Chapter 82: The Beast-Taming Tournament Begins

The sun rose over Glorious Dawn, illuminating the sprawling city in golden hues. The streets were alive with activity as tamers from all walks of life gathered for the Grand Beast-Taming Tournament, an event that promised glory and recognition to those who proved themselves.

Lin Tian and his companions made their way toward the massive Coliseum of Dawn, where the tournament was to be held. The structure was a marvel of craftsmanship, with towering walls adorned with carvings of legendary beasts and grand arches leading into the arena.

"This is it," Lin Tian said, his voice steady yet filled with anticipation. "Our first step toward making a name in this world."

Xiuying, in her elegant human form, glanced around at the other tamers. "It seems the competition will be fierce. Many of these people have strong beasts."

Ling'er, ever the optimist, giggled. "But none are as strong as us, right, Master?"

Yuefeng remained silent, her predatory gaze scanning the crowd for any potential threats. Mei Ling, who had decided to accompany them, smirked. "Don't underestimate anyone here. Some of these tamers have trained their beasts for years."

The Tournament Registration

At the registration booth, Lin Tian presented his token, which bore the mark of the Verdant Trial, proving his eligibility to participate. The attendant, an elderly man with sharp eyes, examined the token before nodding.

"Welcome to the Grand Beast-Taming Tournament," he said. "You'll be placed in the qualifying rounds. Only the top 16 tamers will proceed to the main event."

Lin Tian nodded. "Understood."

The attendant handed him a booklet containing the tournament rules and schedule. "Study this carefully. Breaking any rules could result in disqualification."

The Qualifying Rounds

The first stage of the tournament was held in smaller arenas surrounding the main coliseum. Each arena was a miniature battlefield, designed to test the tamers' skill, strategy, and the bond with their beasts.

Lin Tian's first opponent was a confident young man with a Crimson Fang Wolf, a mid-tier beast known for its speed and ferocity. The crowd cheered as the two tamers entered the arena, their beasts ready to fight.

"Don't think I'll go easy on you," the young man said, smirking.

Lin Tian remained calm, summoning Xiuying to the field. The crowd gasped as her majestic form materialized, her flames radiating an intimidating heat.

The battle began with the wolf charging forward, its fangs gleaming. But Xiuying was faster, taking to the skies and raining fire down on her opponent. Lin Tian directed her movements with precision, countering every attack with calculated strikes.

In a matter of minutes, the wolf was overwhelmed, and the young man conceded defeat.

"Winner: Lin Tian!" the announcer declared, the crowd erupting in cheers.

Challenges and Alliances

As the qualifying rounds progressed, Lin Tian faced a variety of opponents, each with their own unique beasts and strategies. Some battles were straightforward, while others forced him to think on his feet.

One notable match was against a cunning tamer who used a Mist Serpent, capable of creating illusions to confuse its enemies. Lin Tian relied on Yuefeng's sharp senses to locate the real serpent, securing another victory.

Between matches, Lin Tian's group mingled with other tamers. He noticed a few standout competitors, including:

Lu Zhen, a stoic man with a powerful Thunder Wyvern.

Qiao Mei, a spirited woman whose Frost Panther had incredible agility.

Jiang Wei, a mysterious figure with a masked face, whose Shadow Drake exuded a sinister aura.

Though they were potential rivals, Lin Tian couldn't help but respect their skills.

A Dangerous Encounter

One evening, as Lin Tian returned to the inn, he was approached by a cloaked figure. The stranger handed him a note before disappearing into the crowd.

Opening it, Lin Tian read:

"Beware the shadows. Some seek more than victory in this tournament."

Lin Tian frowned, his mind racing. Was someone targeting him, or was this a general warning? Either way, he resolved to stay vigilant.

Advancing to the Main Event

After days of intense battles, Lin Tian stood among the 16 tamers who had qualified for the main event. The announcement was made in the grand coliseum, where the crowd roared in excitement.

The tournament's main event promised to be even more challenging, with larger battlefields, higher stakes, and tougher opponents.

As Lin Tian gazed at the coliseum's arena, he felt a surge of determination. This was more than just a competition—it was a stepping stone toward his ultimate goal.

"We've made it this far," he said to his companions. "Let's show them what we're capable of."

The group nodded, their resolve matching his own. The road ahead would be difficult, but Lin Tian was ready to face whatever challenges awaited.

End of Chapter 82