Chapter 73 – Receiving an Apprentice

October 1st was a day when everyone was idle. Xiao Gu wanted to go to the legendary biggest Miracle store in the world. Xiao Han didn't express an opinion but once the surrounding stores were mentioned, his eyes turned bright. Li Cangyu decided to take everyone to the stores.

The World Carnival attracted Miracle fans from all over the world. Once Li Cangyu arrived at the shopping centre, he found that there were crowds of people here, with some well-known shops having long queues.

The third floor contained the largest Miracle Square, with six racial status with realistic appearance at the entrance. These status were over two metres tall and many tourists stood with the statue to take a group photo.

Gu Siming tugged Xiao Han and rushed into the surrounding stores. He faced a large row of game models in the window and  finally decided to buy a model of a paladin. He was just about to pay when Zhang Jueming patted the back of his head. "You are stupid. Coming all the way to buy this stuff when the domestic Taobao stores have it at almost the same price and even do home deliveries!"

Gu Siming, "…"

Bai Xuan also came over and smiled at Xiao Gu. "Your Uncle Zhang is right. These globally distributed models don't need to be bought in New York. Their prices are unified and they can be bought domestically. If you want to buy something, you might as well buy the limited editions that aren't available in China."

Gu Siming suddenly realized. "Oh, that's right!"

Bai Xuan had a collecting hobby. His eyes quickly locked on a gla.s.s counter and he walked Xiao Gu over to it, pointing to a display of exquisite goods. "These are all limited editions."

Gu Siming wanted to take the entire gla.s.s counter back with him. Unfortunately, the limited editions goods were expensive. He brought a lot of money but he could only buy a few pieces. What should he buy? Gu Siming lowered his head and carefully selected.

Xiao Han also walked to the limited edition area and his eyes lingered on a box of bookmarks. Bai Xuan walked over to him and smiled. "This set of bookmarks is to commemorate the sixth season, including all the current cla.s.ses in Miracle. The metal is well preserved and it won't fade for several years."

Xiao Han nodded at Vice-Captain Bai's comments. "The physical bookmarks are better than the online photos."

“Do you want to buy it?" Bai Xuan asked.

"…" Xiao Han looked at the price. This set of bookmarks was particularly expensive and he didn't have that much money on him. Buying the limited edition items was too extravagant. Perhaps he could buy a set of paper as commemoration. Xiao Han thought this and looked up. "I won't buy it."

Then he reluctant removed his gaze to other areas.

Bai Xuan looked at the teenager's upright back and smiled slightly. Li Cangyu was coming this way so Bai Xuan immediately pulled him to a corner and said softly, "Xiao Han obviously doesn't have much money when he came to New York this time. He just looked at a limited edition bookmarks set and wasn't willing to buy it. Do you want to buy it for him?"

“Oh, there is little meaning.” Li Cangyu used his credit card and bought the bookmarks set that Xiao Han was just looking at. Then he walked to the teenager and patted him on the shoulder, saying, "Xiao Han, this is for you."

Xiao Han turned and found that Li Cangyu was holding the item he had been paying attention to for a long time but wasn't willing  to buy. He felt touched but protested, "I… I can't accept you gift…"

“So polite." Li Cangyu laughed. "It is a good thing to accept. I am older than you and have earned more money than you. If you don't mind, it is better to become my apprentice."

Xiao Gu's ears were very sharp. When he heard this, he rushed over and said, "Quickly agree! Cat G.o.d has never taken an apprentice before! If Cheng Wei knows this then he will definitely be jealous to death, hahaha. You can be out team's little prince! You will be on par with Qin Mo!"

Xiao Han, "…"

Who was Cheng Wei? Who was Qin Mo? He could never understand the little madman's words.

Li Cangyu saw Xiao Han's stunned expression. He patted the boy on his shoulder and said, "I want to accept you as an apprentice because you are very talented. If you really want to be good at playing Miracle, you can follow me. I have played in compet.i.tions for many years and my experience is richer than yours."

Cat G.o.d was actually being humble because his level could already be considered world-cla.s.s.  Xiao Han was a rookie without professional training. The most powerful proof was that he was killed down to his underwear in the online game.

Xiao Han didn't know how strong this person was. He only knew that the other person was a 'professional player'. He didn't know much about the domestic Miracle League and never heard the name of Cat G.o.d.

However, Li Cangyu's sincerity moved the teenager.

He was just a small and inconspicuous player. Forget Cat G.o.d putting him into his fixed team in the online game. Cat G.o.d personally ran to Boston to see him and today he bought such a valuable item and wanted to accept him as an apprentice…

This treatment made Xiao Han feel flattered and particularly warm.

