75: Final

The next day, the elimination rounds continued.

Jiangcheng Martial Arts University, the only top-tier university in Jiangcheng City, covers an area of over a thousand acres and is located in the northern suburbs.

This location holds significant strategic importance, serving as a major defense line against beast tides from the north.

However, at this moment, it had been temporarily converted into a competition venue.

Wang Kun spoke more nonsense for nearly half an hour before the competition officially began.

This time, there were many more students in the audience, many of whom were contestants from previous or even earlier competitions.

To witness the rising star, Prodigy Lu Yuan, the venue was packed to capacity.

From time to time, cheers from senior female students could be heard... Lu Yuan once again stepped onto the arena.

gold light shone brightly.

The Heavenly Thunder Light Falcon spread its wings, soaring in the sky.

Fast!

Extremely fast!

Before his opponent could even react effectively, a gold lightning bolt had already flashed past.

Thunder light exploded, accompanied by the crisp sound of a card shattering.

Annihilation!

The absolute annihilation brought by pure speed and control over lightning!

There was no earth-shattering destruction, nor suffocating pressure.

Only swift and precise strikes, one after another.

The Heavenly Thunder Light Falcon transformed into a gold streak of light, tracing paths across the arena.

"Too fast!"

"I can't even see it clearly!"

Sweeping victory.

Top sixteen to top eight.

Top eight to top four.

Semifinals.

Finals.

Lu Yuan swept through all opponents.

Not a single opponent could last more than thirty seconds under the Heavenly Thunder Light Falcon's claws.

When the last opponent's beast dissipated into points of light, the referee raised his hand high.

"Match over!"

"Winner -- Lu Yuan!"

"The 36th Jiangcheng New Beast Master Competition, the ultimate champion -- Lu Yuan!"

After a brief silence,

The entire stadium erupted in cheers!

"Champion! Lu Yuan!"

"Double gold card! He's a double gold card holder!"

"golden falcon youth! He won the championship with just his Light Falcon!"

"turtle emperor! turtle emperor!"

Countless spectators rose from their seats, frantically shouting Lu Yuan's name, and the titles born because of him.

Adoration! Frenzy!

Yesterday's controversy and accusations vanished into thin air in the face of absolute strength.

At this moment, the youth standing in the center of the arena was the undisputed king!

Spotlights converged.

The awards platform slowly rose.

Mayor Wang Kun personally walked onto the stage, a standard smile on his face.

He took the champion trophy from the etiquette lady, raised it high, and faced the entire audience.

"Citizens! Students!"

"Let us give our warmest applause to congratulate the champion of this year's New Talent Competition -- Lu Yuan!"

The applause was like thunder.

Wang Kun handed the heavy trophy to Lu Yuan, then passed him a pure black card and a unique metal badge.

"Student Lu Yuan, these are the champion's rewards: ten million star coins, and an opportunity to enter the city-level resource secret vault!"

He patted Student Lu Yuan's shoulder, his voice echoing through the amplifier to the entire venue.

"Student Lu Yuan, with his extraordinary talent and tenacious fighting spirit, has presented us with a series of spectacular duels!"

"His victory is not only his personal glory, but also the glory of our Jiangcheng!"

"This proves that heroes are not judged by their origin! As long as one works hard, even a commoner can rise to the top!"

His words were grand and eloquent, cleverly transforming the negative impact of yesterday's Lin Dong incident into inspiring propaganda.

In the VIP section.

Yao Tianxiao happily greeted everyone, a smile playing on his lips.

This investment's return far exceeded expectations.

The net profit from the mall during the competition alone was over thirty million star coins, not to mention the influence after winning the championship.

Coupled with the Yao Family's publicity, he was confident in completely dominating the Jiangcheng market!

And not far from him, a few seats away.

Several middle-aged men and women, whose auras were clearly extraordinary, were conversing in low voices.

Their gazes were fixed on Lu Yuan on the awards platform.

"Double gold card... In a small place like Jiangcheng, such a person actually emerged."

"That giant turtle... is not simple; such a massive size is rare even among gold cards."

"The Yao Family really found a treasure this time."

"Who said it must belong to the Yao Family? Our Zhou Family is not bad either!"

