Chapter 146: The Barren Moonlit Planet

The diminutive planet loomed beneath the shuttle, exuding an air of barren desolation. As the shuttle touched down gently on the surface, a dust cloud, remnants of eons of erosion, billowed up around it. The landscape was a vast expanse of rugged, gray terrain. No signs of life, no vegetation, just an endless sea of jagged rocks and boulders.

Miles and miles of stone stretched in every direction. Some resembled the cracked, parched earth of a dried riverbed, while others rose up in spiky, irregular formations. Shadows played over the surface, creating a constantly shifting pattern as the planet's weak sun cast long, eerie silhouettes. Caverns and gorges carved deep into the ground, speaking of ancient geological activities. Every so often, gleaming crystals could be spotted embedded in the rock, reflecting the sun's pale light and providing a brief respite from the overwhelming monotony of stone.

The silence of the place was profound. The emptiness almost oppressive. It felt as if the very rocks were holding their breath, waiting for something to happen.

The stillness was interrupted by the soft humming of another approaching shuttle. A sleek, black, round vessel, contrasting starkly with the pale landscape, descended from the sky. As it touched down, its smooth surface shimmered and then split open, revealing eight figures.

Leading the group was a tall, imposing man with a cruel sneer. His hair, jet black and slicked back, seemed to absorb the faint light around him. His eyes, cold and calculating, darted over to Mr. Henry, not even attempting to disguise the disdain he felt. "Well, well, if it isn't the famed headmaster of the Seven Stars Academy," he scoffed, his laughter echoing eerily in the silence. He then turned his gaze to Li Yang, Lysander, and Lyria, mocking their youthful appearances with a disdainful sneer.

"Meet the head of the Crescent Clan from MieXing, and the reigning patriarch of the New Moon family," Mr. Henry said, barely disguising the distaste in his voice.

Flanking the patriarch were four older individuals, their postures rigid with authority. Each wore ornate robes adorned with lunar symbols, indicating their status as the esteemed elders of the Crescent Clan. Their faces were stern, betraying no emotion, their eyes scrutinizing every move.

Behind the elders were three younger members, the representatives of MieXing in the forthcoming challenge. The first, a young woman, had striking silver hair and bore a confident smirk. The second, a tall young man, had a stoic demeanor, his muscles rippling beneath his fitted attire. The third was a more slender figure, with an enigmatic aura, his eyes hidden behind a mask, adding to the mystery.

As introductions concluded, tension filled the air. The games were about to begin, and the fate of entire planets hung in the balance.