Wu Tian's expression was also different from before.
Previously, when facing opponents, Wu Tian didn't take them seriously and thus maintained a neutral demeanor.
However, this time was different. After yesterday evening's exchange, he was filled with doubts about Yagami Yuriko.
Even now, he still couldn't fathom Yagami Yuriko's true intentions.
On the other hand, Yagami Yuriko's demeanor remained unchanged.
She waited quietly for the match to begin, as if the events of last night had never happened.
During the waiting period, the members of the Chinese team could no longer bear the tension.
One of them couldn't help but ask, "Wu Tian, what are your chances of winning this time?"
Wu Tian shook his head and replied, "I don't know. Facing an opponent like this, I can only take it one step at a time."
The teammate said, "No way, Wu Tian. You are the hope of all of us!"
"Although this final looks like five against one, in reality, it's a match between you and her."
"That's right, if even you lack confidence, how can we?"
Wu Tian said, "Isn't that what competitions are all about? If victory were always assured, what would be the point of competing?"
"You all don't need to be so nervous. Rest well and prepare for the upcoming matches."
"What if one of you manages to defeat her? Wouldn't that be the best outcome?"
The teammate gave a wry smile, "You're thinking too highly of us when you say that."
"What's the difference between us and cannon fodder? Relying on us is futile."
"Actually, we discussed it privately yesterday, and we feel that with our abilities, it's better not to join the fray."
"So, how about you participate in this match alone? We won't compete."
"What did you say?" Wu Tian was slightly surprised. "How can that be? Although Yagami Yuriko is a genius, aren't you all geniuses from various regions?"
"Isn't genius against genius a match of equals? Why give up?"
The teammate continued with a wry smile, "Wu Tian, please don't comfort us. Don't we know our own capabilities?"
"If it weren't for you, our Chinese team might not have reached this stage."
"You are our hope, so we believe there's no need for us to compete."
"Besides, if we know we can't win but still compete, the blow of losing would be even greater!"
Seeing the somewhat sheepish expressions on his teammates' faces, Wu Tian understood that they were scared, which was why they were saying this.
He couldn't entirely blame them, as Yagami Yuriko's strength was indeed formidable.
Their withdrawal at this point could be considered a form of self-awareness.
Therefore, Wu Tian didn't try to persuade them. He nodded and said, "In that case, alright. I'll go up alone later."
"However, let me be clear: do not place too much hope on me."
"After all, I am not invincible. Whether I win or lose is normal."
The teammates nodded and said, "Don't worry, Wu Tian, we won't put any pressure on you."
"If you win this time, when we return home, I will vigorously promote your achievements."
"I must let everyone know that our China possesses a super genius like you!"
Wu Tian smiled and said, "That's not necessary. I prefer to keep a low profile, so it's better not to let me gain too much fame."
As they chatted, the venue was soon ready.
The referee stood in the center of the hall, signaling the official commencement of the grand finals.
After explaining the situation of the Chinese team, Wu Tian walked onto the stage with Yagami Yuriko.
They looked at each other in silence, and the atmosphere seemed to turn subtle.
The Chinese team members watched them nervously, their hands instinctively resting on their chests.
They couldn't help but feel tense, as this was the final match.
Regardless of who won, it would bring precious honor to their nation.
The referee took a deep breath and announced loudly, "Alright! The time has come!"
"I now declare that the grand finals of this year's Asian Traditional Chinese Medicine Exchange Competition officially begin!"
"And the topic for this competition is… no topic!"
No topic?
Upon hearing the referee's words, the Chinese team members were stunned.
None of them understood what it meant. What kind of topic was "no topic"?
However, neither Wu Tian nor Yagami Yuriko showed any confusion. Wu Tian smiled faintly and said, "So, this round is a free-for-all, correct?"
The referee nodded and replied, "That's right. This match will adopt a free-for-all system!"
"We have witnessed the strength you both displayed throughout the group stages."
"All-round talents like yourselves have surpassed the scope of topics we could devise."
"It can be said that you are the two strongest geniuses since the inception of the Asian Traditional Chinese Medicine Competition!"
"Therefore, after deliberation, we believe that we should not limit your performance with topics."
"So, this time, you can discuss and decide on the content of the competition first, and then begin!"
"I see," Wu Tian nodded and said to Yagami Yuriko, "Miss Yagami, for this match, please decide the content of the competition."
The Chinese team members were almost beside themselves with anxiety.
They felt that Wu Tian's approach was too overconfident.
Logically, under this format, Wu Tian should have strived for content that was advantageous to him.
Yet, Wu Tian had handed the decision-making power to Yagami Yuriko. Wasn't this increasing his own difficulty?
Yagami Yuriko, upon hearing Wu Tian's words, softly asked, "Why should I decide?"
Wu Tian smiled and replied, "Don't you want to see my strength?"
"In that case, having you set the topic is perfectly suitable, isn't it?"
"Don't worry, I don't mean to look down on you."
"In my eyes, you are entirely worthy of being a formidable opponent."
"This time, consider it a challenge for myself."
"Alright, please present your topic."
Yagami Yuriko paused for a moment, then said, "I understand. If that's the case, then we will compete in a duel."
"However… this time, I don't intend to compete in medical skills. I want to compete with you in… spiritual energy."