Chapter Ninety-Two: The Great Power of Love

“No... I won’t give up!” Zhang Yang took a deep breath, gripped the Earth Wielder’s foot with both hands, and shoved it away from his face. Bending low, he kicked at the Earth Wielder’s back. Sensing the attack, the Earth Wielder released his hold and leapt backward, nimbly avoiding Zhang Yang’s feet and landing lightly on the ground. Watching Zhang Yang from above, he folded his arms and sneered again.

Using the momentum from his kick, Zhang Yang flipped backward and pushed himself up from the ground. The effort had drained much of his remaining strength. Wiping the blood from the corner of his mouth, he glared angrily at the Earth Wielder across from him. He couldn’t stand that smug expression—where did this guy get his sense of superiority? Ever since stepping onto the stage, he’d been flaunting it. If Zhang Yang weren’t so badly injured, he’d have already used his spirit sword to cut this guy to pieces.

“Well, I have to say, you're tougher than I imagined. But out of respect for your resilience, I'll let you witness my greatest secret technique.” With that, the Earth Wielder jumped down from the arena and stood on the ground below.

“What? The Earth Wielder is jumping off the stage—what’s going on?” The referee, Ruoxi, was baffled. She hurried over to the edge of the arena, pointing at the Earth Wielder below and warning him, “You’ve left the ring. I’m starting the countdown... one... two...”

“Heh heh,” the Earth Wielder chuckled at Miss Ruoxi, as if completely unconcerned by her words. Suddenly, the earth beneath his feet began to tremble. The soil crawled up his legs, winding around his calves and knees, transforming into a suit of armor that covered his entire body. His lips curled into a wicked smile as he looked at Zhang Yang on the stage. “Behold, my Ashura Battle Armor! Prepare to die, you worthless worm!” With that, he leapt back onto the ring, facing the gasping Zhang Yang. The Earth Wielder boasted, “You see, kid? This is my Ashura armor, forged by my will. The next blow will erase you from history. Ready?” He lowered his head, bracing for a charge, and shouted, “Die, kid! Wild Bull Smash!”

Clad in his earth-forged armor, the Earth Wielder’s form grew massive and imposing. The spiked helmet and shoulder guards gave him a heavy, lethal appearance. Charging at Zhang Yang, who had lost the ability to dodge, he struck with a devastating blow, sending Zhang Yang flying.

“Zhang Yang is down again. Starting the countdown... one... two... three...” Miss Ruoxi rushed over and began counting seconds over Zhang Yang’s fallen form.

“Hmph, he won’t get up now,” the Earth Wielder sneered, glancing contemptuously at the prone Zhang Yang. Turning toward the cheering crowd, he raised his arms in premature celebration. But just as he did, a rough, labored breath sounded behind him.

“You... why...”

Seeing Zhang Yang rise from the ground once more, the Earth Wielder could hardly believe his eyes. How was he standing again? It was like witnessing a ghost! That blow must have carried a force of at least a thousand pounds—no less than a locomotive, certainly no lighter than a speeding car. Yet Zhang Yang was able to stand after such a strike. For the first time, the Earth Wielder lost his confidence and shouted, “Why do you keep getting up?!”

“Why...? Spit...” Zhang Yang spat out bloody phlegm in response. “Because... I don’t want to lose! Even if I die, I’ll drag you down with me... cough...” He spat blood again, straightening his body. “As long as I can... tie the match, the game will go into overtime... then... I’ll leave the rest... to Xiao Chuan... heh heh...”

“Ugh... damn...” Hearing Zhang Yang’s words, the Earth Wielder trembled—whether from fear or excitement, he couldn’t tell. Seeing Zhang Yang’s fearless gaze, a strange sense of dread crept into his heart for the first time. How could this guy stand up after all the punishment he’d suffered? It was uncanny—he’d never faced anyone so difficult. What was with the members of Qin Xiao Chuan’s team? Was everyone so monstrous? Damn, this was just rotten luck...

