150: Chapter 150 Semifinals
The result was as everyone expected: Andre from Europe advanced with overwhelming force, becoming the top seed of the group.
On the commentary stage, Cheng Jian smiled and explained, "Many friends might be curious why there are no Xia Country contestants among the popular candidates in the Early Stage Basic Realm.
Actually, the reason is very simple: Xia Country was the earliest to popularize universal Cultivate and has the fastest progress. The vast majority of people have already achieved a Breakthrough to the Middle or Late Stage of the Basic Realm.
Those still remaining in the Early Stage of the Basic Realm are either weak in Physique or negligent in their Cultivate; there are simply no contestants left to participate in this group."
Hearing this, the audience realized the reason, followed by a surge of pride.
Before they knew it, Xia Country's Cultivate progress had already surpassed the rest of the world by so much.
The first round of duels for the three Basic Realm groups proceeded in sequence, with a tight pace and spectacular performances.
When the last match of the Late Stage Basic Realm concluded, the atmosphere of the entire venue was instantly pushed to a new climax.
Because next up was the Rhythm Realm group.
This represented the current ceiling of strength for human Evolvers.
The arena was also changed from ten meters to one hundred meters in length and width.
"First up is the 12-to-6 duel for the Early Stage Rhythm Realm group!"
Wang Hong's voice rose sharply: "Let us welcome the contestants!"
The entire audience's gaze instantly focused on Arena No. 1 and Arena No. 3.
Xiao Xuan, from Jiangnan Province, had astonishing control over his body and a power output amplification reaching 4.2 times. Known for his steady and precise fighting style, he was hailed as having the greatest talent in the Early Stage group of this tournament.
Zhang Feng, a veteran from the Northwest Military Region, had rich practical combat experience and extremely strong combat intuition. With a power output amplification of 3.8 times, he was famous for his fierce and courageous fighting style.
The two were recognized as the favorites to win the championship in the Early Stage group.
Minister Li Long pointed at Xiao Xuan on the arena and whispered to Chen Mo, "Chairman, this Xiao Xuan has extremely high Comprehension Ability. His control over his body far exceeds that of his peers; he understands things immediately upon being taught. He can grasp the essence of many Moves after seeing them just once. His talent is excellent."
Chen Mo nodded slightly, his gaze falling on Xiao Xuan, "We can focus on his Cultivate and provide targeted guidance later to see if he can manifest an Awakening of his abilities."
As they spoke, the match had already begun.
Their respective opponents both came from other continents; although strong, they were ultimately a grade lower in skill.
Xiao Xuan fought as steady as Mount Tai, with exquisite footwork and precise Moves. He suppressed his opponent the entire time and won easily in less than a minute.
Zhang Feng won just as decisively. His fighting style carried the crisp efficiency of a soldier, with every punch landing squarely. The pressure was immense, and his opponent only lasted less than half a minute before being KO'd.
The two advanced without any suspense and were simultaneously rated by the AI as the top two seeds, bypassing the next round directly into the semi-finals.
As they left the arena, their gazes met in the air for an instant, both seeing the Battle Intent in the other's eyes.
Everyone knew that the two of them were destined to meet in the finals.
The Middle Stage Rhythm Realm matches were equally intense. The contestants' punches tore through the air, causing continuous sonic booms. Each strike carried tons of force, making the alloy arena tremble slightly.
And when the contestants of the Late Stage Rhythm Realm group took the stage, the cheers of the entire venue reached their Peak.
Six battle platforms commenced fighting simultaneously, and the roaring sounds were incessant.
The contestants' speed was so fast that afterimages appeared, and their clashing punches emitted bursts of muffled thuds.
Each strike carried dozens to hundreds of tons of force; if it landed on the ground, it would be enough to smash a pit several meters deep.
And in this group, everyone's gaze was focused on one person: Zhao Wuji.
A former traditional martial arts Grandmaster, he had accumulated strength and unleashed it after the Spiritual Energy Revival, demonstrating terrifying talent. His martial arts skills and his path of Cultivate were perfectly fused, with his power output amplification reaching an astonishing 5.5 times.
"Master Zhao! Master Zhao!"
Countless people in the audience shouted in unison, their voices shaking the heavens.
The moment the match began, Zhao Wuji moved.
His movements were not fast, but carried an Aura as heavy as a mountain.
His opponent was a strong black man from the United States. He threw a punch that carried the sound of tearing air, but Zhao Wuji merely sidestepped and placed a palm lightly on the opponent's wrist, following the momentum to guide and push him away.
Bang!
The two-hundred-jin heavy man flew like a kite with a broken string, flying directly out of the arena and slamming heavily against the energy barrier.
The whole process took no more than three seconds.
"Grandmaster Zhao's strength is simply a dimensionality reduction strike!"
"Bravo!"
The entire venue erupted in thunderous applause.
Zhao Wuji's expression remained unchanged; he cupped his hands slightly and turned to walk off the arena.
The stands were abuzz with discussion, and most people were convinced that the championship belonged to none other than Zhao Wuji.
By the time the morning schedule ended, it was already noon.
The afternoon's 6-to-4 schedule was equally exciting, with dark horses winning against the odds, drawing repeated gasps of surprise from the audience.
But everyone knew that the real main event was on the second day.
The semi-finals and the finals were the true Peak of this tournament.
That evening, the entire Blue Planet was discussing it.
"I think that Lin Mo has potential; he's been fighting against the odds all the way up, his mentality is so stable."
"The Early Stage Rhythm Realm is definitely a choice between Xiao Xuan and Zhang Feng. I'm betting on Xiao Xuan; his power output is there, and his strength is so great."
"Is there any suspense for the Late Stage Rhythm Realm? Zhao Wuji is invincible, okay!"
Countless people argued endlessly while watching their terminals, causing the popularity of major betting sections to soar.
Countless young people clenched their fists at the screens.
This was the era of the Evolvers, and also the era of every ordinary person.
As long as one is willing to work hard, everyone has a chance to stand on that arena.
November 3rd, Final Day.
The atmosphere inside the venue was even more intense than yesterday, and 500,000 spectators had filled the stands early.
Almost every human who could still Move was guarding their screens.
"Welcome back to the finals site!" Wang Hong's voice carried irrepressible excitement, "After yesterday's competition, the final four of each group have been decided! Next up is the semi-final showdown! The winners will advance to the final championship!"
The wave of cheers rang out once again.
The pace of the semi-finals was faster and even more brutal.
The Basic Realm duels remained exquisite, and the collisions in the Rhythm Realm became increasingly intense.
Some maintained their advantage and advanced smoothly, while others fought with everything they had, staging dark horse upsets.
When the morning semi-finals all concluded, everyone's emotions were strung to the Peak.
The finals were right before their eyes.
The next two hours of rest time became the most agonizing wait for the entire audience.
In the stands, some people kept drinking water, some repeatedly refreshed forum discussions, and others gathered together to argue intensely about the outcome.
"Why hasn't it started yet? I can't wait!" In the stands, a young man kept rubbing his hands, stretching his neck to look toward the arena.
"What's the rush? The finals must be prepared thoroughly." His friend beside him said with a smile, "Tell me, between Xiao Xuan and Zhang Feng, who do you think will win?"
"It's hard to say. Xiao Xuan has high talent and great strength, while Zhang Feng is experienced... it's a toss-up."
"Let's work hard on our Cultivate; hopefully one day, we can stand up there too."
"You're right! Let's train hard; maybe it will be our turn in the next tournament!"
The young people laughed and joked, their eyes full of longing.
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