The capital of the Star Luo Empire possessed far more wild tension than Shrek City. Its dark blue-black stone walls wound across the land like a slumbering beast. The streets were paved with heavy bluestone slabs, worn smooth and bright by time, yet traces of an iron-blooded spirit could still be glimpsed through their cracks. Gu Yue walked through the crowd holding Tang Wulin's hand. The faint coolness from her fingertips made her unconsciously tighten her grip, though curiosity about the unfamiliar surroundings still showed in her eyes. The buildings on both sides were mostly pointed stone houses, their walls carved with intricate beast patterns. The shop banners were made from rough burlap, bearing vigorous Star Luo script. Passersby in fitted leather clothing occasionally brushed past them, the curved blades at their waists clinking crisply together, carrying the lingering scent of gunpowder.
"Look at that." Tang Wulin's voice brimmed with youthful excitement as he pointed toward a stall at the street corner. Dozens of fist-sized metal spheres lay on display there, their surfaces covered in raised patterns. The stall owner was a burly, bearded man with the Star Luo Empire's totem tattooed across his bare arms, calling out in a rough voice. Gu Yue followed Tang Wulin's finger, her nose twitching slightly as she caught the faint elemental fluctuations coming from the metal spheres. "They're polished from ore containing lightning power. The Star Luo Empire's forging techniques truly favor practical combat," she said softly. Her gaze swept over the spheres before settling on a small one at the corner of the stall, glowing faintly purple. "That one's purer."
Tang Wulin's eyes lit up. Pulling Gu Yue along, he stepped forward and spoke to the stall owner in the Star Luo language he had only recently learned. Seeing that they were outsiders, the burly man gave them an appraising look, but still answered patiently. He explained that these metal spheres were auxiliary weapons commonly used by Star Luo warriors. Thrown out, they could trigger lightning explosions. The one in the corner had been made 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 pressed down his hand. "Let's look around first." She shook her head at Tang Wulin, then turned and bargained with the stall owner in fluent Star Luo language. Her reasoning was clear: she pointed out the ore's flaws while offering a reasonable price. The initially stubborn stall owner gradually relented and ultimately sold them the pale purple metal sphere at half price.
After leaving the stall, Tang Wulin could not help giving Gu Yue a thumbs-up. "Gu Yue, you're incredible. You know so much Star Luo language, and you even know how to bargain." A faint smile touched Gu Yue's lips, and a trace of barely noticeable gentleness flickered in her eyes. "I learned a little from books before. The Star Luo Empire's trade rules differ from ours. If you're too straightforward, it's easy to get overcharged." She handed the pale purple metal sphere to Tang Wulin. "This is for you. Your Blue Silver Grass can guide lightning power, so perhaps it'll be useful."
Tang Wulin accepted the metal sphere. Its icy touch spread through his fingertips, and the lightning power within it faintly resonated with the Bluesilver Emperor inside him, warming his heart. He clenched the sphere, then took Gu Yue's hand in return, his tone earnest. "Then we'll use it together."
The two continued onward as the street gradually grew livelier. Waves of cheers and applause came from ahead. After squeezing through the crowd, they saw two men in combat attire engaged in a Soul Master duel in an open space. One possessed a Black Panther beast martial soul and moved as fast as lightning, while the other wielded a giant hammer weapon martial soul with incomparably heavy and fierce strength. The surrounding crowd shouted loudly, with some tossing copper coins to place bets. The atmosphere was exceptionally heated. Gu Yue watched the violent clash in the arena, her brows knitting slightly. "Star Luo Empire Soul Master duels truly show no restraint. They don't even care about life and death." The Black Panther Soul Master's claws had already ripped open the giant hammer Soul Master's arm, blood immediately 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 damp with sweat. He could sense that neither fighter's Soul Power fluctuations were weak, yet they were risking their lives so recklessly that it made him uncomfortable. "Why do they do this?" he asked quietly. An elderly man with white hair beside him heard the question and explained with a smile, "In Star Luo, strength is everything. These duels can temper you, and if you win, you can earn a generous bounty or even be noticed and recruited by nobles." The old man's tone was calm, as though this were perfectly ordinary. "Young man, those are Star Luo's rules."
Gu Yue remained silent, a complicated emotion flashing through her eyes. She thought of the mission she bore, 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. Tang Wulin noticed her low spirits and gently patted the back of her hand. "Don't think too much about it. We'll just watch." He pulled Gu Yue out of the crowd and into a relatively quiet alley nearby.
Unknown purple vines grew along both sides of the alley, their petals releasing a faint fragrance that shut out the clamor beyond. Gu Yue leaned against the stone wall and looked at Tang Wulin's somewhat worried face. "Wulin, the Star Luo Empire is more complicated than we imagined. Its rules are cruel, but they have also given rise to a unique kind of strength." She paused and looked toward the sky beyond the alley. "Perhaps we can find the answers we're seeking here."
