Final Match Opponent, It's Wang Hao

The atmosphere in the martial arts arena was even more fervent than yesterday morning.

The top 100 competition had concluded, and today would feature the semi-finals. After yesterday's fierce battles, the four strongest contestants from the Regular Class had been determined: Zhang Kuanghu, Zhao Gang, Li Long, and the biggest dark horse—Lin Fan.

The four would be paired up, with the winners advancing to the finals.

The drawing ceremony was held in the center of the arena. Thousands of students surrounded the area, holding their breath in anticipation. Lin Fan stood in the contestants' area, his expression calm. Beside him, Chen Dahu's right arm was already bandaged. Although he couldn't compete, he had insisted on coming to watch.

"Brother Fan, who do you hope to draw?" Chen Dahu asked in a low voice.

"Anyone is fine," Lin Fan replied indifferently.

Despite his words, he did have a preference. If possible, he wanted to avoid Zhang Kuanghu. It wasn't out of fear, but rather to save the strongest opponent for the finals. After all, he hadn't settled the score for Zhang Kuanghu injuring Dahu yet.

The one presiding over the drawing was a white-haired elder, the academy's enforcement elder, Elder Sun. He expressionlessly took out four jade tokens and announced loudly, "The top four drawing, paired up for duels. The tokens are divided into red and blue. Those with the same color will duel. Now, please, the four contestants, come forward to draw."

Zhang Kuanghu stepped up first and casually drew a jade token—red.

Zhao Gang was second, drawing blue.

Li Long was third, also blue.

Only the last red jade token remained.

Lin Fan walked forward and picked up the last token. Red.

"The drawing results!" Elder Sun announced loudly. "First match: Zhang Kuanghu versus Lin Fan! Second match: Zhao Gang versus Li Long! The winners will advance to the finals!"

The crowd below immediately erupted in an uproar.

"Lin Fan versus Zhang Kuanghu? That's incredibly bad luck!"

"It's over, it's over. Lin Fan's dark horse run ends here."

"Zhang Kuanghu defeated his opponent within ten moves yesterday. How can Lin Fan possibly fight him?"

"Not necessarily. Lin Fan's sword technique is very strange; maybe he can create a miracle."

Chen Dahu's expression changed. "Brother Fan, this..."

"It's fine," Lin Fan clenched the jade token, his gaze shifting to Zhang Kuanghu not far away.

Zhang Kuanghu was also looking over, a sinister grin spreading across his lips. He made a throat-slitting gesture with his right hand in front of his neck.

A blatant provocation.

Lin Fan shifted his gaze and looked at the contestants in the other pairing.

Zhao Gang, peak 2nd grade, his family's Gale Blade Technique had reached Major Accomplishment, his blade techniques were sharp, and his Speed was extremely fast. Li Long, also peak 2nd grade, cultivated the Soaring Dragon Spear Technique; his spear was like a soaring dragon, unpredictable. These two were evenly matched in strength, their victory uncertain.

"Let's watch their match first," Lin Fan said as he sat down in the spectator stands.

The first match was Zhao Gang versus Li Long.

The two ascended the stage, bowed to each other, and the battle immediately erupted.

Zhao Gang's blade was as fast as a gale, his blade light like a waterfall. Each strike carried the whistling sound of tearing air. Li Long's spear, on the other hand, was like a viper striking from its hole, sometimes fierce like a dragon, sometimes soft like a snake. The spear shadows were dense, dazzling the eyes.

Both were long-established powerhouses in the Regular Class, possessing rich combat experience and exquisite moves. For a time, blade light and spear shadows intertwined on the stage, with surges of energy erupting, drawing continuous gasps from the audience.

"Such powerful blade techniques! Zhao Gang's Gale Blade Technique has reached Major Accomplishment; the power of a single strike exceeds six thousand jin!"

"Li Long's spear technique is not weak either. Look at that move, 'Dragon Roaming the Four Seas,' he almost struck Zhao Gang's throat!"

"This is a true master's duel!"

Lin Fan watched intently.

