"Attention, contestants and spectators!" Just then, Zhuguang's voice rang out through the venue. "The second round of this tournament has now concluded. The three contestants advancing to the third round are Mr. Aze from Unova, Mr. Zuo Jie from Hoenn, and Mr. Liu Qing from Kanto. With only three contestants advancing, the original rules no longer apply. Mayor Yuantai and I have therefore discussed a new set of rules. I'll now ask Mayor Yuantai to announce them!"
"Ahem." Mayor Yuantai cleared his throat to draw everyone's attention, then gestured toward the three photographs on the big screen. "These three contestants are the winners of this round. The rules for the third round are as follows: one contestant will be selected at random to advance directly to the fourth round, while the other two will compete in a Three-on-Three battle in the third round!"
"What? Those are the rules? Isn't that obviously meant to let Xun Chaoze from Unova advance?" Everyone was taken aback by the announcement, and Shui Nai voiced her displeasure.
"Looks like you and Zuo Jie are definitely going to have a battle, Liu Qing!" Han Ye said, looking at Liu Qing with a peculiar smile.
"Oh, get lost! What's with that sleazy look?" Liu Qing snapped in mock anger.
"I'll defeat you!" His eyes blazing with fighting spirit, Zuo Jie issued Liu Qing a challenge.
"Sure!" Liu Qing raised an eyebrow. "Whether you can win depends on whether you have what it takes!"
"Isn't it a little early to decide that Liu Qing and Zuo Jie will be facing each other?" Xiao Xiao asked doubtfully.
"Heh, true enough. Who knows who'll end up battling whom?" Liu Qing replied with a faint, noncommittal smile.
He's really putting on a convincing act! Han Ye muttered inwardly. *Random, huh? Sounds