Ji Xinghuo was no exception.
Even with the assistance of the Wanxiang Star Pupil, limited by the performance of "Yi Feng" and his own Ability Level, he had never trained at such a long distance before, and ultimately failed to maintain a perfect score. After quickly firing five arrows, he only scored 42 points.
But that was enough to advance him to the top four, and he was in first place.
The area for the random targets had expanded several times over, from fifty meters to one hundred fifty meters. Drones densely packed the space outside the cliff, with over two hundred units, creating a magnificent sight.
The shooting window was also reduced by half, only half a second.
A total of ten arrows had to be shot.
This tested the archer's reaction, skill, bow range, and sustained concentration. An ordinary person wouldn't score a single point. Even for a Mutant, without training, the score would hardly exceed 10 points. Most of the archers present were in the same boat.
The order for the final round was determined by the scores from the ninth round, with the archer with the lowest score going first.
The first to go was a well-known archer from the Chang'an archery circle.
It was he who scored 143 points in the elimination round.
Bai Li was an Intermediate Ranger, using a Traditional Bow. He lined up nine arrows at his feet, took a deep breath at the shooting position, then raised his bow and notched an arrow, his gaze fixed intently on the area outside the cliff.
At the sound of the buzzer, Bai Li began to shoot rapidly, arrows lifting off the ground and heading towards the drones in midair.
After shooting ten arrows, Bai Li seemed to have his Strength drained, his entire body slackening.
Bai Li shook his head, dissatisfied with his score.
The second contender in the top four performed even worse, with three arrows missing the target or being out of time, earning only 25 points, nearly smashing his bow in frustration.
Then it was Fang Yinpeng's turn.
She too had advanced to the top four, performing exceptionally well in the ninth round, second only to Ji Xinghuo.
Ji Xinghuo watched as she shot her arrows, all hitting their targets, and with high scores to boot. In the final count, her score was 61 points, temporarily putting her in first place.
Fang Yinpeng was pleased, waving her hand to accept the applause from the audience.
As she passed by Ji Xinghuo going on stage, she whispered, "Good luck!"
Ji Xinghuo nodded slightly.
He stood at the shooting position, his inner world undisturbed, for he knew he had won the championship; all that remained was to go through the motions.
But the audience, unaware, grew tense on behalf of Ji Xinghuo.
As soon as the buzzer sounded, Ji Xinghuo released his first arrow. Many in the audience hadn't even made out the result when his second arrow was already in flight.
Although the drones moved faster than in the previous rounds, with more complex trajectories and across a wider area,
to the Wanxiang Star Pupil, it did not make much difference.
Ji Xinghuo shot all ten arrows with a calm expression.
Each arrow hit the illuminated drone targets, but limited by his own Strength and Control, he was unable to hit the bullseye with each one. To the audience, his movements were pleasing to the eye, standard and smooth, like an emotionless archery machine.
The head referee shouted loudly, and the score was also displayed on the big screen.
The champion was born!
The audience all stood up, clapping vigorously.
Fang Yinpeng couldn't help but admire the performance, for this was the best score in the tenth round in the history of the "Shooting Leaves Cup."
The awards ceremony began shortly after, with Bai Li taking third place and Fang Yinpeng as the runner-up, each receiving their awards from the directors of two different archery halls.
The championship was presented by Yang Tianqing.
This Super Mutant, with a beaming smile, took to the stage holding a gold trophy in the shape of an archer, and announced loudly to everyone, "I now declare, Ji Xinghuo as the champion of the 15th 'Shooting Leaves Cup'!" He handed the trophy to Ji Xinghuo, saying with a smile, "Congratulations."
"Thank you, Director."
Ji Xinghuo hoisted the trophy with one hand to show everyone, eliciting a round of applause. Some took photos, and then the competition came to an end.