Chapter 86: The Final Clash

The atmosphere in the volcanic arena was electric. The crowd leaned forward, breaths held in anticipation of the epic battle. Lin Tian stood tall, Yuefeng at his side, while Zhao Wei exuded confidence, his Crimson Flame Drake roaring ferociously.

"Lin Tian," Zhao Wei sneered, "you've made it far, but this is where your journey ends. No beast of yours can match the might of my Flame Drake."

Lin Tian's gaze was steady. "Strength alone doesn't win battles. Let's see if you're prepared to face a true bond between tamer and beast."

Opening Moves

The match began with an explosive roar. The Crimson Flame Drake lunged forward, spewing molten fire that turned the arena's rocky surface into a boiling sea of lava. Yuefeng leapt gracefully, its movements fluid like a shadow dancing through chaos.

Zhao Wei smirked. "Dodging won't save you forever."

The Flame Drake unleashed a barrage of flaming meteors, forcing Yuefeng to weave through the onslaught. Lin Tian's calm voice echoed across their bond.

"Yuefeng, use the terrain. Outmaneuver it."

Yuefeng darted across the jagged cliffs, its dark fur glowing faintly as it absorbed energy from the shadows. Suddenly, it counterattacked with a surge of Shadow Bind, tendrils of darkness snaking out to ensnare the Drake.

Zhao Wei's eyes narrowed. "Impressive, but not enough! Break free, Crimson!"

The Drake roared, its flames intensifying as it shattered the binds. The heat warped the air, and the audience shielded their eyes from the intensity.

Strategic Counterattack

Lin Tian's mind raced. The Flame Drake's power was overwhelming, but its sheer aggression left openings. He needed to exploit its weaknesses.

"Yuefeng, focus on precision. Use Moonlight Slash!"

Yuefeng howled, its claws glowing with lunar energy. It dashed forward, slicing through the Drake's fiery shield and leaving a gash across its scales.

Zhao Wei growled. "You'll pay for that! Crimson, unleash Inferno Tempest!"

The arena erupted into a storm of flames, consuming everything in its path. Yuefeng barely managed to evade, but Lin Tian felt the pressure mounting.

Unleashing Yuefeng's Potential

Lin Tian closed his eyes, focusing on the connection he shared with Yuefeng. The bond between them pulsed with energy, resonating with the Pocket World's power.

"It's time to show them our true strength," Lin Tian said softly. "Let's ascend."

Yuefeng howled, its body glowing with an ethereal light. The energy of the Pocket World surged into it, triggering its evolution. The audience gasped as Yuefeng transformed, its form becoming larger and more majestic, its dark fur shimmering like starlight.

The newly evolved Celestial Shadow Wolf stood tall, its aura overwhelming the Crimson Flame Drake.

Zhao Wei stumbled back, disbelief etched on his face. "What... how is that possible?"

The Final Strike

Zhao Wei roared, "Crimson, give it everything you've got! Blazing Dragon Strike!"

The Flame Drake summoned a colossal dragon-shaped flame, hurtling it toward Yuefeng. The attack was destructive enough to make the arena tremble.

Lin Tian raised his hand. "Yuefeng, Lunar Eclipse Fang!"

Yuefeng leapt into the air, its body enveloped in a swirling vortex of moonlight and shadows. It collided with the dragon flame, the impact creating a blinding explosion that shook the coliseum.

When the dust settled, Yuefeng stood victorious, its claws resting on the defeated Flame Drake.

The crowd erupted into deafening cheers. Lin Tian had won.

A New Threat Emerges

Before Lin Tian could celebrate, a sudden darkness descended over the arena. The air grew cold, and a sinister figure cloaked in black appeared at the edge of the platform.

"Well done, Lin Tian," the figure said, his voice dripping with malice. "But your journey has only just begun."

Lin Tian's eyes narrowed. "Who are you?"

The figure chuckled. "A messenger of the dark faction. You've proven yourself worthy, but don't think your victory here means anything. The Heavenly Beast Core belongs to us."

The figure raised his hand, and the core, still sealed in its pedestal, began to tremble. Lin Tian and Yuefeng tensed, ready to act.

A Fierce Battle

The figure summoned a monstrous shadow beast, its form writhing with dark energy. Lin Tian stepped forward, Yuefeng growling protectively at his side.

"This is no longer a tournament," Lin Tian said. "If you want the core, you'll have to go through me."

The chapter ends with Lin Tian and Yuefeng charging at the shadow beast, the fate of the Heavenly Beast Core hanging in the balance.

End of Chapter 86