Volume Two: Shadows of the Past Chapter Seven: The Throne of Dreams

Over the course of two months, as Chen Shuo taught Chen Jing street dance, Chen Jing’s progress was nothing short of extraordinary. Every move Chen Shuo demonstrated, Chen Jing would watch once, practice a few times, and immediately master it—not just in a basic sense, but with the ease and proficiency of someone who had practiced for years. His movements were precise, and he could execute each step fluidly.

At the time, Chen Shuo recognized that Chen Jing had remarkable talent, but he believed that was all there was to it. After all, street dance is composed of individual movements, and many people can perform these neatly when broken down. Chen Shuo didn’t think Chen Jing’s abilities were particularly outstanding; he wasn’t sure if Chen Jing could dance with true continuity.

Even if Chen Jing could string the moves together seamlessly, competitions demanded more—they tested a dancer’s ability to improvise. When faced with different rhythms and music, one must rely on muscle memory and accumulated experience to choose the most fitting movements. The street dance performed in the heat of the moment is always the most thrilling, the kind that ignites the crowd.

In the earlier days of the competition, the focus was solely on fundamentals. Especially on the day Chen Shuo watched Chen Jing compete, Chen Jing only performed basic steps, so Chen Shuo saw nothing miraculous. He knew Chen Jing had solid technique.

But when the finals arrived, it was time to test the dancers' improvisational skills and personal experience. It was in this kind of street dance competition that Chen Shuo truly witnessed Chen Jing’s mastery over the art.

Perhaps Chen Jing had already displayed such prowess in the semi-finals, which is why he managed to win the entire audience’s adulation in a single performance.

Watching Chen Jing achieve victory on stage, Chen Shuo’s gaze grew fervent. Maybe, this time, his dream was no longer so distant.

After Saluna left the stage, the contest continued.

Though Saluna had been defeated, the remaining contestants were not intimidated; instead, their desire for victory was ignited. This time, they stopped trying to wear Chen Jing down by sending others to exhaust him—instead, they volunteered to challenge him directly.

The competition entered its fevered climax. Second match: Chen Jing won. Third match: Chen Jing won again. Fourth, fifth, sixth… Each subsequent match, up to the seventh, Chen Jing emerged victorious. The audience was in a frenzy. They watched as Chen Jing moved like a celestial being, unstoppable; no contestant could halt his advance.

Everyone cheered wildly for Chen Jing. They’d never witnessed such a competition before—this was the kind of scene usually reserved for novels, yet now it was unfolding before their very eyes. How could they not be exhilarated?

Offstage, Chen Shuo’s gaze burned as he watched Chen Jing. He truly hadn’t expected Chen Jing to reach such heights.

Each challenger faced Chen Jing with different music. Chen Jing had to respond perfectly every time, synchronizing his moves to the rhythm without error. With every victory, Chen Jing proved his flawless adaptability to the music.

No mistakes, one match after another, until the eighth and final contest. If Chen Jing won this last match, he would be crowned champion of the international street dance tournament.

With this thought, Chen Shuo could barely contain his excitement. This was the championship! Just one step away from his dream. Could Chen Jing win?

On stage, Chen Jing was drenched in sweat from the relentless, high-intensity battles. The audience watched him gasping for breath, yet they saw no weakness—his eyes still blazed with power.

Perhaps others didn’t realize it, but though Chen Jing felt fatigued, his heart overflowed with passion. He had never felt his heart beating so fast, so excited. He was determined to win the final match.

“My God, unimaginable—who could have thought Chen Jing would make it this far?” The host shouted, overcome with emotion. “Only one match remains. Will Chen Jing become a legend tonight? Let’s see what happens. Now, the final challenger, Muse, steps forward to face the king of the stage. Is this Chen Jing’s coronation, or will Muse seize the throne? Let’s watch and find out.”

As the host finished speaking, Muse stepped onto the stage. Under Chen Shuo’s expectant gaze, and before the eyes of the entire audience, the final match began.

“Though it may seem unfair, I won’t hold back against you. Anything less would be an insult,” Muse said earnestly to Chen Jing.

No one knew that Muse had never lost a single match in the tournament. If not for Chen Jing’s sudden rise, Muse would have been the most celebrated contestant. Yet fate delights in such twists—two geniuses destined to clash.

Chen Jing, now calm, smiled at Muse. “Thank you for your respect. Regardless of the outcome, this is a fair contest. There’s no such thing as an unfair victory. Only one of us will remain.”

Muse nodded resolutely. “Yes, only one can ascend to the highest throne of street dance.”

The music began, and the final battle commenced.

Amid the thunderous cheers of the audience, a new king was born.

Without question, the ultimate victor was Chen Jing.

The host, looking at the triumphant Chen Jing, announced with excitement, “Congratulations, Mr. Chen! He has faced every contestant and defeated them all. He is the champion of this street dance tournament. Let us congratulate Mr. Chen Jing—he is our king this year!”

Although Chen Shuo couldn’t understand the host’s words, he knew they were declaring Chen Jing’s victory.

The crowd chanted in unison, “King! King! King!”

Under the expectant gaze of thousands, Chen Jing ascended the throne of street dance. Everyone cheered for him; he had won their recognition with an unstoppable presence. He was, indisputably, the king.

At that moment, Chen Shuo was so overcome with emotion, he couldn’t speak—for the dream he had long pursued had finally been realized, through Chen Jing…