"This is true tactical acumen. The self-inflicted stimulation from Ice Spike might seem risky, but it was precisely calculated," Tang Ningzhi explained.
"The Ice-type pet's resistance to its own skills' damage, combined with the cushioning of Ice Armor, was just enough to counteract the hypnotic effect without causing severe injury."
Qi Zimeng hugged Huo Nanyun tightly: "Ahhh, you won! Liu Yi made it to the Finals!"
Huo Nanyun coughed a couple of times from the squeeze, but a smile touched her lips: "Mm, she and Ziyue deserve this victory."
The surrounding spectators buzzed with chatter:
"That Ice Fox is ruthless! She even hurt herself!"
"What do you know? That's professionalism! If it were you, you'd have been knocked out by the hypnosis long ago!"
"Liu Yi and Ice Fox fan club, anyone want to join? Join now and witness the rise of a new star!"
The large screen switched to the player tunnel, where Liu Yi was holding Ziyue, receiving medical spray treatment.
The wound from the Ice Spike had stopped bleeding, but her right foreleg was still wrapped in light blue medical gel.
"My heart aches for her!" Qi Zimeng vigorously wiped her tears. "Poor Ziyue!"
Huo Nanyun silently handed her a pack of tissues: "...Your snot got on my sleeve."
Inside the arena's Medical Room.
As soon as the medical staff left, Liu Yi's electronic bracelet lit up with a notification:
【Congratulations on advancing to the Finals! The Finals will be held on August 25th】
Ziyue jumped out of the treatment chamber, shook her fur, and the wound on her right foreleg had already healed.
Liu Yi stroked her little paw: "How do you feel?"
"Bingbing!"
Ziyue barked, indicating she was in excellent condition.
Just then, Qi Zimeng burst through the door: "Liu Yi! You absolutely have to come watch Nanyun's third-place match this afternoon!"
Huo Nanyun followed behind her, sighing helplessly: "Zimeng, Liu Yi and Ziyue just finished their semifinal match, they need to rest."
"It's fine," Liu Yi stood up. "I'll be there."
Ziyue also jumped onto Liu Yi's shoulder, nodding at Huo Nanyun and Qi Zimeng.
Qi Zimeng grinned: "It's a deal then! Nanyun will definitely win!"
Huo Nanyun cleared her throat: "Pan Xun's Phantom Sound Bat isn't that easy to deal with."
...
At 3 PM, the lights of the Central Arena illuminated once more.
The large screen displayed the information for the third-place match:
【Third-Place Match: Huo Nanyun (Candle Spirit Child) VS Pan Xun (Phantom Sound Bat)】
Ning Qiu's voice was full of energy: "Welcome back to the Longwu High School Entrance Tournament! Next up is the battle for third place. Let's see who will claim this year's bronze medal!"
Tang Ningzhi said: "Both Contestants, though defeated in the Semifinals, performed exceptionally well. Huo Nanyun's Candle Spirit Child employs unpredictable Ghost-type combat tactics, while Pan Xun's Phantom Sound Bat excels at Psychic-type control. This promises to be an exciting showdown!"
"Third-place match, Huo Nanyun versus Pan Xun! 3, 2, 1—Begin!"
As the referee's flag swept down, the Phantom Sound Bat's wings vibrated, and a piercing sound wave struck the Candle Spirit Child, instantly dimming its ethereal blue flames by a third.
"Weakening special defense right at the start!" Ning Qiu exclaimed. "Contestant Pan Xun's strategy is very clear!"
Qi Zimeng nervously said: "Can Nanyun win? Nanyun can win, right?"
Liu Yi watched the arena: "Let's see her choice."
Huo Nanyun calmly gave her command: "Shadow Scratch."
The shadow beneath the Phantom Sound Bat suddenly twisted, and a Ghost Claw abruptly shot out!
Pan Xun reacted extremely quickly: "Telekinesis, move up and evade!"
The Phantom Sound Bat lifted itself with Telekinesis, narrowly avoiding the Ghost Claw.
