The training hall of No. 2 High School was buzzing with anticipation as the third stage was about to begin. The Martial Combat stage was the true test of a student's abilities, where cultivation and martial proficiency would be put to the ultimate test in real combat.
The spacious room was divided into five sections, each marked clearly with large banners labeled A, B, C, D, and E. The polished wooden floor gleamed under the morning light that streamed in through high windows, casting a golden hue over the students as they waited in rows.
At the front of the hall stood a raised platform, where the head examiner and several other officials were positioned. The head examiner, a dignified figure with a commanding presence, stepped forward to address the students. His name was Elder Zhou, a renowned Martial Master expert whose reputation is known as Spear Demon due to its violent fighting style, like demon wreck-havoc its surroundings. His gaze swept over the crowd, taking in the eager faces of the young martial artists.
As he raised his hand, the hall fell into a respectful silence.
"Students of No. 2 High School," Elder Zhou began, his voice deep and resonant, carrying to every corner of the hall. "You have all shown remarkable skill and determination to reach this point. The first two stages of the White River City Martial Arts Examination tested your knowledge, your cultivation, and your proficiency in martial arts. But now, you stand before the final test—the Martial Combat stage."
His eyes narrowed slightly, a hint of sternness entering his tone. "This is where your true capabilities will be revealed. Combat is not merely about power; it is about control, strategy, and understanding your opponent. Many of you have trained for years, and now the time has come to put that training to this test.
As I said yesterday, the students of the top 10 will be representative of their school in competing with other schools in White River City."
Elder Zhou paused, letting his words sink in. The silence in the hall was palpable, each student hanging on to his every word.
"For this stage, you will be matched against your fellow students in a series of duels," he continued. "The matches will be determined by random selection, and the outcomes will be closely observed by the examiners."
He stepped back slightly, his gaze sweeping over the students once more. "Fight with honor, with discipline, and with respect for your opponents. Let this be a true measure of your growth and potential."
With that, Elder Zhou gestured to one of the examiners standing beside him, who held a large wooden box filled with slips of paper. "Now, we will begin the selection of the first match. Step forward when your name is called."
With that, he stepped back, allowing the other examiners to step forward and begin the process of organizing the students.
The students were called out one by one, their names echoing through the hall as they were assigned to their respective sections. The tension in the air grew with each name announced, as friends were separated and rivals were placed into different groups.
"Chu Yan," the head examiner called, his voice steady. Chu Yan stepped forward, his expression calm and focused. "Section A."
There was a subtle shift in the atmosphere as Chu Yan's name was announced. Many of the students exchanged glances, aware that Section A had just gained one of the strongest contenders.
"Su Ming," the examiner continued. Su Ming, one of Chu Yan's close friends, was assigned to Section C. He shot Chu Yan a confident grin as he walked to his designated area.
"Zhang Yu, Section D." Zhang Yu, another of Chu Yan's friends, nodded solemnly and took her place.
"Li Fui, Section B." Li Fui, the quietest of their group, offered a supportive smile to Chu Yan before moving to his section.
"Ouyang Feng," the head examiner's voice rang out again, causing a ripple of excitement. Ouyang Feng, Chu Yan's rival and one of the top students, was placed in Section E. He locked eyes with Chu Yan across the room, a silent understanding passing between them.
Finally, the examiner called out, "Yu Yunfei, Section A." The former class monitor and now determined challenger to Chu Yan's dominance walked forward with a determined look in her eyes. The fact that she and Chu Yan were in the same section added an extra layer of intensity to the competition.
With the students divided into their respective sections, the examiners began explaining the rules of the combat evaluation.
Each match would be overseen by a referee, and the students were expected to fight with controlled force—enough to demonstrate their abilities but without causing serious injury to their opponent.
The use of all martial techniques within the bounds of the rules was encouraged, as the examiners would be assessing not only raw power but also technique, strategy, and adaptability.