Top 8

Meanwhile, Jiang Ting was deep in thought as he followed behind Zhao Song.

'Back in my past life, I entered the academy at the age of twelve. Now that I enrolled at fourteen, those closest to me such as grandfather, senior brother Zhao, senior brother Huang, Master and the village chief would be the ones whose life has veered off course the most. I have no idea what level of strength this guy is at now. To be this confident against an opponent of Yan Ping's caliber, not even stepping into the peak stage of the second level of body forging realm would be enough, and that is a cultivation stage that dominates students in the competition. After all, students at the age of 25 years must graduate, and rarely do people reach the third level of the body forging realm before the age of 25.'

'So, it is quite reasonable to assume he is at most at the peak stage of the second level of the body forging realm. His Overlord Body has reached peak stage of mastery, I could conclude as much from Sparring Day. In other words,' Jiang Ting's eyes gleamed 'Senior brother must have learned another martial art!'

While Zhao Song would surely learn another martial art, this time, there was no way of knowing which one he'd picked. Besides, there were only 12 grade five martials arts in the Library of Fudi academy, that was for sure.

As far as offensive martial arts went, Zhao Song had already picked up Overlord Body. Since offensive and agility based martial arts were the top choices for martial artists, the academy had gathered five grade five offensive martial arts, and five grade five agility based martial arts. The remaining two grade five martial arts were defense type.

This meant that Zhao Song had either picked up one of the five agility type martial arts or one of the two defensive type martial arts.

Of course, he would also need to practice the new martial arts to a high enough stage of mastery.

As they walked around, Zhao Song and Sun Mei kept walking side by side, while Lin Fan and Jiang Ting followed behind them. There wasn't much to do except watch the fights, so they did just that. Zhao Song went up to fight a few rounds as well.

Sometime later, the top 8 from the senior's competition were selected. It was Zhao Song, Tang Hao, Zhang Li and Liang Chen, along with four other fighters.

Jiang Ting had been excited to watch Yan Ping's second match, but when the referee called her name out, she didn't show up. As a result, despite being a shoo-in for the top eight, or even the top spot, Yan Ping didn't even make the rankings.

* * *

On the stage, the core elders were deep in discussion. While the newbie competition was also important for the future, it was the results of the senior's competition that would impact the village in the near future, after all.

"Headmaster, four of the top five from the previous competition are remaining. The others are dark horses, yet to prove themselves. It would be best if Zhao Song, Tang Hao, Zhang Li and Liang Chen don't meet till the top 4." Administrative Elder Xia Mo was advising the Headmaster.

The village chief shook his head in dissatisfaction, "Let fate decide. Why must we interfere? If they aren't strong enough to defeat their opponents, they have no grounds to complain."

The administrative elder shot back. "Zhao Song, Tang Hao, Zhang Li and Liang Chen, ranked in the top eight in the last competition, earning the right to train under the core elders of the martial wing. The other four will get the same opportunity after this competition. As for the resources we have allocated for this competition, the higher the ranking, the more precious it is. We need to ensure that those with higher potential to perform in the coming martial arts gathering get the best nurture."

At this time, the Headmaster spoke up. "Brother Xia, we get where you're coming from, but there will have been no point to all our efforts to nurture talented youths if we have to interfere so directly in their affairs. We shall leave the match making to chance, may the strongest win."

Everyone fell quiet. Even though this was a little foolish, considering the significance of the rankings, but this was in line with the Headmaster's character. Straightforward and proud.

* * *

At this time, in one of the arenas, the referee called out, "Zhao Song, Chen Guang."

Those on the stage breathed a sigh of relief. Xia Mo took a look at Wang Chun.

'Even if you have your way of doing things, I must sake you for the good of our village. Even if you leave it to fate, I instructed the referees long ago about such possibilities, they won't match Zhao Song, Tang Hao, Zhang Li and Liang Chen against each other before the top eight, and even then the two finalists from the previous competition, Zhao Song and Tang Hao, won't meet each other before the finals.'

Sitting in the middle, Wang Chun sighed. He knew all the elders of the martial wing very well. He'd probably set up all the matches from the first round to the finals personally. Of course, ultimately the strong should survive, so he didn't really mind. After all, even those like Sun Mei and Yan Ping, who were knocked out very early, would receive opportunities as a result of their impressive display. Watching out for impressive students who lost early was part of the reason the core elders personally supervised the competition, after all.

Zhao Song went up into the arena. Meanwhile the other three matches had also begun in the other arenas. As expected, Zhao Song, Tang Hao, Zhang Li and Liang Chen didn't run into each other in this round.

Sun Mei, Jiang Ting and Lin Fan were at the front of the crowd next to the arena where Zhao Song was to fight.