21: Chapter 21: A Series of Victories, the Night Before the Finals is Brewing

The cheers at the Jiangcheng Martial Arts University Martial Arts Arena almost blew away the clouds overhead. The image of Lin Zhou sending Wang Teng flying with a single punch was etched into countless eyes. Gasps and cheers intertwined in the stands, making ears ring.

The moment the referee raised Lin Zhou's arm, the entire Martial Arts Arena erupted. Lower-year students waved their arms frantically, shouting Lin Zhou's name. Those upper-year seniors who had originally doubted Lin Zhou were now silent, their eyes filled with awe.

Lin Zhou slowly walked down from the stage, his face showing no sign of arrogance, still wearing that calm and indifferent expression. Yet, the more he acted this way, the more unfathomable he seemed.

"Lin Zhou, you're incredible!" Su Ye was the first to rush up, grabbing Lin Zhou's shoulder, his face flushed with excitement. "The moment those nine Clones appeared, it was simply awesome! That guy Wang Teng was completely terrified!"

Liu Yiyi also jogged over, her small face shining with admiration: "Student Lin Zhou, your Clone talent is amazing! Nine Clones attacking together even blocked the Blazing Lion Roar!"

Ye Ying patted Lin Zhou's arm and managed a rare smile: "Good job."

Qin Yue looked at Lin Zhou, her beautiful eyes sparkling. She said softly, "Wang Teng's Blazing Lion Roar was already infinitely close to a Half-step King's attack. To be able to block it and turn the tables, your strength has improved significantly."

Lin Zhou smiled and waved his hand. "It was just luck. Wang Teng's strength is indeed formidable. If not for the surprise of the Clone talent, the outcome would be uncertain."

He was being humble. After the Celestial Fox Physique Awakening, his Physical Body strength and spirit monster power had undergone a qualitative leap. Even without the Nine-Tailed Clone, he was confident he could compete with Wang Teng, though it would have been more troublesome.

As they spoke, surrounding contestants and mentors gathered, greeting Lin Zhou with smiles and flattery. Those who had previously looked on coldly now changed their tune, eager to establish a connection with Lin Zhou.

Lin Zhou handled the pleasantries, but his gaze inadvertently drifted toward the VIP seats. He saw Zhao Kun stand up with a livid face, glare fiercely at Lin Zhou, and storm off. The malice in that gaze was almost tangible.

A cold arc formed at the corner of Lin Zhou's mouth. Zhao Kun hadn't given up; it seemed this storm was far from over.

In the following matches, the four members of Lin Zhou's team also took the stage. Qin Yue's swordsmanship was exquisite, every move sharp, easily defeating her opponent. Su Ye, born with Divine Power, swung his giant axe with such force that his opponent couldn't get close. Liu Yiyi's Ice Magic became more proficient, the range and power of Frozen Miles increasing, freezing her opponent solid. Ye Ying maintained his stealth assassination style, silently moving behind his opponent for a one-hit victory.

All four won their matches cleanly and advanced to the top eight.

The draw for the quarter-finals was soon released. Lin Zhou's opponent was a fourth-year Grandmaster Late Stage powerhouse. This person excelled in defense, having mastered the Golden Bell Cover to perfection; ordinary attacks couldn't break his defense.

On the day of the match, the Martial Arts Arena was packed again. Everyone wanted to see if Lin Zhou could create another miracle and defeat this fourth-year senior known for his defense.

On the stage, the fourth-year senior was shrouded in golden light. With the Golden Bell Cover fully activated, he stood tall like a golden iron tower.

"Lin Zhou, your attacks are indeed strong, but you're far from breaking my Golden Bell Cover!" the fourth-year senior shouted, his voice full of confidence.

Lin Zhou didn't waste words. His body blurred as the speed talent of the Celestial Fox Physique was fully unleashed, turning him into an afterimage that circled behind his opponent. spirit monster power flooded into his fists as he slammed them against the golden shield.

"Clang!"

A crisp, loud sound rang out like a bell. The fourth-year senior didn't budge; not even a ripple appeared on the Golden Bell Cover.

"What a strong defense!" the audience gasped.

The fourth-year senior laughed triumphantly: "How is it? Even if a Half-step King came, they wouldn't easily break my Golden Bell Cover!"

Lin Zhou's eyes narrowed. With a thought, he used the Nine-Tailed Clone again. Nine Clones instantly appeared, surrounding the fourth-year senior.

"Attack together!"

At Lin Zhou's command, the nine Clones struck simultaneously. Fists flew, and spirit monster power condensed into pale golden fist shadows, falling on the Golden Bell Cover like rain.

"Clang, clang, clang—!"

The dense sounds of impact were incessant. Ripples finally appeared on the golden shield, and its light grew increasingly dim.

The fourth-year senior's expression gradually shifted from triumph to shock, then to panic. He could clearly feel the defense of the Golden Bell Cover rapidly disintegrating.

