I wasn't in a hurry to win. I knew that against such an expert, it wasn't something that could be won in a short time.
I also made some adjustments to my attack and defense, but the principle didn't change. Attack first and defense second.
The best defense was offense.
Especially when Keszew's morale was low, a surprise attack would achieve unexpected results.
Many of the audience members stood up at the same time, cheering and clapping.
The cheers indicated that Keszew and I were more popular than in any of the previous matches.
Perhaps I felt that it was more than enough to deal with Keszew, but after attacking for a while, I gradually relaxed and wanted to try out Keszew's offensive methods.
He didn't give up on the opportunity to launch a large-scale counterattack.
First, he threw sharp punches at me like raindrops.
He was trying his best to turn the tables and take the initiative.
I dodged nimbly, and Keszew's countless punches landed on cotton, only wasting his energy.
Seeing that his quick punches couldn't turn the situation around, Keszew began to change his leg.
The moment he kicked, it caused a frenzied commotion.
That beautiful and sharp leg technique shocked many of the audience members who understood the situation. It also made Director Qi and the others sweat for me.
But no matter how fast his leg was, it couldn't be faster than my defense.
I used my nimble arms to block Keszew's fast legs. After blocking a few, I gradually increased my strength.
When Keszew's first leg flew over, I took advantage of the opportunity and blocked it with a high-speed and powerful kick. My body went forward and grabbed Keszew's leg, and I actually carried him four or five meters away.
Keszew was even more shocked!
The second round ended quickly. Of course, I won this round with an absolute advantage.
Both sides returned to their respective corners to rest and think about their tactics.
By the time the third round started, Keszew's morale was low.
His face and body were full of injuries.
But Keszew was a veteran in the ring, and even so, he still looked calm.
Even though this calmness was just a facade!
Facing off against Keszew, whose morale had plummeted, I felt that it lacked a bit of challenge.
However, when he recalled his defeat last year, he felt a little gratified.
At the very least, I've washed away the humiliation I suffered back then and got my revenge.
Keszew stared at me with dull eyes. At the last moment, he had acted like a warrior.
He didn't back down at all and launched an attack that didn't pose any threat to me.
I nimbly raised my arm to block the attack, and with a backhanded side kick, I hit Keszew in the head.
He fell, and the referee passed a few seconds.
Keszew stood up at the ninth second and continued to fight.
Then, he swung horizontally in the air and hit Keszew's head.
He collapsed again.
His fall this time had completely sealed his defeat.
He did not get up again. After the referee finished counting the seconds, he was still lying on the ground. His legs were slightly bent, and his hands were supporting him on the ground.
Defeating Keszew meant that I had successfully advanced to the semifinals.
That night, Director Qi got some snacks from somewhere and drank with us to celebrate.
Director Qi said with emotion, "I'm very satisfied with this year's tournament.
From the looks of it, Zhao Long and Li Zheng have a high chance of winning the tournament.
Li Zheng is a dark horse, and he's unstoppable.
Zhao Long is an old horse, but he's still strong. He's having a much easier time than last year. "
Li Zheng smiled and said, "I have a tough battle with Yamamoto Nobutaka tomorrow.
Zhao Long, you have to help me simulate it and try to beat Yamamoto Nobutaka to advance to the semifinals. "
I smiled and said, "Once Yamamoto Nobutaka loses, the Japanese will have no chance at all!"
Li Zheng said, "Even if there's no chance, we still have to settle the score.
We can't just let Director Qi go like this! "
I said, "Yeah!
Once the results are out, we'll go and beat that Japanese dojo! "
Director Qi coughed softly and said, "What are you guys doing?
All you think about is revenge.
You should think about how to win the tournament.
The task is difficult, and the opponents are getting stronger and stronger. "
You Meng didn't miss the opportunity to interrupt, "No matter what, Li Zheng and Zhao Long are already in the semifinals.
There are two Chinese representatives in the semifinals. This is unprecedented.
You two, fight well. Some people are going to grow another star on their shoulders! "
Li Zheng attacked her and said, "In your dreams!
Zhao Long isn't even thirty years old, and he's already 2 Bars 3. If he grows another star, he'll be 2 Bars 4.
Is that even possible?
At most, he'll get a second-class merit. It'll be impossible for him to get promoted! "
I agreed, "Yeah, yeah, yeah."
You Meng pouted and said, "Li Zheng, is your brain filled with paste?
I'm not talking about Zhao Long, I'm talking about you! "
Li Zheng chuckled and patted his shoulder, "It's time to add two stars. Look, Zhao Long is four ranks higher than me in the same year as him!
After all, he's Director You's son-in-law. "
You Meng wasn't happy and attacked, "Li Zheng, what are you talking about?
