Journey to the Star Luo Empire, the Cruise Ship Ball

The sea breeze carried a salty, damp scent as it rushed toward them, making the flags at Shrek City's harbor snap loudly. A luxurious silver-white cruise ship with a highly futuristic design lay quietly docked at its berth. The three gilded words "Vast Sea" gleamed beneath the sunlight on its hull—this was the vessel Shrek Academy had arranged to carry the Shrek Seven Monsters to the Star Luo Empire on their mission.

Tang Wulin walked at the front with a bag of forging tools on his back. The faint dragon's might of Golden Dragon Moonwhisper seeped out almost imperceptibly, making the noisy crowd around him subconsciously quiet down.

He tilted his head slightly and looked at the companions walking alongside him, youthful high spirits gleaming in his eyes. "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 beside him. Her pale blue dress accentuated her graceful figure, and her slender fingers idly played with a lock of hair hanging by her cheek. At his words, she merely nodded. "Don't worry. The soul communication devices and emergency soul tools are all prepared."

Her gaze swept across the academy instructors standing near the ship's railing, and an almost imperceptible gravity flashed through her eyes. The core of this mission was to assist the Star Luo Empire's Spirit Research Institute in investigating the unusual movements of unidentified soul beasts along the border. What lay behind it was likely far more complicated than it appeared.

Xie Xie shook the Light Dragon Dagger around his wrist. The sea breeze tossed his silver-gray hair, and his face wore its usual arrogant grin. "With Wulin and Gu Yue here, plus my speed, even if we run into trouble, we can always make a quick escape. What's there to be afraid of?"

Before he could finish, Xu Xiaoyan reached out from behind and grabbed him by the collar. "Xie Xie, don't talk nonsense!" Hugging her Starwheel Ice Staff, her blue ponytail bounced as she spoke. "The teacher said we need to keep a low profile on this mission. Don't go causing trouble."

Yue Zhengyu immediately agreed. The pure aura of a Holy Light soul master seemed to freshen the air around him. "Xiaoyan is right. As Shrek students, we should act with composure first and foremost."

"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 quietly. Ye Xinglan's Star God Sword was strapped to her back, the patterns on its sheath faintly flowing with light. She was reminding Xu Lizhi, "Buy fewer snacks after boarding. Don't stuff yourself before we've even set off. You won't be able to perform properly if we get into a fight."

Xu Lizhi nodded repeatedly, his honest face filled with seriousness. "I know, Xinglan. I'll control myself... But the restaurant on the ship should have specialty food from the Star Luo Empire, right?"

Ye Xinglan helplessly pressed a hand to her forehead, drawing a round of quiet laughter from everyone.

The boarding whistle sounded at just the right moment. Instructor Du Weilun, who was leading the group, walked up to the seven of them and gave them 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 details of the mission. Remember, you represent Shrek Academy outside. Do not act rashly."

"Yes, Instructor!" The eight of them answered in unison, their voices firm and forceful, drawing many curious glances 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 resolute steps toward the cruise ship about to depart.

On the deck of the Vast Sea, the sea breeze carried fragments of 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 an intentionally raised, mocking laugh drifted over with the wind.

"Oh? Aren't these Shrek Academy's 'favored sons of heaven'? What, you dared to wander into the Star Luo Empire after leaving your little broken island?"

The speaker was a youth wearing a Sun Moon Empire soul tool academy uniform. His hair was slicked back with grease, and his eyes were full of disdain. Three or four students dressed the same way stood beside him, arms crossed as they examined Tang Wulin's group, looking at them as though they were something unworthy of notice.

Xie Xie immediately frowned and stepped forward, ready to argue, but Tang Wulin reached out and pressed a hand onto his shoulder. Tang Wulin's gaze calmly swept over the Sun Moon Empire students. Though Golden Dragon Moonwhisper's aura was not released, the air seemed to congeal slightly. "What Shrek Academy does is not for outsiders to criticize."

"Outsiders?" The leading youth looked as if he had heard the funniest joke in the world and scoffed. "You relics still playing with martial souls? Do you really think Shrek's name can shine for much longer? Take a look at the soul tool technology of our Sun Moon Empire. Any high-grade soul tool can crush your so-called Limit Douluo!"

