In the soundproof room on the big stage, Old Nie and Song Yuning hugged each other and held back their tears. They had already submitted their retirement applications. This was their last match before leaving the Alliance.
Unfortunately, they lost.
In the crucial Dragon team battle, they were instantly killed by the opposing Warrior. They couldn't express how sad they felt. Old Nie was usually cheerful, but at this moment, he couldn't control his disappointment. He was about to leave the arena that he loved so much. His condition couldn't keep up with the high-intensity matches … He felt helpless, but there was nothing he could do.
Chi Shuo stood up and walked to Old Nie and Ah Ning. He hugged them gently and said in a low voice, "Don't feel guilty. It's not your fault that we lost the match. Big and Little Zhao flashed to the back row. Any other archer in the Alliance wouldn't have been able to escape. "
Old Nie hugged Chi Shuo tightly with tears in his eyes. "Next season, do your best."
Chi Shuo nodded. "We will."
The five of them hugged each other. Old Nie and Song Yuning's eyes were red, but Chi Shuo's expression was still calm. No matter how much pressure he was under, he was used to hiding it in his heart.
The players in the soundproof room couldn't bring their phones with them. He could only see the messages Ye Shaoyang sent him after the match.
Zhao Xinping of the Northern Shepherd team came over to shake hands with his team members.
Chi Shuo turned around and shook hands with them politely. Zhao Xinping didn't say a word, but Zhao Xinan ran over to comfort Old Nie. "Sorry, it was a coincidence that we won the last match. You still have to stream after you retire, right? Let's play ranked games together when you have time! "
Old Nie didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "Has your stream been unblocked?"
Zhao Xinan scratched his head. "Ah, not yet. I won't curse people in the future. F * ck."
Old Nie had already adjusted his emotions. He patted Zhao Xinan's shoulder lightly to show that he didn't mind.
Tianheng's five players adjusted their emotions, bowed to the middle of the stage, and left.
This was also the last time that Nie Cheng and Song Yuning stood on the stage of the Alliance.
Looking at their backs, Ye Shaoyang felt sour in his heart.
Retirement was an outcome that every e-sports player would face. Although Old Nie and Ah Ning did not retire with success, they had been playing with Tianheng for so many years. When they finally left, their backs were still straight.
These few years must have been an unforgettable experience for them, right?
After the match, the commentators also gave a very high evaluation of the match. "Today's match was really exciting! The victorious Northern Shepherd Battle Team performed outstandingly. Both sides of the battle formation were ferocious, and the Zhao siblings' teamwork was still as good as before. However, we would also like to give our applause to Tianheng. "
"Tianheng's perseverance in the face of adversity is admirable. Their journey in this season has come to an end. I hope that this team will make some adjustments when they return and give us an even more exciting match next season!"
"Ladies and gentlemen, Tianheng VS Beimu S9 Loser Group match will end here. See you next Saturday. "
The big screen began to play the highlights of the game, and the audience began to leave the stadium in an orderly manner.
Ye Shaoyang quickly walked out of the VIP tunnel with his younger brother.
Star City's subway service stopped at 12 PM. It was now 11: 30 PM, so there was still time to take the subway home.
The two of them did not speak on the way home. When they got home, Qin Rui said as he changed his shoes, "Brother, didn't Captain Chi invite you to join Tianheng? Have you thought about it? Do you want to go and help them? "
Xiao Rui was still letting his emotions get the better of him. Perhaps he was sad that Tianheng had lost, so he wanted his brother to help. Ye Shaoyang bent over to change his shoes. He smiled and patted his younger brother on the shoulder. "Joining a battle team is not child's play. I'm joining Tianheng not to be their savior and help them … Instead, I want to help Tianheng and me."
Qin Rui looked up at Ye Shaoyang, seemingly not quite understanding his brother's words.
Ye Shaoyang said, "Players and battle teams are always two-way choices. Battle teams find suitable players, and players need to join teams that are suitable for them. You'll understand in the future. "
Qin Rui scratched his head and thought carefully about the meaning of his brother's words. Suddenly, his eyes lit up. "Brother, what did you just say? You want to join Tianheng?! "
Ye Shaoyang smiled and said, "Have you found the key point?"
Qin Rui said excitedly, "That's great! Did you tell Captain Chi? "
Ye Shaoyang said, "I sent him a message, but I don't think he saw it yet."
During the competition, the players' cell phones were all handed over to the team leader, Sister Tang Can, for safekeeping. When Tang Can saw Chi Shuo backstage, she said, "Captain Chi, your cell phone rang just now. I think there was a message, but I didn't dare to look at it."
Chi Shuo took the cell phone from her and opened it.
"You're the best captain I've ever seen."
"If I'm lucky, I'm willing to be by your side next season and fight side by side with you."
Chi Shuo's originally gloomy mood seemed to have suddenly been sprinkled with a ray of sunshine. A trace of a smile appeared on his serious face, and he quickly typed a reply. "I took a screenshot. You can't go back on your word."
Ye Shaoyang had just finished showering and was lying in bed when he saw his cell phone light up. It was Captain Chi's reply. He immediately replied seriously, "I'm not someone who goes back on his word. I've been thinking about joining Tianheng for a long time. "
Chi Shuo: "You've really decided?"
