"Hahaha, brother, I knew I didn't misjudge you," Huang Yulong said, a full generation older than Ren Yuanhao, his eyes filled with admiration as he spoke.
"Brother, don't blame me for being underhanded when I say this, but I was actually just testing your character. It seems my intentions were too petty. Since you have such a spirit," Huang Yulong solemnly extended his right hand and continued, "I, Huang Yulong, along with my disciples, will accompany you to the end."
Ren Yuanhao also laughed heartily, reaching out to shake his hand. Then, as if remembering something, he adopted a serious expression and asked, "May I ask, Senior, has the condition of your disciple, Lin Feng, improved?"
"He can get out of bed now, but he has a mild concussion and is not fit to continue competing," Huang Yulong shook his head, his expression changing slightly. He added, "Furthermore, according to Lin Feng, Xiao Chong seemed to be holding back his strength during the match. Lin Feng always felt like he was being seen through by Xiao Chong, and the more they fought, the more restrained he became."
"Of course, the opponent has the 'Copy Cat Kakashi' ability!"
Ren Yuanhao muttered to himself, growing even more wary of this Xiao Chong.
Just then, the system's loli voice rang out again.
"Beep beep, this copy ability might not be as perfect as you think, and it has limitations."
"What do you mean?"
"Think about it, if the user had this skill, would they still bother practicing their basic skills diligently?"
"Holy crap, your brain really is sharp. So, you're saying this guy's basic skills aren't very solid? If the attack frequency is fast enough, there's a chance of victory?"
"Of course, this is just speculation. I do have a strategy that might work if you face him."
...
After exchanging pleasantries, Huang Yulong and Ren Yuanhao returned to their respective areas. The spotlights, the cheers, and the martial arts performances on the stage gradually heightened the participants' emotions, the adrenaline surging like a tropical storm.
The main competition was about to begin.
Yue Ran emerged from the spotlight, exuding an aura of gentlemanly charm. His female fans roared with excitement. As he approached the host's elevated platform, he felt a sharp gaze pierce through him!
"Ren Yuanhao? Why is he standing in the Aishishen City representative team's area? Where is Shen Lan Ni? Could it be that yesterday he and Shen Lan Ni..."
A series of questions like a torrential downpour struck the lake of his heart, creating towering waves that made his complexion change drastically.
Yue Ran was stunned for a full ten seconds. After a slight cough from the director, he realized they were live on air.
He finally managed to steady his breathing, feeling a constant prickle on his back, his voice trembling slightly.
"To all the viewers, I'm sure you were all amazed by yesterday's exhibition match. Today's schedule has also seen some slight changes. Below, please welcome the chief referee for this event, the President of the Donglv City Taekwondo Association, Chen Ji, for his speech."
As soon as Yue Ran finished speaking, the entire martial arts hall erupted in thunderous applause.
Chen Ji strode with the agility and grace of a martial artist, his movements showing none of the stiffness expected of someone nearing fifty. His voice was loud and powerful, "For this Southeast District Competition, it is your kind regard that I, along with Old Zhu, serve as chief referees. We will conduct the scoring with fairness and impartiality. Now, I will introduce the rules for this divisional competition."
He took a small sip of water to moisten his throat, then shook his manuscript and continued, "This competition will begin with team matches to select the second round of competing teams, followed by individual battles to select four elite contestants to participate in the Eastern District Competition!"
At this moment, staff members brought forward four sealed envelopes. Chen Ji took them and said, "Next, we will proceed to the draw. The envelopes contain numbers. Those who receive the same number will compete against each other. I invite the representatives of the four participating teams to come forward and draw their numbers."
Huang Yulong, Chu Tianxiong, Leng Ziyu, and Ren Yuanhao strode onto the stage. All the cameras focused on these four.
"Look quickly, that's strange, the beautiful young lady from the Aishishen City representative team from yesterday is gone."
"What's wrong with a young man replacing her? Besides, he looks dashing, maybe his team-leading abilities are even stronger."
"No, you're just being infatuated. I'm not optimistic about a team missing a member. Donglv City is in trouble, and Aishishen City is hanging by a thread."
"Of course, I think the top four will emerge from Zigui and Yufang cities. Alas."
The audience's concern seemed greater than that of Ren Yuanhao and Huang Yulong themselves. Yet, as the two held their chosen envelopes, their expressions remained impassive. They exchanged glances, and then Leng Ziyu questioned, "What's going on? Did Shen Lan Ni go to take care of her beloved disciple and hand over those three misfits to you? That's a pretty slick move."
Ren Yuanhao snorted with disdain, "May I ask who was defeated by the so-called misfits you mentioned yesterday? Has the world changed so much that even a loser can now claim superiority?"
"You!" Leng Ziyu was momentarily speechless by the retort, only able to resort to glaring at Ren Yuanhao, hoping to inflict mental damage.
"What 'you' are you talking about? You lost, yet you're more arrogant than those of us who won. Who else should I retort to if not you?"
"Fine, very fine. Let's open them. Just don't let me face you, or else..."
"Losers shouldn't make empty threats, it makes you look classless. Let's open them, do you think we're afraid of you?"
Ren Yuanhao cut off Leng Ziyu's words and opened his envelope without hesitation. A faint scent of sandalwood wafted towards him.
At this moment, the entire audience held their breath, awaiting the moment they would unseal their envelopes and reveal the results. Some say luck is a form of strength, so one wonders which side fortune would favor tonight.
Ren Yuanhao: "Number 2."
Huang Yulong: "Number 1."
Leng Ziyu: "Number 2."
Chu Tianxiong didn't need to announce his number; everyone already knew the outcome. The entire martial arts arena burst into an uproar.
"It's true! Rivals facing rivals! This is going to be interesting!"
"Exactly! To be honest, I had a dream last night after going home, and I already knew this would be the result today!"
"Are you into metaphysics? But who cares, the rivalry match alone is worth the ticket price."
"However, with the absence of the two who fought yesterday, the sharp edge of their clash is somewhat dulled."
The audience chattered amongst themselves. Ren Yuanhao and Leng Ziyu exchanged a few more taunts before returning to their preparation areas. However, all along the way, Ren Yuanhao's mind was replaying Leng Ziyu's meaningful words.
"Shen Lan Ni ultimately fell on the stage of the national competition, and the misfits you lead will ultimately stop at the Southeast District. The wheels of history keep moving forward, and only a rare few can continuously overcome obstacles and recognize themselves. Unfortunately, you won't be able to help those boys see through the fog and recognize themselves, because I won't give you the chance."
He suddenly stopped, tilting his head to look in Leng Ziyu's direction. He saw four robust youths standing side by side, like an insurmountable mountain.
"Although the chances are slim, the bunch of us still want to try," Ren Yuanhao murmured to himself, his eyes seeming to sparkle with starlight.