Gu Zhen stepped onto the first battle platform. His opponent, Zhu Hang, climbed up as well—but instead of preparing to fight, he immediately walked over to Xie Yanwen and voiced his request.
Zhu Hang had chosen to forfeit.
Xie Yanwen didn't stop him. She calmly turned to announce the result.
"The contestant has forfeited. The winner: Gu Yi!"
Seeing Gu Zhen win yet again without lifting a finger, murmurs immediately spread through the spectators.
No way! Gu Yi luck is insane!
"What luck? Did you forget who he beat before this?"
"Zhu Hang the lucky one. He made it all the way to the third round and only had to face the weakest opponent. Too bad his strength didn't match his fortune."
"Well, when you put it that way...yeah."
Gu Zhen stepped off the stage quickly after the announcement. He jogged over to the edge of the next arena to watch Zhou Xin match.
Unlike Gu Zhen, Zhou Xin draw hadn't been so fortunate. His opponent, Han Le, was no pushover.
Han Le superpower was E-rank physical-type, [Physical Enhancement], a half-transformation type. Once activated, his body expanded dramatically, greatly boosting his strength and endurance.
As the referee called for the match to begin, both combatants activated their superpower. Their physiques swelled.
Under the effect of his superpower, Han Le height shot up to 2.3 meters, towering over Zhou Xin.
However, this was partly because Zhou Xin hadn't fully transformed.
Full transformation consumed far more star power than partial transformation, a heavy cost for Zhou Xin at this stage. It was his final trump card.
Han Le didn't hesitate. He charged forward with heavy strides, planning to end things in one decisive blow. He knew Zhou Xin usual approach—use his body as a shield and overpower opponents in close combat. So Han Le decided to beat him at his own game.
But this time, Zhou Xin changed tactics. He crouched down, placing his hands on the ground.
Earth-type star skill: Earth Trap.
A split second later, the ground beneath Han Le cracked open. One leg plunged into a pit he hadn't seen coming, sending his massive body pitching forward.
Han Le hand slammed into the ground, only to sink in as well—he was trapped.
Zhou Xin wasn't about to let the opportunity go to waste.
He leapt high, his fist turning a deep earthy yellow.
Though similar to Li Hao Stone Fist, this was his transformation superpower traits, [Stone Scales] which hardened his scales immensely, boosting both attack and defense.
Zhou Xin stone-colored punch smashed directly into Han Le back, slamming him to the ground. He struggled but couldn't rise.
Zhou Xin second punch was already mid-air when the referee intervened, appearing like a shadow at his side and catching the incoming blow.
Match over. Winner: Zhou Xin!
Seeing Han Le had lost his combat ability, the referee announced immediately.
Hearing this, Zhou Xin didn't hesitate and left the platform.
Watching from below, Gu Zhen expression remained neutral, though he felt things were getting trickier. He hadn't expected Zhou Xin to be not only strong but also tactically sharp, avoiding a head-on clash with Han Le.
Facing such an opponent—a tank-mage hybrid—was why transformation-type superpower were so formidable.
He guessed Zhou Xin still had hidden skills or cards—possibly an advanced offensive star skill or a high-speed mobility skill. He'd have to test it out later.
But one thing stood out to him: Zhou Xin yellow stone punch didn't look like a traditional star skill at all. It felt like a natural defensive enhancement. Possibly his [Stone Scales] traits—something he could activate on multiple body parts?
That, too, would need testing.
The third round soon ended, and the fourth round began.
Only seven contestants remained. That meant one would automatically advance without a fight.
The screen flashed the pairings.
Platform One: Zhou Xin vs. Zhang Chen
Platform Two: Wu Ruifeng vs. Hu Yang
Platform Three: ....
Platform Four: Gu Yi
"Whoa, Gu Yi luck is broken!"
"This guy just walked into the top four for free!"
"Living the dream, man."
...
Since he had a bye, he had more time to observe Zhou Xin and uncover any hidden abilities, hoping this fight would force Zhou Xin to reveal more.
But the match didn't expose much. Even in dire moments, Zhou Xin didn't reveal new abilities, only using Earth Trap a few more times, suggesting he was saving his trump card.
Soon, the fourth round ended. After a brief rest, the fifth round began.
The display quickly showed four names.
Platform One: Zhou Xin vs. Gu Yi
Platform Two: Wu Ruifeng vs. Zhao Duocai
He didn't react much. If anything, he was a little pleased.
If they'd met in the final round, Zhou Xin would've gone all out with no reservations. Now, he might hold back to save energy or conceal his abilities.
Both fighters stepped onto Platform One.
After confirming readiness, the referee announced the start of the match.
Zhou Xin partially transformed, his body bulking up.
Gu Zhen shot forward like an arrow.
Zhou Xin dropped low, palms on the ground—trying to bait him.
Gu Zhen vanished from sight.
[Physical type-skill – Instant Step]
Zhou Xin was prepared. His move was a feint to lure Gu Zhen into using Instant Step to close the distance. In close combat, Zhou Xin could leverage his physical advantage to win.
Gu Zhen raised his elbow, slamming it into Zhou Xin back.
Zhou Xin was ready, having already activated his transformation innate trait, [Stone Scales] The scales hidden under his tank top instantly turned earthen yellow.
'So hard'
The strike landed, but Gu Zhen felt like he just elbowed a boulder. Zhou Xin didn't budge an inch.
Though Gu Zhen landed a solid hit, Zhou Xin felt nothing, confirming that Gu Zhen current strength couldn't breach his defense.
With this certainty, Zhou Xin feared nothing from Gu Zhen, tanking his attacks without dodging.
But he still couldn't land a hit.
Gu Zhen reaction speed was faster.
While Zhou Xin strength and defense were monstrous after transforming, his reflexes had clearly taken a hit.
As the brawl unfolded, Gu Zhen danced on a razor's edge—dodging, weaving, countering.
The real battle…....had just begun.