The opening ceremony of the Heaven Dou Empire Division of the Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament was held with great fanfare in Heaven Dou City.
As the grandest Soul Master Tournament in the world of Soul Masters, it drew the attention not only of Soul Masters. From royalty and nobles to commoners, every resident of Heaven Dou City regarded it as the greatest festival.
The Heaven Dou Great Soul Arena had undergone a complete renovation and could accommodate eighty thousand spectators at once.
At this moment, not a single seat was empty.
Beneath the enormous dome, flags fluttered in the air, and the banners of the various academies gleamed beneath Soul Tool spotlights.
The air was thick with feverish excitement. Cheers, discussions, and music blended into a deafening roar.
The massive arena platform at the center was made from special stone, incomparably sturdy and capable of withstanding fierce clashes between Soul Kings and even Soul Emperors.
Seven layers of defensive barriers had been set around the platform, maintained by Soul Sages to ensure the safety of the stands.
The VIP seating lay to the north of the venue, offering the best view. It was covered in luxurious red velvet, with ornate gilded chairs.
There were only three seats in the front row.
In the center, Heaven Dou Emperor Xue Ye sat upon a golden dragon throne, dressed in a bright yellow imperial robe embroidered with nine golden dragons and wearing a crown with twelve hanging bead strands.
His complexion was somewhat pale, and the bags beneath his eyes were deep, yet his sunken gaze remained sharp as he surveyed the entire arena with imperial authority.
Although rumors of his advanced age and failing health had long ceased to be secret, today, beneath countless watchful eyes, he straightened his back