Tang Wulin nodded and stepped to her side, standing shoulder to shoulder with her. Sunlight filtered through gaps in the vines, casting mottled patches of light and shadow across them. He knew Gu Yue carried many secrets in her heart, and he 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 lay ahead. "No matter what answers we find, I'll stay with you." His voice was firm and warm, like the sunlight at that moment, dispelling some of the haze in Gu Yue's heart.
The afternoon sunlight in Star Luo City was perfect. Golden rays filtered through lush plane tree leaves, scattering dappled shadows across the bluestone road. 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. They had come to 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 the Holy Spirit Cult's activities within Star Luo territory. Taking advantage of a break in the mission, Tang Wulin had insisted on bringing Gu Yue out for a walk. Since leaving Shrek, the two had rarely enjoyed such leisure.
"There are even more Soul Tool shops here than at the Mingde Hall." Gu Yue's gaze swept across the various Soul Tools displayed along the street, curiosity coloring her tone. She wore a pale blue dress, her long hair loosely pinned up. Her usual coldness had faded, leaving her with a softer, more gentle air. Tang Wulin smiled and tightened his hold on her hand. "The Star Luo Empire's Soul Tool development focuses on actual combat. Their style differs from ours. Want to go in and take a look?"
Before he could finish, a clear, spoiled shout came from diagonally behind them. "Hey! You man and woman in front, stop right there!"
Tang Wulin and the others turned at the sound. A young girl in a bright yellow palace gown was striding toward them, followed by four black-clad guards with imposing auras. She appeared to be around sixteen or seventeen, with fair skin, refined features, and almond-shaped eyes filled with a touch of arrogance and curiosity. She was none other than the Star Luo Empire's Seventh Princess, Dai Yun'er. Her gaze fell directly on Tang Wulin and Gu Yue's clasped hands, and a faint 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?" he asked in a low voice, deliberately concealing 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, Seventh Princess of the Star Luo Empire. Who are you people? How dare you behave so intimately on the streets of Star Luo City? Where is your sense of propriety?" Her gaze circled Gu Yue's face with clear scrutiny. This woman's appearance and bearing were not inferior to her own in the slightest. In fact, Gu Yue possessed an indescribably cold and elegant grace that made hostility inexplicably rise in Dai Yun'er's heart.
Tang Wulin pulled Yue Zhengyu back and stepped forward, his expression calm but courteous. "Your Highness misunderstands. 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 today." He deliberately restrained his own aura, disguising his Soul Power fluctuations as those of an ordinary Soul King to avoid drawing unnecessary attention.
"Merchants?" Dai Yun'er looked Tang Wulin up and down, her eyes full of suspicion. Though the young man wore an ordinary green robe, his posture was straight and his bearing steady. Most of all, his eyes were deep and bright, something no ordinary merchant could possess. Her gaze shifted to Gu Yue again, and a provocative smile curved her lips. "If you're merchants, it's rather rare for you to have such a stunning female companion at your side. May I know this young lady's name?"
Gu Yue spoke calmly, her voice as cool and clear as jade striking jade. "My name is Gu Yue." She offered no unnecessary pleasantries. Her gaze met Dai Yun'er's steadily, without the slightest fear. That innate nobility and aloofness only deepened Dai Yun'er's hostility.
"Gu Yue?" Dai Yun'er repeated the name, then suddenly smiled. "That's quite a distinctive name. You both look unfamiliar to me. Why not return to the Imperial Palace with me as guests? I can properly fulfill my duties as your host." Her words sounded welcoming, but they concealed a test. The Star Luo Empire had been on high alert recently, and the sudden appearance of such an extraordinary pair naturally warranted closer attention.
Tang Wulin's heart stirred. He had been hoping to gain a deeper understanding of the Star Luo Empire's internal situation, especially whether the royal family had any ties to the Holy Spirit Cult. But he also knew Dai Yun'er's identity was sensitive, and agreeing rashly could lead to complications. Just as he was about to decline politely, Gu Yue spoke first. "Thank you for Your Highness's kindness, but we still have business to discuss, so it would be inconvenient to impose. Perhaps we can visit another day?" Her tone was tactful, yet her refusal allowed no room for doubt.
The smile on Dai Yun'er's face faded slightly. She had not expected this woman to deny her so directly. Her eyes shifted, and her gaze landed on Tang Wulin. "This gentleman looks rather straightforward. What is it? Are you afraid I won't entertain you properly, or do you think my invitation isn't worthy of you?" She deliberately tried to provoke them, hoping to force them into agreeing.
Tang Wulin's expression did not change. "Your Highness is of noble status. We are but humble merchants. How could we dare trouble the royal family? Meeting today is 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 yielded his position.
