- Global Reincarnation: Only I Know the Plot
- GROIKTP Chapter 486
Backstage at the stadium.
The 31 contestants gathered in the waiting room, all ready and waiting for the tournament to begin. Due to the competitive nature of the event, the participants weren’t speaking to one another, creating a tense and quiet atmosphere that sharply contrasted with the excitement outside.
Chen Ye sat calmly in the waiting room, still able to hear the buzz of noise from the crowd outside.
“No wonder this is a national event—it’s really lively,” he mused.
Feeling a bit bored, Chen Ye took out his phone to browse the web. However, the internet was flooded with news about the tournament. Every media outlet, video site, and live-streaming platform was broadcasting the event, leaving Chen Ye a bit exasperated as there was hardly anything else to watch.
Seeing Chen Ye’s indifferent attitude toward the upcoming matches, Xiao Ling’er couldn’t help but ask, “Chen Ye, aren’t you nervous at all?”
“Nervous?” Chen Ye raised an eyebrow, then smiled. “What’s there to be nervous about?”
Having faced countless battles in the Reincarnation Tower, Chen Ye had long since developed an unshakable mindset. A mere tournament couldn’t faze him.
“Chen Ye, I know you’re strong, but haven’t you heard the saying: ‘Even a lion uses its full strength to catch a rabbit’? You shouldn’t underestimate any opponent,” Xiao Ling’er said, slightly frustrated.
She felt Chen Ye was being a bit too arrogant, and it worried her.
Chen Ye looked at her seriously for a moment, then put his phone down.
“Alright, I’ll take it seriously, just for you.”
In truth, Chen Ye couldn’t quite explain why, but he found himself having a natural fondness for Xiao Ling’er. It wasn’t because he was infatuated; rather, he suspected it was a lingering effect from the original owner of this body, who had harbored a crush on her. This influence seemed to affect his perception of her.
Seeing Chen Ye lounging lazily despite his words, Xiao Ling’er felt exasperated.
“Seriously? That’s your idea of being serious?” she thought.
Just then, the loudspeakers in the stadium came to life.
“Ladies and gentlemen, today marks the start of the Martial Arts Tournament! Thank you all for coming to witness the birth of new champions. Without further delay, I hereby announce the official start of the 177th Martial Arts Tournament!”
As the announcer declared the start of the tournament, the entire crowd erupted in cheers.
Only Chen Ye remained nonchalant, lounging as he had been before.
“Chen Ye, it’s starting!” Xiao Ling’er said excitedly. “You need to get ready. You’ll be going up to draw lots soon.”
The matchups were determined by drawing lots, where contestants would be paired based on the numbers they drew.
Chen Ye nodded and, along with Xiao Ling’er, made his way to the stage entrance.
Other participants followed suit.
…
In the main arena.
The announcer, after delivering a series of passionate words, continued, “As in previous years, today’s matches will be decided by drawing lots. You can see the box here—inside are 31 numbered balls. Each contestant will draw a number, and their opponent will be the contestant with the consecutive number. For example, numbers 1 and 2 will face off, as will numbers 3 and 4, and so on!”
“Of course, since we have 31 contestants, one person will draw the bye number, which is 31. Whoever draws 31 will advance directly to the next round without a match.”
“Alright, that’s enough explanation. Now, let’s welcome our 31 contestants!”
Applause filled the stadium.
“Chen Ye, it’s your turn!” Xiao Ling’er urged.
Chen Ye joined the other contestants, walking out from backstage and into the stadium, greeted by thunderous applause as they approached the arena’s center.
As they neared the stage, most contestants climbed up properly, but one martial artist suddenly leapt into the air, flipping acrobatically onto the stage, showing off his nimble skills.
This flashy display immediately drew cheers from the crowd.
The contestant was young, handsome, and clearly popular, causing many of the women in the audience to scream in excitement.
“It’s Jin Yutian! Look, it’s Jin Yutian oppa!”
“My Jin-Jin is so handsome!”
“Ahhh, Jin Yutian, I want to marry you!”
Many martial artists frowned at the flashy display, finding it distasteful.
Chen Ye didn’t feel much about it—he simply thought it was a bit dull.
Soon enough, all 31 contestants were on stage.
The stage was large enough to comfortably hold all 31 contestants, plus the announcer.
The announcer raised his hands to quiet the audience, and the applause slowly died down.
“These are your 31 contestants for this year’s city qualifiers. Among them, three will emerge victorious to represent our city in the provincial matches! No matter who wins today, we hope you achieve great success!”
“Now, it’s time for the draw. Contestants, please step forward in order and draw a ball to determine your opponent.”
The contestants lined up and approached the box to draw their numbered balls.
Chen Ye drew ball number 15.
That meant his opponent would be the one who drew number 16.
After everyone had drawn, the announcer declared loudly, “The draw is complete, and the results are fair. Now, contestants 1 and 2, please stay on stage. The rest of you, please hand your numbered balls to the staff and take a break.”
When the contestants who drew numbers 1 and 2 stayed on stage, the entire stadium erupted in gasps.
“They’re facing each other right from the start? This is bad!”
“Yeah, they’re both top contenders. Losing either of them will be a huge loss for the city.”
“Well, that’s just how the draw goes. It’s bad luck.”
“Still, this match is going to be exciting!”
“Definitely, there’s no changing the draw. Might as well enjoy the fight.”
The audience buzzed with chatter.
The contestants who drew numbers 1 and 2 were none other than Cao Wujin from the Cao family and Wang Chao from the Wang family!
Both were considered top contenders for the city title.
No one expected them to face off in the first round…
Since it was a knockout format, one of them was guaranteed to be eliminated right away.
In the VIP seats, several city officials frowned upon seeing this.
But with the draw already finalized, there was nothing they could do to change it.
The Martial Arts Tournament prided itself on fairness, and even the city leaders wouldn’t dare break the rules in front of so many spectators.