Ye Shaoyang: "Of course. Now I'll leave the difficult problem to you. I don't care about the signing fee, but I only want to play mid. Is Qujiang willing to switch to support? Is the coach willing to let me start? These problems need to be solved. "
Chi Shuo: "Don't worry, I'll think of a way to convince them."
Ye Shaoyang: "After all, I'm a 21-year-old rookie. Most of the coaches won't agree to let me play in the starting lineup. Before you negotiate with them, I'll try to get a few more local servers so that you can be more confident."
Chi Shuo: "I see that your Goddess of Frost and Goddess of Destiny are about to get local servers, right?"
Ye Shaoyang: "Yes, if nothing unexpected happens, I'll get those two next Monday when the rankings are settled."
Chi Shuo was silent for a moment, then typed: "Don't worry, I'll try my best to help you fight for the signing fee. Because in my eyes, your value is no less than that of a top mid in the league. I don't want you to be wronged. "
Ye Shaoyang's heart warmed slightly when he saw this.
With his current conditions, let alone the treatment of a top tier mid laner, if a powerhouse like Sky Hound was willing to sign him, as long as he played as a starting mid laner, he wouldn't even need a single cent in signing fees. He just wanted to realize his dream. He really didn't care about the amount of money.
But if Tianheng valued him enough and let him sign a contract with them at a high price, that would be the best. That would also prove his value.
Ye Shaoyang replied: "Thank you, Captain Chi. Go back and rest first. Let the team members take a break too. My matter isn't urgent. Since I've agreed to join Tianheng, I won't go to another team. "
Chi Shuo was relieved and said: "Okay, you should go to bed early too. Good night."
Ye Shaoyang sent a waving goodbye emoji.
The Tianheng team members didn't go back to the hotel. Instead, they went to a nearby restaurant for supper. The team leader, Tang Can, had already booked the restaurant. If they won, it would be a celebratory feast. If they lost, it would be a farewell dinner for Old Nie and Ah Ning.
Today's results weren't satisfactory, but Chi Shuo had already expected it.
Tianheng's journey this season came to an end. They didn't even make it to the finals of the domestic league, let alone the international league. They didn't win any trophies throughout the year, so everyone was actually very upset.
Coach Lin said with a smile, "Anyway, there's no competition later. Everyone is allowed to drink tonight!"
Old Nie took the initiative to open a bottle of wine. He took a deep breath and held back his tears. He smiled and raised his glass. "Ah Ning and I won't be here next season, but we'll continue to pay attention to Tianheng. The rest of you have to continue to work hard! If you can win the world championship one day, I'll even change into a woman's outfit for a live broadcast! "
Song Yuning didn't know whether to laugh or cry. He stopped him. "You don't have to do that, right?"
Coach Lin joked, "We have to fulfill Old Nie's wish to change into a woman's outfit for a live broadcast. Did anyone record it just now? Don't go back on your word when the time comes! "
Qujiang waved the phone in his hand. "I did, in case he doesn't admit it. Last time, he said he was going to eat a keyboard, but in the end, he bought a chocolate-flavored keyboard. He's shameless! "
Everyone burst into laughter.
Although Chi Shuo's expression was calm, there was a rare trace of gentleness in his eyes.
These teammates had been with him for three whole years. They were like his family.
Although it didn't end well, he knew that Nie Cheng and Song Yuning didn't regret joining Tianheng.
During the S6 season, Nie Cheng and Song Yuning, the bottom lane duo, were in peak condition. They followed the previous captain, Chi Shuo's mentor, Ming Team, into the world championship.
That was the year Tianheng was closest to becoming the world champion.
However, they lost the finals in 34 games. Everyone could only watch as the foreign team took the championship trophy. At that time, the unwillingness in Old Nie's eyes and the tears in Song Yuning's eyes were still deeply engraved in Chi Shuo's mind. That year, Chi Shuo was only 18 years old. However, it was also at that moment that he set a goal for himself — —
He had to bring Tianheng back to the world championship stage and take back the trophy that was lost!
In the next three years, Tianheng's roster was reshuffled. The mid laner was changed to Qujiang, and the top laner was changed to Qin Yizhu. As veteran players, Nie Cheng and Song Yuning persevered until the S9 season before finally retiring helplessly.
Chi Shuo raised his glass and looked at the two veteran players. "This toast is to you. Thank you for your trust in me these past three years. Don't worry, I'll carry on your unfulfilled wishes. "
Old Nie wiped his eyes and choked with sobs. "Captain Chi, you've worked hard these past few years."
After the S6 season, Ming Team's retirement was too sudden. Chi Shuo was appointed to take over as captain at the last moment. As an 18-year-old youth, he struggled his way through the League of Legends where there were many strong teams. He learned from scratch how to command and learn tactics …
Only the people of Tianheng knew how hard it had been for him. This was also the reason why the team members respected him so much.
Chi Shuo patted Old Nie's shoulder lightly. He didn't say anything and drank the wine in his glass in one gulp.
