Yu Tianjun's deep meditation, the Heaven Dou Research Team, and Shrek's Phoenix master and disciple

The Heavenly Dragon Sect, reception hall.

The Heavenly Dragon Sect's master, Yu Xiaokong—the middle-aged father of Yu Tianjun and Yu Tianlong—sat smiling in the seat of honor, instructing his disciples to bring all manner of Dragon City teas and pastries to entertain their distinguished guests.

"For a humble sect like the Heavenly Dragon Sect to receive a personal visit from the Star Luo Empire's princess and Her Excellency Nebula is a great honor for me and everyone in our sect. Please, help yourselves."

"You are too kind, Your Excellency Heavenly Dragon. When might we meet Yu Tianjun and Ling Luochеn? We came regarding the commission they posted with the Adventurers' Association."

Nebula Douluo Manyi took a sip of hot tea, then set down her cup. There was no shortage of wariness in her gaze as she looked at Yu Xiaokong.

They were both rank ninety-three Titled Douluos, yet the aura she sensed from him surpassed her own by considerably more than a notch. The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon truly deserved its reputation as the foremost beast martial soul, superior to her Nebula Fan.

Decades ago, he had been her junior. Now they stood as equals. She could no longer break through, while he still had the potential to advance with tremendous vigor.

Xu Jiujiu took a small bite of Dragon City's cheese pastry. Its unfamiliar flavor did not agree with her palate, so she gently set it down. The hot pot outside might suit her taste buds better.

She smiled gracefully and politely, then went straight to the point:

"Indeed, Your Excellency. Even in Star Luo City, I heard that an exceptional guide had emerged here. Even Vina sang his praises. Aside from handing over the Spirit Devouring Fierce Blade, I wanted to meet him in person, along with Ling Luochеn, who posted the commission with him."

Yu Xiaokong laughed heartily. "Then your timing is unfortunate. Neither Tianjun nor young Ling has time to meet you at present. If there is anything you need, you can tell me, and I will be sure to pass it on."

Nebula Douluo frowned. "What do you mean, Your Excellency Heavenly Dragon? How could neither of them have time to meet us?"

"Young Ling is a Shrek Inner Court disciple. In another two years, she will have to consider graduation. You both know the Shrek Inner Court's graduation requirements: completing thirty inspection missions."

Yu Xiaokong explained calmly, "So she has returned to Shrek to accept inspector missions."

"I see."

Manyi nodded. That was a perfectly reasonable explanation.

Xu Jiujiu subtly lifted her gaze. Shrek Academy's Inspection Corps enjoyed an illustrious reputation throughout the Douluo Three Kingdoms. In the eyes of the Three Great Empires' Royal Families, however, its activities amounted to Shrek claiming transnational law-enforcement authority above all three nations, competing with the Three Great Empires for power.

Thus, in wartime, Shrek Academy was the leader of their alliance. In peacetime, it was a thorn in their eyes and a splinter in their flesh.

As far as she knew, her imperial brother had been approaching Shrek all along, offering extraordinary terms to persuade Shrek Academy to move out of the Heaven Dou Empire and cooperate with the Star Luo Empire, unifying the three kingdoms before conquering Sun Moon and completing the grand undertaking of unification.

Shrek Academy, however, had shown little interest, declaring that all it wanted was to preserve the status quo.

Xu Jiawei's approach echoed the Heaven Dou Empire's pursuit of cooperation with the Body Sect. Any wise ruler could see that war would erupt sooner or later after the Sun Moon Empire's new emperor ascended the throne, and they were all turning their attention toward the most powerful Soul Master organizations of the age.

The difference was that the Heaven Dou Empire possessed abundant Soul Master resources and had options. The Star Luo Empire did not. It could only plead miserably for mercy from Shrek, which it both loved and hated.

Shrek's dean, Yan Shaozhe, offered nothing but a dismissive look: Little Star Luo, you're getting ahead of yourself. We at Shrek are neutral.

Little Star Luo's dreams gradually shattered, forcing it to turn its attention toward promising young geniuses. That was why Xu Jiujiu had crossed the border to recruit talent despite her exalted status as a Princess.

The Star Luo Empire had far too few geniuses. Scarred by poverty, it dared not pass up a single opportunity to poach someone.

"Then what about your son? Before arriving, I had already heard that he was Dragon City's most handsome young man."

