"Let the draw begin."
As everyone's thoughts raced, the draw began again.
At the sound of that voice, everyone grew tense once more.
Whose turn would it be this round?
They all waited in silence.
It felt like a condemned prisoner waiting to be led to the execution ground.
Come to think of it, that image was rather apt.
Though not entirely.
"The draw is complete."
"Next match: number eighteen."
As the words rang out, everyone watched intently.
They wanted to see who number eighteen was.
To prevent the Chaos Ancient Clan from targeting them, none of them told the others their numbers.
Their identities would only be revealed when they stepped onto the Arena.
Otherwise, if word got out and the Chaos Ancient Clan identified each of them, what would stop it from preparing countermeasures in advance?
Everyone standing here was clever, and cautious too.
After all, they had no choice but to be cautious.
A single careless step could lead straight to death.
"I'm number eighteen."
"Everyone, watch this match closely. Watch how I win, and how easily I slaughter the Chaos Ancient Clan."
A red-haired young man strode out of the crowd, his face brimming with confidence.
Red hair fell over his shoulders, and even his clothes were red.
Red runes covered both his arms.
"I'm sure you all know me. If you don't, that's fine too."
"Allow me to introduce myself. Yan Wuji of the Heavenly Fire Sect."
"Consider us friends."
With that, Yan Wuji waved to the crowd and headed toward the Arena with a confident smile.
"Tch. The other side sent some wet-behind-the-ears brat."
"Wrong. A red-haired brat."
"Close enough."
On the Chaos Ancient Clan's side,
one of its contestants gave a soft chuckle as he watched Yan Wuji on the Arena.
"Don't underestimate