The sea breeze carried a salty, damp scent as it rushed toward them, making the flags at Shrek City's harbor snap loudly in the wind. A silver-white luxury cruise ship with a highly futuristic design lay quietly docked at its berth. The three gilded words "Vast Sea" gleamed brilliantly along its hull beneath the sunlight—this was the vessel Shrek Academy had arranged to carry the Shrek Seven Monsters to the Star Luo Empire for their mission.
Tang Wulin walked at the front with a pack of forging tools on his back. The faint Dragon Might of Golden Dragon Moonwhisper seeped out almost imperceptibly, causing the noisy crowd around him to quiet down without realizing it.
He tilted his head slightly and looked at the companions walking beside him, his eyes carrying the vigor unique to youth. "You've all checked your belongings, right? This mission isn't like training at the academy. The situation in the Star Luo Empire is complicated, so we need to stay alert at all times."
Gu Yue walked at his side. Her light-blue dress accentuated her graceful figure, and her slender fingers idly played with a loose lock of hair. Hearing him, she merely nodded. "Don't worry. The Soul Tool communicators and emergency Soul Tool weapons are all prepared."
Her gaze swept over the academy instructors standing by the ship's rail in the distance, and an almost imperceptible gravity flashed through her eyes—the heart of this mission was to assist the Spirit Research Institute of the Star Luo Empire in investigating unusual Soul Beast disturbances along the border. Whatever lay behind it was likely far more complicated than it appeared.
Xie Xie waved the Light Dragon Dagger around his wrist, his silver-gray short hair lifted by the sea breeze and his face wearing its usual arrogant grin. "With Wulin and Gu Yue here, plus my speed, even if we run into trouble, we can always make a tactical retreat first. What's there to fear?"
Before he had even finished speaking, Xu Xiaoyan reached out from behind and grabbed him by the collar. "Xie Xie, stop talking nonsense!" Xu Xiaoyan hugged her Starwheel Ice Staff, her blue ponytail bouncing. "The teacher said we need to keep a low profile this time. Don't go causing trouble."
Yue Zhengyu immediately chimed in from the side. The pure aura of a Holy Light Soul Master made the air around them seem a little fresher. "Xiaoyan is right. As Shrek students, we should prioritize composure in all things."
"Alright, alright, I know you two are model partners." Xie Xie curled his lip, but obediently stopped fooling around.
At the edge of the group, Ye Xinglan and Xu Lizhi were speaking softly. Ye Xinglan's Stargod Sword was strapped to her back, the patterns on its scabbard faintly shimmering as she reminded Xu Lizhi, "Don't buy too many snacks after boarding. Don't stuff yourself before we've even set off. If we encounter a fight, you won't be able to perform properly."
Xu Lizhi nodded repeatedly, his honest face full of sincerity. "I know, Xinglan. I'll control myself... But the ship's restaurant should have specialty dishes from the Star Luo Empire, right?"
Ye Xinglan helplessly pressed a hand to her forehead, drawing soft laughter from the others.
The boarding whistle sounded at just the right moment. Instructor Du Weilun, who was leading the group, stepped before the seven of them and gave a stern reminder. "After boarding, return to your rooms and get settled. Gather in the conference room in half an hour, and I'll explain the mission details. Remember, outside the academy, you represent Shrek Academy. Do not act rashly."
"Yes, Instructor!" all eight answered in unison, their voices firm and forceful enough to draw many curious looks from nearby passengers.
Sunlight fell over the young men and women, outlining their upright figures. One after another, they stepped onto the boarding ramp and walked with steady steps toward the cruise ship about to depart.
On the deck of the Vast Sea, the sea breeze carried scattered spray toward them. The Shrek Seven Monsters had just found a corner with an open view and were preparing to discuss the mission details when a deliberately raised, mocking voice drifted over on the wind.
"Well, well, if it isn't Shrek Academy's 'chosen prodigies'? What, now that you've left that shabby island of yours, you dare wander into the territory of the Star Luo Empire?"
The speaker was a youth dressed in a Sun Moon Empire Soul Tool school uniform. His hair was slicked back to a shine, and his eyes were filled with disdain. Three or four students in similar attire stood beside him with their arms folded, sizing up Tang Wulin's group as though they were looking at something beneath notice.
Xie Xie immediately frowned and moved to step forward, only for Tang Wulin to place a hand on his shoulder. Tang Wulin's gaze calmly swept over the Sun Moon Empire students. Though the aura of Golden Dragon Moonwhisper was not released, the air seemed to stiffen faintly. "What Shrek Academy does is not for outsiders to criticize."
"Outsiders?" The leading youth seemed to have heard some tremendous joke and snorted. "You old relics still playing with martial souls? Do you really think Shrek's name can shine for much longer? Look at the Soul Tool technology of our Sun Moon Empire. Any high-level Soul Tool could crush your so-called Limit Douluo!"
