Chapter 84: Rising Tensions

The day following the ambush was tense. Though Lin Tian and his companions had thwarted the attack, it was clear the dark faction wasn't done. The note on his door, the betrayal by Lu Zhen, and the shadowy beasts—they all pointed to something far more sinister than a mere rivalry among tamers.

As the group gathered in the inn's common area, Xiuying was the first to speak. "Master, we can't let this go unanswered. If they think they can intimidate us, they're wrong."

Mei Ling nodded in agreement. "But we need more information. If this faction is as dangerous as it seems, charging in blindly could backfire."

Lin Tian's gaze was steely. "Agreed. We need to strike, but only when we're ready. For now, we focus on the tournament. Winning here will strengthen our position and give us the allies we need to face them head-on."

Ling'er smirked, her playful nature hiding a dangerous edge. "Then let's make sure everyone knows not to mess with us. What's next, Master?"

The Tournament Continues

The coliseum was packed once again as the next round of battles began. The tension in the air was palpable, as rumors of the dark faction's interference spread among the competitors.

Lin Tian's next match was against a tamer named Feng Lan, a powerful beast user with a legendary-grade Storm Falcon. The battlefield shifted to a wind-swept plateau, where the Falcon's speed and agility would give it an advantage.

Feng Lan smirked as he called out his beast. "You've been making waves, Lin Tian. Let's see if you can keep up with us."

Lin Tian summoned Yuefeng, her dark fur shimmering as she crouched low, ready to strike. "Yuefeng, let's show them our bond."

The battle was intense, with the Storm Falcon diving and weaving through the air, its wind-based attacks creating deadly tornadoes. But Lin Tian's tactical mind and Yuefeng's agility turned the tide. Using a combination of Shadow Mirage and Icy Shroud, Yuefeng trapped the Falcon, forcing it to yield.

The crowd erupted in cheers as the announcer declared Lin Tian the winner.

A Shadow in the Crowd

As Lin Tian left the arena, he noticed a figure watching him from the stands. Cloaked in black, their face was obscured, but the aura they emitted was unmistakably hostile. Lin Tian's eyes narrowed.

"Did you see that?" he asked Xiuying, who had been following him.

She nodded, her hand resting on her weapon. "They're not even trying to hide anymore. Should we confront them?"

Lin Tian shook his head. "Not yet. Let them think they have the upper hand. We'll deal with them when the time is right."

An Unlikely Ally

Back at the inn, a knock at the door interrupted their discussion. Lin Tian opened it to find Chen Rui, a fellow competitor and known prodigy, standing there.

"What do you want?" Lin Tian asked, his tone cautious.

Chen Rui raised his hands in a gesture of peace. "Relax. I'm not here to fight. I want to talk."

Lin Tian stepped aside, letting him in. "Make it quick."

Chen Rui sat down, his expression serious. "I've been hearing things—about you and about the faction targeting you. They're not just after you because you're strong. They see you as a threat to their plans."

Lin Tian's interest piqued. "What plans?"

Chen Rui hesitated before answering. "They want to control the outcome of the tournament. But it's more than that. They're looking for something… something ancient. I don't know all the details, but it's tied to the tournament's final prize."

"The Heavenly Beast Core," Mei Ling said, her eyes widening.

Chen Rui nodded. "Exactly. That core isn't just a trophy—it's a key to unlocking a forbidden power. And they'll do anything to get it."

Preparations for the Final Rounds

Lin Tian and his companions spent the rest of the day preparing for the final rounds of the tournament. With Chen Rui's warning in mind, they knew the stakes were higher than ever.

Xiuying sharpened her weapon while Ling'er and Yuefeng trained together, perfecting their synchronized attacks. Mei Ling worked on defensive formations, ensuring the group would be ready for any ambushes.

Meanwhile, Lin Tian meditated in the Pocket World, communing with his beasts and strategizing for the battles ahead. The ancient tree in the center of the island seemed to hum with energy, as if sensing the coming storm.

The Calm Before the Storm

As night fell, the group gathered in the inn's courtyard, the weight of the day's revelations hanging over them.

"We're not just fighting for ourselves anymore," Lin Tian said. "If what Chen Rui said is true, then this tournament is part of something much bigger. We have to win—not just for the prize, but to stop whatever they're planning."

Xiuying placed a hand on his shoulder. "We're with you, Master. No matter what."

Ling'er grinned. "Let them come. They'll regret ever crossing us."

Mei Ling nodded, her gaze resolute. "Together, we'll face whatever comes."

As the moon rose high in the sky, Lin Tian looked out into the distance, his resolve stronger than ever. The tournament was no longer just a competition—it was a battlefield where the fate of countless lives would be decided.

End of Chapter 84