The Dawn of the New World

"Seriously? Is that even legal?" Hao Xuan who stood in front of Ryfon with furrowed brows, couldn't help but be skeptical after hearing some of the rules.

Ryfon nodded as a matter-of-factly, "Of course, it's always like this. It's so these spoiled youngsters learn to take care of themselves. It's not much but that's how it works."

The rule Hao Xuan was talking about did not allow participants to bring any storage rings. This meant no clothes, no food or rations, nothing other than the clothes on their backs or what they could carry in a portable bag could be brought in.

Although still doubtful, Hao Xuan handed over the only storage on his self. It was just for show anyway because 99% of the materials and everything he owned was stored in the nanotech inside his body. Other than bleeding him dry, there was no way to take them out even if he wanted to now.

Ryfon patted him on the shoulder with half a smile, "Don't worry, it will be kept safe. Are you ready otherwise? Need anything or want to know something before we depart?"

Hao Xuan took a puff of the cigarette and looked straight ahead. He was standing on a balcony looking down on a giant open hall. It was filled to the brim with participants and Hao Xuan could already see a few familiar faces down there.

"Is there like a utility store or something nearby? I need to pick a few perishables. That's allowed right?" he asked without looking towards Ryfon. The weather was a bit chilly and Hao Xuan could see his own breath mixed in with the cigarette smoke every time he talked.

Ryfon smiled knowingly, as if he was expecting such a question.

"Yeah, come I'll show you. Most young masters remember things at the last minute so the academy set up a warehouse for them. It's all free so take what you can carry," he led Hao Xuan down the stairs to the back, following a stream of people. It was still 15 minutes before they had to depart.

They reached the warehouse within a minute or so as it was nearby. Ryfon waited outside while Hao Xuan went in and picked up a few things for show while storing away everything and anything he could possibly need inside the nanotech. A few minutes later he walked out with a standard cloth bag that many others were carrying.

He thought it looked quite awkward on himself until he saw some of the prince and princesses and started feeling better.

As they were walking back Ryfon explained the boarding procedures.

"The planet the tournament is on is way out in the deep space. We can't get to it in one go so first, you guys will enter the teleportation formation in the hall. It will send you to a pocket space created and managed by some of the seniors of the three big powers. All these seniors are experienced cultivators that have space-related laws so they will take the pocket space and carry it towards the planet through space holes so no monsters get you."

"Then you will land on the Intergalactic Ship that found the planet and is currently hovering above it. On the vessel, you will be inspected one last time to make sure you are who you claim to be and sent down. In total it won't take more than half an hour to get to the vessel and than another hour to send you down."

"As I am one of the overseers this time, I will be keeping an eye on you guys through various ways and you can contact me personally too if something goes wrong. Just insert some Qi into the identification badge and it will open a channel to me directly."

They had reached the hall by now and at this point Ryfon looked at Hao Xuan in the eyes.

"But remember, I can not interfere under any circumstances, well unless we find someone breaking the rules but that's not going to happen. So basically, you are on your own. Remember what you have to do. Master will be keeping an eye on you personally," he reminded Hao Xuan in a somber tone.

Hao Xuan, of course, knew the gravity of the situation. Finding Ryfon's niece, locating the source of the new power on the planet and most importantly, coming back out alive so he could get access to the network that controlled basically everything here.

"I know," he replied assuredly nonetheless.

Henrik, Hazel, and Fulke were already waiting for him in the distance. Hao Xuan bade farewell to Ryfon and joined their group.

In the center of the hall, a 50-meter wide formation interlined with numerous colorful crystals was creating a pillar of light of the same width.

Two lines were formed in front of this pillar of light and one by one the participants stepped into it, disappearing instantly.

Hao Xuan looked around but didn't see Ceni or any of her friends, nor the people from the Hall. The lines moved quickly and within a minute it was his turn. When he was about to step through, Ryfon's panicked voice came into his head.

"Don't fight in the pocket space either! Every cultivator from the entire continent will be there together so just stay away from them!"