Celebration Banquet and Post-Holiday Routine

Ma Xiaotao slowly opened her eyes, her vision still a little blurry.

She felt like she was having a very long dream, a dream filled with black flames and endless slaughter.

The first thing she saw upon regaining consciousness was the boy sitting in front of her, his face as pale as paper and his body soaked in sweat.

It's Dai Huabin.

He saved himself.

Moreover, judging from his appearance, he had clearly paid a heavy price.

At that moment, Ma Xiaotao's heart was struck hard by something.

Electrolux's will left its last words in Dai Huabin's mind.

"The rest can be left to the Life Gold to nurture itself. My work is done."

As soon as he finished speaking, that ancient and vast aura instantly vanished from Dai Huabin's body.

His tense mind and Soul Power suddenly relaxed, and an overwhelming sense of exhaustion instantly overwhelmed him.

Dai Huabin swayed violently, his vision went black, and he almost collapsed to the ground.

"Huabin!"

Zhu Lu exclaimed in surprise and rushed forward, steadily supporting his weak body from the side.

The girl's body temperature and familiar fragrance wafted over, allowing Dai Huabin to barely regain his composure.

He leaned on Zhu Lu's shoulder, panting heavily. After a while, he felt his Soul Power begin to flow again in his parched meridians.

He raised his head, his gaze sweeping across the room and landing on Ma Xiaotao, who had just regained her footing.

At this moment, Ma Xiaotao had shed the ferocity of her outburst of Evil Fire and her usual arrogance, leaving her bright face with a hint of weakness and confusion.

Her eyes were slightly red, and she just stared straight at Dai Huabin, her lips moving, but she didn't know what to say.

She knew in her heart that if it weren't for Dai Huabin, she might have truly been doomed this time.

That deep admiration, which had been suppressed in the depths of my heart, was now mixed with intense emotion, almost overflowing from my chest.

She had always liked this junior who was younger than her but more composed and stronger than anyone else.

Today on the field, she rushed forward to block that sword, not only for the team's victory, but also willingly.

She was willing to shield him from any danger.

"Sister Xiaotao," Dai Huabin's voice was a little hoarse, but his tone was exceptionally sincere, "Thank you."

"You became like that to protect us, to protect me."

At this moment, Dai Huabin finally saw his own heart clearly.

Ma Xiaotao's courage, her purity, and her impeccable looks and figure all made him increasingly attracted to her.

Under Dai Huabin's sincere gaze, Ma Xiaotao's heart pounded, and her cheeks flushed uncontrollably.

She felt a little shy, yet deeply moved, and finally just gently shook her head, whispering:

"It's worth it."

The Snow Empress and the Ice Empress watched from the side without saying a word.

The atmosphere in the room suddenly became somewhat awkward.

Just then, there was a gentle knock on the door.

"Knock knock knock."

"Excuse me, is Captain Dai Huabin here?" a respectful voice came from outside the door.

Dai Yueheng opened the door from the outside.

A messenger dressed in the court attire of the Star Luo Imperial Family stood at the door, followed by two guards.

"I am a royal messenger." The messenger bowed slightly. "By order of His Majesty, I have come to invite the geniuses of the Shrek Academy to attend the victory celebration banquet tonight at the palace."

The royal victory celebration banquet was held in a side hall of the Star Luo Imperial Palace.

There were no complicated formalities, nor were there many irrelevant officials accompanying them.

Emperor Xu Jiawei and Princess Xu Jiujiu personally greeted them at the palace gate, giving Shrek Academy ample face.

The atmosphere at the banquet was relaxed.

Xu Jiawei sat in the main seat, frequently raising his glass, his words full of praise for the Shrek team.

"Huabin." Xu Jiawei's gaze fell on Dai Huabin. "In the final battle, your strength and composure truly broadened my horizons. Shrek Academy is fortunate to have you, and it is also a blessing for the entire Soul Master World of the continent."

Dai Huabin raised his glass in response. "Your Majesty is too kind. Winning the championship is thanks to the efforts of the entire team."

Xu Jiawei laughed and said no more.

