Thunderous applause erupted.
Seated in the center of the front row of the VIP Seating Area, Xue Qinghe—the Heaven Dou Empire's crown prince, disguised by Qian Renxue—slowly rose to her feet.
She then raised her right hand and gently waved to the eighty thousand spectators in the stands and the competing Spirit Masters lined up in neat formations below.
The thunderous applause swiftly died down, and the enormous plaza fell completely silent.
A gentle, refined, and magnetic voice spread across the entire venue through the Amplification Soul Tool:
"Due to Father Emperor's illness, he is unable to attend the opening ceremony of this Elite Spirit Master Tournament. Thus, he has entrusted me with full responsibility for this matter."
"Therefore, by Father Emperor's decree, I, Xue Qinghe, crown prince of the Heaven Dou Empire, hereby represent the Heaven Dou Empire and the organizers of this tournament in announcing that the Pan-Continent Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament is now open!"
Applause thundered once more, accompanied by waves of cheers.
Listening to the deafening applause and cheers around her, Qian Renxue wore a gentle smile, but there seemed to be a trace of reluctance deep in her eyes, as though she herself was not particularly excited about this tournament.
To be honest, she did not really enjoy such a crowded, noisy, and chaotic environment.
If she had to say, she actually preferred somewhere quieter.
For example, she quite liked the Secret Room in her own bedchamber because it was quiet and private. Inside, she could act without restraint, let herself go, and do whatever she wanted.
If she were not currently posing as Xue Qinghe, the crown prince of the Heaven Dou Empire, and if Emperor Xue Ye—who should have attended the opening ceremony—had not been poisoned into bedridden illness, she truly