Chapter 431 - 430: Return
Chapter 431: Chapter 430: Return
Soon, the next match began, featuring Xie Yuanzhou against a middle-aged man. In the end, Xie Yuanzhou emerged victorious. As for the final match, the winner was the middle-aged man whom Yiyi had favored earlier, the one who had eliminated the skinny man. True to expectations, he advanced all the way to the final round; this man’s name was Ge Peng.
"Now, let’s have the winners draw their lots on stage."
The organizer once again took the stage, asking Yiyi and the others to draw their lots. "Originally, the final round was meant to be four people, pairing off perfectly. However, someone thought it unfair for some to get a bye and insisted on competing. Now, in the end, doesn’t someone still have to get a bye? But whether earlier or later, it’s all the same. Good luck to everyone."
Hearing this, everyone couldn’t help but glance back at Wu Xiu and his apprentice.
Originally, Wu Xiu and Feng Yingjie were eager to see who would win the championship, but unexpectedly, they found themselves being teased. Their faces flushed with anger, but they couldn’t offend the organizer, so they could only remain silent with dark expressions.
Meanwhile, Yiyi had finished drawing her lot.
This time, Yiyi wasn’t as lucky; Ge Peng drew the bye, and Yiyi was matched up with Xie Yuanzhou.
Upon learning the result, Xie Yongchao chuckled and said to Guo Ming, "Brother Guo, Yiyi and Yuan Zhou are finally up against each other. Let’s have them spar well then."
Guo Ming nodded with a smile and said, "Why don’t we go have a meal together? Let Yiyi and Yuan Zhou get some rest early. These two haven’t sparred before, so it’s a good chance to test their skills."
"Yes, tomorrow we’ll see who wins and who loses."
Hearing Guo Ming’s words, Xie Yongchao nodded with a smile. However, he naturally hoped for his own son to win, though Yiyi’s strength shouldn’t be underestimated, leaving him somewhat nervous.
After the meal, everyone went their separate ways.
Early the next morning, Yiyi and Xie Yuanzhou took the stage right away.
"Let the match begin."
After saying this, the organizer stepped back.
Looking at the graceful and handsome Xie Yuanzhou before her, Yiyi smiled and said, "Brother Xie, please go easy on me."
Xie Yuanzhou cupped his hands to Yiyi, and then they both solemnly began their match.
They didn’t use many intricate moves, instead engaging in a straightforward, entangled fight from the start.
Guo Ming watched his apprentice nervously. He knew Xie Yuanzhou’s Kung Fu was impressive but wasn’t sure if his apprentice could win this time.
On the other hand, Xie Yongchao was also very tense.
Even though he was extremely anxious, he couldn’t take his son’s place and could only watch worriedly from below.
On stage, both Yiyi and Xie Yuanzhou wasted no time, giving their all from the beginning. They both understood that only the victor would have the chance to win the championship.
This time, Yiyi used her palm technique less, relying more on her fierce moves honed through experience.
Xie Yuanzhou was also formidable, but he lacked a bit of the ferocity Yiyi possessed, and ultimately, Yiyi narrowly won.
After their match ended, the organizer immediately took the stage to announce Yiyi’s victory; next, it was Yiyi against Ge Peng.
The match time was set for half an hour later, giving Yiyi enough time to rest.
When Guo Ming saw his apprentice approach, he happily said, "Yiyi, you were amazing."
Even he had felt a moment of anxiety for his apprentice, knowing Xie Yuanzhou’s moves were extremely tricky. Fortunately, Yiyi was nimble and managed to win in the end.
Though Xie Yongchao felt a bit disappointed, his son’s performance exceeded expectations, and he praised him accordingly.
While Xie Yuanzhou showed little expression, with a hint of disappointment in his eyes, he soon adjusted his mood, sitting down to wait for the next match.
Yiyi rested for half an hour, then returned to the stage.
Ge Peng was already there, cupping his hands to Yiyi and saying, "Young lady, I concede." He had watched the previous match and knew the young lady before him was no ordinary opponent, so he also put forth all his strength as they began.
As the match with Ge Peng progressed, Yiyi grew increasingly alarmed.
It turned out Ge Peng hadn’t used his full strength before; he had kept something in reserve.
After exchanging blows, Yiyi’s expression grew increasingly serious.
In the audience, Guo Ming was also anxious, unable to help saying, "This Ge Peng is truly formidable. He hadn’t used his full strength in the previous matches, yet still managed to defeat those opponents. He really isn’t simple. He’ll surely make a mark in the future."
Beside him, Xie Yongchao nodded in agreement.
Even at partial strength, Ge Peng had been daunting, and once he went all out, Yiyi couldn’t stand against him. After half an hour, she was defeated.
"Senior Ge, I concede."
Yiyi cupped her hands and conceded. She knew she was no match for this Ge Peng.
Ge Peng cupped his hands back, saying, "Young lady, you are truly remarkable." Only after sparring did he truly appreciate the fierceness and sharpness of the young lady’s techniques. She was no ordinary opponent.
At her age, he hadn’t possessed such skills, so he praised her again, "Continue to work hard in the future, and your Kung Fu will definitely reach new heights."
"Thank you, Senior Ge,"
Yiyi replied with a smile.
The organizer once more took the stage, cheerfully announcing, "That’s settled. There’s no need for another match. The champion is Ge Peng, the runner-up is Ding Yiyi, and the second runner-up is Xie Yuanzhou."
Had Ge Peng lost, he would have had to face Xie Yuanzhou in another bout, but it was unnecessary now.
Though she didn’t win the championship, securing the runner-up position was a noteworthy achievement for Yiyi, and Guo Ming was quite satisfied.
When Yiyi returned to her seat with the trophy, Guo Ming praised her, "Yiyi, you did a great job."
Xie Yongchao also offered a few compliments to his son.
While Xie Yuanzhou’s face showed little expression, there was still a hint of a smile in his eyes.
Seeing his son like this, Xie Yongchao’s smile widened, and he and Guo Ming congratulated each other with laughter.
With this, the martial arts tournament officially concluded.
After Guo Ming made the rounds with Yiyi, greeting familiar people, they headed back to Shangjing.
When Ding Yuejun saw her daughter return at last, she couldn’t help but say, "Yiyi, you’re finally back."
Upon seeing her mother, Yiyi also felt a strong sense of longing, "Mom, have you been busy these past few days?"
Ding Yuejun replied with a cheerful smile, "Not busy at all, much more relaxed than before."
Meanwhile, Mr. Ding looked Yiyi up and down, relieved to see she was in good spirits, and then proceeded to ask about the martial arts tournament this time.