Chapter 216

After the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Tournament ended, the bustle of Star Luo City gradually subsided as well. The crowds on the streets returned from their unbearable congestion of a few days ago to their normal density, the lines outside the shops dispersed, and only the occasional scattered voices discussing the finals drifted over from street corners. Star Luo Square had reopened to the public, the Arena was being dismantled, and the metal pillars used for protection were removed one by one, loaded onto carts, and hauled away.

After Shrek's team rested at the hotel for an entire day, Wang Yan received the official notification to collect their reward. That afternoon, he knocked on Xue Lingyun's door and said they were going to the imperial treasury to choose Spirit Bones, asking whether he was ready. Xue Lingyun rose from his chair, closed the half-read book in his hand and set it back on the table, then left with Wang Yan.

The two crossed the main street of Star Luo City and entered the inner palace through a side gate of the imperial city. The attendant leading the way wore a dark red uniform. His footsteps were brisk and measured. After walking along a white marble path for about the time it took to drink a cup of tea, they stopped before a standalone building enclosed by stone walls. The entrance was not large. A guard in golden armor stood on either side, backs straight and without a single unnecessary movement. The attendant stopped in front, slightly turning aside to clear the space before the door.

The Star Luo Emperor, Xu Jiawei, was already standing at the entrance. He wore dark casual robes with a simple jade belt around his waist. He wore no crown, and his posture was much