He looked at Li Cangyu in front of him and found that this man's smile was really handsome!

How could he hesitate to recognize such a master?

Xiao Han thought this and immediately nodded. "Okay, I will acknowledge you as my master!"

Li Cangyu smiled with satisfaction. "Good, I promise that you won't regret it."

He hadn't planned to accept Xiao Han as an apprentice. Then he talked to Ling Xuefeng on the street last night and Ling Xuefeng mentioned that it was rare for a killer to surpa.s.s the Lou Zhang combination in the domestic Miracle League. Xiao Han had been abroad and wasn't affected by the style of killers in the domestic league. He was a piece of white paper and how he grew in the future depended entirely on him.

If Li Cangyu could one day bring this mixed-race boy back to China, maybe he really could become the most distinctive killer on the stage of the Chinese Miracle League?

Besides, Ling Xuefeng had Qin Mo as an apprentice so Li Cangyu couldn't fall behind.

He looked at the young boy who felt lost after having no money to buy the surrounding goods and softened.  This Xiao Han might've experienced some things, leading to a more rebellious and arrogant nature than the average teenager. Li Cangyu wanted to raise this boy and his strong desire to protect this boy made him not hesitate. He decided to accept Xiao Han as an apprentice.

At this point, the teenager's black eyes were full of emotions. Li Cangyu's smile couldn't become wider as he patted the young boy's head and stuffed the bookmarks set into his hand. He said, "This is Master's gift to you. I want to buy you something so you don't have to be polite. Just accept it."

"…" Xiao Han was happy enough to faint.

It felt good to be fostered by a local tyrant!

***

Li Cangyu opened the buying mode of a 'local tyrant'. He bought many goods for Xiao Han and Xiao Gu, making the two youngsters extremely happy.

Li Cangyu didn't expect that he would actually encounter Ling Xuefeng in these stores.

The eyes of the two men met in the crowd. Ling Xuefeng immediately walked over and said, "What a coincidence. Why are you here?"

“I'm bringing my friends to buy something. What are you doing here?" Li Cangyu looked at him doubtfully.

"I was idle today and decided to help Qin Mo buy something for Yan Ruiwen." Ling Xuefeng glanced behind him and say Bai Xuan and Zhang Jueming. He took the initiative to greet them first. "h.e.l.lo."

Bai Xuan came forward with a smile. "Captain Ling is well."

Zhang Jueming exclaimed, "This is Ling Xuefeng? I haven't seen you in so long. You've changed a lot."

Ling Xuefeng said, "You have also changed a lot, Old Zhang."

Zhang Jueming laughed and touched his chin. "I have a beard. I'm getting old!"

Gu Siming heard Captain Ling's name and immediately ran over. "Captain Ling!"

Of course, he didn't dare to directly pounce on this man. After all, Captain Ling was too serious and showed an indifferent expression to everyone apart from Cat G.o.d.

Ling Xuefeng looked at the baby-faced boy in front of him and immediately thought of the paladin in Cat's team… his own black fan.

"Are you Xiao Gu?" Ling Xuefeng nodded to him.

Gu Siming was excited. "Ah, I didn't expect Captain Ling to know my last name! Hehe! I am Gu Siming!"

Zhang Jueming rubbed his head. "Hurry and ask Captain Ling for a signature."

“Oh, yes!" Gu Siming opened a packet of freshly bought posters and handed one to Ling Xuefeng. "Captain Ling, can I get a signature?"

Ling Xuefeng was polite and signed  'Undead Demon'. This was his registered ID in the Miracle Professional League and he was called a devil by fans. Gu Siming was very excited and cautiously put away the signed poster.

Xiao Han didn't know who Ling Xuefeng was but after seeing everyone come over to say h.e.l.lo, he came and stood behind Cat G.o.d."

Ling Xuefeng saw this blond, black-eyed mixed-race youth and couldn't help asking, "Who is this?"

Li Cangyu replied, "The a.s.sa.s.sin."

Ling Xuefeng suddenly realized. "Oh, Frost Descends?"

Xiao Han's eyes widened with surprise. "How do you know my game ID?"

"I'm Steamed Ba.s.s and I previously fought with you in the new district." Ling Xuefeng said.

Xiao Han couldn't help thinking, 'This is the one Cat G.o.d called the weakest among his friends?'

Li Cangyu took the initiative to say, "His name is Xiao Han and I just accepted him as an apprentice."

“Is that right?” Ling Xuefeng looked at Xiao Han and found that this young boy looked very cold and stubborn. He seemed a bit like Ling Xuefeng's arrogant apprentice Qin Mo. However, Ling Xuefeng believed that this little guy would become obedient after a week of training with Li Cangyu.

