Among the 17 teams in the entire LPL, only DT dares to employ such a lane-swap tactic.
Lin Lan’s deep and versatile champion pool is DT’s biggest asset, and Feifei’s powerful ability to handle multiple lanes, whether top or mid, always delivers a stable performance. Coupled with Xiao Shengjing’s strong jungle control, it’s easy for them to activate both lanes. This perfectly unique lineup is something other teams can only wish for.
Some industry experts have analyzed that with this lane swap tactic alone, DT could easily be elevated to the status of a top-tier team.
The commentators praised DT for their strategy, triggering another explosion in the barrage from ENG fans who were vehemently challenging the commentary:
[Lane swapping is just because they can’t win, right?]
[Haha, lane swapping originated from the European region. Don’t make it sound like DT is the origin of everything.]
[Commentators don’t understand, so they shouldn’t speak.]
[This tactic is nothing special, they keep boasting about it.]
[This is so annoying, can we please mute this commentator?]
DT fans initially wanted to defend the commentator, but as soon as they spoke, they were engulfed by the overwhelming force of ENG fans.
Whoa! Where did ENG get so many fans from?
With the champion selection concluded, the game officially began.
Both sides adopted a one-line formation, probing each other without initiating a full-scale war.
On the side of Qi Mo, they picked Zed, another high-burst assassin of the same type as LeBlanc.
Both champions possess abilities for mobility and high burst damage. They can showcase impressive plays not only in casual matches but also represent the ceiling of professional players.
These two champions, if well-developed, can burst down enemies in one combo. However, if they don’t scale properly, they become ineffective. The matchup between them has become the key to deciding the outcome of this game.
Everyone couldn’t comprehend why: when Qi Mo had already picked Zed, Lin Lan dared to choose LeBlanc?
Did he believe that in a situation with similar types of champions, he could win against Qi Mo?
Lader, Qi Mo’s ID.
ENG’s starting mid-laner.
A versatile mid-lane player with almost no weaknesses, he can perform at the ceiling level with any champion in his hands. That’s why fans often refer to him as the “Versatile King.”
He has numerous championships under his belt, while Lin Lan is a relatively unknown newcomer, not even established as a mid-laner. Is such a matchup not overly arrogant?
Barrage comments are already mocking Lin Lan’s overconfidence: [Does he really think he can beat him?]
[Perhaps he’s been reading too many promotional posts?]
[Mid-lane isn’t as simple as he thinks.]
[After this game, he might have to return to the top lane.]
[Qi Mo and Lin Lan are not players of the same caliber. Just because he won against JIO, doesn’t mean he can be presumptuous in front of ENG.]
[They are not players of the same level.]
The barrage of comments has elevated Lader to a godly status, but in reality, Lader is very humble. He never underestimates any opponent, taking each game seriously, which is why he has earned the title of the “Versatile King.”
This is his first time facing off against Lin Lan, and he is genuinely curious about what Lin Lan can achieve. Watching him lazily approach, using W1(LeBlanc)Distortion: LeBlanc dashes to a location, dealing 75/115/145/195/235 (+75% bonus Ability Power) magic damage to enemies near her destination.
For the next 4 seconds, activate Distortion again to return LeBlanc to her starting location. to clear a wave of minions and then retreat, it doesn’t seem like anything extraordinary.
Lader dismisses his doubts, thinking he might have overthought things.
Before level 3, Qi Mo tends to play more passively. He doesn’t rush forward; he waits for Lin Lan to finish the front row of minions before using Q2(Zed)Razor Shuriken: Zed and his shadows throw their shurikens, each dealing 70/105/140/175/210 (+110% bonus Attack Damage) physical damage to the first enemy they pass through, and 48/69/90/110/132 (+54% bonus Attack Damage) physical damage to each additional enemy. to secure the low-health minions. He expects Lin Lan to trade with him, at least attempting to land an auto-attack, but there’s none of that. Lin Lan remains focused on last-hitting his minions, showing no intention of engaging.
Typically, in a ranged vs. melee matchup, there would be some attempts to trade damage. Lader waits for Lin Lan to engage, planning to dodge his W3(LeBlanc)Distortion: LeBlanc dashes to a location, dealing 75/115/145/195/235 (+75% bonus Ability Power) magic damage to enemies near her destination.
For the next 4 seconds, activate Distortion again to return LeBlanc to her starting location. and regain control of the lane. However, Lin Lan doesn’t make a move at all.
He firmly held onto the lane control, not giving an inch.
Qi Mo was momentarily stunned, unsure if Lin Lan made a mistake or if something else was happening. He felt a strange and eerie sensation.
