Chapter 48: The Challenge of the Top Ten in the Grade (Seeking Continued Reading)

Two days later.

That morning, just minutes before martial arts class, the elite class unusually gathered all together in the classroom.

“What’s going on today? Teacher Zhang said there’s an important announcement, and everyone must come.”

A group chatted casually, their conversation eventually turning to contracts.

“Li Zhou hasn’t signed the A-level contract yet. It’s said that the three major martial arts halls will decide based on his midterm assessment.”

“Right now, in all of Tianhai City, fewer than five people have managed to sign an A-level contract.”

“Wow, that strict? Li Zhou is already so strong—he still doesn’t qualify?” They all exclaimed.

The strictness of the A-level contract brought a sober realization to everyone.

“Jiang Tao, why haven’t you signed a contract yet?”

As Jiang Tao rested, drinking water, a figure suddenly appeared beside him, inquisitively asking.

This was a young man about 1.85 meters tall, muscular and handsome in a youthful way.

He moved with agile grace, feet light as wind, suddenly standing by Jiang Tao.

He was Qiu Jie, ranked tenth in the grade, nicknamed "Storm Gun."

“I’m waiting for Brother Qi. Whenever he signs, I’ll sign,” Jiang Tao said, glancing at Lin Qi not far away.

Qiu Jie shook his head. “I don’t get why you call Lin Qi ‘Brother.’ His strength isn’t even as good as yours.”

“Why does he deserve it?”

“If that’s the case, you can call me Brother Qiu or Brother Jie,” Qiu Jie joked with a laugh.

Jiang Tao’s face instantly darkened. “What I call you is none of your business. Get lost!”

“All right, don’t be mad, just joking,” Qiu Jie said, holding up his hands apologetically. Finding the mood dull, he then left.

“Don’t be angry!” Lin Qi came over and patted Jiang Tao on the shoulder to comfort him.

“That Qiu Jie, I really want to tear his mouth apart for trying to sow discord between us,” Jiang Tao sneered.

Lin Qi watched Qiu Jie’s retreating figure, narrowing his eyes.

*Dinglingling!!*

Just then, the class bell rang, and Zhang Cheng, broad-shouldered and imposing, strode into the classroom with the majesty of a dragon and tiger.

His gaze swept over everyone, focusing especially on Li Zhou, Yu Jing, Qi Yuelin, and the other top ten students.

“I’ve gathered you all here today to announce something.”

Zhang Cheng’s voice was loud and serious, and everyone understood that it was important.

“Every year, in November, the major high schools in Tianhai City hold martial arts exchange competitions to spar and improve their skills.”

“But this year is different. Your opponents will be the key high school from Bailu City.”

At this, the crowd erupted in surprise.

“A competition? Do we have to participate?”

“That’s none of our business, right? The exchange matches are usually fought by the strongest students from each school,” people debated.

“The rules are: each school sends ten students to face off one-on-one. The school with the most wins is victorious,” Zhang Cheng continued.

“These ten will represent our school and Tianhai City against Bailu City.”

“This exchange will take place in the Chijie Arena. Others can watch by logging into the official website on their phones.”

“Of course, participating in the exchange to fight for our school and city, and winning, will earn cash rewards.”

At Zhang Cheng’s announcement, many eyes lit up.

Lin Qi felt the same—he was in dire need of money.

“Too bad I probably won’t make the top ten list,” Lin Qi thought regretfully.

“Now, as I call out the names, these are the fighters selected,” Zhang Cheng said, listing the names one after another.

Excitement surged immediately.

“First, Li Zhou!” Zhang Cheng called out.

Li Zhou’s lips curved slightly, excitement shining in his eyes.

“Second, Yu Jing.”

Yu Jing lifted his head, stretching his neck.

“Third, Qi Yuelin.”

Qi Yuelin’s expression remained unchanged.

“...”

“Seventh, Jiang Tao!”

Upon hearing this, Jiang Tao rubbed his hands eagerly. “Brother Qi, looks like it’s just me going this time.”

Lin Qi shook his head quietly.

“This is simply the top ten of the grade,” the students whispered.

Qiu Jie smiled proudly, puffing out his chest, ready to fight for the school without hesitation.

“Tenth, Lin Qi!” Zhang Cheng announced the last name, then looked at Lin Qi.

Lin Qi: “?”

Everyone else: “?”

Qiu Jie froze on the spot, stiff as stone.

“Did I hear that right? Who? Lin Qi?” Someone was dumbfounded.

Many in the class were shocked, all glancing toward Lin Qi in the corner, including Li Zhou, Yu Jing, Qi Yuelin, and the other top ten.

Lin Qi himself was puzzled—how did he end up on the list?

“Damn, Brother Qi, we get to fight side by side again,” Jiang Tao said, ignoring others as he laughed and hugged Lin Qi.

All eyes then turned to martial arts teacher Zhang Cheng.

“Any objections to my roster?” Zhang Cheng asked.

No sooner had he spoken than someone eagerly raised their hand.

“I do!”

Qiu Jie stepped forward, his face full of discontent. “Teacher Zhang, I don’t accept this!”

“Lin Qi is only ranked eighteenth in the grade. Why should he be on the list? Shouldn’t it be me?”

Zhang Cheng’s expression darkened, a terrifying aura radiating from him as he said:

“Are you questioning my decision?”

Qiu Jie felt as if a mountain crushed him, making it hard to breathe.

“I don’t dare,” he said, bowing his head.

Zhang Cheng scanned the room, taking in every expression, then relaxed and smiled broadly.

“I know some don’t understand. Fine, Lin Qi, Qiu Jie, you two will face off.”

“Whoever wins gets the last spot.”

“To ensure complete fairness, you’ll go to the virtual training room. There you can fight unrestricted—no limits on vitality or physical stats.”

With that, Zhang Cheng led the way out of the classroom toward the virtual room, Qiu Jie following immediately.

Curious classmates all swarmed after them.

Soon, all fifty students in the class gathered in the virtual room, encircling Lin Qi and Qiu Jie.

“You two enter the Chijie Arena, select duel mode, and enable spectator mode,” Zhang Cheng instructed from the side.

Qiu Jie glared at Lin Qi with hatred as he entered the virtual pod.

“Brother Qi, take down that bastard Qiu Jie. I believe in you,” Jiang Tao said firmly.

“I will!” Lin Qi exhaled deeply and entered his pod, logging into Chijie.

Nearby, Zhang Cheng operated a projector, casting a giant screen before everyone.

In the spacious arena appeared two figures, one black and one blue, each wielding a gun.

Inside Chijie:

Lin Qi donned a black combat suit, gripping a black rifle.

Opposite him, Qiu Jie wore a blue combat suit, shouldering a white long spear.

“Teacher Zhang’s blind—I can’t believe you’re stealing my spot.”

“On what basis?”

“Let me show you how to use a spear. In ten moves, I’ll pierce your heart with this spear,” Qiu Jie sneered mockingly.

“You’re just a clown,” Lin Qi said coldly.

“No matter how much you talk, it won’t change the huge gap in our strength.”

[One-on-one duel preparation begins!]

[3, 2, 1]

[Match officially starts!]

As the intelligent female voice announced, Qiu Jie flashed forward, eagerly swinging his spear.

His steps were nimble, like a leopard—swift and agile, leaving afterimages.

“Whoosh~”

Lin Qi also dashed out like lightning, the hum of his spear cutting through the air.

The fierce wind howled as their weapons clashed.

Their battle was about to erupt...