Zhu Zhuqing returned in defeat, but the sad scene one might imagine didn't occur.
Luo Yu had been ready to console her.
Instead, he found himself encouraged.
"Brother Yu, you must work hard. Aim to take revenge for me and hammer that Liu Sheng Tan down," Zhu Zhuqing said, waving her little fists.
"You're not upset?" Luo Yu asked in surprise.
They had already reached the fourth round; one more victory would place them among the top four in the world.
For any young person, this was the ultimate honor and temptation.
Zhu Zhuqing shook her head, "More than my own victory, I want to see you win from below the stage."
"Hmm?"
Luo Yu smiled, "Don't worry, the final champion will definitely be from our Chuan Province Martial University."
"No."
Zhu Zhuqing said, "I don't care if it's from the Chuan Province Martial University or not, as long as the champion is you, I will be happy."
"Ah?"
Luo Yu was shocked, not expecting Zhu Zhuqing to say such a thing.
Is this... a confession?
Zhu Zhuqing is a martial arts fanatic, so how would she know what it means to like someone?
Zhu Zhuqing, realizing the change in Luo Yu's expression, cursed inwardly for accidentally voicing her thoughts.
He would definitely sense something was off.
But that's how it is when you like someone: when you truly like someone, it's hard to hide those feelings.
At this moment, an announcing voice resonated from the stage.
"The second fight of the fourth round: Chuan Province Martial University's Zhu Zhuyun versus Southern Province Martial University's Xiang Kunlun."
All eyes were on them, attentive to this battle.
The leather-clad beauty Zhu Zhuyun naturally attracted countless men's support.
On the other hand, the imposing and naturally heavy-pupiled young warrior gained the support of all the women.
The two quickly engaged in an explosive battle.
"Boom boom boom!"
The fluctuations from the fight on the platform were astonishingly intense; everyone was drawn to Zhu Zhuyun's special Ancient Spirits, unsure of what the gigantic Youming beast that blotted out the sky truly was.
In legends, there seemed to be no such creature, yet the power it displayed was well beyond normal.
Xiang Kunlun, composed as ever, demonstrated absolute strength.
Zhu Zhuyun's stealth was completely seen through, leaving nowhere to hide.
Xiang Kunlun's dominant double-pupil power was a natural nemesis to Zhu Zhuyun, who excelled in stealth assassinations.
After Xiang Kunlun summoned Meng Tian, Meng Wu, Wang Jian, Wang Ben, and Zhang Han, the five greatest Ancient Spirits, Zhu Zhuyun found herself at a complete disadvantage.
In the end, after a bout of combat, Zhu Zhuyun actively suggested surrender to the referee.
This caused the audience to sigh in disappointment.
Zhu Zhuyun's explosive, sensual body and stunning beauty had won over countless supporters.
Before this, no one had imagined Great Xia harbored such a potent beauty.
Xiang Kunlun almost became a public enemy to all men after this fight.
For he had consecutively eliminated two exceptional women.
Dajiuer had been ousted by him, and now Zhu Zhuyun as well, making the male spectators grind their teeth in hatred, though they dared not show it.
That's because Xiang Kunlun's power was simply too terrifying; the might of his Heavy Pupil wasn't fully displayed yet, but it already oppressed his opponents to the point of breathlessness.
Zhu Zhuyun wasn't too disheartened upon return and waved her fists at Luo Yu, cheering him on energetically.
This made Luo Yu gradually realize that the two women might not be true martial fanatics after all.
Perhaps they came from the same origins as Bi Bidong.
His head ached slightly; for some reason, he felt as if something buried for countless years was about to be revived.
The third and final fight of the fourth round began.
Chuan Province Martial University's Luo Yu faced off against Jing Province Martial University's Zhao Yunliu, a battle that received the highest acclaims.
Zhao Yunliu had long been famous as the Little Martial God, and there was no need to mention Luo Yu.
For many years, he had been the Da Xia Godson, up until today, when the Six Family Heads announced in unison that he was an imposter.
But soon enough, the Six Family Heads were swiftly slapped in the face as Luo Yu showed his earth-shattering prowess.
He didn't seem anything like a fake Godson.
That shook the Six Family Heads dangerously.
Luo Yu, relaxed on the stage, sized up Zhao Yunliu across from him.
Instinct told him that this person might be more than just a notch stronger than Zhu Tiangang.
The young masters of the Eight Great Families each had their level of strength.
Qin Qi was undoubtedly the weakest and the one with the shortest training, whereas Zhao Yunliu was undoubtedly amongst the greatest.
Overlord Xiang Kunlun, Liu Family's Young Saint, Zhao Family's Martial God, Cao Family Hero—these four were known as the Top Four Families, while Zhu Tiangang and others were referred to as the latter four.
This distinction indicated the gap in power.
As the referee declared the start, neither Zhao Yunliu nor Luo Yu immediately attacked.
Zhao Yunliu laughed, "I didn't expect you really could make it this far."
"You know,"
"when Grandfather and the other family heads announced you were a fake Godson, I was actually a bit worried," Zhao Yunliu continued.
Luo Yu raised an eyebrow, "Worried?"
Zhao Yunliu nodded, "Yes, worried."
"Ever since I heard that Great Xia had you as the Godson, I've been rigorously practicing and delving into the Way of the Spear every day."
"I don't believe that gods are necessarily superior to mortals."
"What I pursue is 'man's triumph over heaven', and the test to see if my cultivation has succeeded is to surpass you, the Godson."
"Otherwise, if you were a fake Godson, whom should I surpass?"
"Fortunately, you are formidable enough. You've beaten Zhu Tiangang and cleared your way here, one opponent after another."
"No matter what my grandfather or others doubt, I recognize you as this Godson," Zhao Yunliu declared.
"And then?" Luo Yu knew the other party hadn't finished speaking.