Ling Xuefeng thought up to here and said, "Train him well and I will let him play with Qin Mo later."

Li Cangyu laughed. "That is what I intended."

Xiao Han was very confused when he heard the name Qin Mo but refused to ask. Gu Siming actively came over and explained, "Qin Mo is a rookie in the domestic Miracle League and Captain Ling's only apprentice. Captain Ling is our Cat G.o.d's strongest opponent so you and Qin Mo will definitely be opponents in the future!"

Xiao Han was very dazed. Didn't his master say that this person was the weakest among all his friends? How come he was the strongest opponent?

Gu Siming gently patted Xiao Han's shoulder and said in the tone of a senior, "Young man, you have to refuel!"

"…" Xiao Han darkly glared at him. "Gu Siming, aren't you a few months younger than me?"

"Really?" Gu Siming pretended not to know.

"…" Xiao Han ignored him while his heart was full of curiosity about China's Miracle League.

"I have to go first." Ling Xuefeng looked down at his watch and said. "The official delegation of Chinese reporters will be here soon to film the stores. In order to avoid being recognized, I suggest that you get out of here as soon as possible."

"I'll go after buying something." Li Cangyu replied. "Go first and have a good afternoon rest. The Carnival will open tomorrow morning."

"Okay, I understand."

Ling Xuefeng turned away. Li Cangyu moved through the stores with his teammates before also leaving.

***

On the afternoon of the same day, Li Cangyu took everyone to visit a few well-known attractions around the city. They also ate authentic Western food.

It was already dark when they came home and they had to get up early to go to the Carnival venue tomorrow. Li Cangyu suggested that everyone go to bed early.

Xiao Han had a shower and sat on his bed to sort through today's harvest. Then he heard a knock on the door.

"Come in." Xiao Han put away the surrounding boxes and Li Cangyu opened the door. Xiao Han quickly got up. "Master."

"Xiao Han, sit down. I have something to say to you."

Li Cangyu walked over and sat down next to him. After the shower, the teenager's skin appeared whiter and his golden hair fell softly over his ears. He looked very cute but always had a cold expression, making Li Cangyu think of a beautiful Persian cat with n.o.ble blood.

“Master, did something happen?" Xiao Han asked as he looked up.

Li Cangyu smiled and stared at him earnestly. "Xiao Han, I used to be a professional player and I plan to return to the Miracle League next year. If you are interested in playing the professional league, I can bring you back to China. Our team belongs to the well-known Dragon Warriors Club in China. The accommodations, training and eating conditions are all good. The players are also easy to get along with. You will certainly adapt if you live there."

Li Cangyu added, "Of course, if you don't want to then I won't force you. After all, you are young and playing in the league isn't as casual as the online game. You have to think carefully."

Xiao Han was stunned. "At my level, can I really play in the professional league?"

He played an a.s.sa.s.sin in the game because he liked hiding in the darkness to kill people. Xiao Han didn't feel that he had the ability to compete with professional players. The proof was when he fought with Xie Shurong who was a G.o.d.

"At your current level, you can't enter the league." Li Cangyu patted his apprentice on the shoulder and continued, "But you have many advantages. As long as you receive professional training, you level can definitely improve. I am interested in your great potential."

Li Cangyu looked at the teenager. "Xiao Han, I will ask you a serious question. Are you interested in the Miracle Professional League?"

"Of course! I always wanted to play but many clubs in the United States aren't openly recruiting." Xiao Han made tight fists as he said this. If he wasn't interested in the professional league, he wouldn't pay attention to this side of Miracle or have the Chinese player Tree as his idol. Just… Xiao Han scratched his head with hesitation. "My father might not agree."

Li Cangyu said, "As long as you have a firm att.i.tude, do you want me to help convince your father?"

Xiao Han's eyes suddenly lit up. "Great!"

Li Cangyu smiled and rubbed his apprentice's head. "Don't rush to make a decision. Playing in the league isn't a simple matter. Once you become a professional player, you must undergo harsh and cruel training. You must also bear failure and embarra.s.sment. I'll give you a week to think about it and then let me know your decision. You are young and have to think responsibly before making a decision. You can't be impulsive, understood?"

"…Yes." Xiao Han nodded.

Li Cangyu was only a few years older than him but this man's experience made him seem calm. Every sentence was very reasonable. Even if Xiao Han was in his rebellious period, he admired and respected his newly recognized master.

Master was right. He couldn't make a hasty decision. He would soon be 18 years old and must be responsible for his future. Xiao Han decided to calm down and think about whether he truly wanted to become a professional player.

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Chapter 74 – Opening Ceremony

At 9 a.m. on October 2nd, New York time, the Chinese reporters and photographers waited at the hotel entrance as stipulated by the organizing committee and broadcasted tidbits to the domestic audience.

