Arrival in the Star Luo Empire, Encountering Princess Dai Yun'er

The capital of the Star Luo Empire was far wilder and more imposing than Shrek City. Its blue-black rock walls coiled across the land like a slumbering beast. The streets were paved with heavy bluestone slabs, worn smooth and bright by time, yet traces of iron-blooded fierceness still showed through the cracks. Gu Yue walked through the crowd holding Tang Wulin's hand. The faint coolness at her fingertips made her unconsciously tighten her grip, though curiosity about the unfamiliar surroundings still shone in her eyes. The buildings on both sides were mostly pointed-roofed stone houses, their walls carved with intricate beast patterns. Shop signs were made of rough burlap, bearing vigorous Star Luo script. From time to time, pedestrians in fitted leather outfits brushed past them, the curved blades at their waists clinking crisply together, carrying the lingering scent of smoke and battle.

"Look at that." Tang Wulin's voice carried a youth's excitement as he pointed toward a stall on the street corner. Dozens of fist-sized metal spheres sat on display there, their surfaces covered in raised patterns. The vendor was a burly, bearded man with the totem of the Star Luo Empire tattooed across his bare arms, calling out in a rough voice. Gu Yue followed Tang Wulin's gaze, her nose twitching slightly as she caught the faint elemental fluctuations emanating from the metal balls. "They're made by polishing ores containing the power of lightning. The Star Luo Empire's forging techniques really do favor practical combat." Her gaze swept over the metal spheres before finally settling on a small ball in the corner that gave off a faint purple glow. "That one has greater purity."

Tang Wulin's eyes lit up. Pulling Gu Yue along, he approached the stall and spoke to the vendor in the Star Luo language he had only recently learned. Seeing that they were outsiders, the burly man's eyes flashed with scrutiny, but he still answered patiently. He explained that these metal balls were auxiliary weapons commonly used by Star Luo warriors; when thrown, they could trigger lightning explosions. The one in the corner had been crafted from the core of Deep-Sea Thunder Crystal Ore and was even more powerful. Tang Wulin listened with great interest and immediately reached for his money, but Gu Yue gently stopped his hand. "Look around first." She shook her head at him, then turned to bargain with the vendor in fluent Star Luo language. Her reasoning was clear and precise. She pointed out the flaws in the ore while offering a fair price, gradually softening the originally stubborn vendor until he finally sold them the pale purple metal ball for half price.

After leaving the stall, Tang Wulin could not help giving Gu Yue a thumbs-up. "Gu Yue, you're amazing. You know so much Star Luo language, and you can even bargain."

A faint smile curved Gu Yue's lips, and a trace of barely noticeable tenderness flashed through her eyes. "I learned a little while reading before. The Star Luo Empire's trade rules are different from ours. If you're too straightforward, it's easy to get overcharged." She handed the pale purple metal ball to Tang Wulin. "This is for you. Your Blue Silver Grass can guide lightning power. Maybe it'll be useful."

Tang Wulin took the metal ball. Its icy touch spread across his fingertips, and the lightning power within it faintly resonated with the Blue Silver Emperor inside his body, warming his heart. He clenched the sphere, then took Gu Yue's hand in return. "Then we'll use it together."

The two continued forward, and the street gradually became livelier. Waves of cheers and applause came from ahead. Pushing through the crowd, they saw two men in fitted combat attire fighting in a Soul Master duel in an open space. One possessed a Black Panther beast martial soul and moved as swiftly as lightning, while the other wielded a giant hammer tool martial soul with crushing, unstoppable force. The surrounding crowd shouted loudly, with some tossing copper coins down as wagers. The atmosphere was incredibly heated. Gu Yue watched the fierce clash in the arena, her brows knitting slightly. "Soul Master duels in the Star Luo Empire truly show no restraint. They even disregard life and death." The Black Panther Soul Master's claws had already torn through the giant hammer Soul Master's arm, blood instantly seeping out, yet neither showed any intention of stopping. Instead, their attacks only grew fiercer.

