the arena's public seating was a number of private booths. The booths were on different levels with some being more extravagant than others, though it much be noted that all the private rooms were lavishly decorated. These private rooms were occupied by the valley's VIPs, those being the elders, as well as the high-ranking members from the visiting delegations.
Right now, in the highest-ranking private room, the Four Ascending Kings were discussing the tournament.
"I don't know why you two so hellbent on selecting guards from the rank of new disciples? To me it's a waste of time, considering you already have people who fit the position." Stated Peter towards Charlotte and Zander.
"Those two have always made stupid decisions." Scorned Ira.
"Well if you two really want to know, I can tell you. The answer's pretty simple really, the youngest high-level disciples are in their late twenties while most are already past thirty years old. I want the people that my daughter will most of her time with, to be closer to her age." Replied Zander.
"And I don't plan for Isabella to leave the sect before she's at least in the Manifestation realm, which will take at least ten years. So. I'll have plenty of time to train her guards." Continued Zander.
"Ten years? Ha, if your daughter's anything like you I doubt anyone could keep her in one place for half that time." Joked Peter as he looked back at Isabella who was happily playing by herself in the back of the room.
After the end of the ceremony last night. Zander and Charlotte had a private birthday party with at home with just the family of three. Because of this Isabella was able to end the day on a high note. They also gave her birthday gifts, among which where the finely crafted dolls that she was currently playing with. These dolls were special as they were handcrafted by Zander and Charlotte. They were enchanted by the two to posses a number of security features; from alerting Zander and Charlotte if Isabella was in danger or hurt to deploying aura shields that could protect against a sage's full power attack. The dolls were the perfect gift from two overprotective parents.
Peter and Ira, were able to see through the enchantment's purpose with a single glance, but both chose not to comment. Rather Peter asked about Isabella's cultivation.
"When do you plan to start her training." Questioned Peter.
"Within the next couple days, after everything with he guards has been sorted and all the guests have left We'll begin her training." Said Zander.
"Hmm, makes sense. Have you thought about the cultivation path you want her to go down?" Said Peter.
"Well, we wanted to leave that up to her, so we'll only teach her the basics in all three streams for now. Isn't that right Zander?" Interjected Charlotte.
"I'm fine with it as long as she doesn't choose Body Fortification." Joked Zander.
"What's wrong with Body Fortification? I personally find it to be an extremely effective form of cultivation." Remarked Peter.
Hearing this Zander just pointed at Peter's three-meter tall muscle-bound frame, and pointed at the petite doll like Isabell. He then stated in simple terms.
"Not my daughter."
After the he said this the room descending into uncontrollable laughter, even the irritable Ira couldn't help but smile.
After a while the room quieted as the four of them turned their attention towards the arena below them. They could see that the audience was reaching a boiling point. The first battle of round one would be starting soon.
"This tournament setup of yours is quite strange, I'm guessing Zander came up with it?" Said Ira.
"The early rounds were mainly my design, but Charlotte took over for the latter rounds." Replied Zander.
Hearing this Ira could only shake his head.
"Those children are in for a tough day." Said Ira with audible pity in his tone.
"Yeah, those kids might regret entering the arena." Agreed Peter.
***
The master of ceremonies was in a good mood, not only was yesterday's Heaven's day celebration a success. But he was asked by the sect's leadership to host todays matches, if things go well, he might be promoted.
As an untalented disciple he wasn't able to complete the sect's training and become a deacon (all deacons were graduated high-level disciples). As such he could only stay within the valley as a member of the service staff. For ten years he worked hard to make his way up the totem pole and eventually became one of the set elders' butler. It was there that his administrative talent was allowed to blossom. Noticing his talent, the elder decided to give him bigger and bigger tasks which he was able to complete in excellent fashion. However, he wasn't content he wanted a higher position than an elder's butler. When the position of MC for the Heaven's day ceremony came up, he was able to convince his elder to nominate him for the placement. In the end he got the job, and was determined to make a good impression with the sect masters and hopefully receive a promotion. And his plan seemed to be working as he was asked to host this event as well even though he wasn't originally slated for the job.
As he ascended the arena's stage, he couldn't help but think of his future position and that gave him all the confidence he needed to face the massive crowd.
"Welcome one and all to the valley's Rising Stars Tournament! I am your host for todays proceedings, and will be providing match commentary as well as play by play analysis with the help of our panel of resident elders. Please welcome our panel of experts; Luther Noctis the Midnight Viper, Gillian Lumen the White Tigress and finally our sect's youngest elder Victor Vultus the Iron Bull!" Loudly declared the MC.
The crowd cheered as the three elders made there way to their seats situated right beside the stage giving them a clear view of everything that was happening on it. Hearing their introduction left Victor at a loss, he wasn't used to having a spotlight shone upon him. And what was up with those nicknames? That's the fist time he had ever heard it. However, the twins were taking the attention in stride.
"How do you guys do it?" Queried Victor.
"We got used to it, Zander likes to show off his talented disciples whenever he gets the chance. You shouldn't let it bother you." Replied Gillian.
Hearing this Victor decided to just go with the flow.
After the crowd quieted down the MC continued with his speech.
"The tournament will be split into five rounds, the first of which is a series of battle royals. The first battle will soon begin." Said the MC.
After he said this a group of twenty adolescents among whom was Susana, could be seen making their way to the stage. These were the disciples from waiting room A, when they were all on the stage the MC turned to the waiting referee who proceeded to explain the rules.
"The battle will be decided when there are only two participants remaining. You can be eliminated in two ways; one, knock out and two, a removal from the ring. Purposeful attempts to maim or cripple your opponents will result in immediate disqualification and disciplinary action. That being said this is full contact battle situation so injuries are inevitable, if any of you wish to leave this is your last chance." Sated the referee.
After waiting a couple minutes to let disciples back out (none of which chose to do so), the referee descended from the stage.
After looking up at Zander to get his approval, the referee began the match.
"May the first match of the Rising Stars Tournament begin!"