Chapter 35

Unlike the previous years when the preliminary rounds were largely ignored, this year's first day of the preliminaries saw an explosive match.

The protagonist of this match was Tang Tian, the super repeater student from Starwind City, who was well-known.

When many people heard this news, they thought their ears were playing tricks on them. However, everyone who witnessed the match firsthand would enthusiastically introduce it to all their friends. The lineup in the stands was so luxurious that every name would elicit a gasp of admiration.

Just the people in the stands could organize a highly entertaining and extremely high-level match.

All three prestigious schools were represented without exception.

Tang Tian's use of the "Flash Fist" to counter the opponent's "Chaotic Wind Staff Technique" sparked a wave of excitement. Few people practiced the "Chaotic Wind Staff Technique," but its complexity was well-known. In contrast, the number of students practicing the "Flash Fist" was as numerous as the stars.

Every student who practiced the "Flash Fist" heard this result with disbelief. But as the rumors became more and more credible, they finally believed that the "Flash Fist" could indeed counter the "Chaotic Wind Staff Technique." The students who practiced the "Flash Fist" were all greatly invigorated. They gathered together, trying to replicate Tang Tian's technique.

This was a big secret!

But no matter how hard they tried, they could not achieve the same result.

The "Flash Fist" was only a second-stage martial technique, while the "Chaotic Wind Staff Technique" was a third-stage staff technique. The gap in levels was like a vast chasm, impossible to cross.

People began to doubt whether Tang Tian used the "Flash Fist" or some other third-stage martial technique similar to the "Flash Fist."

It wasn't until the whispers of the big shots in the stands gradually spread that people finally understood.

Basic martial techniques!

Tang Tian could use the second-stage "Flash Fist" to counter the third-stage "Chaotic Wind Staff Technique" entirely because of his perfect basic martial techniques. Sima Xiangshan even publicly declared at Tianjing Academy that Tang Tian's basic martial techniques had reached a perfect level, with his muscle control techniques unmatched in Starwind City.

At this moment, people suddenly remembered that Tang Tian had practiced basic martial techniques for five years, and everyone fell silent.

Five years of basic martial technique practice to achieve this level, people suddenly found it hard to judge whether it was worth it. Using five years to exchange for the "Flash Fist" to counter the "Chaotic Wind Staff Technique," what was the point? In five years, as long as one's talent wasn't too poor, they could practice a third-stage martial technique.

People shook their heads, such a training method was not advisable. People thought there was some secret behind it, but found that there was no secret at all, everything was something their teachers had said on the first day of school.

However, this inference did invigorate the new students, who all perked up and seriously practiced the basic martial techniques they had previously thought were useless.

"If only Senior Tang Tian were still here!"

"It's all that bastard Zhou Peng's fault!"

The students in the sword technique class collectively reminisced about Tang Tian.

Tang Tian once again entered people's field of vision, and this time, he was not seen as an object of ridicule. The attention from many big shots was enough to explain everything. Among so many preliminary matches, only two were noteworthy, one was Tang Tian, and the other was Amoli. Liang Qiu's appearance in the stands for Amoli's match was more seen as a senior's concern for a junior. As the former seventh strongest student at Beast College, no one doubted Amoli's strength; in people's eyes, he was no different from a seed player.

Only Tang Tian.

Like a dark horse, he burst onto the scene, and people still didn't understand why he had caught the attention of the big shots.

But regardless of the reason, the attention on Tang Tian immediately skyrocketed. What was originally a boring preliminary round suddenly had a dark horse worth watching, which immediately ignited everyone's enthusiasm. Tang Tian's upcoming matches were all dug up.

The organizers of the martial arts conference, seeing this, directly changed the venue for Tang Tian's matches to the main arena to avoid the previous situation where the stands were packed and the entrance was besieged. Such treatment was only given to the most popular matches in the main event.

This decision was immediately welcomed by everyone.

Tang Tian's second match would be held in two days. Betting on Tang Tian had already opened in various money houses, accepting bets.

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Bang!

The teacup was smashed on the floor, shattering into pieces, with fragments flying everywhere.

In the principal's office of Ande Academy, the principal's roar made the students passing by the office door shudder with fear.

"Tang Tian! This bastard!

"I will make him die without a place to bury his body!"

……

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Zhou Peng's face was expressionless, and at this moment, he seemed like a completely different person. His once fair skin was now tanned, and his formerly puffy, swollen eyes were now sharp and piercing, like a venomous snake's triangular eyes.