In the eyes of the audience, this scene was an opportunity to mock Lin Lan’s gaming skills. They thought, “Such a good chance for harassment wasted. Indeed, a newbie – loses courage in the face of a strong opponent.”
As Lin Lan focused on last-hitting minions, the minion wave was pushing toward Qi Mo. This meant Lin Lan was about to reach level 2.
Qi Mo furrowed his brows, sensing something amiss. He planned a clever move to both last-hit minions and harass Lin Lan from a tricky angle. However, just as he was about to execute his plan, the champion he controlled, Zed, showed a clear forward movement.
In that split second, Lin Lan suddenly stepped forward using his W4(LeBlanc)Distortion: LeBlanc dashes to a location, dealing 75/115/145/195/235 (+75% bonus Ability Power) magic damage to enemies near her destination.
For the next 4 seconds, activate Distortion again to return LeBlanc to her starting location. ability, landed two basic attacks, and then retreated, executing a quick combo that dealt a quarter of Qi Mo’s health.
Qi Mo: !!!
Such a swift combo!
LeBlanc’s W has two segments.
The first segment involves a swift step forward, causing damage to those around upon landing. The second segment allows her to instantly return to the original position if the W ability is pressed again within 4 seconds.
The mechanics were correct, but the peculiar aspect was that Lin Lan managed to land two basic attacks, precisely executing the electric shock ability.
At level 1, it’s challenging for LeBlanc to trigger the electric shock effect. It requires successfully landing the W, followed by two basic attacks. Since LeBlanc’s attack speed isn’t high, by the time she stepped forward with W to perform the first basic attack, Qi Mo had already retreated. In theory, this should have interrupted Lin Lan’s second basic attack, but unexpectedly, Lin Lan managed to execute it and smoothly return with the second segment of W.
Qi Mo was confident in his reaction speed. He believed he could cancel the second basic attack, and Lin Lan successfully landing it indicated that he didn’t have the “Natural Force” talent but opted for attack speed.
The commentators on stage also analyzed it this way, thinking that Lin Lan should have brought attack speed. However, their colleague corrected them, “Kiner didn’t bring attack speed; he brought Natural Force, just checked his runes.”
The commentator who made the mistake quickly apologized, “Sorry, my bad, misspoke.”
Qi Mo clicked on Lin Lan’s attributes and found that Lin Lan’s attack speed was normal, indicating that he hadn’t brought any extra attack speed. Then why could he manage to land an additional basic attack?
A sudden chill enveloped Qi Mo’s heart.
He couldn’t fathom how fast Lin Lan’s hands were. It surpassed his understanding of human limits…
The fans in the barrage couldn’t comprehend the disparity. They believed that LeBlanc had the advantage of longer reach, and it was normal for Qi Mo to suffer a bit. They remained optimistic, thinking he could come back in the later stages.
However, the real-time Qi Mo in front of the screen furrowed his brows tighter and tighter. When Lin Lan made his move just now, Qi Mo didn’t sense any killing intent from him. It was as casual as eating and drinking, without any openings…
Was this normal?
At that moment, Lin Lan reached level 2.
Qi Mo’s nerves were stretched to the limit. He knew Lin Lan was about to strike!
But gripping the mouse tightly, he waited for 1 second, 2 seconds, and Lin Lan showed no signs of making a move. Qi Mo thought it was safe, and he took half a step forward, planning to use Q5(Zed)Razor Shuriken: Zed and his shadows throw their shurikens, each dealing 70/105/140/175/210 (+110% bonus Attack Damage) physical damage to the first enemy they pass through, and 48/69/90/110/132 (+54% bonus Attack Damage) physical damage to each additional enemy. to finish off a minion and reach level 2.
Just as he threw the dart forward, the controlled hero would randomly tilt forward. In that split second of vulnerability, Lin Lan suddenly stepped forward using W. Although he didn’t hit him, he managed to land A-Q-A, triggering Thunderlord’s Decree.
At that moment, Qi Mo reacted exceptionally quickly. He instantly leveled up to 2 and learned W to dodge backward. But Lin Lan’s second basic attack still came out!
Again, the same situation!
Clearly, without bringing extra attack speed, he could land two basic attacks!
It wasn’t just the pressure in terms of gameplay; there was also a psychological aspect. Lin Lan intentionally provided himself a distance where W wouldn’t connect, perfectly concealing his killing intent. It was as if he had sharpened the knife and was now ready to strike…
This didn’t resemble the playstyle of a newcomer but rather that of an experienced old hunter!
Yes, a hunter.
Qi Mo felt like he was prey in his eyes.
