Then—
Chaos.
"What is that?!"
"A barrier formation?! Who activated it?!"
The crowd erupted as cultivators and spectators alike turned toward the golden dome above them, its golden surface shining brightly.
Huo Jian's grin faded, his brows narrowing as he looked upwards.
"Monster horde…" he muttered.
Across the lanes, Guo Ren had already gone still, his expression dark as he stared at the barrier.
Wu Zhe remained where he stood.
His gaze lifted.
Xu Shazi took a step back, unease creeping into his voice. "M-Master… this… it's a monster horde."
Wu Zhe frowned faintly.
"What is that?"
Before Xu Shazi could respond—
A sharp shout cut through the noise.
"Make way!"
Several armored cultivators surged forward from the inner gates, their robes marked with intricate symbols. Their expressions were tight, urgent.
"Clear the grounds! All able cultivators move to the outer gates!" one of them shouted.
Another leapt onto a raised platform, his voice amplified through qi.
