Arriving at the Emperor's Birthday!

Six days later, The Emperor's birthday celebration began.

The event was being held in the center of the empire's capital inside the largest arena, the empire had.

The arena was circular, with a diameter so vast it could easily accommodate tens of thousands of spectators. 

The central stage was a massive platform of polished obsidian, inlaid with veins of glowing azure crystal that pulsed faintly, as though drawing energy from the qi lines beneath. 

The stage was surrounded by a shimmering barrier of translucent light, a protective formation crafted by the empire's most skilled formation masters to protect the person on stage and increase their voice to be heard by all.

The seating arrangements were a spectacle in themselves. Rising in tiers around the arena, the stands were divided into sections, each more opulent than the last.

The lowest tier was reserved for commoners and lesser nobles, with simple yet sturdy stone benches.