Quarterfinals

The national competition had passed the halfway point, and the top 16 had all been determined. Kyoto University of Science and Technology, with the outstanding performance of its four members, successfully advanced.

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

The quarterfinals adopted a best-of-three format. Su Wan made tactical arrangements before the match: "The opponent's captain, Zhuque Er, is the strongest. The Vermilion Bird Sky Burning Art she cultivates is a top-tier fire-attribute technique, which perfectly counters our ice-attribute. Li Hao, your Thunderclap Sword Technique is fast and has strong burst power. You'll go first in the first round to test the opponent's strength."

"Understood," Li Hao nodded.

"In the second round, if Li Hao loses, Fang Yan, you'll go. Although your Profound Ice Force is countered by fire-attribute, your Five Finger Fist Heart Sword is a variable that might lead to an unexpected victory," Su Wan continued.

"Understood," Fang Yan replied.

"For the third round, Chu Feng and Lin Mengyao, you two be ready. No matter what, we must win this match."

"Don't worry, Teacher Su!"

The match began. In the first round, Li Hao faced a member of Vermilion Bird Academy. Li Hao didn't hold back at all. He unleashed Gale Step to its limit, his movements like a phantom, and his Thunderclap Sword Technique was incredibly sharp. In just three rounds, he defeated his opponent.

Kyoto University of Science and Technology took the first point.

In the second round, the captain of Vermilion Bird Academy, Zhuque Er, entered the arena. She wore a red training uniform and was stunningly beautiful, but her eyes held a scorching intensity. Her opponent was none other than Fang Yan.

"I heard you're quite skilled. Do you know any strange moves like 'fist heart hidden sword'?" Zhuque Er looked at Fang Yan, a hint of disdain in her tone. "However, in front of my flames, all ice and swords will be melted."

Fang Yan didn't speak, only tightened his grip on the Ink Ice Spear. He could feel that Zhuque Er's aura was incredibly powerful, slightly surpassing Zhao Heilong.

"Begin!"

As the referee gave the signal, Zhuque Er immediately launched her attack. She circulated the Vermilion Bird Sky Burning Art, and flames erupted around her. She resembled a phoenix reborn from the flames, charging towards Fang Yan.

"Vermilion Bird Sky Burning: Flame Palm!"

A giant flaming palm descended from the sky, carrying scorching heat, and slammed towards Fang Yan.

Fang Yan's eyes sharpened. He immediately circulated Profound Ice Force, channeling the Profound Ice True Qi into the Ink Ice Spear and blocking with it.

"Clang!"

The flaming palm collided with the Ink Ice Spear, emitting a deafening sound. A wave of heat washed over Fang Yan, and he felt his arm was about to melt. The Profound Ice True Qi on the Ink Ice Spear was being melted away bit by bit by the flames.

As expected, ice-attribute is completely countered by fire-attribute, Fang Yan thought to himself.

Zhuque Er sneered, "How is it? Do you feel the power of the flames? If you know what's good for you, surrender early!"

She attacked again, her flame palms hitting Fang Yan one after another. Fang Yan dodged and blocked continuously, but he was always in a passive defensive state. His Profound Ice True Qi was depleting rapidly, and the situation became increasingly perilous.

Chu Feng and Lin Mengyao, watching from below, wore worried expressions.

"This won't do. Fang Yan will lose," Chu Feng said anxiously.

Su Wan also frowned. She hadn't expected Zhuque Er to be so strong, and Fang Yan's Profound Ice True Qi was almost powerless against her.

Just then, Fang Yan suddenly revealed a smile. He deliberately exposed a weakness, allowing Zhuque Er's flame palm to hit his shoulder.

"Ah!" The audience below let out a gasp.

A hint of triumph flashed in Zhuque Er's eyes. "It's over!"

However, just as she thought Fang Yan had lost his fighting ability, Fang Yan moved. He suddenly punched out with his right hand, and the small black sword in his palm erupted!

"Five Finger Fist Heart Sword: A Hint of Cold Light!"

The pitch-black sword light flashed like lightning, silently piercing through the flames and stabbing directly at Zhuque Er's chest.

Zhuque Er's expression changed drastically. She hadn't expected Fang Yan to have such a hidden killing move. She wanted to dodge, but it was too late. The sword light instantly pierced her protective flames and struck her shoulder.

"Ah!" Zhuque Er let out a scream, stumbled back a few steps, clutching her bleeding shoulder, disbelief etched on her face.

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

Fang Yan didn't answer. He seized the opportunity and punched again.

"Five Finger Fist Heart Sword: Sword Shadow Maze!"

Countless tiny, pitch-black sword lights shot out from his palm, like swarming black ants, attacking Zhuque Er.

Zhuque Er was already injured, her internal energy circulation disrupted. She couldn't possibly block so many sword lights. She could only watch helplessly as the sword lights pierced towards her.

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

The sword lights stopped an inch in front of Zhuque Er.

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

The crowd below erupted into thunderous applause and cheers.

"That was amazing! Fang Yan actually reversed the situation!"

"That 'fist heart hidden sword' move was incredible; even Zhuque Er couldn't block it!"

"Kyoto University of Science and Technology has a chance to win the championship this year!"

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 with a score of 2:0, successfully advancing to the semifinals.

Their opponent in the semifinals was Black Dragon City University of Science and Technology.

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