This round's performance was a direct showdown between the teams led by the top two contestants of Dream Chasers. The anticipation was sky-high, and fans eagerly awaited the face-off.
Other contestants, such as Fu Yueran and Zhao Qinghuan, also had strong fanbases, but compared to the top two, they drew slightly less attention.
As always, the host kicked off the show with his signature humor and flair, instantly captivating the audience.
"Welcome, dear friends who've come from far and wide! Good evening—are you excited? Oh, tonight's opening is no ordinary one! Up next is a special collaborative stage by the ten team leaders—let's give it up for their performance of 'Painting the Rivers and Lakes'!"
With cheers erupting from the crowd, everyone was drawn into the dynamic and entertaining performance—a carefully crafted segment that the production team had kept tightly under wraps.
The surprise element of the stage had the audience roaring with excitement.
"Wow, this stage was so well thought out!"
"This must be a bonus stage for the top ten contestants!"
"All the girls are amazing—I honestly think these ten could debut as a group right now."
"Anyone else feel like Li Yuan has a sort of obsessive passion for the stage? She goes all in every time."
"The other girls are great too, let's not play favorites."
"…"
The team leaders' collaborative stage successfully amped up the atmosphere. The audience and online viewers alike were fully engaged.
First up was Jiang Yuqi's group. As the first team to perform, the pressure was intense, but every member managed to stay composed and gave their best on stage.
Their performance attire incorporated elements of traditional ink painting. The fitted long dresses had flowing hems reminiscent of Jiangnan's watery towns, while their dance was a bold and energetic jazz style—a perfect blend of softness and strength.
Even better, the seven members were in perfect sync, each delivering stellar facial expressions and stage presence, winning thunderous applause from the audience.
Next came Li Yuan's group. For this stage, the center made a dramatic entrance using aerial wires—Li Yuan performed a graceful, flying solo dance that left the audience in awe.
The rest of the performance continued to dazzle, full of technical showmanship. But as a result, all eyes remained fixed on Li Yuan, and the other group members were barely noticed.
The group showdown vote worked the same as the first round: a point system based on vote percentages.
Tension rose when the combined online and offline votes revealed the two groups were neck and neck. In the end, the judges' votes would determine the winner.
Unlike the previous round's silent voting, this time the judges offered public commentary before casting their votes.
Judge Yuting spoke first: "I based my score on overall group cohesion. I'm voting for Group One—Jiang Yuqi's group really gave me a strong sense of teamwork."
Next was the famously sharp-tongued Judy: "Honestly, I think Yuting is being too diplomatic. Let me be blunt. Group Two's performance felt like a one-woman show. I barely noticed anyone besides the team leader. In group competitions, that's a fatal mistake. I'm also voting for Group One."
The remaining two judges surprisingly shared the same opinion. In the end, all four judges cast their votes for Group One.
Li Yuan, clearly shaken, had not expected her unilateral decisions to lead her team to defeat.
The judges' verdict left the audience stunned, prompting a flurry of online discussion.
"No way! Li Yuan's group was amazing too—how could the judges not see that?"
"Come on, the judges explained it clearly. This is a team competition, not Li Yuan's solo concert."
"I think Judy was too harsh—she didn't even give Li Yuan any face."
"Strict mentors raise strong students. Honestly, this might be a valuable wake-up call for Li Yuan."
Of course, not everyone agreed.
"There's something off about these judges. Why are they all siding with Group One?"
"Li Yuan is clearly talented—this was the show suppressing her!"
"Total rigging! Who says Group Two lacked team spirit?"
Despite differing opinions, the outcome was clear. Jiang Yuqi's group had withstood the challenge from Li Yuan's team, though even the winning team still had to eliminate one member.
When the results were announced, Li Yuan couldn't hide her disappointment on camera. But deep down, she accepted the judges' criticism and vowed to change.
She also graciously applauded and congratulated Group One—after all, they won fair and square, and Li Yuan wasn't the type to be a sore loser.
Seeing this, Judy felt a rare sense of relief: Li Yuan is finally maturing. Maybe my tough love wasn't in vain after all.
The remaining group performances were just as thrilling. Fu Yueran's team won hearts with their bright and lively style, while Zhao Qinghuan's group impressed with their sleek, powerful stage presence.
Soon, the show reached the dreaded elimination phase. The mood turned heavy—after all, the members had been living and training together, and farewells were always emotional.
Jiang Yuqi's group ended up eliminating the oldest member. Everyone felt a pang of sadness and helplessness.
Though Jiang Yuqi appeared sorrowful, her real emotions weren't nearly as intense. She was acting for the cameras.
After all, she'd only spent one week with the other six girls—there was no way the bond ran that deep. Her performance of reluctance and sadness was all for show.
From the very beginning, Jiang Yuqi had known that survival shows were about competition. Someone getting eliminated was inevitable.
But netizens watching the scene were deeply moved.
"Ugh, I just cried. Even the winning team has to let someone go. This rule is too cruel."
"Yeah, honestly, I preferred the first round's elimination system."
"The sisterhood between these girls is so touching. Big hugs to Jiang Yuqi—she lost a key member."
"This elimination rule is meant to keep everyone alert. No room for complacency."
From here on, the remaining 40 contestants would select 1v1 opponents based on their individual rankings. The next round would be a solo competition—only the winner would stay.
A brutal battle was about to begin, and Jiang Yuqi steeled herself for what lay ahead.