Back to Ming Capital!

The entire train heading for the Federation's capital, Ming Capital, had been booked. The only passengers were members of the Shen Family and the four little ones.

As the deputy commander of the North Sea Legion, Shen Yue naturally couldn't leave. But Shen Nanxun and Na'er were both returning to Ming Capital, so there was no reason for Ye Li to stay behind.

"Talk about luxury..."

Dong Yi'an leaned back in the soft seat and said with a sigh, "Is this what it's like to be a young master from a prominent family? An entire train, just for us!"

The Shen Family was a top-tier clan, so it was perfectly normal for them to travel in such style. Even the train conductor had been personally chosen by Shen Nanxun.

He'd also specifically instructed them not to hire any train attendants surnamed Mo, especially anyone whose full name was only two characters long.

"Look at you, acting like you've never seen anything before." Ye Xi gave a soft snort. "You're the son of a legion commander, for goodness' sake. How did you end up like this?"

"I'm just frugal." Dong Yi'an waved a hand.

"Yeah, right. I'd say you're just stingy!"

"You..."

"Hmph!" Dong Yi'an lifted his chin and declared, "Since you say I'm stingy, I'll treat everyone to the first meal in Ming Capital!"

"I'll show you whether I'm frugal or stingy."

"Definitely frugal." Shen Nanxun picked up the thread, sounding thoroughly impressed. "I heard that at home, you save your pee to flush your poop. Respect!"

"Hahaha!" Ye Xi laughed so hard beside him that she could barely catch her breath.

Na'er was engrossed in her soul guidance device. Bored, she scrolled through her collection of reaction images and pouted. "Shen Nanxun, do you have any really absurd reaction images? I'm tired of using all of mine."

Shen Nanxun reached over and took her Soul Guidance Communicator. He opened the camera, aimed it at Dong Yi'an, who was sitting across from them, and pressed the shutter.

Click.

"There you go." Shen Nanxun handed the communicator back, his expression unchanged.

Dong Yi'an: "???"

Na'er looked down. Her silver eyes instantly lit up as if she'd discovered a whole new world.

She tapped rapidly at the screen, adding a line of huge text above Dong Yi'an's head in the photo: "Brother Xun is right."

Then she held up the communicator for Dong Yi'an to see, her cowlick bobbing smugly.

"Haha, I've decided. Dong Yi'an, you're my personal reaction-image collection from now on!"

That was talent for you. One casual snap and he'd become an absurd reaction image.

The journey was long, and there was no mood for cultivation. They should do something naughty instead.

Ahem, ahem, ahem.

Of course, they wouldn't. Shen Nanxun closed his eyes and thought about recent events. A few months ago, Yue Tian Douluo had personally sparred with the several of them. A powerhouse of his caliber truly had an incredible understanding of the spear.

Shen Nanxun, Na'er, and Dong Yi'an could all use spears, and the three of them had made the greatest progress.

It had been a qualitative leap, at the very least.

Hard cultivation really couldn't compare to the rapid progress they made under a powerhouse's guidance. But that kind of instruction required a solid foundation. Fortunately, they were all capable. Even Shen Nanxun, whose understanding of spear techniques was the weakest, had a foundation in swordsmanship, and his physical condition was more than up to par.

His bloodline power could also link up with the Golden Dragon Spear, letting him wield it as naturally as his own arm. That made his progress twice as fast with half the effort.

Yue Tian Douluo also had a broad-minded outlook. Although he was closely connected to Shrek Academy, he hadn't objected when he learned that Na'er was going to the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Master Academy.

Of course, Yue Tian Douluo Guan Yue didn't care about that. In fact, he supported Na'er going to Ming Capital. It would let him guide her better and more easily.

As Na'er's teacher, nothing pleased him more.

In Guan Yue's eyes, everything else came second. The only things he valued were his understanding of the spear and its legacy.

The train raced across the vast plains, the scenery outside gradually shifting from the boundless northern expanse to the bustling heartland.

Shen Nanxun opened his eyes and turned to look outside. On the horizon, gilded by the afternoon sun, a city was slowly rising into view.

It was an ocean forged from steel. Countless skyscrapers stood like towering trees, each one clad in sleek, silver-gray alloy panels that glinted sharply in the sunlight.

Elevated light-rail lines wound through the air between the buildings, like silver arteries encircling the enormous beast that was the city.

Holographic advertisement screens hung above every street, their colorful soul guidance projections flickering through the air. The latest soul guidance cars, trailers for mecha fighting tournaments, recruitment ads for the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Master Academy—everything proclaimed the city's prosperity.

Towering above all the buildings, a colossal silver-white tower soared into the sky, piercing the clouds. It was octagonal, its surface covered in densely packed Soul Guidance Array patterns that glowed blue. It was the headquarters of the Federal Council.

At its summit, a huge Federation flag snapped in the wind, its insignia of sword and shield overlooking all of Ming Capital. And that was only the tip of the iceberg of the Federation's power.

