Chapter 51 Top 32
A total of 128 people participated in the "Rising Star Competition" tournament, which consisted of two rounds, to determine the top 32 who would then participate in the second stage, the "Demon Hunting Trial".
Chen Yun defeated Chen Yan from Beichuan County and successfully advanced to the top 32, which also means that two people from Qinghe County have qualified to participate in the "Demon Hunting Trial".
"Congratulations, Junior Sister Chen, on advancing to the top 32," Shen Lian said with a smile.
"This is all thanks to Senior Brother Shen's guidance, which has helped me better control the rhythm of the battle when facing opponents with high strength." Chen Yun nodded slightly. If it weren't for Shen Lian breaking down various sword techniques in their daily practice, she would definitely not have been able to defeat Chen Yan today.
"Brother Lian and Sister Yun have both successfully advanced to the top 32 and qualified to participate in the 'Demon Hunting Trial.' Now only that ice-faced guy is left," Li Hu grinned. The 'ice-faced guy' he was referring to was naturally Lin Feng.
Lin Feng glanced at Li Hu: "My battles are none of your business."
After saying that, he turned and walked towards the ring.
Li Hu curled his lip and said, "What are you pretending for?"
Wang Lin said in a low voice, "Although Lin Feng is cold-hearted, he is indeed quite strong. He defeated Zhao Hu in just ten moves in the first round. His opponent in the second round, Li Qing, is said to be very strong, but it shouldn't be a problem for him either."
Although Li Hu was dissatisfied, he had to admit that what Wang Lin said was indeed true. Lin Feng's strength was indeed very strong, otherwise he would not have been able to fight his way back from the loser's bracket.
Lin Feng stepped onto the ring, his opponent being Li Qing from Luoxia County.
Li Qing was the second strongest contestant from Luoxia County after team captain Liu Ming. He held a long spear with a black body and a gleaming tip.
"Brother Lian, do you think Lin Feng has a good chance of winning against Li Qing from Luoxia County?" Li Hu asked Shen Lian in a low voice.
Shen Lian looked towards the arena, where Lin Feng and Li Qing stood facing each other.
[Combat Strength]: 28~36
[Combat Strength]: 26~34
These are Lin Feng and Li Qing's combat power data. Lin Feng's combat power data is slightly stronger than Li Qing's, so his strength is naturally stronger than Li Qing's.
Shen Lian laughed and said, "Lin Feng has been involved in the martial arts world before, and with his training at the Demon Suppression Division, his strength has greatly improved. It's true that Li Qing is the second strongest among the contestants from Luoxia County, but he may not be a match for Lin Feng."
Li Hu nodded emphatically, then looked towards the arena.
Li Qing gripped his spear, the tip pointing diagonally at the ground, and said in a deep voice, "Lin Feng, I've heard you're ruthless. I'd like to see for myself."
"I'll show you," Lin Feng said coldly.
Immediately, the opening gong sounded.
Li Qing took the initiative, urging his body to rush towards Lin Feng. His spear moved like a venomous snake spitting its tongue, the tip of the spear turning into points of cold stars, piercing straight at Lin Feng.
It is precisely the "myriad points of rosy light" from the "Sunset Spear Technique".
Lin Feng's eyes turned cold as he stepped forward to meet the shadow of the spear. He drew his long sword, and the blade swept across like a bolt of lightning—it was the "Mountain-Splitting Style" from the "Demon-Subduing Sword Technique."
Clang! Clang!
On the arena, two figures flashed, and the sound of weapons clashing was incessant.
Li Qing was secretly alarmed. Each strike of his "Myriad Points of Glow" technique was imbued with hidden force, making it impossible for ordinary opponents to distinguish between reality and illusion, leaving them only able to passively defend. Lin Feng not only saw through the trajectory of each strike but also countered with his own attacks, disrupting Li Qing's rhythm.
Li Qing flicked his spear, the tip aimed straight at Lin Feng.
This shot wasn't particularly fast, but it contained an extremely strong force.
Lin Feng's eyes were sharp. The moment the spear was close, he changed his footing and quickly dodged to the side.
"Hmm?!" Li Qing frowned slightly and quickly put away his gun and changed his stance.
Lin Feng immediately took action, his longsword transforming into a cold light as it slashed straight at Li Qing.
clang!
Swords and spears clashed, sparks flew.
The force from Lin Feng's knife penetrated the gun, making Li Qing's hands go numb. He used the force to retreat, trying to create distance before launching another attack on Lin Feng.
"Trying to leave?"
Lin Feng gave Li Qing no chance at all, taking one step after another, and two afterimages suddenly appeared on the stage, flanking Li Qing from the left and right.
Phantom Step!
Upon seeing the familiar footwork, Shen Lian immediately recognized it as the "Phantom Step" that Lin Feng had used during their previous battle.
This footwork can instantly create two clones to confuse the opponent, giving them an advantage in battle, and then defeating them.
Li Qing's pupils contracted sharply. He couldn't recognize Lin Feng's true form at all, so he could only brandish his spear to protect his vital points.
