Three days past in a flash for Bai Jingshen. Finally, the big day arrived. All over the city parents were saying goodbye to their children. Excitement, hope, sadness, happiness… All sort of emotions could be felt wherever you were in the city. Yesterday Bai Jingshen also had to say goodbye to his best friend Ra. It was unsure when those two would meet each other again. He also saw Kayleen for a bit at Thobar's New Haven City HQ, even getting to know her parents. However, Thomas was with them, so Bai Jingshen didn't want to talk much.
For the past two days Bai Jingshen didn't feel like taking a step out, as a crowd of reporters almost drowned him when he went to eat something with Bennet. He almost beat them up, but Bennet quickly stopped him and explained their job. The former emperor however didn't like the idea of showing off such meager achievements, so Thobar Bionics arranged a simple press release for him.
After this incident, Bai Jingshen meditated as much as possible, preparing himself for the New World.
Shortly before the ceremony the RSS team was brought to Thobar Bionics' armory. There they met their guide, whose job it was to bring them safely to Thobar's basecamp. Just like them he belonged to the RSS division. He was a big, muscular guy without hair. Although he was only somewhere at the middle Qi Gathering Realm, he still let of an intimidating aura. Bai Jingshen was annoyed however, as this man placed too much importance on himself. He almost was offended when someone asked for his name, in disbelieve over how the RSS team hadn't inquired about it beforehand. At least he begrudgingly told them his nickname of Bloodsaber.
After this unpleasant encounter, Bennet luckily appeared and brought them all to collect some state-of-the-art armor and weapons. Bai Jingshen decided to go with a lighter load, only choosing a sword and a knife.
With all the organization done, they finally arrived back at the Place of Advancement. Bai Jingshen was surprised at how much this place had changed. The big metal cubes were nowhere to be seen. In their stead a festively decorated grandstand spanning hundreds of meters took their place. It framed a majestic, enormous stage which circled the Monument halfway, directly touching it. Smaller, open platforms floated in the air all around, luxuriously decorated.
Bai Jingshen looked at some of the smaller platforms which were already filled, recognizing either rich looking citizens or high-leveled cultivators. Their vehicle was once again escorted by a guide. To everyone's surprise they weren't led to their rightful seats on the stage however, but to a small checkpoint further behind. Their guide told them to get off, leading them to enter a metallic, small house.
The RSS members were intimidated looking at all the New Haven City Guard's around them. Bai Jingshen was cautious, but his senses didn't warn him of any danger, so he didn't expect the worst for now. As they entered the small building, Bai Jingshen instinctively analyzed his surroundings. However safe for a few lockers there wasn't anything which would garner any attention, except for the man sitting behind a desk. Although this man restrained his aura, he still made all the RSS members uneasy as he looked up from his desk.
"Thobar Bionics. My name is Major Dressl. I'm ashamed to inform you, that someone aided the man named Spike to escape from our prison."
Hearing those words, Bennet had the strongest reaction. Bai Jingshen could tell how the man held himself back from coursing, but his face still became red from anger. The other RSS members didn't take this news lightly either, nervousness seen all over their face.
"This is a major mistake on our side. We are working hard to give Thobar Bionics an explanation soon. Right now, the New Haven City Guards decided to maximize all of your security. You will not be seated at the main stage, but watch the ceremony from this checkpoint. During the prize award, I will personally accompany Mister Bai Jingshen. I will also protect your team as you travel to the New World using the monument."
Although the major's words were meant to be apologetic, his long experience in the guard only made them sound like orders. Bai Jingshen didn't dislike the arrangements, however. At least New Haven City tried to stand up for their mistakes.
The major didn't wait for an answer, signaling their guide to bring them outside again. A small stand was prepared for the RSS team, from which they would see the main stage. Bai Jingshen looked at his team members, trying to calm them down, but one gaze at the surrounding soldiers instantly brought their nervousness up again.
The former emperor decided he couldn't do much, so he simply concentrated on the main stage. He watched as the grandstand slowly filled up with tens of thousands of audience members. Parents lovingly looked at their grown-up children sitting on the main stage. All of them were decked out in weapons, wearing uniforms of different organizations.
Bai Jingshen even found Kayleen and others from Thobar among the crowd. Taking a closer look, he realized that some New Haven City Guards were standing closely by. It seemed like all the Thobar Bionics' teams were guarded, but only their RSS needed special protection.
Observing all the seated groups, Bai Jingshen quickly realized the absence of his enemy Lehno. However, he quickly spotted Julia sitting next to an unbelievable beautiful woman. All of a sudden, his gaze could only linger on her, not able to withstand her natural charm. Or was it natural?
Bai Jingshen suddenly woke up again while shaking his head. This woman was really too dangerous. The young man realized he just found another cultivator above the Nascent Soul Realm. On the main stage next to Julia, Graceful Butterfly muttered a quiet 'ohh' while smiling. Noticing her disciple looking weirdly at her, she only flashed a loving smile before reducing her aura again, waiting for Titus Gaian.
Bei Jingshen also decided to simply meditate until the ceremony started.
Finally, the grandstand was filled and people took their seats on the main stage. Last but not least, Titus Gaian slowly made his way onto the stage. The accomplished myor smiled as he took the foremost seat next to Graceful Butterfly.
Suddenly all light sources dimmed. A big spot shone from the stage into the air, as a beautiful lady elegantly descended. She was a renowned newcomer from New Haven City one year ago. Although she was a strong fighter as well, she didn't participate in the competition, as she was already a popular singer at that time.
Now, she captivated the audience while singing a soothing song about working together for greatness. Her song ended perfectly timed with her arrival on the ground. Suddenly her clothes morphed and changed. Her whole look took on a wild, aggressive vibe as she sang a second song about bravely venturing into the unknown. Thousand of people cheered after her performance, as the crowd's mood reached its' peak.
Titus Gaian seemingly flashed to the stage's center, before his amplified voice reached everyone's ears:
"A big applause for the talented Thral!"
After waiting for the crowd to calm down Titus continued:
"Today we have gathered here to celebrate the talents of the new generation. You all have worked hard, be it as fighter, doctor, artist, or anything else. It fills me with pride to see New Haven City producing so much talents. Now all of you will be traveling to a New World. You will forge your own path. You will grow. You will find happiness and sadness. I can only ask all of you to carry New Haven City in your heart.
Before this city sends you all towards your next destination however, we want to award a few off you who have showing us something extraordinary.
Please receive your price from me when I call your name."
Bai Jingshen was surprised watching the proceedings. He observed as the Mayor handed out all kinds of prices for student's managing to make new findings, to a whole sports team winning some star-region-wide cup. Finally however Titus Gaian looked at Julia, speaking loudly:
"Last but not least we also have the prizes for our popular combat competition. Julia Ceres, please receive your price for second place!"
With Titus' announcement the crowd suddenly went crazy. Countless young man tried to get a look on their dream girl, as Julia stepped forward. The prideful woman would have been disgusted by their behavior a few weeks ago, but with newfound confidence she was able to focus more on herself. Maybe others felt like she didn't really earn second place, but Julia knew of her own growth. Certainly she would have won against Lehno, and hopefully one day also against the man she strangely hadn't seen today.
Titus Gaian congratulated the young woman and happily handed her a pass for the Rising Dragon Union. This pass was only symbolic however, as her registration was already done by the officials. Julia was more than happy with her price. This was exactly what she came for, as she knew she wasn't cut out to be a scholar anyways. After waiting for Julia to take her seat again, Titus Gaian spoke up again:
"Now, please let me hear you one last time for the combat competition's winner: Bai Jingshen."