At the heart of this steel forest, a vast campus district gleamed like a piece of jade set into the city's silver-gray fabric.

Ancient bell towers stood shoulder to shoulder with modern soul guidance laboratories. Neat rows of mechas lined the training grounds, and flags bearing the sun and moon hung along the broad, tree-shaded avenues. This was the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Master Academy, the continent's second-ranked top-tier academy, and it far outstripped every other academy on the continent in the field of soul engineering.

Dong Yi'an leaned against the train window, his face almost pressed to the glass. "Holy crap, this is Ming Capital?"

He was from a prominent family himself, but for the past nine years, apart from occasional trips back to the Western Legion for training, he'd trained in the North Sea Legion. He'd never set foot in the heart of the Federation.

Ye Xi's expression didn't change, but when she saw the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Master Academy's iconic twin towers, she couldn't help taking another look. Her ice-blue eyes lingered on them.

Na'er looked up from her Soul Guidance Communicator. As the steel behemoth drew closer, the countless brilliant lights of its buildings reflected in her silver eyes. Suddenly, she stuffed the communicator into her pocket and turned to Shen Nanxun.

"Shen Nanxun, I think you should treat us to a meal now that we're back home."

"Why me?"

"Because you're the host. The host has to treat everyone. That's the rule." Na'er spoke with perfect conviction, enunciating the last two words.

Ye Xi added, unhurriedly, "Cousin, as a native of Ming Capital, you really should show us some hospitality."

Dong Yi'an was just about to chime in when Shen Nanxun shot him a look. He immediately swallowed his words, pulled out a little notebook, and pretended to write something down.

As the Soul Guidance Train pulled into the station, its arrival announced itself.

The young master of Ming Capital had returned!

The four-year wait was over. Welcome back, Dragon King!

(Absurd.)

After arriving in Ming Capital, they didn't head straight to the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Master Academy. Shen Nanxun and Na'er went directly back to the Shen Family.

The Shen Family's old residence was stately and steeped in history, utterly unlike the steel-and-soul-guidance atmosphere that filled Ming Capital. Time had worn the flagstone paths smooth, and ancient trees towered on either side, shutting out the noise of the outside world. The butler led Shen Nanxun and Na'er through the courtyard and straight toward the study at the back, walking lightly, his expression more solemn than before.

The closer they came to the study, the clearer the faint voices inside became. They were low and forceful, carrying the unmistakable authority of people in high positions. Every word bore the weight of matters concerning the Federation's future. They were clearly discussing something of great importance.

Shen Nanxun understood. His grandfather, Shen Yue, was an influential figure in the military. Now that Yu Guanzhi, commander of the Central Legion, had come to visit, they were bound to be discussing core military and Federation affairs.

Na'er had also put away her earlier playfulness and obediently followed at Shen Nanxun's side, her silver eyes quiet.

When they reached the study door, the butler bowed slightly and knocked three times, neither too hard nor too softly. His voice was steady. "Master, Young Master Nanxun and Miss Na'er have returned."

The conversation inside abruptly stopped. After a moment, a deep, steady voice rang out, brimming with the authority of long years at the top. It was Shen Nanxun's grandfather, Shen Yue, the Minister of Military Affairs. "Come in."

The butler gently pushed open the door and stepped aside to let Shen Nanxun and Na'er enter. Once they were inside, he quietly closed the door and stood guard outside.

The study was simply furnished, yet every detail conveyed grandeur. Books and military documents filled the shelves, while the faint scent of sandalwood soothed the mind. An elderly man with a full head of white hair sat in the main seat, still hale and vigorous, his presence as steady as a mountain and naturally commanding respect. He was the head of the Shen Family and Minister of Military Affairs, Shen Yue.

Beside him sat a man in a dark military uniform, his posture straight as a pine. Three stars gleamed on his shoulder insignia, marking his distinguished rank. His rugged face and sharp, hawk-like eyes gave off the cold, fierce aura of a battle-hardened soldier. He was Yu Guanzhi, commander of the Central Legion.

Spread across the desk before them was a map of Ming Capital and the entire Federation, covered in densely packed markings. Their discussion had evidently been quite thorough.

Shen Nanxun led Na'er forward and greeted them with impeccable courtesy. "Grandfather. Commander Yu."

Na'er quietly followed suit. She looked so well-behaved that there was no trace of her mischief on the train.

Shen Yue looked at his grandson, the sternness in his eyes easing to reveal a touch of warmth. When his gaze fell on Na'er, it softened as well. After all, Na'er was also his granddaughter now. Moreover, she was a disciple personally chosen by Yue Tian Douluo Guan Yue, with extraordinary talent and status.

Yu Guanzhi looked up at the two of them. His gaze paused briefly on Shen Nanxun, and a hint of approval flashed in his eyes. In a deep voice, he said, "You're back, Xiaoxun. Old Shen told me about you some time ago. Now that I've met you in person, you truly are a young talent worthy of the Shen Family's hopes."