These two were the strongest opponents he had encountered so far. Whether it was the sharpness of the blade techniques or the exquisiteness of the spear techniques, they far surpassed those of the previous few days. More importantly, not only were their cultivation levels high, but their combat awareness was also extremely strong. Every move was both offensive and defensive, with almost no flaws.

"Brother Fan, can you win against them?" Chen Dahu asked in a low voice.

"Yes," Lin Fan replied without hesitation.

This wasn't arrogance, but a judgment based on his strength. After yesterday's battle, his Gale Sword Technique had reached the Proficient level (4876/5000), just one step away from Minor Accomplishment. More importantly, in actual combat, his understanding of swordsmanship had far surpassed that of his peers.

Others practiced swords by diligently practicing moves step by step. He practiced swords by quantifying the effect of each sword strike through the system, verifying the pros and cons of each strike through combat, and optimizing the angle and timing of each strike through thought.

This was a fundamental difference.

On the stage, the battle entered a white-hot phase.

Zhao Gang suddenly let out a roar, his blade momentum changing. It transformed from a tempestuous storm into a single beam of blade light—it was the ultimate move of the Gale Blade Technique, "Wind Sweeping Clouds"!

This strike was nearly twice as fast as before, the blade light like a silken ribbon, directly slashing at Li Long's chest.

Li Long's expression changed. He spun his spear, using the defensive ultimate move of the Soaring Dragon Spear Technique, "Dragon Coiling Tiger Crouching." The spear shadows transformed into a circular shield, protecting his entire body.

"Clang!"

Blade and spear collided, sparks flying.

Li Long grunted, retreating three steps. His tiger's mouth cracked, blood flowing freely. But he had, after all, blocked the strike.

Zhao Gang pressed his advantage, his blade light rising again, like a gale sweeping through, relentless.

Li Long barely held on for more than ten moves before finally showing an opening. Zhao Gang seized the opportunity and struck Li Long's spear shaft with his blade. The immense force sent the spear flying.

"I concede!" Li Long retreated several steps, his face pale.

"Second match, Zhao Gang wins!" the referee announced.

Enthusiastic applause erupted from below the stage.

In this battle, Zhao Gang had displayed absolute strength. Although the win wasn't easy, everyone had seen his power.

"Zhao Gang has advanced to the finals!" someone shouted, "Now we just have to see who wins between Zhang Kuanghu and Lin Fan!"

"Is there even a question? It's obviously Zhang Kuanghu!"

"It's already impressive that Lin Fan made it to the top four. He doesn't stand a chance against Zhang Kuanghu."

Amidst the crowd's discussion, Lin Fan stood up and walked onto the stage.

Zhang Kuanghu was already waiting on the stage, arms crossed, a look of arrogance on his face.

"Lin Fan, I admit I didn't expect you to make it this far," Zhang Kuanghu sneered, "but this is where it ends. Yesterday I broke your brother's arm, and today I'll break your limbs and leave you bedridden for three months."

Lin Fan said nothing, merely drawing his Wooden Sword slowly.

The referee glanced at the two, recited the rules as a formality, then waved his hand: "Begin!"

Before the word was even out, Zhang Kuanghu had moved.

He stomped his foot, his entire body like a tiger released from its cage, and threw a punch straight at Lin Fan's face. The wind howled with the roar of a tiger, the opening move of the Fierce Tiger Fist – Fierce Tiger Descends the Mountain!

This punch was stronger, fiercer, and faster than the one he used against Chen Dahu yesterday!

The audience below held their breath.

Yesterday, Zhang Kuanghu had used this very punch to break Chen Dahu's arm. Today, would he use it to end Lin Fan's underdog streak?

Lin Fan moved.

He didn't meet the punch head-on, nor did he retreat. Instead, he sidestepped half a step, thrusting his Wooden Sword diagonally.

Gale Stab!

Still the basic sword technique, still a simple, direct thrust.

But the angle of this thrust was extremely tricky, aimed precisely at Zhang Kuanghu's underarm – the point where his punch was most powerful, yet also most vulnerable.

