As a well-established world-class team, QIL and each of its players, like Xiao Yin, have world-class reputations.

The veteran quartet, including the newly added jungler Bo Bi, all have impressive records and history.

Shu Pian were flipping through the names of the active members of the QIL team in the car, trembling all the way.

Every single person is a competitor who has achieved new milestones.

The rookie king in the top lane, who has dominated four seasons; with a win rate of 71% in the professional scene and a 69% win rate in solo matches, the ADC known as the “genius among geniuses.” Just like Xiao Yin, he takes a champion to the extreme. No one dares not to ban his signature ADC, Aphelios, because not banning him would mean being crushed in the lane or in multiple lanes, resulting in certain death upon encountering him.

“Do you feel like it’s beyond reach?” Noticing the expression on the faces of Shu Pian, Xiao Yin casually asked.

Shu Pian nodded honestly. Even Ci She and Hui Mao nodded along.

They had gone through QIL’s training camp, and it was because of that experience that they understood the gap between themselves and the starting players.

Even though it was already the final match of the World Championship, for this new team called VIT, being the world runner-up again was already an honor that ordinary people wouldn’t dare to dream of. Yet, they still felt it was distant and unreal.

This gap was not about skill, but about perception. No matter how talented a young genius was, when they looked at the unfathomable experiences of their seniors, they still felt overwhelmed.

“When they started, they were just as new as you,” Xiao Yin said. “No one knew they would become world champions. They started from the national tournament, or even just from local internet cafe tournaments.”

“Or maybe you guys haven’t realized that you are creating your own journey?”

Rong Yi leaned back and looked out the car window, casually saying, “Brother Yi was still studying when he was eighteen. He had just registered for the domestic training camp.”

“Xiao She, Hui Mao, Shu Pian, look at yourselves.”

“At eighteen, he was already the national champion… and maybe he will be the world champion.”

Rong Yi smiled, his voice firm and powerful, carrying his innate calmness and confidence. “Who can say who is better?”

“Damn, that’s true.”

Ci She became spirited and opened his own encyclopedia entry on the phone.

“I feel like I can beat Brother Yi ten times now!!!!”

Hui Mao also became excited.

Actually, that’s true.

In this profession, the new generation of rising stars shines even brighter than many so-called experienced veterans.

Because in this profession, the waves of newcomers will always surpass the previous ones.

Those who reach their peak too early may find it difficult to take another step forward, while newcomers, thanks to the industry’s accumulated experience, start at a higher point and can easily go further.

The stage of the World Championship was nothing special, and compared to the scale of domestic league matches, it seemed a bit old and narrow.

But as they walked on the pristine red carpet and entered the countless halls of fame, the sight of those glorious achievements still felt overwhelming.

This was the eighth year of the global professional competition, and in those eight years, countless familiar and unfamiliar names had been permanently engraved on the wall of fame. Each trophy projection recorded the glory achieved by the competitors.

The media and flashlights were kept outside the safety fence, creating a small peaceful area inside.

Wu Dao Gu, with his sharp eyes, was the first to discover something. “Here, there’s a projection and a signature from the captain five years ago.”

Everyone gathered around.

And indeed, they saw it written on top.

“20XX World Champion, Mid Lane, easy. From China.”

“He was also the MVP of this tournament. He came here with a group of happy and free-spirited teammates and eventually won the championship. Our evaluation of him is that no one can rival him.”

Following that was Rong Yi’s flamboyant signature, “Rong Yi.”

The trophy back then wasn’t as exquisite as it is now, and the participating countries and regions weren’t as comprehensive as they are now, but it was still an impressive achievement.

Because there was only one row, the row of champions.

Rong Yi paused for a moment, gazing at the trophy projection for a while, then smiled and beckoned to everyone, “Come on, join me!”

In his eyes, there was nothing else, just pure radiance.

The past was filled with beautiful memories, and the five years in between, when he disappeared from the scene, also left him with no regrets.

Now, all that mattered was the present.

The QIL team members followed suit, and the most significant highlight of this tournament was the battle for the championship between two teams, one being Xiao Yin’s former team and the other being his current team.

VIT still had two QIL trainees among their members.

Some ill-intentioned netizens jokingly referred to it as “QIL’s Chinese team, just a match between insiders, it doesn’t matter who wins.”

On the field, both sides greeted each other with more enthusiasm and courtesy than usual teams.

In a regular venue meeting, handshakes and fist bumps were the norm, but the members of VIT and QIL were familiar with each other, like good friends. Those who knew each other or had heard their names embraced and patted each other firmly.

Xiao Yin, of course, received the most attention.

He was very popular within the team, and even the substitute jungler warmly greeted him.

“I miss you so much!! Yin!”

The teams on both sides had simultaneous interpreters, and the players could hear what each other was saying.

