The challenger either accepts or forfeits.
Each person gets only one chance to defend their spot, until no one challenges or the current fighter is no longer challenged.
This rule is quite fair, as it maximizes the avoidance of early elimination of strong fighters and intense matchups between powerhouses, while also showcasing a contestant's overall strength.
After all, real combat is incredibly complex; internal energy isn't always the sole decider. Endurance, combat techniques, and other factors are equally important.
Each round focuses on different aspects. For instance, the first round of regular elimination emphasizes internal energy and combat techniques, while the third round, the defense of the ring, adds endurance.
Most crucially, these three rounds are consecutive, allowing little time for rest. This means that to achieve the highest overall score, one needs not only formidable strength but also significant wisdom.
Upon hearing this, Li Chonglou found it incredibly interesting. This was a rule set he had never encountered before.
Next, Uncle Quan would call out names for two-by-two duels. At this point, Wu Long suddenly said, "Brother Li, if we happen to face each other, I'll yield my points to you."
Li Chonglou was taken aback. "Why?"
Wu Long chuckled, "Consider it a gesture of my sincerity."
Li Chonglou, being incredibly astute, grasped the implication almost instantly.
The pairings were randomized. With at least twenty to thirty people present, the probability of them being matched together was low. Moreover, the first round's points weren't the most significant factor. This concession from Wu Long was a shrewd move!
However, Li Chonglou didn't expose him, merely nodding calmly.
Regardless of the reason, at least Wu Long had the thought. As long as the person was reliable, as previously stated, having one more friend was far better than having one more enemy.
What Wu Long didn't know was that even without this gesture, Li Chonglou was already inclined to befriend him, not for any other reason than his surname: Wu!
Even if he were a scumbag, Li Chonglou wouldn't refuse an opportunity!
Thus, the two stood together, each with their own thoughts, quietly observing the other matches.
The first match was between two young men, both at the third level. Wu Long wasn't just standing idly; he actively explained the situation to Li Chonglou.
"The one in white is from the Li family. The one opposite is from the Wang family. Their strengths are similar, but in terms of techniques, the Li family's boxing is more renowned."
Wu Long clearly favored the Li family's contestant. As Uncle Quan gave the signal, both men vanished simultaneously.
*Bang!*
A muffled thud echoed from the stage, and they sprang apart. Contrary to Wu Long's prediction, the Li family's contestant retreated several steps, while the Wang family's fighter charged forward again.
Almost instantly, the Li family's fighter was at a disadvantage, forced back step by step by the relentless sequence of the opponent's moves, soon retreating to the edge of the stage.
In truth, the stage was relatively small. Many techniques required a build-up to execute. A confined space like this would clearly limit such fighters' output.
However, on second thought, a ring match was merely for determining the strong, not for life and death. There was no need to go that far. Moreover, everyone present was either wealthy or noble. Any minor injury would likely trigger significant repercussions!
Back on stage, just as everyone thought the Li family's contestant was about to be defeated, the situation suddenly took a turn.
The Li family's fighter, pushed to the edge of the stage, suddenly leaped up. The Wang family's fighter, not wanting to miss such a prime opportunity, also leaped up, intending to finish him off. However, at that moment, a silver light flashed.
"Using a secret technique already?"
Wu Long murmured subconsciously. The next moment, the Li family's fighter's fist, enveloped in silver light, landed a heavy blow on the opponent's head.
Because they were both in mid-air, and the Li family's fighter had the advantage of height, the Wang family's fighter was caught off guard and sent crashing heavily onto the ground!
*Boom!*
From the sound alone, the impact of that blow could be felt. The Li family's fighter, with a light flip, landed steadily. In front of him, the Wang family's fighter, spitting blood, struggled to rise, one arm hanging limply, his eyes filled with intense unwillingness.
At this point, Uncle Quan calmly stepped forward and asked, "Yield or continue?"
The Wang family's fighter, clutching his arm, gritted his teeth and uttered the word, "Yield."
The entire fight lasted less than a minute, but it caused Li Chonglou's brows to furrow deeply.
This was completely different from what he had imagined!
Just now, Li Chonglou had assumed that everyone here had prominent backgrounds and would likely stop at a mere touch. Even if an accident occurred, Uncle Quan would intervene.
But now, it seemed that was not the case at all! If the Wang family's fighter hadn't reacted quickly enough, mitigating most of the force before landing, that single blow would have been fatal or crippling!
Crippling, as in a severe injury!
And even then, Uncle Quan, as the host, showed no inclination to check on the injured party. Wasn't he afraid of a miscalculation leading to a fatality?
Li Chonglou's expression was a mixture of shock and confusion. Wu Long, noticing this, smiled and said, "Brother Li, there's no need to be surprised. While our statuses may differ, we are not flowers in a greenhouse. Even if someone were to die, as long as it wasn't intentional, no one would pursue it."
This statement truly made Li Chonglou look at these young men with newfound respect. In his experience, individuals of extraordinary birth often lacked in practical combat skills, especially when they were young!
"It seems I misunderstood. But why haven't we heard much about you outsiders?"
Li Chonglou looked at Wu Long with curiosity. He had been in Shangjing for some time, but whether in the martial world of Shangjing or abroad, he had never heard of such a group of young prodigies in Shangjing.
It wasn't that his circle was small; it was that there was absolutely no whisper of them!
Not even in the mouths of the Divine Envoys' organization!
However, Wu Long offered no detailed explanation, merely replying with a smile, "We don't usually operate within the country, and we don't use our real identities when we're abroad."
Li Chonglou understood Wu Long's meaning and didn't press further. The second match quickly commenced on stage.
Unbeknownst to Li Chonglou, outside the main hall, near the entrance he had used, there was a side door leading to a place resembling a cinema.
The difference was that it wasn't showing any films, but rather live broadcasts of their matches.
At both exits, several security personnel stood guard, watching over individuals seated within, who were the same people who had emerged earlier.
Everyone sat obediently with their hands placed on the armrests of their chairs, and even when discussing amongst themselves, their hands remained there.
Near the exit, Mu Qi and others sat in the front row, with An An seated directly in front of her.
"The first match is already this intense?"