At the opposite end of the arena, a golden dragon cry split the air. Sparky swooped low, and Kent stepped down, his figure cloaked in calm indifference. The Heavenly Sword rested lazily across his shoulder, as though it weighed nothing at all. The air around him quivered with suppressed thunder, but his eyes were still and unreadable.
The crowd mocked, booed, shouted curses.
"Trickster! Cheat!"
"Let Shui Lan break his bones!"
"Bet your lives, Shui Lan will crush him in a single blow!"
But Kent did not move. His aura did not waver. He stood in silence, facing Shui Lan with the quiet patience of a predator waiting for the prey to draw close.
The remaining three contenders took their corners, each radiating killing intent.
Zhu Rong, wielder of the Infernal Staff, fire swirling in orbits around him.
Han Yu, swordswoman of the Thunder Valley, her twin blades already crackling.
Ming Tao, earth guardian, wrapped in thick plates of stone armor.
