358 Chapter 358 The Next Stage

Chapter 358 The Next Stage

On the martial arts tournament stage, Jiang Lengyue announced loudly that there would be another round of competition between the new students. It was meant to be an exchange match for the newcomers.

The newcomer got into a heated discussion, as they didn't know what the exchange was about.

"There's still one more stage?"

"The newcomers' exchange competition. From the name, it shouldn't be too confrontational, right?"

"This competition should be different from the martial arts tournament earlier, right? What's it about?"

"In other words, we still have one more chance?"

"I have another chance to prove myself. Not bad, not bad."

"The martial arts tournament is already supposed to display one's strength, yet there's still another round? The competition here is fierce, as expected from the upper house!"

Jiang Lengyue continued, "I'm sure everyone is curious about this exchange competition."

"Let me give a brief introduction."

"The primary purpose of the newcomers' exchange competition is to allow you all to learn from each other. This competition will enable you to express yourself more freely.

"Next, let me explain the rules of the competition."

"The location of the competition will be on an island. The rule is simple; it's a battle royale!"

"After you've been released onto the island, you're free to fight each other. You can ambush, fight one-on-one, or form groups. It's all up to you.

"One of the goals of this competition is to see your ability to adapt to the situation. "This is very important in actual combat."

An ability to adapt to changes was something that all forces valued, especially the military. If a person only cultivated in seclusion and only fought ferocious beasts, although he would be strong on paper, he wouldn't have much combat experience.

Therefore, the upper house wouldn't only judge a student's strength but also many other aspects.

When the crowd heard Jiang Lengyue's announcement, they all started discussing intensely. Some had complicated expressions; some were happy, while others were disgruntled.

Zhao Lei suddenly became excited and quickly pulled on Cai Hao's sleeve.

"Cai Hao, let's form a team for this championship!"

Cai Hao looked at Zhao Lei and asked, "Why do you want to team up with me? We three should at least form our own team!"

"Are you stupid? If the three of us don't work together, how can we be Lu Yu's match? This time, we're going to take revenge for our humiliation!"

Cai Hao scratched his head, as he had no idea Zhao Lei's target would be Lu Yu. After all, he should have realized he was no match for Lu Yu; the disparity in their strengths was far too significant.

"Do you think that the three of us together will be a match for Lu Yu?"

Zhao Lei nodded heavily and said, "Of course! Our three abilities complement each other, so if we work together, we will have the absolute advantage!"

Cai Hao was a little tempted. He, too, felt uncomfortable after witnessing Lu Yu's popularity soar and wanted to snatch the limelight back.

"Alright, I agree!"

Cai Hao hesitated for a moment before agreeing.

He looked at Han Xuefei and asked, "Miss Han, let's form a team of three for this newcomer's exchange competition!"

Han Xuefei glanced at him and asked back, "What are you two forming a team for?"

"Well, of course, we're going to fight Lu Yu. We have to defeat him and dampen his spirit!

Han Xuefei shook her head helplessly. "Forget it. Even with us three against him, we might be unable to win. Also, even if we can win, it's not a fair victory."

Cai Hao continued to persuade her. "Don't reject so quickly. You were originally the champion of the martial arts tournament. Now that Lu Yu has snatched it away, don't you want to take it back? "

"The three of us will form a team. After defeating Lu Yu, you'll definitely be the winner once only the three of us are left."

These words tempted Han Xuefei. If they could defeat Lu Yu, the top three would be occupied by the three geniuses once more.

Han Xuefei was indeed upset that her first place had been taken, and it would be nice if she could get first place in another competition.

After all, this exchange competition meant something, and being first would greatly help her future.

"Let me think about it. We still don't know Lu Yu's true strength, and it's likely that even the three of us together can't beat him."

Cai Hao didn't know what to say, as this was indeed possible.

At that moment, Jiang Lengyue continued to explain the rules.

"After entering the island, you must find a golden crown. Once you wear it, you will be crowned the champion of this competition."

"To better test your ability to adapt to any situation, we will impose restrictions on the abilities of the participating contestants!"

Upon hearing this, the newcomers began to get nervous. Restricting their abilities was fatal to most of them.

Many people specialize in only one aspect. For example, Cai Hao's close-quarters combat, Zhao Lei's speed, and Han Xuefei's spiritual power. If any of these areas were restricted, the person would become disabled and lose almost all of their abilities.

Everyone stared at Jiang Lengyue nervously, anticipating what kind of ability she would restrict.

"Every year has a different restriction on abilities, and never the same as compared to the previous year."

"This year, contestants will be limited to only using spiritual power skills other than close-quarters combat!"

As soon as she said this, the crowd instantly went into an uproar.

"Isn't this restriction a little too harsh?"

"How am I supposed to fight if I wholly rely on my skills?"

"I'm a mage. Isn't that just unfair? "

"Can we only use spiritual power? But I don't have any, what should I do? "

"Crap, this means I can only rely on my physical body. My physical fitness is average, and my attributes aren't high..."

"Cai Hao and Han Xuefei will be overjoyed by this."

"This restriction is so strict. Can't we change it?"

Quite a few people were grumbling incessantly as they had lost their ability even to defend themselves. How would they continue the competition?

Alas, once this rule was set, it was impossible to change it. Moreover, the newcomers' exchange competition was to test students' ability to adapt to changes. If you were disabled, you could totally join a team and rely on your ability to adapt to changes to get a good result.

This also promoted communication between students, allowing more students to understand each other.

Wang Meng complained to Lu Yu, "This restriction is just disgusting. I can't use any of the new skills I learned!"

"You're a close-combat fighter, and you're complaining? " Lu Yu rolled his eyes. "What do you think a mage can do here?"

Wang Meng scratched his head and chuckled, not saying anything more.

On the other side, Cai Hao looked at Han Xuefei and asked anxiously, "Should we form an alliance? We'll definitely get first place with the three of us together!"

Han Xuefei decisively said without hesitation, "Let's join forces. We will win this!"