The Top Six Emerge
The afternoon sun shone brightly in the training ground, yet it couldn't dispel the almost solidified solemnity and killing intent in the air. The brief rest allowed the thirteen top experts to adjust their energy and spirit to their sharpest state.
"Woo--woo--woo--"
The three Niujiao were longer and more resonant than ever before, like the final notes of a war drum. Thirteen figures rose from various places almost simultaneously and gathered again in front of the platform.
Jianshi's gaze slowly swept over the thirteen resolute, iron-like faces. Dabang, Dali, Dazhuang, Sharp Teeth, Jianya, Shinian, Mangu, Juti, Tunyong, Liaoya, Qingti, Changjiao, Jushi —these thirteen names were destined to be etched into the history of the Fire Tribe. He took a deep breath, his voice booming like a bell, yet carrying an unprecedented solemnity:
"Warriors! The final ladder lies before you! Unleash your full power and claim your glory! Now—begin!"
No complicated procedures, no unnecessary mobilization, the final sprint begins now!
The referee quickly led the six pairs of contestants to two pre-prepared arenas, each where three final matches would determine the top ten. Jushi, who had a bye, also followed with a serious expression to the arena, carefully observing each opponent about to enter or currently fighting—whoever emerged from the loser's bracket would be a formidable adversary he would have to face in his quest for a top-ten spot.
Yan followed the referee to the designated ring and was assigned to the third match. He went to the rest area next to the ring to wait.
Match 1: Dazhuang vs. Changjiao.
Dazhuang, one of the core warriors of the Fire Tribe, is known for his fierce strength and is a fearsome "human weapon" on the battlefield. Changjiao, the former leader of the Green Sheep Tribe, has amazing arm strength, Chenwen and shrewd moves, and is especially good at defense and counterattack.
The two stepped onto the stage, exchanged greetings, and the battle erupted instantly. Knowing Da Zhuang 'Dazhuang strength, Changjiao immediately adopted a tight defensive stance, attempting to use stillness to control movement and find an opening in Da Zhuang's Dazhuang attack. However, Dazhuang's offensive was even more ferocious than he had anticipated! Like Kuangfeng, or crashing waves, each swing of the specially made, thick wooden spear in his hand carried a heart-stopping whistling sound. The force was so great that Changjiao felt his arms were about to split apart with every block, and the ground beneath his feet seemed to tremble.
Changjiao mastered his defensive skills to the extreme, moving nimbly to deflect and shift force, occasionally seizing the almost non-existent gaps in Dazhuang's moves to launch exquisite counterattacks, forcing Dazhuang to retreat slightly. However, the absolute difference in strength gradually became apparent in the sustained high-intensity confrontation. After more than twenty rounds, Changjiao's breathing became heavy, and his blocking movements inevitably showed slight sluggishness and distortion.
Like the most astute hunter, Dazhuang immediately seized this fleeting opportunity. He roared and his already ferocious attack escalated to another level, unleashing an unstoppable sweep that almost completely blocked Changjiao's escape route. Changjiao barely managed to deflect the sweep, but was pushed back by a tremendous force and ultimately fell off the stage.
"First match, Dazhuang wins!" the referee announced loudly. Although Changjiao was defeated, he showed no sign of dejection and clasped his hands in a Dazhuang salute to Dazhuang. Being able to withstand more than twenty rounds of Dazhuang's fierce attacks had already proven his strength.
Match 2: Dabang vs. Juti.
This duel seemed destined for its outcome from the very beginning. Juti Dabang, whose strength was universally acknowledged as second only to the leader, Jianshi, was an absolute powerhouse whose terror was all-encompassing and without any blind spots. Giant Hoof, a warrior of the Bison Tribe, possessed considerable strength, but in the face of Dabang, he was like a child facing an adult.
Juti was clearly aware of this, and from the start, he put in his utmost effort, adopting an extremely conservative defensive stance, not seeking to gain any advantage, but simply hoping to hold out for a few more moves. However, against the Dabang, mere defense was almost ineffective. The Dabang's attacks were like mercury flowing across the ground, penetrating every crevice. Its power made every block by Juti painful, while its skill and speed made Juti's defense appear full of holes.
By the twentieth round, Juti was drenched in sweat, his arms trembling, barely managing to hold on. By the thirtieth round, his movements had noticeably slowed, revealing numerous openings, and he was in grave danger. Juti Dabang showed no mercy—a sign of respect for his opponent. In the thirty-fourth round, Dabang's seemingly ordinary straight thrust was parried by Juti with all his might. However, with a flick of his wrist, Dabang's spear shaft struck Juti's leg, which he couldn't retract in time due to his full-force block.
