Qi Ruifeng Takes the Stage

Yin Jingyun's role was not to defeat Bai Xiaowen, but to force out Bai Xiaowen's skills as much as possible and prolong the battle—given her abilities of having shields, healing, and Ranged Shooting Specialty skills, such a tactical objective should not have been difficult to achieve.

However, after Bai Xiaowen upgraded his Black Soul Stone to LV4, the newly added "Targeted Airdrop" effect ruthlessly shattered Yin Jingyun's stalling tactics. No matter how many speed-up skills Yin Jingyun had, Bai Xiaowen only needed to airdrop a Skeleton Sword-and-Shield Soldier to prevent her from casting any spells...

Seeing the girl fall to the ground on the big screen, the whispers that had been going on in the auditorium grew louder.

"Did Senior Yin Jingyun's collapse cause any harm to Bai Xiaowen?"

"Don't say that, we still managed to take away several dozen points of Life Value from that giant wolf summon."

"..."

"This can't go on any longer, Senior Qi Ruifeng, hurry up and teach this junior who just reached level 4 a good lesson!"

"That's right, we want to see Senior Qi Ruifeng!"

"Senior Qi Ruifeng, please come to the stage!"

Gradually, the clamor in the auditorium was reduced to three words:

"Qi Ruifeng!"

"Qi Ruifeng!"

"Qi Ruifeng!"

On the stage, Qi Ruifeng discussed something with his instructor before heading towards the elevator. This time, the cheers grew even louder.

On the bench, Chen Guowei said with some surprise, "No way, the second match is the main battle... Whoever wins this match will basically win the whole game."

Xiang Hui frowned. "Qi Ruifeng might not even show up."

"They've been forced into this situation, why aren't they coming out? The whole audience is chanting his name, it's what everyone wants..." Chen Guowei said.

"Didn't Lao Bai say that Qi Ruifeng is very pragmatic? Unless he's 100% confident he can defeat Lao Bai, the best strategy is to have the other team members go up and wear down Lao Bai's Divine Might, kill as many summoned creatures as possible... and then he can finish them off."

At this moment, on the podium, the advisor from Jiangnan University announced loudly, "Our next challenger is... Qi Hong."

The shouts for Qi Ruifeng in the arena paused for a moment, leaving the students from Jiangnan University completely bewildered.

However, with the appearance of Qi Hong, the Mystic Archer from Jiangnan University, the big screen quickly switched to the match footage. The students of Jiangnan University could only discuss the reasons privately. In any case, they were unwilling to believe that Qi Ruifeng would choose to avoid the match, even though it was the wisest strategy...

In the Psionic Training Ground, Bai Xiaowen looked at Qi Hong who appeared before her and said, "Hi, hello."

They were still in the final three seconds of preparation. However, Qi Hong had no time to pay attention to Bai Xiaowen. Instead, he quickly slipped behind a Copper Pillar and took the bow and arrow from his back.

"Don't be so nervous..."

Before Bai Xiaowen could finish speaking, Qi Hong suddenly made his move, sending a feathered arrow trailing a long, beautiful ribbon of light towards the Rageclaw!

Qi Hong's goal was clear: to eliminate Bai Xiaowen's summoned creatures.

Logically, this powerful arrow should have been used to Killing Shot Bai Xiaowen. However, the tactic just given by Captain Qi Ruifeng was not to touch Bai Xiaowen! Who knows what kind of survival ability Bai Xiaowen has? It's better to take down his summoned creatures first, even if Qi Hong has to exchange his life for Rageclaw, it would be worth it.

A summoner without summoned creatures is useless, no matter how many ways they can save themselves; they only prolong the time it takes to be killed.

However, as Qi Hong's arrow was aimed at Rageclaw, Bai Xiaowen had already anticipated his intention. He raised his hand, and a Skeleton Sword-and-Shield Soldier appeared in front of Rageclaw.

Swish!

This arrow shattered the Skeleton Sword-and-Shield Soldier into countless Bone Shatter; its power was unimaginable.

Seeing that his fully charged ultimate attack had only taken down a small skeleton, Qi Hong felt a sense of frustration. However, before he could even reflect on his actions, a sharp pain shot through his thigh as a chain was hurled from afar, piercing his leg. His body was then propelled through the air, dragged towards Bai Xiaowen's side—

Just as Bai Xiaowen was controlling the Skeleton Sword-and-Shield Soldier the skill, he multitasked and controlled the Stitched Monster Fatty to make a move. With Meat Hook, he hooked Qi Hong, who had just unleashed his ultimate move and had no time to dodge, and dragged him back!

And then... that's it. Qi Hong is a fragile marksman; his killing power is astonishing when protected by a team, but he's very poor at fighting alone, relying solely on Killing Shot for his livelihood.

He originally had a roll-type escape skill, but Bai Xiaowen had seen his information beforehand. Before he even landed, Rageclaw, Skeleton Sword-and-Shield Soldier, Shadow Assassin, and Stitched Monster had already surrounded him with sinister smiles.

