Morning sunlight streamed through the veil of clouds and bathed the wide arena in a golden haze. The Sky Pavilion stood like an ancient coliseum carved from jade and silverstone. Its circular structure towered over the city square. Massive pillars etched with spirit runes supported the layered stands where countless spectators gathered. Their voices rose in waves of excitement.
Zhou Chen arrived with his master Mu Bingyue and a small group of students representing the Hu Ming Academy. The air thrummed with energy of different sects and academies which had come from across the Star Lou Continent to compete. Each hoped to gain honor and recognition from the so called entities who watched from the higher terraces.
The central stage stretched over fifty meters wide. Its polished white surfac
