As the Shrek party entered the main city, pedestrians along the way pointed and talked.
"Is that Shrek Academy's team? Whatever their strength, every one of them is good-looking!"
"The defending champions certainly know how to make an entrance. They waited until the tournament was about to start to register."
"That one at the front—could he be a child of the White Tiger Duke's Mansion?" Quite a few sharp-eyed passersby had already spotted Dai Yueheng leading the group.
It was hard not to. Blond hair and double pupils were unmistakable traits. Nearly everyone in the Star Luo Empire knew they marked a direct descendant of the White Tiger Duke's Mansion, home of the war god who protected their nation.
The Inner Court Disciples who had been reserve team members five years ago and had competed before took the comments in stride. Dai Yueheng, the duke's son, even smiled and greeted passersby who recognized him. The Outer Court reserves, however, grew nervous under so many eyes. They held their heads higher and thrust out their chests, afraid of bringing shame to Shrek Academy.
"All right, you lot, stop looking so stiff!" Wang Yan could not help laughing at the younger students' solemn expressions.
Not far east of Star Luo Plaza stood a seven-story hotel. Named the Star Emperor, it belonged to the imperial family and had been set aside to host competitors from the various nations' advanced Soul Master and Soul Engineering academies.
Once they entered the hotel and were out of the passersby's sight, Wang Yan signaled that they could relax.
"Teacher Wang, we just didn't want to embarrass the academy." Even Xu Sanshi, usually so irreverent, had worn a serious face outside. Now he relaxed and explained himself with a grin, taking in the luxurious hotel as he spoke.