The arena's lighting dimmed, and a single beam of light illuminated the center as a booming voice echoed throughout the stands.
"Ladies and gentlemen, warriors and spectators of the Tower!" the announcer's voice roared, amplified by unseen magic. "Today, we witness a clash between the young prodigy who has taken the tower by storm and an ancient beast of unyielding might. In one corner, we have the Sand Crocodile—on the brink of the resonance realm, a monster feared for its impenetrable hide and resistance to the elements!"
The crowd murmured in awe as the massive gate on one end of the arena slowly opened, revealing the hulking figure of the Sand Crocodile. It stomped forward, its thick, armored scales reflecting the dim light, its long tail dragging behind it like a whip ready to strike. Its menacing roar filled the arena, sending chills down the spines of even the most seasoned fighters in the audience.
"And now," the announcer continued, his voice rising in excitement. "In the other corner, returning to the arena after two weeks, the one you've all been waiting for—Huang, the super rookie! The archer who fought veterans, the strategist who never backs down!"
The gates on the opposite side of the arena creaked open, and Yan Jin emerged. Unlike many fighters who might play to the crowd or enter with a show of bravado, he walked in with calm, focused steps. There were no flashy gestures, no dramatic flourishes. He simply held his bow in hand, his eyes locked on his opponent.
His eyeless mask, as stoic as ever, bore the same blank expression that had become his trademark.
Whispers rippled through the crowd as they noticed his calm demeanor, his refusal to give in to theatrics.
"He's not here to show off, today" one spectator muttered.
Without acknowledging the crowd, Yan Jin stepped into the center of the arena, facing the hulking Sand Crocodile. The stark contrast between the beast's immense size and Yan Jin's lean, controlled form was a striking image. The young archer took a deep breath, rolling his shoulders to ease the tension. His hand tightened on his bowstring as he surveyed his opponent.
The crowd, sensing the gravity of the moment, fell into a hushed silence. All eyes were on Yan Jin as the announcer's voice rang out one last time:
"Let the battle begin!"
As the restraints on the Sand Crocodile were released, it slithered forward with a menacing intent, its armored body scraping against the sandy floor of the arena. Each movement reverberated through the stands, its jaws snapping menacingly, as if sensing the challenge that lay before it.
The arrow broke through the wall, heading straight for the VIP section where none other than Nie Yang sat, watching the match with an air of superiority.
Time seemed to slow as the beam hurtled toward him, its spiraling energy cutting through the air with a deadly hum.
Nie Yang, sensing the impending threat, appeared in an instant, raising his hand to intercept the powerful attack. His imperial bloodline flared to life, and the majestic aura of the regal golden lion materialized behind him. The ethereal beast roared, shaking the entire arena as its immense presence clashed with Yan Jin's spiraling energy arrow.
Sparks erupted in all directions, lighting up the arena as the two forces collided. The crowd, frozen in awe and fear, watched as Nie Yang struggled to hold back the destructive force. He frowned, surprised by the sheer strength of the attack. It was far beyond what he had expected from someone still on the lower floors.
Realizing he couldn't hold back, he pushed harder, exerting more of his imperial bloodline's power, forcing the arrow to slow.
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity of struggle, the spinning energy of the arrow dissipated, and the celestial projectile flew back toward Yan Jin. It landed gracefully in his outstretched palm, leaving the arena in silence.
Nie Yang sneered, locking eyes with Yan Jin's figure across the arena, his golden aura still shimmering with dominance. But just as he began to turn away, a voice echoed in his mind, chilling and calm:
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"I will be coming for you. Soon."
He froze for a brief moment, his sneer fading. Raising his hand to inspect it, his eyes narrowed in disbelief. There, on his palm, was a small but unmistakable cut—a cut that shouldn't have been possible. As an imperial bloodline holder, with the power of a golden lion, his body was nearly impervious. Yet Yan Jin's attack had breached his defenses.
It was a declaration of war.
The spectators, unaware of the mental exchange and Nie Yang's silent shock, erupted into a frenzy, oblivious to the tension brewing between the two.