Shen Yue waved a hand, signaling that they needn't stand on ceremony, then spoke slowly. "You've had a long journey all the way from the North Sea. It must have been tiring. I called you back to Ming Capital early for two reasons. First, to get settled and prepare to study at the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Master Academy. Second, there are some important matters I need to explain to you."

"Xiaoxun, your background—I already know about it. I've also met with Leng Yaozhu recently. Don't worry. There's no need to pay it any mind. The Dou Ling Empire won't be able to keep jumping around for much longer. All you need to do is focus on cultivation."

The old man's presence was imposing, and as he spoke, it seemed to sink even lower.

Everyone in the Shen Family was fiercely protective of their own. Who gave a damn what the Dou Ling Empire thought? If it needed a beating, they'd beat it. Simple as that.

"And little Na'er, since the Shen Family has accepted you, you're my granddaughter and one of us. You don't need to restrain yourself at home. We keep things simple here, without any of that pointless red tape."

"Okay."

The two little ones answered in unison.

Shen Yue saw how sensible they were and nodded in satisfaction. His tone softened. "You've had a long journey. Go rest first. We'll discuss the arrangements for your enrollment tomorrow."

Shen Nanxun took Na'er's hand and bowed to the two men again, then turned and left the study, gently closing the door behind him.

"Old Shen, you've taken in two fine young ones. I hear that little granddaughter of yours has become Guan Yue's disciple," Yu Guanzhi said.

Guan Yue had always kept a low profile. He hadn't even told anyone about taking a disciple.

"She has good talent." Shen Yue gave a slight nod.

Yu Guanzhi lowered his voice. "Speaking of which, why not have those two join my Central Legion when they're older? Especially your eldest grandson. He just defeated Shrek Academy. Good things should stay in the family, right?"

Shen Yue raised his eyes to look at him. They'd been serving together in the military for decades, and he knew Yu Guanzhi well. As commander of the Central Legion and one of the military's three most powerful figures, Yu Guanzhi had always had a lofty opinion of himself and rarely praised anyone. If he was asking for someone, he'd truly taken a shine to them.

"You certainly know how to pick your moment." Shen Yue lifted his teacup, blew away the foam, and took an unhurried sip. "The boy's just gotten home. His backside hasn't even warmed the seat, and you're already eyeing him."

"Of course. First come, first served. I saw that battle in Skysea City. Your grandson has an Angel Martial Soul and a special dragon bloodline, and he can even use a technique resembling a Martial Soul Fusion Skill to defeat all seven members of Shrek Academy head-on. Old Shen, you kept him hidden for nearly ten years. You hid him well."

Yu Guanzhi leaned closer and spoke in a low voice:

"I won't fight you for your granddaughter. Guan Yue's disciple counts as half a member of the War God Temple, after all. But your grandson—you have to save a place for him in the Central Legion. The North Sea Legion already has Shen Yue. Surely you can't be so biased as to favor it all the way to the ends of the earth."

Shen Yue didn't answer right away. He leaned back in his chair, and for once, a faint smile appeared on his aged, white-haired face.

It wasn't a smile of someone swayed by Yu Guanzhi's words, but one of pride. He'd risen from nothing to become Minister of Military Affairs, relying not on his family's legacy but on the iron will and bloodstained grit he'd forged in the thick of battle. He'd seen all kinds of geniuses, but this little grandson he'd picked up by the seaside had won his heart at first sight.

Now, it seemed his judgment had been right.

It had to be said: the one and only thing Shen Nanxun's good-for-nothing father had done right in his life was pick him up.

Shen Father: Father, so love can disappear after all?

"Don't rush." Shen Yue set down his teacup and chuckled. "Your Central Legion ranks first among all the Federation's legions. Are you really missing one man?"

"Missing him? Of course we are." Yu Guanzhi rarely complained, but now he did. "My Central Legion is mostly ahead in equipment. We're actually not that strong when it comes to Soul Masters."

The Central Legion refused to let any family meddle in its affairs, and mostly recruited ordinary people. Even family scions who joined could only do so as ordinary members. Anyone who wanted to become an officer had to swear to sever ties with their family. As a result, they didn't have many outstanding Soul Masters.

"Of course he can." Shen Yue glanced at him. "Just make him legion commander."

"Why not?" Yu Guanzhi didn't care at all. "If your eldest grandson can really take over from me, I'd be more than happy. I just hope he can grow to that point."

Shen Yue shook his head and looked out the window, sighing deeply. "The waves of the Yangtze River roll on, each one pushing the last onto the shore. Those of us from the old era will eventually be swept away. Let the younger generation lead the times."

"But... in the Federation's new era, there are some uncontrollable things that we must crush in our own hands. We can't let the younger generation bear that burden."

Following Shen Yue's gaze, Yu Guanzhi looked into the distance. That direction pointed straight toward... Shrek City!