Chapter 165: The Second Half of the Final

The rising currents of air around Ling Xiaolei vanished, her long hair drifting down as her body weakened from depleted magical energy, swaying unsteadily before collapsing to the ground. Fortunately, the black-feathered figure who had suddenly appeared behind her caught her gently.

Ling Xiaolei barely opened her eyes in his embrace, a solitary tear inexplicably tracing down her cheek. Her mind was flooded with unfamiliar sounds, as if echoing from a distant ancient battlefield.

The warmth in Black Feather’s arms felt so familiar. Looking at his face, an indescribable sense of longing welled up inside her.

Though she could not comprehend the chanting inscribed by the dark elf ancestors, at this moment, she felt a profound spiritual connection to the progenitors.

“True god...” she whispered those two words softly before closing her eyes and slipping into unconsciousness.

When Ling Xiaolei awoke again, she found herself lying on a sofa in the lounge.

“That’s great! Only the final match remains!” cheers and celebrations filled the room.

She propped herself up, her strength already mostly restored.

Yixin paced before the lounge’s screen, his expression grim.

“Three versus three, a tie. With fewer players, flexible strategies are limited.”

The screen displayed the afternoon’s lineup: remaining on the opposing Royal Magic Academy side were Reina, an earth mage, and an offensive light elf.

Only then did Ling Xiaolei recall, “Oh, right, we won... This afternoon we still have to face the Royal Magic Academy with Yixin and Black Feather.”

Her thoughts seemed to drift back from some distant unknown place to reality.

“Ah, you’re awake?” Shenzai Guo and Lingmeng, sitting nearby, immediately leaned over with joyful faces. “That final move you used was incredible! Over half the audience in the stands passed out!”

“Yeah, amazing! I’ve never seen such a technique before. Thanks to you,” Lingmeng said sincerely.

“As long as I didn’t hold the team back...” Ling Xiaolei murmured.

“Now we have three on the field. Especially since Black Feather eliminated Reno, their siblings can’t perform their lightning chain combo, greatly weakening their team coordination,” Yixin explained.

Everyone recalled that during the previous afternoon’s full battle, Reina and Reno had formed a lightning chain that traversed the arena’s perimeter, unleashing a powerful, wide-reaching electrical assault.

“Yes, their combo was truly formidable,” Lingmeng said. “And we still need to watch out for that earth mage!” She shuddered as she remembered her crushing defeat.

Master Yunlan, watching on, smiled like blossoms in full bloom, savoring the feast at the table beside them. “I have great confidence in you all. You are my pride and joy. As long as you work together, the championship is within reach!”

Yixin summarized:

“There are three strong attackers on the opposing team. In this afternoon’s match, everyone must be extremely cautious. I will focus on breaking the earth mage’s defenses. You two take the opportunity to eliminate their weakest— the offensive light elf. Finish your meals, rest well, and prepare for the afternoon battle!”

“Alright!” everyone responded with vigor.

After a series of fierce battles, they finally faced the last match for the championship.

The Farduo Tournament champion was not an individual title but a team honor. The victorious team would bring supreme glory to their magic academy. Each heart was filled with an unyielding belief in victory.

Before the match began, the stands had long been filled, and the crowd below swarmed like a sea of people.

At the awards stage, Yisheng, the Lord of Red Flame City, sat in the place of honor. The golden championship trophy gleamed atop the tall square platform at the center.

Six members from the Holy City Magic Academy and six from the Royal Magic Academy emerged from the left and right entrances respectively, standing on opposite sides of the arena as thunderous cheers erupted around.

The host opened the event enthusiastically:

“Ladies and gentlemen, the thrilling grand final is about to begin! We are honored to have Lord Yisheng of Holy City here as witness and presenter of the awards!”

The applause grew louder, hearts pounding with excitement.

Black Feather and Yixin looked toward the stage; their father remained imposing and dignified, holding a blazing scepter. The crimson cloak of the Holy Archmage fluttered in the wind as he surveyed the crowd.

The host declared once more:

“The final duel is about to commence. Contestants from both teams, please prepare!”

Only three players remained on each side. Yixin and Black Feather’s gazes were resolute. Ling Xiaolei said nothing, silently hoping to perform her role well in this contest.

“Let the audience witness the power of the strongest support,” Black Feather said suddenly.

A rare smile flickered on Ling Xiaolei’s usually somber face. “Watch closely, then.”

Yixin stood at the center, flanked by Black Feather and Ling Xiaolei on either side, forming a formidable triangular formation. The opposing earth mage stood in the middle, with the light elf and Reina on his flanks.

The host announced: “Begin!”

Both sides immediately summoned their staves. Reina’s staff was topped with golden wings shaped like a thunder phoenix. The offensive light elf wielded a shimmering golden spear and shield. The earth mage’s arms became encased in rock, poised to strike.

They unleashed full force from the start, shedding any previous arrogance or underestimation.

Yixin struck first without hesitation, unleashing a secret weapon.

“Blazing Inferno!”

The wide-range attack was designed to provoke the earth mage’s resistance, draining his magical energy.

Sure enough, the earth mage swiftly erected a wall of earth stretching across the arena, cutting off Yixin’s raging flames to one half of the platform.

Behind him, the light elf hurled spears of light, but each dissolved instantly upon touching the inferno overhead.

Reina then summoned several bolts of lightning, only to have them dissipate in the flames, forcing her to hold back.

At the center of the arena, a fierce contest was underway between the solid earthen wall and Yixin’s blazing inferno.

Black Feather sighed in admiration, “Their earth mage is truly strong, able to withstand Yixin’s attack.”

Unwilling to be outdone, Ling Xiaolei, bolstered by Black Feather’s presence, felt her fighting spirit surge. She immediately unleashed a row of hooked chains from her fingertips, latching onto the top of the earth wall before yanking backward.

“Thousand-Pound Weight!”

The dry earth, scorched by fire, cracked under the strain of Ling Xiaolei’s chains, crumbling in an instant. Yixin’s inferno found its breach and surged fiercely toward the three opponents at the rear.

They quickly dodged behind the remaining earth walls.

“Girl, you’re pretty capable!” Yixin praised with a smile.