19: Chapter 19 Martial Arts Tournament: A Glimpse of Brilliance Shocks the Entire Arena

On the Martial Arts Arena of Jiangcheng Martial Arts University, flags fluttered and the crowd roared.

The annual Martial Arts Tournament was the grandest event of the school and the stage for Geniuses to make their mark. The stands around the arena were packed with teachers and students, their cheers and shouts rising and falling in a deafening cacophony. In the center of the field, a massive dueling platform rose from the ground, its surface inscribed with sturdy defensive formations capable of withstanding a full-strength strike from a Grandmaster.

The rules for this Martial Arts Tournament were simple: all participants would draw lots for duels; winners advance, losers are eliminated, until a final champion is determined. The reward for the champion was the coveted qualification to enter the Tianwu Secret Realm.

In the VIP section of the stands, Principal Li Xuanfeng, Dean Zhao Kun, and mentors from various departments sat upright. Zhao Kun’s sinister gaze swept across the crowd below; when it landed on Lin Zhou’s team, a flicker of imperceptible coldness flashed in his eyes. Ever since the incident at the commendation assembly, he had been waiting for an opportunity for revenge. Unfortunately, the Principal had suppressed the matter, and the investigation team had yet to reach a conclusion. This Martial Arts Tournament was his chance.

"Hmph, no matter how high Lin Zhou's talent is, he's only at level 29. Facing a senior Grandmaster, he’s as good as dead!" Zhao Kun sneered inwardly, his lips curling into a calculating arc.

In the contestant area beside the dueling platform, Lin Zhou and his four companions stood tall in their martial attire, their Aura imposing. Su Ye rubbed his hands together, his face flushed with excitement: "Great! Finally, the Martial Arts Tournament! I’ve been wanting to test myself against those seniors for a long time!"

Liu Yiyi gripped her staff tightly, her small face tense, yet her eyes held an unyielding determination: "I must perform well this time and not let everyone down!"

Ye Ying remained dressed in black, silent as ever, but his sharp eyes were alertly scanning the surrounding contestants, committing those with powerful signatures to memory.

Qin Yue’s gaze fell on the drawing box, and she said softly: "The opponents this time are not simple, especially those third-year seniors who have already reached the Grandmaster Late Stage. We must be careful."

Lin Zhou nodded slightly, his gaze calmly sweeping the field. After the Awakening of his Celestial Fox Physique, his perception far surpassed ordinary people; the powerful signatures of experts hidden in the crowd could not escape his eyes. However, there was no trace of fear on his face; instead, he was filled with Battle Intent. To him, this tournament was not just for the qualification to the Tianwu Secret Realm, but also a perfect opportunity to test his own strength.

"Contestants, please begin drawing lots!" The host's voice rang through the arena, instantly silencing the noise.

The contestants stepped forward one by one. Lin Zhou reached into the box and pulled out a bamboo slip with the number "7" on it. His first-round opponent was a second-year wood-element mage.

Soon, the drawing ended, and the first-round matchups were displayed on the large screen.

"First match: Third-year, Wang Teng vs. First-year, Zhang Qiang!"

As the host's voice fell, two figures leaped onto the platform. Wang Teng was a third-year Genius student who had already reached the Grandmaster Middle Stage, possessing formidable strength. Zhang Qiang, on the other hand, was just an ordinary first-year student with a level of only 20.

The match had no suspense. With only three moves, Wang Teng sent Zhang Qiang flying off the stage, securing the victory. A burst of warm applause erupted from the stands.

The next few matches were also easy victories for the seniors. After all, the gap in cultivation was clear, and the junior students had no way to fight back.

"Seventh match: First-year, Lin Zhou vs. Second-year, Chen Yun!"

When the host announced this name, the entire arena fell silent. All eyes were focused on Lin Zhou. Stories of the Secret Realm trial had spread throughout the campus, and Lin Zhou had long since become the focus of the entire school. Everyone wanted to see just how strong this freshman, who could slay a King-tier beast, really was.

Chen Yun took a deep breath and leaped onto the platform. Looking at Lin Zhou before him, he was filled with both tension and excitement. He was nervous because Lin Zhou's reputation was so great, but excited because if he could defeat Lin Zhou, he would become famous overnight.

"Student Lin Zhou, I have heard much about you!" Chen Yun cupped his fists in greeting, his tone carrying a hint of respect. "Please, guide me!"

"Please!" Lin Zhou nodded faintly, not letting his guard down just because his opponent's cultivation was lower than his.

At the referee's command, the match officially began!