The moment those words left his mouth, Ye Xinglan's Stargod Sword let out a hum. The patterns on its scabbard lit up at once as she stepped forward, her icy gaze stabbing straight at him. "Watch your mouth. Otherwise, I wouldn't mind letting you experience just how 'backward' martial souls can be."
Yue Zhengyu frowned as well. The aura of Holy Light flickered around him, and a trace of anger appeared on his ordinarily gentle face. "Soul Tool technology may be powerful, but that does not give you the right to belittle others."
Xu Xiaoyan hugged her Starwheel Ice Staff and hid behind the others, chiming in softly but firmly, "Exactly! Shrek isn't some shabby island!"
The leading youth was forced half a step back by Ye Xinglan's imposing presence, yet he still refused to back down. "What? You want to fight? If you've got the nerve, try it aboard the Vast Sea! I'd like to see whether Shrek's students only know how to..."
Before he could finish, Gu Yue suddenly lifted her eyes to look at him. That glance was cold and indifferent, mixed with a faint elemental pressure. It was as if an invisible hand had seized his throat; all his remaining words lodged in his throat, and even breathing became difficult.
Gu Yue's voice was quiet, yet it carried an unquestionable chill. "Get lost."
The surrounding air seemed to drop to freezing point in an instant. The faces of those Sun Moon Empire students turned pale. They did not dare utter a single word in rebuttal, instead supporting one another as they turned and fled in disgrace.
Xu Lizhi watched their retreating backs, scratched his head, and said quietly, "They seemed scared..."
Tang Wulin removed his hand from Xie Xie's shoulder and shook his head helplessly. "When we're away from home, it's best to avoid trouble whenever possible. But..." His tone shifted, and a sharp youthful edge flashed in his eyes. "If they dare provoke us again, we don't need to be polite."
The sea breeze swept past once more, lifting the hems of their clothes. The disturbance on deck quietly subsided, but it also made the Shrek Seven Monsters more wary of their journey to Star Luo.
The Vast Sea had left port three days ago. Blue waves split along both sides of the ship, gradually swallowing Shrek City's outline at the end of the horizon. The cruise ship sailed steadily through the Star Luo Seas. The sea breeze had shed the harbor's clamor, leaving only the low hum of the engines and the gentle slap of waves, weaving together the prelude to a long voyage.
The Shrek Seven Monsters did not relax simply because the voyage was peaceful. Every morning, the deck held the sight of each of them cultivating: Tang Wulin trained bare-chested, his Golden Dragon Claw wrapped in surging Bloodline Power as he tempered his body in the morning light. The golden gleam occasionally thrown off by his forging hammer complemented the rising sun over the sea.
Gu Yue stood quietly by the rail, faint lights of water, wind, and earth elements flowing around her fingertips. Her gaze remained focused as she sensed energy fluctuations in the depths of the sea, seemingly searching for Soul Beast disturbances related to their mission.
Xie Xie's figure became a silver blur across the deck. The sound of the Light Dragon Dagger cutting through the air matched the rhythm of his steps, and his speed training grew increasingly refined.
Ye Xinglan held the Stargod Sword, her sword forms opening and closing with fierce sword intent. Every swing caused the surrounding air to tremble.
Yue Zhengyu and Xu Xiaoyan cultivated side by side, Holy Light and starlight nourishing one another as their coordination deepened by the day.
Xu Lizhi, meanwhile, chewed on specially made Soul Power pastries while circulating his Soul Power to digest them, his round face full of seriousness—he knew that only sufficient Soul Power reserves would allow him to play a crucial role when the team needed him.
Every day, Instructor Du Weilun gathered the seven of them in the ship's conference room to analyze the Star Luo Empire's situation: the movement patterns of the unknown border Soul Beasts, the latest developments at the Spirit Research Institute, and the potential risks they might encounter during the mission. "The ball in the Star Luo Empire is not merely a social occasion," the instructor said sternly, tapping a holographic map with his fingertip. "Outstanding young talents from every faction have gathered aboard this ship, including elite Soul Tool students from the Sun Moon Empire. You must show Shrek's excellence, but remain vigilant at all times. Do not reveal any core mission information."
Night fell, and the Vast Sea's lights came on one by one, like a pearl floating upon the ocean. Tang Wulin had just finished cultivating and returned to his room when he saw a black gift box placed outside his door. Opening it, he found a fitted black suit. The fabric was smooth, and a small silver dragon pattern was embroidered on the cuffs, understated yet refined.
"This is..." As he was wondering, Gu Yue's voice came from behind him.
The girl leaned against the doorframe, holding a folded ice-blue evening gown. The silver foil along its skirt glittered beneath the light. "A ship attendant delivered it. They said formalwear is required for the ball." She walked to Tang Wulin's side, placed the gown on the edge of the bed, and looked at the suit. "Try it on and see whether it fits. If it doesn't, I can adjust it using elemental power."