Under the global live broadcast, everyone was polite, wearing decent team uniforms, standing in place and chatting for a while.

Xiao Yin held onto Rong Yi’s hand.

“This is my lover and also my captain.”

After introducing Rong Yi, he leaned down to Rong Yi’s ear and introduced the past one by one.

“The big guy on the left, playing as the top laner.”

“He’s the ADC for the mage.”

“The support player, we discussed countermeasures for three whole days that day.” Xiao Yin remained calm and spoke in Chinese with a few cold-hearted words, but unfortunately, no one from QIL understood.

Rong Yi secretly gave him a thumbs up.

The QIL players exclaimed and came over, eagerly looking for Rong Yi to shake hands.

“We know you! Easy! The champion from five years ago! Your departure was truly the best in the world!”

“You’re even more beautiful and handsome in person than in photos!”

“You’re amazing! We watched your matches against Y in the China region from start to finish, and your tactics were incredible!”

A group of foreigners, with their translated expressions, made Rong Yi’s head spin.

But he was also happy.

He smiled and nodded, saying, “Thank you, everyone. I’m also glad to meet all of you. I’m familiar with each and every one of you.”

QIL’s ADC, KTK, smiled wryly after hearing that. “So, is this a challenge? It sounds really scary!”

Rong Yi smiled even more happily. “No, it’s not. I really am familiar with all of you. Your mage is really impressive.”

“So our Princess is also prepared.”

Xiao Yin quickly picked up on his words, as if they were in sync.

KTK immediately understood.

This was a challenge.

The atmosphere before the match was lively, and the commentators in various languages were already prepared.

Audiences from all over the world were watching the match, and the discussions were diverse.

“Cha, VIT? Is it really a branch team of QIL? QIL is a Chinese team?”

“QIL is the divine beast of China. The characters spell out ‘QILIN.’ Hasn’t anyone noticed?”

“In fact, Xiao Yin is the owner of QIL. More accurately, QIL is more like the overseas branch of the gaming company founded by Xiao Yin. He has already moved the company’s registered address to China.”

“Xiao Yin and Lei Ya’s relationship was exposed before, and his identity can no longer be hidden.”

“QIL is Xiao Yin’s team, but QIL is also QIL.”

“VIT is also Xiao Yin’s team, but similarly, VIT is a different VIT.”

The commentator said, “Although these two teams are familiar with each other, their styles are very different.”

“VIT was founded this year and has gained fame in China. They currently have a record of 27 wins and 1 loss in the Asian region, making them the team with the highest historical score in the Asian playoff.”

“Their core player is Easy, a world-class player who won the championship five years ago. VIT’s main strategy is to connect the mid lane as the core, with rotations and coordination in the other lanes. They play aggressively, react quickly, and don’t give their opponents any chance.”

“QIL was founded five years ago. After Y left the team last year, they brought in the new jungle player, Alex. Their main strategy hasn’t changed and is still focused on jungle carries.”

“This is the first time since the league started that a mid-lane core team is facing a jungle carry team in the finals.”

As they listened to the official commentary, the viewers in front of the screens felt the surge of blood, and a tense and excited mood was brewing.

Millions of eyes were focused on the live broadcast, and the arena was silent.

The pick/ban phase began.

Rong Yi sat in front of the screen, taking a deep breath.

After this breath, all the nervousness, worries, and fatigue were thrown away.

The focus on the field was something that couldn’t be achieved in any training match.

Subconsciously, they knew how important this game was, so their concentration was even stronger.

The spirits of the others also became highly focused, their minds clear.

The banning phase.

Facing their former team, their former teammates, they showed no mercy and first banned Yi.

In a BO3 match, the first game’s opening move was always the most intense.

The first game had to be a fierce clash because they couldn’t afford to lose a single game in a bo3.

Those who could make it to the World Championship were not inferior horses.

They didn’t choose to ban Xiao Yin’s signature champion first because they were familiar with his playstyle and positioning as a jungler. There was nothing more familiar than a teammate you had been playing with for four years, knowing how to counter that champion.

Instead, they wanted to force Xiao Yin to pick his signature champion. That was QIL’s absolute confidence.

On the VIT side, they didn’t show any mercy either. When the weapons clashed, the mage was banned first, and the Princess was the first pick with Serpent blade.

Rong Yi, on the second floor, glanced at Xiao Yin. Even in such a tense moment in the finals, he still had time to joke, “Shall I pick your signature champion, Brother Y? Or should I pick it myself and see who is more stubborn, the opponent or us?”

Xiao Yin replied, “Captain Rong, take care of yourself.”

Rong Yi stuck out his tongue, looked at the lineup, and picked the warrior for Wu Dao Gu, then went to the fifth floor.

Both sides are waiting for the other to pick a tactical hero first, such as Memory Key or Earth Mother.

