On the morning of the third day, the semifinals were originally supposed to take place.
However, Nuobai’s opponent was unable to compete due to severe injuries.
As for Wei Zhaowu’s opponent, being from the same school and knowing they were no match for her, they chose to forfeit, contentedly securing their place as the bronze medalist.
Thus, the finals began ahead of schedule.
Wei Wanqing arrived at the arena early. Noticing the arrival of Nuobai and Bai Luxin, she, who was usually calm and composed, could not help but feel a surge of nervousness.
“Nuobai, have you found a way to deal with the Sun Wheel Bird?”
Nuobai stood on Bai Luxin’s shoulder. Having reached Tier 1 Juvenile Phase, she had grown much larger, and her eyes sparkled with a fierce fighting spirit.
“Win or lose, we’ll only know after the fight.”
Nuobai’s words were filled with pride, making it seem as if she were the one with the home-field advantage.
Wei Wanqing felt a bit disappointed, thinking that they simply had no plan. Fortunately, she had an idea that might just work.
“Nuobai, you can apply for a [Blind Match].”
“According to Item 21 of Article 18 of the competition regulations, if both parties agree, the time, location, and segments of the match can be randomized.”
“That way, if you’re lucky enough to draw a night setting, you’ll have a chance to defeat my sister.”
Nuobai wagged her tail, lost in thought.
‘It doesn’t necessarily have to be at night. A snowy landscape or snowy weather would also be to my advantage.’
Although she looked forward to a hearty battle, she was not a pedantic cat; she would not ignore an advantage if it were available.
“Will she agree?”
“I certainly will not agree!”
Before Wei Wanqing could answer, Wei Zhaowu approached from not far away. Her voice arrived before she did.
“Sister, I didn’t expect that even after losing to someone else, you still haven’t given up.”
“Then why did you give up on the Moon Wheel Bird?”
The newcomer was dressed in fiery red, her hair half-tied up. Her aura formed a sharp contrast with Wei Wanqing’s temperament.
“Zhaowu, you are still as arrogant as ever.”
“Sister, you are the same—just as hypocritical and cowardly.”
“…”
The air was thick with the scent of gunpowder the moment the two sisters met.
Nuobai shifted to the other shoulder; she was afraid that if she stayed on one side for too long, Bai Luxin’s shoulder would start to hurt.
Acting as a living cat tree, Bai Luxin hesitated, wanting to tell them to stop arguing and talk things out properly, but she could not find the right moment to intervene.
The two became more heated as they spoke.
“Since you lost, fulfill our agreement and stop filling your head with these little schemes.”
“I lost to her, but that doesn’t mean you will win. What if you lose too?”
“Ha?”
Wei Zhaowu pointed at Nuobai. “Are you saying I’ll lose to her?”
“Fine, Sister. Today, I’ll make sure you’re thoroughly convinced!”
After saying that, she turned and left.
Wei Wanqing closed her eyes, taking a second to calm herself before speaking to Nuobai with an apologetic tone.
“I apologize for the scene.”
“You two… if there’s a conflict, you could sit down and talk. Maybe you can clear up the misunderstanding.”
Wei Wanqing shook her head with a bitter smile. They argued every time they met.
Perhaps only if Nuobai defeated them would both sides have a chance to truly talk.
Nuobai’s attention followed Wei Zhaowu, watching her say something to the referee.
“Player Bai Luxin, Player Nuobai.”
“Player Wei Zhaowu has just applied for a [Blind Match]. Do you agree?”
Faced with the referee’s inquiry, the three of them were stunned.
Wei Zhaowu stood on the stage and looked toward them. It was foolish to throw away an obvious advantage for the sake of uncertain fairness, but she believed she would not lose regardless.
She would win this match perfectly, leaving her sister no excuses to run away.
‘Sister, I will make you face our future.’
On the commentary stand, Lily received the news and immediately announced it.
“Dear audience, we have just received news!”
“Player Wei Zhaowu has applied for a [Blind Match], and Player Nuobai has agreed!”
“While we don’t know why Player Wei Zhaowu chose a [Blind Match], this undoubtedly makes the upcoming match even more exciting!”
The atmosphere at the scene ignited. A [Blind Match] was a rare sight, and its various uncertainties always filled people with anticipation.