Qi Hong pulled out a small knife and swung it frantically, trying to inflict as much damage as possible on Bai Xiaowen's summoned creatures before he died.

Rageclaw took several hits, its Life Value dropping to around 70%. This was the result of Bai Xiaowen's deliberate control; with the Blood Frenzy buff, Rageclaw had a 30% Critical Hit rate, making its damage output even more terrifying. As for survivability, with Bai Xiaowen's Life Sharing, it was practically rock solid.

Qi Hong suffered another defeat, and Bai Xiaowen lost a Skeleton Sword-and-Shield Soldier. In addition, the Life Value of Bai Xiaowen and Rageclaw was reduced to 70%.

Without stopping, the Jiangnan University team sent out a third person, Taiji Swordsman Li Sheng.

Li Sheng and Bai Xiaowen had fought in the Spinebreak Mountain Grand Rift Treasure Grounds. At that time, Bai Xiaowen was only level 3, but he fought against three people at once, giving Li Sheng a deep impression.

Preparation time.

"Oh, it's you." Bai Xiaowen smiled.

Li Sheng glared at Bai Xiaowen: "I won't fall for your tricks again this time!" He was referring to the time when Bai Xiaowen tricked him out of his Spell Shield skill, leading to a crushing defeat.

As soon as the battle began, Li Sheng drew his longsword, his toes barely touching the ground, his sleeves fluttering, and rushed towards Bai Xiaowen.

"I thought we'd finally found someone willing to talk."

Bai Xiaowen shook his head, raised his Desert Eagle pistol, and watched Li Sheng approach step by step.

If he were to fire rashly, the chances of hitting his target given Li Sheng's agility and the Block ability provided by his Taiji Swordsmanship would be extremely low.

Just as Li Sheng approached within three meters of Bai Xiaowen, Bai Xiaowen suddenly unleashed his Intimidation!

The two-star mutated skill, Intimidation, has no charging time or casting animation; it is completely silent and instantaneous. Li Sheng's body froze instantly!

"Oh no! It's that trick again!"

Li Sheng remembered Qi Ruifeng's instructions.

"According to intelligence, Bai Xiaowen's first shot is the most terrifying. He should have an equipment that can accumulate Critical Hit rate outside of combat! Therefore, his first shot is a 100% Critical Hit. And his consistent tactic is to use control skills while firing, giving the opponent no time to react... Once a vital point is hit at close range, except for tank-type classes, they will basically be instantly killed!"

While gripped by Fear Status, Li Sheng took a deep breath and activated the attached skill of his upper garment— Iron Shirt! At the same time, a flash of light appeared on Li Sheng's body, and he successfully used an item to break free from the control effect!

[Iron Shirt: Block one physical attack or skill with a priority of 6 or lower. If not consumed within 3 seconds, the Iron Shirt effect will automatically disappear. Cooldown: 8 hours.]

However, the expected gunshot never rang out.

"Li Sheng, prepare to die!" Bai Xiaowen shouted, and a magic book with a comical face drawn on it floated out of his left hand, flashing with light.

Gold Equipment - Whispering Grimoire with additional skill: Whispering activated!

Three transparent six-sided dice appeared, spun around, and landed—two, three, three.

"You rolled an 8."

"Whispering skill activated, randomly selecting one spell from two-star spells! Target: Awakener Li Sheng."

"Spell Draw Result: Ice Spear"

The Ice Spear, gleaming with a cold light, shot out.

The instant Bai Xiaowen pulled out the Whispering Grimoire and summoned the Ice Spear, Li Sheng activated his combat skill Spell Shield! A layer of azure light enveloped his body. Subsequently, the Ice Spear was neutralized by the azure light.

"Haha, I..."

Li Sheng was about to mock Bai Xiaowen when he opened his mouth to find that it seemed to be controlled by some inexplicable force!

--The enhanced effect "Nonsense" of the LV4 Whispering Grimoire is activated.

"I... Li Sheng, prepare to die!"

In the viewing hall, these words came out clearly from the loudspeakers, resounding throughout the entire hall.

The students from Jiangnan University looked at each other in bewilderment.

What did Senior Li Sheng just say?

"It seems like... it's me, Li Sheng... sending money?"

"They should be facing death."

"But Senior Li Sheng spoke so loudly, as if he were speaking with great passion..."

"I understand! Senior Li Sheng must be prepared to sacrifice himself! He's going to use his own body to drag Bai Xiaowen's summoned creature down with him, creating an opportunity for his teammates behind him..."

However, this seemingly reasonable conjecture had barely been uttered when another gunshot rang out from the loudspeaker. Everyone hurriedly looked at the big screen, only to see Li Sheng shot between the eyebrows and fall backward.

