Basketball System: Rebound of the Underdog

As the fourth quarter began, Zedong wasted no time in returning to the court.

He didn't even wait for Coach Yixing's signal to let him in.

Zedong just knew that he couldn't afford to let the Shizi Dogs lead any longer.

Every time he entered the game, he wanted to have a humble disposition. He didn't want to underestimate any of the teams; however, it was in a human's nature to expect.

Zedong went to the game expecting that their team would win—no questions asked.

However, the Shizi Dogs were actually giving their team a hard time!

Now, he was determined to prove that his system was still the best, and he wasn't about to let the Shizi Dogs get the better of him.

Coach Yixing watched from the sidelines, his brows furrowed in concern. He knew that there was something strange about Zedong in this game, but he also believed in the boy's skill.

He had never lost his cool in his entire three years of playing. Your next journey awaits at empire

"He won't lose his cool now," Coach Yixing muttered.

So, he called over Zedong's past substitute to the bench so Zedong could play in the last quarter.

On Shizi's side, Jinping was out of the game and replaced by Kun.

Kai remained on the court, much to everyone's surprise. For someone who started out in the second-string team, he actually played for a long time in this crucial game.

The audience talked, their excitement and nervousness mounting as the two teams prepared to face off for the very last set.

"Goodness," Bao said, placing his hand over his heart.

"I didn't even feel this way in the Shizi Snakes' game yesterday," he said.

"That's because that wasn't a close game," Mingze logically answered.

"It was pretty obvious that the Feng Flies were going to win after they scored more than three goals. This game, though—I really don't know how it's going to end and who is going to win."

"Honestly, this is the most exciting game yet," one of the professional scorers said from their table.

His fellow scorer nodded.

"The other games on the main court were always a bit one-sided. This is the closest game we've ever had!"

The students were on the edge of their seats, their hearts palpitating.

They hated a close game, but at the same time, they couldn't help but love the thrill of it.

Then, the referee blew the whistle, and the players took their positions.

As the game started, it was clear that both teams were more careful this time.

With only ten minutes left on the clock, they couldn't afford to make any mistakes.

Kai was very much aware of this, and he wanted to utilize his skills to their fullest.

Zedong, on the other hand, decided to take matters into his own hands and guard Kai himself.

That caused whispers to arise from the crowd.

Shang's eyes widened in surprise.

"Why is Zedong going up against Kai?" Shang asked. "Why not Yuze or Zeren, since they had the most points?"

Gang turned to him with raised eyebrows.

"Why is that strange?" he asked.

"It's like Captain America going against a Groot or something," Shang shrugged.

Aang turned to him with wide eyes.

"I love Groot!" he exclaimed.

Shang pursed his lips and shook his head.

"That's not the point," he said.

"The point is—Zedong must see something in him."

Kai couldn't help but feel flattered by Zedong's choice. He felt acknowledged as a worthy opponent by one of the best players of the Xing Stars.

With an unwavering gaze, he met Zedong's determined stare as he dribbled the ball.

However, Zedong's greater foundation skills were evident as he effortlessly maneuvered around Kai, snatching the ball back with some difficulty.

Those at Shizi's bench exclaimed in disappointment as Zedong manipulated the ball to their side of the court.

However, Kai wasn't going to give up so easily. He followed after Zedong, refusing to be let up.

As much as Zedong had greater foundational skills, Kai had already deciphered his playing style.

He knew that Zedong would shoot right then and there.

Kai didn't know what came over him. However, he quickly jumped into action, utilizing his Guardwall skill to deflect the ball away with a loud sound, causing it to go out of bounds.

The crowd instantly erupted into cheers.

Sometimes, the most impressive and popular display of skill wasn't slam dunks or unusual shots.

All it took was a loud block for the crowd to burst into cheers.

Kai dropped to the ground and was met with the referee, who blew his whistle and signaled something to the professional scorer's table.

"Blocking foul!" he exclaimed.

Kai frowned since he didn't feel Zedong's skin or flesh when he blocked the ball.

However, seeing the red mark on the back of Zedong's hand was proof of his foul.

So, he raised his hand.

However, even with the foul, the students couldn't help but talk about the cool block that Kai had just done.

Kai went to the line and felt a pat on his back. He glanced at Jet and was expecting to be scolded. However, Jet gave him a thumbs-up instead, causing him to raise his eyebrows in surprise.

Zedong stood at the free-throw line and focused his gaze on the ring, letting out a deep breath as he released the ball.

The ball made it in, making the Xing Stars' supporters sigh in relief.

34-34.

He prepared to make the second shoot. Zedong felt pretty rushed, wanting to overtake their score once again. It seemed like that was the faulty choice as the ball didn't make it in, surprising the coach and his teammates.

Those at the bench glanced at their coach, but Yixing merely focused his gaze on Zedong.

"He wouldn't miss an important shot at this time," Coach Yixing muttered.

It seemed like Zedong couldn't believe it, too.

Before he knew it, his eyes started shifting everywhere except the ring. The cheers that used to be his source of strength now became just a source of noise.

Moreover, the dribbling of the ball sounded like bullets shooting at him.

He glanced at the clock and saw there were only three minutes left, yet their score was still even, none of them wanting to be exceeded by the other.

He didn't know how long he stood there, but the next second he glanced at the scoreboard, the Shizi Dogs were once again leading.

34-36.

At that moment, squeals were suddenly heard in the benches of the Shizi Dogs.

The players couldn't help but glance at the source of the sound.

Kai, too, looked in their direction for a moment.

"Did we come too early?" Ailun asked, scratching the back of his head.

Mingze gasped in surprise when he saw who the people sitting beside them were.

"It's the Yin Yang Knights!"