"Everyone watching the live broadcast in front of the TV, are you well? I am a frontline reporter of the World Carnival, Yao Rong. In one hour, the Carnival will officially began! My current location is the door of the hotel arranged by the World Miracle Organization for this event. Our players are staying at this hotel. They will soon come out so let me do a simple interview with them!"

The female reporter in front of the camera spoke quickly. She had her hair in a neat ponytail and lovely dimples when she laughed. As she walked forward, she said, "The six players in the Carnival are very popular G.o.ds in China. I believe that everyone must be looking forward to seeing them. Oh, I see Captain Ling. Let's go to say h.e.l.lo!"

Yao Rong walked quickly to Ling Xuefeng and raised the microphone to his mouth. "Captain Ling, h.e.l.lo! How do you feel about coming to New York?"

Ling Xuefeng's expression was very calm. "It's fine."

"…" This man was particularly difficult to interview but Yao Rong still had to ask, "In this World Carnival, it is said there is a 3v3 match. Captain Ling, can you reveal who will be partic.i.p.ating in the 3v3 match?"

Ling Xuefeng said, "It is inconvenient to reveal this. It will be known to everyone after the opening ceremony."

Yao Rong was forced to let him go. "Then I will let captain Ling go!"

Ling Xuefeng nodded. "Yes."

She saw Su Guangmo, Yu Pingsheng, Liu Xiang and Yang Muzi coming out of the hotel and her eyes brightened. She walked over and excitedly said, "So many great G.o.ds are going to the Carnival?"

Su Guangmo replied, "Yes."

Yao Rong was curious. "Why is Vice-Captain Yu and Vice-Captain Yang here?"

Yu Pingsheng didn't like to talk so Su Guangmo answered for him. "I brought my brother over to be an audience member."

Liu Xiang smiled and said, "I brought Xiao Zi to be a companion otherwise it will be too boring when I'm the only girl."

She just finished speaking when a familiar voice was heard from not far away. "Hey, hurry up. Don't be late! Where is the car parked?"

Yao Rong looked back and actually found Tan s.h.i.+tian and Cheng Wei! There were also the Lou Zhang brothers, Chu Yan and Xiao Zhu!

It was a shocking scene where so many great people stood together. Yao Rong froze for a few seconds before recovering. She immediately ran over and pointed the microphone at Cheng Wei. "Xiao Wei, why are you here?"

Cheng Wei waved at the camera. "I came to be a spectator and to cheer them on."

Zhang Shaohui also placed his head in front of the camera and waved to the domestic audience. "h.e.l.lo everyone, doesn't our Carnival backup group have a lot of people? Don't you think we are so united and loving? Don't blacken us later, thank you!"

Everyone, “…”

Silly Zhang, could you not show your IQ in front of the domestic audience!

Lou Wushuang pulled his younger brother away from the camera.

Yao Rong looked at the group gathered together and was shocked. "How come there are so many great G.o.ds? Are you planning to crush the other teams with the number of people?"

Chu Yan and Zhu Qingyue also came over. Xiao Zhu waved shyly at the camera and made to wipe at fake tears before walking away. Chu Yan stood in front of the camera and said seriously, "Our country has a large population so it is natural that there are more people coming to New York for sightseeing."

Tan s.h.i.+tian smiled and added, "Based on the number of people, our Chinese team has won."

Cheng Wei cooperated with his captain. "Captain spoke well, clap!"

Everyone, “…”

Tan s.h.i.+tian was right. The other countries sent six people to the Carnival while the Chinese team… the officials only allowed six people but couldn't stop them from bringing their own family members!

The result of so many family members meant there were more than 10 great G.o.ds gathered.

Of course, the supporters such as Cheng Wei and Zhang Shaohui couldn't partic.i.p.ate in the compet.i.tion. They could only sit in the audience and cheer for others.

Yao Rong exclaimed, "There are so many great G.o.ds cheering. I believe that the representatives for this Carnival can perform very well!"

Nan Jiangang had specifically arranged a shuttle bus to pick up the contestants. As everyone headed towards the vehicle, Yao Rong chased after them. "Can you still not reveal the situation of the 3v3 match?  Captain Tan, Captain Tan, do you want to play the 3v3?"

“Sorry, it can't be revealed yet.” Tan s.h.i.+tian smiled and winked at the camera. "This is a tactical secret."

Everyone, “…”

The Carnival might be an entertainment gathered but so many masters from all over the world were coming today. They had to show the audience something. Therefore, Miracle's official website announced official news yesterday. The Carnival would have a 3v3 match. Players from all over the world could choose three players in their country to form a small team to play the 3v3 match.

