"Master, Young Master Little Yu is back!"
The two guards at the door shouted, then warmly opened the gate and welcomed everyone in.
"Young Master, you've come back to participate in the Soul Fighting Tournament, haven't you?" The guard asked, standing beside Cao Yu with a broad smile.
After all, the two of them had watched Cao Yu grow up, so they were naturally very happy to see him return.
"We're here for a visit this time; I reckon it'll be at least next time before it's our turn."
Cao Yu answered with a smile, then continued, "Hey, uncles, where are my dad and the others?"
"They're probably having tea inside. I've already sent someone to inform the head of the family."
"Alright, I'll go in first."
"Please take care, young master. All guests, please come in as well."
A short while later, Cao Xiang and the old man met up with everyone in the courtyard.
Cao Yu introduced them to everyone, "This is my dad, my mom, and my grandpa."
Everyone stepped forward to greet her, and when it was Ma Xiaotao's turn, they saw her take out an exquisite necklace and several bottles of fine wine from her Storage Soul Tool.
Ma Xiaotao said gently, "Auntie, this is the necklace I bought for you, and these bottles of wine are for Uncle and Grandpa."
"I came in a hurry and didn't know what to buy, so this is just a small token of my appreciation. Please don't mind it."
Cao Xiang and the old man held the wine in their hands and laughed heartily.
Luo Lingyun held the necklace in her hand, and although she liked it very much, she looked somewhat troubled as she spoke.
"Young lady, why are you giving me a gift?"
Then Luo Lingyun looked at her son, Cao Yu, who hurriedly explained, "Mom, this is my senior from university, and of course, your future daughter-in-law. Please keep these things."
Hearing this, Ma Xiaotao blushed shyly and glared at Cao Yu a few times, annoyed.
However, on the other side, Cao Xiang and his wife, along with the old man, were stunned, but before they could react...
Xiao Xiao also came over with some jewelry and wine, and handed them to them.
The Cao Xiang couple and the old man said in unison, "Could this young lady also be one?"
Xiao Xiao lowered her head shyly, put her hands behind her back, and nodded gently.
Cao Yu could only smile and say, "Yes, Xiao Xiao is my classmate and also your future daughter-in-law."
At this moment, Luo Lingyun asked again, somewhat uncertainly, "Is there anything else?"
After saying this, they all turned their gazes to the crowd.
Aside from Tang Ya, Ning Tian Jiang Nannan, who had already established relationships with Little Yu.
Hmm! There are two other girls, I wonder if they are them.
At this point, Cao Yu hurriedly waved his hand, "No, no, besides Little Ya, Ning Tian, and Nannan, the other two are just my senior classmates."
Hearing this, Cao Yu's family finally breathed a sigh of relief; thankfully, the shock wasn't too great.
However, Wang Dong, standing to the side, looked somewhat uneasy, feeling a sour taste in his mouth and a rather unpleasant feeling.
Meanwhile, a voice inside Wang Dong's head kept blaming himself.
Hmph! Serves you right for trying to be clever; now you can only watch helplessly.
Meanwhile, Bei Bei and Dai Yueheng turned their attention elsewhere.
Dai Yueheng quietly said to Gongyang Mo, "The weather is quite nice today."
"Yes, the weather is fine, it's a good day." Everyone nodded in agreement, pretending not to have seen what was happening.
Before long, Cao Xiang led everyone to the living room. After everyone was seated, fine tea and wine were served.
Wang Yan smiled and raised his wine cup, saying, "Thank you, Patriarch Cao Clan."
Cao Xiang laughed heartily, "Oh, don't be so polite. You must all be tired from your journey. Why don't you stay here and rest for a while? There are plenty of guest rooms in the manor."
Wang Yan replied, "Thank you for your kindness, Patriarch Cao Clan, but the organizers have already arranged accommodations for us, so we won't trouble you any further."
After Cao Xiang tried to persuade him several times, Wang Yan still politely declined. Seeing that he would not agree, Cao Xiang said nothing more.
Meanwhile, Xuan Zi and the old man were drinking heartily on the side. Judging from their happy appearance, one could vaguely hear them discussing Cao Yu and Ma Xiaotao's future marriage.
Luo Lingyun sat with Ma Xiaotao, Xiao Xiao, Tang Ya, Ning Tian, and Jiang Nannan, chatting away. Everyone was laughing and talking, and they seemed to be having a pleasant conversation.
Chen Zifeng joked from the side, "Junior, you're truly a role model for us all! Awesome! I genuinely admire you."
Gongyang Mo also said with a smile, "Junior, you'd better take it easy."
Ling Luochеn smiled sweetly and said, "I didn't know you had such abilities, junior. You even managed to win over someone as strong-willed as Ma Xiaotao. I admire you." As she spoke, she gave Cao Yu a thumbs up, offering her the highest respect.
Cao Yu, sitting to one side, was simply sipping his tea with a cheerful smile. Then, glancing at his father, he saw his father silently watching him and giving him a thumbs up.
It was as if it were saying, "Little Yu, you didn't let your dad down."
After having dinner that evening, Wang Yan decided to take everyone to the Star Emperor Hotel.
Although Cao Yu didn't plan to stay there, he decided to go with them for a stroll since he had nothing else to do, and then take the opportunity to visit the palace to see Xu Jiujiu.
After all, it's been so long since I've seen her, I really miss her.
After leaving the Cao Clan mansion, the group headed towards Star Luo Plaza.
The Star Emperor Hotel is located on the east side of Star Luo Plaza. It is a seven-story building owned by the royal family.
This area has been specially set aside to receive participants from high-level Soul Master Academy or Soul Engineer trainees from various countries.
As the defending champions and the number one Soul Master Academy on the continent, Shrek Academy's team members were arranged in the most luxurious room on the top floor.
Each person has their own bedroom, and there is also a dedicated meeting room for them to use.
At this moment, all the team members, along with their coach Wang Yan, were sitting in the conference room for a pre-competition mobilization meeting.
Wang Yan said unhurriedly, "There are a total of 133 high-level Soul Master Academy and high-level Soul Engineer academies participating in this competition, and they are all staying at this hotel."
"The first round of the preliminary round is an elimination tournament. That means the losing side will be eliminated immediately. The format for the first round is a team battle."
"Seven against seven, the draw will be held tomorrow, and the first round of matches is expected to take three days to complete."
After about ten minutes, having finished saying everything he wanted to say, Wang Yan stood up and spoke.
"Although our chances of winning the Shrek this time are still very high, Ma Xiaotao, you must not underestimate your opponents, especially those from the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineering Academy. After all, you have seen how quickly Soul Tool have improved."
"Alright, you can all go back and rest now."
Wang Yan didn't say anything more, Cao Yu happily left the Star Emperor Hotel.
Gazing at the distant Star Luo Imperial Palace, her heart began to scream, " Jiujiu, I'm here!"
(End of this chapter)