Everyone didn't say any more discouraging words. They ate and drank happily as they sent Nie Cheng and Song Yuning off.
Old Nie drank until he was dead drunk and had to be carried back to the hotel by everyone. Chi Shuo had a good tolerance for alcohol. Although he drank a few glasses, he remained sober the whole time.
When he returned to the hotel, he checked his phone.
Sure enough, there were many anti-fans mocking and ridiculing him on his Weibo.
"Chi Shuo was at the peak of his career when he debuted, but he's been going downhill!"
"After Ming Team retired, Tianheng fell. What does this mean? The new captain is no good! "
"S6 made it to the global finals, S7 won the bronze medal in the domestic competition, S8 didn't even make the top four, and S9 was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. Their results have been declining! S10, don't tell me you're trying to avoid relegation? It'll be a joke if you're relegated to the secondary league. "
"Even Chi Shuo didn't dare to use the Blood-Clothed Thorn in the fifth round. I was waiting for him to kill everyone, but he chickened out. What a waste of my love for him for so many years."
Chi Shuo furrowed his brows and ignored these comments.
He had always been a very controversial player. Back then, S6 made it to the global finals because of his high start. His Blood-Clothed Thorn was also the hero with the most pentakills in the history of the league. In the next few years, his results declined. Some fans hated him for not living up to expectations, and some fans turned against him. He didn't care.
What he needed to do was to stick to his principles.
He believed that with Little White joining the team next season, Tianheng would definitely be able to break through their predicament.
Chi Shuo turned off his phone and went to bed.
The next morning, he got up and watched Little White's live stream.
He didn't know how Big Sister Mu and Little White got to know each other. They were playing together early in the morning.
Big Sister Mu had good awareness and a good temper. With her support, Little White's win rate skyrocketed. He became the MVP and Goddess of Destiny's battle strength increased rapidly.
With such a win rate and record, it shouldn't be a problem to take down two domestic servers in a week.
On Saturday night, Tang Can sent a message in the group. "I'll be returning to Imperial Capital at 11 am tomorrow. I've booked a ride. Remember to set the alarm. Don't oversleep."
Tianheng didn't have any matches after this. Of course, they didn't have to stay in Star City. Staying in a hotel cost money, so the club asked them to return to the base together.
Chi Shuo couldn't act alone, so he followed the team back to Imperial Capital.
Sunday night, Tianheng Base Training Room.
There were no matches after this, so the training tasks were more relaxed. Coach Lin sat next to him with a cup of tea. He drank it while watching videos of foreign matches.
At midnight, Chi Shuo suddenly sent a screenshot to Coach Lin.
It was a screenshot of the live stream and two system messages.
"Congratulations, your hero [Frost Goddess] ranked first in the country with a battle strength of 12000 in last week's battle strength calculation. She has been awarded the title of [National Server's Number One Frost Goddess]!"
"Congratulations, your hero [Destiny Goddess] ranked first in the country with a battle strength of 12000 in last week's battle strength calculation. She has been awarded the title of [National Server's Number One Destiny Goddess]!"
Coach Lin saw the familiar white Ragdoll cat at the bottom right corner of the screenshot. He was stunned and turned to look at Chi Shuo. "Xiao Bai? He got two more national servers? "
Chi Shuo said, "Yes, and he got them within a week."
Coach Lin immediately went to Chi Shuo's computer and found that Chi Shuo was watching Xiao Bai's live stream. Since Xiao Bai got two national servers at the same time, countless netizens sent gifts in the live stream. Even Sister Mu sent a few torpedoes.
Xiao Bai's laughing voice came from Chi Shuo's earpiece. "Thank you to FanNorth Fan for the torpedoes. Thank you to Tiantian for the torpedoes. Thank you to Sister Mu for the torpedoes. I'm going to sleep now. Next week, I'll try using [Flame Goddess] and [Thunder Goddess] on the national server. "
The bullet screen in the live stream was about to go crazy.
The host was so arrogant. Was he going to float out of the universe this time?
Was he playing a stamp collection game? Using the national server as a collection?!
He already got the national servers of Frost Goddess and Destiny Goddess. Next week, it'll be Flame Goddess and Thunder Goddess. Next week, it won't be Ocean Goddess and Storm, right? Did he want to collect the national servers of all six goddesses?
I like streamers like you who talk big, but can actually make it happen!
Coach Lin frowned in confusion. "Who is this Xiao Bai? The speed of getting the local server was way too fast. I remember that the last time I watched his live stream, he just got the national server of [Lord of the Abyss]. "
Chi Shuo turned to look at the coach and whispered, "What if I say that Xiao Bai has the talent to play professionally?"
After he said that, he sent a Star City Youth Training Camp Talent Test Form to Coach Lin.
Coach Lin looked down.
Five glittering S ratings!
What a rare talented player!
Coach Lin felt like he had been hit by a pie in the sky. His eyes lit up. "Find a way to get in touch with him!"
Chi Shuo said calmly, "I've already contacted him in private. He's willing to join our Tianheng team."
Coach Lin was speechless.
Wait, when did you contact Xiao Bai in private? How could you act faster than the coach!