"Now you understand why I think we're just frogs in a well," Yohan said as the match with the masked man ended. He turned to the person next to him.
"It's just a bunch of skills he learned beforehand," Michael smirked. "Anyone can do that. Who knows if he planned all this just to look cool and get the Headmasters' attention?"
"He clearly toyed with a 3rd-Step Foundation Building Stage opponent," Yohan pointed out.
"So?" Michael stared at his rival.
"You still don't get it," Yohan chuckled condescendingly. "I've seen things that would shatter your ego."
"My ego? Hahaha, is that why you're acting like a coward?" Michael laughed as if he'd heard the funniest joke.
"Laugh all you want," Yohan said, turning back to watch the stages. "I no longer consider you my rival."
Hearing this, Michael's laughter stopped abruptly. "Yeah, with your weak resolve, you don't deserve to be my rival anymore."
"No," Yohan shook his head. "That guy, I'm going to defeat him. Fighting you would just be a waste of my energy and time. Clearly, you're nothing compared to him. If I defeat him, I'll be above you."
"What did you say?! Are you saying I'm weaker than that midget?!" Michael's voice rose in anger.
"Did I say that?" Yohan laughed. "I don't recall saying anything like that, but you're right! Hahaha!"
Suddenly, a dark blue haze surrounded Michael, the roar of the Great Serpent emanating from his body, surprising the Martial Students around them who were watching the ongoing exam.
"I don't mind fighting again," Yohan's smile widened as his body exuded the pressure of a 4th-Step Foundation Building Stage. He activated his Technique, causing his packed muscles to bulge, threatening to burst out of his Hanfu suit.
A translucent serpent emerged from the haze around Michael, hissing at the brute in front of them. "Let's settle this now, then!"
As they were about to throw hands, they felt a pressure that made their bodies heavy, making it hard for them to breathe. They both turned in the same direction and saw a person wearing a simple white robe, staring at them with cold eyes.
Like a bucket of cold water dousing their fiery tempers, the two of them calmed down, deactivating their Techniques simultaneously.
"Hmph! Let's meet on the final stage. This time, I'll definitely crush you!" Michael said before turning around angrily and walking back to his designated room.
"Those two are at it again," Gail said, staring across the room where Michael and Yohan were on the verge of brawling.
"They consider each other rivals, and neither has gained an advantage since they joined the Martial School," Bel explained. "By the way, what room are you in?"
"Room 11—no, 15," Gail said. "Fortunately, we're not in the same room."
"Unfortunately, we are," Filly sulked from the side.
Hearing this, the two of them laughed.
"Don't worry, I'll hold back," Bel smiled.
"Nah, I'll immediately forfeit," Filly waved her hand. She and Bel were assigned to the same room and, fortunately or unfortunately, depending on how you look at it, they had the same number. This meant they would have to fight each other in the first round.
"I can at least pretend I'm having a hard time fighting you—your father is watching, you know," Bel pointed at the floating platform with a nudge of her head.
"Father? I don't care about him," Filly chuckled. "I think he only came here for the visitors and to give face to the other families."
"Miss Filly, I don't think it's like—" Gail began, but Filly shushed her. "Alright."
"Anyway, even if you don't win now, you could at least try to increase your rank in the losing brackets," Bel said. "I've heard they'll increase the resources based on rank."
"Oh? Is that so?" Filly put a hand under her chin. "That includes money, right?"
"Of course," Bel answered with a smile.
"Then I'll try! My restaurant could use that boost!"
The three of them laughed, and soon enough, their room number was called.
"Good luck," Gail said, waving her hand.
Filly and Bel arrived on the stage. As soon as the fight began, Filly jumped off the stage.
"I concede!" Filly said to the Referee, who ended the match without a word. This was common and had happened a few times already, so no one was surprised. It's called being smart if you know you're only going to end up defeated and badly injured if you try to fight. It's not shameful to make a strategic retreat, but that doesn't mean the audience will like it.
Booing echoed from that side of the stage, which put a frown on Filly's face.
"Let them be," Bel said as she walked beside her friend. "They're like that. When fights are boring, they don't like it. They want drama and explosions."
"Should I ban them from my restaurant?" Filly couldn't help but ask. "I think it won't be long before I can stand toe to toe with Skyline Savory!"
"Skyline Savory?" Bel smiled. "Do you know who's on the floating platform?"
"Who?" Filly tilted her head as they headed for the exit.
"The owner of Skyline," Bel answered.
"Oh?" Filly raised an eyebrow. Although she hadn't seen the owner, she already hated their guts.
As the two talked, the audience suddenly exclaimed, making them turn to see what was happening. On one of the stages, two participants were fighting: one in a robe that covered their whole body, wearing a white mask that hid their identity, and the other from the Sword and Shield cultivation school.
As usual, the student had the body of a bull, which wasn't surprising, as most students from that school were brutes.
The two participants were engaged in hand-to-hand combat, both covered in a glowing flower that blocked each other's attacks.
"He's already using the Lily Valley technique he learned just a few days ago?" Bel muttered, surprise in her voice, as she looked at the mysterious person on stage.