Many Chinese Miracle fans were speculating about which representatives the Chinese team would send. Reporter Yao's question was the most concerning issue at the moment.

The audience watching the live broadcast listened to Tan s.h.i.+tian and couldn't help commenting: [Please put Ling Su Tan together! Is there anyone who would question the strength of these three players?]

[Ling Su Tan would definitely crush all opponents!]

[I am Tan s.h.i.+tian's sunspot but today I won't blacken him. I want Ling Su Tang to join hands!]

***

At the same time, Li Cangyu brought his teammates to the Carnival venue.

Today's scene was very lively. Looking around, in addition to the local Miracle fans in the United States, many people came from abroad. Everyone spoke different languages but their love for Miracle was strong.

A'Shu was sitting with the ICE team today while Xiao Gu and Uncle Zhang's seats were together. Li Cangyu could leave them alone but he wasn't rea.s.sured about Xiao Han sitting alone. Therefore, he had Bai Xuan asked the sister sitting next to him to switch seats.

This girl was Asian. It was unknown which country she came from so Bai Xuan asked her to change seats in fluent English.

She came alone and Bai Xuan's smile was very gentle. The girl easily agreed and changed seats with Xiao Han.  Xiao Han was also very happy at being able to sit with Cat G.o.d and Bai Xuan.

The opening ceremony officially began at 10 o'clock.

The opening ceremony was mainly officially prepared performances such as real reproductions of game plots, a large scale 3D stage drama, singing of theme songs, costume shows of different cla.s.ses, etc. Many well-known singers were also invited.

The venue that could contain tens of thousands of people was packed and the audience was eager.

Once the performances were over, it was the real highlight of the Carnival—the admission of the representatives!

It was the 1st World Carnival so the organizers laid the foundation to promote next year's World Compet.i.tion. The Miracle League's headquarters specifically invited representatives from 16 countries to attend the event.

These 16 countries were all countries that held the Miracle Professional League in recent years. The size of the league might be big or small but the players selected were quite good. In today's opening ceremony, all the players came on stage and it was a rare star-studded picture, causing many audience members to stand up and clap while screaming desperately!

As thunderous applause spread out, the representatives from all over the world started to appear.

Once the Chinese team entered, Xiao Han found that the man he met in the stores yesterday was actually at the forefront. Wasn't this Cat G.o.d's weakest friend? How did he become a Carnival player?

Xiao Han looked at Li Cangyu with a puzzled expression. The latter slightly smiled and explained. "Xiao Han, I will introduce you to them. In order of appearance, there is Wind Colour's captain Ling Xuefeng, Flying Feathers' Captain Su Guangmo, Time's captain Tan s.h.i.+tian, Red Fox's captain Liu Xiang, Ghost Spirits' captain Lou Wushuang and Pure Cleansing's vice-captain Chu Yan. They are very good players of China."

Xiao Han suddenly realized. Then he was tricked by Cat G.o.d? Steamed Ba.s.s wasn't the weakest but was actually the strongest?!

***

The teams appeared based on the country's English initials and the United States host team appeared last.

Li Cangyu knew only one of the six US members, Jack Josh who was walking in front. He was the world's most famous blood kin summoner and vice-captain of A'Shu's ICE team. It was said that his style of play was crazy and violent. He was also very hot-blooded. Li Cangyu sat in the VIP seats of the auditorium and could clearly see his appearance. He was a young and handsome man with a typical blond and blue-eyed Western appearance. He had a very confident expression on his face.

'One day, I will stand on this stage and challenge you.'

Li Cangyu looked in Jack's direction and smiled slightly.

These powerful opponents were constantly inspiring him to move forward. Today, he might be sitting under the stage as a trivial audience member but Li Cangyu believed that next year's scenery would be different.

***

Once all the teams entered the stage, the players sat down and the host announced the rules of the Carnival.

For the 1st World Carnival, the daytime events were all types of fun games. Players were free to sign up for whichever one they wanted and each event had a bonus.  There were events such as playing basketball, playing football, long-distance races, relay races, etc. It was like a fun sports meeting in which the Miracle characters partic.i.p.ated.

However, the evening contained the real contest.

The 3v3 matches would be starting tonight. Each country's team could select three players to sign up for the project. The 16 teams were divided into four divisions and would fight from the group stage to the finale. The champions, runners up and third runners up would receive high bonuses.

In addition, there were the 1v1 matches. All players were free to sign up and play the elimination system. Whoever stood at the end would win a special trophy and a high bonus from the World Miracle Organization.

The list of 3v3 teams sent by various countries started to be published on the big screen.

To the surprise of many viewers, the Chinese representatives actually sent two teams to the 3v3!