Feeling as though he might soon leave this world, Zhang Yang glanced back at his comrades with a reluctant, lingering gaze. Fei Yan—though he disliked him, he had to admit Fei Yan was strong. Bai Ying—thank you for your special training, or he wouldn’t have made it this far. The masked competitor—though he didn’t know who he was, there was an odd sense of familiarity, almost as if they’d met before. And finally... Xiao Chuan—the rest is up to you... With eyes full of emotion and a heart brimming with attachment, Zhang Yang turned and let out a roar, summoning the last of his courage and strength. His eyes burned with a fierce determination, ready to stake everything in one final blow—a strike meant to take the Earth Wielder down with him.

[Zhang Yang, are you there? It’s me...] Just as Zhang Yang was about to launch his final attack, a familiar voice echoed in his mind. That voice... that voice... It was Miss Fei Xue!

Following the sound, Zhang Yang looked toward the audience. The voice he’d longed for day and night—the one he could never forget—had returned. Ever since he’d parted from Miss Fei Xue, he’d thought he’d never see her again. Yet here, at the brink of life and death, her sweet voice reached him once more. He felt utterly blessed. Scanning the crowd, he searched for her among the spectators. Suddenly, in the middle of the opposite section, he spotted Fei Xue’s silhouette—still as beautiful, as lovely as ever...

“What are you staring at, you bastard?!” Noticing Zhang Yang’s wandering gaze, the Earth Wielder seized the opportunity to attack, thinking Zhang Yang was distracted. But luck had turned against him—his flying body blocked Zhang Yang’s view.

“Get out of my way!”

Seeing the Earth Wielder obstruct Miss Fei Xue from his sight, Zhang Yang roared in fury. “You bastard, you’re blocking my view of Fei Xue! Get lost!” With a surge of unknown strength, Zhang Yang swung his arm and punched the Earth Wielder, sending him flying.

The force of the punch was overwhelming—not only did it shatter the armor on the Earth Wielder, it knocked him out cold, landing him among the audience. Perhaps it was just bad luck—he’d rushed in right as Zhang Yang was gazing at his secret love, utterly blind to the situation. Truly, the power of love is mighty; the Earth Wielder became its living witness. After suffering that tremendous blow, he lost consciousness in the stands.

“Miss Fei Xue, you’re here!” After knocking the Earth Wielder away, Zhang Yang waved vigorously at Fei Xue, looking lively and full of energy, as if he hadn’t suffered a single injury—a stark contrast to his earlier state.

“I’m here, Mr. Zhang Yang.”

As Zhang Yang waved, Referee Ruoxi finished her countdown. “...eight... nine... ten! Zhang Yang wins! Team Qin Xiao Chuan advances to the semifinals!” Hearing the announcement, Zhang Yang quickly left the stage, rushing toward Miss Fei Xue, who had already come down to the first row of seats.

“Mr. Zhang Yang, are your injuries all right?” Fei Xue hurriedly asked, concern written all over her delicate face. Hearing her question, Zhang Yang raised his arm and laughed heartily, “Ha ha ha! I’m fine! You see, I’m full of energy! Look, look!” He flexed his muscles in front of Fei Xue, making her laugh behind her hand.

“What’s he doing?” Qin Xiao Chuan stared in disbelief at the scene. The unfair duel had ended so absurdly, powered by the force of love. Watching Zhang Yang entertain Fei Xue, Qin Xiao Chuan could hardly believe it. How did he send that fool flying with a single punch? And why had Miss Fei Xue shown up? It was chaos...

“It’s finally over! Whew...” With a long sigh, Liu Qing withdrew the barrier. Under Fei Yan’s intense pressure, she was thoroughly exhausted. Glancing awkwardly at Fei Yan sitting atop the table, Liu Qing forced a smile. “Heh heh, your wounds are much better now. No need to thank me. I’ll be leaving now...”

“Wait!”

“Ah! It’s not my fault! Headquarters sent me—I swear, it’s not my fault! Please, spare me, I beg you...”

Liu Qing had barely taken a few steps when Fei Yan’s voice made her jump. What did he want now? Surely he wasn’t going to settle scores at this moment? She didn’t even have the strength to run, let alone fight. She pleaded silently, begging for mercy—she was powerless to resist.