Chapter 48: The Challenge of the Top Ten (Please keep reading)

Two more days passed.

On this morning, just minutes before martial arts class, the elite class did something uncharacteristic: everyone arrived in the classroom early.

"What's going on today? Teacher Zhang said there's something important to announce and told everyone to come."

A group of people chatted in the classroom, and as they talked, the conversation drifted toward contracts.

"Li Zhou hasn't signed an A-grade contract yet. Word is the three major martial arts halls are waiting to see his performance in the midterm assessment."

"In the entire Tianhai City right now, there are fewer than five people capable of signing an A-grade contract."

"Ah, it's that strict? Li Zhou is already this strong, and he's still not qualified?" the crowd marveled.

The strictness of A-grade contracts gave everyone a sobering reality check.

"Jiang Tao, why haven't you signed a contract yet?"

As Jiang Tao was resting and drinking water, a figure suddenly appeared beside him, asking curiously.

It was a young man about 1.85 meters tall, with lean muscles and a handsome face. His movements were agile and elegant, his feet moving like the wind as he suddenly appeared at Jiang Tao's side.

He was Qiu Jie, ranked tenth in the grade, nicknamed "Sudden Rain Spear."

"I'm waiting for Brother Qi. I'll sign whenever he signs," Jiang Tao said, looking at Lin Qi, who was not far away.

Qiu Jie shook his head. "I just don't get it. Why do you call Lin Qi 'Brother'? His strength isn't even as high as yours."

"What gives him the right?"

"If we're going by that logic, you could call me Brother Qiu, or Brother Jie," Qiu Jie said, breaking into a laugh.

Jiang Tao's expression instantly darkened. "What I call him is none of your damn business. Get lost!"

"Alright, alright, don't be angry. It was just a joke." Qiu Jie held up his hands in apology and left, feeling the mood had turned sour.

"Don't be mad!" Lin Qi walked over and patted Jiang Tao on the shoulder to comfort him.

"This Qiu Jie... I really want to tear his mouth apart. Trying to drive a wedge between us," Jiang Tao sneered.

Lin Qi watched Qiu Jie's retreating back, his eyes narrowing.

*Ring! Ring! Ring!!*

At that moment, the class bell rang, and Zhang Cheng walked into the classroom with a heavy, commanding stride.

His gaze swept over everyone, lingering specifically on the top ten students, including Li Zhou, Yu Jing, and Qi Yuelin.

"I've gathered you all here today to announce something."

Zhang Cheng's voice was loud and his expression serious; everyone knew something big was coming.

"Every year in November, the various middle schools in Tianhai City hold martial arts exchange competitions to spar and improve their skills."

"But this year is different. Your opponents have been changed to the key middle schools from Bailu City."

The crowd erupted in an immediate uproar.

"We actually have to compete? Do we have to participate?"

"It has nothing to do with us, right? Exchange competitions are usually just the strongest students from both schools pitting themselves against each other," people discussed animatedly.

"The rules for the exchange competition are: each school sends ten representatives to compete in separate bouts. The school with the most victories wins," Zhang Cheng continued explaining the rules.

"These ten people will represent the school and our Tianhai City in the battle against Bailu City."

"Our exchange competition will take place in the Red Realm Arena. Other students can watch via the official website on their phones at that time."

"Of course, for those participating in the exchange competition to fight for our school and Tianhai City, as long as you win, you will receive cash rewards."

As soon as Zhang Cheng mentioned this, many eyes lit up.

Lin Qi was the same; he desperately needed money.

"It's a pity, I probably won't make the ten-person roster," Lin Qi thought, feeling a sense of regret.

"The names I am about to call are the roster for this battle." Zhang Cheng released the information one by one.

The anticipation of the crowd surged instantly.

"First, Li Zhou!" Zhang Cheng called out.

The corners of Li Zhou's mouth curled up slightly, excitement flashing in his eyes.

"Second, Yu Jing."

Yu Jing lifted his head and rolled his neck.

"Third, Qi Yuelin."

Qi Yuelin's expression remained unchanged.

"..."

