Backstage, the draw was underway.
Up on the main stage, all the top officials had arrived—the leadership presence was stronger than ever, and the prizes were already prepared and waiting.
All that was left was for the champion to be crowned.
Even the host seemed a little tense and nervous.
Standing before these high-ranking officials was far more intimidating than facing the four guild masters.
By now, the four guild masters had finished exchanging pleasantries with the officials.
Ye Hongyi spoke up: “I looked into that Earthwalker. There’s absolutely no class-related information on him—it’s a brand-new profession. The fact that he could crush Cong Shuang means it’s a solid class. But what’s strange is that his main city never alerted the capital, nor did they recommend him to the Four Great Guilds. That’s a bit suspicious.”
Lei Tai said nonchalantly, “He’s probably just trying to show off. Wanted to make a big splash at the Hundred Cities League. Now that he’s achieved that, he’s likely hoping to maximize the effect by taking down Lu Ran. That way, he’d grab the attention of the Four Great Guilds for sure.”
Liu Xinxin mused, “That does seem plausible, but something still feels off. Lu Ran needs to be careful.”
Yu Qingcang blinked.
“What’s there to be careful about? Lu Ran’s practically invincible and can one-shot anyone. Even if someone dodges the Blood Spear, there’s still unlimited Corpse Explosion and an undead army. Who could possibly beat Lu Ran? You’re not counting on that Earthwalker, are you?”
Liu Xinxin said, “The match rules don’t just count health dropping to the critical threshold as a loss—falling off the arena also counts.”
Hearing that.
Yu Qingcang became even more dismissive. “You’re overthinking Lu Ran’s situation. Have you forgotten? Lu Ran can fly! There’s no way he’s falling off the arena. Relax—he’s not losing.”
At that.
Liu Xinxin suddenly realized and said with a start, “You’re right. I was worrying too much. I almost forgot Lu Ran can fly. Honestly, it’s just that Lu Ran has so many abilities that I sometimes lose track.”
She even felt a little embarrassed admitting it.
Meanwhile, backstage.
Lu Ran glanced at his assigned arena—it was Arena Two. But his opponent wasn’t Zhang Zheng.
It was a girl named Shen Manman, whose class was Exorcist.
The Exorcist was also a hidden class, not common in Longxia, but quite powerful. Lu Ran had encountered an Exorcist from Eagle Country before, back during his time in the southern frontier.
But back then, he’d been wiping out enemies in droves, so he’d never really gotten a proper feel for what an Exorcist could do.
So today, Lu Ran was actually looking forward to it.
He even thought he’d take a moment to observe the Exorcist’s capabilities first.
On the other side, when Zhang Zheng saw his own matchup, he was briefly disappointed—but then his brow relaxed. “Lu Ran sure is lucky. Looks like my chance has come. In the championship match, I’ll make a name for myself!”
Soon, the matches began.
The four contestants entered the arena.
As Lu Ran and Zhang Zheng passed each other, Zhang Zheng made a point of trying to provoke Lu Ran again.
But Lu Ran couldn’t be bothered with him and just kept walking.
Zhang Zheng tried to sidle up and continue running his mouth, but Su Ting stepped squarely between them.
“Say one more useless word, and after the match, I’ll come play with you. Hope you can handle it,” Su Ting said coldly.
Zhang Zheng’s expression froze instantly.
He still didn’t dare underestimate Su Ting.
Back in the day, Su Ting of the Tianfu Association in the capital was every bit as renowned as Cong Shuang is now!
Moreover.
After a year of growth and training under the Heavenly Dao Alliance, Su Ting could kill him with absolute ease!
Seeing Zhang Zheng shut up, Su Ting let out a cold snort and caught up with Lu Ran.
Zhang Zheng was left behind, grinding his teeth as he glared at Lu Ran’s back.
His poor opponent, unfortunately, was probably about to become a punching bag for his frustration.
Outside, the arena was packed, and all eyes were fixed on the stage!
The moment the four contestants stepped out, the entire venue erupted!
“Lu Ran! Over here, look over here!”
“Ahhhhh! Lu Ran’s out! Lu Ran, I love you!”
“Wuuuu, Lu Ran’s on Arena Two—I knew it! I guessed right! We’re destined!”
“The championship match for Lu Ran is about to begin! All you pretenders better step aside!”
…
Of course, there were also shouts for other contestants and quite a few people cursing Lu Ran.
But alas.
They were completely drowned out by Lu Ran’s frenzied female fans, unable to make even a ripple.
Under the gaze of tens of thousands, the two arenas—the semifinals, the peak showdown—were about to begin!
Every spectator, every major power, every noble family, the officials on stage, and the four guild masters—all were watching with rapt attention!
Especially Lu Ran’s arena, which drew almost everyone’s focus.
Zhang Zheng, despite having gained a bit of attention, had almost no support. He wasn’t even mentioned much—all the spotlight was on Lu Ran.
Which made Zhang Zheng’s expression twist even uglier!
He felt an intense sense of injustice, his chest heaving with agitation.
Lu Ran paid him no mind.
Su Ting, however, glanced over and murmured with a shake of her head, “With that kind of mentality, he’s nowhere near Lu Ran’s level.”
Across from Lu Ran.
Stood a long-haired girl with big, watery eyes, a tall and slender figure, and a pretty face—a classic cool-beauty type. Though because of her youth, she still had a hint of immaturity.
And she seemed a bit shy, just smiling dazedly at Lu Ran.
There were still a few minutes before the match started.
Shen Manman took the initiative to speak: “Lu Ran, I… my name is Shen Manman. I’m your fan.”
Huh?
Lu Ran blinked in surprise.
Even the contestants were turning into fans now?
“Uh… hello,” Lu Ran said, unsure how to respond.
Shen Manman smiled.
“Honestly, I’m already more than satisfied to have made it this far. In my heart, you’re already the champion. That Zhang Zheng doesn’t stand a chance against you.”
Lu Ran stared at her in bewilderment.
He thought to himself.
You’re my opponent. If I don’t beat you, how am I supposed to go after the championship?
In your heart, I’m already champion—so what about you?
Soon enough.
Lu Ran’s suspicions were confirmed.
The moment the host announced the start of the match, a familiar scene unfolded.
Shen Manman voluntarily jumped off the arena, raised her pale fist enthusiastically at Lu Ran, and shouted, “You can do it!”
Oh, come on!
Lu Ran was speechless.
This was the second opponent to surrender after Su Xiaoyue.
The most anticipated match of the entire tournament—and it didn’t even happen. Lu Ran just walked away with the win.
It made sense in hindsight, but it was completely unexpected in the moment!
The host had no choice but to announce Lu Ran’s victory.
For now.
The only match worth watching was Zhang Zheng’s arena.
With nothing else to do, Lu Ran turned his head to look—and the fight there had already started.
Zhang Zheng’s opponent was a young man, a magic-type hidden class. Lu Ran hadn’t paid attention to what class exactly.
But it didn’t really matter—among magic-type classes, Cong Shuang was pretty much the ceiling.
This young man was clearly no match for Cong Shuang.
Under Zhang Zheng’s same old tactics, even though the opponent deliberately tailored his burst and tactics to counter Zhang Zheng’s skills—
He still got hit with the magic seal.
And then… swept away in one go.
Two arenas, two matches—each ended faster than the last!
The host announced the results once more: On Arena One, Zhang Zheng was victorious!
Now.
The final two contenders had been decided.
Earthwalker Zhang Zheng versus Necromancer Lu Ran.
After a thirty-minute break, the peak showdown of the Hundred Cities League was about to begin!