Team 1: MOMO, LXF, CY.

Team 2: Tenday, Killer, XX.

The mix of pinyin and English made many foreigners feel puzzled. In particular, the ID of XX was confusing. However, the domestic audience recognized it with one glance. Su Guangmo (MOMO), Ling Xuefeng, (LXF) and Chu Yan (CY), the three old players formed one team! Tan s.h.i.+tian (Tenday), Lou Wushuang (Killer) and Liu Xiang (XX), the three new generation players formed the second team.

The comments area in the live broadcast site was instantly filled.

[I thought three people would be selected out of six. I didn't expect the result of two teams!] [Directly sending out two teams, our six Chinese members are awesome!] [Look, both teams are so powerful!] [Which group should I wors.h.i.+p?]

Commentator Yu Bing saw this scene and also felt excited. She endured it as she said, "Many viewers thought that Ling Su Tan would likely win the champions.h.i.+p if they joined hands.  But obviously, our contestants are so confident that they sent two teams. All six players entering the compet.i.tion… it is unexpected."

Kou Hongyi exclaimed excitedly, "Yes! Our country actually sent two teams! I suddenly have a hunch that our first and second team will be in the finals! It is like the table tennis event at the Olympics where our own people competed for the champions.h.i.+p."

Yu Bing spoke calmly, "However, Miracle isn't a game that originated in our country. There are many excellent foreign players. We should look forward to the wonderful performance of our six national players."

***

Putting aside China, the countries of South Korea, the United States and France also sent two teams.

South Korea had always been an e-sports powerhouse. The WCG, a comprehensive event hosted by South Korea, became a worldwide event. The United States was the birthplace of Miracle and the e-sports atmosphere was very strong. There were a large number of compet.i.tors playing the game. France had been developing rapidly in recent years and the style of their players was very distinctive. The players of these three countries were very strong.

Other countries might not have leagues as big as China, South Korea, the US and France but since they could select three out of six players, the lineup they chose would definitely be stable.

It was really unknown who the final winners would be.

Xiao Han looked at Li Cangyu with concern. "Master, does the Chinese team have a big chance of winning?"

"Well, the current lineup configurations have the most perfect distribution possible with these members. The first team of Ling, Su and Chu have the eruption suppression tactic. The second team will have the unpredictable kiting and a.s.sa.s.sination tactics." Li Cangyu explained with a smile. "I'm hoping that they will meet in the finals."

Xiao Han heard this and his heart was extremely shocked.

Due to the time difference, domestic games were often played at three or four in the morning in Boston. Therefore, he paid little attention to events in China. Once he went abroad with his father, Chinese e-sports were rarely mentioned.

In just a few years, the Miracle players in China had become so strong?

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Chapter 75 – Fun Ball Game

After the opening ceremony, the first event of the day officially started.

Today's entertainment project was a basketball game. The map in the game was made into a standard basketball field. 10 players partic.i.p.ated in each round and the system randomly a.s.signed them to the red team and the blue team.

The rules of the game were very simple. The basketball was an item that could be picked up when the player was half a metre from it. A player with the basketball would have a mark on top of their heads and the basketball would fall when controlled by the opponent's skill or blood fell. Once it fell to the ground, other people could grab the ball. As soon as the ball reached the basket, there would be a 'shooting' prompt where the player could aim at the basket and shoot the ball.

It was an entertainment project involving game characters so there was no difference between forwards or defenders and the judgment on fouls wasn't as strict. They just needed to grab the basketball and score in the basket.

On the big screen, the 10 characters logged into the game in turn. The host gave everyone time to read the rules that were translated into multiple languages.

The players on both sides were ready and as soon as the basketball appeared, the group of people immediately swarmed.

There were no Chinese members in this batch of players. The fastest person was the American team's elf archer, Thomas. He was a strong black youth who always showed white teeth when smiling. He ran to the basketball and picked it up with a very fast hand speed. Then he rushed to the basket, stood there and shot!

“The ball went in!" The host said excitedly. "However, it seems to be the wrong basket…"

System decision: Blue team +1 point.

Thomas of the red team found that he added points to the other side and typed with a blank face in the public channel: [??]

Audience, "…"

Those who watched basketball games knew that the ball had to be thrown into the opposite basket to count. Thomas held the basketball and threw it into his side's basket, giving the opponent one point.

In the audience, Cheng Wei smiled and cried out, "Isn't this person stupid? Throwing the ball into his home's side, haha!"

Li Cangyu heard the familiar voice coming from a row behind him. He looked back and found Cheng Wei, Zhang Shaohui and the others sitting in one of the rows behind him. Li Cangyu hadn't noticed when sitting down because there were too many people. Now he looked back when he heard Chinese and met Cheng Wei's eyes.

