The third and final trial—the Survival Arena—had officially begun. One by one, the candidates were transported into their designated battlegrounds. The silence that followed their disappearance was quickly replaced by the roars of beasts, the flaring of auras, and the clangor of battle. This was not just a trial; it was war in miniature. A test of might, will, strategy, and bond.
In all five arenas, different groups of Tier 1 beasts emerged from magical portals, attacking in formation and coordinated waves. These creatures were no longer just wild—they were summoned and bound to fight, presenting a much tougher challenge. It was chaos by design, meant to test not only combat prowess but adaptability, spirit bond coordination, leadership under pressure, and mental fortitude.
Battle Arena 1
In Arena 1, the candidates of Group One were surrounded on all sides. Flaming hounds spat fireballs, wind wolves zipped through with impossible speed, and horned lizards unleashed stone spikes from their tails. Amid the chaos, Zhao Xiong stood tall, not with fear—but with exhilaration in his eyes.
"Young master, Lan Zhen isn't here. He landed in Group Four," one of Zhao Xiong's followers reminded him, slashing at a charging beast.
Zhao Xiong smirked. "We don't need to worry. I've already negotiated with 20 candidates in Arena Four to target that brat. As for Lei Wei, he's from the Lei Clan, same level as ours, so we leave him. But Lan Zhen? Let's see how long he lasts against beasts and twenty Level 10 Spirit-Forged Bond Masters."
As he spoke, Zhao Xiong unleashed his first bond skill—Flame King Roar. A fiery lion-shaped aura exploded from his chest, enveloping five Tier 1 beasts in a searing inferno. His followers followed suit, displaying combat skill and coordination that overwhelmed other candidates.
Battle Arena 3
From the observation platform high above, Tai Zhi and Long Yi monitored the five arenas, each shown on massive hovering screens of spirit energy.
Tai Zhi folded his arms, watching Zhao Xiong's rampage. "The Zhao Clan truly deserves its reputation. Zhao Xiong alone has taken down five opponents and four beasts already."
He turned to Long Yi, who wasn't even looking at Arena 1.
"Long Yi? What are you watching now?"
Her attention was focused on Arena 3. "Shi Feng and Bing Queer. Watch their cooperation. Bing Queer's frost barriers form tight defense walls, and Shi Feng's Terror Claw technique strikes with deadly precision. Ice Bear and Terror Bear—an ideal combination of defense and offense."
Tai Zhi turned his gaze and nodded. "They've already eliminated eight candidates and seven Tier 1 beasts. Their synergy is impressive."
Battle Arena 2
Meanwhile, Arena 2 was glowing with flames, thunder, and ice. Gu Na'er was engaged in combat with two Spirit-Forged opponents, her expression calm but intense. She leapt into the air, her arms wide.
"Fire-Ice Phoenix Wings!"
A pair of majestic wings unfurled behind her—one of blazing flame, the other of glistening frost. She spun through the air like a dancer of destruction. One enemy was immediately frozen, encased in crystal blue ice. The other screamed as flames engulfed him, collapsing into unconsciousness.
Zhao Li, hiding in the shadows, watched with wide eyes. "She's too strong… dual-attribute Phoenix bond? I need a plan. If I can't hurt her directly, maybe I can manipulate the situation."
Across the arena, Yu Xiaotao was soaring through the air, lightning trailing her every movement. Her Thunder Phoenix wings crackled as she blasted opponents with bolts of spiritual energy. She had already defeated several beasts and two candidates.
Zhao Li saw his opportunity. He approached.
"Hey, Yu Xiaotao!"
She turned slowly, her eyes narrowing. "You again? What is it now?"
"You were on our team during the second trial. Help me. See that silver-haired girl? That's Gu Na'er. Young master Zhao Xiong ordered me to injure her. I can't do it alone. You should be honored to assist a Zhao Clan member."
Xiaotao's eyes turned cold. "No. I don't care about your clan. I never wanted to be part of your schemes. I regret being on your team at all."
Zhao Li's tone darkened. "Big mistake. We can destroy your entire family in hours. You're already weakened. I'll crush you right here."
Xiaotao's wings flared, but she stumbled. Her previous fights had drained her. Zhao Li lunged forward, his fist blazing—
—but his attack never landed.
A red and blue blur intercepted him. Phoenix wings shimmered as Gu Na'er shielded Xiaotao.
"You want to bully people when they're weak? Disgusting," she snapped.
Na'er flung Zhao Li backward, helping Xiaotao up. "Don't worry. I've got you. He won't lay a finger on you again."
Zhao Li roared. "You dare—! I'm from the Zhao Clan!"
Na'er's aura surged. Her silver eyes gleamed with fury. "I don't care. Try touching her again. I dare you."
Zhao Li raised his bond aura—but before he could act, Na'er shot forward. Her wing slammed into his side, hurling him across the arena.
Xiaotao gasped. "You really are amazing... dual-attribute Phoenix!"
She clutched Na'er's hand. "My bond is Thunder Phoenix! I've never met someone with a Phoenix bond too!"
Na'er smiled shyly. "Thanks. I'm happy to meet you too."
As they chatted briefly, Zhao Li groaned and stood up. But instead of attacking, he laughed.
"So what? You win here. But I wonder—will your precious Lan Zhen survive Arena 4?"
Xiaotao blinked. "Lan… Zhen?"
She turned to Na'er, who now looked furious. Her wings trembled with rage.
Na'er stepped forward, the air growing heavy. Her aura erupted like a tidal wave.
"What did you say? You… planned to hurt Zhen?"
Zhao Li paled. "Stay back! I'm from the Zhao Clan! Don't you dare—"
Before he could finish, Na'er struck him again, harder. He hit the ground and didn't get back up.
Xiaotao helped steady her. "Na'er, can I ask something?"
Na'er chuckled breathlessly. "Of course."
"Who's Lan Zhen?"
Na'er touched her chest, her eyes soft. "Someone who is very dear to me. He's a Dragon Bond user… fighting in Arena Four."
Xiaotao whispered, "Dragon Bond… and Arena Four."
She smiled, her heart stirred. "I hope he's okay."
Na'er nodded. "He will be. He has to be."
The two Phoenix-bonded girls stood together, their wings spread against the coming wave of beasts.
From above, Tai Zhi watched in silence.
Long Yi smirked. "Didn't I tell you? That girl, Gu Na'er, will become powerful enough to protect what she loves. She's not just strong—she's determined. And Lan Zhen… is everything to her."
Tai Zhi nodded. "Let's see if that fire keeps burning."
The trial continued, with more battles ahead…