Xu Jiujiu smiled as she asked about the next key person.

The corners of Yu Xiaokong's mouth rose, and irrepressible amusement welled in his eyes, as though he had come out to welcome them solely to wait for that question.

"Tianjun trained with my father yesterday and exhausted himself. This morning, while reviewing what he had learned, he entered deep meditation."

"As you know, deep meditation is an extremely special state. A Soul Master might only experience it a handful of times in a lifetime. Even I never expected Tianjun to enter deep meditation after just one day of training with my father."

"With him in deep meditation, all our sect's elders have to wear themselves out guarding him. It has turned into quite a mobilization. Unfortunate, unfortunate—truly unfortunate timing."

"Oh, I certainly don't mean to boast. But you know how deep meditation is. It comes whenever it pleases, without any rhyme or reason. Haha..."

Manyi: ...

Then how about wiping that smile off your face? You're grinning wide enough to show your gums.

Xu Jiujiu: ...

So we were the ones who came at an unfortunate time. How terribly sorry we are to disturb the Heavenly Dragon Sect's second young master during his deep meditation.

Damn it, if the explanations for both absences had not been so indisputable, the Star Luo pair would have thought this was a deliberate refusal to see them. How could the timing be this coincidental?

Yu Xiaokong observed their expressions, feeling thoroughly satisfied.

Yesterday, the seven great Qilin and the Evil Phoenix had erupted into an earthshaking battle that lasted a full four hours.

Yu Yuanjue had emerged refreshed and invigorated, as though he had just stepped out of a sauna. His complexion was rosy, and even his steps carried Feng.

After that intense battle, Yu Tianjun had fallen into a dead sleep.

When he woke that morning, he reviewed his insights and entered deep meditation.

Every elder in the Heavenly Dragon Sect had turned out to guard him. That was also why Xing Yan was throwing a party outside: no one had time to keep him in line.

Deep meditation was enormously significant and could profoundly affect a Soul Master's future. Some found the opportunity to climb another step beyond the hundred-foot pole; some used it to develop a self-created soul skill; others determined their lifelong path, their minds opening as they soared into the heavens.

Even in the worst case, it would deepen their understanding of their own martial soul and improve their physique.

For a Soul Master at Yu Tianjun's level, increasing soul power was not the most important thing. What mattered was gaining insight into his martial soul origin, smoothing his future path.

Thus, the Heavenly Dragon Sect would spare no effort to protect Yu Tianjun until he completed his deep meditation, delivering a crushing head-on blow to any enemy who dared approach.

If Yu Tianjun awoke safely, Yu Yuanjue could extend his lifespan and gain an opportunity to advance further.

If anything happened to Yu Tianjun, Yu Yuanjue was doomed to have little life remaining. He might as well take his enemies down with him!

"In short, that is the situation. As for the specific situation, we will have to see how things develop... You may leave the Spirit Devouring Fierce Blade now. I will pay for it, and we can settle the transaction. Or you may wait for Tianjun and young Ling, but I cannot guarantee when they will be available."

Yu Xiaokong delivered the final word, urging them to make their choice.

Manyi looked toward Xu Jiujiu. Gritting her teeth, Xu Jiujiu rose with graceful poise and offered Yu Xiaokong a courtly salute.

"Dragon City has clear waters and beautiful mountains, outstanding people nurtured by a blessed land, nature's splendors and heaven's treasures, all the gathered grace of the landscape—beauty beyond compare... I would like to impose on your esteemed sect a while longer."

With a mild smile, Yu Xiaokong gestured for her to sit.

"Certainly, certainly. Your Highness's willingness to stay brings radiance to our humble halls. I simply wonder whether the Heaven Dou Empire might have any objections."

Xu Jiujiu smiled beautifully, her voice carrying confidence. "Rest assured, Sect Master. I have met His Majesty of Heaven Dou and Princess Vina several times. I believe we will not cause your esteemed sect any trouble. We have a legitimate reason for coming."

"Excellent. His Majesty of Heaven Dou informed our sect yesterday that a survey of the strength of the Heaven Dou Empire's northwestern sects would soon be organized, to help publicize our nation's powerful Soul Masters to its people.

"Our sect is a key northern sect. Important members of the royal family, including Princess Vina, may visit in person, so we have been told to prepare."