Tang Wulin picked up the suit, his fingertips touching the cool fabric. He suddenly recalled that Gu Yue seemed to have known about the ball all along. He looked up at her. Beneath the dim yellow light, her eyes appeared especially gentle, lacking some of their usual aloofness. "You prepared for this already?"
"Before we left, I looked into the Vast Sea's usual voyage arrangements." Gu Yue nodded faintly and turned toward the door. "The ballroom at eight tonight. Don't be late."
The door closed softly, leaving Tang Wulin standing there with the suit in his hand. He lowered his head to look at the dragon pattern on the cuff, then glanced at the ice-blue gown. For some reason, his heart skipped a beat. Outside the window, starlight scattered over the glittering sea, as if foretelling that tonight's ball was destined to be anything but ordinary.
Xie Xie's knock sounded at just the right moment, along with his loud voice. "Wulin! Hurry up and get ready! Xiaoyan said the dessert section has specialty pastries from the Star Luo Empire. If we're late, they'll all be gone!"
Tang Wulin laughed and shook his head, setting aside his thoughts as he began changing into the suit. A ball bringing together every major faction, an appearance hiding deeper intrigue—the Shrek Seven Monsters' chapter at sea was about to turn to a new page beneath the dazzling lights.
The Vast Sea's top-floor ballroom blazed with light. Crystal chandeliers refracted countless gleams, illuminating a sea of elegant clothes and carefully styled hair. A graceful waltz flowed through the air as students from Star Luo, Sun Moon, and other factions danced in pairs across the polished marble floor.
Tang Wulin stood in a corner. The black suit emphasized his broad shoulders and narrow waist, giving his originally somewhat youthful face an added measure of mature handsomeness beneath its tailored fit. His fingers stiffened slightly as he stood there at a loss, until a figure slowly approached him.
Gu Yue wore an ice-blue strapless gown, its layered skirt rolling like ocean waves and adorned with fine silver foil. As she walked, it seemed as though starlight flowed around her. Her dark hair was swept high, revealing her slender, elegant neck. Her formerly cool eyes now held a gentle glow as she stopped before Tang Wulin and gave a slight nod. "Are you ready?"
Tang Wulin's Adam's apple bobbed as he reached out and took her cool fingertips. "I... I'll try to keep up with you."
The music suddenly quickened. Gu Yue tapped her toe lightly and immediately took the lead in the dance. Her body moved as nimbly as a moonlit spirit, her skirt flying with every turn and sway, each motion precise and graceful.
Tang Wulin was not skilled at dancing, but when it came to control over his body, few in all of Shrek Academy could compare to him. He focused on feeling Gu Yue's rhythm. His steps were simple yet flawless, and the warmth from her palm gradually steadied him.
As the dance reached its climax, Gu Yue suddenly tilted her head up at Tang Wulin, a hint of mischief flashing in her eyes. Tang Wulin understood at once. His arm abruptly exerted force and gently lifted her. Gu Yue stretched out in midair, blossoming like a silver lotus. Her gown's skirt spread completely open, becoming a dazzling curtain of blue light. As she spun, she slowly rose until she neared the ceiling of the nearly thirty-meter-high ballroom. Crystal chandelier light poured over her, making her appear like a descending deity.
The entire hall fell silent in an instant. Every gaze focused on the young man and woman. The Sun Moon Empire students put away their earlier contempt, while the Star Luo students' eyes were filled with amazement.
The next second, Tang Wulin steadily withdrew his force. Gu Yue drifted down as lightly as a falling leaf, and he stretched out his long arm to catch her slender waist with perfect precision. They finished with a flawless turn. Her skirt swept across the floor, stirring a light breeze as the music landed on its final note.
After a brief silence, the ballroom erupted in thunderous applause. The voting results were announced soon afterward. The crowns of "Best-Dressed Gentleman" and "Best-Dressed Lady" fell to Tang Wulin and Gu Yue without suspense, while the honor of "Best Dance Pair" made them the undisputed center of attention in the entire hall.
Tang Wulin looked down at Gu Yue in his arms. The fragrance of her hair lingered around his nose, and he suddenly realized that this girl who was always cool and strong also possessed such a soft, dazzling side. Gu Yue lifted her eyes to meet his. The chill in them had been replaced with warmth. She gently slipped free of his embrace, a faint yet genuine smile appearing at the corner of her lips.
In the distance, Xie Xie and the others applauded with smiles, while the Sun Moon Empire students wore complicated expressions. No one dared underestimate this group of youths from Shrek any longer. This ball was not merely a stunning debut; it was also the first quiet edge the Shrek Seven Monsters had revealed on their journey through Star Luo.
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