150: Chapter 15 The Tragic Story of Li Mu!

Just as everyone was still feeling excited about the shocking venue and the thoughtful equipment,

the clamor, like crashing waves in their ears, was suddenly suppressed by a majestic voice:

"Silence!"

Above the Martial Arts Arena, a middle-aged martial artist dressed in black tight-fitting clothes stood suspended in the air, his aura as profound as a deep pool and as steady as a mountain.

His gaze was like lightning, scanning the entire field.

His voice wasn't loud, yet it clearly reached the ears of every spectator present, carrying an unquestionable authority.

"Everyone, find your seats immediately and stay quiet!"

"Spectators, please maintain the order of the arena voluntarily. No loud shouting without cause!"

"Any behavior that interferes with the order of the competition, or involves abusing or insulting the contestants, is strictly prohibited!"

"Violators will be immediately expelled and blacklisted from attending future matches!"

"..."

The powerful aura and unquestionable tone caused the venue, which had been as noisy as a wet market, to quickly fall silent.

In the presence of a truly powerful expert, everyone instinctively restrained their behavior.

After a while, when the clock struck exactly nine in the morning,

the martial artist standing in the air spoke again, his voice spreading in all directions:

"I declare that the National Top-Tier Martial Arts Exchange Competition—officially opens now!"

As soon as he finished speaking, his figure flashed and he vanished from mid-air like a phantom.

Simultaneously, above each level of the platforms,

a figure with a powerful aura appeared; they would be the head referees for the matches of each grade.

And the referee who appeared on the first level, responsible for the New Student matches, was none other than the Dean of the Second Academy of Modu University of Martial Arts, Great Grandmaster Xiao Shan!

He was also Xiao Wangshu's grandfather.

Xiao Shan had a ruddy complexion and a gentle smile, his gaze sweeping across the preparation area and the spectator stands below.

With a gentle wave of his hand, an ancient-looking wooden box appeared in his palm.

"Would the representatives of each martial arts university's first-year teams please come forward to draw lots!"

Xiao Shan's voice was calm, yet it reached the ears of every contestant clearly.

As his voice faded, the representatives from each school, who had been waiting at the edges of the platforms, took deep breaths.

They walked toward the center of the platform with steps that were either steady, nervous, or confident. They represented the face of their respective schools.

"Look! That's the captain of our Jianghai Martial University, Zhang Hanyue!"

"It's the genius of our Longhua Martial University, Liu Ruyan!"

"That's Lin Qingyue from Jingdu University of Martial Arts! What a powerful presence!"

In the spectator stands below, supporters from different regions cheered and discussed with pride as they saw their university's representatives appear.

On Modu University of Martial Arts's side, Lu Qingfeng straightened his collar and, with a calm and confident smile, also stepped steadily onto the platform.

However, when the originally gentle-faced Xiao Shan saw that it was Lu Qingfeng stepping up for Modu University of Martial Arts instead of his precious granddaughter Xiao Wangshu,

his face darkened at a speed visible to the naked eye.

He sized Lu Qingfeng up with a rather unfriendly gaze.

Lu Qingfeng was stunned by Xiao Shan's sudden "change of face," and the smile on his face froze.

What's going on? Dean Xiao was pleasant to the representatives of the other universities just now, so why did he pull such a sour face the moment it was my turn?

Do I really look that unappealing?!

He felt extremely innocent.

Under Dean Xiao Shan's "death stare," Lu Qingfeng braced himself and finished drawing the lot.

Then, squeezing out a smile that looked worse than crying, he said quickly, "S-sorry for the trouble, Dean!"

After saying that, he almost fled, rushing off the platform without looking back.

He swore frantically in his heart: From now on, anyone who wants to do this kind of public-facing work—especially facing Dean Xiao—can do it!

He wouldn't come again even if it killed him!

Under the curious gazes of several teammates, he slowly opened the slip of paper in his hand, which clearly showed:

"First Round, Platform No. 3, Modu University of Martial Arts vs. Modu Jiaotong University."

According to the tournament rules, the top fifty will be decided on the first day.

The combat format is single-elimination, with head-to-head matches.

There were a total of 10 standard platforms on the entire first level where matches would be held simultaneously.

This meant that a total of 50 matches would take place on the first day.

Divided into five rounds, with 10 matches occurring simultaneously in each round, the teams advancing to the top fifty would finally be determined.

Upon seeing this draw result, everyone in the preparation area was slightly stunned.

"Heh, what a coincidence. We're meeting 'old friends' in the very first match."

Sun Kong crossed his arms and grinned.

At this moment, Instructor Fang Yan spoke: "You should all have some understanding of Modu Jiaotong University's strength from the last sparring session.

Although Sun Kong dampened their spirits last time, you must not take them lightly because of it.

Especially their captain and several core members.

Their strength must have improved after this period of hard cultivation. So, who wants to go first?"

Several reserve members, such as Li Mu, Su Wan, and Wang Hao, scrambled to raise their hands, expressing their willingness to fight.

Sun Kong sat to the side unperturbed, not saying a word.

Having already soundly defeated Modu Jiaotong University's morale last time, he wanted to give the opportunity to the others this time.

Fang Yan's gaze swept over everyone, and he quickly made the arrangements: "Alright! The appearance order for the first match is temporarily set like this.

Li Mu, you'll take the lead! Su Wan is second, and Qin Yan, you'll be the third to go! As for the last two, we'll see how it goes."

This arrangement clearly placed Qin Yan in the vital "pillar" position.

Fang Yan had absolute confidence in Qin Yan's strength.

In his view, as long as Qin Yan stepped out, the suspense of the match would basically be over.

After all, this kid's rate of progress lately was so fast it made even him, the instructor, feel startled!

Soon, after all the referees were in place, the first round of matches officially began!

Ten platforms on the bottom level lit up simultaneously as the teams from twenty universities sent out their vanguards.

Holding his Straight Saber, Li Mu took a deep breath and, with a look of determination to wipe away his previous humiliation, strode onto Platform No. 3.

He wanted to prove his strength in front of the national audience and wash away the shadow of his defeat in the last warm-up match!

However, when he clearly saw the first contestant sent out by Modu Jiaotong University, the confidence on Li Mu's face instantly froze, and his face turned green in a flash!

Standing opposite him was that woman with a serene and elegant temperament but incredibly sharp swordplay—Wen Ning!

Seeing that the one coming onto the platform was actually her "old acquaintance" Li Mu, a trace of a smile couldn't help but flicker in Wen Ning's eyes.

The corners of her lips curled up slightly.

Very good. This round is in the bag.

The outcome seemed to have been decided long ago.

Three minutes later, accompanied by a flash of sharp sword light, the Straight Saber in Li Mu's hand was flicked away.

He himself was pushed back to the edge of the platform in a rather pathetic state, and in the end, he failed to steady himself and fell off.

The referee immediately announced: "Platform No. 3, First Match, Modu Jiaotong University, Wen Ning wins!"

Li Mu walked back to the preparation area dejectedly, his face filled with frustration and the indignant grief of 'Why is it me again?'