In an instant, the arena expanded infinitely, becoming boundless, surrounded by pitch darkness. In the center of it all, Qi Mo felt himself shrinking infinitely, and above him was Lin Lan, seemingly lazy but actually toying with his prey.
This, this sense of oppression!
This kind of feeling, he would only experience it when facing those high-end professional players during the World Championship. He never expected to feel it in front of a newcomer…
Qi Mo’s health was only half remaining, and he had to gulp down a health potion.
If this continued, he wouldn’t be able to hold his ground in the lane; he had to come up with a plan.
Seeing Qi Mo consume a health potion, the audience also realized that something was amiss.
Typically, players only use their sole health potion when preparing to engage or when sensing danger.
Could it be that Qi Mo was about to make a move?
Cornered by his opponents, Qi Mo knew he had only one way out—landing a double Q on Lin Lan.
He concentrated his mental strength, trying to shake off Lin Lan’s oppressive aura, attempting to anticipate Lin Lan’s movements and find openings. His eyes could discern the subtle changes in the opponent’s positioning, analyzing the next moves after each step—what many would call god-tier prediction.
Just as he was about to unravel Lin Lan’s intentions, Lin Lan suddenly executed a movement that Lader couldn’t comprehend, stepping forward with W.
Qi Mo was already on guard. The moment Lin Lan initiated W, Qi Mo W’d to the position Lin Lan occupied before, exchanging places with each other!
Lin Lan’s landing spot was now in front of Qi Mo’s shadow, meaning Lin Lan was currently positioned between Zed and his shadow!
Zed’s W is similar to Ahri’s Spirit Rush but with a difference. After the displacement, Zed leaves a shadow at the original location, and this shadow mimics the same abilities as the real Zed.
To explain with Q’s shuriken, as long as the enemy is within the attack range of both the real and shadow Zed, both entities will simultaneously unleash the Q ability—a move commonly referred to as “double Q,” with a damage output even more formidable than the combo executed by Ahri for Electrocute!
Trapped between the real Zed and his shadow, Lin Lan resembled a live target about to be hit by Qi Mo’s double Q!
Seemingly unperturbed, Lin Lan landed a basic attack on Qi Mo. Just as the double Q was about to connect, Lin Lan suddenly pressed the second cast of W, returning to the original position and delivering another basic attack.
Boom! The electrocute was triggered once again!
Qi Mo’s health, just replenished with a health potion, plummeted instantly!
While Qi Mo’s double Q missed Lin Lan entirely, only landing a single basic attack, Lin Lan’s health remained robust, allowing him to chase down Qi Mo.
Qi Mo had no choice but to trigger the W6(Zed)Living Shadow: Passive: Whenever Zed and his shadows strike an enemy with the same ability, Zed gains 30/35/40/45/50 energy. Energy can only be gained once per cast ability.
Active: Zed’s shadow dashes forward, remaining in place for 5.25 seconds. Reactivating Living Shadow will cause Zed to switch positions with this shadow. ability once again, returning to the shadow’s location and retreating to a safe zone.
The audience expressed disbelief. In that short exchange, lasting less than 2 seconds, both sides seamlessly exchanged positions, showcasing a series of maneuvers reminiscent of top-tier professional players!
Especially noteworthy was Qi Mo’s showcased double Q, known as the diagonal double Q. He flawlessly sealed off all of Lin Lan’s potential escapes, calculating every possibility. Even if Lin Lan could return, he would undoubtedly take damage!
This was Qi Mo’s signature move, his claim to fame. However, Lin Lan actually evaded it?
Qi Mo furrowed his brow once again, uncertain whether he had misjudged the situation. The double Q Lin Lan dodged was supposedly unavoidable, yet he hadn’t taken any damage.
In the intricate duel between masters, ordinary viewers couldn’t comprehend the intricacies. They only knew that Qi Mo was at a disadvantage but were unaware of the reasons behind it.
The commentators were equally perplexed. They recognized Lin Lan had avoided the double Q but remained clueless as to how he managed to do so.
In front of the screen, many professional players were watching this match. Someone exclaimed, “Hmm, this LeBlanc seems a bit mysterious.”
“What’s mysterious about it?”
“Look at the starting position of Qi Mo’s double Q. He has already sealed off Lin Lan’s retreat. In other words, whether Lin Lan goes back or not, he is bound to take damage. This is a superb move by Qi Mo when playing Zed, known as the diagonal double Q. Many professional players on the field can’t deal with it. I’ve even studied it specifically, and even LeBlanc shouldn’t be able to dodge it.”
But why could Lin Lan evade it?
Qi Mo also wanted to know; the previous exchange happened too quickly for him to see clearly!