Zhang Kuanghu's expression shifted slightly. He retracted his fist, changing his strike from a punch to a claw, grabbing for the Wooden Sword.

Tiger Claw Hand!

This change of move was incredibly swift, showcasing his extensive combat experience.

But Lin Fan's sword was faster.

The sword tip trembled lightly, evading the tiger claw, changing from a thrust to a slash, aimed at Zhang Kuanghu's wrist.

Gale Slash!

Zhang Kuanghu changed again, transforming his claw into a palm, striking at the sword body.

Lin Fan's swordplay shifted once more, changing from a slash to a sweep, sweeping horizontally towards Zhang Kuanghu's ribs.

Gale Sweep!

Three consecutive sword strikes, each forcing Zhang Kuanghu to change his move in defense. Despite his higher cultivation and greater Strength, Lin Fan was forcing him back step by step with the simplest sword techniques.

The audience below was dumbfounded.

"What's going on? Zhang Kuanghu is being suppressed?"

"Lin Fan's swordplay... it's too fast! Every strike hits Zhang Kuanghu's most uncomfortable spot!"

"How is this possible? Zhang Kuanghu is at the peak of Rank 2, and Lin Fan is only Rank 1!"

Zhang Kuanghu grew angrier as the fight progressed.

He had expected to crush Lin Fan easily, but instead, he was being forced into such a sorry state by the opponent's basic sword techniques. This was an utter humiliation!

"Roar!" Zhang Kuanghu suddenly roared, his aura surging, his punches doubling in speed.

Fierce Tiger Fist, Second Form – Starving Tiger Pounces!

This punch was no longer a simple straight punch, but transformed into a flurry of phantom fists, like a starving tiger pouncing, sealing off all of Lin Fan's escape routes.

Gasps of surprise rose from below: "Zhang Kuanghu is getting serious!"

"This is his true strength! He wasn't even going all out yesterday!"

"Lin Fan is in danger!"

Facing the barrage of phantom fists, Lin Fan's expression remained unchanged.

His footwork shifted, his body moving like a willow in the wind, weaving through the phantom fists. His Wooden Sword transformed into streaks of sword light, each strike precisely aimed at the weak points of the phantom fists.

Thrust, slash, sweep, chop, block, retreat.

The six basic sword techniques became infinitely varied in his hands.

Even more astonishing was that his swordplay was constantly improving during the fight.

[Gale Sword Technique Proficiency +50]

[Gale Sword Technique Proficiency +50]

[Gale Sword Technique Proficiency +50]

The system notifications flashed wildly.

Every punch from Zhang Kuanghu was like a whetstone, honing his sword technique. Under pressure, his understanding of the Gale Sword Technique improved rapidly, each strike more accurate, faster, and more exquisite than the last.

After twenty exchanges, Zhang Kuanghu's offensive began to weaken.

While his Fierce Tiger Fist was powerful, it consumed a great deal of energy. Lin Fan's sword technique, on the other hand, used skill to overcome strength, consuming very little. With one side waning and the other waxing, the scales of victory began to tip.

"Impossible!" shock and anger flashed in Zhang Kuanghu's eyes.

He couldn't lose, especially not to a commoner, a 1st Grade Martial Trainee!

"You forced me to do this!" a trace of madness flickered in Zhang Kuanghu's eyes. He suddenly pulled a red pill from his embrace and shoved it into his mouth.

As the pill entered his stomach, his aura instantly surged. His skin turned red, veins bulged, and his eyes burned crimson.

"Blood Burst Pill!" someone in the audience exclaimed, "He took a Blood Burst Pill!"

"That's a forbidden medicine! It can double your combat power for a short time, but it damages your foundation!"

"Referee! He's cheating!"

The referee's expression darkened, and just as he was about to intervene, Zhang Kuanghu moved.

After taking the Blood Burst Pill, his Speed and Strength surged. He threw a punch, the force of which condensed into a tangible form, transforming into the phantom of a ferocious tiger that roared and lunged at Lin Fan.

Fierce Tiger Fist's ultimate secret art—Tiger Roars in the Forest!

