Chapter 83: Unveiling Hidden Threats

The announcement of the main event qualifiers left the crowd buzzing with excitement. Lin Tian and his companions returned to the inn, their spirits high but their senses sharp. The mysterious warning from the cloaked figure weighed on Lin Tian's mind, though he kept it to himself for now.

As they settled into their room, Xiuying broke the silence. "Master, you've been quiet since we got back. Is something bothering you?"

Lin Tian glanced at her, his expression serious. "I received a warning. Someone might be targeting me during the tournament. I don't know who or why, but we need to stay alert."

Ling'er's playful demeanor shifted to concern. "Who would dare try something like that? You're not just strong—you're untouchable!"

Mei Ling crossed her arms, her expression thoughtful. "This tournament is a stage not just for skill, but for ambition. Some tamers might see you as a threat to their future."

Yuefeng growled softly, her beastly instincts sensing danger. "Whoever it is, they won't get past me."

A Whisper in the Shadows

Late that night, Lin Tian sat alone in the courtyard of the inn, meditating under the moonlight. The stillness of the night was interrupted by a faint rustling sound.

"Who's there?" he asked, his voice calm yet commanding.

A figure stepped out of the shadows—a masked tamer draped in a dark cloak. Lin Tian recognized him as Jiang Wei, one of the standout competitors.

"Relax," Jiang Wei said, his voice low and measured. "I'm not your enemy… yet."

"Then why are you sneaking around?" Lin Tian asked, his gaze steady.

Jiang Wei smirked beneath his mask. "I've been observing you. You're not like the others here. There's something… unusual about you. The way you command your beasts, the power they wield—it's almost unnatural."

Lin Tian said nothing, his silence prompting Jiang Wei to continue.

"There are whispers among the tamers," Jiang Wei said. "Rumors of a dark faction targeting competitors who show exceptional potential. They're not just after victory—they're after domination. If you're not careful, you'll become their next target."

Lin Tian narrowed his eyes. "Why are you telling me this?"

"Consider it a warning," Jiang Wei replied. "And perhaps… an opportunity. When the time comes, you might need an ally."

Before Lin Tian could respond, Jiang Wei vanished into the night, leaving him with more questions than answers.

The First Match of the Main Event

The next morning, the coliseum was packed to the brim with spectators eager to witness the main event. The energy was electric as the first matchups were announced.

Lin Tian's name was called, paired against Qiao Mei and her Frost Panther. The arena's battlefield shifted, creating a frozen tundra littered with icy obstacles.

As Lin Tian stepped onto the field, the crowd erupted in cheers. Across from him, Qiao Mei grinned confidently. "I've been waiting for this," she said. "Let's see if you're as strong as everyone says."

Lin Tian summoned Yuefeng, her sleek form blending seamlessly with the icy terrain. The battle began with Qiao Mei's Frost Panther darting between ice pillars, attempting to ambush Yuefeng with its superior speed.

But Lin Tian's bond with Yuefeng was unparalleled. With a single command, Yuefeng countered each attack, her claws slicing through the icy air with precision.

The turning point came when Yuefeng unleashed her Shadow Blizzard, a technique that combined her dark and icy elements. The Frost Panther was overwhelmed, forced to concede as Qiao Mei acknowledged Lin Tian's skill.

"Winner: Lin Tian!" the announcer declared, the crowd roaring in approval.

The Shadows Strike

After his victory, Lin Tian returned to his quarters to find a message scrawled on his door:

"Leave the tournament, or face the consequences."

Lin Tian tore the note down, his frustration mounting. "So, they've made their move," he muttered.

Xiuying appeared beside him, her fiery aura flaring. "Whoever they are, they'll regret challenging us."

Mei Ling frowned. "This isn't just about strength. They're trying to break your resolve. Don't let them."

Lin Tian nodded, his determination unwavering. "They've underestimated me. If they want a fight, I'll give them one."

A Secret Meeting

That night, Lin Tian called his companions together. "We need to prepare for more than just the tournament," he said. "If this dark faction is targeting me, they might go after you too."

Xiuying placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "We're not afraid, Master. We'll face whatever comes together."

Ling'er grinned mischievously. "Let them come. They'll see what happens when they mess with us."

As the group strategized, a knock at the door interrupted them. Opening it, Lin Tian found Lu Zhen, the stoic tamer with the Thunder Wyvern.

"I have information," Lu Zhen said, his tone grave. "About the faction targeting you. Meet me outside the city at midnight."

Though wary, Lin Tian agreed, sensing the importance of the meeting.

An Ambush

At midnight, Lin Tian and Xiuying met Lu Zhen at the designated location, a secluded clearing outside the city. But as soon as they arrived, they were surrounded by cloaked figures.

"Lu Zhen!" Lin Tian shouted, realizing the betrayal.

Lu Zhen smirked. "It's nothing personal. You're just in the way."

The cloaked figures summoned their beasts, a mix of dark and twisted creatures. But Lin Tian was ready.

"Xiuying, let's show them the power of a true bond," he said.

The battle was fierce, with Xiuying unleashing her fiery wrath against the shadowy beasts. Lin Tian's strategic commands turned the tide, forcing the ambushers to retreat.

As the last of them fled, Lin Tian turned to Lu Zhen, who lay defeated. "This is your only warning," Lin Tian said coldly. "Cross me again, and you won't walk away."

A Declaration of War

The ambush solidified Lin Tian's resolve. Returning to the city, he vowed to uncover the truth behind the dark faction and their motives.

"This isn't just a tournament anymore," he said to his companions. "It's a battle for our future. And we'll win."

End of Chapter 83