Mao Zhong clasped his hands behind his back and looked up at the scroll suspended in midair, his voice deepening:
"This city is called Iron Transformation City."
"It has thirteen thousand inhabitants."
"Mountains surround it on all four sides. Their rock is as hard as iron, and even birds struggle to cross them. The basin is rich in resources and entirely self-sufficient."
"For generations, the people here have worshipped these four black mountains as gods, offering prayers day and night. Few outsiders ever come here, and those who do can never leave."
He paused.
Sha Wujing's brow darkened as he looked at the scroll. The mountains on all four sides resembled four pitch-black iron walls, weighing heavily around the plain. Clouds and mist shrouded their heights year-round, concealing both their summits and whatever lay beyond those cliffs.
Mao Zhong continued:
"But they do not know that beyond these mountains lies the vast ocean."
"In three days, these four black mountains will collapse, one after another. Seawater will pour through the gaps and engulf the entire basin."
"When that happens, floodwaters will tower to the heavens, all life will vanish, and this place will become an expanse of ocean."
Mao Zhong looked at Sha Wujing, his tone utterly level:
"The rules of this contest are quite simple."
"Within those three days, you may use your magic and supernatural powers as you please."
"As long as you save the people and preserve their lives, you win."
He lightly tapped the empty air beside him with the end of his feather fan.
"If you cannot save them, then this humble Daoist wins."
Below the arena, not a peep could be heard.
In the western stands, Bajie's mouth fell open. His little eyes went perfectly round, and he sucked in a cold breath,