The second round began with a three-point streak (though one point was self-inflicted). Even a black belt master like Pang Qiang didn't dare to take it lightly anymore.
"Good! Well fought!"
"Fantastic, he's finally fighting back!"
The crowd's excitement surged again. Spotlights blazed, dust particles danced in the air. Peng Lin's successful strike brought a slight upward curve to his lips, but he knew very well that provoking the opponent again and stealing another two points would be incredibly difficult.
Still, the allure of victory was too great, and he wanted to try.
—For the coach's hug, he had to give it his all!
Below the stage, in the spectator areas for the Ai Shen City and Yu Fang City teams, emotions were polarized. Shen Lan Ni, though maintaining a neutral expression, couldn't hide the flicker of relief in her eyes.
"I never expected that after just a casual remark, this kid would be able to apply it so quickly. He's truly a promising talent."
"Of course. You should consider who taught him," Ren Yuan Hao knew his former boss's skills all too well. If Peng Lin hadn't been so playful and indulged in his usual mischief, he would have earned his black belt long ago.
Yang Ni Ke stuck out her tongue. "Tsk tsk tsk, flatterer, hmph."
Ye Lan smiled faintly at the side. If she hadn't been wearing a mask, it would have likely caused a huge sensation again.
At this moment, the situation on the stage became somewhat delicate.
Peng Lin was a technical fighter, possessing strong control and perception of the match. Pang Qiang, on the other hand, was clearly an offensive player who could only control the rhythm through continuous attacks.
However, after losing three points, he dared not launch a reckless offensive. The two exchanged blows, and the second round quickly devolved into mutual probing.
"How's that? Your hands must be numb by now! Still holding on!" Pang Qiang taunted incessantly. Each strike became extremely cautious, though the directive to disable his opponent was still being implemented.
"Mind your own business! As long as I can beat you, that's all that matters."
Peng Lin was drenched in sweat, his hands indeed feeling extremely strained. He primarily relied on leg techniques or evasive maneuvers to block and parry, dismantling his opponent's attacks. But his opponent was skilled in offense; any slight opening he showed would be seized upon, leading to a series of brilliant combos. His hands were already overwhelmed.
Fortunately, this second round quickly concluded with a score of three to zero.
The coaches and assistants from both sides entered the ring. Shen Lan Ni immediately checked Peng Lin's injuries.
"Kid, you've performed beyond my expectations. Whether you want to finish the match is entirely up to you. However, I must say, I have no more strategies to give you for the third round. Your opponent will undoubtedly counterattack fiercely, perhaps even abandoning their original plan to tie or take the lead. You must be mentally prepared to face their unpredictable kicks and punches."
Peng Lin grinned sheepishly, trying to conceal the pain in his arms, but Shen Lan Ni noticed it.
"You brat, I know you're stubborn despite your playful nature, much like me. But I have to remind you, this is just an exhibition match. Even if you give it your all, you won't get the advancement points you desire. You need to understand that a bigger stage awaits. After the East District, there are national competitions, and even world-class matches. You must be responsible for the decisions you make now, so think it over carefully before deciding."
Shen Lan Ni, in a rare moment of extreme gentleness, spoke with a tenderness that ignited Peng Lin's fighting spirit!
"Coach, even if our team is short one player, as captain, I want to convey one thing to them—the gap in strength can be bridged by intelligence, resilience, and determination. No one can define our victory or defeat except ourselves!"
These words stunned not only Shen Lan Ni but also 任元浩.
—Damn, I didn't have this kind of grit at eighteen. I misjudged this kid.
Ren Yuan Hao muttered to himself, his brow twitching slightly. He quickly walked behind the kid and clapped him on the shoulder. "Kid, don't worry. No matter what, I'll make sure you stand on the main tournament stage tomorrow, unless you don't want the championship anymore."
"Really?" Peng Lin was naturally curious, knowing his own injuries well.
"Shall I swear to the heavens?"
"No need for that. Since Big Brother says so, what reason do I have not to fight for it?"
Peng Lin felt as if he'd been injected with adrenaline, his face flushed, his eyes burning brighter.
On the other side of the stage, Leng Zi Yu berated Pang Qiang thoroughly. Then, it was unclear what her man said to Pang Qiang, but Pang Qiang's face instantly turned pale. He then straightened his body and returned to the ring, his eyes now filled with a ferocious killing intent, tinged with a hint of fear!
The host, Yue Ran, announced in a clear, high-pitched voice, "Exhibition Match Round Two, Round Three, begin!"
Everyone retreated from the ring. The two fighters slowly moved to the center. As the referee's whistle blew, Pang Qiang, like a wild beast, unleashed a rapid succession of dazzling moves, tearing down Peng Lin's defenses!
The audience gasped. The pace was incredibly swift, with most spectators having just settled back into their seats.
Pang Qiang executed a difficult double-leg flying kick, shattering Peng Lin's guard with his forearms. With agile footwork, he flashed in front of him, leaped into the air, and at the last possible moment, delivered a lethal spinning kick to Peng Lin's chest!
With his hands no longer able to block, Peng Lin felt as if a hole had been kicked open in his chest. His bones pressed inward, crushing his lungs and heart. A mouthful of blood spurted from his mouth!
"Peng Lin!"
"Captain!"
"Captain!"
The three youngsters standing beside Shen Lan Ni frowned, instinctively taking half a step forward and crying out in alarm.
More than half of the audience members rose from their seats, their faces filled with disbelief. Some female spectators instinctively covered their eyes, unable to watch further.
Since Dong Lü City had lost the previous match, many spectators had placed their hopes on Shen Lan Ni's team, who hailed from Dong Lü City. However, less than ten seconds into the third round, Peng Lin was heavily injured, reigniting their previously eased tension.
"Peng Lin was hit by a spinning kick, losing 3 points. The score is now tied at 3-3!" The referee walked up to Peng Lin, placed his hands on his shoulders, and looked him directly in the eyes. "Peng Lin, are you sure you can continue?"
At this moment, Peng Lin gasped for air, turned his head to the side, his lips curving upwards. He gave a V-sign to the crowd below the stage, a look of grim determination in his eyes.