64: Chapter 64 Pre-match Interview: Why the Gratitude?
Interview videos began appearing on the big screen one after another.
"I'm a Junior College Student. I used to just drift through my days at the academy, but God Bai's performance in the Battle of the Dawn reawakened my passion for martial arts. It was God Bai who let me know that even a Junior College Student can reach the peak of martial arts. There are no trash institutions, only trash martial artists..."
"I'm a sophomore at Imperial Martial Arts University. After our Ace New Student Qin Hao unexpectedly lost in the Selection Round, I thought our school had lost its chance for a five-year winning streak. I didn't expect Junior Ling Xiao to uphold our glory and step into the finals. Good luck, Junior Ling Xiao! Our feat of five consecutive championships depends on you. The future belongs to your generation..."
"During the Selection Round, when God Bai encountered Qin Hao, I thought he would fall like a shooting star and miss out on the elimination rounds. But he forcefully eliminated Qin Hao. Afterward, when his own state had weakened to the extreme, he ran into another super genius from Imperial Martial Arts University, Chu Lingyan. He almost missed the elimination rounds twice..."
"What kind of ending could possibly be worthy of such a displacement-filled journey? God Bai, a Junior College Student, went from almost missing the elimination rounds to finally fighting his way into the finals..."
"God Bai has faced so much doubt and denial along the way, yet he still fought to the very end. One favorite after another has fallen before God Bai. I think Ling Xiao will be no exception. God Bai will surely win, crushing the last favorite to forge a true legend..."
"Zhou Bai is a dark horse, but isn't our Ling Xiao from Imperial Martial Arts University also a dark horse? Before the elimination rounds began, who would have thought it would be Ling Xiao advancing to the final showdown..."
"Do you guys even understand the sheer value of combining an SS-rank Talent with an S-rank Talent? Let me put it this way: Ling Xiao could win even if he gave Zhou Bai a two-hand handicap..."
"Our Imperial Martial Arts University has achieved four consecutive championships and is now pushing for a fifth. You wouldn't understand the foundation we possess. We have never lost a Battle of the Dawn final; we have a 100% win rate in the finals. As long as we make it to the finals, victory is certain..."
"From taking on ten alone in the challenge matches to reaching the top five in points during the Selection Round, and then defeating strong enemy after strong enemy in the elimination rounds—God Bai has done it all. Yet many still doubt him. I'm truly fed up. God Bai has beaten everyone into submission, but he just can't beat the mouths of you haters, can he?"
...
...
The interview videos looped on the arena's big screen, keeping the atmosphere in the martial arts arena intensely heated.
The interviews featured fans or passersby, and their genuine emotions moved the crowd. They also gave the audience members who hadn't followed the previous elimination rounds a deeper understanding of both Zhou Bai and Ling Xiao.
"Grandmaster Yue Ying, I didn't expect you to come and watch the Battle of the Dawn finals. Your presence truly brings honor to our University Alliance!"
On the VIP stands, a mentor from the University Alliance spoke to a stunningly beautiful woman with a cold temperament and a tall, slender figure beside him.
The woman wore a blue-purple cheongsam, which accentuated her perfect figure to the fullest.
However, a faint pressure emanated from her, making the surrounding mentors from various universities and martial arts experts from other factions afraid to look at her directly.
"I just happened to be free, so I came to take a look!"
Grandmaster Yue Ying said languidly, her charming gaze casually sweeping over Zhou Bai in the preparation area.
"Grandmaster Yue Ying, we also have private boxes. Would you like to move to a box? It might be more comfortable for watching the match!"
A powerhouse from the Martial Artist Alliance nearby followed up.
"No need. I also want to properly feel the atmosphere of the Battle of the Dawn!"
Grandmaster Yue Ying stretched, a hint of reminiscence flashing in her eyes.
On the other side of the stands, Xu Xiu from Star Martial, Qin Hao from Imperial Martial Arts University, and Lu Wei from Vajra University were gathered together, their eyes fixed on the arena.
"Young Master Qin, what do you think are the odds for that guy Zhou Bai?"
Xu Xiu, sitting in a wheelchair, looked at the two contestants in the preparation area and asked Qin Hao.
"Odds? Heh, what does that Vocational College Kid Zhou Bai have to win with? Ling Xiao is certain to victory!"
Qin Hao gave a cold laugh, his gaze deep and inscrutable.
His eyes were already on Ling Xiao, a hint of jealousy flashing within them.
Because of Ling Xiao's performance throughout the journey, he had received a massive influx of resources from Imperial Martial Arts University. Some of those resources even made Qin Hao turn green with envy.
If those resources had been given to him, he was confident he could hold his own even against a Fifth-Rank Martial Artist.
But...
Because of a single wrong choice during the Selection Round, he had lost that opportunity.
Although he didn't feel particularly convinced by Ling Xiao, he also didn't think Zhou Bai had any chance of winning.
Hearing this, Xu Xiu didn't say much. Zhou Bai's continuous victories had already made Xu Xiu lose some of his confidence.
Even though Qin Hao said Ling Xiao would definitely win, Xu Xiu still...
As for Lu Wei beside them, he also remained silent, his eyes fixed intently on the martial arts field.
The backlash from his Qi and Blood Power filled Lu Wei with immense regret. If only he had been a bit more cautious back then...
He wouldn't be reduced to just watching from here now...
"Alright, the two contestants are about to take the stage. The battle for the champion of the dawn battle is about to begin! Let's see which of these two young geniuses will forge their own legend!"
Half an hour later, the host's voice rang out with excitement.
Zhou Bai was currently walking toward the stage step by step. The enthusiastic cheers surrounding him seemed to ignite his blood.
"Zhou Bai, getting this far is enough. Do not attempt to win against someone you aren't meant to beat!"
At that moment, a cold voice transmitted directly into Zhou Bai's mind.
Zhou Bai frowned slightly. Sound Transmission? Was a Sky Soaring Realm powerhouse trying to pressure him?
However, Zhou Bai ignored it. Having reached this point, there was no turning back.
"Zhou Bai, I'm very grateful for your actions in the Selection Round. However, today, I am still going to defeat you!"
After stepping onto the stage, the Ling Xiao opposite him spoke to Zhou Bai with an air of arrogance.
"Grateful? Grateful that I eliminated Qin Hao?"
Zhou Bai raised an eyebrow and spoke calmly.
"Of course not. I'm thanking you for bringing Ninger into the elimination rounds!"
Ling Xiao shook his head and then said with a serious expression.
"Hmm? Why thank me for that..."
Zhou Bai vaguely felt that something was off.
"Ninger is my fiancée. We are to be married immediately after graduation. Since you brought my fiancée into the elimination rounds, I naturally have to be grateful to you..."
Ling Xiao said as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
Zhou Bai: o((⊙﹏⊙))o!!!???
Hearing Ling Xiao's words, Zhou Bai was completely stunned.
Just last night, he was feeding Shen Ninger food and had even messed up her makeup.
And Shen Ninger had promised that if he defeated Ling Xiao, she would reward him by letting him... her...
Wait, do these top-tier martial arts families all play this kind of game?
...
PS: [Brothers, with such an exciting plot, how can there be no 'Power for Love' donations? QAQ~]