First Battle, Great Victory

At exactly 9 a.m., amid a sky full of celebratory fireworks and the applause of the audience, the beautiful hostess with a microphone in hand announced the start of the Hundred Schools League finals. Lin Hao didn't pay much attention to the host's opening remarks, but when the judges were introduced, he froze—he hadn't expected Jiang Tianhai to show up at the competition venue. He then glanced at Jiang Weiwei. Jiang Weiwei gave him a knowing look. Lin Hao's mouth twitched; it seemed Jiang Tianhai had come for him.

Before long, the draw ceremony officially began. As usual, the team captains were responsible for drawing lots. When Lin Hao stepped onto the stage, Fang Yao in the VIP seats froze—that idiot was actually the captain of Shancheng Martial University's team! Lin Yueyue also hadn't expected Lin Hao to draw the lots. "Looks like that brat's been keeping things from us." Lin Yueyue and Fang Yao exchanged glances, both catching the shock in each other's eyes. But the shock in Fang Yao's eyes quickly turned into delight—could this be the surprise that idiot had prepared for her? Lin Xiaorou, licking a giant lollipop, didn't think about any of that; she just cheerfully called out for her big brother to go up and draw.

Lin Hao drew the number 2 spot in the upper bracket, meaning Shancheng Martial University would be the first to compete. Among the five top-tier martial universities, Longcheng Martial University and Modu Martial University were placed in the upper bracket. Qingzhou Martial University, Jiangnan Martial University, and Shencheng Martial University were placed in the lower bracket. Their opponent was Yancheng Martial University, which had drawn the number 1 spot in the upper bracket. Jiang Weiwei and the rest of the team looked over Yancheng Martial University's information; their highest-level captain was a Silver Mid-tier martial artist.

Lin Hao didn't care and casually said, "Same as always. Mo Zixuan, you take the lead. I'll cover the rear. Remember, you're up there to compete, not to fight to the death. If you can't handle it, don't push it."

Mo Zixuan, Wang Meng, and the others lit up at the chance to compete. "Got it, Lin-ge. We won't let you down." Jiang Weiwei was also very satisfied with Lin Hao's arrangement. She glanced at Su Xiaorui, who was still sulking, and sighed helplessly. Her best friend had been in a huff with her since last night over the Lin Hao situation. She still looked unhappy—the kind that couldn't be coaxed out of it.

"First match: Yancheng Martial University versus Shancheng Martial University. Please have the competing members quickly come to the competition stage." With the host's announcement, the first match of the Hundred Schools League officially began. The audience erupted in thunderous applause. Reporters from various TV stations aimed their cameras at the center of the competition stage and started broadcasting live.

"Lin-ge, I'm off!" Mo Zixuan pumped his fist. Seeing Lin Hao nod, he stepped onto the competition stage in one stride.

The opponent from Yancheng University sent out a sturdy Bronze Mid-tier martial artist. He came to the stage and gave a casual salute. "Lin Hao, Bronze Mid-tier martial artist. Please advise." Mo Zixuan's mouth twitched—was this the same name as Great God Lin? Why was the first person up so bizarre? Lin Hao, standing below the stage, was also covered in black lines. The other team members covered their mouths, holding back laughter as best they could. Jiang Weiwei was also stunned—this was too dramatic.

Mo Zixuan smiled faintly at Lin Hao. "Shancheng Martial University, Mo Zixuan, Silver initial stage Martial Artist."

As the referee signaled the start of the match, a bow carved with ancient patterns suddenly appeared in Mo Zixuan's hand. In response, Lin Hao from Yancheng Martial University produced a two-meter-long Blazing Flame Blade. Seeing the Cloud Piercing Bow in Mo Zixuan's hand, the opponent immediately realized this was a long-range offensive martial artist who needed to be closed in on. He struck first, activating his battle skill: Sky-Splitting Slash. A blazing Blade Aura wrapped around the Blazing Flame Blade as it slashed toward Mo Zixuan. Mo Zixuan remained calm, nocking the Cloud Piercing Bow with his left hand while a cyan energy gathered in his right. In an instant, three cyan arrows were set on the bowstring. He fired all three at once. The first arrow shattered Lin Hao's Blade Aura, while the remaining two arrows, undiminished in force, shot toward Lin Hao.

Lin Hao swung his large blade wildly, barely managing to withstand the destructive power of the two arrows. However, his internal organs were shaken, and a trickle of blood seeped from the corner of his mouth. Normal Silver Grade martial artists could easily suppress Bronze Grade ones—except for freaks.

Seeing his strike land, Mo Zixuan instantly moved to Lin Hao's side. A bright white light suddenly flared in his hand, and though no arrow appeared, the light merged into the Cloud Piercing Bow. Mo Zixuan then plucked the bowstring toward Lin Hao. Caught off guard, Lin Hao was sent flying off the competition stage by the shockwave. This was one of Mo Zixuan's inherited battle skills from his family: Startled Bird!

Seeing Lin Hao fall off the stage, the referee immediately announced, "First match of Yancheng Martial University versus Shancheng Martial University: Shancheng Martial University wins. Please send out the second contestant from Yancheng Martial University."

Lin Hao watched Mo Zixuan on the stage and nodded in satisfaction. This match, Mo Zixuan had won by surprise—first confusing the opponent with three arrows, then using the bowstring's shockwave to catch him off guard. This way, he conserved a lot of Spiritual Power for the next match.

The audience below was baffled. They didn't understand the power of Mo Zixuan's second battle skill; they just saw the student with the long blade inexplicably knocked off the stage.

Second match: Yancheng Martial University sent out a Bronze High-rank martial artist wielding a short blade. As soon as this student stepped up, he activated his battle skill: Trace-less. Most of the audience could now only see Mo Zixuan alone on the stage, while the newly arrived martial artist had vanished. Jiang Weiwei frowned at this—a concealment-type Martial Art. Even Gold rank martial artists had to rely on sensing aura to barely pinpoint the opponent's position with this kind of skill. Mo Zixuan, however, just smiled faintly, a smile full of confidence. He was the first member of Shancheng Martial University to compete, and the first contestant in the entire Hundred Schools League. As Shancheng Martial University's top genius (excluding that freak Lin Hao), he had to set a good start for the school.

Without any visible movement, a golden light suddenly flashed in his eyes. His innate skill: See Through activated. In an instant, Mo Zixuan locked onto the opponent's position. He drew his bow and nocked an arrow, and a red arrow shot toward a corner of the competition stage with unmatched speed and power.

Caught off guard by the sudden arrow, the opponent hurriedly dodged. But it was too late—the arrow still pierced through his left shoulder. The force of the arrow also sent him, already at the edge of the stage, tumbling off. Even Fang Wei in the judges' seat couldn't help but praise, "That's a promising talent." Jiang Tianhai nodded repeatedly. "From the roster, this is Shancheng Martial University's top genius. He's got some real skills."

Lin Hao was also somewhat surprised. He hadn't expected Mo Zixuan to have such a talent for seeing through concealment techniques. It was a pleasant surprise. The Shancheng Martial University team members all cheered in unison, rooting for Mo Zixuan.

Seeing the opponent fall off the stage, the referee immediately announced, "Second match of Yancheng Martial University versus Shancheng Martial University: Shancheng Martial University wins. Please send out the third contestant from Yancheng Martial University." Meanwhile, the medical team responsible for treatment during the match quickly rushed to the student's side to check his injuries. Yancheng Martial University's teacher also hurried over with a worried expression. Upon hearing the doctor say the student was fine, the teacher breathed a sigh of relief. Then, they sent out their captain from Yancheng Martial University.