Kaito's taunt hung in the air as the two walked towards the stairs of the dueling platform.
The commotion around the stadium grew louder as spectators gathered, eager to witness the upcoming battle.
"Isn't that Kaito, one of the leaders of the Outer Sect rank disciples?" a disciple murmured to his friend. "Who's that servant rank disciple beside him?"
Another disciple squinted, trying to recognize Lassim. "I don't know, but it looks like Jiro is involved again. Kaito's probably been bullying him, and this unfortunate servant rank disciple got dragged into it."
The crowd buzzed with speculation, eyes flicking between Kaito and Lassim.
The pressure Lassim released was palpable, sending shivers through the audience.
Several disciples needed to circulate their own cultivation techniques, pushing back against the overwhelming internal pressure Lassim was forcing onto them inadvertently.