"No! This is impossible!"

He frantically pushed his Spiritual Power to reinforce the Golden Bell Cover, but it was too late.

"Boom!"

With a loud explosion, the Golden Bell Cover shattered. The fourth-year senior spat out blood and collapsed.

Lin Zhou won again!

The crowd erupted in enthusiastic cheers once more.

In the semifinals, Lin Zhou faced an opponent skilled in speed. The opponent's movement was fluid and ethereal, like a ghost. However, Lin Zhou's Celestial Fox Physique speed was far beyond ordinary, and with the coordination of the Nine-Tailed Clone, he defeated the opponent before long.

Thus, Lin Zhou fought his way through and reached the finals of the martial arts competition!

Qin Yue, Su Ye, and the others also performed well, but unfortunately met strong opponents in the semifinals and stopped at the top four. However, this result was enough for them to hold their heads high.

The opponent in the finals was a fifth-year senior and the champion of the previous martial arts competition—Xiao Chen.

Xiao Chen had reached the Half-step King Realm at a young age. His strength was unfathomable, and he was the school's recognized top Genius. It was said he had already secured a spot for the Tianwu Secret Realm, and participating in this competition was merely a formality.

When the news broke, the entire campus was in an uproar. Everyone was discussing whether Lin Zhou could defeat Xiao Chen and create a miracle.

"Senior Xiao Chen is a Half-step King. Even if Lin Zhou is strong, he might not be a match, right?"

"It's hard to say! Lin Zhou even defeated Wang Teng easily. Maybe he really can create a miracle?"

"I bet on Lin Zhou winning! He's someone who can slay a King-level Exotic Beast!"

Discussions rose and fell, pushing the heat of the martial arts competition to its peak.

On the eve of the finals, Lin Zhou's dormitory was brightly lit.

Qin Yue, Su Ye, Liu Yiyi, and Ye Ying were all there, sitting together with solemn expressions.

"Xiao Chen's strength is very high. A Half-step King Realm has already touched the threshold of a King," Qin Yue said gravely. "His famous technique is the Star Sword Style. When he strikes, it's like a star falling, with infinite power."

Su Ye frowned: "A Half-step King... Lin Zhou, are you sure?"

Liu Yiyi looked at Lin Zhou worriedly: "Student Lin Zhou, why don't you just forget it? Senior Xiao Chen is too strong. What if you get hurt?"

Ye Ying also nodded: "The power behind Xiao Chen is not simple. Even if you win, you might run into trouble."

Seeing everyone's worried faces, a warm current surged in Lin Zhou's heart. He smiled slightly and said, "Thank you for your concern. But since I've come this far, there's no reason to back down."

He stood up, walked to the window, and looked at the starry sky, a sharp light flashing in his eyes.

"So what if he's a Half-step King? I, Lin Zhou, fear no one!"

After a pause, he continued, "Besides, I am determined to get that spot for the Tianwu Secret Realm!"

Everyone looked at Lin Zhou's determined back, the worry in everyone's hearts gradually dissipated, replaced by a strong sense of confidence.

Indeed, Lin Zhou had created so many miracles along the way. This time, he might truly defeat Xiao Chen and claim the championship!

Just then, Lin Zhou's phone suddenly rang.

He picked it up and saw an unknown number.

After a moment's hesitation, he pressed the answer key.

A cold voice came from the other end: "Lin Zhou, you'd better forfeit tomorrow's match. Otherwise, your teammates will be in danger..."

Lin Zhou's eyes instantly turned icy, and his aura suddenly became sharp.

"Who are you?"

The person on the other end chuckled, their voice full of mockery: "You don't need to know who I am. You just need to remember to forfeit obediently tomorrow, or else, face the consequences."

With that, the call was disconnected.

Lin Zhou clutched his phone tightly, his knuckles turning white from the force. A thick killing intent flashed in his eyes.

Threatening him was one thing, but threatening his teammates was unacceptable!

Noticing Lin Zhou's state, Qin Yue and the others quickly asked, "Lin Zhou, what happened?"

Lin Zhou took a deep breath, suppressed his killing intent, and said slowly, "It's nothing. Someone wants me to forfeit tomorrow."

Everyone's expressions immediately turned ugly.

"Is it Zhao Kun? Or the power behind Xiao Chen?" Su Ye shouted angrily.

Lin Zhou shook his head: "I don't know. But I know they've messed with the wrong person."

His gaze swept over everyone, his voice firm: "In tomorrow's match, I'm not only going to win, but win beautifully! I'll let everyone know that I, Lin Zhou, am not to be trifled with!"

The starry sky outside the window was exceptionally brilliant.

On the eve of the finals, undercurrents surged.

A great battle to determine the champion was about to begin.

And a conspiracy against Lin Zhou was also quietly unfolding.