"Now then, it is time for the second group's match."
Commentator Ai Fei's voice rang throughout the venue through the Soul Guidance Loudspeaker, as impassioned as ever:
"The two contestants about to take the stage—Contestant Ye Lan and Contestant Nan Fusheng—have both made it this far with eight consecutive victories! This decisive match is sure to be an evenly matched clash of dragons and tigers. Let us wait and see!"
As her words fell, the passageways on both sides of the arena lit up simultaneously.
Nan Fusheng, dressed in fitted combat attire, stepped steadily onto the Competition Arena. Faint Soul Power fluctuations circulated around him, showing that he had made thorough preparations.
On the other side, Ye Xinglan slowly entered everyone's sight. However, she appeared somewhat frail, and her face bore an unmistakable pallor.
Just as the entire audience held its breath in anticipation of this showdown between powerhouses, Ye Xinglan had barely reached the center of the Competition Arena when she clearly uttered three words: "I concede."
Those three brief words were like thunder from a clear sky, instantly causing an uproar throughout the venue.
The spectators in the stands froze for a moment before erupting into incredulous clamor—no one had expected this genius contestant, who had fought her way through every round without a single loss, to forfeit before the match had even begun.
The referee beside the Competition Arena frowned slightly and stepped forward, his tone stern as he confirmed once again, "Contestant Ye Lan, are you certain you wish to withdraw from this match? Once you declare defeat, the result cannot be changed."
Ye Xinglan raised her head and calmly met the referee's gaze, clearly answering, "Yes."
Her face remained pale, as though even speaking cost her considerable effort. After a pause, she added, "The injuries