"Wait, you didn't bring your phone."
Ye Lan, with a knowing look, handed her modified phone to Shen Lan Ni, but after a brief exchange of glances, she took it back.
The two left the hall one after another, soon disappearing into the thinning crowd on the street.
"Don't worry, I can track her location. The priority now is to get those young ones to their matches."
"Exactly. That Zhang Liang isn't a match for Sister Lan Ni, and in broad daylight, what can he really do?"
Ye and Yang were also immensely curious about Shen Lan Ni's sister. However, they were not people who would lose sight of priorities. They quickly flanked Ren Yuanhao, who was being supported by them, to the resting area for Shen Lan Ni's disciples. After explaining the situation, they headed to the martial arts hall.
A moment later.
The martial arts hall was already buzzing with excitement. Even the stands above were packed, with a much higher attendance than the previous day. Major live-streaming platforms had joined in, broadcasting the event simultaneously with other competition zones.
"This scale is much larger than the Aishen City Martial Arts Association大会." Yang Lingxue tightly clutched a pile of spicy strips and sat in yesterday's spot.
"Xue, I really envy your constitution."
"No need to envy. Here, have some. Junk food is the only true test of one's physical condition."
Yang Lingxue grabbed a handful of spiced strips and stuffed them into Ye Lan's hand. She winked at her and whispered, "Look, is that guy feeling nervous?"
Following Yang Lingxue's gaze, they saw Ren Yuanhao constantly wiping the fine sweat from his forehead. In his other hand, he held a schedule and rules for today's matches.
He had worked at Lan Ni's Taekwondo gym for many years but had never gone out with Shen Lan Ni. He was completely unfamiliar with these various rules and regulations.
"Team battle? What does that mean? Can someone explain it to me?"
Ren Yuanhao kept checking the time, worried about Shen Lan Ni's safety, and had to ponder these darn competition rules. This made the situation even more difficult for the three young disciples.
"Team battle, as the name suggests, is a point-based system. The general team size is 4v4, meaning four matches. However, our team and the Donglu representative team only have 3 members. In such a situation, we are already considered to have lost one point. After two rounds of duels, the remaining two teams will then compete to determine the winner."
Gao Chenfei explained it quite clearly. Ren Yuanhao nodded and asked, "Then, what standard will be used to decide the matchups for our four teams?"
"Generally, it's by drawing lots, but for a competition of this magnitude, I can't be sure."
"So, if we encounter Donglu City, we still have a sliver of hope."
Gao Chenfei nodded, implicitly confirming.
"But, considering our good relationship with Donglu City, if we draw them, it feels like internal conflict. And if we draw the other two groups..."
Ren Yuanhao didn't continue. The three young disciples looked dejected, their spirits low. At this critical juncture, Peng Lin, who had taken the gray-black pill, was still asleep. Whether he could arrive in time depended on fate.
"Alright, the only thing I can tell you now is to do your best and leave the rest to fate. Every drop of your sweat will determine how long you can stand on the stage, and every pain you endure will allow you to go further and fly higher. I know Peng Lin is your captain, your backbone, and Shen Lan Ni is your totem. Now, with both of them absent, you can only rely on your own beliefs."
Ren Yuanhao looked up. The spotlights were like dazzling white dwarf stars. The colored flags and glow sticks in the audience's hands converged into a sea of enthusiasm. Ren Yuanhao's voice softened again, as if possessing a calming power.
"Boys, go for it with all your might. As martial artists, the only thing that can defeat you is yourselves. No matter who the opponent is, that ring will be your stage to shine. Every move you make will be permanently recorded by the cameras. When you are old, perhaps curled up in an old rocking chair watching the sunset, as the faint twilight filters through the window, you will surely remember today. If you don't want to have regrets, boys, go all out!"
Ren Yuanhao's eyes sparkled with the same light as yesterday. Just then, Huang Yulong, the coach of the Donglu City representative team, walked towards them slowly.
"What's this? Shen Lan Ni isn't here for such an important occasion?" Huang Yulong glanced around, appearing exceptionally surprised.
"I'm ashamed to say, she had a very important matter to attend to temporarily, so I have to lead the team."
Ren Yuanhao bowed slightly. Huang Yulong also bowed and sighed, saying, "Team battles are more disadvantageous for us. Do you have any strategies, brother?"
"Strategies? Besides thinking of Tian Ji's horse racing strategy, I can't really think of any good ones. And we don't even know our opponents yet. If we happen to face each other, all strategies will become meaningless."
"Indeed." Huang Yulong looked up at the audience, then at the busy live-streaming platforms conducting interviews. After what seemed like deep consideration, he put his arm around Ren Yuanhao's shoulder, trying to avoid the crowd, and said softly, "Brother, if it truly comes down to our teams facing each other, I think we don't need to go all out. We can just put on a show and conserve some strength."
Ren Yuanhao's expression changed. Just as he was about to speak, Huang Yulong added, "Don't rush. Donglu City is not your match. Those fellows, after their defeat yesterday, seem to have lost their spirit. It would be better to conserve their energy for you so that you have enough strength for the second match. Of course, if we don't meet, then it's fine. Even if we can't win, we will fight hard to wear down the opponent's stamina, giving you an advantage when you advance."
This calculation essentially meant using his own disciples as stepping stones for the Aishen City representative team. It was undoubtedly beneficial to Ren Yuanhao's side, but for some reason, Ren Yuanhao couldn't accept such an unfair match.
After a brief consideration, he frowned and said, "Senior, I do not agree with your approach."
Huang Yulong hadn't expected Ren Yuanhao to refuse and said sternly, "Why? This is the only and best way. Do you perhaps have another brilliant plan?"
"No." Ren Yuanhao gave an awkward smile and shook his head. "This method is indeed very good for us, but this is a fair competition. It's an opportunity for these youngsters to showcase themselves, a recognition of their hard work. Do you think it's really appropriate to do this?"