Seeing how resolute they were, Dai Yun'er grew even more curious. She suddenly stepped forward and stared into Tang Wulin's eyes. "What's your name? You carry yourself remarkably. You don't seem like an ordinary merchant. Could you be... from Shrek Academy?"
The moment those words left her mouth, Yue Zhengyu and Xu Xiaoyan immediately tensed, secretly circulating their Soul Power. Tang Wulin's heart sank. He had not expected Dai Yun'er to be so perceptive. Yet his expression remained unchanged as he smiled. "Your Highness must be joking. Shrek Academy is a sacred 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 lifted her eyes toward Dai Yun'er, her voice as cold as ever. "If Your Highness has no further business, we will take our leave." With that, she pulled Tang Wulin and turned to go.
"Stop!" Dai Yun'er shouted. The guards behind her immediately stepped forward, blocking their path. "I haven't permitted you to leave, and you think you can just walk away?" Her tone carried a hint of willfulness. "Unless... you play a game with me. If you win, I'll let you go."
Tang Wulin frowned. He did not want to clash with the royal family here. But Dai Yun'er was determined, and forcing their way out would only arouse greater suspicion. He looked at Gu Yue, and when he saw her nod slightly, he turned to Dai Yun'er. "What does Your Highness wish to play?"
Dai Yun'er's eyes lit up. She pointed at a Soul Tool arena by the street. "Very simple. We'll have a Soul Tool battle. Three rounds to determine the winner. If you win, I'll let you go and give you Star Luo City's specialties. If you lose, you'll return to the Imperial Palace with me and play with me for three days!" She had long wanted to test the new Soul Tool she had acquired, and the young man before her had become the perfect target.
Tang Wulin felt helpless and could only agree. "Fine, but we'll stop at the proper point. No lives are to be endangered."
"Don't worry. I know my limits." Dai Yun'er smiled as she leaped onto the arena and casually drew a Soul Tool pistol glowing with purple light. "I'll go first!"
In an instant, the arena was surrounded by curious passersby, their discussions rising one after another. Tang Wulin took a deep breath and slowly walked onto the platform without taking out any Soul Tool. He did not want to reveal his strength. He only wanted to end this match as quickly as possible.
Seeing him step onto the platform empty-handed, Dai Yun'er's eyes flashed with disdain. Without hesitation, she pulled the trigger. A purple Soul Tool beam tore through the air with a sharp whistle, shooting straight toward Tang Wulin's chest. Gu Yue stood beneath the arena with a calm expression. She knew Tang Wulin's strength. Such an attack could not possibly hurt him.
Tang Wulin shifted slightly, dodging the beam like a phantom. At the same time, Soul Power surged beneath his feet, and he instantly appeared behind Dai Yun'er. Dai Yun'er was startled. She hurriedly turned and pulled the trigger again, firing several beams at once and covering all of Tang Wulin's possible paths of retreat.
But Tang Wulin was faster. With a flick of his wrist, a golden Soul Power barrier blocked the beams. At the same time, he tapped a finger, sending a weak strand of Soul Power into Dai Yun'er's Soul Tool pistol. Dai Yun'er felt her wrist go numb, and the pistol nearly slipped from her hand. Shocked and angry, she cried, "You cheated! You actually dared to use 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, and the longsword gleamed brilliantly as it stabbed toward Tang Wulin's throat.
Tang Wulin neither dodged nor retreated. Only when the sword was about to strike him did he shift aside, while his right hand seized Dai Yun'er's wrist. Dai Yun'er felt an immense force surge into her arm. Pain shot through her wrist, 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 stepped back. "Just an ordinary merchant. Your Highness, two rounds have passed. I believe we can leave now."
Dai Yun'er looked at him, countless emotions churning within her. She knew she was no match for the young man before her, and he had clearly held back rather than hurt her. She bit her lip, then suddenly smiled. "Fine, you won. I'll let you go. But I'll remember you. The next time I see you, I'll definitely win back my loss!"
Tang Wulin gave a slight nod, took Gu Yue's hand, and led her down from the arena, quickly leaving the commercial street. Only after they had gone far away did Xu Xiaoyan finally let out a breath. "That was really dangerous. Princess Dai Yun'er is far too spoiled."
Yue Zhengyu nodded. "She seems to have already suspected our identities. The mission ahead may become even more troublesome."
Tang Wulin looked at Gu Yue beside him and asked, "Do you think Dai Yun'er's reaction just now suggests she has anything to do with the Holy Spirit Cult?"
Gu Yue pondered for a moment before shaking her head. "It's hard to say. She acted more like a spoiled princess, more curious about our identities than testing us. But the Star Luo Royal Family is complicated. We can't rule out the possibility that someone behind her is directing her. We need to be even more careful from now on. We cannot 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 Star Luo seemed far more complicated than they had anticipated. And this chance encounter with Dai Yun'er might only be the beginning. An even greater crisis was still waiting for them.
Before you continue