Chen Yun did not dare to be careless. He raised his staff and chanted under his breath. Instantly, countless vines as thick as arms burst from the ground, coiling toward Lin Zhou like venomous snakes. The vines were covered in sharp barbs that glinted coldly; once caught, the consequences would be dire.

"Such strong wood magic! Senior Chen Yun's strength has improved again!" the students in the stands exclaimed.

Qin Yue and the others also frowned slightly. Chen Yun's strength was considered top-tier among the second-years, and this Vine Strangulation move was quite powerful.

However, Lin Zhou stood his ground, motionless. Just as the vines were about to wrap around his body, he slowly raised his hand. The spirit monster power within him surged, and the speed talent of the Celestial Fox Physique instantly erupted.

Lin Zhou's figure turned into an afterimage, moving through the vines like a ghost. Those seemingly fierce vines couldn't even touch the corner of his clothes.

"What speed!" Chen Yun's expression changed drastically, a strong sense of unease rising in his heart. He hurriedly channeled his Qi, making the vines move even faster, even turning into streaks of green light to block all of Lin Zhou's paths of retreat.

Lin Zhou's eyes sharpened, and he stopped dodging. He clenched his fist, and his King-tier Middle Stage Physical Body strength erupted in full force as he punched the vines in front of him.

"Boom!"

With a loud explosion, those incredibly tough vines shattered into pieces like fragile straw under Lin Zhou's fist, turning into dust that filled the air.

Chen Yun's pupils shrank, his face filled with disbelief. He never imagined that Lin Zhou could break his signature technique using nothing but Physical Body strength!

Lin Zhou gave Chen Yun no time to react. In a flash, he appeared right in front of him. He reached out and lightly patted Chen Yun's shoulder.

Chen Yun felt a massive force surge toward him, and his body flew off the stage uncontrollably. Fortunately, Lin Zhou had held back, so he wasn't injured when he landed.

"I lose!" Chen Yun looked at Lin Zhou on the stage and said with sincere admiration.

The arena was silent for a moment before erupting into thunderous applause and cheers.

"Student Lin Zhou is amazing! He broke Senior Chen Yun's Vine Strangulation with a single punch!"

"That speed, that power—it's just too strong! As expected of someone who can slay a King-tier beast!"

In the stands, Zhao Kun's face was ashen. He slammed his fist onto the armrest of his chair, the coldness in his eyes deepening. He hadn't expected Lin Zhou to win the match so easily and with such apparent ease.

Qin Yue and the other four also breathed a sigh of relief, smiles of satisfaction appearing on their faces. Su Ye was shouting and cheering excitedly, drawing frequent glances from those around him.

Lin Zhou slowly walked off the platform and back to the contestant area. As soon as he stopped, several third-year seniors surrounded him.

Leading them was a tall young man wearing a third-year uniform, radiating the formidable Aura of the Grandmaster Late Stage. He looked at Lin Zhou, a provocative curve appearing on his lips: "Lin Zhou, right? Your performance just now was decent. However, in the next match, if you face me, you won't be so lucky."

This person was the number one Genius of the third year, Wang Teng!

Lin Zhou looked up at Wang Teng, his eyes calm and unwavering: "Is that so? Then I shall wait and see."

Wang Teng snorted coldly and led his followers away, not forgetting to give Lin Zhou a harsh glare before leaving.

Qin Yue walked over to Lin Zhou and said softly: "Wang Teng is very strong. His soul is the Blazing Lion, and his attack power is extremely high. You must be careful."

Lin Zhou nodded. There was no fear in his heart; instead, his Battle Intent grew even stronger.

The matches continued. Qin Yue, Su Ye, Liu Yiyi, and Ye Ying all took their turns on stage. Relying on their great strength, they easily defeated their opponents and successfully advanced.

By the end of the first round, all five members of Lin Zhou's team had advanced, a result that once again shocked everyone.

In the stands, Principal Li Xuanfeng looked at Lin Zhou with a flash of approval. Stroking his beard, he nodded slightly: "This boy's future is limitless!"

Meanwhile, Zhao Kun's expression became increasingly ugly. He looked toward Lin Zhou's team, a ruthless glint in his eyes: "Hmph, enjoy it while you can! In the next round, Wang Teng will definitely make you pay the price!"

The cheers in the arena continued. The afterglow of the setting sun spilled onto the platform, reflecting Lin Zhou's upright figure.

Lin Zhou looked up at the sky, a sharp light flashing in his eyes.

Wang Teng?

Then bring it on!

What do I, Lin Zhou, have to fear!

The second round of the Martial Arts Tournament was about to begin. An even more intense confrontation was set to unfold!