This punch had surpassed the realm of a 2nd Grade Martial Artist, approaching the power of a 3rd Grade Martial Master!

The audience gasped in amazement. Many closed their eyes, unable to bear watching Lin Fan be severely injured by this blow.

However, a glint of light flashed in Lin Fan's eyes.

The moment Zhang Kuanghu took the Blood Burst Pill, his Gale Sword Technique had finally broken through.

[Gale Sword Technique: Minor Accomplishment (5001/10000)]

Minor Accomplishment, a 50% bonus!

Not only that, but at the moment of breakthrough, a profound understanding surged into his mind. The six basic stances of the Gale Sword Technique fused seamlessly in his consciousness, transforming into a brand-new sword technique.

It had no name, no distinct moves, only a feeling—speed!

Fast as the gale, fast as lightning, fast to the extreme!

Facing the lunging phantom tiger, Lin Fan didn't retreat but advanced. His Wooden Sword became a streak of light.

This sword strike was devoid of flashiness or variation, only speed.

It was so fast that no one could see how he drew his sword.

All that could be heard was a soft "thwip."

The phantom tiger dissipated.

Zhang Kuanghu's fist stopped half a foot from Lin Fan's chest, unable to advance another inch.

Because a Wooden Sword had pierced his shoulder.

Blood dripped from the Wooden Sword.

Zhang Kuanghu was stunned. He looked down at the Wooden Sword piercing his shoulder, disbelief in his eyes.

He couldn't comprehend how he had lost despite taking the Blood Burst Pill and unleashing his strongest attack.

How could Lin Fan's sword be so fast?

Below the stage, there was dead silence.

Everyone stared at the two figures on the stage, dumbfounded.

After a long moment, the referee finally reacted and announced loudly, "First match, Lin Fan wins!"

The silence was broken by a thunderous roar from the crowd.

"He won? Lin Fan won?"

"He defeated Zhang Kuanghu! Defeated Zhang Kuanghu who took the Blood Burst Pill!"

"That sword strike... did you see it clearly?"

"No, it was too fast! I only saw a flash of light!"

"A monster! Lin Fan is definitely a monster!"

Amidst the crowd's exclamations, Lin Fan withdrew his Wooden Sword.

Zhang Kuanghu staggered back, his face deathly pale. The effects of the Blood Burst Pill began to fade, and the violent backlash caused him intense pain. But more painful than his body was the humiliation in his heart.

He, Zhang Kuanghu, one of the four powerhouses of the Regular Class, had actually lost to a 1st Grade Martial Trainee, a commoner!

"Lin Fan..." Zhang Kuanghu gritted his teeth, his eyes filled with resentment. "You just wait, I will definitely..."

Before he could finish speaking, he spat out a mouthful of blood and collapsed.

Medical personnel rushed onto the stage and carried him away for treatment.

Lin Fan walked off the stage, his expression calm, as if the battle just now had nothing to do with him.

Chen Dahu excitedly rushed over, "Brother Fan! You won! You defeated Zhang Kuanghu!"

"Mm," Lin Fan nodded, his gaze shifting to the stage.

Next up was the second semifinal match: Wang Hao versus Sun Hu.

Wang Hao had narrowly defeated his opponent in yesterday's top 100 competition to advance to the semifinals. Sun Hu, on the other hand, was the last of the Regular Class's four strongest contenders, his strength not inferior to Zhang Kuanghu's.

The winner of this match would contend with him for the championship.

"Can Wang Hao win?" Chen Dahu asked.

"We'll see," Lin Fan replied as he sat down in the spectator stands.

On the stage, Wang Hao and Sun Hu stood facing each other.

Wang Hao wore a magnificent Martial Artist uniform, a sword at his waist, and a faint golden light emanated from his chest – it was the Mortal Tier Top Grade armor. Sun Hu, dressed in tight-fitting attire, held a pair of short halberds, exuding a fierce aura.

After the referee announced the start, the two instantly engaged.

Sun Hu's dual halberds employed a forceful approach, each strike carrying immense power, the wind whistling with each swing. Lin Fan's swordsmanship, however, was agile and graceful, his sword light like a rainbow, capable of both offense and defense.

