While everyone was waiting for the semi-finals to end, Jiang Wuyuan's Qiankun Technique was also circulating within his body.

As the world's top cultivation technique, the Qiankun Technique's recovery effect and cultivation speed are unparalleled.

At least for now, Jiang Wuyuan's depleted qi and blood have basically recovered to about 70-80%.

However, he didn't say anything to attract attention, and instead followed Ruan Kongyin to find an open space nearby to continue his cultivation.

He had reached the limit of the Great Martial Master cultivation level, with 999 Qi and Blood points, just one step away from breaking through to Martial King.

However, he has not yet felt the opportunity for a breakthrough.

Jiang Wuyuan did not become impatient because of this.

It would be better to attempt a breakthrough in cultivation during the national competition; it's better to wait until after the competition and then go into seclusion.

——

A day passed in the blink of an eye.

During this period, the thirty-four contestants did not interfere with each other and were all focused on recovering their strength.

When the live broadcast of the national competition resumed, this was the harmonious scene we saw.

"Welcome everyone to the finals of the national competition!" Baozi's voice was full of enthusiasm. "Let's take a look at the pre-competition condition of each contestant."

In the dilapidated town, students from the four universities occupied the four corners, while the remaining four were stuck in the gap in the middle, barely surviving.

This scene made Xiao Tang want to laugh: "The contestants seem to be getting along quite well~"

Baozi smiled and replied, "It looks like they've recovered well. I wish them all the best in the finals."

"Actually, making it to the finals is already something to celebrate!" Little Tang chimed in.

“Yes, they are already the top figures of this year’s class. I look forward to their future growth.” Baozi’s gaze fell on the indifferent-looking boy in the picture, and a look of anticipation flashed in his eyes.

——

When the time came, Zhan Buhui's voice rang out once again in the magma realm.

"The national competition finals are about to begin. All contestants, please be prepared."

Jiang Wuyuan opened his eyes, snapping out of his meditative state.

Ruan Kongyin had long since finished his cultivation and was now slowly wiping his guqin.

His journey in the semi-finals went relatively smoothly, and he didn't expend much energy.

Polishing his weapons helps him calm down; he does this to relax in his spare time.

Zhan Buhui continued, "The event for this final competition is—defense."

These words caused an uproar in the audience.

"Could it be that we're just going to defend this dilapidated city?" someone whispered to their companion.

“Yes, that’s right.” Zhan Buhui’s voice was somewhat serious. “It’s this ‘broken city’ in front of you. You may look down on it now, but I think anyone who has been to high school should have studied history.”

This city was named Fengrao City, and it was once stationed on the northwestern border of the Dragon Kingdom.

The person who had just started to complain immediately shut up, a look of shock in their eyes.

The name Fengrao City, with the character "Rao" in it, might give the impression of a place that is rich and beautiful.

However, Fengrao City is not a wealthy city.

On the contrary, the land here is barren and resources for fighting are scarce, making it a very weak place to survive in the cracks of the border.

However, during the war when the beast tide invaded, Fengrao City held firm for three days and three nights with only the worst equipment and cultivators whose ranks were generally below Martial King.

This bought time for other places that were also under attack, greatly relieved the pressure, and laid the foundation for the Dragon Kingdom's victory in that beast tide.

However, at the end of the war...

No one survived in Fengrao City.

The city, which was dilapidated just a moment ago, seemed to have changed completely in everyone's eyes the next moment.

Every trace, every fragment, testifies to the glory of all the warriors in Fengrao City.

Jiang Wuyuan's eyes flickered slightly.

"It seems all of you contestants are aware of the significance of Fengrao City to the Dragon Kingdom, so I won't elaborate further," Zhan Buhui continued. "Soon, the barrier protecting Fengrao City will shatter. At that time, lava will pour in, and fire crocodiles will attack in droves. I hope you can all protect Fengrao City from destruction under the watchful eyes of the entire nation."

The national rankings will be determined based on the judges' scores of each contestant's performance.

Finally, I'll give you half an hour to prepare.

When the time is up, the barrier will automatically destroy itself.

Wishing all participants the best of luck!

Zhan Buhui's voice faded into the distance.

Liu Can raised his hand and scratched his head: "The leaders really know how to give us difficult problems. I'm afraid that before the battle even starts, the lava will flood in and burn the city to the ground."

Jiang Wuyuan glanced at the array plate he had made in his spatial ring, and wasn't too worried about it.

"I remember Zhuge Wangran from Huaxia Academy is a Taoist priest, isn't he?" Huangfu Ren pondered for a moment and said, "Now that the competition is designed this way, we must join forces to fight the enemy. Zhuge Wangran has the talent of a talisman master, so perhaps he has the means to protect the city."

Huangfu Ren's words make sense.

Moreover, in Jiang Wuyuan's mind, everyone must cooperate.

Although Fengrao City is small, it is absolutely impossible for it to be defended by just a few people.

"Let's go find them and meet up," Liu Can decided decisively.

It's obvious that the people from the four universities aren't fools. Including the four who came out alone, they all have the same plans as the people from Zhantian Academy.

So everyone tacitly gathered together and looked at each other.

Now that everyone is here, it is important to choose a representative to take charge.

Ruan Kongyin glanced at Jiang Wuyuan, then looked away when she saw that he had no intention of stepping forward now.

As a sharp-minded cultivator, Ruan Kongyin had a kind of intuition.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!