NOVEL NEXT Chapter 9: Savage Beast Arena
Wei Jin stood before the Grand Beast Hall, its massive structure towering like a mountain yet radiating the majesty of an ancient temple.
The hall gleamed under the sunlight, an intricate web of ethereal lights coursing over its surface, making it look alive.
Its walls were adorned with carved images of legendary beasts—dragons, phoenixes, qilins, and other mythical creatures.
But it wasn't just the carvings that gave the hall its life; faint roars and growls echoed from within, resonating like a symphony of primal chaos.
Each sound seemed to carry the weight of untamed wilderness, sending shivers through the air.
It was as though the arena itself breathed, pulsating with the energy of the creatures that fought within its walls.
From outside, one could hear the clash of claws and fangs, the rumble of beasts preparing to fight, and the occasional roar that sent vibrations through the ground.
Wei Jin's gaze lingered on the hall, his expression distant. There was a peculiar melancholy in his eyes.
"The Grand Beast Hall," he murmured to himself.
This was a place of grandeur, where beasts were pitted against cultivators and other monsters in fights that could shake the heavens.
It was more than just a spectacle; it was a testament to the sheer might and unpredictability of the cultivation world.
Wei Jin had always been fascinated by beasts—their raw power, their unrelenting spirit, and the beauty of their untamed existence.
He loved watching them, observing their primal ferocity up close, and seeing how they battled against immortals and other formidable opponents. But this fascination had always remained unfulfilled.
The Wei Family, as one of the five ruling families, had direct ties to the hall, granting him access anytime he wanted. Yet he had never stepped foot inside.
The reason was simple: Ru Shaonian.
Ru Shaonian abhorred the sight of beasts being hurt. Her compassion for creatures, no matter how fierce, was unshakable. And Wei Jin, in his devotion to her, had respected her wishes.
He had turned away from this place, suppressing his desire to witness its glory. But now, as he stood here, the weight of their crumbling relationship made him wonder if he had missed out.
A faint smile crossed his lips, bittersweet and fleeting. "What a fool I've been," he thought, but the sentiment carried no malice, only regret.
The old soul floated beside him, taking in the imposing structure. "Hey, kid, are you just going to stand there like a statue, or are we going in?"
Wei Jin didn't answer immediately. His gaze remained fixed on the arena, his thoughts adrift.
The old soul nudged him again. "So? What's the plan? Are we just here to admire the view? Or do you actually have some grand scheme cooked up?"
Wei Jin shrugged, his tone casual, almost absentminded. "Nothing much. Just looking around. Feels strange being here after all these years."
The old soul raised an eyebrow—or at least, he gave the impression of it. "Strange, huh? I see. This place must hold some memories for you. But still, you're not fooling me, kid. What's your real plan?"
Wei Jin chuckled softly but didn't respond.
The old soul's voice sharpened. "Wait a second. Don't tell me... are you planning to gamble here? Is that it? You're going to bet on beast fights to make money?"
Wei Jin glanced at him but said nothing, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.
The old soul's tone grew more urgent, almost scolding.
"Listen to me, you reckless brat! Gambling is a two-way street that usually leads to nowhere! Sure, you might win big, but you're just as likely to lose everything! And in a place like this, the stakes are even higher.
"You could end up in debt, or worse, owing someone powerful who won't hesitate to crush you for their money!"
Wei Jin's smirk grew wider, but he remained silent, letting the old soul's rant wash over him.
The old soul continued, his voice growing more animated with every word. "And don't even think about telling me you have a 'strategy' or some brilliant way to beat the odds.
"Gambling is designed to make fools out of people who think they're smarter than the system! Even if you win a few rounds, the house always wins in the end. Always!"
The old soul was practically vibrating with indignation now.
"Do you know how many lives have been ruined by gambling? People lose their homes, their families, their dignity—all because they thought they could outsmart the odds! And you?
"You're barely scraping by as it is! You have enemies on all sides, a looming death sentence, and now you want to add gambling to your list of bad decisions? Are you trying to make your life harder on purpose?!"
Wei Jin finally chuckled, shaking his head. "Relax, old man. I'm not that stupid."
The old soul blinked, momentarily thrown off. "You're not?"
Wei Jin crossed his arms, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Nah. I've got something much better in mind to obtain money to waste for maidens and for me to get stronger fast."
The old soul groaned. "Why do I feel like your 'better idea' is going to be just as reckless?"
