The elder's voice once again echoed across the arena as the first round ended and the next phase began.

"Participants, prepare for the second qualifier! This round will test your endurance and combat ability. Each arena will host a battle royale. Only the last forty standing from each platform will advance to the next stage!"

The crowd erupted in excitement. The air shook with energy as formations around each platform flared to life, creating shimmering barriers to prevent anyone from escaping—or dying too easily.

Tian Lei stood still as the rest of the participants readied their weapons. Across from him, cultivators from major sects exchanged knowing looks, their auras flaring with sharp intent.

"So, they're finally getting serious," he muttered.

"Begin!"

The signal came, and chaos exploded.

Dozens of combatants lunged at once, spells and blades filling the air. Firestorms collided with frost spears, lightning arced across the platform, and roars of spirit beasts echoed as one after another summoned their contracted partners.

Tian Lei stood in the middle of it all—calm, calculating. Then his aura pulsed. A faint, golden shimmer rippled across his body as a radiant outline of a majestic bird appeared behind him. Its wings spread wide, each feather burning with golden light.

Gasps rippled through the crowd.

"Is that his beast?!"

"Golden Sun Bird… impossible, that species went extinct centuries ago!"

Even the elders seated above leaned forward, eyes narrowing. One murmured to another, "A Domain-type beast. That explains it—his field ability was from his beast not an secret cultivation art. It's a beast-derived domain."

The spectral bird's cry rang out—a deep, echoing tone that shook the air. Golden flames burst outward from Tian Lei's body, sweeping across the arena like a wave.

"Golden Dominion Field—Resonance Mode."

The golden aura flared violently. Weapons melted midair, and weaker cultivators staggered as the gravity inside the domain increased sharply. Those who tried to resist found their movements slowed, their attacks dulled.

Tian Lei raised his hand. "Auric Tempest Slash."

Hundreds of golden blades materialized around him and shot forward like a storm. The platform flashed with blinding light—dozens of participants were thrown out instantly, crashing into the safety barriers.

Within minutes, half the contestants on his platform were gone.

In the viewing stands, sect elders and magi whispered among themselves, their expressions a mix of awe and intrigue.

"His control over that domain—flawless."

"And that coordination with his beast's projection… he's using a synchronized resonance skill."

"Who trained this boy? Independent or not, that's core disciple of some big sects level."

Meanwhile, Tian Lei fought like a golden storm personified. Each strike was deliberate, every spell precise. The radiant projection of the Golden Sun Bird behind him mirrored his movements, amplifying each attack with a burst of light.

The battle raged for nearly an hour until only forty cultivators remained on the golden platform. The referee descended once again, his aura pressing everyone into stillness.

"Enough! The second round is complete!"

As the barriers fell, Tian Lei dispelled his domain, golden light fading into quiet embers. He exhaled softly, steady but alert.

From the stands, several sect envoys leaned forward, eyes locked on him. Notes were being written, messages whispered through communication talismans.

"That boy… no sect, no backing, yet he wields a Domain-type resonance. We must find out who he is."

Tian Lei ignored the attention, adjusting his sleeves calmly as his gaze swept across the battered survivors. His lips curved faintly.

The next morning, the arena brimmed with even greater energy. The third qualifier—the final stage before the championship rounds—was about to begin.

An elder in ornate robes rose into the air above the platforms, his voice booming across the entire plaza.

"Warriors of the second round, step forward! The next phase will be one-on-one duels. Victory or defeat—there will be no second chances. Only one champion will remain standing on each platform!"

The crowd roared in anticipation.

On every platform, names began flashing across hovering talismans—pairings decided by the Grand Formation. Each combatant's heart beat faster as their opponent's name lit up before them.

Tian Lei's eyes flicked up when his appeared:

Tian Lei vs. Fang Wu—Ironblood Sect.

A tall youth in crimson armor stepped out from the opposite side of the stage, his spear radiating blood-colored light. Fang Wu smirked.

"So you're the one who wiped half the arena yesterday. Let's see if that fancy golden bird can save you again."

Tian Lei's expression stayed calm. "You can try."

The signal flared.

"Begin!"

Fang Wu charged like a bull unleashed, his crimson spear roaring to life with spirit flames. Behind him shimmered the faint, feral image of a massive Ironblood Rhino—his awakened beast. Its phantom bellowed as Fang Wu entered Resonance Form, red scales forming along his arms while his muscles swelled with explosive strength.

Each thrust of his spear shook the platform, sparks scattering as shockwaves rippled through the air.

Tian Lei met the first strike barehanded—his palm glowing faintly gold as hidden runes flickered beneath his skin. The impact rang like thunder. He barely moved, though the air around him quivered from the collision.

A faint shimmer of gold flared behind him—his illusory Golden Sun Bird spreading its radiant wings for just a moment. To the crowd, it seemed his beast was reinforcing him with divine strength.

Fang Wu charged like a bull unleashed, his crimson spear roaring to life with spirit flames. Behind him shimmered the feral image of a massive Ironblood Rhino—his awakened beast. Its phantom bellowed as Fang Wu entered Resonance Form, crimson scales forming along his arms while raw power coursed through his body.

Each thrust of his spear shook the platform, sparks scattering as shockwaves rippled through the air.

Tian Lei met the first strike barehanded—his palm glowing faintly gold as hidden runes flickered beneath his skin. The impact rang like thunder. He barely moved, though the air around him quivered from the collision.

A faint shimmer of gold flared behind him—his illusory Golden Sun Bird spreading radiant wings for just a heartbeat. To the crowd, it looked like his awakened beast had lent him divine power.

Fang Wu gritted his teeth, veins pulsing as he roared, "You're not the only one with a Domain!"

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.