The crimson formation beneath Max and Arkorg erupted with light.
A powerful spatial force wrapped around them both, and the Ninth Monolith vanished in an instant.
When Max opened his eyes again, he stood inside a vast circular arena built from dark stone. Ancient formations traced faint crimson lines across the ground, and a translucent barrier enclosed the battlefield on every side.
A few hundred meters away, Arkorg appeared as well.
At the same moment, enormous projection screens formed throughout the Ninth Monolith. One hung above the Challenge Platform, and others appeared near the cultivation areas and around the entrances leading toward the Ninth Shadow Trial, so that every participant inside could see the life-and-death arena clearly.
That was another special rule of these battles. Whenever two participants entered a life-and-death match, the entire fight was broadcast across the monolith so everyone present could witness the outcome.