The moment those words left his mouth, Ye Xinglan's Star God Sword gave a hum. The patterns on its sheath lit up instantly as she stepped forward, her icy gaze stabbing straight at him. "Watch your mouth. Otherwise, I wouldn't mind letting you experience just how 'outdated' martial souls can be."

Yue Zhengyu also frowned. The aura of Holy Light flickered faintly around him, and anger appeared on his normally gentle face. "Soul tool technology is certainly powerful, but that does not give you the right to demean others."

Xu Xiaoyan hugged her Starwheel Ice Staff and hid behind the others, echoing softly but firmly, "Exactly! Shrek isn't some broken island!"

The leading youth was forced half a step back by Ye Xinglan's imposing presence, yet he still refused to yield. "What? You want to fight? Try it here on the Vast Sea if you dare! I'd like to see whether Shrek students only know how to—"

Before he could finish, Gu Yue suddenly raised her eyes and looked at him. Her gaze was cold and detached, carrying a faint elemental pressure. It was as though an invisible hand had seized the youth by the throat. Every remaining word jammed in his throat, and even breathing became difficult.

Gu Yue's voice was soft, but its chill allowed no doubt. "Get lost."

The surrounding air seemed to plunge to freezing point. The Sun Moon Empire students went deathly 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 and scratched his head. "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 when we can. But..." His tone shifted, and youthful sharpness flashed in his eyes. "If they dare provoke us again, there's no need for us to be polite."

The sea breeze blew again, lifting the corners of their clothes. The disturbance on the deck quietly subsided, but it also made the Shrek Seven Monsters more wary of their journey to Star Luo.

The Vast Sea had been sailing away from the harbor for three days. Blue waves parted along both sides of the ship, gradually swallowing Shrek City's outline at the edge of the horizon. The cruise ship moved steadily through the Star Luo Seas. The bustle of the harbor had faded from the sea breeze, leaving only the low hum of the engines and the gentle slap of waves, interweaving into the prelude of a distant voyage.

The Shrek Seven Monsters did not relax simply because the journey was peaceful. Every morning, figures cultivating alone could be seen on the deck. Tang Wulin trained bare-chested, his Golden Dragon Claw carrying surging power of blood and qi as he tempered his body in the morning light. The golden gleam occasionally released by his forging hammer reflected against the sunrise on the horizon.

Gu Yue stood quietly by the railing. Faint glimmers of water, wind, and earth elements flowed around her fingertips as she concentrated on sensing the energy fluctuations deep beneath the sea, seemingly investigating the 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 footsteps, and his speed cultivation grew ever more refined.

Ye Xinglan held the Star God Sword, its sweeping movements carrying a piercing sword intent. Every slash made the air around her tremble.

Yue Zhengyu and Xu Xiaoyan cultivated side by side. Holy Light and starlight nourished one another, their coordination growing deeper by the day.

Xu Lizhi, meanwhile, bit into specially made soul power pastries while circulating his soul power to digest them, his round face full of seriousness. He knew well 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 situation in the Star Luo Empire: the movement patterns of the unidentified border soul beasts, the latest developments at the Spirit Research Institute, and the potential dangers they might face during the mission. "The Star Luo Empire's ball is not merely a social gathering," the instructor said gravely, tapping a holographic map with his finger. "Young talents from every faction are gathered aboard this ship, including elite soul tool students from the Sun Moon Empire. You must display Shrek's bearing, but remain vigilant at all times. Do not reveal any core mission information."

Night fell, and the lights of the Vast Sea came on one after another, like a pearl floating upon the ocean. Tang Wulin had just finished cultivating and returned to his room when he found a black gift box 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 exquisite.

"This is..." As he was wondering about it, Gu Yue's voice came from behind him.

The girl leaned against the doorframe, holding a folded ice-blue gown. The silver foil along its hem glimmered in tiny flecks beneath the light. "A ship attendant delivered it. They said formal attire is required for the ball." She walked over to Tang Wulin, placed the gown on the edge of the bed, and looked at the suit. "Try it on and see if it fits. If it doesn't, I'll adjust it with elemental power."