Tang Wulin tightened his grip on Gu Yue's hand, his palm slightly damp with sweat. He could sense that neither fighter's soul power was weak, yet they were risking their lives so recklessly, which made him uncomfortable. "Why do they do this?" he asked softly. An elderly man with white hair beside him heard the question and smiled as he explained, "In Star Luo, strength is everything. Such duels can temper one's abilities, and victory brings generous rewards. You might even catch a noble's eye and be recruited." His tone carried the calm acceptance of someone used to it. "Young man, these are Star Luo's rules."

Gu Yue remained silent, a complicated emotion flashing through her eyes. She thought of the mission she carried, of the entanglement between the Elemental Temple and the Douluo Continent, then looked at the Soul Masters fighting for survival and glory before her. An inexplicable heaviness rose in her heart. Sensing her low mood, Tang Wulin gently patted the back of her hand. "Don't think too much. We'll just watch." He pulled Gu Yue away from the crowd and into a relatively quiet alley nearby.

Unknown purple vines grew along both sides of the alley, their petals giving off a faint fragrance that shut out the noise beyond. Gu Yue leaned against the stone wall and looked at Tang Wulin's slightly worried face. "Wulin, the Star Luo Empire is more complicated than we imagined. The rules here are cruel, but they've also given rise to a unique kind of strength." She paused, her gaze turning toward the sky beyond the alley. "Perhaps we can find the answers we seek here."

Tang Wulin nodded and walked to her side, standing shoulder to shoulder with her. Sunlight streamed through the gaps in the vines, casting mottled shadows over them both. He knew Gu Yue hid many secrets in her heart, and he also knew this journey to Star Luo would not be peaceful. But as long as he could be with her, he feared nothing, no matter what they faced. "No matter what answer it is, I'll stay with you." His voice was firm and warm, like the sunlight at that moment, dispersing some of the haze in Gu Yue's heart.

The afternoon sunlight in Star Luo City was just right. Golden rays filtered through the lush leaves of parasol trees, scattering mottled shadows over the bluestone roads. Tang Wulin held Gu Yue's hand as they strolled through the commercial district in the west of the city, followed by Yue Zhengyu and Xu Xiaoyan, who were disguised as ordinary guards. This time, they had entered the Star Luo Empire as Tang Sect exchange envoys. On the surface, they were negotiating cooperation in soul tool trade, but in truth, they were secretly investigating traces of Holy Spirit Cult activity within Star Luo territory. Taking advantage of a break in their mission, Tang Wulin had insisted on bringing Gu Yue out for a walk. Since leaving Shrek Academy, the two had rarely enjoyed such leisure.

"There are even more soul tool shops here than at the Hall of Bright Virtue." Gu Yue's gaze passed over the various soul tools displayed along the street, curiosity in her tone. She wore a pale blue dress, her long hair loosely pinned up. Her usual coolness had faded somewhat, making her seem gentler and more graceful. Tang Wulin smiled and tightened his hold on her hand. "The Star Luo Empire's soul tool development is more combat-oriented. Their style is different from ours. Want to go in and take a look?"

Before he could finish speaking, a crisp shout came from behind them. "Hey! You two up ahead, stop right there!"

Tang Wulin and the others turned at the sound. A young girl in a bright yellow palace dress was striding toward them, followed by four black-clad guards with imposing auras. She looked around sixteen or seventeen. Her skin was fair, her features delicate, and her almond-shaped eyes carried both pampered arrogance and curiosity. She was none other than Dai Yun'er, the seventh princess of the Star Luo Empire. Her gaze fell directly upon Tang Wulin and Gu Yue's clasped hands, and a trace of displeasure flashed through her eyes.

Yue Zhengyu stepped forward and stood in front of the two. "Who are you? Why are you shouting at us?" His voice was deliberately lowered to conceal his identity as a Shrek Academy student.

Dai Yun'er raised a brow and glanced at Yue Zhengyu, her tone arrogant. "I am Dai Yun'er, the seventh princess of the Star Luo Empire. Who are you people? How dare you act so intimately on the streets of Star Luo City? Have you no sense of propriety?" Her gaze circled Gu Yue's face with scrutiny. The woman before her possessed looks and bearing that did not lose to her in the slightest. In fact, Gu Yue possessed an indescribably cool elegance that made Dai Yun'er feel a sudden, inexplicable hostility.

