"Oh, this matter does seem rather unbelievable to me. But since it has already happened, our Blue Electric Tyrant Dragon Clan will have to make adjustments and send someone to contact Shrek Academy."
Yu Luomian pondered for a moment, then continued, "After all, Xiao Gang and Erlong are both Soul Masters from our Blue Electric Tyrant Dragon Clan. As they say, blood is thicker than water. In light of both feeling and reason, we ought to send someone to check on them."
When Liu Erlong's name came up, Yu Luomian's tone shifted noticeably.
"Quite right." Yu Yuanzhen nodded, then smiled and said to Yu Xiaofeng, "Xiao Feng, go keep an eye on things. Once Xiao Gang returns, you'll go to Shrek Academy in person."
"Understood." Yu Xiaofeng cupped his hands, then turned and left the council hall.
"All right, let's get back to clan affairs."
Yu Yuanzhen surveyed the elders present, then resumed discussing clan matters. But when his gaze swept over Yu Luomian, who was deep in thought with his head bowed, a trace of coldness flashed in Yu Yuanzhen's eyes.
Heaven Dou City, inside the imperial palace.
A snow-white Sea East Green descended from the sky, flew through the study window, and landed on a nearby perch.
Xue Ye, who had been handling affairs at his desk, immediately looked up at the sound. When he saw the Sea East Green on the perch, he rose slowly from his seat and strolled over.
He opened the message tube tied to the Sea East Green's leg and took out the letter. Then, with a wave of his hand, the bird turned around and flew back out through the window.
Xue Ye unfolded the letter and began reading its contents.
As his gaze moved down the page, his eyes grew brighter and brighter, and delight gradually appeared on his face.
After reading it all, Xue Ye crumpled the letter in his hand. A surge of Soul Power coursed through him, and when he opened his palm again, the letter had been reduced to dust that trickled away.
"Grandmaster truly lives up to his reputation."
"Shrek Academy is closely connected to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, has an heir of the Clear Sky Sect, and is naturally at odds with Spirit Hall. It's definitely a force we can win over."
"Hmph, Spirit Hall. Just you wait..."
Xue Ye's expression turned cold, and a trace of murderous intent appeared in his eyes.
Half a month later, at the city gate of Heaven Dou City.
The sun was already close to setting.
A small convoy of carriages slowly passed through the city gate, then headed toward Shrek Academy.
This was the team from Shrek Academy that had competed in this year's Advanced Soul Master Academy Competition. The other academy teams had already split up on their return journey, each escorted to its own academy by a group of knights.
When the convoy reached Shrek Academy's gates, all the competitors climbed down from the carriages. The teachers and students who had been waiting there for a long time immediately rushed forward to celebrate the heroes of Shrek Academy.
Just as the teachers and students were celebrating together, another convoy of carriages arrived at the academy gates.
Unlike the ordinary carriages in the knightly convoy that had just arrived, these carriages were far more lavish. Their bodies were inlaid with elaborate gold and silver patterns, and gemstones hung from the tassels along their edges, chiming crisply whenever they moved.
Even the horses pulling them were different. Their coats were a deep red, their manes gleamed like silk, and they had been professionally trained to walk with an elegant, graceful step.
Two men stepped down from the first carriage. One appeared to be around forty, with a handsome face, straight nose, and well-shaped mouth. He wore a spotless white robe and had a refined, gentle, approachable air about him.
The other had a timeworn face. Though his hair was entirely white, his complexion was as smooth as a baby's. He wore an immaculate blue robe and had a proud, otherworldly bearing, like a sword immortal.
These two were Ning Fengzhi, Sect Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, and Sword Douluo Chen Xin, who was often by his side.
The two walked through the crowd of teachers and students outside the gates and came to stand before Flender and Yu Xiaogang.
Ning Fengzhi smiled warmly and said, "Shrek Academy's victory in the Advanced Soul Master Academy Competition is a tremendous honor for the Heaven Dou Empire as well. Emperor Xue Ye has specially arranged a banquet to celebrate. He invites the distinguished competitors from Shrek Academy to attend."
Flender and Yu Xiaogang exchanged a glance, then nodded. Flender replied, "Then we'll trouble Sect Master Ning to lead the way."
Ning Fengzhi smiled and led the teachers and students from Shrek Academy back to the carriages.
Accompanied by the crisp clinking of tassels, the convoy slowly set off toward the imperial palace in the heart of Heaven Dou City.
The convoy traveled through the city without hindrance. The sun had set and darkness was falling, so the Soul Tools used to light the way in front of each carriage began to glow, casting a warm, gentle white light that dispelled the chill of the night.
The carriages then passed through the palace gates. After traveling slowly for a while, they arrived in front of a grand hall.
Everyone climbed down from the carriages. Yu Xiaogang glanced at the plaque above the hall entrance, where three large characters stood out: "Sky Dome Hall."
Ning Fengzhi noticed him looking and explained with a smile, "Sky Dome Hall is at the heart of the imperial palace. The Heaven Dou Imperial Family regards it as a place where starlight is welcomed and good fortune passed down. Holding a banquet here shows just how highly they regard Shrek Academy."
"I see. It's an honor for Shrek Academy."
Yu Xiaogang replied with a smile, and Flender beside him expressed his gratitude as well.
Two maids from Sky Dome Hall then led the people from Shrek Academy inside.
The moment they crossed the hall's entrance, everyone was awestruck by what they saw.
Night had fallen, and the lights had just come on.
Under the starlight, moonlight, and lamps, all of Sky Dome Hall gleamed brilliantly.
They walked along a scarlet carpet that stretched from the entrance all the way to the main hall.
Royal guards in golden armor stood at attention on either side, lending the place a solemn air.
The Shrek Group followed the carpet into Sky Dome Hall's main chamber. A fresh, elegant fragrance that filled the air immediately drifted into their noses, soothing both body and mind.
Xue Ye was standing in the hall. When he saw everyone from Shrek Academy enter, he immediately smiled and went to greet them.
Ning Fengzhi began making introductions. By custom, he would naturally introduce Dugu Bo first, the only Titled Douluo present.
But Dugu Bo was very familiar with the Heaven Dou Imperial Family and was a close friend of Xue Ye. The moment Ning Fengzhi looked his way, he waved his hand, leaving Ning Fengzhi no choice but to smile and move on.
He then introduced Dean Flender and Vice Dean Liu Erlong, and Xue Ye greeted them both with a smile.
When it came time to introduce the next person, Ning Fengzhi's tone grew noticeably more solemn.
"This is Grandmaster, Yu Xiaogang. Thanks to this Advanced Soul Master Academy Competition, his name has become famous throughout the Soul Master World."
The smile on Xue Ye's face grew even broader. He stepped forward, clasped Yu Xiaogang's hand, and said, "I heard about your Ten Core Competencies of Martial Soul theory years ago. I've always wanted to meet you in person. Now my wish has finally come true."
Then he turned to the people before him and called out,
"Come, everyone from Shrek Academy. You're all heroes of the Heaven Dou Empire. Please, take your seats."
Before you continue