Chương 33: The Finals Begin

Chen Yi went upstairs in her slightly worn sneakers.

The motion sensor light wasn't working well; she had to stomp her feet hard to get it to light up.

I was bothered by the ringing bell for a while, and walking up this staircase was an ordeal every time, but thankfully that problem has been solved.

I never expected that Sister Sasha was the culprit behind it all.

Pushing open the door, the atmosphere in the house was heavy.

Did Mom know that Brother Shuxuan almost died once?... Chen Yi listened carefully for a long time before she understood the whole story.

She retorted:

"Mom, it's because you never trust my brother that he never tells you anything."

Aunt was stunned. She didn't expect that her usually obedient daughter would not stand on her side, and that her beloved daughter would be draped over an outsider!

Being betrayed twice in one day, my aunt felt her spirit had been devastated.

Seeing that things weren't going well, Chen Yi quickly added:

"My brother earned his chance to participate in the competition himself; he helped the police solve a series of cases."

"Furthermore, our teachers all said that participating in these competitions can boost your score on the joint entrance exam!"

"Mom, you don't know anything and yet you're criticizing him. If I were in your shoes, I wouldn't tell you either!"

The aunt opened her mouth, but couldn't speak for a long time. She knew she had misunderstood her nephew, but she couldn't admit her mistake because of her pride.

If she had known this would happen, she should have bragged about it to Aunt Yang during the day; instead, she had made a fool of herself in front of her... She was secretly annoyed.

"By the way, don't mention knowing your brother when you go out these days."

Why?

The uncle and aunt were both puzzled.

"Oh well, it's fine as long as I don't know them!"

Chen Yi didn't explain. She went back to her room and went online to chat with people.

My cousin Lin Shuxuan posted a new thread, and a lot of mean people have come to say nasty things.

......

News in Shinkai City exploded the moment the team competition of the martial arts tournament ended.

Unexpectedly, Lin Shuxuan, who was exhausted at the beginning, actually made it into the martial arts finals.

Guided by the media, public resentment boiled over, and reports against Lin Shuxuan once filled the municipal mailbox.

They demanded that the rules of the martial arts competition be revised and that Lin Shuxuan's spot in the finals be revoked.

The city government's unified response to these questions was: the competition rules cannot be changed, and Lin Shuxuan's quota is reasonable and legal.

The harsh response further fueled public anger, and discussions about him quickly became a daily routine for every resident of Xinhai.

The basement of the Public Security Bureau.

Lin Shuxuan wiped the sweat from his brow and drank the mineral water heartily.

He had just finished sparring with Yu Xin.

His progress in Dragon Fist had reached a bottleneck. Without a solid foundation in martial arts, he was unable to execute a complete set of Dragon Fist moves, let alone integrate the techniques into actual combat.

If there is an afterlife, I will definitely not choose to be open-air... Lin Shuxuan felt troubled.

He thought he could start showing off his divine abilities once the three-year period was up, but he didn't expect so many things to happen in the end. Even though he didn't do anything, he's almost become a sinner in Xinhai City.

If I had chosen War Treasure instead... well, War Treasure wouldn't be effective until I went to the eco-region for an internship during university, so the pace would be slower.

Opening a shop would have been the best option, but unfortunately, things didn't go as planned.

The team competition has ended, and thanks to Ye Lingyue, they easily advanced.

The final will begin next Monday.

"You seem to have it easy. If other people knew you were here, there would probably be a huge crowd protesting at the police station."

Yu Xin crossed her arms over her chest, a pose that made her assets particularly noticeable.

"Isn't this because we trust your and Brother Yunyang's arrangements?"

Lin Shuxuan smiled.

"You promised to make me one of the Seven Shinkai, but what exactly are you going to do? I'm not strong enough to beat any of the other contestants who advanced."

Yu Xin did not answer, but instead began to explain the rules of the final.

"The finalists will search for equipment and supplies on the outskirts of the city before heading to Xinhai Pearl for the final showdown."

Those who arrive first will receive higher points.

It still sounds like a strategy game. Searching for equipment on the outskirts can improve combat power, but arriving early will give you a very advantageous position... Lin Shuxuan pondered the rules of the game.

"According to the original plan, Ye Lingyue would deliberately lose to you in the finals so that you could gain the points."

How is this any different from open cheating... Lin Shuxuan frowned slightly as he listened. This must be Guan Yunyang's intention; they would be disgraced after the competition.

Moreover, this is extremely unfair to Ye Lingyue.

"As you've seen in public opinion now, your spot will definitely be revoked if you use this method."

Yu Xin rolled her eyes at him as she said this.

"If it weren't for your post titled 'I am the top martial arts student in Xinhai,' things wouldn't be this outrageous."

Lin Shuxuan's post was displayed on the city forum homepage for three days.