Tang Wulin pulled Yue Zhengyu back and stepped forward, his expression calm but polite. "Your Highness has misunderstood. We are merchants from the Douluo Continent, here in Star Luo City to discuss business. We merely came out for a stroll during our free time." He deliberately restrained his aura, disguising his soul power fluctuations as those of an ordinary Soul King to avoid attracting unnecessary attention.

"Merchants?" Dai Yun'er looked Tang Wulin up and down, her eyes full of suspicion. Though the young man before her wore an ordinary green robe, he stood tall and carried himself with calm assurance. Especially his eyes, which were deep and bright—far from what an ordinary merchant could possess. Her gaze shifted to Gu Yue again, and a provocative smile curved her lips. "If you're merchants, it's rare for you to have such a stunning female companion at your side. May I ask this young lady's name?"

Gu Yue spoke calmly, her voice cool and clear like jade striking jade. "My name is Gu Yue." She offered no unnecessary pleasantries and met Dai Yun'er's gaze evenly, without the slightest fear. That innate nobility and detachment only deepened Dai Yun'er's hostility.

"Gu Yue?" Dai Yun'er repeated the name, then suddenly smiled. "That's certainly an unusual name. You two look unfamiliar to me. Why not return to the imperial palace with me as guests, so I can fulfill my duty as your host?" Her words sounded enthusiastic, but they hid a test. The Star Luo Empire had been on high alert recently, and a pair of such extraordinary-looking strangers had suddenly appeared. She had no choice but to pay closer attention.

Tang Wulin's heart stirred. He had been hoping to learn more about the Star Luo Empire's internal affairs, especially whether the imperial family had ties to the Holy Spirit Cult. But he also knew Dai Yun'er's identity was sensitive, and agreeing rashly might create complications. Just as he was about to decline, Gu Yue spoke first. "Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness, but we still have business to discuss and fear it would be inconvenient to trouble you. Perhaps we can visit another day?" Her tone was tactful, yet her refusal left no room for argument.

The smile on Dai Yun'er's face faded slightly. She had not expected this woman to deny her so bluntly. Her eyes shifted, and her gaze landed on Tang Wulin. "This gentleman looks rather straightforward. What is it? Are you afraid I won't receive you properly, or do you think my invitation isn't worthy of you?" She deliberately used provocation, hoping to force them into agreeing.

Tang Wulin's expression did not change. "Your Highness is of noble status. We are merely merchants, so how could we dare disturb the imperial family? Meeting today is already fate. If the opportunity arises, we will naturally express our gratitude to Your Highness." His words were flawless. He neither offended Dai Yun'er nor crossed his own boundaries.

Seeing how determined they were, Dai Yun'er became even more curious. She suddenly stepped forward and stared directly into Tang Wulin's eyes. "What is your name? You carry yourself extraordinarily. You don't look like an ordinary merchant. Could you be... from Shrek Academy?"

The moment those words were spoken, Yue Zhengyu and Xu Xiaoyan's expressions tightened, and their soul power began circulating in secret. Tang Wulin's heart jolted. He had not expected Dai Yun'er to be so perceptive. Yet his face remained calm as he smiled. "Your Highness is joking. Shrek Academy is a holy land for Soul Masters. How could ordinary people like us possibly have any connection to it?"

At that moment, Gu Yue gently squeezed Tang Wulin's hand, signaling him to remain calm. She raised her eyes to Dai Yun'er, her tone still cool. "If Your Highness has nothing else to say, we will take our leave." With that, she pulled Tang Wulin and turned to leave.

"Stop!" Dai Yun'er shouted. The guards behind her immediately stepped forward, blocking their path. "I haven't given you permission to leave. Do you think you can simply walk away?" Her tone carried a touch of unreasonable arrogance. "Unless... you play a round with me. If you win, I'll let you go."

Tang Wulin frowned. He did not want to clash with the imperial family here. But Dai Yun'er's attitude was resolute. If they forced their way out, it would only arouse greater suspicion. He looked toward Gu Yue. Seeing her nod slightly, he turned back to Dai Yun'er. "What does Your Highness wish to play?"