Our Zhao Long got his position based on his ability. He didn't cheat or pull strings.
You're not convinced? "
Li Zheng quickly said, "I'm just joking, just joking.
Why take it so seriously? "
I smiled and said, "It doesn't matter if you take it seriously.
Li Zheng, you're still making sarcastic remarks. Your father-in-law is the head of the General Staff Department. Didn't you benefit from that? "
Li Zheng said with a sigh, "I wanted to, but I couldn't.
It seems that I have to get the marriage certificate quickly. Once I become the official son-in-law, I'll have a lot of confidence. Father-in-law has to do something, right? "
I said, "In your dreams!"
Li Zheng said, "I'm just saying.
It wasn't easy for me to get close to a big tree. I don't want him to give me preferential treatment and let others seize the opportunity to ruin his great future. "
Director Qi said, "Okay, stop joking. Let's talk about tomorrow's strategy."
Li Zheng joked, "Director Qi, what else can you do besides studying strategy?
You're always studying strategy. Isn't that the same thing? "
Director Qi's face darkened. "Li Zheng, what do you mean by that?"
Li Zheng said, "Director, don't be angry. I'm just joking."
Director Qi scolded, "What else can you do besides joking?"
Li Zheng scratched his head and didn't say anything.
Director Qi took a sip of his drink and began to discuss tomorrow's battle with us.
Just as Li Zheng said, there wasn't much to study. It was the same thing over and over again.
However, the army was a place that paid attention to rules and regulations. Even if there wasn't much to do, you still had to hold a team meeting. Before and after the competition, you had to prepare, summarize, and mobilize.
Director Qi was obviously bound by these rules and regulations. Every night, it was like having a meeting. He discussed strategy with us, summarized the day's results, and praised good people.
While everyone was talking, the door was pushed open.
Keszew suddenly appeared. He stood at the door for a while and shrugged. "Dear Chinese friends, I hope I didn't disturb you."
Director Qi frowned and asked Keszew, "Keszew, what's the matter?"
Keszew fixed his eyes on me. "I want to talk to Zhao Long."
Director Qi glanced at me, asking for my opinion.
I stood up. After confirming that Keszew wasn't trying to provoke me, I said to him, "Sit down, Keszew. I think you might be able to give us some good advice."
Keszew smiled awkwardly. He sat down and mocked himself, "I'm sorry.
I've lost to you. What right do I have to give you advice?
However, I'm willing to ask for advice. If you don't mind, can I listen to your research? "
Director Qi also felt that Keszew wasn't trying to provoke him. He nodded. "Of course.
It's not a state secret. "
Just like that, Keszew unexpectedly sat with us. He even shared some of his opinions.
It was as if Kessef had suddenly become our good teacher and friend at this very moment.
After that, Keszew called me to the courtyard outside. He handed me a cigarette and said, "Zhao Long, you're really good.
I can see that you went easy on me in the arena today.
If you had treated me the same way you treated the Japanese, I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to stand in front of you now! "
I smiled. "You can see that?"
Keszew nodded. "However, I'm very surprised. How did your combat ability improve so quickly?"
I shook my head and smiled. "I don't know.
Keszew, you still have a fight tomorrow. As long as you win, you still have a chance to enter the top 4! "
Keszew shrugged. "You're right!
However, I'm afraid you know who my opponent is. It's Pablo from the United States.
I've seen the details of Pablo's previous fights. He seems to be unbeatable.
I dare say that Pabloc is the biggest dark horse at this conference.
Last year, he wasn't so outstanding. "
I smiled and asked, "What, are you afraid of him?"
Keszew said, "It doesn't matter if I'm afraid or not.
I have to fight even if I'm afraid. "
I gave him a thumbs up. "Why do I suddenly feel that your mentality has improved by several times?"
Keszew smiled. "Is that so?
I don't feel that way.
However, I have an important piece of information that I can give you. It might be unnecessary.
However, as an old friend, I think it's better to remind you. "
I urged, "Tell me, Keszew. What is it?"
Keszew said, "Yamamoto Nobutaka.
Since you're in the top 4, you'll definitely have to fight against him.
I don't know if you've noticed, but this person is very ruthless. To be exact, he's very cruel.
Most of the representatives who fought against him were seriously injured.
Some of them even had broken bones. Two of them even had broken ribs.
If you fight against him, you'd better be careful. "
I said, "Thank you for the reminder, Keszew.
I'll remember it.
However, Yamamoto doesn't seem to be as exaggerated as you say, right? "
Keszew said, "Don't underestimate him.
I have high hopes for you. The champion of this competition is likely to be between you and Yamamoto Nobutaka.
Of course, I hope that you'll be the champion. "