Shrek had lost face, and the Star Luo Empire had lost face right along with it.
But there was nothing he could do. He couldn't exactly arrest all the people who'd been cursing them.
"First place, Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineer Academy."
Xu Yanli stood up, straightened his robes, and strode toward the stage.
Xiao Hongchen, Huo Yuhao, Meng Hongchen, Ji Juechen, Shen Muqing, and Zhao Tiesheng followed behind him.
The seven of them walked in perfect step, their presence commanding.
When they reached the stage, Xu Jiawei personally handed the gold trophy to Xu Yanli.
Their gazes met.
One looked down from on high; the other remained unruffled.
"Congratulations, Prince Xiaoyao," Xu Jiawei said, his voice flat and betraying no emotion.
Xu Yanli accepted the trophy and smiled faintly. "Thank you, Your Majesty."
He paused, then lowered his voice so only Xu Jiawei could hear. "Uncle, did you sleep well last night?"
Xu Jiawei's fingers tightened slightly. His face still wore a polished smile, but he didn't respond.
Xu Yanli didn't mind. He turned with the trophy in his hands to face the hundred thousand spectators below.
Sunlight spilled over him, making his golden hair shine. His moon-white brocade robes fluttered gently in the breeze.
He raised the trophy.
The Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineer Academy's flag snapped in the wind above the stands.
The Sun Moon Empire's competitors erupted in frenzied cheers, the roar nearly turning the heavens upside down.
But even amid the cheers, curses aimed at Shrek still rang out, along with the mournful cries of the Star Luo Empire's people.
Xu Yanli stood on the high platform, listening to the curses as the faintest smile curled his lips.
From this day on, Shrek's ten-thousand-year reputation would never recover.
The award ceremony ended, and the crowd