Xu Yanli nodded, rose, and headed outside.
When he reached the entrance to the Prince's Mansion, he suddenly stopped and glanced back at the osmanthus tree in the courtyard.
"Luo Xu."
"I'm here, Your Highness."
"Tell me, what exactly do the people mean when they call those two cities in the Heaven Dou Empire that surrendered 'the rightful line'?"
Luo Xu paused, then replied carefully, "I think they're reminiscing about Spirit Hall in its heyday."
Xu Yanli said nothing more. He turned his gaze away and walked out through the gates of the Prince's Mansion.
Behind him, the osmanthus tree swayed gently in the autumn wind. Golden petals fluttered down, carpeting the ground.
Time dragged on, little by little.
After the preliminaries came a three-day break, and Xu Yanli barely slept a wink.
By day, he stayed on the training ground, watching his six subordinates practice their teamwork, never letting up for a moment.
At night, he sat alone in his study, staring motionlessly at the map of the Star Luo Empire hanging on the wall.
Before long, the final list of teams advancing to the next round was announced.
Xiaoyao Pavilion, Shrek Academy, Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineer Academy, and Star Luo Royal Soul Engineer Academy.
Only these four teams would compete for the highest honor in this year's All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Academy Soul Fighting Tournament.
As soon as the news spread, the entire Ming Capital erupted.
On every street corner, in every teahouse and tavern, Soul Masters and ordinary folk alike were talking about the four teams, counting down the days to the coming clash of titans.
But no matter how the conversation went, the focus wasn't on the Sun Moon Empire, Shrek, or even the Star Luo Royal Team.
It was all on Xiaoyao Pavilion.
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