Seemingly in passing, Yu Xiaokong revealed just how much attention the Heavenly Dragon Sect received, smiling at the Star Luo pair as their expressions stiffened.

"Apparently, the research team will set out tomorrow. That won't inconvenience you, will it?"

Xu Jiujiu managed a strained smile. "Not at all. We have nothing to hide."

Yu Xiaokong's smile remained unchanged. "Good. If there is anything you need to communicate to the Heavenly Soul Royal Family, our sect can pass it on for you. The Heavenly Dragon Sect may not be a major sect, but our words still carry some weight in Heaven Dou."

"You are far too modest, Sect Master. If the Heavenly Dragon Sect is not a major sect, how many can qualify? Even the once-glorious Tang Sect was wiped out a few years ago, yet the Heavenly Dragon Sect has always stood firm."

"Your Highness thinks far too highly of us. The Upper Three Sects and the Tang Sect from ten thousand years ago have all had to make way for new powers. Only Shrek remains unshaken."

Meanwhile, in Shrek Academy's Inner Court.

Ling Luochеn accepted ten Inspection Corps Missions from the mission pool at once, then slowly made her way outside.

"Luo Chen, have you really decided to leave?"

Ling Luochеn strolled around Sea God Lake. This time, the woman beside her was not the gentle, beautiful senior sister Zhang Lexuan, but she was another lovely senior sister, with brows like spring mountains and eyes as black as lacquer.

"Yes, Sister Ruoruo. Thank you and Senior Sister for always taking care of me."

Ling Luochеn spoke to Han Ruoruo with heartfelt gratitude. This senior sister's cultivation was second only to Zhang Lexuan's. Her martial soul was the Shaking Gold Rope, and she was acclaimed as the Inner Court's foremost controller and the Golden Fairy. Gentle and generous, she occasionally served as a teacher and readily helped her juniors.

She and Zhang Lexuan were friends Ling Luochеn respected in the Inner Court. Apart from those two, the only people Ling Luochеn knew reasonably well were her fellow members of the Shrek Seven Monsters.

"Sigh... Don't make this so sad. Before the next tournament starts, you'll still have to return to coordinate with the team. We all know about Ma Xiaotao. The academy has treated you unfairly... But with ten missions, how much time will you have left to cultivate over these next two years?"

Han Ruoruo sighed softly. Of course Ling Luochеn was allowed to accept the full number of missions at once, but without family support, completing them would not be easy.

Shrek did not care whether Inner Court disciples used outside assistance to complete their missions. A Soul Master needed a recommendation letter from the lord of a major city just to enter the Outer Court, and at one point, Outer Court disciples had needed recommendations from Inner Court seniors to enter the Inner Court. This had always been an aristocratic academy.

Ma Xiaotao and Dai Yueheng's soul power far outstripped everyone else's, and the assistance their backgrounds afforded them certainly played a part. Inspection Corps Missions inevitably affected cultivation, so Shrek tacitly permitted, and even encouraged, successive generations of the Shrek Seven Monsters to draw on their connections.

Han Ruoruo and Zhang Lexuan both knew something of what their icy-beauty junior sister Ling Luochеn had endured. They wanted to help, but could do nothing.

Now that she was finally leaving, she had accepted ten missions. Simply reaching their locations would consume considerable time, and Han Ruoruo worried for her.

"Don't worry, Sister Ruoruo. I believe I will improve faster once I leave."

Ling Luochеn smiled. Before she returned, Yu Tianjun had declared rather overbearingly that making a genius complete Inspection Corps Missions was purely a waste of time. The Heavenly Dragon Sect would dispatch a Soul Douluo to protect her long-term and deal directly with any trouble they encountered.

She had not refused. It was not as though she was the only one doing this. Dai Yueheng often went to the White Tiger Military Camp to scrounge up equipment to borrow.

"Good, then. It seems you have already made your decision. Take care of yourself."

Han Ruoruo nodded gently. No banquet under heaven lasted forever. She hoped Ling Luochеn would have a better life outside.

"Ling Luochеn, what is the meaning of you leaving like this?"

Just then, a fierce, domineering female voice came on the wind. Blazing wings of flame tore through the air from beyond Sea God Lake, descending toward Sea God Island like a meteor. The powerful aura of a Soul Emperor swept straight toward them.