Li Sheng... suffered another defeat. His contribution was forcing Bai Xiaowen to use one of his control skills, [Intimidation], one of his equipment-added skills, [Whispering], and his accumulated 100% Critical Hit rate.

To the students at Jiangnan University, Li Sheng had just shouted "I, Li Sheng, am ready to die," and the next second she was really dead...

The truth is, Li Sheng didn't understand what was going on with her, felt ashamed and embarrassed, and then Bai Xiaowen took the opportunity to shoot her in the Headshot.

The advisor from Jiangnan University was already ashen-faced, but he quickly responded, "Our fourth challenger is Qi Ruifeng."

Now is not the time to delay. Every minute that is delayed means a tiny bit of Bai Xiaowen's skill cooldown and Divine Might will be restored—energy that Li Sheng gained at the cost of his life...

Inside the competition venue.

With a flash of light, Qi Ruifeng appeared opposite Bai Xiaowen.

At this moment, kings meet kings.

Qi Ruifeng: "Were you surprised? Your performance is over."

"To be honest, your appearance at this time doesn't surprise me," Bai Xiaowen shrugged. "This is an obvious opportunity. My Intimidation has a cooldown of several minutes. If you let your main tank fight me, my skills and Divine Might will have recovered by the time I'm done. Wouldn't you have wasted your efforts?"

Qi Ruifeng also put a lot of effort into studying Bai Xiaowen. In his opinion, Bai Xiaowen's main threat was his two control skills: Talisman Switching and Intimidation! In comparison, although Talisman Switching had a higher star rating, [Intimidation] was still a greater threat in battles against Awakened Ones.

After all, it can be activated with a thought, without the need for spellcasting or charging, making it extremely stealthy. Moreover, it has area control, making it virtually impossible to defend against.

Now that [Intimidation] has entered its cooldown phase, it presents an excellent opportunity for Qi Ruifeng.

Of course, Qi Ruifeng couldn't admit to this; he simply gave a dismissive smile and said, "A presumptuous guess..."

As he spoke, Qi Ruifeng suddenly rushed over, his battle halberd drawing an arc in the air, striking a Skeleton Sword-and-Shield Soldier at a tricky angle, sending him crashing to the ground!

With a loud bang, bone fragments flew everywhere.

A bright blue halo suddenly appeared around Qi Ruifeng. He continued with a cold snort, "I originally planned to have my teammates take care of you, but now it seems you're worthy of my attention!"

Click click click!

Qi Ruifeng's body suddenly grew two feet taller, his bronze-colored frame becoming much taller and more imposing, like a Vajra in a temple! The words he spoke, accompanied by this imposing presence, naturally also gained immense power.

Buzz! The halberd slammed into the ground, and a ring of transparent ripples spread out, indicating a Divine Might probe!

Behind Qi Ruifeng, the Shadow Assassin's figure was revealed. Clearly, the Shadow Assassin's stealth skill had a low priority and could not possibly escape the detection of Qi Ruifeng, Hero Class.

In particular, Qi Ruifeng's skill in grappling and throwing techniques often makes people forget that he is essentially a person with a special talent for Divine Might...

After scanning out the Shadow Assassin, Qi Ruifeng thrust his halberd backward, but Bai Xiaowen controlled the Shadow Assassin to twist and dodge, while at the same time, Rageclaw and Stitched Monster pounced.

However, Qi Ruifeng ignored the Rageclaw ' attacks, including Bai Xiaowen's shots, leaving only a few white marks on his bronze skin! This defensive power is even more domineering than a tank!

Qi Ruifeng swung his halberd downwards, striking the Shadow Assassin Heavy Cleave on the shoulder. His halberd was clearly heavily enhanced, the additional damage was astonishing; with a single blow, the Shadow Assassin was stunned, his Life Value plummeting rapidly!

"Qi Ruifeng's combat skill: Body of Ascetic Cultivation LV4 Special Effect: When the Psychokinetic Protection is triggered, the damage from the next three physical attacks will be forcibly reduced by 90%! During the duration of Body of Ascetic Cultivation, all damage received is reduced by 30%."

"Qi Ruifeng's talent: Psychic Scorch is in effect. Attacks and spells will cause continuous magical damage, the damage value of which depends on Qi Ruifeng's mental attribute!"

The Shadow Assassin's continuous health loss stems from Qi Ruifeng's talent—as Shadow Assassin with a spell vulnerability constitution, the continuous magic damage received is also increased by 50%!

Bai Xiaowen commanded the summoned creatures to attack, but Qi Ruifeng, relying on his Body of Ascetic Cultivation's powerful defensive skills, blocked and parried from both sides, showing no sign of weakness.

Once the cooldown of "Back Suplex" was over, Qi Ruifeng immediately provoked the Shadow Assassin and unleashed another Back Suplex! The shockwave spread, causing both Rageclaw and Stitched Monster Fatty to lose their footing and stagger backward. It should be noted that Qi Ruifeng's grappling techniques are based on his Spirit attribute.