"Hehe, our Deyun Hall is also very interested."

... The awards ceremony ended.

As soon as Lu Yuan stepped off the stage, he was immediately surrounded by a group of people.

"Student Lu Yuan! I am the representative of the Canglan Military Region! On behalf of the military, I formally invite you to join the Prodigy Reserve Camp! You will enjoy the treatment of a colonel!" A middle-aged man in military uniform spoke first, his voice booming.

"Student Lu Yuan, I am the director of admissions for Canglan University! Our university has decided to specially admit you to the Canglan University Prodigy Class without examination! Full scholarship! Massive resource allocation!" An elegant teacher followed closely behind.

"Young Friend Lu! Zhou Enterprise is willing to offer thirty million star coins for the sponsorship rights to your provincial competition! Alternatively, you can choose to join our Zhou Family's consecration group, with excellent benefits!" A luxuriously dressed fat businessman squeezed forward, his face wreathed in smiles.

"Young Friend Lu, Deyun Hall is willing to provide you with lifelong free advanced potions and medical services, and appoint you as an honorary consecrator of our hall! We only hope to have the opportunity to cooperate with you on exotic beast materials in the future!" An old man in ancient attire also cupped his hands and said.

The military, the university, commercial giants, medical monopolies... The four major forces of Canglan Province had almost all sent representatives.

The conditions offered were more generous than the last, all vying for his attention, and the scene became chaotic.

Lu Yuan was surrounded in the center, overwhelmed.

Just then.

"Everyone, please make way."

A steady voice sounded.

Yao Tianxiao pushed through the crowd and walked to Lu Yuan's side.

When those representatives saw Yao Tianxiao, their expressions turned unpleasant, but they didn't say much.

Yao Tianxiao ignored them and led Lu Yuan to a middle-aged man who was standing not far away, watching with a smile.

This man was about forty years old, with a gentle temperament, appearing polite and dressed very modestly, completely different from Yao Tianxiao's domineering aura, possessing a charm that captivated people.

"Lu Yuan, let me introduce you."

Yao Tianxiao said with a smile.

"This is my third brother, Yao Tianbi."

"He is also the main person in charge of our Yao Group's card-related affairs throughout Canglan Province."

Yao Tianbi.

One of the helmsmen of the Yao Family.

"Young Friend Lu, you truly live up to your reputation."

His voice was like a spring breeze.

"At such a young age, you possess two gold cards, and what's even rarer is your temperament."

"Your future is limitless."

Facing the praise from this influential figure of the Yao Family, Lu Yuan bowed slightly.

"Mr. Yao, you flatter me."

"This junior's achievements today are largely thanks to Uncle Yao's earlier assistance."

"This kid is endlessly grateful."

He was neither servile nor overbearing, first thanking Yao Tianxiao, then responding to Yao Tianbi, his attitude humble yet not lacking in integrity.

The smile in Yao Tianbi's eyes deepened a little.

"It was merely a small effort."

"For a genius like Young Friend Lu, our Yao Family is naturally happy to forge a good connection."

Just then.

"Lu Yuan! Congratulations!"

"Dad, Third Uncle, you're here too."

As soon as the words fell, a light figure entered their sight.

It was Yao Xiao, her fair cheeks flushed with excitement and exertion, like peach blossoms blooming on a spring branch.

The girl ran to Lu Yuan, looking up at him, her excitement and adoration almost overflowing.

She was slightly out of breath, a few mischievous strands of hair clinging to her forehead.

"You're amazing! The champion!"

"I couldn't even make it into the top 16..."

Yao Tianbi looked at his niece in this state, then at Lu Yuan, a meaningful smile flashing in his eyes.

The atmosphere became somewhat subtle for a moment.

Yao Tianxiao cleared his throat, breaking the mood.

"Lu Yuan, the city-level resource secret vault will open tomorrow. There are many good things inside that will be very helpful for improving your strength. Make good use of this opportunity."

He paused, seeing Yao Tianbi nod at him.

"Also, in a few days, let Third Uncle take you two to the provincial capital."

"The Canglan Province Prodigy Competition is about to begin as well."

"Your ranking isn't important; your future is promising."

"Go and see those prodigies who can get into Jing University."

...