Citizens who hadn't watched the competition clicked in and actually thought that Xinhai City had produced an unparalleled martial arts genius.

Of course, by the end they all spat in disgust and made punishing Lin Shuxuan their daily task.

Whether at work or before bed, they would leave attacking comments under the posts.

As a result, Lin Shuxuan's infamy quickly became a household name in Xinhai City.

"Since this method doesn't work, what should we do?"

Lin Shuxuan showed no awareness of causing trouble for others and continued to smile calmly.

"Power armor".

Yu Xin let out a soft breath.

"There are two powered armors hidden outside the competition area. We will give you the coordinates and unlock code so you can retrieve them later."

"With the armor, your raw strength is enough to rank you in the top seven, so beating Wang Xing shouldn't be a problem."

Lin Shuxuan recalled the silver-white mecha that had previously hovered in the sky above the ecological zone.

The technological level of this world far surpasses that of the previous world. Powered armor certainly cannot compete with mechs soaring through the sky, but it is still the standard weaponry of the Federation army.

It can instantly grant ordinary people the ability to fight against strange beasts, making them no less powerful than martial artists with flesh and blood.

This makes winning the game much more exciting... Lin Shuxuan couldn't help but admire Guan Yunyang's versatile methods.

The martial arts competition does not only consider cultivation level and strength. It also leaves room for contestants with slightly weaker combat power but keen observation skills. If they can unlock the power armor in the outer arena with their own abilities, even if their strength is slightly inferior, they still have the qualifications to compete for the championship.

Unfortunately, this became a means for high-level corruption... Lin Shuxuan wanted to denounce the shady dealings, but then he thought that he was a beneficiary, so he gave up.

"Are the seven players considered the frontrunners for the championship listed?"

Yu Xin sent me a picture.

Ye Lingyue, Life Energy Level 33, Path:?

Mu Ning, Life Energy Level 30.

Guan Chao, Life Energy Level 27.

White Army, Life Energy Level 26.

Ye Ling, Life Energy Level 26.

Xia Tong, Life Energy Level 26.

Wang Xing, Life Energy Level 25.

Lin Shuxuan knew most of the six people on the list.

Mu Ning is that ugly bald guy; he must be someone in the municipal government.

Guan Chao's surname is Guan, which sounds impressive.

Ye Ling, Bai Zhi Group... Indeed, the spots for the Seven Sons of the New Sea have been almost completely divided up.

"Apart from Ye Lingyue, are there no other people on the path to enlightenment?"

Is this good news? The Daoist abilities are unpredictable, and he knows nothing about them. Most of his competitors are also beginners, which is very advantageous for his battle planning.

"It's not that easy. The path to enlightenment is the starting point for the extraordinary. If your martial arts foundation is insufficient, forcibly trying to absorb it will only destroy your foundation."

Yu Xin explained carefully.

"What's up with Hai Lanlan? That girl looks so weak."

"Her constitution is one in a million, so it's not a useful reference."

It seems I also need to find a way to establish a solid friendship with Hai Lanlan... Lin Shuxuan thought to himself.

Fortunately, this foodie girl is simple-minded; all she needs to do is keep feeding her.

But how do I raise Ye Lingyue's affection level...? She said she likes nutritional cake...

"What are you thinking about?"

Yu Xin narrowed her eyes and questioned him.

"I'm thinking about how to make Sister Yu Xin happy."

"Pah!" The beautiful older woman blushed slightly, then said, "As long as you finish the race smoothly and get into a good university, I'll be relieved."

The tone you used when you said that is just like my mom's... Do you want to be my mom too...? Lin Shuxuan thought to himself but didn't say it out loud.

"Ye Lingyue's life energy level isn't high, so why did she instantly kill Wang Xing?"

He noticed this problem.

There's only an 8-level difference between them, so how could their strength be so disparate?

"Xiao Lingyue looks relaxed, but she gave it her all. If you face Wang Xing in a match, you absolutely cannot underestimate him."

Lin Shuxuan nodded.

"Sister Yu Xin, give me another detailed report on Wang Xing."

......

new week.

on Monday.

As a line of aircraft streaked across the sky above Xinhai City, colorful plumes of smoke enveloped the Xinhai Pearl Tower.

The finals of the Shinkai Martial Arts Tournament have officially begun.

Today, the strongest martial arts student in Shinkai will be determined.

Even though Lin Shuxuan's post caused dissatisfaction among many people, the public's expectations for the competition remained unchanged.

As long as Lin Shuxuan has not yet become one of the Seven New Seas through cheating, the pressure of public opinion will remain hidden beneath the surface.

The New Pearl Ocean covers a vast area and soars into the clouds.

It has a platform that is almost as wide as a plaza, enough for hundreds of aircraft to take off and land at the same time.

The square has countless seats, and in the center is a huge circular fighting arena.

