Chapter Seventy-Three: The Semifinals, Ye Lin's Persistence

The blood-red sphere of destruction launched by Dracula traversed over seven thousand kilometers, aiming to obliterate the sports plaza.

“What a terrifying, sinister aura—it's Dracula!” In the VIP section, Su Ting looked up at the distant sky, her expression shifting slightly. Straining her eyes, she could faintly make out a glimmer of blood-red light amidst the blue sky and white clouds, descending like a meteorite from the heavens.

If it struck the ground, the consequences would be unimaginable.

The president, too, sensed the approaching danger in the distant sky, yet his expression remained unchanged. “No need to worry. It isn’t Dracula himself who’s coming.”

The blood-red sphere of destruction was approaching the sports plaza at several times the speed of sound, its momentum unstoppable.

Like a crimson meteor, it tore through the atmosphere with immense kinetic energy, containing enough destructive force to devastate a hundred kilometers of land.

Clearly, without the power of a top-tier ace, no one could withstand such a technique from Dracula.

“It seems this is Dracula’s way of testing me—or perhaps a prelude to war, a gift to announce his arrival.”

Chu Xinghe’s gaze remained calm, but in an instant, his deep black eyes lit up with a fiery red glow, as if an eternal flame burned within.

Above the sports plaza, a sea of scorching flames suddenly erupted. As the vast fire twisted and spiraled, it rapidly transformed into a blazing dragon several meters long.

Arcane Technique—Heaven’s Wrath of the Flame Dragon!

Chu Xinghe’s eyes flashed. In the sky, the fiery dragon seemed to come alive, emitting a fervent, thunderous roar.

Twisting its flaming body, the fire dragon charged toward the oncoming blood-red energy sphere thousands of meters away.

A thunderous explosion blossomed in the distant sky.

A violent shockwave rippled outward. Many people in the city below looked up in confusion, drawn by the dazzling explosion of light that illuminated the blue heavens.

A perilous crisis, falling from the sky, was so easily dispelled before Chu Xinghe.

Far to the west, Dracula must have already sensed his failure—his expression, no doubt, would be grim.

On the arena, Cheng Feng, sensing the approaching danger, glanced up at the distant sky.

The power of the vampiric bloodline within him quickly alerted him to the terrifying energy far above.

Though he had never met Dracula in person, the perception granted by his bloodline left no doubt: this was a lethal strike hurled from the west by Dracula himself.

Then, Cheng Feng noticed that the energy signature abruptly vanished.

His vampiric eyesight allowed him to see clearly: in the blue sky thousands of meters away, a blood sphere like a falling star collided head-on with a blazing fire dragon, the explosion annihilating them both.

Both forces were obliterated!

Across from him, Ye Lin gripped the Spirit Blade: Illusory Realm, puzzled by Cheng Feng’s momentary distraction.

Turning her gaze, Cheng Feng glanced toward Chu Xinghe, a ripple of emotion stirring within him.

This man’s strength was astonishing—even a terrifying attack from Dracula could be neutralized. Seated beside the president, if his guess was right, this man was the association’s top ace.

Ye Lin had mentioned Chu Xinghe’s name earlier, leaving a lasting impression on Cheng Feng.

He soon collected himself, dismissing the incident as merely a minor interlude; after all, the match before him was what truly mattered.

“It’s settled…”

Chu Xinghe, expressionless, withdrew his gaze from the sky and returned his attention to the arena.

“OHHHHHHH!”

The crowd of more than thirty thousand, unaware of what had transpired, continued to cheer for the upcoming match.

Liu Shiyu had a vague sense that something had happened, but seeing nothing unusual in the nearby sky, she paid it no mind.

Beside her, Cheng Yi peered toward the arena. “Brother’s opponent is a girl this time. Looks like he should win.”

“Yi, don’t judge by appearances. Even though his opponent is a girl, she’s definitely not weak.” Liu Shiyu, sounding like a teacher, explained, “Anyone who’s made it to the semifinals has to be strong. If Cheng Feng isn’t careful, he could lose this match.”

Cheng Yi blinked, half-understanding.

At the center of the arena, the host looked between the two contestants. “Do either of you have anything to say?”

Cheng Feng turned to Ye Lin. “Earlier, you said that you entered this competition and wanted to win the championship just to prove yourself to that person. I don’t quite understand—why do you care so much about his opinion, instead of fighting for yourself?”

That person, of course, was Chu Xinghe.

“You wouldn’t understand. I simply want to prove to him…” Ye Lin gripped the Spirit Blade: Illusory Realm with both hands, radiating a powerful, commanding presence. “I am not a burden. My strength is enough—I am worthy to stand by his side.”

Cheng Feng began to understand. “So, you once wanted to fight alongside him, but he thought you were too weak?”

“Yes,” Ye Lin replied, her voice low. “But I don’t have such lofty ambitions. I only want to stay at his side, even if only as an assistant. To make that possible, I have to win today’s championship.”

“That’s the reason for your determination.”

Seeing the steely resolve in Ye Lin’s eyes, Cheng Feng’s expression grew serious as he tightened his grip on Raikiri’s hilt.

“Yes. For the sake of today’s match… I’ve trained day and night, over and over. That’s why—I must win!” With determined voice, Ye Lin’s eyes blazed with a thirst for victory.

“I understand. I’ll give it my all, too.”

“Begin!” the host announced.

Ye Lin raised her Spirit Blade, gave a spirited shout, and dashed forward at incredible speed.

Since she was a girl, it was best to end this quickly and let her step off the stage early.

Make it a swift victory!

Cheng Feng prepared to activate Thunder Shadow Step and take the initiative, planning to win in a single move with overwhelming speed.

Yet he was a moment too slow—Ye Lin attacked first, her feet crackling with electricity as she moved so fast that she vanished from Cheng Feng’s sight like a flash of lightning.

“How is this possible?!”

Cheng Feng was shocked. That speed and movement—it was his own Thunder Shadow Step!

What ability did Ye Lin have, to master his signature technique?

P.S.: Thanks to “One Who Hopes Dreams Come True” and “What Is the Meaning of Life” for their votes.