Han Ruoruo frowned and swept her sleeve, dispersing the scorching fire soul power. "Xiaotao, you've only just broken through to Soul Emperor, and you already want to start a battle on Sea God Island?"

"Senior Sister Han, it's not that I refuse to show you respect. The tournament is only two years away, and she's applying to the academy to stay away long-term just like that. How are we supposed to coordinate as a team?"

The fiery soul power dissipated, revealing a tall woman with outrageously voluptuous curves. The front of her red dress swelled in mountainlike arcs, while her flaming-red hair cascaded past her waist like a waterfall. Below her graceful waist were full, peach-shaped hips and long legs.

Her figure was commanding, and her personality even more so. The red-haired woman was a beauty on par with Ling Luochеn, but her temperament was the complete opposite. Her sharp, pale-pink phoenix eyes stared directly at Ling Luochеn. Her words held a trace of respect for Han Ruoruo, but not much.

The newcomer was naturally Yan Shaozhe's personal disciple, one of the Inner Court's living volcanoes: Flame Maniac Ma Xiaotao.

Han Ruoruo's expression turned ugly. She knew Ma Xiaotao only acknowledged Zhang Lexuan, but she was the Inner Court's second-ranked disciple and a former member of the Shrek Seven Monsters. Since when could a little girl run wild in front of her?

Lexuan had taken her out soul hunting and brought her back. How could she let this girl act so recklessly?

"Senior Sister, let me handle this."

Ling Luochеn stepped forward rather than hiding behind her senior sister. Lifting her chin, she addressed Ma Xiaotao coldly:

"I don't have to report my decisions to you. Because of your evil fire, the academy won't allow a dangerous person like you to represent it in the tournament."

"You aren't even qualified to compete. What right do you have to call me to account? If anyone does, it should be our captain, Dai Yueheng."

"You!"

Ling Luochеn's words left Ma Xiaotao so furious that her ample chest heaved. When insulting someone, strike right at their sore spot, and Ling Luochеn knew hers very well.

"Isn't that because you're so useless? Otherwise, why would my evil fire have returned so quickly?"

"Utterly shameless. Are you determined to fight me?"

Ling Luochеn's face darkened completely. Her opponent's soul power might be higher, but she too had undergone a transformation, shedding her old bones for new.

Sparks born from her martial soul burned around Ma Xiaotao as she eagerly readied herself:

"You know I barely even take Dai Yueheng seriously. Can you preserve Shrek's ten-thousand-year glory when you go out there?"

"Enough! Do you take me seriously, then?"

Han Ruoruo's expression changed sharply. Soul Saint-level soul power erupted around her, and the Shaking Gold Rope martial soul appeared in her hand with seven soul rings in the optimal configuration, forcibly suppressing both ice and fire.

"Xiaotao, the Inner Court is not a prison. Students have the right to come and go freely. If you want a fight, I'll experience your phoenix evil fire myself! Shall we go to the Soul Fighting Arena?"

Ma Xiaotao was still wary of an angry Han Ruoruo and prudently backed down.

"My words may have been inappropriate, but everything I did was for the academy. I apologize, Senior Sister Han."

"Hmph."

The two women left with cold expressions.

At the shore of Sea God Lake in the Outer Court.

Zhang Lexuan looked at the white-robed old man before her with a rueful smile. "Dean, did you stop me here just so I could watch fellow disciples fight among themselves? If Ruoruo hadn't been there, they would certainly have come to blows."

Yan Shaozhe shook his head lightly and smiled. "I merely wanted Xiaotao to teach Ling Luochеn a lesson. You've only just returned, so you don't know: Ling Luochеn has formed quite a close relationship with the Heavenly Dragon Sect."

"Our Shrek Seven Monsters haven't even graduated, and the ghouls and goblins outside already can't keep their claws to themselves. If we don't teach them a lesson, won't every stray cat and dog in the Three Great Empires come sidling up to us?"

Zhang Lexuan said, "Luochеn has done nothing to wrong the academy. Very few Inner Court disciples stay at the academy anyway. Choosing where to go in advance is hardly unusual."

Yan Shaozhe's smile remained unchanged. "But there are distinctions even among Inner Court disciples. Before setting out for the tournament, the Shrek Seven Monsters should devote themselves wholeheartedly to the academy. You and Xiaotao are the ones we truly recognize. You should understand that."