C68 I Haven't Drawn the Lottery yet Why Did You All Admit Defeat?

"Mr. Zhang, are you ready to continue with the challenge?"

"Absolutely!" Zhang Xing approached and selected another bamboo stick.

The Empire official caught sight of the name on the stick and looked at Zhang Xing with a loaded gaze.

"Storm Devil Martial Academy, Advanced Class's Wei Ni!"

"What?"

"Zhang Xing has drawn Wei Ni, the top contender from the advanced class?"

"Zhang Xing's luck is really terrible!"

"Indeed, it seems his challenge has reached its end. However, his skills are commendable; he did defeat the sixth-ranked Dean."

Instructors and students alike were murmuring their sympathies for Zhang Xing.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Xing thought his luck wasn't too shabby after all. He'd drawn the strongest student so quickly. With this match, wouldn't five million gold coins soon be his?

Wait, he still had to face challenges from others. But surely, no one would dare to challenge him now, would they?

"Would the two contestants please enter the arena and get ready!"

Zhang Xing observed Wei Ni as they walked to the field together. He was the epitome of a dashing young nobleman, exuding aristocratic grace with every step.

As the match commenced, Wei Ni refrained from offering Zhang Xing the customary mage's salute, opting instead for a brief nod.

He figured a nod was sufficient; there was no need to regard a poor kid like Zhang Xing as an equal.

Yet, he didn't underestimate Zhang Xing's abilities, having just witnessed his prowess.

Zhang Xing held back from launching an immediate attack, resting his hands on his stomach and adopting a mature stance, as if waiting for Wei Ni's opening remarks.

Wei Ni had no intention of wasting words on Zhang Xing, so when he saw Zhang Xing's posture, he assumed Zhang Xing was trying to provoke him.

What's Zhang Xing playing at in front of me? He's of no consequence.

Meanwhile, I've been honored with the title of baron by His Majesty the Emperor. And Zhang Xing? Still just a commoner.

After a moment of silence from Wei Ni, Zhang Xing's curiosity piqued.

"Senior Wei Ni, don't you have anything to say?"

"If you've got nothing to say, let's get this competition underway!"

Wei Ni was brimming with impatience, yet as a nobleman and a baron, he was bound to uphold his dignity. Striking a child first was out of the question.

Zhang Xing nonchalantly fired off a magic arrow.

Wei Ni, ever vigilant, met the attack with a scornful laugh.

He retaliated with a magic arrow of his own, aiming to intercept Zhang Xing's.

But the ensuing scene defied his belief.

Wei Ni watched in disbelief as his magic arrow was effortlessly dissipated, like a mere water droplet.

Zhang Xing's arrow, unstoppable, continued its path toward him.

In desperation, Wei Ni launched three more magic arrows, hoping to halt Zhang Xing's relentless assault.

To no avail.

Wei Ni could only stare as the diminutive, yet more refined arrow pierced through the wind barrier before him.

The Wind Barrier crumbled in an instant!

And still, the arrow's momentum carried it forward, striking him squarely in the chest.

A formidable force lifted him off the ground.

Wei Ni was hurled a full ten meters back.

"This can't be happening!"

Wei Ni was utterly confounded.

He was aware of his own strength; not even an Intermediate Magic Scholar should be able to shatter four magic arrows and a protective barrier so effortlessly, let alone injure him.

"Is he not just a novice mage?" The thought flashed through Wei Ni's mind.

"No way! Even a high-level magician couldn't possess such potent magic power."

Wei Ni racked his brains but couldn't make sense of it.

The competition arena fell eerily silent.

All the students were staring at Zhang Xing, dumbstruck.

This was Wei Ni, the top contender from the advanced class!

And he had been bested so easily by a single magic arrow from Zhang Xing?

How could this be?

"I'm up for the next challenge!" Zhang Xing strode over to the bamboo sticks, ready to draw his next opponent.

"I concede!"

"I concede!"

"And I concede as well!"

Voices of concession echoed one after another.

Zhang Xing's hand paused mid-reach. He turned and said, "I haven't even drawn yet!"