The atmosphere inside the underground arena had turned suffocating.
Dozens of cultivators were trapped inside the formation.
Fear.
Anger.
Desperation.
All mixed together.
Then suddenly—
Kairo's eyes moved toward the crystal cage.
Something was changing.
The egg.
Cracks began spreading across its glowing shell.
Crack…
Crack...
A strange light burst from inside.
Everyone froze.
Then—
The egg shattered.
From within it emerged a small figure.
Half human.
Half dragon.
Silver scales shimmered across parts of her body, while small horns curved gently above her head.
Two tiny dragon wings fluttered behind her back.
She floated in the air, blinking in confusion.
What… is happening here?
she murmured softly.
Her golden eyes scanned the chaotic arena.
Then Kairo casually waved his hand.
Hey.
Little girl.
Come here.
A faint smirk appeared on his face.
I'm your father.
The little dragon girl blinked.
Then suddenly—
Whoosh.
She flew straight toward him.
In the next second she clung to him happily, rubbing her cheek against his face.
Father!
Her voice was bright and innocent.
Who are these people?
And what are they doing here?
Kairo glanced at the terrified cultivators.
They're our enemies.
He said it casually.
And soon… their energy will belong to you.
The dragon girl's eyes sparkled.
Really, father?
She looked incredibly excited.
Yes.
Kairo replied calmly.
Nearby, Vorthic crossed his arms.
Boss.
Should I activate the formation and kill them now?
Kairo shook his head.
Not yet.
Someone else is still coming.
At that moment—
Something terrifying happened.
Several Nascent Soul cultivators suddenly collapsed.
One after another.
Their heads separated from their bodies.
No one could even see the attack.
Only a blur of speed flashed across the arena.
The remaining Core Formation cultivators trembled in fear.
What… what is happening?
Who's killing them?!
Then—
A figure suddenly appeared in front of Kairo.
He dropped to one knee instantly.
Boss.
I've arrived.
Kairo looked down at him calmly.
This was his First Pillar.
Axion.
Behind him, the other three pillars looked surprised.
Khyber laughed.
Big brother, you actually reached the lower stage of Spatial Tempering already?
Stelix nodded slightly.
That was faster than expected.
The moment the cultivators heard those words—
Their faces turned completely pale.
Spatial… Tempering?!
That level was far beyond them.
Even Nascent Soul experts could only dream of reaching it.
Kairo waved his hand casually.
Stand up.
No need to kneel.
Axion slowly rose.
His eyes were filled with respect.
Boss, everything I have today exists because of you.
Please accept my gratitude.
Kairo nodded once.
I accept.
Meanwhile, the remaining cultivators were already panicking.
Let us go!
If you kill us our sect will take revenge!
Our families will hunt you down!
Many voices shouted the same threats.
But Kairo simply smiled faintly.
Then—
His aura exploded.
A terrifying pressure spread through the arena.
The ground trembled.
Everyone froze.
G-Grand Ascension…
Someone whispered in horror.
It was the Low Stage of Grand Ascension.
A realm so high that only royal families and ancient clans possessed experts at that level.
And the most shocking part—
Kairo was only seventeen years old.
Even his four pillars…
Were the same age.
The cultivators felt their legs weaken.
Despair filled the arena.
Then Kairo looked toward Vorthic.
His voice was calm.
Activate the formation.
Vorthic grinned slowly.
As you command… Boss.
The formation began to glow.
The trapped cultivators realized something horrifying.
There was no escape.
To Be Continued…