Cheng Yiran had long disliked Wang Yan.
Although he wasn't exactly a prodigy, he still considered himself to be a little stronger than Wang Yan... no, he should say he was significantly stronger than Wang Yan!
Wang Yan was just someone who got promoted by luck.
He truly earned his place through his own hard work and ability.
As a result, he was almost seriously injured in the second round, but fortunately he won by the last move.
Now in the third round, listening to the discussions around him, he could no longer suppress the envy, jealousy, and eagerness in his heart.
After all, being able to advance further in the third round makes a world of difference.
Even if you lose the first challenge in the third round, you can still receive a reward from the Holy Heaven.
If he can go a step further and improve his ranking, it will help his Holy Heaven also advance further.
At that time, whether it's the total reward given by the Ten Great Saint Heavens or the reward given by his own master, it will be incredible for him. It will be enough to enrich his treasury with top-quality resources before the next Ten Institutes Grand Competition.
If he can withstand two more challenges in the third round, he won't have to worry about Cultivation Resources for the rest of the time.
Therefore, before Wang Yan was defeated and before he took the initiative to challenge others, and without having to wait for two more rounds, Cheng Yiran resolutely decided to challenge Wang Yan first!
He was confident, and it unconsciously showed on his face. His eyes were full of fighting spirit and self-assurance as he looked at Wang Yan.
Although he wasn't very famous, he made it to the third round, which meant he was considered an elite player, and people could remember some of his performance.
Putting aside other aspects, while not exactly stunning, he is certainly commendable; a few words are enough to describe him.
"It's Cheng Yiran... I still remember his performance in the second round, it was really good."
"Tsk, he's definitely not an opponent you can defeat by luck alone. Wang Yan's luck has probably run out."
"In the end, it's still the strong who reign supreme, and luck is everything... Among us prodigies, who hasn't had a bit of luck?"
The other onlookers were discussing amongst themselves, and almost no one was optimistic about Wang Yan's chances.
Wang Yan is such a good actor!
Every time, he almost always had a particularly 'difficult' fight, making people frown and wonder how he got to this point.
That's way too clumsy!
Looking at Wang Yan jumping onto the stage, apart from his face, which was somewhat appealing, everything else about him seemed utterly unremarkable.
The word "mediocre" seems to have been created specifically for him.
He possessed almost no magical artifacts or Spirit Artifact; even his sword was merely a low-grade, even broken, Emperor Weapon.
Among those who have made it this far to enter the third round of cultivation, who doesn't already possess an Emperor Weapon?
It's important to know that the strong individuals in the third round are all elites from the various Holy Heaven, and some are even their successors!
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that everyone has one.
He didn't exude any air of strength whatsoever; far from being sharp, he even seemed a bit too honest!
From any perspective, Wang Yan is just an ordinary prodigy.
He's lucky to have made it this far.
Cheng Yiran felt even more confident and said calmly, "Your good luck has come to an end after meeting me."
A deep, emerald green color appeared on his fists, gathering Spiritual Power that flowed throughout his body.
A vast aura of Spiritual Power spread out, causing fluctuations in the spiritual energy on the arena.
Cheng Yiran's expression became even more excited.
He wants to move up one more rank!
Use Wang Yan to achieve your own success, to serve as your stepping stone!
Watching Cheng Yiran's performance on the stage, his master below the stage nodded slightly.
"Hmm... not bad. For him to cultivate such a Divine Ability to almost perfection, especially before the Ten Institutes Grand Competition, he must have put in a lot of hard work."
The approval in his eyes was undeniable.
The other students of the Holy Heaven were also whispering and discussing among themselves.
"This Cheng Yiran is not bad."
"His strength is a little lacking... but compared to those top geniuses, it's still comparable. Just looking at his move just now, you can see that he is indeed steady and has a solid foundation. Not bad."
"As expected, there's a reason why anyone can make it to the third round."
"None of them?"
"... Except for Wang Yan!"
Such rumors and gossip did reach Wang Yan's ears on the arena.
But he didn't take it seriously at all.
Or rather, this was the result of his own manipulation.
Whether it was the first round or the second round, he was intentionally hiding his true abilities.
One reason is simply habit.
One should conceal, restrain, and conceal one's strength.
Only what remains can be revealed to deal with any potential crises, ensuring that no one can figure out one's true strengths and weaknesses.
And now...
It has officially entered the third round.
A deeper meaning flashed in Wang Yan's eyes.
Although he deliberately downplayed his abilities, it doesn't mean he enjoys being looked down upon.
Now is the time to show our strength.
As for the degree...
boom!
As Cheng Yiran threw a punch, creating a gust of wind, Wang Yan, who was standing opposite him, also sheathed his sword in full view of everyone, and without any politeness, took a step forward and threw a punch!
Their fists collided, instantly creating a storm of Spiritual Power on the arena.
The surging waves transformed into a raging torrent, relentlessly assaulting the surrounding formations.
Amidst this surge, a figure tore through the vortex of Spiritual Power on the arena and was instantly sent flying backward!
Cheng Yiran fell heavily off the stage, coughing up blood. But that wasn't all; he almost curled up in pain, placing his arms in front of him, and letting out broken howls.
On his arms, the fabric of his clothes was torn and cracked. Both of his arms were shattered, limp and hanging down in front of his chest like noodles.
This isn't a serious injury.
but...
The person who caused this injury was Wang Yan!
Wang Yan has always been considered by people to have entered the competition purely based on his strength!
Now look at the arena.
Wang Yan slowly withdrew his hand, revealing the bloodstains and wounds on his knuckles. He seemed to feel pain, frowned, took a deep breath, and swayed twice.
"Call..."
"You flatter me. It seems I have the upper hand."
He'd said that at least ten times already!
Originally, they would have believed it.
But now...
Countless people's eyebrows and eyes twitched.
If they weren't on the ring, they would have been tempted to shout.
Does this person lie without even thinking it through?!
Is it slightly better?
Had he forgotten that before he would at least put on a show, using a sword and putting on a 'hard-fought' duel? But this time, he didn't even draw his sword!