Wei Jin took a deep breath, his gaze fixed on the towering entrance to the Grand Beast Hall. He exhaled, shaking off the remnants of hesitation, and finally said, "Let's go."
The old soul gave a resigned sigh but followed as Wei Jin strode forward.
As soon as they stepped inside, Wei Jin was struck by the sheer intensity of the atmosphere.
The air was thick with energy, buzzing with the raw, untamed essence of both beasts and cultivators.
The hall's massive interior seemed alive, its walls carved from polished stone that glimmered faintly with embedded spiritual veins, pulsing like the heartbeat of the arena itself.
Lamps made of luminous spirit stones cast a surreal glow, illuminating the vast corridors and creating intricate shadows that danced across the walls.
The low hum of conversations echoed around them, mingling with the occasional roar of beasts and the sharp clashing of weapons.
Wei Jin paused for a moment, closing his eyes to take it all in.
The scent of earth, blood, and spiritual energy filled his senses, each note distinct yet perfectly blended.
It was intoxicating, a blend of primal chaos and refined cultivation. Every breath he took felt heavier, charged with the essence of the battles that had been fought here for generations.
The old soul broke the silence. "Kid, are you just going to stand there gawking, or are we actually going to do something?"
Wei Jin ignored him, his eyes wandering across the bustling arena. He noticed the crowds—cultivators of various realms, mortals hoping for a glimpse of glory, and merchants peddling goods infused with beast energy.
Everywhere he looked, there was life, movement, and an undercurrent of anticipation.
The old soul grumbled, "It's just a big hall with fancy lights and beast noises. What's the big deal?"
Wei Jin smirked faintly. "You wouldn't understand, old man. This isn't just a place; it's a world of its own. It's alive."
As he moved further inside, a figure in crisp, embroidered robes stepped forward.
The man, clearly an attendant, bowed deeply, his demeanor polished and respectful. "Greetings, young sir of the Wei Family. How may we serve you today?"
Wei Jin nodded slightly, acknowledging the attendant's courtesy. "I'm looking for an area where cultivators fight beasts. Can you guide me?"
The attendant's eyes glinted with understanding. "Of course, young sir. It would be my honor. Please, follow me."
With a smooth, practiced motion, the attendant turned and began leading the way. Wei Jin followed, the old soul trailing behind, muttering complaints about the extravagance of the place.
The corridors seemed endless, each one adorned with murals of legendary battles between beasts and cultivators.
The attendant spoke as they walked, his tone even and professional.
"The Grand Beast Hall is divided into several arenas, each catering to different levels of cultivation and types of battles. You will find everything here—from basic sparring to life-and-death matches between Core Formation experts and savage beasts of equal might."
Wei Jin nodded, his curiosity growing with every step.
The attendant continued, his voice carrying an air of pride.
"The area you're seeking, young sir, features some of the most intense battles. It is rare to witness a cultivator willingly face a beast of the same realm, as beasts are naturally stronger.
"Their physical prowess, innate spiritual abilities, and instincts make them formidable opponents even for the most skilled cultivators."
As they walked, Wei Jin noticed the crowd thinning, the energy of the space growing heavier and more charged.
The low roar of distant beasts grew louder, the sound reverberating through the walls.
Finally, they reached a massive open space.
A translucent spiritual barrier loomed ahead, stretching high into the air like an impenetrable wall of light.
Through it, Wei Jin could see the center of the arena—a battlefield where dust swirled, illuminated by the glow of floating spirit stones.
At the center stood a lone cultivator, his stance steady and resolute. He gripped a gleaming saber, its blade humming faintly with spiritual energy.
Opposite him was a towering bear, its fur shimmering with a metallic sheen, each muscle rippling as it moved.
The beast's eyes burned with a primal, savage light, its growls echoing like thunder.
The attendant gestured toward the scene, his tone reverent.
"That cultivator is a wanderer, unaffiliated with any sect or family. He has chosen to face a savage beast of the same realm—a feat that is almost unheard of.
"As you may know, beasts of equal cultivation are stronger than cultivators, not only because of their raw strength but also because of their unique abilities and instincts. This battle will be one for the ages."
Wei Jin's gaze sharpened, his interest piqued. He could feel the tension in the air, the collective anticipation of the crowd as they watched the two figures face off.
The attendant bowed slightly. "The match is about to begin, young sir. Please enjoy."