Chapter 1045: Ten Points

Tang San said in surprise, "Lord Jin, what are you doing? Please, rise. This is not proper."

The one bowing in front of him was none other than yesterday's opponent, Jin Anguo.

The Behemoth King looked ashamed. "Clan Leader Jin, I'm here to apologize for yesterday. I wrongly judged a gentleman with the heart of a petty man. You showed integrity and magnanimity, yet I disrupted your next matches. I feel truly guilty!"

Yesterday when you yelled 'unfair,' you sure didn't look like you thought that,

Tang San thought inwardly. But outwardly, he kept a calm expression. "This had nothing to do with you, Lord Jin. I was the one who took the initiative to tell the Ancestral Court that I will no longer use the Scourge Dragon. Indeed, fighting two-on-one would be unfair. The Ancestral Court surely didn't anticipate such a situation when they set the rules. I've already gained an advantage, so how could I keep undermining the fairness of the Battle for the Throne? If anything, I should be the one apologizing; I've made things more difficult for you in the remaining matches."

Jin Anguo gave a bitter smile. "How could I blame you, Brother Jin? It was my own lack of strength. Ah, enough said. Once this tournament is over, I'll definitely invite you for a good drink."

Beside them, Ning Chen'en smiled. "It's about time. Let's head in and prepare. Today, Brother Jin has the first match, doesn't he?"

Indeed, the first bracket of the male division had reached a clash of the strong. Two contenders with two wins each were to face off: Tang San and Xu An'yu.

Flanked by Ning Chen'en and Jin Anguo, Tang San once again stepped onto the arena grounds.

While the upper echelons were aware of Blue Gold Tree clan's new neutral status and everything it involved, the regular spectators weren't. Yet as Tang San entered the rest area, a deafening cheer erupted from the stands, louder than for any other competitor.

Most of it was indignation on Tang San's behalf. Anyone with three connected brain cells could tell that he had been forced by the Ancestral Court to forgo the Scourge Dragon; it was hardly his choice as per the report. He'd paid for it fair and square and competed by the rules, yet was now barred from using it. That was plainly unfair. The crowd didn't dare openly defy the Ancestral Court, but raising a ruckus? They sure weren't afraid to do that.

So as Tang San entered the field, that tidal wave of cheering was like a series of slaps to the faces of the Ancestral Court's Emperors.

Tang San cupped his hands toward the audience in thanks, then went straight into the competitors' rest area without lingering.

Because of their earlier conversations, they were the last to enter the arena.

"Silence!" A low voice rang out from the mountainside, and the powerful pressure it bore swiftly quieted the crowd. Those who had been there for the spectacle also fell silent under that unparalleled might.

"The tournament continues with round three of the semifinals. Contestants of the first match of the male division, take the platform," the Celestial Fox Demon Emperor spoke flatly.

Tang San stepped out from the rest area. On the other side, Radiant Dragon King Xu An'yu also emerged. The two exchanged a glance and rose into the air, landing in the arena.

Today's referee was the Earthshade Nymph Emperor, a lithe silhouette shrouded in dark blue gloom. Though she was not even intentionally releasing her aura, her descent onto the arena brought a chill to the air.

"Greetings, Your Majesty." Both Tang San and Xu An'yu bowed respectfully.

"Prepare yourselves," the Earthshade Nymph Emperor said evenly.

Xu An'yu looked at Tang San with a warm smile, then turned to the Earthshade Nymph Emperor and said respectfully, "Your Majesty, I forfeit this match."

Though Tang San had expected this, the bluntness of the declaration left him a little taken aback. As for those who hadn't expected this, which included... everyone else, really, they were absolutely flabbergasted. The declaration caused an uproar across the stands.

Even the Earthshade Nymph Emperor was momentarily surprised. She looked at Xu An'yu. "Are you aware of what you are saying? This is the Battle for the Throne, not a juniors' casual competition. Are you certain you wish to forfeit?"

Xu An'yu nodded earnestly. "Yes. Clan Leader Jin has done my dragon race a great service. He rescued the Scourge Dragon, resolving a major problem for us. He is thus considered an eternal friend of the dragon race. In gratitude for his gesture, and with all the well-wishes of the dragons I represent, I choose to forfeit this match."

"Thank you, Brother Xu," Tang San said with a small smile, inclining his head respectfully. Indeed, Xu An'yu was worthy of such respect.

Meanwhile, the stands were in an uproar. He'd won? Clan Leader Jin had won again? What did that mean? While Radiant Dragon King Xu An'yu only had four points so far, Tang San already had ten!

Even a perfect seven-win record would be fourteen points. With ten already, Tang San had one foot in the finals. Unless two other contestants caught up, he was essentially guaranteed a spot. And he still had four matches to go—who could say he wouldn't win again?

Other competitors were stunned. The black horse of the Blue Gold Tree clan seemed set to gallop even farther.

"Jin Miaolin of the Blue Gold Tree clan wins. You may leave the platform," the Earthshade Nymph Emperor announced, content that the winner was from the Solstice Empire side. Though the Blue Gold Tree clan was neutral now, Skytree City was still within Solstice Empire territory, and Jin Miaolin was a nymph. Favoring his own was a given.

Once more victorious without a fight, Tang San returned to the rest area. The other competitors, watching this, couldn't help but reconsider their strategies.

The dragon race's move was brilliant. Xu An'yu's strength, especially with his Light Sprite, was more than enough to reach the finals anyway. Surrendering one match wouldn't hurt him, and it secured the Blue Gold Tree clan's goodwill. And with the Scourge Dragon in the mix, this forged an even stronger alliance, essential as Xu An'yu vied for Crystal City and the Dragon Lord throne. With the Blue Gold Tree's backing, it was like gaining the support of an Emperor!

All sorts of calculations raced through everyone's minds.

In her own VIP pavilion, Mei Gongzi frowned slightly. Luo Qingzhu, who was sitting beside her, commented, "It seems they value this Jin Miaolin even more than we expected. If even the dragon race acted like this, others will surely follow. He's already got ten points, and looks very likely to reach the finals."

Su Qin nodded. "Sister, you were right yesterday. We really can't underestimate Jin Miaolin. Thinking back on all he's done, it's clear he's as cunning as an old fox. Every step he takes seems ordinary or even ridiculous, but the results speak for themselves. If he makes the finals, Little Mei, you should be on your guard against him."

"Mm." Mei Gongzi's frown eased, though her eyes showed that she was deep in thought.

"Be careful in your match."

Indeed, it was Mei Gongzi's turn. Her opponent? Lan Moqian of the Behemoth clan—like her, undefeated so far.

Unlike the other Behemoths, who favored their claws, Lan Moqian fought with a sword. She'd even once competed with Mei Gongzi for the Shadowfiend Sword.

Now the two would clash in battle, and whoever won would have one foot in the finals. As long as they performed normally afterward, they'd almost certainly secure a spot.

"Contestants of the first female match, take the platform!"

Mei Gongzi and Lan Moqian emerged from their pavilions almost simultaneously, neither glancing at the other, and leapt together onto the platform