With no match involving Jiang Lu this time, her eyes were clear as she quietly watched the arena.
They silently observed the clashes and contests of the other Heavenly Prodigies, absorbing their combat experience.
For cultivators, this was a rare accumulation of experience, bringing nothing but benefits.
The atmosphere in the arena's waiting area had long since tightened to the extreme.
Dozens of Heavenly Prodigies awaiting battle stood around the area, their expressions varied and their auras utterly distinct.
Some sat quietly regulating their breathing, eyes closed as they rested their minds, their hearts still as water.
Some crossed their arms, their brows proud and haughty, their sharp edges wholly undisguised as they relied on their exceptional strength.
Some wore dark expressions as they secretly assessed the opponents around them, weighing the depth of each other's strength.
Though they were all geniuses of their generation, with temperaments far beyond ordinary people, a trace of tension and gravity lay hidden deep in every pair of eyes.
Just as the oppressive atmosphere throughout the venue reached its peak—
Boom—
A heavy, thunderous war drum suddenly exploded, shaking the entire Heaven-Shaking Beast Arena.
As the rolling drumbeat fell, the stands instantly went silent. Every gaze gathered upon the central arena, where a pin drop could be heard.
On the arena stage, Xiao Longfei's steady, resonant voice rang in every direction, carried by spiritual power:
"First round of the Prodigy Individual Tournament! Lin Zhixu of the Crimson Reed Domain versus Qin Che of the Ling Shuo Domain!"
The instant his words fell, Jiang Lu's eyes suddenly lit up, and she leaned forward slightly.
Lin Zhixu was at the fourth level of the Golden Core realm.
Qin Che was at the peak of the third level of the Golden Core realm.
The difference of one