Early the next morning.
When the first ray of sunlight pierced the clouds and spilled over the ancient city, Star Luo City had already begun to awaken.
The entire city seemed to have been infused with some invisible vitality. From the inner city to the outer city, from the noble districts to the commoners' alleys, excited chatter could be heard everywhere.
Even ordinary people who were not soul masters had risen early that day, bringing their whole families as they hurried toward the competition grounds in the east of the city.
Countless people crowded outside the competition grounds. Some carried stools, some held food boxes, and others had simply brought bedding, planning to queue overnight. These people could hardly be accused of not trying hard enough to get inside and watch the matches.
Gu Xingyue and the others had woken early too.
At first light, everyone left the Star Emperor Hotel under Xuan Zi's lead and walked to the arena.
Spectators packed both sides of the streets. At the sight of Shrek Academy's uniforms and flags, cheers surged toward them in wave after wave.
The waiting area was already filled with teams from the various academies.
The spectator stands were a sea of people, their voices a boiling roar.
At the very top of the stands stood an extravagantly decorated Viewing Pavilion. At that moment, a woman wearing a Star Crown and a long purple dress appeared in its central seat.
Xu Jiawei, empress of the Star Luo Empire.
She rose, walked to the railing, and swept her gaze across the entire arena.
Morning light fell upon her, and the star gems on her crown refracted tiny flecks of light, making her look as though she had stepped out of a river of stars.
She raised her right hand, and