Heaven Dou Imperial City, the Eight Devils' First Arrival

The massive carriage rolled over the smooth bluestone road, producing a dull, rhythmic rumble. Inside, the Shrek Eight Devils peered through the windows, curiously taking in the imperial capital they had long heard of—Heaven Dou Imperial City.

The towering city walls resembled a winding giant dragon, magnificent and imposing. Within the city, carriages and people flowed endlessly, while all manner of buildings stood row upon row. Its bustling prosperity struck them head-on, far beyond anything Suotuo City could compare to. The air carried a peculiar scent belonging to power and wealth, mingled with Soul Power fluctuations of varying strength from Soul Masters across the continent.

"Wow! It's huge! So lively!" Xiao Wu practically stuck her entire head out the window, her big eyes brimming with excitement and wonder, drawing countless glances from passersby.

Although Ning Rongrong had been born into the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and was accustomed to wealth and luxury, Heaven Dou Imperial City—the empire's heart of politics, economics, and military power—still gave her a different kind of shock. Zhu Zhuqing remained quiet as ever, but her cool gaze swept over the mansions and shops lining the streets, clearly marked by the presence of Soul Master clans. A faint, barely perceptible ripple passed through the depths of her eyes.

Dai Mubai folded his arms, a hint of scrutiny and pride in his evil eyes. "As expected of an imperial capital. It's somewhat interesting. Still, compared to Star Luo's imperial city, it lacks a bit of killing intent."

Ma Hongjun was practically drooling as he pointed at a fragrant roast meat shop by the roadside. "Once we're settled, Fatty is definitely going to sample the food in this imperial city!"

Oscar was more interested in the spirited young Soul Masters on the streets, dressed in uniforms from various academies. His Peach Blossom Eyes darted about as he clicked his tongue. "Look, look. These are all our competitors. Every one of them looks pretty full of themselves."

Tang San's gaze calmly swept across the scene outside. The Purple Demon Eye allowed him to catch far more details. He could sense faint, intermittent gazes watching from the shadows—guards of the imperial city, or spies from various factions. He could also detect Soul Power auras from some pedestrians that clearly did not belong to the Heaven Dou Empire, signaling that the tournament would gather remarkable figures from all corners of the land.

Xiao Xiaoxiao sat by the window, looking at the scene before her that was both familiar and unfamiliar, her feelings complicated. As a transmigrator, she knew far more about Heaven Dou Imperial City than the others. She knew of the undercurrents surging beneath its surface, and of the power struggles entangled behind the tournament. Yet being here in person, feeling the pulse of this city, still gave her an indescribable sense of oppression and... faint excitement.

She knew that from this point on, the story of the original novel would truly unveil its magnificent curtain. And the Shrek Eight Devils would no longer be spectators, but wave-makers about to plunge into its currents.

The carriage finally stopped before an inn that looked unremarkable, yet was exceptionally quiet and neat. Flender had used his connections to reserve this place in advance. Apparently, the price was "very fair," and the surroundings also met Master's requirement to "keep a low profile."

Everyone got out, and attendants quickly came forward to help carry their simple luggage. Flender and Master went to arrange their rooms, while Zhao Wuji stood with his hands on his hips, his bell-like eyes sweeping over the surroundings. His fierce expression practically warned strangers to stay away, sparing them quite a bit of trouble.

The inn was not large, but its interior was clean and elegant. The eight of them divided up the rooms. Tang San and Oscar shared one room, Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun another, while the four girls occupied two adjoining superior rooms.

After settling in briefly, Master gathered everyone in his room.

"We have arrived in Heaven Dou City. The tournament's draw will officially begin in three days." Master spread out a simple map of the imperial city, his expression grave. "For these three days, our task is to adapt to the environment, gather intelligence, and maintain our condition while avoiding any unnecessary conflicts or trouble."

His finger tapped several areas on the map. "This is the main venue of the tournament, the Heaven Dou Great Spirit Arena. This is where the teams from the various academies are staying. It's a mixed bag, so try not to go there. And these are important strongholds of the imperial family and Spirit Hall. Do not enter without an invitation."

"Within the imperial city, there are countless rules and eyes everywhere. Every move you make may draw attention." Master's sharp gaze swept over each of them. "Remember, we are here to compete, not cause trouble. But if someone takes the initiative to provoke us, there is no need to cower either. Shrek's bones aren't that soft!"

"Yes!" The eight answered in unison, fighting spirit gleaming in their eyes.

After the meeting ended, everyone returned to their rooms to rest. After several consecutive days of travel, they truly needed time to recover.

When Tang San returned to his room, Oscar was already sprawled across the bed, shouting, "We finally made it. My bones are practically falling apart. Xiao San, which restaurant in this imperial city do you think has the best food? Let's sneak out tonight and try it."

Tang San shook his head helplessly. "Rest first. We'll follow Master's arrangements tonight." He walked to the window and pushed it open, looking at the bustling street outside with calm eyes. Heaven Dou City—this would be the starting point of their rise to fame, and it was also destined to be the center of the vortex.

In the neighboring room, Xiao Xiaoxiao stayed with Xiao Wu and Ning Rongrong. Xiao Wu was still excitedly leaning on the windowsill to admire the view, while Ning Rongrong sorted through her clothes and jewelry.

Xiao Xiaoxiao walked to the window and stood beside Xiao Wu, watching the endless stream of people below. Her gaze casually swept past a street corner, where she saw an ordinarily dressed yet extraordinary-looking figure flash by. Her heart stirred slightly. Was that... Xue Qinghe? Or Qian Renxue?

She suppressed the turmoil in her heart, knowing that now was not the time to investigate. Her most urgent task was to adjust her condition and prepare for the great battle to come.

That evening, Master did not restrict their movements. He only reminded them to travel in groups and not go too far. The eight split into two groups: Dai Mubai, Zhu Zhuqing, Ma Hongjun, and Oscar in one, while Tang San, Xiao Xiaoxiao, Xiao Wu, and Ning Rongrong formed the other. They took a brief stroll near the inn, sampled some local snacks, then returned early.

The imperial city was even more prosperous at night than in the daytime, its lights brilliant and its music melodious. Yet the Shrek Eight Devils had no time to appreciate it. The tension before the great battle was like invisible threads, quietly winding around each of their hearts.

Tang San stood before the window in his room, watching the enormous outline of the Heaven Dou Great Spirit Arena emerge and vanish in the night like a dormant giant beast. He could feel the surge of Soul Power within him—the restless throb of a desire for battle.

On the neighboring balcony, Xiao Xiaoxiao also stood by the railing as the night wind stirred her hair. She held that silver bell in her hand without ringing it, simply gazing quietly in the same direction.

As though they shared a silent understanding, Tang San seemed to sense something and turned his head toward her. Their gazes met across the distance in the night.

No words were spoken. They merely gave each other a slight nod.

Everything was understood without being said.

Heaven Dou Imperial City—they had arrived. The Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament—the Shrek Eight Devils were ready to take the stage. The stage of surging undercurrents had already been set. All that remained was for the gong to sound, heralding the gathering of storms.