Cheng Wei's eyes brightened and he waved excitedly. "Cat G.o.d, Cat G.o.d!"

If it hadn't been for the people in front of him, Cheng Wei would've eagerly pounced over. He really did look like an excited cat.

Li Cangyu smiled and gestured for him to sit down. Cheng Wei hurriedly sat down and used his hands to signal them to eat together later on. Li Cangyu made an OK gesture and Cheng Wei smiled happily.

Bai Xuan saw this scene and softly explained in Xiao Han's ear. "That person is Cheng Wei, the Time team's vice-captain. He is Cat G.o.d's number one brainless fan and he will definitely be jealous if he knew that Cat G.o.d accepted you as an apprentice."

Xiao Han scratched his head with confusion and asked, "The vice-captain of Time is a fan of Master? Is Master very powerful?"

Bai Xuan smiled and patted the youth on the shoulder. "You will know later."

Lou Wushuang sat in the contestant seats and sent a text message to his brother. [Thomas is really your kind.]

Zhang Shaohui replied: [How are we the same kind? I am yellow-skinned and he is black!]

Lou Wushuang wasn't polite. [You are the same type of single-celled animals with developed limbs and simple minds.]

Zhang Shaohui automatically ignored the latter half of the sentence and happily replied: [Brother, are you praising my well-developed limbs? I've been playing basketball every day and my figure recently became better. I have an eight pack. Once we go back at night, I will let you touch it."

Lou Wushuang, "…"

***

On the big screen, the red and blue teams in the fun basketball game had fallen into a scuffle. Once the basketball was taken away by the other party, everyone hurriedly fought. All types of professional moves filled the basketball court and it was unknown where the basketball item had gone.

The blue team's agile a.s.sa.s.sin aimed at the basketball and ran over. He wanted to use the stealth function but found it couldn't be used here. He only hesitated for a second and the basketball was once again taken away by Thomas of the US!

The host was excited. "Oh, it is our fast moving Thomas!"

Then Thomas ran all the way and threw the ball into the basket.

System decision: Blue team +1 point.

Thomas typed with a blank face: [??]

The host said, "…He once again threw it in the wrong place."

The live audience burst out laughing.

A British member on the same team explained it to him for a long time before Thomas understood. He laughed and scratched the back of his head in a silly action.

In the domestic live broadcast, the fans commented: [Thomas is a teasing monkey!]

[He is obviously a spy sent by the blue team hahaha!]

[If he later meets a member of the Chinese team, please continue to give away points!]

The black young man was the vice-captain of the huge American AK team. He had a strong individual ability and was a relatively famous elf bard in the world. Tan s.h.i.+tian might be very famous in China but he didn't have as much fame as Thomas in the world. It was just that Thomas had a fatal flaw. He often relied on intuition, a typical hot-blooded player who pressed b.u.t.tons.

The one sentence evaluation of him was 'developed fingers and a simple mind.'

His hand speed was very fast. He was comparable to Li Cangyu but he didn't think as much. He was usually controlled when fighting under his captain's command. Today no one directed his play so he became a wild horse that gave his opponent two points in a row…

Zhang Shaohui couldn't help laughing at the sight. "This is the most famous archer in the world at the moment. Does Tan s.h.i.+tian have any interest in going toe to toe with him? Cheng Wei, did you captain join the 1v1 event?"

Cheng Wei replied, "He didn't join today's 1v1 project. He might join tomorrow."

The curious Zhu Qingyue asked, "What about basketball? Is he going to play in the basketball game? It looks like fun."

Zhang Shaohui said, "My brother definitely won't join!"

Of the players selected for the Carnival, Ling Xuefeng and Chu Yan had a relatively calm temperament while Lou Wushuang was relatively cold. The three of them weren't interested in the boisterous basketball event. Liu Xiang was gentle and a healer. Stealing the basketball was too difficult for her. Su Guangmo had a hearty personality and Tan s.h.i.+tian was humorous so they were more likely to join the basketball event together.

The result of the first round was quickly announced. Thanks to Thomas giving away points… the blue team won and were given souvenirs from the organizers.

Then the IDs for the second round of players appeared on the big screen.

Li Cangyu looked up and saw Tenday and MOMO. Sure enough, Tan s.h.i.+tian and Su Guangmo joined and they happened to both be on the red team!

At the beginning of the game, Tan s.h.i.+tian took advantage of the elf's agility and picked up the basketball. Someone wanted to intercept him but he evaded with a clever movement. Later, someone controlled him. Su Guangmo suddenly used Spirit Lock to stop the person from interfering with Tan s.h.i.+tian.

