Setting Out for Eastsea

Just as they stepped out of the dean's office, the dimly lit corridor was suddenly illuminated by a soft purple glow from a specially made communication Soul Tool in Li Chen's arms.

The Soul Tool was lustrous throughout, engraved with the Spirit Pagoda's exclusive spirit patterns. Only high-ranking members of the Spirit Pagoda and core geniuses it cultivated could possess one; ordinary Soul Masters rarely even had the chance to see such an item.

The person at the other end of this Soul Tool was Leng Yaozhu, the Spirit Pagoda's vice tower master and the Heavenly Phoenix Douluo.

The gentle purple light instantly spread outward, condensing into a clear Soul Tool projection in the center.

Leng Yaozhu appeared within the projection. She wore a perfectly tailored purple gown, breathtakingly beautiful and gentle yet dignified in bearing. Even as a mere projection, she faintly radiated the formidable pressure of a Limit Douluo, though she restrained it perfectly, leaving only the feeling of a refreshing spring breeze. Her clear eyes calmly regarded the three before her, a warm smile resting on her lips.

"We already know about the task your dean assigned you." Leng Yaozhu spoke first, her voice gentle and pleasant, yet carrying an unquestionable certainty.

As one of the continent's foremost powers, the Spirit Pagoda's intelligence network covered the entire Douluo Federation. From the Federation Parliament's core decisions to personnel changes in local academies, almost nothing could be concealed from them. Moreover, Li Chen, Gu Yue, and Na'er were core geniuses whom the Spirit Pagoda had poured countless resources into cultivating. Leng Yaozhu was their direct contact, having been responsible for the Spirit Pagoda's training and support of them ever since they entered the academy. Naturally, their every move had remained under the Spirit Pagoda's watch.

"Yes, Aunt Leng." Li Chen stepped forward and addressed the projection. "The dean wants the three of us to assume the identities of Eastsea Academy students and participate in the Shrek exhibition match being held in Eastsea City two months from now, defeating Shrek's competitors head-on."

Leng Yaozhu nodded gently, a flicker of understanding passing through her eyes.

She was fully aware of the struggle between the Federation and Shrek, as well as the century-old enmity between the Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy and Shrek. This did not surprise her.

Her gaze slowly swept over the three of them as she spoke in a solemnly cautionary tone. "On this trip to Eastsea City, remember to keep your edge concealed. Unless absolutely necessary, you must not reveal your core trump cards. Shrek Academy has stood at the continent's peak for a thousand years; its reputation is certainly not undeserved. Every one of their outer court geniuses is an exceptional talent among ten thousand. Do not let your guard down."

"We understand." Gu Yue and Na'er stepped forward together, bowing to Leng Yaozhu. Their voices were crisp, yet incomparably resolute.

Looking at the three extraordinarily gifted youths before her, the smile on Leng Yaozhu's lips grew even warmer. Her tone shifted, and the earlier seriousness instantly gained a touch of warmth. "The New Year will be here soon. Since you are traveling all the way to Eastsea City for this mission, I'm afraid you won't be able to return to headquarters for the holiday. I have already prepared New Year gifts for all three of you. They were specially tailored by the Spirit Pagoda for each of you, perfectly suited to your Martial Soul attributes and current cultivation. They can help stabilize your realms and increase your strength, while also helping you face the upcoming matches more effectively."

At those words, a trace of emotion flashed through the eyes of all three.

Every New Year, the Spirit Pagoda prepared exclusive gifts for the top geniuses it focused on cultivating. Every item was a peerless treasure rarely seen on the continent, something ordinary Soul Masters might not encounter even in an entire lifetime.

What was more, these gifts had been personally overseen and prepared by Leng Yaozhu. Their value far surpassed that of previous years.

Li Chen's Pluto Martial Soul required heavenly treasures of the purest life-and-death attributes for nourishment. Gu Yue's Elemental Body required rare objects capable of nurturing the origin of the elements. Na'er's Silver Dragon Spear Martial Soul required supreme treasures containing the aura of the ancient Dragon Clan to awaken the potential of her bloodline.

