C267 The Grand Feast(4)

Lee Zi's opponent this time was certainly formidable, as they had all advanced to the second round, marking them as geniuses among geniuses. However, they paled in comparison to the individual with dual genetic powers Lee Zi faced in the first round.

Lee Zi had anticipated every attack, taking control of the rhythm from the outset without a single misstep.

And so, the inevitable outcome emerged.

As of now, the national examination has been underway for two days, with two rounds of competition completed.

The third round is set to commence on the fourth day.

In fact, if the pace of the previous matches were maintained, not only could the third round be concluded by the fourth day, but the fourth round could potentially be wrapped up as well.

Nevertheless, the organizers ultimately chose not to accelerate the schedule.

With nearly a month until the national battle, there was no rush to proceed.

After all, selecting talent requires a comprehensive approach.

Even though the slots for the national battle were essentially pre-determined for the seeded players and those with guaranteed spots, the formalities still needed to be observed.

With no pressure on the timeline, there was no need to hurry.

Extending the duration of the competition could further boost national enthusiasm and allow the populace to continue experiencing the allure of martial arts.

Thus, the venue for the fourth day's competition has been updated.

Previously, matches were held simultaneously in the Eight Direction Arena.

This time, the competition has moved to the Four Direction Arena, with matches still occurring concurrently.

The audience numbers have swelled beyond those of the previous days.

Three days of continuous battles have not only avoided any aesthetic fatigue but have actually heightened the excitement among the citizens.

This college entrance examination is a celebration of exceptional talent and also a carnival for the public.

At last, the fourth day has dawned!

The viewership on the official website has soared to astronomical numbers.

A multitude of spectators have borne witness to the emergence of these elite geniuses.

Now, only 64 remain.

It's no exaggeration to say that these 64 represent the absolute elite, embodying the ultimate strength of the young generation within the Adirang Region of the Terran Federation.

Every one of them, if they had been in the previous college entrance exam, would have breezed through with ease.

Amidst a chorus of anticipation, Chu Yi made his way to the center of the arena.

He sized up his opponent.

This time, he faced a prodigy from a prestigious family, reportedly the valedictorian of the Southcloud Region.

Yes, the top scholar from Southcloud.

Unfortunately, despite his title, Chu Yi found his strength to be rather unremarkable.

The Southcloud District itself was not particularly thriving, falling short of the likes of Eastern Mountain, Southern River, and other districts, not to mention when compared to the likes of Redmarsh, Grassvale, and Fairmoor.

His opponent regarded Chu Yi with an air of tranquility.

It seemed that upon learning he was facing Chu Yi, he had abandoned any other expectations.

Had they arrived here before witnessing the events of four days ago, before seeing Chu Yi's performance in the battles at the Martial Arts Stadium for a spot in the main competition, Lee Gang might have been eagerly anticipating today's encounter.

Chu Yi's fame was not just widespread in the three capitals but across the entire Adirang Region. Even in a remote district like Southcloud, his name was consistently among the top three.

Yet, at that time, Lee Gang and many other elite talents doubted Chu Yi's capabilities.

In their view, Chu Yi was merely a figurehead promoted by Redmarsh City to generate buzz.

He certainly possessed some skill, but they believed he fell short when compared to their own caliber.

So, Lee Gang had been yearning for today's showdown.

This way, he, Lee Gang, could defeat Chu Yi before the eyes of billions in the Adirang Region and ride Chu Yi's coattails to glory!

However, Lee Gang had truly come to understand Chu Yi's prowess during the battle four days prior.

Indeed, Chu Yi's previous opponent was also a top-tier talent. Lee Gang was aware that such a talent, if placed in the Southcloud Region, might have struggled against him for the top spot, but would comfortably secure a place in the top three.

Almost assuredly clinching a top-three finish!

Yet, even such a formidable genius proved to be no match for Chu Yi, crumbling with a single punch.

The disparity in strength was simply overwhelming.

Lee Gang understood that to defeat such an adversary, he would inevitably have to make sacrifices and possibly endure grueling struggles.

Yet, Chu Yi managed it with a mere wave of his arm—a stark contrast.

If it were him...

Lee Gang watched Chu Yi and let out a wistful smile.

As the valedictorian of the Southcloud Region, he couldn't even make it into the final round of the group stage—a bitter irony.

But on second thought, it wasn't all that ironic.

After all, many other valedictorians from various regions had fallen even earlier, some in the second round...

In that light, he hadn't fared too badly...

With this realization, Lee Gang finally found solace.

"Chu Yi, I've heard about you before."

At that moment, atop the stage, the battle had not yet commenced.

Lee Gang wasn't rushing to act, but Chu Yi was growing impatient.

He found such contests to be of little significance. If he hadn't been obliged, Chu Yi would have preferred to skip straight to the national conflict.

Chu Tianfeng had once made such a suggestion to Chu Yi, but for Lee Zi's sake, and to experience the world's version of the college entrance exam, Chu Yi ultimately decided against it.

However, in hindsight, it might not have been the wisest choice.

The exam had consumed far too much of Chu Yi's time.

After slaying that formidable demon, the Chu family had liquidated many of the assets he'd acquired, and a substantial portion had already made its way into Chu Yi's possession.

With those resources, coupled with what he'd gained from the will within the Stellar Tower, Chu Yi was well-positioned to elevate his abilities.

Currently a High Order Gold, Chu Yi was confident that with these assets, he could effortlessly achieve Perfection in Gold, or even ascend to Diamond.

Yet, this college entrance exam had put all that on hold...

Facing the amiable Lee Gang before him, Chu Yi could only respond with a resigned smile.

Despite his helplessness, Chu Yi never let his frustrations affect those around him.

With the other man extending a warm greeting, Chu Yi knew better than to respond with anything less than kindness.

"Hello..."

Chu Yi offered Lee Gang a slight smile.

Lee Gang's heart leapt with joy.

He felt he had managed to forge a bit of a connection with Chu Yi.

Indeed, the smile from Chu Yi seemed to suggest a favorable impression of him.

With that in mind, perhaps he wouldn't be on the receiving end of a direct punch from Chu Yi after all!

Lee Gang wasn't concerned about failing against Chu Yi; he accepted it as an inevitability.

He even questioned whether the seeded players, even with their full genetic power unleashed, could truly stand against Chu Yi.

Lacking such power himself, and without his family having prepared him for this, he knew he couldn't confront Chu Yi with strength.

Acknowledging the impossibility of victory and the certainty of defeat, he figured he might as well lose with some grace.

That's precisely why Lee Gang seized the moment to strike up a conversation with Chu Yi.

He was hoping Chu Yi would afford him some respect and not knock him down with a single punch like the previous monstrous contenders.

That would be far too humiliating.

Indeed, it must be said that Lee Gang's strategy was quite clever.

And indeed, his approach did yield some results.

Chu Yi didn't take Lee Gang down with just one punch.

Because Chu Yi used two punches...

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