He was a wise emperor who knew that trying to win over a genius like Dai Huabin too much would only cause resentment.

The best approach is to show kindness in a measured way.

Xu Jiujiu beside Xu Jiawei for a long time. Today, she had changed into a light blue palace dress. She looked less heroic on the field and more dignified like a royal princess.

She raised her glass and offered a toast to Ma Xiaotao from afar.

"Captain Xiaotao, I Jiujiu admire your act of selflessly protecting your teammates. As for your injuries, the Emperor has decreed that you may use all the healing elixirs in the royal treasury at any time."

These words were both a gesture of goodwill and a way of repaying the favor that Dai Huabin had previously promised to do for him.

Ma Xiaotao was somewhat flattered and quickly replied, "Thank you, Your Highness, thank you, Your Majesty."

The entire celebration banquet lasted less than an hour before it came to a successful conclusion.

When the Shrek team returned to the Star Emperor Hotel, it was already late at night.

Although Ma Xiaotao's injury has stabilized, she still needs to rest.

Dai Huabin escorted her back to her room and watched her lie down before turning to leave.

Back in his room, Zhu Lu had already prepared hot water for him.

As Dai Huabin soaked in the bathtub, feeling his tired body gradually relax, his mind was still replaying everything that had happened that night.

The emperor's overtures, Xu Jiujiu's goodwill, and Ma Xiaotao's shy yet touched expression.

He suddenly realized that the biggest gain from this competition might not be the championship, but the hearts of the people.

The next morning.

Sunlight streamed into the room through the gaps in the curtains; it was another beautiful, sunny day.

With the tension and pressure of the game completely relieved, the entire Shrek team was filled with a relaxed and joyful atmosphere.

As soon as Dai Huabin stepped out of the room, he was blocked by a petite figure.

Di Lingxi hugged a pillow and stared at him longingly.

"Huabin, barbecue..."

Dai Huabin couldn't help but laugh and reached out to ruffle her blonde hair.

"Let's go now. To the best barbecue restaurant in all of Star Luo City, I'll grill it for you myself."

Di Lingxi cheered and followed behind him, skipping and jumping all the way, as happy as a real child.

The most famous barbecue restaurant in Star Luo City, "Flame Dragon Pavilion," was booked out by Dai Huabin early in the morning.

The best private rooms in the restaurant use ovens built with fire crystals, providing even and gentle heat, making them ideal for roasting top-grade Soul Beast.

As soon as Di Lingxi entered, she rushed to the oven, her amber eyes gleaming with excitement.

"This! This! And that!" She pointed to the most expensive meats on the menu, her mouth practically watering.

Dai Huabin smiled and shook his head, then said to the waiter beside him, "Bring one serving of every kind of meat in your shop."

Zhu Lu sat quietly next to Dai Huabin, poured him a cup of tea, and looked at Di Lingxi's naive and unworldly appearance with a faint smile on her lips.

The barbecue was served quickly.

Dai Huabin didn't delegate the task to anyone else; he personally picked up the tongs and laid out thinly sliced, evenly cut pieces of snowflake beef onto the grill.

"Sizzle!"

The meat slices made a pleasant sound as they touched the scalding hot fire crystal, and a rich aroma of meat immediately filled the air.

He was very focused while baking, flipping the food, adding seasonings, and controlling the heat perfectly; every step was just right.

Di Lingxi stared intently, her little nose constantly sniffing.

Is it ready?

"Soon."

"And now?"

"Wait a little longer."

Finally, Dai Huabin picked up the first piece of roasted meat and placed it on the plate in front of Di Lingxi.

The little guy didn't care that it was hot; he just grabbed it with his hands and stuffed it into his mouth.

"Aww... delicious!" she mumbled, her eyes squinting with happiness.

Dai Huabin smiled and continued grilling for her.

Zhu Lu watched this scene with a calm heart.

She was very smart. From Dai Huabin's willingness to exhaust his Soul Power to save Ma Xiaotao, to his patiently playing along with Di Lingxi's antics, she had seen things very clearly.

The man she loved had more than just her in his heart.

But she didn't care.

As long as she holds a place in his heart, that's enough.