"Seventh, Jiang Tao!"

Upon hearing his name, Jiang Tao rubbed his hands together. "Brother Qi, looks like I might have to go at it alone this time."

Lin Qi shook his head.

"He's just calling out the top ten in the grade," the crowd whispered among themselves.

Qiu Jie also showed a smile, puffing out his chest, waiting for his name to be called. He felt it was his duty to fight for the school.

"Tenth, Lin Qi!" Zhang Cheng announced the final person, then looked toward Lin Qi.

Lin Qi: "?"

The crowd: "?"

Qiu Jie froze on the spot, petrified.

"Did I hear that right? Who? Lin Qi?" someone asked, bewildered.

A large portion of the class was stunned, staring at Lin Qi in the corner, including the other top ten students like Li Zhou, Yu Jing, and Qi Yuelin.

Lin Qi was also somewhat confused. How did he end up on the list?

"Holy crap, Brother Qi, we get to fight side-by-side again!" Jiang Tao didn't care about anything else and laughed as he threw an arm around Lin Qi.

Consequently, everyone turned their gaze back to the martial arts teacher, Zhang Cheng.

"Does anyone have an objection to this list?" Zhang Cheng asked.

As soon as he finished speaking, someone in the crowd impatiently raised their hand.

"I do!"

Qiu Jie stood up, his face full of indignation. "Teacher Zhang, I object!"

"Lin Qi is only ranked 18th in the grade. What right does he have to be on the list? Shouldn't it be me?"

Zhang Cheng's face darkened, and a terrifying aura began to emanate from his body. "Are you questioning my decision?"

Qiu Jie felt as if a mountain were pressing down on him, making it difficult to breathe.

"I... I wouldn't dare!" he said, lowering his head.

Zhang Cheng looked around, taking in everyone's expressions. He retracted his aura and grinned.

"I know some of you don't understand. Fine. Lin Qi, you and Qiu Jie will have a match."

"Whoever wins takes the final spot."

"For absolute fairness, you can go to the Virtual Room. That way you can fight without restraint, and there will be no limits on blood-qi levels or physical attributes."

After speaking, he led the way out of the classroom toward the Virtual Room, and Qiu Jie immediately followed.

The curious students also followed in a large, bustling crowd.

A moment later, all fifty students in the class had gathered in the Virtual Room, surrounding Lin Qi and Qiu Jie.

"The two of you enter the Red Realm Arena. Select Duel Mode and enable Spectator Mode," Zhang Cheng instructed from the side.

Qiu Jie glared at Lin Qi and entered the combat pod with resentment.

"Brother Qi, take that guy Qiu Jie down. I know you can do it," Jiang Tao said with determined eyes.

"I will!" Lin Qi exhaled.

He also entered the combat pod and logged into the Red Realm.

Beside them, Zhang Cheng operated the projection equipment, casting a massive screen in front of everyone.

On the empty arena within the projection, two figures—one in black and one in blue—appeared, both wielding spears.

Inside the Red Realm

Lin Qi had changed into a black combat suit and held a large black spear.

Opposite him, Qiu Jie wore a blue combat suit, a white long spear resting on his shoulder.

"Teacher Zhang misjudged. You actually managed to steal my spot."

"What gives you the right?"

"Let me teach you how a long spear is actually used. Within ten moves, I will pierce your heart with my spear."

Qiu Jie sneered at Lin Qi, his eyes filled with mockery.

"Nothing but a clown," Lin Qi replied, his gaze cold.

"No matter how much you talk, it won't change the massive gap in our strength."

[Duel preparation beginning!]

[3, 2, 1]

[The match officially begins!]

As the intelligent female voice announced, Qiu Jie's figure flashed, and he rushed forward, unable to wait, swinging his spear.

His footsteps were agile, swift and nimble like a leopard, appearing as if he had turned into an afterimage.

*Whoosh, whoosh~*

Lin Qi also charged out like lightning. He shook his spear, causing it to emit a humming sound.

A fierce wind whistled alongside the spear.

The battle between the two was ignited instantly.

...

(End of Chapter)