161: Chapter 161 Fierce Losers' Bracket

Qin Yan, dragging a body that was somewhat weary yet still held upright, returned to the lively preparation area of Modu University of Martial Arts.

The moment he stepped inside, he immediately felt the focus of numerous gazes lock onto him in unison.

Those gazes no longer held merely the previous acknowledgment; they were now mixed with deep shock and a trace of barely perceptible awe.

They had witnessed the entire heart-stopping, brutal duel between Qin Yan and Liu Ruyan.

Especially the sixfold spear force Qin Yan displayed at the end, along with that Layered Aura secret technique with its multiplied power.

It completely shattered their previous perception of him.

"Junior Brother!"

Lu Youyou rushed forward, her face, usually wearing a mischievous smile, now etched with worry.

She grabbed Qin Yan's right arm, but her gaze was fixed tightly on his left hand, which was still trembling slightly, blood continuously dripping from his fingertips.

The ghastly wound, flesh torn open, even revealing the stark white finger bone, made her heart clench.

"Does it hurt?"

Her voice unconsciously softened considerably, carrying genuine concern.

Feeling the sincere worry from his Senior Sister, the complex emotions churning in Qin Yan's heart were slightly eased.

He didn't feign toughness. Instead, he tugged at the corner of his mouth, revealing a tired, bitter smile, and admitted honestly, "It does."

That was indeed the truth.

Liu Ruyan's life-risking fourth sword strike had been far too terrifying in its power.

Even though most of its force had been neutralized, the penetrating shockwave still caused significant damage to the meridians and muscles of his left hand.

At this moment, waves of searing, heart-piercing pain were emanating from it.

Just then, a refreshing, pleasant aura quietly drew near.

Instructor Anya, who had been quietly sitting in a corner, had, at some unknown moment, arrived beside Qin Yan.

She didn't say much, merely extended her fair, jade-like right hand, palm facing upwards.

In the next moment, soft, vibrant emerald-green light gathered in her palm.

It transformed into several green energy tendrils, gently winding around and covering Qin Yan's horrifically injured left hand.

They rapidly spread, enveloping his entire left arm and even his body, which bore some internal injuries from the violent clash of qi and blood.

An incredibly warm, pure life energy instantly surged in, like sweet rain nourishing parched land.

Qin Yan felt the fiery, intense pain in his left hand subside at an astonishing speed.

Replacing it was a deep, bone-deep itching and numbness.

That was the sign of flesh, blood, meridians, and even bones rapidly healing and regenerating!

The entire process lasted only a few seconds.

When the emerald-green energy tendrils slowly dissipated, Qin Yan instinctively clenched his left hand—it was perfectly restored!

The skin was smooth, the muscles full, the finger bones strong, as if the terrifying injury from moments ago had been nothing but a vivid illusion!

Even the residual aches within his body from the intense battle had been completely soothed away.

He was utterly astonished. Was this the might of a Grandmaster Realm powerhouse?

Such a severe injury, nearly healed in the snap of a finger!

He immediately composed himself, bowed solemnly to Instructor Anya, and said with sincere gratitude, "Thank you, Instructor Anya!"

"No need for thanks. It's part of my duty," Instructor Anya replied with a slight nod, her voice gentle.

After speaking, she silently retreated back to the corner once more.

Picking up the book that always emitted a soft green glow, she resumed reading quietly.

Having personally experienced the near-resurrection-level might of the Grandmaster Realm, the desire to grow stronger within Qin Yan's heart burned even more fiercely and resolutely!

Only by mastering such power, and even greater power.

Could he better protect himself, or protect those important to him, on this Martial Path filled with unknowns and dangers.

At this moment, Instructor Fang Yan also walked over, beaming, and gave Qin Yan's shoulder a firm pat.

His eyes were full of admiration and gratification. "Well done, lad! Qin Yan, splendid work!

Your strength truly gave us a huge surprise!"

He was naturally referring to the sixfold spear force Qin Yan displayed in the battle.

Although the sixfold spear force itself didn't provide a massive direct boost to Qin Yan's current combat power,

what it represented was Qin Yan's terrifying, monstrous talent and comprehension in the art of Spear Technique!

"Indeed, Qin Yan's talent in the Martial Path is truly astonishing," Instructor Lin Jian chimed in from the side, though his tone carried a trace of obvious regret. "What a pity... this kid also chose to split his focus and study alchemy.

If he could devote all his energy to martial cultivation, his future achievements would likely be even more unimaginable."

In his view, with Qin Yan's combat talent being so outstanding, splitting his focus on the Alchemical Path was somewhat "neglecting his proper duties."

Hearing this, Qin Yan merely smiled and offered no explanation.

Instructor Fang Yan waved his hand, signaling Lin Jian to say no more. Respecting a student's choices was also part of a mentor's responsibility.

He looked around at all the team members in the preparation area, his expression turning serious as he said clearly:

"Classmates, thanks to Qin Yan's hard-fought battle just now, our Modu University of Martial Arts has successfully secured a spot in the Winners' Bracket!

According to the schedule, starting this afternoon and continuing for the next two days,

the Losers' Bracket will engage in brutal battles to compete for the remaining eight advancement spots."

He emphasized, his tone grave, "Everyone, you absolutely must not slack off in the slightest these next few days!

Use every spare moment to cultivate desperately and adjust your condition.

Face the final stage's Major Round-Robin Matches with the fullest fighting spirit! Understood?!"

"Understood!" All the team members, including Qin Yan, responded in unison.

Afterwards, Qin Yan and the other team members stood up and gradually left the noisy Martial Arts Arena.

Exiting the venue, the sunlight outside was just right.

Qin Yan instinctively glanced around but didn't see the figures of old friends like Zhou Yuan or Lin Yang.

This left his small, post-battle vanity—which had been itching to "casually show off" and share his feelings—suddenly with nowhere to land.

Shaking his head, he dismissed this minor episode. Qin Yan went alone to the cafeteria for a hearty meal to replenish his energy.

Then he headed straight back to his No. 11 Manor and once again plunged into the race-against-time cultivation.

...

Time flew by amidst the shedding of sweat and the attention focused from across the nation.

For three consecutive days, the National Top Academy Exchange Competition saw fierce contests unfold at Modu University of Martial Arts.

And during these three days, for the sake of the mere eight "revival" spots in the Losers' Bracket,

and for their school's crucial allocation of educational resources in the coming year,

every martial arts university that had fallen into the Losers' Bracket fought with the determination of burning their bridges and making a last stand!

On the arena stage, there were no more reservations, only going all out!

The clashes between the various martial arts universities were fought with such ferocity that it seemed to darken the heavens and earth!

Fighters being severely injured, vomiting blood, breaking bones—it became almost commonplace.

Every victory was soaked in sweat and blood!

(Making up for yesterday's missed update today, but since yesterday's gift earnings were also high, I'll add an extra chapter for you all tomorrow~)