Unlike its usual tranquility, this place is unusually lively today, as the final duel of the martial arts tournament is being held here.

Lin Shuxuan arrived here early in the morning with Yu Xin and Guan Yunyang, and they were watching the important figures enter the venue in various flying vehicles.

Yu Xin, standing in front of him, wore a black off-the-shoulder dress that revealed her full shoulders and fair back. She greeted acquaintances who were entering the room with a polite smile.

Judging from their attire, the attendees were all wealthy and influential, including business tycoons, political figures, and the elite of Xinhai City.

It would be more appropriate to call it a social banquet rather than a competition.

He also saw the city council speaker, whom he had only seen on television, chatting and laughing with several elegantly dressed ladies. Behind him was a muscular young man, none other than Mu Ning.

Noticing Lin Shuxuan's gaze, the Speaker greeted him with a friendly smile. The ladies around him turned their heads, wondering what kind of young talent was worthy of the Speaker's attention.

Upon seeing that it was Lin Shuxuan, he turned his head away with a look of disgust.

Lin Shuxuan was about to return the greeting to the speaker when he felt a sharp pain in his waist.

Yu Xin said with a sly smile, "Don't associate with people you shouldn't, understand?"

"Understood, understood." Lin Shuxuan nodded like a chicken pecking at rice.

At this moment, he noticed an extremely venomous gaze. Turning his head, he saw Wang Xing with his red hair.

However, as soon as Guan Yunyang glanced at him, he immediately became extremely obedient.

"If you're not confident of facing Wang Xing, then enter the arena at the last minute and challenge Ye Lingyue."

"As for public opinion, I will handle it."

Guan Yunyang smiled faintly, as if he had everything under control.

Lin Shuxuan responded, "I know, I have a general idea."

After a while, more and more contestants entered the arena.

Lin Shuxuan and the others were bored and began to doze off.

Until a certain moment, the square suddenly fell silent.

A sleek, silver-white shuttle came to a slow stop, and Ye Lingyue stepped off the shuttle, led by an old man.

The conversation among everyone present paused for a moment.

Her long, silvery-white hair framed her stunningly beautiful face; every stroke of her hair was the most exquisite imitation by the Creator. Even the most famous makeup artist in Xinhai City, who spent three days and three nights, could not alter it in the slightest.

Any embellishment would be superfluous for this face.

Much of the criticism of Lin Shuxuan stems from sympathy for this charming young man; having such a teammate is truly a tragedy that shatters a work of art.

Ye Lingyue walked up to him and stopped.

"Would you like something to eat?"

Lin Shuxuan took out the exquisite desserts he had prepared, and Ye Lingyue accepted them without even raising her eyebrows.

"Where's mine? Where's mine?"

Hai Lanlan called out from the side; Lin Shuxuan hadn't actually noticed her before.

"Here, I've prepared some nutritious cakes for you."

Hai Lanlan frowned slightly, but still took it and started eating.

As the contestants arrived one by one, the projectors on the plaza lit up, creating a giant screen in the center of the fighting arena.

The host, dressed in a suit and sporting a mustache, read out the competition rules, which were exactly the same as those Yu Xin had mentioned earlier.

The announcement is finished, the competition begins.

Lin Shuxuan walked towards the flying shuttle. This was an individual competition, and if he faced Hai Lanlan in the competition, he would not hold back... Of course, if he faced Ye Lingyue, he would ask her to hold back.

My hand was suddenly grabbed.

Yu Xin took his delicate hand and said, "If it really can't be done, just admit defeat, okay? Don't force yourself."

Lin Shuxuan smiled upon hearing this: "Sister Yu Xin, this kind of back-and-forth isn't good for your reputation, is it?"

The beautiful widow recoiled as if she'd been electrocuted.

He smiled as he stepped into the shuttle.

As the vibrations from floating in the air came, Lin Shuxuan's mind became clear.

He has completely figured out how this martial arts competition works.

The so-called "New Seven Seas" had their rankings predetermined long ago, and this so-called final was nothing more than a show presented to the public.

Why did Wang Xing view him with such resentment before? His strength was clearly weak, and all he needed to do was find a way to eliminate him in the finals.

If it were him, he would do everything in his power to eliminate the enemy before even reaching Ye Lingyue.

But Wang Xing can't do that because it's not allowed, something that even the fool Yu Xin probably didn't think of.

The real player in this game is Guan Yunyang; perhaps the exchange of interests failed to be agreed upon, in any case, one faction did not want to distribute the spoils according to the original plan.

For this reason, Guan Yunyang had no choice but to hand over the location of the power armor to him, hoping to make his advancement legitimate with a relatively grand victory.

Following this line of reasoning, if his inclusion in the New Seven Seas has already been rejected by some bigwigs, will they make some schemes in this competition?

For example, having Wang Xing also appear at the location of the power armor.