He wasn't the only one stunned. The moment the dark red crystal ball surfaced, ripples of unease spread through the crowd.
Those who recognized its true nature inhaled sharply, their gazes flickering with a mix of apprehension and disbelief.
Xu Fang's move had clearly crossed a line. Even those who barely cared for Lu Zhaoyou's fate found themselves unsettled.
This was no longer just a test of skill or dominance—it was a declaration of intent.
Within the halo, Lu Zhaoyou felt a faint chill creep into his bones.
A deep sense of foreboding settled over him as he studied the Restriction Pearl in Xu Fang's grasp.
He might not know the specifics, but his instincts screamed that this was a threat he couldn't afford to ignore.
Zhou Mei, on the other hand, had no idea what the orb was, yet the sight of it made her heart pound erratically.