Lin Lan reached level 3 and unleashed another combo, but Qi Mo was cautious. Lin Lan only landed a W-Q-A, but the damage was still considerable. Qi Mo’s health remained consistently below half.
In the intense back-and-forth, Lin Lan quickly secured level 4 by clearing the nearby minions. It sent a dangerous signal. Qi Mo, still immersed in the previous skirmish, found himself face-to-face with Lin Lan again!
Qi Mo’s health kept dropping rapidly, and he couldn’t sustain the fight. Just as he was preparing to retreat, unexpectedly, LeBlanc tanked the turret!
The damage from the turret in the early game is terrifying. With LeBlanc taking turret shots, Qi Mo’s damage was more than enough to finish him off!
The fans’ hearts suddenly tightened. How did Lin Lan make such a mistake?
Qi Mo once again used his mobility to reposition himself with Lin Lan, applied Ignite, and executed the diagonal double Q to lock Lin Lan’s position. As long as Lin Lan got hit by the double Q, he was bound to die!
Just when everyone thought Lin Lan was doomed, he employed the exact same strategy as the previous exchange, W-ing back to his original position and avoiding the damage once again!
It felt like he vanished from the map out of thin air!
Qi Mo’s heart suddenly chilled. Even with his quickest attempt to return to his original position, Lin Lan managed to land a W-Q-A, applying Ignite. Qi Mo had no potions left and succumbed to the damage, collapsing under the turret with a thunderous crash…
First Blood!
A wave of astonishment swept through the audience.
Everyone’s expressions were incredulous.
Did someone just solo kill Qi Mo at level 4?
The other eight players on the field were equally surprised. At first glance, it seemed like Lin Lan had been killed, but upon closer inspection, it was actually LeBlanc who had solo killed Zed.
Qi Mo was the top mid-laner in the LPL, a prominent figure among players in the league, considered rock-solid even in the World Championship—a man believed never to make mistakes.
In reality, Qi Mo had not made any mistakes.
According to his planned strategy, Lin Lan should have been a dead man by now. The diagonal double Q he executed earlier, with its tricky angle, formed a large “X”. Regardless of the direction Lin Lan moved, he would take damage. Lin Lan, positioned at the center of the X, should not have been able to escape!
Moreover, Qi Mo deliberately adjusted the landing point of Q to where Lin Lan would retreat. Even if Lin Lan’s reaction time was fast enough to W away, he should still have taken some damage!
But he didn’t take any at all!
How did he manage to do this?
The screen replayed the detailed moments of Lin Lan solo killing Qi Mo just now, showing that Qi Mo had made no mistakes throughout. His diagonal double Q formed a web, enveloping Lin Lan within it.
The next moment, LeBlanc disappeared and returned to the original position, and his health on the line did not decrease!
How was this possible?
LeBlanc disappearing out of thin air?
In front of the screen, a LeBlanc enthusiast who had carefully studied the mechanics adjusted the glasses on their nose. “LeBlanc’s second activation can make her disappear on the map for 0.2 seconds.”
In fact, the mechanics of LeBlanc’s second W are different from the first.
The first part clearly shows LeBlanc stepping forward, and during this process, her entity is visible and susceptible to damage.
However, the second activation allows LeBlanc to vanish on the spot, instantly returning to the starting position.
This “instant” is not truly instant, but has a 0.2-second interval. If you go through the frames of the video of LeBlanc’s second activation, you will find that within these 0.2 seconds, LeBlanc completely disappears from the map!
Lin Lan precisely utilized the limit of these 0.2 seconds to dodge Zed’s skills!
No matter how skilled Zed is, how precise he is with positioning and angles, he cannot damage a LeBlanc that has disappeared from the map!
This is the key point that allowed Lin Lan to evade Zed’s ultimate move.
The current Zed is still unaware of how Lin Lan managed to dodge. 0.2 seconds have exceeded the limit that the human eye can perceive, and even if perceived, the brain cannot make a judgment.
He is unaware of Lin Lan’s extraordinary talent, which lies in these 0.2 seconds.
Lin Lan’s eyes have been different from ordinary people since childhood, capable of capturing things faster than an average person, known as dynamic vision.
This ability allows him to perceive extremely subtle changes in the game, even surpassing the limits of the game mechanics. It is the fundamental reason he stands undefeated in the game.
In the original world, even if his eyes were damaged, he could capture information within 0.3 seconds. This speed was enough to outclass various world-class mid-laners.
In this new world, Lin Lan’s eyes remain undamaged, still functioning within the 0.2-second range.
Lin Lan stares intently at the screen, the radiance falling into his pupils like an endless ocean, rendering any technique powerless before him.