The gifts Leng Yaozhu had prepared would surely be top-tier resources precisely suited to their needs. That thoughtfulness brought warmth to all three of their hearts.

"I have already sent word to the Eastsea City Spirit Pagoda Branch and had all the gifts placed within a hidden secret realm in the branch's Spirit Ascension Platform. This just happens to be the rampage period, so the three of you can use the opportunity to temper yourselves." Leng Yaozhu continued, her tone brooking no argument. "Set out for Eastsea City immediately. There is no need to report your identities to Eastsea Academy first. Your first stop should be the Eastsea City Spirit Pagoda Branch. Familiarize yourselves with the effects of your gifts in the branch's secret realm, refine the resources, stabilize your cultivation, and bring your strength to its optimal state."

She paused, then added with the concern of an elder, "Besides cultivation resources, the gifts also include some things for the New Year. The Eastsea City branch has prepared private residences exclusively for you. Security is tight, and no one will disturb you. Even while carrying out a mission away from home, you can still have a peaceful and comfortable New Year."

"The person in charge of the Eastsea City Spirit Pagoda Branch has already received my instructions and will cooperate fully with all your actions." Leng Yaozhu's expression grew serious again, and her tone became solemn. "Whether it is identity concealment, intelligence gathering, or replenishing cultivation resources, you may seek out the branch director at any time if there are any problems. They will resolve everything for you unconditionally. The Spirit Pagoda will always be your strongest support."

At the end, her gaze passed over each of their faces as she repeatedly reminded them, "Remember, be careful in all things. Keeping your identities secret is the highest priority. No matter when, your own safety must come first. I will be waiting in Ming Capital for you to claim victory at the first battle and return in glory."

"Okay!" x3

Li Chen, Gu Yue, and Na'er bowed together, deeply saluting Leng Yaozhu's projection. Their voices were filled with gratitude and certainty.

The purple light gradually faded, and the Soul Tool projection vanished, leaving only a faint lingering fragrance of phoenix in the air.

The three exchanged glances and saw burning fighting spirit in one another's eyes, along with unwavering confidence in their journey to Eastsea City.

Without wasting a moment, they immediately returned to their respective residences and packed their belongings as quickly as possible. They gathered all the Soul Tools and commonly used resources needed for daily cultivation, making preparations to depart.

When Hongchen Ming learned that the three would be setting out early for Eastsea City, he not only raised no objection but gave them his full support.

He personally handed the three of them three concealment Soul Tools that he had forged overnight. He also prepared a large supply of Soul Tool ammunition, emergency healing medicine, and sufficient Federation currency. He repeatedly reminded them that upon arriving in Eastsea City, they must first conceal their tracks and never expose their identities. If anything happened, they were to contact the academy immediately.

That afternoon, the three boarded an ultra-high-speed Soul Guidance Train traveling from Ming Capital to Eastsea City.

The Soul Guidance Train slowly departed the Ming Capital platform, then abruptly accelerated, racing eastward like a streak of silver lightning.

The scenery outside the windows sped backward. The prosperous capital gradually faded into the distance, replaced by rolling green mountains and vast plains. On the far horizon, a stretch of azure sea could faintly be seen.

Li Chen sat by the window, calmly watching the rapidly passing scenery outside. His fingers gently brushed the communication Soul Tool Leng Yaozhu had given him, while an unhidden sharpness gleamed deep in his eyes.

Gu Yue sat beside him with her eyes closed in quiet rest. The elemental aura around her slowly merged with the natural world beyond the window, constantly honing her control over the elements. Her cool, beautiful face showed not the slightest ripple.

Na'er lay across the table opposite them, her lively eyes curiously observing the scenery outside. From time to time, she turned to exchange a few words with Gu Yue. Beneath her charming appearance, however, lay a hint of anticipation for the coming confrontation.

A covert battle, secretly arranged by the Federation Parliament and pursued with all the Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy's strength, aimed at suppressing Shrek Academy, had quietly begun.

The train roared toward Eastsea City, carrying the fighting spirit of the three, the Sun Moon Academy's ten-thousand-year obsession, and the Spirit Pagoda's expectations and arrangements.