With Su Guangmo to cover him, Tan s.h.i.+tian took the ball and quickly arrived at the basket. They shot the ball and the red team scored one point!

Next, the blue team started off with the ball. The a.s.sa.s.sin on the opposite side ran forward and Su Guangmo directly used the big move Light and Shadow Rotation to stop him. Tan s.h.i.+tian took the opportunity to grab the ball and turned using Flying Feather Steps. He rushed to the basket and the ball once again went in. The red team got another point!

Deafening applause suddenly filled the venue.

The red team scored two points less than one minute after the opening. The expressions on the faces of the blue team's players were stunned. The cooperation between Su Guangmo and Tan s.h.i.+tian was too fast. Su Guangmo's Light and Shadow Rotation and Tan s.h.i.+tian's elf movements were so fast that they were caught off guard.

In the commentator's room, Yu Bing saw this scene and couldn't help saying, "In fact, Captain Su and Captain Tan also play basketball in reality. I remember they play against each other sometimes and today they are playing together. It is natural to have a tacit understanding."

Kou Hongyi looked back at Yu Bing. "Speaking of basketball… is there any other player in the league who plays?"

"Vice-Captain Zhang Shaohui of Ghost Spirits is also very good. According to his brother, Zhang Shaohui was captain of his high school's basketball team. And…" Yu Bing suddenly stopped talking. Kou Hongyi asked, "Who else?"

—And Li Cangyu.

Yu Bing was silent for two seconds before changing her words. "There are also several old players who have retired."

Kou Hongyi saw that Yu Bing didn't want to talk any more and didn't ask.

In fact, Li Cangyu played particularly well.

Yu Bing still remembered when she saw Li Cangyu and Su Guangmo playing. After the opening of the third season, several players would go to the basketball court behind the hotel in the evening when they were bored.  Li Cangyu was only 20 years old at the time and was slender and well-proportioned. He looked handsome when running with the ball.

Dribbling, moving, layup… all his actions were like a professional basketball player.

Yu Bing watched him played and thought of a scene. It was a sleeping cat who found prey and immediately unsheathed his sharp claws. He ran steadily and caught the mouse, killing it. He was decisive and simple, without wasting any time!

Li Cangyu dribbled the ball very fast. As long as it was in his hands, Su Guangmo found it very difficult to intercept.

Su Guangmo's level wasn't low. His style of playing favoured a fierce dunk so their single match against each other was very fierce.

At that time, there were a few players watching the game. Ling Xuefeng's expression was cold but his eyes kept following the figure in the centre of the court. Cheng Wei cheered for Cat G.o.d while Xie Shurong cheered for his brother. Yu Pingsheng stayed as quiet as a ghost.

Finally, Su Guangmo lost by two points and the sweaty Li Cangyu walked under the setting sun, his whole body seeming to give off a dazzling halo.

Ling Xuefeng thoughtfully handed him a bottle of water and a towel, stating in a low and gentle voice, "Wipe off your sweat."

"Yes, thank you." Li Cangyu smiled at Ling Xuefeng as he used the towel to wipe his sweat. He turned and found Yu Bing watching on the side and waved to her. "Yu Bing, do you want to go eat with us? I will treat you."

Yu Bing, who was just pa.s.sing by, was fortunate enough to follow them to eat.

This was three years ago and her memories were still impressive. This person was too dazzling, strong and distinct. She always wondered why he had such bad luck and was unable to get the trophy.

While Yu Bing was distracted, the score on the court had quickly become 10:2.

Kou Hongyi sighed. "Captain Tan and Captain Su have completed covered the ball. The match is flowing with them! The people on the other side are completely stunned. It seems that this time, the red team will win!"

Sure enough, the 10 minute game finished and the red team clearly won with a big lead.

Su Guangmo and Tan s.h.i.+tian looked very happy. They received souvenirs and sat back down with the contestants.

During the intermission time, the on-site camera cut to the auditorium and a familiar figure flashed on the screen. The person's facial features weren't particularly exquisite but combined together, he looked distinct and profound. He had a pair of dark eyes and was very handsome.

Yu Bing stared with astonishment. Was that Cat G.o.d?

However, when she wanted to look closely, the camera had already cut away. This was just to see the audience's enthusiasm and the man's face only flashed on the camera for a short time. It was too short for people to recognize him.

Yu Bing was suddenly reminded of a text message that Liu Xiang sent her yesterday. [Sister Bing, today I saw Cat G.o.d in New York. Cat G.o.d invited us to eat and also wished you well.]

Li Cangyu was in New York so he really had come to the venue right?

Yu Bing forced down her excited mood as she thought, 'The person who has long been buried must have a day to s.h.i.+ne!'

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