Chapter 31 - chapter 31: Stop losing time

Rhino: "Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of this fight is none other than the amazing, over-the-top king of shadows, lord of villains, embodiment of envy, and the most arrogant guy I've ever seen—Shadow Serpent!"

"Is that good enough for you?" Rhino asked sarcastically.

"Next time, try to add more flair to it," Shadow Serpent replied, full of arrogance.

As Shadow Serpent walked down the hallway backstage, he gave off an aura of hate, arrogance, and disgust. As he passed an unknown figure, he was about to leave when he heard a deep voice ask, "What are you doing here, you treacherous viper?"

"It's good to see you again, Void," Shadow Serpent replied calmly, tension filling the air as the crowd's cheers echoed from the arena.

Void, now face to face with Shadow Serpent, the one who haunted his nightmares, demanded, "Why are you here? Answer me!"

With his usual arrogance, Shadow Serpent smirked, "Relax, Void. I'm just a spectator." 

Void, raising an eyebrow, snapped, "A spectator? You're in the tournament! Don't give me that nonsense. You always seem to be following me."

"True," Shadow Serpent admitted. "But our paths always cross at key moments in your life." Void couldn't deny it. Their first meeting had changed everything, setting him on a path of growth. And here they were again, five years later.

"What do you want from me, Shadow Serpent?" Void asked, curiosity getting the better of him.

"I want nothing from you," Shadow Serpent said, his voice almost echoing. "But I'm drawn to the mystery of your existence."

"Be careful, Void," Shadow Serpent added, his tone suddenly serious. "The path you're on is dangerous, and not everyone around you has your best interests at heart." With that, he vanished into the shadows, leaving Void to think about their encounter.

Rhino: "And now, for the next match! On the right, we have the descendant of Xiaou Ying, master of a thousand blades, the destroyer of armies—Xiaou Jun! And on the left—"

Before Rhino could finish, Void leaped toward Xiaou Jun. . Everything slowed down as a mysterious energy surrounded Void and his sword. Just as Void was about to land his strike, Xiaou Jun dropped to his knees, screaming, "I give up! I surrender!"

But it was too late. Void's attack stopped just inches from Xiaou Jun's face, destroying the arena and leaving Xiaou Jun shocked and faint.

"Next time, don't waste time with unnecessary introductions," Void said.

The audience whispered among themselves, amazed at how wild the fighters had become.