Afternoon, at training hall.
The matches had concluded, and the atmosphere in the training hall of No. 2 High School was electric with anticipation. The examiners had gathered the students who had emerged victorious from their respective sections, and it was now time to determine the top 5 who would represent the school in the upcoming White River City Martial Arts Tournament.
The five students—Chu Yan from Section A, Li Fui from Section B, Lin Chen from Section C, Su Ming from Section D, and Ouyang Feng from Section E—stood in a line before the gathered crowd of their peers.
Elder Zhou stepped forward, his presence commanding the attention of everyone in the hall. He held a scroll in his hand, which contained the official results.
"Students of No. 2 High School," Elder Zhou's voice resonated through the hall, "you have all demonstrated extraordinary skill and determination in this examination. The five before you have proven themselves to be the strongest in their respective sections, and now they will represent No. 2 high school in the White River City Martial Arts Tournament."
"But," Elder Zhou continued, his eyes narrowing slightly as he looked at the five students, "there remains one more task. The title of the strongest student of No. 2 High School must be decided. Therefore, the five of you will now compete in a final round of matches to determine the top student who will lead our team."
The crowd's excitement soared, and the five competitors exchanged glances.
Elder Zhou gestured to a large, ornate box that had been brought forward by one of the assistants. Inside were five slips of paper, each one bearing the name of a student. The selection of matches would be random, ensuring that no one knew who they would face until the moment of the draw.
"The matches will be determined by drawing lots," Elder Zhou explained. "The first two names drawn will face each other, followed by the next two. The final student will receive a bye in the first round and will face the winner of the first match."
The assistant reached into the box and pulled out the first slip of paper. The crowd leaned forward in anticipation as the name was read aloud.
"First match: Chu Yan versus Su Ming."
Hearing this, both of them stunned. After Chu Yan's reputation at school increased, everyone knew Su Ming and Chu Yan were best friends ever since middle school, but now they will compete again with each other.
Su Ming laughed as he put his hand on Chu Yan's shoulder, "Hahaha, finally, Chu Yan, I can fight you earnestly. Let's have a good fight, brother Yan! I won't give mercy to you"
Chu Yan said with smile," Brother Ming, I will leave a few teeth for you."
Hearing this, Su Ming's eye opened wide, "Brother Yan, you're kidding just now, right?"
Chu Yan shrugged. Seeing this, Su Ming body soaked with sweat. Oh no, I'm just trying to easy the situation, you don't have to take it seriously.
Ignoring the scared Su Ming, the assistant reached again, drawing the next slip.
"Second match: Ouyang Feng versus Lin Chen."
The tension in the hall spiked as Ouyang Feng's name was called. He turned to face Lin Chen, who met his gaze with a calm, calculating expression.
Su Ming, came near Chu Yan, whispered, "Brother Yan, this Lin Chen should be black horse! I saw he easily suppressed Zhang Yu during the final match at Section C. Be careful!"
"You mean 'dark horse'?"
"uh? Ah yes, yes.."
"Thank you for the information, Brother Ming. But I still won't change my decision," replied Chu Yan while smiling at Su Ming.
"Brother Yan, I.." Su Ming smiled bitterly. It seems like he probably returned home with a few bump in his head.
Li Fui, the remaining contestant, would automatically advance to the next round to face the winner of the matches.
With the matchups decided, the atmosphere in the training hall shifted to one of intense focus. The students who had been selected will be given a moment for them to prepared themselves mentally.
As for Chu Yan, he cross-legged at the participant zone, stabilizing both his physical and mental for the match.
Ring!
"Student Chu Yan, Student Su Ming, enter the ring!"
After time passes, the examiner rings the bell as he calls Chu Yan and Su Ming.