Entering the Imperial Palace

"Oh, this matter is indeed somewhat unbelievable in my opinion, but since it has already happened, our Blue Electric Tyrant Dragon Clan still needs to make adjustments and send someone to Shrek Academy to make contact."

Yu Luomian pondered for a moment, then added, "After all, Xiao Gang and Erlong are both soul masters from our Blue Electric Tyrant Dragon Clan. As the saying goes, 'cut the bone and the sinew is still connected.' For both sentiment and reason, we must send someone to check on them."

When Liu Erlong's name was mentioned, Yu Luomian's tone clearly changed slightly.

"Well said." Yu Yuanzhen nodded, then smiled and said to Yu Xiaofeng, "Xiaofeng, you go down and keep an eye on things. When Xiao Gang returns, you will personally go to Shrek Academy."

"Understood." Yu Xiaofeng cupped his fists, then turned and walked out of the meeting hall.

"Alright, let's continue dealing with clan matters."

Yu Yuanzhen looked around at the Elders present, then began to discuss clan affairs again. However, when his gaze swept over Yu Luomian, who was deep in thought with his head bowed, a cold glint flashed in Yu Yuanzhen's eyes.

Heaven Dou City, within the Imperial Palace.

A snow-white Sea East Green descended from the sky, passed through the study window, and landed on a nearby bird perch.

Emperor Xue Ye, who was handling affairs at his desk, immediately looked up when he heard the sound. Upon seeing the Sea East Green on the perch, he slowly stood up from his seat and paced over.

He opened the letter tube tied to the Sea East Green's leg, took out the letter, and with a wave of his hand, the Sea East Green turned and flew out the window again.

Emperor Xue Ye opened the letter and began to read the contents.

As his gaze swept downwards, Emperor Xue Ye's eyes grew brighter and brighter, and a look of joy gradually appeared on his face.

After finishing the entire letter, Emperor Xue Ye crumpled it in his hand. Then, with a surge of soul power, he loosened his grip, and the entire letter was shaken into powder, slowly dissipating from his palm.

"Master, truly lives up to his reputation."

"This Shrek Academy, with its close ties to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and the descendant of the Clear Sky Sect, is naturally opposed to Martial Soul Hall. It is definitely an object that can be won over."

"Hmph, Martial Soul Hall, just you wait..."

Emperor Xue Ye's expression was cold, and a murderous intent flickered in his eyes.

Half a month later, Heaven Dou City, at the city gates.

The sun was setting.

A small convoy of knights slowly entered the city gates and then headed in the direction of Shrek Academy.

This convoy was the team from Shrek Academy participating in the Advanced Soul Master Academy Competition. The other academy convoys had already dispersed on their way back, escorted by their respective knights to their own academies.

The convoy arrived at the gates of Shrek Academy. As the participants disembarked from their carriages, the teachers and students who had been waiting for a long time immediately rushed forward to celebrate the heroes of Shrek Academy.

And just as the teachers and students were celebrating amongst themselves, another team of carriages arrived at the gates of Shrek Academy.

Unlike the ordinary carriages of the knight convoy, this group of carriages was clearly much more luxurious. The carriage bodies were inlaid with numerous gold and silver patterns, and the edges of the tassels were adorned with gems, emitting crisp sounds with every movement.

Even the horses pulling the carriages were entirely crimson, their coats as lustrous as silk. Their gait was professionally trained, displaying a unique elegance and beauty.

Two men alighted from the foremost carriage. One, around forty years old, had a face like jade, a straight nose, and a square mouth. He wore a spotless white robe, exuding a refined, gentle, and approachable aura.

The other man had an ancient countenance. Despite his white hair, his face was as smooth and tender as an infant's. He wore a spotless blue robe, possessing an aloof and transcendent demeanor, like a sword immortal.

These two were none other than the Sect Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, Ning Fengzhi, and Sword Douluo Chen Xin, who often accompanied him.

They passed through the crowd of teachers and students outside the academy gates and approached Flender and Yu Xiaogang.

Ning Fengzhi's face broke into a friendly smile as he said, "The Shrek Academy's victory in the Advanced Soul Master Academy Competition is a great honor for the Heaven Dou Empire. Emperor Xue Ye has specifically prepared a celebratory banquet to invite the meritorious participants of Shrek Academy."

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 participating teachers and students of Shrek Academy back to the carriages.

With the crisp clinking of tassels, the convoy slowly set off, heading towards the imperial palace within Heaven Dou City.

The convoy moved unimpeded through the city. As the sun had set and the sky darkened, the Soul Tools used for illumination on each carriage lit up, emitting a warm and soft white light that dispelled the cold night.

The carriages then entered the palace gates and, after a slow drive, arrived before a grand hall.

The group alighted from their carriages. Yu Xiaogang glanced at the plaque above the hall's entrance, which bore the three characters "Sky Dome Hall."

Ning Fengzhi, standing nearby, explained with a smile, "This Sky Dome Hall is the core of the imperial palace, regarded by the Heaven Dou royal family as a place to receive starlight and inherit destiny. To hold the banquet here demonstrates the great importance placed upon Shrek Academy."

"I see. This is our Shrek Academy's honor," Yu Xiaogang replied with a smile. Flender, beside him, also expressed his respect.

Following this, the members of Shrek Academy were led by two maids inside the Sky Dome Hall.

As soon as they crossed the threshold, they were astonished by the sight before them.

Night had fallen, and the lamps were lit.

The entire Sky Dome Hall shimmered under the glow of the moon, stars, and lamplight.

They walked on a vibrant red carpet that stretched from the entrance to the main hall.

Royal guards in golden armor stood at attention on either side, exuding solemnity.

The Shrek Group proceeded along the red carpet into the main hall of the Sky Dome Hall. A delicate fragrance permeated the air, instantly filling their nostrils and bringing a sense of peace to their minds and bodies.

Emperor Xue Ye was standing in the hall. Seeing the Shrek Academy group enter, he immediately stepped forward with a smile.

Ning Fengzhi then began the introductions. According to custom, the only Titled Douluo on the scene, Dugu Bo, was to be introduced first.

However, Dugu Bo was too familiar with the Heaven Dou Imperial Family and had a close friendship with Emperor Xue Ye. Seeing Ning Fengzhi look his way, he immediately waved his hand. Ning Fengzhi could only smile and move on.

Next, he introduced Dean Flender and Vice Dean Liu Erlong. Emperor Xue Ye responded to both with a smile.

When it came to introducing the next person, Ning Fengzhi's tone became noticeably more solemn.

"This is Master, Yu Xiaogang. After this Advanced Soul Master Academy Competition, his name has become renowned throughout the entire Soul Master World."

The smile on Emperor Xue Ye's face deepened. He stepped forward and clasped Yu Xiaogang's hand, saying, "I had heard of the Ten Core Competencies of Martial Soul theory long ago, and I have always wished to meet Master in person. Today, my wish is truly fulfilled."

He then announced loudly to the crowd before him:

"Come, everyone from Shrek Academy, you are all meritorious officials of my Heaven Dou Empire. Please, take your seats."