"Next contender, Elder Juwang of the Iron Hide Sect."
An excited murmur spread through the stadium.
"Elder Juwang is fighting?"
"A Fifth Tribulation Stage elder. He has the strongest defense in the Iron Hide Sect."
"He is from the same sect that hosted the tournament Cattaleya won."
"He can probably take Lin Mu's punch."
"He might even fight toe to toe with him."
Lin Mu lifted his gaze as a tall, mountain shouldered man stepped into the ring.
Elder Juwang wore dull gray armor made of Iron Hide Beetle Beast carapace, overlaid with sheets of metallic skin formed from his own defensive Qi. His body seemed like a fortress forged from ironplate and stone. His mere presence felt weighty. A quiet pressure emanated from him, as if a tangible wall stood in his wake.
He examined Lin Mu with calm eyes and cupped his fists.
"I greet you, Fellow Daoist. Allow this old one to test your mettle."
Lin Mu returned the gesture with respect, glad that the man carried himself with dignity.