The afterimage on the left arrived first, slashing straight at Li Qing with a blade.
Li Qing swept his spear horizontally, but only managed to sever a phantom image.
Just then, Lin Feng's true form arrived on the right, slashing diagonally with his long sword, the blade aimed directly at Li Qing.
"not good!"
Li Qing cried out inwardly, his body spun rapidly, and his spear pressed down in the same direction.
clang!
The blade sliced through the gun barrel, sending sparks flying.
Lin Feng's strike was incredibly powerful, forcing Li Qing back. Cracks appeared on the bluestone slab beneath his feet, and Li Qing looked at Lin Feng with apprehension.
"Lin Feng's combat experience is too rich," Wang Lin, who was watching from the audience, said softly. "Although Li Qing's marksmanship is exquisite, he lacks the adaptability honed in life-or-death battles. Every move Lin Feng makes is aimed at the vital points, without any superfluous movements."
Shen Lian nodded and said, "Lin Feng has been fighting in the martial world for many years, and his fighting style is extremely domineering. If Li Qing can't break his rhythm, I'm afraid he won't be able to stop him."
Li Qing stared intently at Lin Feng, knowing he couldn't continue to be passive like this.
Immediately, the martial arts mark between his eyebrows lit up, his blood and qi surged within him, his spear trembled, and a pale golden light shone from the spear.
"Raymond Lam, take this 'Sunset Glow' move!"
Li Qing roared and shot out like an arrow, his spear transforming into a golden streak of light, piercing straight towards Lin Feng.
The audience held their breath.
"Showy but impractical."
Faced with Li Qing's earth-shattering shot, Lin Feng's eyes were full of disdain. He immediately took a step forward, and the bluestone slab under his feet was crushed.
The Broken Mountain Style!
Lin Feng immediately used the "Demon Subduing Blade Technique," using his longsword to block Li Qing's attack, and with a sudden burst of force in his right hand, he directly severed the tip of the spear.
Upon seeing his spear broken, Li Qing's expression changed drastically, and he quickly retreated.
Lin Feng's eyes turned cold, and he stepped forward to chase after Li Qing. He had no intention of giving Li Qing a chance to escape. He immediately used the "Wave Slash" technique, slashing at Li Qing with three consecutive strikes.
Li Qing gritted his teeth and swung the gun barrel to block Lin Feng's attack.
Lin Feng unleashed three consecutive slashes, each one heavier than the last. With the third strike, a sharp crack was heard, and the black spear shaft snapped in two.
The long sword grazed Li Qing's cheek, and a strand of hair fell down.
Li Qing stared at the long sword so close to his face, swallowing hard, cold sweat trickling down his cheeks.
"I lost!" Li Qing said, somewhat unwillingly.
Lin Feng sheathed his sword, then turned and walked off the stage.
The top 32 have been determined.
"It's truly unexpected that three people from Qinghe County have advanced this year."
"It's certainly impressive to have achieved such results, but the second phase, the 'Demon Hunting Trial,' is the real highlight."
People from other counties were somewhat surprised to see Lin Feng win. With Lin Feng's victory, Qinghe County now has three people advancing to the "Demon Hunting Trial".
In the spectator stands, Zhao Shan wore a gratified smile. Of the five participants from Qinghe County, three advanced to the "Demon Hunting Trial," a result far exceeding expectations.
Although Li Hu and Wang Lin were defeated, they demonstrated considerable strength and have a promising future.
Wei Tong stood up, his voice echoing throughout the training ground: "The arena battle has now come to a successful conclusion. Congratulations to the thirty-two who have advanced! We will rest for a day tomorrow, and the day after tomorrow morning, everyone will gather at the North Gate to head to the Black Mist Forest for the 'Demon Hunting Trial'."
"The trial rules are as follows: After entering the Black Mist Forest, you will receive a sensing jade talisman. The talisman will record the number and rank of the monsters you hunt and will automatically calculate your score. The trial will last for seven days. After seven days, return here and be ranked according to your score. The top ten will enter the final battle."
"Furthermore," Wei Tong said, his gaze sweeping across the audience, "combat is permitted during the trial. A player who concedes defeat or has their jade talisman taken is declared the loser, and the winner receives half of the opponent's points."
"Can I steal other people's points?"
"Doesn't that mean that while hunting monsters, we also have to be wary of other contestants trying to steal our loot?"
"This is real combat..."
These words sparked a murmur of discussion among the audience.
Wei Tong raised his hand to indicate: "One last reminder, the Black Mist Forest not only contains demonic beasts, but also naturally formed dangerous areas and poisonous miasma. These places are extremely dangerous, and there have been casualties during each trial."
After Wei Tong announced the rules of the "Demon Hunting Trial", the contestants from various counties and Qingzhou Prefecture withdrew from the venue.
With only one day left before the start of the "Demon Hunting Trial," this is a good opportunity to rest and get to know the other participants.
After all, knowing yourself and your enemy is the key to victory in every battle.