Just as the elder's booming voice declared, "Begin!" the entire arena erupted with energy. Dust whirled, mana surged, and killing intent flooded the battleground.
The nine opponents, their eyes burning with the shared intent to eliminate one man, rushed forward like a tidal wave. Their robes flared as spiritual energy poured into their bodies, and behind them surged a terrifying sight—sixty-six beasts of every race, size, and element.
The arena trembled under the stampede. Steel-scaled rhinoceroses, wind panthers, flame drakes, poison serpents, and ghostly crows charged together, their roars blending into a chaotic symphony of destruction. Each disciple had drawn upon their contracted pets, pouring their spirit-energy to empower them for this single strike.
The audience erupted into wild frenzy.
"There it is! Sixty-six beasts against one man—finish him!"
"That's my wealth right there! Crush him, or I'm ruined!"
