The eight contestants were randomly matched against each other by a machine.

Soon, the results were out:

Heimu Ying (Ophina’s Group) vs. Tang Wanqing

Tai Xingwen (Su San’s Group) vs. Ye Jing (Sili’s Group)

Julie (Su San’s Group) vs. Xiong Yuanyuan

Sun Dongling (Josh’s Group) vs. Qi Huaixuan

Of the three mentors with only a single contestant left, two had grim expressions. Only Josh seemed fine, maintaining his usual calm demeanor.

Su San, on the other hand, was all smiles. Jiang Qin, as always, looked serene. Her eyes were deep, and her appearance was so gentle and delicate that you wouldn’t think she was putting on a stern face, but rather that she was quiet and mild-mannered.

Like hazy moonlight obscured by dark clouds—unclear, yet you could feel its presence.

The netizens who had shown up on time to watch the livestream were already in a heated discussion:

[Miss Su San looks super confident.]

[Everyone seems so strong this round. I can’t imagine who will be eliminated.]

[Yuanyuan probably won’t be eliminated. She’s talented, and her song is even better. Tang Wanqing is also very strong, and so is Julie. The skills of these three females are not to be underestimated.]

[Honestly, they’re all amazing. At this point, it’s a competition between the mentors’ skills. After all, there isn’t much difference in the contestants’ abilities.]

[I feel like the champion will come from our Qin Bao’s group. All three of her contestants are still in.]

[That’s not a sure thing. Quality is more important than quantity. What if they make a mistake?]

But regardless, one thing was for sure: these eight contestants were truly outstanding.

Moreover, they were no longer the unknowns they had been at the start; most of them had built up their own fanbases.

The host was well aware of everyone’s excitement, because she was excited too.

So, without keeping everyone in suspense any longer, she announced directly, "And now, let’s welcome our first contestant of the night to the stage!"

The lights dimmed, and a spotlight focused on the person rising from a mechanism beneath the stage.

Dressed in a pink and white puffy dress, Heimu Ying’s makeup and styling tonight were incredibly whimsical.

Bows, puff sleeves, a pearl tiara—it combined all the sweetest elements.

Her stage presence was also top-notch. She peppered her song and dance routine with all sorts of cute expressions, the very picture of a "sweet" idol.

Sitting in the contestant area, Tang Wanqing couldn’t help but gently clench her fists inside her long sleeves.

Of course she was nervous. This wasn’t just a performance; it was a stepping stone toward her dream.

’How many chances do people like us get to climb a ladder like this?’

’So she was terrified—terrified she would fall right at the foot of this ladder, never to be worthy of climbing it again.’

"Alright, a big thank you to our contestant, Miss Heimu, for that wonderful performance.

If you all enjoyed that very, very sweet song, ’Heart Pleasing You,’ remember to cast your precious vote for her!

And now, let’s welcome the contestant from Mentor Jiang Qin’s group, Miss Tang Wanqing, with her song, ’Yu Xi Tan’!"

Dressed in a long, red, traditional-style gown, Tang Wanqing’s entire look today was inspired by the ancient era.

Her long, black hair cascaded down past her waist.

The plum blossoms pinned in her hair added a touch of elegance.

"The river’s sands may shift and part, as sun and moon watch ages turn...

In troubled times, a beauty’s bloom is traded for a single, mournful sigh...

...

At Gaixia, a song of sorrow, the lament of Chu sounds from all sides...

With grief, I take my leave, my lord, my blood on the sword’s edge turns to frost...

This past is hard to leave behind, but if our fated bond must end, so be it..."

Snowflakes began to fall from above the stage, white specks landing in Tang Wanqing’s black hair.

The fans of the traditional style were already screaming for her.

When the song ended, the host invited both contestants back on stage and went through the usual procedure with each of them.

In reality, it was the speech segment for soliciting votes.

She first handed the microphone to Heimu Ying. "Miss Heimu, what do you feel is the biggest thing you’ve gained from coming to this stage?"

"Hmm~ I feel like I’ve gained so much. Professional mentors, teammates to practice with, and I’ve also met many new friends.

Of course, the biggest gain is the experience I’ve learned from my mentor, and I’ve also gained a group of lovely fans..."

With the host chiming in to support her, Heimu Ying moved into the emotional part of her speech.

First, she played up her tear-jerking backstory, then she leaned into her "sweet little sun" persona, and finally, she gave a deep, sincere bow to ask for votes.

The host passed the microphone to Tang Wanqing and asked with a smile, "It seems that the songs Mentor Jiang Qin gives Miss Tang all incorporate elements of operatic vocals. Is there a reason for that?"

"Yes. The reason is that I really love this type of music.

And Mentor Jiang Qin indulged me, giving me only songs in this style and not requiring me to develop in other areas."

The host exclaimed in amazement, "Wow, Mentor Jiang Qin is so doting~"

Tang Wanqing nodded.

Through the host’s questions and her answers, she soon spoke about her childhood dream and expressed her thanks.

She didn’t play for tears; instead, she showered praise on Jiang Qin, Qi Huaixuan, and Xiong Yuanyuan.

She added, "Being around them, I don’t dare to slack off for a second. After all, they’re so outstanding and work so hard. What reason do I have not to?"

The netizens in the livestream chat were all laughing.

[LMAO, one overachiever mentor leading three overachiever students. Turns out they’re all overachievers.]

[I can’t imagine how exhausting their practice sessions are. Especially Yuanyuan! When all that overwhelming negative press was coming at her, she still managed to master three songs in three days.]

[Actually, Qin Bao is probably the busiest, right? She’s managing three contestants by herself, while everyone else only has one.]

[Hahahaha, are you sure you’re not dissing the other mentors?]

[The harder you work, the luckier you get. I hope Tang Wanqing wins!!]

[It probably won’t be easy. Heimu Ying’s performance just now was also really good.]

In the Interstellar era, there were very few people who liked traditional-style songs. In contrast, many more preferred a sweet style like Heimu Ying’s.

On the big screen, the data progress bars were neck and neck, neither giving an inch.

When the votes were finally locked in, it was a tie!!

Even the host was surprised. "Oh my god, what a coincidence! The two contestants have tied."

"Whoa..." An uproar swept through the audience.

"In the case of a tie, both contestants will have to enter the waiting area. After the other contestants have finished their battles, they will then compete against the eliminated contestants for the final spot."

No one had expected such an outcome.

After all, the population of the Interstellar People was enormous. No matter the type of voting event, it was generally very difficult for a tie to occur.

When the result was announced, the smile on Heimu Ying’s face froze, and Tang Wanqing’s heart leaped into her throat.

Jiang Qin, however, remained composed. They had each practiced two songs this time, just in case they lost the first round and had to enter a second-round battle.

"And now, let us welcome the next contestant to the stage, Mr. Tai Xingwen!"

Under the spotlight, Tai Xingwen appeared, clad in a suit of armor.

The song he performed this time was a fiery battle anthem. The lyrics were heroic and tragic, and the melody was grand.

Overall, it was incredibly stunning.