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"Welcome, everyone, to tonight's banquet. Greetings, I am Sima Lanxiao, the Minister of Foreign Affairs from the Star Luo Empire of the Star Luo Continent. It's a pleasure to meet so many distinguished friends from all walks of life on the Douluo Continent. Tonight, let us drink until we are thoroughly intoxicated. Today, we will also hold some small games. We will select the best-dressed gentleman and lady of the evening, as well as the most handsome gentleman, the most beautiful lady, and the couple with the most elegant dance moves. All winners will receive prizes provided by our Star Luo Empire."
Sima Lanxiao was a tall, middle-aged man with striking features and golden hair. His voice was magnetic and full of charisma, instantly lifting the atmosphere of the entire venue.
Waiters streamed in with various drinks, and soon, the banquet grew lively.
Bai Xu had not prepared formal attire—he wasn't even wearing the Shrek Academy uniform, instead remaining in his usual black robe.
Human joys were not universal, and Bai Xu merely found the crowd noisy.
Alone, he made his way to the deck, standing at the bow and gazing at the boundless dark sea. Night had fallen, and the sound of waves crashing once again filled the world, as if only this could calm his mind.
"Bai Xu? I knew you wouldn't be at the banquet."
A voice came from behind—there was no need to guess who it was.
He turned to look at the fairy-like girl and froze for a moment.
Gu Yuena was dressed in a silver-white gown adorned with intricate crystal-like patterns. Her long silver hair cascaded down to her ankles, pristine as crystal, her demeanor carrying an air of cool elegance.
In the dimness of the night, the girl herself seemed to glow, illuminating everything around her.
Her fair skin bore a faint pallor, her violet eyes gleaming with amusement as she smiled and walked toward Bai Xu.
The silver dress ended just above her knees, revealing slender, pale calves. Paired with silver crystal-like shoes, she resembled a moon goddess descended to earth. Her hands were clad in delicate silver lace gloves that extended to her elbows, devoid of any other adornments.
With a hint of complaint in her voice, she slowly moved to Bai Xu's side, her silver hair swaying in the wind. "Why not try to blend in with them? You might experience a different side of life."
Bai Xu continued to stare at her, unusually silent.
Seeing his expression, Gu Yuena's lips curled into a teasing smile. "Are you enchanted by me? Weren't you the one who schemed all this? With your future-seeing divine skill, you should have known everything that would happen today… So why are you still so dazed?"
"No, all my decisions up to now have been correct." Bai Xu's eyes gleamed with amusement as he instinctively reached out a hand. "I don't possess mountains of wealth, nor extravagant attire, nor a background powerful enough to control the Douluo Continent. In this world, I only have myself."
Gu Yuena clasped his hand, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with him, her body leaning close. Hearing his words, her smile deepened. "I don't need wealth, power, or status. Right now, I am both rational and emotional. It was only when I met you that I truly understood myself. I don't ask to stay by your side forever—only to walk with you to the ends of the earth."
Both of them laughed, their eyes crinkling with joy.
Bai Xu pulled Gu Yuena forward, leading her to the bow of the ship. "Come, close your eyes and spread your arms toward the sea."
"What are you doing?" Gu Yuena shut her eyes, facing the sea breeze, puzzled by Bai Xu's next move.
Then she heard his sigh beside her ear. "It's a pity it's not dusk. There's no setting sun, and the sea is just darkness."
Gu Yuena turned her head, meeting Bai Xu's gaze.
Holding her lace-gloved hand, the two of them opened their arms together. Stars shimmered in the night sky, and the moon's reflection danced upon the water like submerged crystal.
"This scene reminds me of an old saying," Bai Xu murmured, neither of them looking away, their closeness brimming with affection.
"What?"
"The moon beneath the sea is the moon in the sky; the person before me is the one in my heart."
Gu Yuena froze, staring at him. This was the first time Bai Xu had spoken so plainly. His emotions were buried deep, not easily unearthed—yet she had finally waited for this moment.
"Your words alone are enough."
Their lips met, entwined in tenderness.
A long while later, they parted.
Gu Yuena bit her lip lightly, her cheeks flushed. "Where did you learn such tricks? You're full of little ploys."
"Just cheap tricks, nothing impressive. When you truly understand me, I'll tell you everything." Bai Xu smiled, leading her back inside.
They returned to the banquet. Bai Xu sat to the side, eating quietly while Gu Yuena concealed her appearance, reverting to "Gu Yue."
Clad in his black robe, Bai Xu stood out starkly amidst the crowd of suited, tie-wearing gentlemen and elegantly dressed ladies dancing in vibrant gowns.
"Sir, may I have this dance?" A noble young lady seemed drawn to Bai Xu's air of solitude and extended an invitation.
"No, thank you."
"You don't have a partner?" She glanced around—Gu Yuena had already left to change.
"I have no interest in dancing. I appreciate the offer."
Bai Xu politely declined and left the banquet.
The event was a great success, with members of the delegations from both the Douluo and Star Luo continents growing noticeably closer.
Alone in his dorm, Bai Xu sat cross-legged as his fourth and fifth soul rings shimmered, golden energy swirling around him. "Fate and karma… What can I comprehend from these?"
He felt a flicker of confusion. What right did he, at his current level, have to ponder these profound universal laws? All paths led to the same destination—but what was the entity behind this trying to show him through the weak laws of the Douluo Continent?
The Spirit of the Plane materialized, rolling playfully on the bed. "I don't know either. I only remember those words…"
"Then what are my sixth and seventh soul rings?" Bai Xu pressed.
"Space and time. Those two abilities can actually be used in combat," the Spirit explained. The stronger Bai Xu grew, the more power it could wield, allowing it to influence the world more directly.
Bai Xu expended his soul force, activating his fourth and fifth soul skills—yet all he achieved was slightly better luck and the ability to see his own threads of karma. Nothing extraordinary.
Only when his soul power was fully depleted did he sigh. "Riddlers really should stay DC."
Life on the cruise ship was no different from usual. Bai Xu secluded himself, searching for clues. Occasionally, Gu Yue would visit, alternating with Na'er in his room so that both could enjoy the journey.
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