While Gu Xingyue was discussing Battle Armor with Mu En in the Sea God Pavilion, undercurrents were stirring at the other end of the continent.
Deep within the imperial palace of the Star Luo Empire, candlelight flickered inside a side hall, making the decorations on its walls alternately brighten and dim.
The hall was simply furnished, with only a long table bearing an enormous map densely marked with mountains, rivers, and cities.
A woman sat in the seat of honor.
She looked to be in her twenties, with long golden hair cascading down like a waterfall.
Her eyes were deep purple, and a swirling galaxy seemed hidden within her pupils, profound and cold.
She wore a golden crown of stars, its rim carved with elaborate orbital patterns and a deep blue gemstone the size of a thumb set at its center.
A deep purple gown trailed along the floor, its hem embroidered with the Star Luo Empire's star-banner emblem, making her look like a goddess who had stepped out of the starry heavens.
She was Xu Jiawei, the reigning emperor of the Star Luo Empire.
The hall doors were gently pushed open, and a man who looked about twenty strode inside.
His face bore some resemblance to Xu Jiawei's, but his brows held less composure and more sharpness.
He stopped before the long table and bowed slightly.
"Imperial Sister, we've made the arrangements for the task you assigned us. I guarantee no one will suspect our Star Luo Empire."
Xu Jiawei raised her eyes, her deep purple gaze settling on her younger brother's face. She was silent for a moment, then nodded.
"Mm. Thank you for your efforts."
She lowered her head, returning her gaze to the map, and lightly traced a circle around Shrek Academy's location.
"What a pity,"