Xiao Yan, Xun'er, and the others couldn't help but smile wryly upon hearing Han Yue's explanation. It truly was a case of one thing conquering another; who would have thought that the second-ranked person would be as afraid of the first-ranked as a tiger?
"Contestant number twenty-one, please enter."
The Grand Elder's voice rang out at this moment.
Wu Hao cupped his hands at Xiao Tian and the others, then shot toward the arena, landing steadily on the stage and facing his opponent from a distance. Wu Hao, relying on his rich combat experience, found a flaw in his opponent after dozens of rounds of fighting and launched a fierce attack, ultimately defeating his opponent.
As the matches progressed, there were no strong-on-strong matchups today.
Afterward, Han Yue also entered the arena. She was many realms higher than her opponent and defeated him cleanly with a single palm, leaving no suspense.
"Lot number three, please enter!"
After Su Qian finished speaking, everyone's eyes lit up. This was currently the biggest dark horse, even a strong contender for first place.
Just as Xiao Tian was about to enter, a voice filled with fear rang out: "Grand Elder, I concede."
Everyone looked in the direction of the voice, and it was indeed Xiao Tian's opponent for this round. He didn't care about everyone's gazes; he had seen Xiao Tian in action. Rather than getting beaten up, it was better to simply concede. Either way, it would be a defeat. As for the so-called 'give it a try,' that was a joke. People could die. What if he didn't hold back?
"Since he has forfeited, I declare Xiao Tian the winner!"
Everyone secretly thought it a pity, otherwise they might have been able to glean a bit of Xiao Tian's strength from the battle.
"Brother Xiao Tian, congratulations on easily winning a match," Xun'er said with a smile, holding Xiao Tian's hand.
"That's right, the Strong Ranking Tournament used to be a fight to the death, and such a scene has never appeared before. Ultimately, it's because Junior Xiao Tian's strength is so powerful that it inspires fear."
Han Yue gave Xiao Tian a meaningful glance, then chuckled softly with a beautiful smile.
Then it was time for Xiao Yan and Bai Cheng's battle. This time, Xiao Yan's strength had increased significantly compared to the original story, and he defeated Bai Cheng effortlessly. Bai Cheng, meanwhile, began to doubt his life. Was he now even worse than a freshman?
As evening approached, today's matches finally concluded. Some left happily, while others shook their heads and sighed.
…
The next day, after the sun rose, the entire Inner Academy became very noisy. Today's Strong Ranking Tournament mostly featured the powerful top twenty-five, meaning that today's battles would be even more intense.
After Xiao Tian brought Xun'er and the others to yesterday's high platform, he found that Han Yue and Zi Yan were already standing there. Xiao Tian smiled and nodded at Han Yue, then ruffled Zi Yan's hair until she glared at him before he let go. Xun'er and Han Yue, as always, were chatting and laughing together.
With the appearance of the Grand Elder and several other elders, it meant that the second day's matches were officially about to begin.
"Today, only twenty-five contestants remain. Considering the number, Zi Yan will directly advance. The others will redraw lots for opponents. Do any of you have objections?"
The others inexplicably breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing the Grand Elder's words. Yesterday, Zi Yan's strength and her terrifying methods had sent a chill down their spines. They were more than happy with this; after all, no one wanted to encounter this brute force king, nor did they want to turn from a 'he' into a 'she.'
"How boring. I can't beat people up anymore."
Upon hearing Su Qian's words, Zi Yan pouted and said unhappily.
Xiao Yan and the others broke out in a cold sweat upon hearing her words, never expecting such a small body to contain so much violence.
Xun'er, beside her, chuckled softly. "You were too fierce yesterday; of course, they're all afraid of you."
"I just couldn't stand his attitude. I'm actually very gentle," Zi Yan turned around and mumbled softly. "Hmph, if they don't let me beat people up, next time I'll take a few more medicinal herbs, hmph hmph."
The few of them were amused by Zi Yan's cute appearance.
Afterward, Xiao Tian and the others went down to draw lots. Xiao Tian's opponent was ranked thirteenth on the strong ranking. Han Yue's opponent was a Six-Star Dou Ling, while Wu Hao this time encountered the eighth-ranked opponent.
"Xiao Yan Zi, what lot number?" Xiao Tian asked softly, looking at Xiao Yan who had just returned from drawing lots.
"Lot number seven!" Xiao Yan glanced at the bamboo slip in his hand.
"A good lot, but your opponent this time is quite interesting."
Xiao Yan had already noticed the subtle movements below the stage. He hadn't expected that even in his current state, things could still be manipulated. Xiao Yan was utterly confused by Xiao Tian's words, unable to make sense of them.
At that moment, a sneaky figure came up to Xiao Yan and patted him on the shoulder. Xiao Yan almost instinctively used Eight Extremities Collapse. However, upon seeing that the person who patted him was Lin Yan, he quietly withdrew his hand.
"Were you just trying to hit me?"
Lin Yan, seeing Xiao Yan's expression, naturally understood the situation.
"No, I just had an automatic physical reaction. Didn't I stop?"
Xiao Yan rubbed his nose, saying awkwardly.
"You hurt me. My heart aches. And here I was, so concerned about you."
Lin Yan put on a very hurt expression.
Xiao Yan saw the strange looks on everyone else's faces and his heart sank. Just as he was about to say something, Xiao Tian patted his shoulder. "Xiao Yan Zi, although your hobby is a bit strange, don't worry, I'll try my best to keep it a secret from Father." He finished, suppressing a laugh, while everyone else took a step back.
Xiao Yan immediately understood that he had been misunderstood. "No, it's not what you think, it's not at all."
"Love is free, it's fine, everyone understands…"
"My ass… understands nothing."
Xiao Yan suddenly got a headache and looked directly at Lin Yan, who was still bewildered and mumbling, asking, "Aren't you preparing for your match? What are you doing here?"
"Is your lot number seven?"
Xiao Yan looked at Xiao Tian confusedly, then back at Lin Yan.
"Your opponent's lot number was switched. Originally, your opponent was just average, but now it's been switched to Yao Sheng. How about I swap with you? Although my opponent is ranked nineteenth, you wouldn't have a problem beating him."
Xiao Yan understood why Yao Sheng had switched lots to face him. He was very touched by Lin Yan's gesture and gently pushed the bamboo slip in Lin Yan's hand back.
"That's perfect then; I can use this opportunity to thoroughly resolve those matters," Xiao Yan said confidently.
"Alright then!" Lin Yan, seeing Xiao Yan's confident look, also chose to believe him.
"Xun'er, Senior Sister, look, their gazes at each other are almost like silk threads, and they still say it's not."
Xiao Tian's gossiping voice slowly drifted over. Xiao Yan and Lin Yan's expressions instantly changed, and their hands, which were still pushing each other away, froze for a moment, then they looked at each other. Both realized they had been misunderstood and quickly withdrew their hands, instantly retreating three steps together.
"Tsk tsk tsk, what wonderful chemistry."