“Now, Player Nuobai will draw the first category: the location. If it’s a Snowy Mountain environment, will Player Nuobai recreate last year’s miracle?”
Everyone held their breath, watching the locations flash across the screen.
— Early Spring Meadow.
A meadow with a small amount of lingering snow.
“It seems Player Nuobai’s luck is quite good. Although it’s not a Snowy Mountain, it’s enough to activate the [Snow Joy] talent.”
“Now, Player Wei Zhaowu will draw the match time.”
“Night, Early Morning, Noon, Dusk… Will she give away her advantage, or will she be the chosen one and draw the Sun Wheel Bird’s favorite: Noon?”
— Noon!
Wei Zhaowu did not look happy. She glanced toward her sister’s position, her eyes dark and unreadable.
‘Sister, even if you submit to fate, fate is not on your side.’
“The final category: Weather!”
“Can Player Nuobai draw snowy weather to reverse her disadvantage?”
Zhou Huimin clasped her hands together in prayer.
“It has to be snowy weather, it has to be.”
She did not know the complicated situation on the stage; she only wanted Nuobai to win, just like everyone else present who favored the cat.
The final random result was—Sunny!!
Wei Wanqing bit her lip. She seemed to have made things worse.
On the competition stage, the complex ritual lines lit up, rapidly changing the arena’s environment.
Nuobai locked eyes with Wei Zhaowu. Sunny weather and high noon were both unfavorable to her.
Once the match began, the meager amount of snow on the meadow would also dissipate.
Was it a pity?
After all that effort, she had ended up in an even more difficult situation.
Nuobai lowered her body, gave her hips a slight wiggle, and her vertical pupils locked onto the summoned Sun Wheel Bird.
‘Isn’t this interesting?’
A difficult, challenge-filled match was the only kind that held real value.
‘Beat her and take the championship.’
‘Announce my return to the world once more.’
‘I’m not a mascot, and I’m not useless. I am a miracle!’
“Match start!”
The Sun Wheel Bird dove in a straight line. Changing her usual style, Nuobai did not dodge but rushed forward to meet it.
The Sun Wheel Bird turned its body, its wings turning into blades as it launched [Wing Slash].
Bolstered by [Snow Joy], Nuobai chose to use [Sharp Claw].
The sound of clashing metal rang out. The Sun Wheel Bird was pushed back, and Nuobai gained a slight upper hand.
Wei Zhaowu raised her hand.
“You have some skill, but it’s not enough. Sun Wheel Bird, use [Raid Dive] plus [Radiance]. Finish her in one hit.”
The Sun Wheel Bird soared into the air until it reached the height limit. It locked onto Nuobai and dove down rapidly.
Nuobai dodged with all her might but found she could not shake its lock. She placed a snowflake in her mouth in advance.
Just as the two were about to collide, the Sun Wheel Bird emitted a blinding light. Nuobai was prepared, yet she was still affected.
Boom!
After a loud explosion, a large crater appeared in the meadow.
Nuobai’s claws were bleeding, and a wound had appeared on her belly. She stood at the edge of the crater.
Her [Sharp Claw] had blocked the first wave of damage, allowing her to avoid the most fatal attack, but she was still injured.
There was no time to think. Nuobai swallowed the snowflake, triggering [Snow Eater], and immediately pounced.
She could not let it take to the skies again. She had to pin it to the ground.
Bai Luxin stood up abruptly. Feathers, cat fur, and droplets of blood drifted across the stage.
For a moment, the two sides were locked in a bloody struggle, more gruesome than anyone could have imagined.
“Sun Wheel Bird, use [Vajra Claws]. Force her back.”
Nuobai also utilized [Shadow Bolt], her shadow assisting her [Sharp Claw] attacks as she tightly entangled the Sun Wheel Bird.
“[Radiance]!”
An intense light exploded before her eyes, dispelling the [Shadow Bolt]. With her eyes squeezed shut, Nuobai bit down on one of the Sun Wheel Bird’s wings.
The Sun Wheel Bird’s claws also pierced Nuobai’s hind leg. Its wings flapped frantically, trying to shake her off.
‘Don’t even think about it.’
Nuobai wrapped her tail around it, securing her body to apply more force.
Her cat claws swept up, aiming straight for the Sun Wheel Bird’s eyes.
“Ignore her! Fly up directly!”