Quarterfinals

The national tournament was more than halfway over, and all sixteen finalists had been determined. Thanks to the outstanding performances of its four members, Kyoto University of Science and Technology had advanced smoothly.

In the upcoming quarterfinals, Kyoto University of Science and Technology's opponent was Vermilion Bird Academy from the south. Vermilion Bird Academy was tremendously strong, especially its captain, Zhuque Er, whose strength had already reached the Martial Master Late-stage. She was one of the favorites to win the championship.

The quarterfinals used a best-of-three format. Before the match, Su Wan made the tactical arrangements: "Their captain, Zhuque Er, is the strongest. The Vermilion Bird Sky Burning Art she cultivates is a top-tier fire-element cultivation technique, which happens to counter our ice element. Li Hao, your Thunderclap Sword Technique is fast and explosive. You'll take the first round and test their strength."

"Yes." Li Hao nodded.

"For the second round, if Li Hao loses, Fang Yan, you'll go in. Although your Profound Ice True Qi is countered by fire, your Five Finger Fist Heart Sword is an unpredictable variable. You might be able to win by catching her off guard." Su Wan continued.

"Understood," Fang Yan replied.

"For the third round, Chu Feng and Lin Mengyao, get ready. No matter what, we have to take this match."

"Don't worry, Teacher Su!"

The match began. In the first round, Li Hao faced a member of Vermilion Bird Academy. He did not waste the slightest bit of time. He pushed Gale Step to its limits, his figure flickering like a ghost, while his Thunderclap Sword Technique was even more fierce. In just three exchanges, he defeated his opponent.

Kyoto University of Science and Technology took the first point.

In the second round, Vermilion Bird Academy's captain, Zhuque Er, took the field. She wore a red martial arts uniform and was dazzlingly beautiful, but her eyes carried a searing heat. Her opponent was none other than Fang Yan.

"I hear you're quite impressive, and that you even know the strange move called 'Sword Hidden in the Fist Heart.'" Zhuque Er looked at Fang Yan, a trace of disdain in her voice. "But before my flames, any ice or sword will melt."

Fang Yan said nothing. He merely tightened his grip on the Ink Ice Spear. He could sense that the aura around Zhuque Er was incredibly powerful—slightly stronger even than Zhao Heilong's.

"Begin!"

At the referee's command, Zhuque Er immediately launched her attack. She circulated the Vermilion Bird Sky Burning Art, and raging flames erupted around her. Like a Vermilion Bird bathing in fire, she charged toward Fang Yan.

"Vermilion Bird Sky Burning: Flame Palm!"

A gigantic flaming palm descended from the sky, carrying a scorching aura as it slammed toward Fang Yan.

Fang Yan's eyes sharpened. He immediately circulated Profound Ice Force, poured his Profound Ice True Qi into the Ink Ice Spear, and raised the spear horizontally to block.

Clang!

The flaming palm collided with the Ink Ice Spear, producing a tremendous boom. A wave of heat washed over him, and Fang Yan felt as though his arms were about to melt. The Profound Ice True Qi on the Ink Ice Spear was actually being dissolved bit by bit by the flames.

Sure enough, the ice element is completely suppressed by fire. Fang Yan thought to himself.

Zhuque Er let out a cold laugh. "How is it? Feel the power of fire yet? If you know what's good for you, surrender now!"

She launched another attack, her Flame Palms slamming toward Fang Yan in an unbroken barrage. Fang Yan kept dodging and blocking, but he remained trapped in passive defense. His Profound Ice True Qi was draining rapidly, and the situation grew increasingly perilous.

Below the platform, Chu Feng and Lin Mengyao both looked worried.

"This won't work. Fang Yan is going to lose," Chu Feng said anxiously.

Su Wan also frowned. She had not expected Zhuque Er to be so powerful. Fang Yan's Profound Ice True Qi was practically helpless before her.

Just then, a faint smile suddenly appeared on Fang Yan's face. He deliberately exposed an opening, allowing Zhuque Er's Flame Palm to strike his shoulder.

"Ah!" the spectators below cried out in alarm.

A trace of smugness flashed through Zhuque Er's eyes. "It's over!"

However, just as she thought Fang Yan had lost his ability to fight, Fang Yan suddenly moved. His right hand shot forward in a fierce punch, and the Little Black Sword hidden in his fist erupted in an instant!

Five Finger Fist Heart Sword: A Fleeting Chill!

The pitch-black sword light was as fast as lightning. It silently pierced through the flames and stabbed straight toward Zhuque Er's chest.

Zhuque Er's expression changed dramatically. She had never expected Fang Yan to have such a killing move concealed. She tried to dodge, but it was already too late. The sword light pierced through her protective flames and struck her shoulder.

"Ah!" Zhuque Er let out a cry of pain. She staggered back several steps, clutching her bleeding shoulder, her face filled with disbelief.

"You... what kind of move is that?"

Fang Yan did not answer. Seizing the opportunity, he punched again.

Five Finger Fist Heart Sword: Sword Shadow Maze!

Countless tiny, pitch-black sword lights shot from his fist, like black ants dancing across the sky, swarming toward Zhuque Er.

Zhuque Er was already injured, and her internal force was no longer flowing smoothly. She had no way to block so many sword lights. All she could do was watch helplessly as they stabbed toward her.

Just then, the referee shouted in time, "Stop!"

The sword lights halted an inch before Zhuque Er.

The referee announced, "Second round: Fang Yan of Kyoto University of Science and Technology wins!"

The spectators below instantly erupted into thunderous applause and cheers.

"That was incredible! Fang Yan actually turned the tables!"

"That 'Sword Hidden in the Fist Heart' move is amazing. Even Zhuque Er couldn't block it!"

"Kyoto University of Science and Technology might really have a chance at the championship this time!"

Zhuque Er's face was pale. She looked at Fang Yan, her eyes filled with unwillingness, but she still nodded. "I lost."

And so, Kyoto University of Science and Technology defeated Vermilion Bird Academy by a score of 2–0 and successfully advanced to the semifinals.

Their opponent in the semifinals was none other than Black Dragon City University of Science and Technology.

A peak showdown was about to unfold between Fang Yan and Zhao Heilong.