- Global Reincarnation: Only I Know the Plot
- GROIKTP Chapter 490
The second round of elimination matches had begun.
By this stage, the remaining contestants were all highly skilled, and the first three matches of the round had dragged on for quite some time.
Finally, just as the sun began to set, the fourth match of the second round arrived. It was Chen Ye’s turn to take the stage.
As Chen Ye’s opponent, Wang Chao, walked up to the ring, a wave of excitement swept through the audience, with many cheering loudly.
This was because, during the first round, Wang Chao’s impressive performance against Cao Wujin had earned him a lot of fans.
When Chen Ye stepped onto the ring, murmurs immediately rippled through the crowd.
“Wow, poor Chen Ye. He’s unlucky to go up against Wang Chao.”
“Yeah, tough luck. I thought he might make it to the next round, maybe even the final four, but now that he’s up against Wang Chao, he’s done for.”
“From what we saw in his match with Cao Wujin, Wang Chao is at least a seasoned master-level martial artist, probably just one step away from becoming an innate grandmaster. Reaching that level at his age is extraordinary. Chen Ye is definitely going to lose.”
“I wouldn’t be so sure. Wang Chao did great in the first round, but Chen Ye wasn’t bad either. Remember how he beat Ren Fei with just one finger?”
“Ugh, don’t mention Ren Fei. He got his arm broken by a single finger. That seemed so fake. I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re fixing matches.”
“We’ll find out soon enough if that’s true.”
…
The majority of the audience didn’t believe Chen Ye could win. Only a few sharp-eyed viewers thought the outcome wasn’t so certain.
**At the Zhao Family Home.**
“Dad, do you think Chen Ye can win?” Zhao Fang asked anxiously as she watched the television.
“How should I know?” her father replied, his eyes also glued to the screen.
Zhao Fang couldn’t help but add, “Dad, I remember you were quite a formidable martial artist back in the day!”
“That was a long time ago,” her father replied, seemingly recalling unpleasant memories. “It’s been years, and I’m way out of practice.”
Zhao Fang sighed, pouting as she turned her attention back to the TV. Her father, too, fell silent as Chen Ye’s match was about to begin.
…
**In the Sports Arena.**
On the ring.
“Contestants, prepare… Begin!”
As the host jumped off the stage, Wang Chao immediately sprang into action.
Leaping into the air like a great bird of prey, Wang Chao lunged toward Chen Ye and launched a devastating palm strike aimed at Chen Ye’s forehead.
**Fan Tian Yin** (Overturning Heaven Palm)!
He started with his ultimate move right out of the gate!
Clearly, Wang Chao wasn’t like the casual spectators. He had quickly recognized how dangerous Chen Ye was.
So, as soon as the match began, Wang Chao aimed to strike first, using his strongest move to catch Chen Ye off guard.
It must be said that Wang Chao’s strategy was the correct one.
However, he could never have imagined just how terrifying the person standing before him really was.
Facing Wang Chao’s powerful strike, Chen Ye merely lifted his hand and lightly extended one finger.
**One Finger Zen**, once again!
As Chen Ye’s finger met Wang Chao’s palm, Wang Chao’s expression immediately changed.
It felt as though he wasn’t up against a human finger but a vast ocean, an unstoppable force that came at him in waves.
And he, standing against it, was like a lone boat adrift on that immense sea.
In such a situation, no martial arts technique or skill could save him.
If the ocean willed it, with a mere thought, it could crush him to pieces.
Wang Chao quickly staggered back, retreating all the way to the edge of the ring before finally coming to a stop.
After a moment of silence, Wang Chao looked at Chen Ye in shock, his expression filled with disbelief.
“I… lost.”
After a brief pause, Wang Chao uttered these words in defeat, then turned and jumped off the ring, voluntarily forfeiting the match.
Suddenly!
The entire stadium erupted in chaos.
“What just happened? Wang Chao forfeited?”
“What the hell was that? Why did Wang Chao give up?”
“Chen Ye barely touched him, just a light finger tap, and Wang Chao was so scared he surrendered?”
“This is ridiculous, it’s so fake!”
“Totally fake! First, he beats Ren Fei with one finger, which was barely believable, but now he beats Wang Chao with the same move? And Wang Chao just gives up? This is faker than a rigged match!”
“Who is this Chen Ye anyway? How did both Ren Fei and Wang Chao cooperate with him like this?”
“Seriously, if you’re going to rig matches, at least make it look convincing. Do they really think the audience is this stupid?”
“This guy must be from some powerful family. Maybe he’s the son of some bigshot in the Martial Arts Association, using the tournament to boost his reputation.”
“Whatever his background, we need to protest these rigged matches.”
“Yeah, protest the rigging!”
“We don’t want to watch fake fights!”
“Get him out of here!”
…
In the stands, more and more people began shouting, “Protest the rigged match!”
At first, it was only a few voices, but soon the chant spread, becoming a unified chorus throughout the arena.
“Protest the rigged match!”
“Protest the rigged match!”
The entire stadium echoed with the chant.
The city officials looked visibly uncomfortable.
Even they had begun to suspect that something was off with the match, and they were on the verge of ordering an investigation.
Fortunately, a few sharp-eyed martial artists beside them explained the situation. They clarified that this was no rigged match.
Wang Chao’s decision to forfeit had been a wise one.
The person Old Master Xiao had recommended was far more powerful than anyone had imagined.
Following the officials’ instructions, the host stepped forward to clarify:
“Ladies and gentlemen, please calm down. I would like to state clearly that no rigging is allowed in the Martial Arts Tournament! As for Wang Chao’s decision to forfeit, that was his personal choice. Now, moving on to our next match, please welcome Contestants No. 9 and No. 10!”
“And Contestant No. 10 is none other than the general manager of Haisheng Group. I’m sure many of you are familiar with his name. Let’s hope he achieves a good result today…”
The host cleverly shifted the audience’s attention to the next contestant, the general manager of Haisheng Group.
Sure enough, the spectators quickly forgot their protest, focusing on the new match instead.
…
**Backstage.**
As soon as Wang Chao stepped inside, a middle-aged man approached him.
“Xiao Chao, what happened out there? Why did you surrender so suddenly?”
The middle-aged man, also surnamed Wang, was Wang Chao’s cousin. He had come to assist Wang Chao in the tournament, hoping to use this opportunity to expand his own business.
He had believed that Wang Chao had the skill to at least make it to the national finals.
His plan was to have Wang Chao endorse his products and wear custom-designed gear (featuring advertisements) during the finals, which would increase his brand’s visibility.
But now, Wang Chao had surrendered in only the second round…
Seeing Wang Chao remain silent, the middle-aged man grew frustrated. “Xiao Chao, say something! Have you thought about what Grandpa expects from you?”
At this, Wang Chao coldly replied, “My business is none of your concern. I’ll explain everything to Grandpa myself!”
With that, Wang Chao turned and left.
As he walked away, the middle-aged man shouted after him, “Don’t tell me you were paid off by Chen Ye to throw the match! I’ll tell Grandpa about this, and we’ll see how you explain yourself then!”
Unbeknownst to him, blood was dripping from Wang Chao’s right palm…