Anticipation buzzed through the stands as the people shifted in their seats for the true start of the first trial. So much so that the excess energy poured out of the stadium. Where it infected the crowds watching the display scripts strategically placed throughout the streets.

The City Lord’s image was blown up to the point that if the illusion artist focused on him shifted their position, the entire city would become uncomfortably intimate with the hairs in his nose.

He either didn’t notice this or chose to ignore it while hovering high above the arena. And with a belly shaking laugh, Tian Che Kijin latched onto his audience’s energy.

“Beloved citizens and guests from across the mortal territories, it is with great pleasure that I announce that…”

Kijin emphasized his pause with an sinister grin.

“The time has come.”

His voice boomed through the scripts interwoven with the broadcast.

Those with more refined hearing were even able to pick up faint echoes bouncing off the mountains and racing across the lake surface. Only for them to collide with the outgoing wave of cheers.

He waited for the crowds to naturally calm down before continuing on with his required speech.

“Unfortunately, I must announce that we already have forty-two warriors who have withdrawn from the competition. The majority of which were due to personal injuries, while a select few chose to forfeit due various circumstances.”

Noticing the cooling atmosphere he quickly added.

“I regrettably don’t not know the exact details, however, I am hopeful that these simple training accidents will not adversely impact these warrior’s long futures.”

Several shouts could be heard praising the caring heart of the city lord responsible for overseeing all things related to war. Despite the delayed addition.

He may have known how to talk well, but there were reasons he preferred shows of strength over negotiations.

Kijin grasped his fist and in one last show of respect, turned towards the special spectators platform that directly connected to the stadiums infirmary. What followed was a sound that could only be created by thousands of people turning in unison and imitating his movements.

The stadium’s infirmary was likely still empty, but the audience didn’t need to know that. Either by coincidence or design, the city’s medicine hall sat in that same direction. And as far as Kijin was aware none of the dropped competitors had been allowed to watch from the infirmary yet.

“For those who remain and were unable to form teams, they will have the opportunity to take back their place in our festival. And what better way to reflect the ‘Will of the Dao’?” Kijin’s arms swung out with his cheers.

He was a man who knew how to address his audience. Not even a breath later he had them erupting in excitement right along with him.

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The man was truly a giant. Not only with his physical body, but also with the metaphorical weight he threw around the city. However, while floating above everyone gave him the best vantage to admire the crowd’s reactions. It only exposed him further to the glares from his peers.

He abruptly cleared his throat, “A short recap for anyone late to the festival, the first trial will test competitors on their teamwork and leadership capabilities as much as their own individual strength. Therefore it is a team based King of the Hill. But,”

The lord held his words for effect. Whether he was teasing others in casual conversation, or making an official announcement. This was his favorite way to control the pace.

“These are young and promising cultivators, we can’t have it be that plain, now can we?” He let out a hearty laugh at the crowd’s cries of agreement. “Not only will the location and duration of the hill be randomized thanks to scripts marked throughout the field. The competitors will also have to watch out for tamed Shou beast and, of course, their fellow competitors.”

On cue, the illusion scripts that were projecting him buzzed and morphed into a new image. One of a large curated field elaborately balanced between different environments. And then cutting again to monstrous animals cautiously emerging from cages and hidden holes scattered across the stage.

Some of the creatures retreated deep into the forest outright, while others scrambled atop trees or hid in grass that was even taller than the giant lord.

The city gasped at the projections as the creatures disappeared from view. The most shocking of which were the bull and wolf types.

Once the audience had enough time to take in what they saw, the view changed back to the stadium. This time, it was focused on the contestants. Sweat obvious on some of their faces, while some wobbled on unstable legs. But, through their best effort they remained standing.

“How’s everyone’s movement techniques?” Sienna asked?

“You don’t even have to ask. I may be large, but I move like a landslide.” Hyrua smiled.

“You can trust that I have the best moves out of anyone here.” Kai boasted.

Kamadra pinched the side of his bare torso. “Want to test that theory?”

“I’m confident that nothing can touch me.” Diana spoke up.

Lord Kijin broke his attention away from the projection when he found he was staring back at himself.

Have I really put on that much weight?

“Now, a reminder I’m obligated to give the audience. While these are all Shou of ten years or younger for the participants safety. They are still wild beast by nature and are comparable to a skilled martial artist at the bottleneck between realms. If the competitors aren’t careful, they could risk serious injury or worse before a member of the rescue team can get to them.”

The myriads of illusions changed while following the wave of his hand. What remained was the image of a soft and admittedly cute looking creature being released into a private area. It sniffed around for a moment before the fur on its back stood on end and it bared its short fangs at the person anchoring the projection.

Several members of the audience screamed when the inflated construct of the creature hissed at them. The angle shifted to reveal that the illusion was anchored to a iron doll, moments before it was turned into shrapnel.

“That one is having a bad day, so he won’t be out in the field.” Kijin coughed. “With everything said, let’s begin!”

He signaled for the groups to break formation and gather at separate arrays on the edge of the platform. And as the last person settled on their teams array, the arena lit up like a star.

The intensity was lessened through the scripted barrier protecting the audience. Instead of a blinding white light, they experienced a river of opalescent light shoot into the sky before abruptly dispersing.

The participants were no longer there.

Sienna opened her eyes to a stone wall.

“They could have at least sent us to a location with a better view.” She complained.

Hyrua silently grabbed his sister by slumped shoulders and spun her in place to reveal the watering hole behind her. He patted the top of her head before stepping aside and examining a suspiciously large cherry-like fruit.

“Next time you should look around before pouting.” He teased.

“Next time you should look around before pouting.” She mouthed behind his back.

Diana hid a chuckle behind her sleeve when she seemed to realize something and suddenly became very interested in the tree behind her.