Juti groaned in pain, kneeling on one knee, the tip of the Dabang already firmly planted before his throat.
"Match 2, Dabang wins!" the referee announced. Juti struggled to his feet. Although he was utterly defeated, he was convinced of his defeat and bowed deeply to Dabang. He was proud to have fought Dabang for more than thirty rounds.
Third match: Flame versus Liaoya.
Liaoya, the fierce leader of the original White Pig Tribe, is known for his ruthless and cunning fighting style. He excels at close-quarters combat and seizing opportunities to launch a fatal blow. Facing Yan, he showed no fear, but instead burned with a fierce fighting spirit and the excitement of challenging a strong opponent.
"Start!"
Liaoya took the initiative, not keeping his distance to probe as a normal person would, but instead closing in with strange and Xunjie steps. His wooden spear was like a venomous snake, targeting Yan's lower body and joints with tricky and ruthless moves, intending to disrupt Yan's rhythm and pull him into the close-quarters melee he was good at.
Yan's gaze was calm, and his footwork was as fluid as flowing water. He dodged Liaoya's vicious attacks by the slightest margin, and his wooden spear parried and deflected Liaoya's attacks one by one. He was not in a hurry to counterattack, but like a calm chess player, he observed Liaoya's moves and power characteristics.
Liaoya, unable to break through Yan's defenses, grew increasingly impatient. In the tenth round, seeing that Yan seemed to have been forced back half a step by his relentless attacks, he thought his opportunity had arrived. A fierce glint flashed in his eyes, and with a low growl, he abandoned his spear technique and lunged forward, spreading his arms to wrestle Yan! This was his hidden killing move, which had caught many opponents off guard.
However, he was fast, but Yan was even faster! The moment he pounced, Yan's retreating steps suddenly stopped. He twisted his waist, and the wooden spear in his hand shot out like a snake from its hole. It wasn't a thrust, but a precise upward flick with the tip of the spear shaft!
"Smack!"
With a sharp crack, Liaoya felt a simultaneous sharp pain and numbness in both wrists, abruptly interrupting his forward lunge and causing him to pause. In that split second, Yan seized the opportunity to move forward, switching the spear to his left hand and transforming his right palm into a fist, delivering a short, powerful punch that landed squarely on Liaoya's chest, which was slightly exposed as he retreated!
"Bang!"
With a dull thud, Liaoya felt as if he had been struck by a heavy hammer. His chest throbbed with pain, his vision blurred, and he nearly couldn't catch his breath. He flew backward and crashed heavily to the ground. He struggled for a moment but couldn't get up. He could only clutch his chest and cough violently.
Yan withdrew his stance, standing with his spear in hand.
"In the third match, Yan wins!" The referee quickly went to check on Liaoya's condition and, seeing that he had only a stitch and was otherwise unharmed, announced loudly.
The entire process was clean and efficient. Yan not only won, but also demonstrated a terrifying level of control, showing effortless mastery and keen insight. After a brief silence, the audience erupted in thunderous cheers! The area where the Youth Team was located was even more enthusiastic.
Meanwhile, all three matches on another arena have also concluded, and the process was equally intense and close:
In the Dali between Qingti, Dali used his absolute strength to withstand Qingti's agile and Xunjie continuous attacks. In the thirty-second round, he seized on a mistake when Qingti went too far and forced him out of the ring with a heavy blow.
In the battle between Jianya and Tunyong, two experienced veterans staged a peak duel of wits and skills. With exquisite control and combat wisdom, Jianya constantly wore down and misled Tunyong. Finally, in the thirty-fifth round, he used a clever move to lure Tunyong to the ground and pointing his spear tip at his throat.
The clash between Shinian and Mangu was the most intense and prolonged of all, with the two battling like two angry bulls, clashing head-on for fifty-three rounds, sweat and dust flying everywhere on the ring. In the end, Shinian, with his superior endurance and calmer mind in crucial moments, seized upon Mangu ' slight mistake after exhaustion, throwing him to the ground and securing a hard-fought victory.
Thus, the two arenas and the six ultimate duels have all come to an end!
Winners: Dabang, Dali, Dazhuang, Jianya, Flame, Shinian!
These six individuals, with their undeniable performance, have secured their places in the top ten of this martial arts tournament! They are the six cornerstones at the very top of the Fire Tribe's martial prowess pyramid!
The losers: Mangu, Juti, Tunyong, Liaoya, Qingti, Changjiao, and the Jushi, who had been observing from the sidelines.
These seven individuals will have to continue their fierce battle that night in a round-robin format to compete for the remaining four coveted spots in the top ten. For them, the battle is far from over; in fact, it could be said that an even more intense competition has just begun.