Star Luo Royal Academy was staying at the West Wing Guesthouse.
Not long after the matchups were announced, Dai Weisi came looking for them with Zhu Zhuyun.
Flags of the Star Luo Empire and Spirit Hall hung at opposite ends of the corridor. Dai Mubai stood by the window. When he saw a face that bore some resemblance to his own, his hand slowly tightened on the windowsill.
"Mubai." Dai Weisi looked him over. "After all these years, you've finally decided to step back into the open."
"Disappointed?"
"A little." Dai Weisi smiled gently, but there was no warmth in his eyes. "If you'd stayed in Suotuo City, you'd have saved me trouble and lived a few more years."
The Shrek team's expressions shifted.
Zhu Zhuqing stepped out from behind Dai Mubai. She looked at Zhu Zhuyun without bowing or calling her sister.
Zhu Zhuyun's gaze fell to her shoes. The edges of the soles had worn thin. She had clearly been drilling her speed hard lately.
"A full ten-level gap in Soul Power," Zhu Zhuyun said softly. "Zhuqing, you're as stubborn as ever."
"It'll be a little smaller tomorrow."
"Because of one match?"
"Because of me."
Both sisters spoke calmly. The calmer they sounded, the heavier the air in the corridor became.
Dai Weisi did not go on provoking Dai Mubai. The Star Luo Imperial Family's rules of succession had never left them room for Brotherly Harmony. The loser would forfeit power and freedom, and might not even keep their life. He stood here to eliminate a future threat and protect everything he had already claimed.
"See you in the arena." Dai Weisi turned away.
Before leaving, Zhu Zhuyun gave Zhu Zhuqing one last look. "Don't expect me to hold back tomorrow."
"I wouldn't have it any other way."