The ancient sealing barrier around the Willow Garden suddenly hummed with a deep mechanical sound. Runes lit up across the massive formation pillars as the entire barrier began to dissolve like melting ice.
A loud, emotionless voice echoed across every corner of the garden.
"The Willow Garden Hunt has ended. All disciples, return to the exit immediately."
The announcement hit like a thunderclap. Every participant still inside froze for a second before scrambling toward the exit. No one dared linger. All of them were surprised, knowing there was probably a lot of time before the hunt ended.
However, since the mechanical voice announced, they didn't dare to linger anymore.
Outside, on the massive spectator platforms, the crowd erupted into confused chatter.
"What the hell? It's barely been a few hours!"
" Something happened inside? Damn it, some of the water curtains were broken!"
" Refund money! Refund money!"
"Something's fishy… the elders look way too tense."