"I finally understand the wonderful feeling of having power, which is more intoxicating than a life of luxury."

He looked down at his palm, which was once fair but now covered in calluses. He muttered to himself, as if in admiration or praise: "What a perfect work of art!"

"Master, the Great Clan Elder asks you to come in," the servant said respectfully.

Zhou Peng retracted his gaze, a playful smile appearing at the corner of his mouth, seemingly mocking or somewhat disdainful. The smile vanished, and he straightened his collar, taking a step forward to the meeting hall.

All the high-ranking members of the Zhou family were gathered, and all eyes were on Zhou Peng as he walked in slowly. Zhou Peng's steps were calm, and his expression was composed, savoring the attention.

What a wonderful feeling!

He could feel the envy, jealousy, shock, and disbelief in those gazes, and a smile slowly crept onto his lips.

The Great Clan Elder cleared his throat, breaking the silence, his cloudy eyes landing on Zhou Peng, and he said in a deep voice: "Very good! This is the appearance of our Zhou family's young master! No matter what prejudices I had against you before, I now acknowledge your status as the heir of the Zhou family."

The Zhou family's patriarch's eyes were filled with joy, and he looked at Zhou Peng with satisfaction.

The hall was silent, with only the Great Clan Elder's voice echoing.

"You have a talent that others envy, and you have transformed. Although I know I won't see that day, I still hope that the Zhou family will flourish under your leadership."

Zhou Peng bowed slightly, with a hint of pride: "Yes, the Zhou family will certainly flourish."

"This martial arts conference is a great opportunity. Let it be the beginning of the Zhou family's resurgence!" the Great Clan Elder said proudly: "Let Sima Xiangshan be the stepping stone for our Zhou family!"

Zhou Peng smiled confidently and calmly, but his fists clenched in his sleeves.

There is still one person—Tang Tian!

I will make you die in front of everyone!

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Tang Tian continued to train with his head down, drenched in sweat. He was not affected by the previous preliminary round or the upcoming second match. His training was not disturbed in the slightest.

Amoli was also training hard, not expecting that Brother Liang Qiu would personally watch his match. Brother Liang Qiu was his idol and the person he aspired to defeat. Just thinking of that familiar figure in the stands, Amoli felt a surge of energy.

Only Old Wei looked relaxed, as if it had nothing to do with him.

During a brief rest, the two of them collapsed on the ground, letting the sweat flow freely.

"You have a big mouth, daring to speak to Sima Xiangshan like that," Amoli panted.

Tang Tian also panted heavily, looking puzzled: "Why not?"

"He is the top student of Starwind City Academy!" Amoli explained.

Tang Tian suddenly tilted his head: "So, defeating him means being the strongest in Starwind City Academy?"

"Exactly!" Amoli nodded.

Tang Tian suddenly understood: "No wonder Chiharu always beat him, it turns out that beating him means being number one!"

Amoli: "……"

Tang Tian asked curiously: "Amoli, what is your goal this time?"

Amoli was silent for a moment, then suddenly looked up: "My goal is to meet Brother Liang Qiu and defeat him!"

"Amoli, you will definitely win!" Tang Tian said loudly, with a serious expression.

"I don't know…" Amoli stammered.

"What do you mean, you don't know?" Tang Tian widened his eyes and shouted: "You will definitely win! You must win! There is nothing to be afraid of! Don't tell yourself that it's okay to lose! Victory! Only victory! The hard work you've put in is no less than anyone else's! There is no such thing as a guaranteed victory, and saying that you won't regret as long as you try your best is a lie! Those who say that haven't used all their strength! So much sweat, so much hard work, for what? To retreat in battle? To tell yourself that you've done your best and accept defeat? Those are all excuses! They are all nonsense! Only victory can tell the world that you have been here!"

Amoli's face turned red from Tang Tian's words.

"Amoli!" Tang Tian looked at Amoli seriously.

Amoli raised his head, his face full of shame.

Tang Tian clenched his fist tightly, staring at Amoli's red face, and said through gritted teeth: "Even if you die, you must win!"

Even if you die, you must win…

Amoli's head buzzed, his eyes fixed, and he muttered.

"Even if you die, you must win…"

Not far away, Old Wei, who had been relaxed, suddenly stiffened. His cloudy eyes became deep, and countless images flashed before his eyes. His spirit became hazy, and countless battles and shouts seemed to echo in his ears.

Even if you die, you must win!

Old Wei suddenly smiled silently, his eyes filled with anticipation.

Perhaps, this guy will really become a remarkable person in the future.

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