At dawn, as the first rays of sunlight shone upon the continent, Xu Jie and Huo Yuhao from Shrek Academy had already risen early to begin their usual training.
Meanwhile, at Star Luo Plaza in Star Luo City, the surrounding streets had been sealed off by neatly equipped, disciplined soldiers. Whether they were contestants participating in the tournament or spectators who had come to watch, under the guidance of Star Luo officials, they had all entered in an orderly fashion half an hour earlier.
The competition venue had not been built in Star Luo Plaza, but before the main gate of the imperial city.
The competition platform was one hundred meters in both length and width and five meters high. One hundred and eight defensive Soul Guidance Devices ordered from the Sun Moon Empire stood around its perimeter, ensuring that the surrounding spectator stands would not be affected by the aftermath of battle.
Bwooo!!! Boom! Boom!
The deep blare of horns and the thunder of war drums resounded throughout Star Luo City.
The Star Luo Emperor, dressed in a bright yellow robe and wearing an Eight-Treasure Purple-Gold Crown, ascended the imperial city walls alongside the Empress, who wore an ornate palace gown.
Several steps behind them followed Star Luo's civil and military officials.
The moment they stepped onto the walls, a booming voice suddenly rang across the entire venue.
"Silence."
At once, the horns, war drums, and the clamor of the two hundred thousand spectators all fell silent.
All the soldiers stood in perfect formation, gripping their spears tightly as a cold, murderous aura spread throughout the venue.
"His Majesty the Emperor has arrived."
The booming voice sounded once more.
"Crash!"
The sound of bodies falling to the ground immediately rang out. Great swathes of spectators knelt down like wheat