Tang Wulin picked up the suit, his fingertips touching the fabric's cool texture. He suddenly remembered that Gu Yue seemed to have known about the ball long ago. He looked up at her. Under the dim yellow light, the girl's eyes appeared especially gentle, lacking some of their usual chill. "You prepared for this already?"

"I checked the Vast Sea's sailing customs before we left." Gu Yue nodded faintly and turned toward the door. "Meet in the banquet hall at eight tonight. Don't be late."

The door closed softly, leaving Tang Wulin standing there with the suit in his hands. He looked down 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 spilled over the sea, turning the waves into glittering ripples, as if foretelling that tonight's ball was destined to be anything but ordinary.

Xie Xie's knock sounded at just the right moment, accompanied by his boisterous voice. "Wulin! Hurry up and get ready! Xiaoyan said the dessert section in the banquet hall has specialty pastries from the Star Luo Empire. If we're late, they'll all be gone!"

Tang Wulin laughed and shook his head, putting aside his thoughts as he began changing into the suit. A ball gathering forces from every side, an appearance hiding countless undercurrents—the Shrek Seven Monsters' chapter at sea was about to turn to a new page amid brilliant lights.

The Vast Sea's top-floor banquet hall blazed with light. Crystal chandeliers refracted countless rays, illuminating a scene 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 made his shoulders seem broader and his waist narrower, while its fitted cut lent his slightly youthful face a steadier, more handsome air. His fingers were somewhat stiff, and just as he was feeling at a loss, a figure slowly approached him.

Gu Yue wore an ice-blue strapless gown, its layered skirt rolling like ocean waves and adorned with fragments of silver foil. As she walked, it seemed as though starlight flowed around her. Her black hair was swept up high, revealing her slender, elegant neck. Her normally cold eyes now carried a gentle glow as she stopped before Tang Wulin and gave a slight nod. "Ready?"

Tang Wulin's throat moved as he took her cool fingertips in his hand. "I... I'll try to keep up with you."

The music suddenly quickened, and Gu Yue tapped her toes lightly, immediately taking the lead in the dance. Her figure moved with the nimble grace of an elf beneath the moon. She spun and swayed, her skirt fluttering as every movement remained precise and beautiful.

Tang Wulin was not skilled at dancing, but when it came to control over his body, few at Shrek Academy could match him. He focused on sensing Gu Yue's rhythm. His steps were simple, yet not a fraction off, and the warmth flowing from her hand gradually calmed him.

As the dance reached its climax, Gu Yue suddenly raised her head and looked at Tang Wulin, a hint of mischief flashing in her eyes. Tang Wulin understood at once. His arm suddenly exerted force, gently lifting her into the air. Gu Yue stretched out her body, blooming like a silver lotus in midair. Her gown's skirt fully unfurled, transforming into a magnificent curtain of blue light. She rose slowly with her spin until she neared the banquet hall ceiling almost thirty meters above, crystal chandelier light spilling over her like a goddess descending.

The entire hall fell silent. 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 brimmed with amazement.

The next second, Tang Wulin steadily drew back his strength. Gu Yue descended as lightly as a falling leaf, and he extended his long arm to catch her slender waist with perfect precision. The two ended in a flawless spin. Her skirt swept over the floor, stirring a faint breeze as the music landed on its final note.

After a brief silence, thunderous applause erupted throughout the banquet hall. The voting results were announced quickly. The crowns for "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 indisputable focus of the entire hall.

Tang Wulin looked down at Gu Yue in his arms, her hair's fragrance lingering at the tip of his nose. He suddenly realized that this girl, who was always so cold and forceful, possessed such a soft and dazzling side as well. Gu Yue looked up at him, the coldness in her eyes replaced by warmth. She gently freed herself from his embrace, and a faint yet genuine smile curved 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 look down on these young people from Shrek anymore. This ball was not only a stunning debut, but also the first edge quietly displayed by the Shrek Seven Monsters on their journey through Star Luo.