Dai Yun'er's eyes brightened, and she pointed at a soul tool arena beside the street. "Simple. We'll have a soul tool battle, best two out of three. If you win, I'll let you go and give you some Star Luo City specialties. If you lose, you'll return to the imperial palace with me and keep me company for three days!" She had long wanted to test the new soul tool she had acquired, and this young man had conveniently become her target.

Tang Wulin felt helpless, but he had no choice but to agree. "Fine. But we stop at the right point. No one is to be seriously injured."

"Don't worry. I know my limits." Dai Yun'er smiled and leaped onto the arena platform. With a casual movement, she took out a soul tool pistol that gleamed with purple light. "I'll go first!"

The space beneath the arena was immediately crowded with curious passersby, who began discussing the spectacle among themselves. Tang Wulin took a deep breath and slowly stepped onto the stage without taking out any soul tools. He did not want to reveal his strength. He only wanted to end this contest as quickly as possible.

Seeing him take the stage empty-handed, Dai Yun'er's eyes flashed with disdain. Without hesitation, she pulled the trigger. A purple soul-guided ray tore through the air with a sharp whistling sound, shooting straight toward Tang Wulin's chest. Below the stage, Gu Yue remained calm. She knew Tang Wulin's strength. An attack like this could not hurt him at all.

Tang Wulin shifted slightly, dodging the ray like a phantom. At the same time, soul power surged beneath his feet, and he instantly appeared behind Dai Yun'er. Startled, Dai Yun'er hurriedly turned around and pulled the trigger again. Several rays shot out at once, sealing off every possible path of retreat.

But Tang Wulin was even faster. With a flick of his wrist, a golden soul power barrier blocked the rays. At the same time, he tapped lightly with a finger, sending a weak strand of soul power into the soul tool pistol in Dai Yun'er's hand. Dai Yun'er felt her wrist go numb, and the pistol nearly slipped from her grasp. Shocked and angered, she said, "You cheated! You actually used soul power to attack my soul tool!"

"Your Highness only said we would compete in a soul tool battle. You never said soul power couldn't be used as assistance." Tang Wulin stood where he was, his expression calm. "For this round, who does Your Highness think won?"

Dai Yun'er stamped her foot in anger, but she had no way to refute him. Gritting her teeth, she put away the pistol and drew a soul tool longsword. "Second round, close combat!" With that, her figure flashed forward, the longsword blazing with brilliant light as it stabbed directly at Tang Wulin's throat.

Tang Wulin neither dodged nor moved until the blade was about to strike him. Then he shifted aside and avoided it, while his right hand seized Dai Yun'er's wrist. Dai Yun'er felt a powerful force surge through her arm. Her wrist throbbed with pain, and she could no longer hold the sword. It flew from her hand. She looked up at Tang Wulin, her eyes filled with shock and unwillingness. "You... who exactly are you?"

Tang Wulin released her hand and took a step back. "Just an ordinary merchant. Your Highness, two rounds have passed. I think we can leave now."

Dai Yun'er looked at him, a storm of emotions rising in her heart. She knew she was no match for the young man before her, and he had clearly held back without hurting her. She bit her lip, then suddenly smiled. "Fine, you win. I'll let you go. But I'll remember you. The next time I see you, I'll definitely win back!"

Tang Wulin gave a slight nod, then led Gu Yue down from the arena and quickly left the commercial district. Only after they had gone quite far did Xu Xiaoyan let out a breath of relief. "That was really dangerous. Princess Dai Yun'er is far too spoiled."

Yue Zhengyu nodded. "She seems to suspect our identities already. The mission ahead will probably become even more troublesome."

Tang Wulin looked at Gu Yue beside him and asked, "Do you think Dai Yun'er's reaction had anything to do with the Holy Spirit Cult?"

Gu Yue pondered for a moment, then shook her head. "Hard to say. She acted more like a spoiled princess who was curious about our identities rather than deliberately testing us. But the Star Luo Imperial Palace is complicated. We can't rule out the possibility that someone is directing her from behind the scenes. We need to be even more careful from now on. We can't reveal our true identities."

Tang Wulin nodded in agreement and looked toward the distant Star Luo Imperial Palace, a trace of gravity flashing through his eyes. This journey to the Star Luo Empire appeared to be far more complicated than they had expected. And this chance encounter with Dai Yun'er might have only been the beginning. An even greater crisis was waiting for them.