first round of competition concluded, leaving only ten people to advance.
Lin Fan and Lin Chang'an of the Lin family; Cui Wu and Cui Sheng of the Cui family; Shangguan Chan of the Shangguan family; Yang Hong and Yin Jun of the Lingwu Sect; Jian Shiyi of the Sword Worship Sect; Xu Wan of the Xu family; and Wu Shan of the Dragon-Tiger Gang.
"The next round will continue with a draw for matchups."
Xia Yi had waited half an hour to give everyone time to recover before speaking indifferently.
"Chang'an, your injuries are too severe. If you encounter a strong opponent, simply forfeit," Lin Xuan said softly.
"Mhm, alright."
Lin Chang'an knew his current strength was only at fifty or sixty percent; he certainly wouldn't be able to beat the others present.
And in a stroke of terrible luck, Lin Fan drew Lin Chang'an!
Consequently, Lin Chang'an forfeited immediately.
As for the other eight, the final four remaining were Yang Hong, Yin Jun, Cui Wu, and Jian Shiyi.
Shangguan Chan faced Jian Shiyi and actually surrendered directly.
It seemed Shangguan Chan held an indifferent attitude toward winning or losing.
Meanwhile, Shangguan Jian showed no emotional fluctuation regarding his daughter's forfeiture; to him, as long as his daughter was happy, it was fine.
"The third round of drawing begins. One person will receive a bye."
The absurdity struck again—Lin Fan somehow received a bye.
Holding the "bye" token, Lin Fan fell into deep thought. Was his luck a bit too good?!
Ba Li and Cui Yongzhou were utterly helpless. Now that Lin Fan was guaranteed a top-three spot, combined with his first-place finishes in the previous two rounds, Lin Fan was certain to take the overall first place!
Finally, the third round of duels left Yin Jun and Jian Shiyi!
Yin Jun faced Cui Wu, and Cui Wu forfeited immediately.
And Yang Hong was actually defeated by Jian Shiyi!
Jian Shiyi had already condensed his sword qi into a physical form, meaning he was truly on the path to comprehending sword intent.
After Yang Hong was defeated by Jian Shiyi, Ba Li's expression became even more unsightly.
The foundation of a small local sect actually defeating his disciple was a massive slap in the face.
However, the Sect Master of the Sword Worship Sect showed no surprise at this scene.
Lin Xuan watched Jian Shiyi in the arena, slightly raising an eyebrow. This Jian Shiyi was not simple.
"Fan'er, Chang'an, what do you two think of this Jian Shiyi?" Lin Xuan asked, looking toward Lin Fan and Lin Chang'an.
"He is a very formidable person. Chang'an cannot see through him; if we were to fight, Chang'an's chances of winning would be less than twenty percent," Lin Chang'an said, slowly shaking his head.
Lin Fan also nodded firmly.
"Father, this Jian Shiyi's comprehension of the sword is extremely profound. I cannot see through him," Lin Fan gave a very high evaluation.
"Hehe, this person has a good nature. It seems he has a favorable impression of you two. If possible, you two might consider befriending him," Lin Xuan said with a smile, waving his hand.
"Mhm, that is my intention as well," Lin Fan responded with a smile.
Lin Chang'an also nodded slightly.
"The next match: the final battleground," Xia Yi stepped forward and announced.
"I forfeit!"
Jian Shiyi held out his hand and spoke indifferently.
The crowd erupted in an uproar.
Jian Shiyi actually forfeited!
"Oh? Jian Shiyi, do you really intend to forfeit?" Xia Yi asked, looking at him.
"Yes, I forfeit. I don't want to fight anymore."
After saying this, Jian Shiyi gave Lin Fan a regretful glance before returning to the Sword Worship Sect's private box.
"Hehe, interesting. This Jian Shiyi has a story!" Lin Xuan remarked with a faint smile.
"Then, for this final round: Lin Fan versus Yin Jun!" Xia Yi continued.
"Jie jie jie, it's finally our turn!"
Yin Jun looked at Lin Fan with eyes that were practically spitting fire.
Lin Fan smiled helplessly; he truly was a magnet for hatred.
He suddenly realized that the Lin family was surrounded by enemies on all sides.
The Bai and Cui families of Huaqing Prefecture, the Sun family of Great Dragon City, and the silver-robed elders of the Lingwu Sect—the Lin family was like a small sapling in a precarious position.
However, Lin Fan stole a glance at his father, who sat composed in his seat, and smiled faintly.
Though he didn't know why, Lin Fan could sense that his father seemed to have no sense of crisis at all.
Regarding these threats, Lin Fan felt his father always had a sense of being in control.
Lin Fan trusted his father, and since even the [system/entity] had said his father was not simple, there must be many things hidden behind him.
After stepping onto the battle stage, Lin Fan looked at the venomous Yin Jun.
"Ahem, it seems we have no grievances between us. Why are you looking at me like that?" Lin Fan spoke with a casual smile.
"Lin Fan, today, I want you dead. Only if you die can I redeem my faults!"
Yin Jun gave a crooked smile, his eyes filled with killing intent.
Lin Fan's smiling face also turned cold.
This Yin Jun actually truly wanted his life!
"The match begins. Stop at the point of contact!"
After Xia Yi finished speaking, she sat back in her seat.
"Die!"
Yin Jun drew an 8th-grade Mortal-rank Katana and slashed directly at Lin Fan, revealing his full strength at the sixth level of the Kaiyuan Realm!
Everyone stared intently at the stage, each harboring their own thoughts.
The Lin family of Shuiyun City and the Zhao family of Huaqing Prefecture hoped to see Lin Fan humiliated by Yin Jun.
Conversely, the Shangguan family and the Xiao family of Yunwu City hoped Lin Fan would achieve the final victory.
"Fang Zhan!"
Yin Jun shouted as the long blade lunged toward Lin Fan's neck.
Lin Fan lunged forward and leaped into the air.
"Slash Decision!"
Lin Fan roared, launching a counterattack.
*Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!*
The two clashed for dozens of rounds in an instant.
"Hiss—"
Only now did the crowd realize that Lin Fan possessed such talent!
The fact that Lin Fan could fight Yin Jun, who was at the sixth level of Kaiyuan, meant that Lin Fan was also around the sixth level!
Did that not mean Lin Fan possessed talent comparable to Bai Yurán?
Was he truly the "waste" the rumors claimed?
"Why does that Lin family bastard have such talent?" Bai Lao said to Bai Rong, his expression extremely grim.
Bai Rong was also stunned, his lips trembling, unsure of how to respond.
"Father, rest assured. We received news a few days ago that Yurán is being highly valued in the Lingwu Sect. She recently obtained a great opportunity and has already reached the eighth level of Kaiyuan at only seventeen years old. She is in no way comparable to Lin Fan!" another younger member of the Bai family said with a smile.
Hearing this, the expressions of Bai Rong and Bai Lao improved significantly.
"True. Yurán has the Lingwu Sect behind her. Even if this Lin Fan has similar talent to Yurán, the gap in their platforms is too vast. Their future achievements will be incomparable!" Bai Lao smiled and stroked his beard, feeling comforted.
"Hehe, Father is right. What resources can a tiny Lin family provide to that Lin Fan?"
"Of course, if he seeks refuge with the East Heaven King Mansion, he'll only be fit to be a dog!" Bai Rong said with a laugh.
"Mhm, indeed!"
Bai Lao squinted his eyes, feeling even more satisfied.
Lin Xuan and Gong Ling exchanged a glance.
Gong Ling remained expressionless, merely nodding slightly.
Lin Xuan understood and smiled.
His son's future path would be much easier to walk.