Winning Streak

The elite tournament continued. With the solid foundation of a sixth-level warrior and the support of instant low-level magic, Lin Qin swept through his matches.

His second opponent was a fifth-level warrior. The man's attacks were fierce, and his techniques sharp. Lin Qin responded to every move without changing his approach, steadily blocking with his broadsword as he searched for an opening. The instant his opponent's strength faltered, Lin Qin burst forward with sudden speed. His broadsword, carrying tremendous weight, broke through the defense and sent the man tumbling off the stage.

In his third match, he faced a rare Light Element mage. His opponent specialized in healing and defense, and his Holy Light Shield was exceptionally resilient. Lin Qin didn't rush. He steadily wore down the man's magic with Earth Spikes and blows from his Heavy Sword. At last, when his opponent's magic was running low and the shield wavered, an Earth Spike Spear shot up precisely from beneath his feet. The man dodged in time, but the attack disrupted his casting rhythm. Lin Qin seized the opening, closed in, and lightly tapped his broadsword against the man's chest, winning the match.

His fighting style gradually became familiar to everyone: calm and solid, with almost no weaknesses. His powerful defense, precise timing, and ability to cast low-level magic instantly at crucial moments gave his opponents a serious headache.

"Lin Qin's fundamentals are incredibly solid."

"A sixth-level warrior and a third-level mage—dual cultivation in magic and martial arts really is impressive."

"His matches aren't much to watch, but no one can beat him."

Lin Qin paid no attention to the chatter. He focused on every fight, treating each as a test of his cultivation. Winning wasn't the goal; finding his shortcomings and gaining experience were what mattered.

Aileen watched every match from the sidelines, cheering him on. Seeing how steadily he fought and how he won again and again, she looked at him with pride.

On the other side, Linley's matches drew even more attention. A fifth-level mage with powerful spiritual force, he wielded Wind Element and Earth Element magic with ease. His fighting style was nimble yet powerful, and he advanced just as effortlessly.

Soon, the tournament entered its second half, and only the academy's elite students remained. In the quarterfinals, Lin Qin faced a formidable opponent: Cain, a peak sixth-level Lightning Element mage.

Cain's attacks were extremely powerful. Lightning Element magic was swift and devastating, and he was one of the favorites to win the championship.

Many considered this match Lin Qin's true test. Could his defense still hold against the powerful attacks of Lightning Element magic?

On the stage, Cain looked arrogant. "Lin Qin, your winning streak ends here. Lightning Element magic is too fast for that clumsy earthen wall of yours to stop."

Lin Qin stood with his sword in hand, his expression calm. "We'll see."

The referee announced the start.

Cain swept his staff, instantly firing several Lightning Arrows. They shot toward Lin Qin at tremendous speed, forming a net.

Lin Qin's gaze sharpened, but he didn't try to block them head-on. He shifted his steps and swayed aside, dodging most of the lightning arrows by the narrowest margin. He knocked away only two with his broadsword. Electricity danced across the blade, then dissipated against his powerful Battle Qi.

"Hm?" Cain was taken aback, not expecting his opponent to react so quickly. He immediately began chanting, preparing a more powerful spell.

But Lin Qin didn't give him time to cast at his leisure. He charged forward, his speed suddenly surging, and swept his left hand out.

"Thud! Thud! Thud!"

Several Earth Spike Spears erupted—not aimed at Cain, but precisely placed around him and along his paths of movement, restricting where he could go. Cain easily dodged or smashed them apart, but they still disrupted his casting rhythm.

Forced to interrupt his chant, Cain released an instant Thunderstorm. Lightning exploded outward around him.

Lin Qin had anticipated it. His forward momentum came to an abrupt halt, and a thick, curved earthen wall instantly rose before him, blocking the full force of the Thunderstorm. The wall shuddered violently amid the lightning and was covered in cracks, but it didn't break.

Seizing the opportunity, Lin Qin closed the distance again. His broadsword came crashing down with a heavy whoosh!

Cain hurriedly raised a Lightning Shield.

"Boom!"

The broadsword struck the shield, lightning clashing violently with the ochre Battle Qi. The shield rippled violently, and Cain staggered back several steps, his face pale.

He had barely regained his footing when Lin Qin raised his left hand again.

This time, it wasn't an Earth Spike Spear or an earthen wall. A powerful force of gravity suddenly descended on Cain!

Third-level Earth Element magic—Gravity Technique!

Cain's body sank, and his movements instantly grew sluggish. Even the flow of magic within him became sluggish. He was horrified.

Lin Qin's broadsword was already coming at him again, its momentum heavier than before, as though it had drawn on the power of the surrounding earth.

Cain barely managed to raise his staff to block.

"Clang!"

The staff was knocked aside with a heavy blow. Lin Qin's broadsword stopped before Cain's forehead, its sharp wind scraping painfully against his skin.

Cain stood frozen, his face ashen.

"Lin Qin wins!" the referee announced.

The spectators fell silent for a moment, then burst into heated discussion. Lin Qin had won! He had not only withstood the fierce onslaught of Lightning Element magic, but defeated the powerful Cain with precise timing and a series of consecutive control spells!

He had shown more than just defense: he could attack and control the fight, too. That perfectly timed Gravity Technique had become the final straw that broke Cain.

Lin Qin sheathed his sword, nodded to Cain, and walked off the stage. Aileen hurried over to him, excited.

With that, Lin Qin advanced to the semifinals in commanding fashion.