"50 million?"

"You're so rich, senior. Please take care of me."

"Sure, but can you handle a steel wool ball? (mischievous smile)

"Where did you buy it from? Does this kind of competition have betting? Won't they run away with the money?"

"Ahem, let me tell you a little secret. These so-called bets haven't been dealt with officially yet, they're generally backed by the authorities."

Lin Yi was stunned.

Then he shook his head.

Looks like I jumped to conclusions just now.

This kind of thing was common in my previous life too.

The event organizers need to make money too. What could be quicker than setting odds and acting as the bookmaker?

So, the bet Nangong Ling placed must have the event committee's official backing.

Indeed, there's no need to worry about them running off.

Moreover, in the age of professionals, even if they wanted to run, they'd have to consider if the bettors agree.

"Senior, let's earn money together and share the wealth!"

Nangong Ling: "(confused) The event committee strictly forbids contestants from participating in these activities. If caught, you'll lose match eligibility."

"That's why I plan to ask you, senior, to buy for me. A lot of contestants probably do the same, right?"

"That's true, but it's really unnecessary. Do you know how much I expect to earn from betting 50 million on you to win the first match?"

"Only about 6 million!"

"Your odds are too low, I'm just earning some pocket money."

"This is assuming your opponent is from countries like East Japan or Goryeo, strong competitors."

"If you draw an unknown in the first round, the odds will probably be even lower..."

Lin Yi's lips curled into a smile: "The lower my odds, the better. Who said I'm betting on myself to win?"

Nangong Ling was obviously stunned and replied after a while: "Huh???"

"You're betting on your opponent?"

"Exactly, I'm betting on them to win!"

"If you lose the first round, you'll drop into the losers' bracket and it'll be tough afterwards."

"Have you seen the tournament rules?"

Lin Yi: "Not yet, do you have any documents to send me?"

Very soon, Nangong Ling sent over an electronic document.

It was the individual competition rules for the Pan-Asian Youth Professional Peak Competition.

Lin Yi skimmed through it and got a sense of it.

Essentially, it's a heavily modified Swiss system.

In the first three rounds, opponents are randomly drawn.

No one will be eliminated or advance regardless of winning or losing these rounds.

After the first round, those with 1 win enter the upper bracket, while those with 1 loss enter the lower bracket.

Subsequent matches will have upper bracket players facing other upper bracket players.

Players who keep winning will face other winners.

Players who keep losing will face other losers.

Finally, after three rounds, the brackets are decided.

Upper bracket (3 wins), middle bracket (2 wins), lower bracket (0 and 1 win).

After the division into three brackets, the elimination phase begins.

Top bracket winners can choose "soft targets" from the middle and lower brackets for their matches.

Meanwhile, players from the middle bracket and above have one chance to drop into the lower bracket without being immediately eliminated if they lose.

Finally, players from the 3-win upper bracket have the privilege to ban an opponent's equipment or skill.

It's a considerable advantage.

This format maximizes the reduction of random factors, preventing a player from getting knocked out just for drawing a tough opponent in the first round due to bad luck.

It also allows players in the high bracket to have a head start in the elimination phase, gaining an advantage.

"It's fine, I can march north from the lower bracket. (sunglasses smiley)"

Lin Yi replied to Nangong Ling after reading the rules.

"No need, honestly, betting on wins or losses is just for fun, you might crash and burn. If you lose one match in the lower bracket, you're out."

"It's the principal's idea, asking me to keep a low profile, not to win the early rounds. I can't help it..."

"Oh, that's fine then. Haha, I'll bet on your opponents instead. If I put my 50 million down, I'll probably make a fortune! (starry eyes)"

"I'll go farm in the dungeon for now, I'll leave the betting to you, senior! (hands together in prayer)"

"No problem!"

...

At 10 PM.

Lin Yi returned to his apartment, and without minding the dirt all over his body, he just collapsed on the floor.

I'm gonna puke, really got sick of it!

The entire afternoon, extending into the evening, Lin Yi spent in the Drip Ant Cave dungeon.

The dungeon wasn't hard, but the process of farming was always boring and tedious.

During this time, his personal space was even filled to the brim with Spirit Crystals.

Lin Yi had to go to the Treasury Exchange to unload and then return to continue farming.

Because of this, Lin Yi has become a legend among the brick-moving community.

The school's forum is abuzz with his feat of amassing a stunning 46 million Xia currency from the Treasury Exchange in one afternoon.

Besides Blue Fire Death God, Lin Yi has gained another nickname: the Brick King!

His legendary day will likely be talked about in Shenxiao for quite some time.

After resting for a while, Lin Yi ordered some takeaway, devoured it to fill his stomach, took a shower, and then transferred 30 million to Nangong Ling.

Lin Yi now understood the hardships of mining and brick-moving, so he kept around 16 million as savings.

Gambling always has risks. If his opponent turned out too weak, or got scared of him, and he ended up winning, he'd be utterly broke.

"[Your transfer has been received by the recipient]"

"Oh my, how did you get so much money!"

"From a day's farming???"

"Yeah."

Too tired, Lin Yi replied with just one word.

He believed Nangong Ling would understand his meaning.

"I'll hold onto your money for now. Once the match starts and the opponent details are out, I'll place the bet!"

...

The next day.

Xia, East Sea, Penglai Island.

The entire island was bustling, packed with excitement.

A complete audience from 10 Pan-Asian nations gathered here!

Penglai Island, just about 600 nautical miles from the upturned Sky Trial Tower, has been the venue for the Pan-Asian Youth Professional Peak Competition for decades.

Penglai Island's size can't be compared to smaller islands like Wind Rope Island and Thunder Island.

The entire island is well-equipped, with diverse terrain, making it an ideal location for team competition events.

Currently, the open-air arena at the island's center is packed to the brim, with over a hundred thousand spectators.

The outside of the arena is also filled with crowded layers of spectators.

They all held their national flags, watching the large screen outside the venue, cheering for their home teams.

After all, it's an international event, showcasing the strength of a nation's young professionals, so every country gives it great importance.

"Dear guests, viewers in front of your TVs, hello everyone!!"

"Welcome to the live broadcast of the 3024 Pan-Asian Youth Professional Peak Competition!"

"I'm your host and commentator Ah Liang!"

"And I'm the commentator Christina."

On the stage, a male and female host and commentator duo formally appeared after the grand opening ceremony.

"Without further ado, after the delegations of 10 countries and 100 contestants have made their appearance, we'll now start the thrilling draw!"

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