Chapter 15

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

Li Wei took two days off from farming. He only entered the system to check if everything was in good condition. Preparations for the Fist of Hope competition took up most of his time and effort. Besides, there would be no farm operation without the money.

The morning of the tournament, several class members gathered around Li Wei after the school bell rung. “Li Wei, we still have classes in the afternoon, so we can’t go with you. This is a first aid kit. You must take it with you!”

“We’re classmates. I don’t want anything to happen to you either. I have a contact at the hospital. Please have Zhang Feng get in touch with me right away if something happens!”

“The organizer already has a medical team. Remember to introduce yourself to them. You’re handsome. So, they will remember you.”

“If you can’t take it anymore and can’t speak due to the injury, you must raise your hand. The medical staff will see it.”

“Sigh, I didn’t expect our three years of friendship to end in such a way…”

“…”

The group was not making fun of Li Wei. Instead, they were deeply concerned for his safety. In their eyes, Li Wei, who had the worst results in school, would be eliminated in the afternoon’s competition. They also feared that he would be beaten like a pig.

These first aid kits and tips for getting medical assistance were all from the bottom of their hearts. Nevertheless, when Li Wei looked around at the worried faces, he could not say a word. He was so angry that he wanted to throw up blood.

He said with a phony smile, “Hehe, thank you very much.”

F*ck! They were already cursing him before the competition had even begun.

Despite this, he could not be upset because he knew everyone cared deeply about him. After all, in the view of his classmates, he was tempting death by participating in such a tournament.

Even a student whose family was in the funeral business came to their dorm room that morning to talk “business” with him! He even went so far as to say he would choose the best casket for Li Wei! As always, that person was quickly dispatched by Zhang Feng’s beatings.

On the other hand, Li Wei could see things from their perspective. As long as it was a martial arts tournament, the Empire’s laws stipulate that no one could be held responsible for the death of another. It was an opportunity for these aspiring boxers to make their mark on the national live broadcast.

Therefore, he would do his best. It was also understandable that everyone would believe this because he had never displayed his newfound strength.

Zhang Feng noticed that Li Wei was a bit green in the face, so he quickly stood up and said, “Alright! First aid supplies and a tombstone! Surely you can all just wish my brother well?”

Then, he smiled at Li Wei and said, “Hehe… Don’t worry, bro, I have booked a great restaurant for us tonight. When you get your ranking, we will have a celebration party. I am rooting for you in today’s match!”

Li Wei smiled and thought that his friend was quite dependable. Their next step was to go to the school office and request a leave of absence. It would undoubtedly be an extended leave because the competition this time was very lengthy. Forget about the afternoon and evening self-study classes.

…

Fei He City, Warrior Square.

Since 6 a.m., the place had been packed with people. The organizers, sponsors, audience, and vendors blocked the main road. Many of them had poured in from distant places.

All around town, you could hear people cheering and cars honking. As the clock struck 1:40 pm, the lovely host emerged in front of the camera, microphone in hand.

“Welcome, everyone, to the live broadcast of the 35th Fist of Hope! First, I would like to thank the officials of Fei He City and the Martial Arts Equipment Company for their support!

As everyone can see, all the registered contestants have arrived at the venue! Our staff is verifying each of their identity!

Don’t go away! The first round of the competition will begin soon!”

“…”

As the host’s opening speech ended, cheers and whistles erupted from the crowd. “They’re here! It’s finally here! We’ve been waiting for a year!”

“The best part is seeing high school students fight! They are all ruthless!”

“It was already exciting last year, and someone was even killed! It will be even more intense this year!”

“Woohoo! Go, boys! The hope of humankind is on you!” The atmosphere slowly started to boil as though this was a feast.

“…”

At the other end, Li Wei had just arrived at the entrance for contestants.

“Hello! Please present your identification and registration token! If you are carrying a weapon, please register it!” To hear Li Wei properly, the crew had to raise their voices above the din of the audience’s cries.

Li Wei gave the anxious Zhang Feng a thumbs up as he turned to walk through the security gate. He smiled and said, “Big guy! Take stylish pictures of me, please!”

However, Zhang Feng evidently couldn’t hear it because he kept yelling, “Brother! Protect your face! If this fails, you can always rely on your face to earn money in the future!”

When he could hear better, Li Wei realized that his friend was worried about his loss and was immediately speechless. This was not the time to argue, though. After passing through the security gate, Li Wei started the players’ last round of preparation.

There were more than 80 participants in this competition. They would compete in one of 20 sites spread across the square as part of the competition structure. To choose a champion, each winner would progress to the next round until they reach the final victor.

The entire process required a total of three days. Simple rules often meant more ferocious fights.

Zhang Feng swallowed his spit as he stared at the large screen on the main arena, which was displaying the contenders’ images. He realized that all the participants were well-known martial art students in his hometown province.

“What… the hell? How did all these experts show up this year?” Zhang Feng was right when he said that this year’s Fist of Hope was a gathering of Masters.

Many were already well-known students in the province while they were still studying. They had even been published in “Fighter Magazine.” Over a dozen of them had vitality values of more than six points.

Nearly 20% of the competitors were strong enough to apply to the top ten martial arts schools! It’s fair to say that this was the most formidable batch of contestants ever!

That was not the only problem. Players that exceeded six vitality points were also present. There were at least two, given the circumstances at hand!

Upon realizing this, Zhang Feng was scared.

“We’re finished!” he said as he clutched his head. “I even booked a restaurant to give him a consolation gift once he loses!”

“It looks like we will have to contact the hospital to prepare in advance!”

At this moment, the beautiful host’s voice rang out in the square. “The first round of the battle is about to begin! Everyone, please turn your attention to the screen!”

The crowd then turned to face the massive display. Zhang Feng found Li Wei and his opponent’s name in the No. 21 battle column.