Both sides cautiously pick heroes for the top and bottom lanes to observe the opponent’s movements.

VIT has the hardest time countering B’s tactics because they don’t have a consistent system. The same lineup can produce completely opposite results.

“They’ve locked in without revealing their lineup.” Hui Mao looked at the four empty spots on the other side, feeling a bit nervous.

QIL is truly extraordinary.

They are similar to VIT in that they prefer to keep their options open and strike back.

VIT is at a disadvantage since they drew the first pick, but they were not surprised by this. They have thoroughly studied Qil and their main goal and style have always been to invade the jungle and counter-attack.

“Captain, how should we choose?”

There are only ten seconds left on the countdown, and Rong Yi closed his eyes and pondered.

In the camera, the young man slightly lowered his eyes, seemingly lost in thought.

Outside, there were different opinions being voiced.

“Pick Memory Key for the mid lane. It’s very stable, and Easy, the player in the mid lane, often performs exceptionally. It also allows the team some room for error. QIL’s versatile and counter-attacking style works well with Memory Key.”

“Silver Hook is also good! It’s great for guarding the jungle.”

After a discussion, the only thing they wanted to see was what creative strategy Rong Yi could come up with after his favorite hero was banned.

Ci She made their pick, the countdown reached five seconds.

Five.

Four.

Three.

Ci She selected Memory Key!

Everyone remembered that Memory Key was Rong Yi’s weapon of choice.

People in the crowd started screaming.

“Memory Key!! Who will take it? Easy or Hui Mao?”

“I don’t know! They didn’t switch positions immediately!”

Ci She locked in Memory Key. It was QIL’s turn to pick.

With Memory Key already chosen, the other side hesitated.

A faint smile appeared on Rong Yi’s lips.

“I’m thinking about something.”

“What is it?”

“We have thoroughly studied QIL. In just the past two years, we’ve watched over three hundred matches, scrutinizing every detail.”

“If they value us enough, they should have watched the matches between us and CH hundreds or even thousands of times, right?”

Just as he finished speaking, QIL revealed their lineup.

Huo Shen [Fire God], Niao Zu [Bird Ancestor], Huibai Zhi Zhu [Gray-White Spider].

Exactly the same.

The commentator exclaimed, “The same lineup! We can explain to the unaware audience that this lineup is the one VIT used against CH in the final match of this year’s domestic playoffs!”

“This lineup is characterized by high speed and aggressive engages. Judging by this trend, QIL is planning to continue invading the jungle!”

“But what’s puzzling is that VIT actually won when facing this lineup. Why is QIL replicating the experience of a failed team?”

At this moment, in the recording booth…

“Captain.”

The others also realized it. “It’s just like what you said. They’re really using this strategy.”

Rong Yi nodded, then chose the last two heroes for our team.

Common mid lane heroes, Silver Hook, with the Wind Skill Configuration.

The powerful jungle hero, Di.

Fully locked in.

But so far, no one knew who on VIT would take Memory Key and who would take Silver Hook.

This lineup was almost a replica of the final match of the domestic championship.

Bizarre, yet it made people unusually nervous because, at first glance, everything seemed the same, but there were subtle differences.

After VIT made their selection, QIL finally revealed their heroes.

Their lineup was similar to CH’s lineup from that match, but not exactly the same.

CH had Huo Shen, Niao Zu, Huibai Zhi Zhu, Langren, and Dadi Zhi Mu.

QIL had Huo Shen, Niao Zu, Huibai Zhi Zhu, Chun Shen, and Yin.

The jungle and support roles changed, adding endurance and crowd control capabilities.

“QIL picked Yin!!!!” The commentators went crazy. “They picked Yin right in front of Xiao Yin!! Is this provocation? What’s going on?”

“It’s very strange! QIL’s lineup is different from what they usually play, and it’s particularly surprising that they’re using a lineup that’s almost identical to the losing team in the Chinese region.”

Rong Yi whistled.

Xiao Yin shrugged.

Both sides made their final selections as the countdown ended. VIT’s mid and support did not swap heroes, and the dust settled.

This means that VIT also made some subtle changes. The mid and support roles returned to their original positions. They hadn’t switched positions before to create the illusion of a replicated lineup for QIL.

Both sides were trying to outsmart each other, but neither succeeded.

Only VIT’s players knew that QIL’s lineup today signified something.

They adopted CH’s high mobility and strengthened endurance and engages. This meant that Qil had likely discovered something in that match.

They wanted to limit their opponent’s vision.

Without any illusions, without any room for maneuver, in the first match of the finals, QIL, a renowned and consistently top-performing opponent, directly targeted their weaknesses and employed their highest-level tactics.

No room for maneuver was left.

At the same time, it was also a gesture of the utmost respect given to a world-class top team.