Stop at the Semifinals

In the semifinals, Lin Qin faced Linley. The showdown between two locals from Wushan Town drew the attention of the entire academy.

The two stood facing each other on the platform. Linley looked serious; he knew how solid and difficult to deal with Lin Qin was. Lin Qin remained calm, regarding Linley as an opponent he had to face with everything he had.

The referee announced the start.

Linley struck first, instantly unleashing countless wind blades that swept across the platform and covered most of it. Lin Qin swung his broadsword, forming a Battle Qi barrier that blocked every blade as he advanced with steady steps.

Linley planted his staff on the ground and activated the Earth Element spell "Earthquake Technique," shaking the platform. Battle Qi burst beneath Lin Qin's feet, keeping him as steady as a rock. At the same time, he swept his left hand out, and several Earth Spike Spears shot up around Linley, restricting his movement.

Linley moved nimbly, like a willow leaf in the wind, easily dodging the Earth Spike Spears as he continued to chant. A powerful "Earth Prison Technique" took shape in an instant, attempting to trap Lin Qin.

Lin Qin brought his broadsword down in a fierce slash. His level-six Battle Qi erupted, combined with a trace of his understanding of the structure of earth elements, and he cleaved the earthen prison apart by force. But in the brief delay, Linley's next attack had already arrived.

"Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh—"

"Wind Arrows" imbued with immense penetrating power shot toward him like a driving storm, far faster than the earlier spells. Lin Qin's pupils contracted slightly, and he instantly raised an earthen wall to block them.

"Pfft, pfft, pfft..." The earthen wall quickly filled with cracks under the barrage.

Lin Qin knew he couldn't just keep defending. He charged forward, trying to close the distance. Linley had anticipated this. With a light step, he used "Wind Walk Technique" to move even faster, keeping his distance from Lin Qin while casting "Gravity Technique" over him.

Lin Qin's body sank, and his speed dropped sharply. He let out a low growl and circulated his Battle Qi with all his strength to resist the gravity, but his movements were still affected.

Seizing the opportunity, Linley stopped harassing him with low-level spells and began chanting a higher-level spell. Wind and earth elements surged violently through the air.

Lin Qin felt the intense threat. He knew he had to interrupt Linley. Giving up on a straight pursuit, he changed his steps and advanced along a winding path, continually summoning Earth Spike Spears to disrupt Linley.

However, Linley's control over magic far surpassed that of others at his level. He could always dodge the interference with the smallest movements, never stopping his chant.

At last, the spell was complete!

Countless huge rocks appeared out of thin air and crashed toward Lin Qin like meteors, sealing off every avenue of escape—"Meteor Fall," a fifth-level Earth Element spell! At the same time, fierce, massive wind blades concealed within the rain of rocks silently closed in.

Lin Qin was at the end of his rope. He took a deep breath, planted his broadsword in front of him, and pressed both hands against the ground. His Battle Qi and spiritual power erupted with unprecedented force!

"Rumble!"

A massive stone wall, incredibly thick and wide, surged from the ground, its surface rippling like dragon scales. It shielded him completely. This was the limit of his defensive ability.

"Bang! Bang! Bang! ..."

The meteors crashed into the stone wall one after another, each impact deafening. The wall shook violently, sending fragments flying. The wind blades hidden among the falling rocks were even more insidious, continuously slicing into it.

Lin Qin poured all his strength into maintaining the wall as his Battle Qi and spiritual power rapidly drained away.

But Linley's assault didn't stop. Under cover of "Meteor Fall," he completed a second fifth-level spell—"Destruction Storm"! The violent wind element formed a gigantic tornado that tore through the air and swept toward Lin Qin from the side!

Most of Lin Qin's attention was fixed on the meteors before him. By the time he sensed the terrifying storm on his flank, it was too late to mount an effective defense.

"Boom!!"

The Destruction Storm slammed into the side of the stone wall! Already under immense pressure from the front, the wall finally reached its limit and shattered with a crash!

The powerful impact sent Lin Qin flying. He landed heavily at the edge of the platform, and his broadsword flew from his hand. His throat went sweet, and a mouthful of blood rose up, but he forced it back down. His Battle Qi was in turmoil, and his spiritual power was completely exhausted.

He struggled to get up, only to see Linley's staff already pointed at him, a new spell gathering its glow.

The referee immediately stepped between them and loudly announced, "Linley wins!"

A deafening roar of cheers and chatter erupted from below. Linley's strength had left a deep impression on everyone.

Lin Qin slowly rose and wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth. He walked to the center of the platform, picked up his broadsword, and nodded to Linley. "Congratulations."

Linley lowered his staff as well and said earnestly, "You're strong, Lin Qin. I had a hard time winning."

Lin Qin said nothing more and turned to leave the platform. Aileen hurried over and supported him, her eyes full of concern.

"I'm fine." Lin Qin shook his head. He looked at Linley, who was receiving the crowd's cheers, his expression calm.

For Lin Qin, the tournament was over.