Initially, the two were evenly matched.

But after ten moves, Wang Hao began to fall into a disadvantage.

Sun Hu's dual halberds were simply too fierce; each collision sent a numbing shock up Wang Hao's arms. Even more troublesome was Sun Hu's extremely rich Combat Experience; his halberd techniques were relentless, giving Wang Hao no chance to breathe.

"Wang Hao is going to lose," someone below the stage judged.

"After all, Sun Hu is one of the four strongest, and although Wang Hao has more resources, his Combat Experience is still lacking."

"What a shame, the Wang Family young master is stopping at the semifinals."

However, Wang Hao's expression remained unusually calm.

After another ten moves, Sun Hu brought down a halberd strike. Wang Hao raised his sword to block, and the impact forced him back three steps.

An opportunity!

A sharp glint flashed in Sun Hu's eyes as he unleashed both halberds simultaneously, aiming straight for Wang Hao's chest. If this strike landed, Wang Hao would undoubtedly lose.

But at that moment, the golden light on Wang Hao's chest flared intensely.

Mortal Tier Top Grade armor – the Golden Scale Armor!

Clang!

The dual halberds struck the armor, emitting a deafening metallic clang.

Sun Hu's expression changed. He felt as if his halberds had struck a mountain; the recoil numbed his arms.

Meanwhile, Wang Hao merely took a step back, completely unharmed.

Seizing the opportunity, Wang Hao's long sword darted out like a venomous snake, thrusting towards Sun Hu's throat.

Sun Hu hastily parried with his halberds, but Wang Hao's sword suddenly changed direction, piercing towards his lower abdomen.

Sun Hu blocked again.

Wang Hao's sword changed direction a third time, aiming for his thigh.

Three consecutive strikes, each one potentially fatal.

Sun Hu was forced to retreat repeatedly, finally exposing an opening. Wang Hao seized the chance and struck his right shoulder with his sword.

"I concede!" Sun Hu retreated several steps, his face grim.

He was unwilling to accept defeat. If not for that armor, he would never have lost.

But a loss was a loss.

"Second match, Wang Hao wins!" the referee announced.

Sparse applause rippled through the crowd below.

Wang Hao's victory was somewhat unsportsmanlike. However, the rules allowed the use of armor, so no one could say anything.

Wang Hao sheathed his sword and stepped off the stage, his gaze sweeping towards the spectator stands, meeting Lin Fan's eyes.

Both of their gazes were calm, but beneath the surface, a surging fighting spirit churned.

"Finals, Lin Fan versus Wang Hao!" Elder Sun announced loudly. "The finals will begin in half an hour!"

The crowd below erupted in commotion once more.

"Lin Fan versus Wang Hao! The real grudge match!"

"One is a commoner dark horse, the other a noble young master. This final is going to be interesting!"

"Who do you think will win?"

"It's hard to say. Lin Fan's swordsmanship is peculiar, but Wang Hao has armor. Lin Fan's sword might not be able to break through his defense."

"Besides, Wang Hao wasn't using his full strength just now; he definitely has more tricks up his sleeve."

Amidst the murmurs, Lin Fan rose and left the spectator stands.

Chen Dahu followed behind him, asking worriedly, "Brother Fan, Wang Hao's armor..."

"I know," Lin Fan said calmly.

Mortal Tier Top Grade armor could withstand the full-power strike of a Martial Master below Rank 3. With his current strength, breaking through its defense would be difficult.

But, not impossible.

"I'm going to prepare," Lin Fan said, walking towards the back mountain.

Half an hour was enough.

Enough for him to raise the Gale Sword Technique another level.

Enough for him to figure out a way to break through the armor.

Enough for him to put a period on this grudge match.

The sun set, casting his shadow long behind him.

And behind him, the entire academy was abuzz with talk of the upcoming finals.

This battle would decide who was the true number one of the Regular Class.

This battle would decide who was superior, commoners or nobles.

This battle was destined to be anything but peaceful.