But the next second—
"Ghost Fire Flash!"
Five ethereal blue flames burst forth from around the Candle Spirit Child, sealing off all of the Phantom Sound Bat's escape routes!
"Brilliant!" Ning Qiu exclaimed excitedly. "Contestant Huo Nanyun used Shadow Scratch to force out Telekinesis, then followed up with Ghost Fire Flash!"
"Huanhuan!"
The Phantom Sound Bat hastily shielded itself with its wings but was still struck by the ghost fires, letting out a pained shriek.
"Echo Hypnosis!"
An eerie sound wave enveloped the Candle Spirit Child, and its movements visibly slowed.
"Oh no!" Qi Zimeng gasped. "Ziyue broke through by self-harm in the semifinals, what will Nanyun do?"
Liu Yi stroked Ziyue, who was curled on her lap: "She must have been prepared."
Indeed, Huo Nanyun's lips curved slightly: "Fear Face."
The Candle Spirit Child suddenly twisted its face, and a hideous ghost face appeared close before the Phantom Sound Bat!
"Huanhuan!"
The Phantom Sound Bat's wings flinched in fright, and Echo Hypnosis abruptly ceased.
Tang Ningzhi praised: "A beautiful counter! Using Fear Face to interrupt the hypnosis."
In the spectator stands:
"Her mental fortitude is incredible!"
"Ghost-type battles are indeed unpredictable and tricky."
"I feel like Ghost-type pets are pretty cool, as long as they don't scare you."
Pan Xun's face turned pale, clearly startled: "Telekinetic Counter!"
The Phantom Sound Bat's eyes glowed blue, and the Candle Spirit Child was sent flying by an invisible force.
Huo Nanyun: "Ghost Fire Flash continuous attack!"
Large swathes of ethereal blue flames rained down like a storm. The Phantom Sound Bat desperately dodged, but was still hit by seven.
"The Phantom Sound Bat is incapacitated!" the referee announced loudly. "The winner, Huo Nanyun!"
"She won!" Qi Zimeng jumped up. "Nanyun is the third-place winner!"
"Yes," Liu Yi said softly, watching the two contestants shake hands in the arena. "She won."
At the commentary desk, Ning Qiu summarized: "A spectacular tactical game! Contestant Huo Nanyun used the unpredictable strangeness of the Ghost-type to defeat the Psychic-type Phantom Sound Bat!"
Tang Ningzhi added: "Contestant Pan Xun also performed excellently, but unfortunately couldn't adjust in time after her crucial control was broken."
With the third-place match concluded, the Finals battle schedule was officially released:
【Liu Yi (Ice Fox) VS Su Wenxi (Moonlight Marten)】
The large screen displayed the two contestants' data side-by-side:
【Liu Yi】
Ice Fox (Junior stage)
Skills used: Ice Blade, Frost Breath, Ice Armor, Ice Spike
Record: Undefeated, average battle time 1 minute 50 seconds
【Su Wenxi】
Moonlight Marten (Intermediate stage)
Skills used: Crescent Leap, Moonlight Slash, Moon Dust Breath, Cuddle Heal
Record: Undefeated, average battle time 10 seconds
The roar of voices from the spectator stands nearly tore off the roof:
"The ultimate showdown is here!"
"A clash of champions!"
"Place your bets! I'm betting on the Moonlight Marten!"
"I'm betting on the Ice Fox!"
Ning Qiu, at the commentary desk, spoke with great passion: "On August 25th! The Finals of the Longwu High School Entrance Tournament! Will Liu Yi's Ice Fox create a miracle, or will Su Wenxi's Moonlight Marten continue her undefeated myth? Let's wait and see!"
Tang Ningzhi's gaze swept over the two contestants: "This will be a highly anticipated showdown."
After the matches, Liu Yi, holding Ziyue, left the Central Arena with Huo Nanyun and Qi Zimeng.
As soon as they stepped out of the player tunnel, blinding camera flashes met them head-on.
Rate on N.U.
