Watching the scene before him, Wang Chen could only sigh inwardly. Human joys and sorrows truly were never the same.
Though he was a man of the Sun Moon Empire, and logically should have felt sorrow seeing his compatriots beaten black and blue…
Instead—perhaps because of the immense gains he had just harvested—his mood was far too buoyant.
In his heart, Wang Chen silently promised:
"Don't worry. At the next Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Soul Dueling Tournament, I'll reclaim your dignity for you."
While he was immersed in that thought, several young noble girls from the Sun Moon Empire seated nearby exchanged glances.
Finally, one of them gathered her courage and stepped up to invite Wang Chen to join their gathering.
Wang Chen glanced at them to confirm none of them were from backgrounds he couldn't afford to offend. Then, with practiced ease that bordered on instinct, he politely declined:
"Apologies, I have family duties to attend to. If fate allows, next time…"
He ignored their disappointed expressions and signaled his guard. Together, they swiftly turned and left.
Good looks are such a hassle, he thought to himself. Every time I step outside, someone wants a piece of me.
Before long, Wang Chen and his guard had left Heaven Dou Square, returning to the hotel where he was temporarily lodged.
"Master Chen," the guard bowed respectfully, "now that the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Soul Dueling Tournament is over, will you return immediately to the Sun Moon Empire, or remain here in the Heavenly Soul Empire for a few days?"
This guard, named Shen Kang, was no ordinary retainer—he was a Soul King, personally assigned by the Wang family elders to protect Wang Chen while he traveled abroad.
Wang Chen pondered briefly on the question.
His purpose for coming here had been fulfilled: to use the black book to record and learn powerful techniques from this tournament, so that in a month, he could secure first place in the clan competition.
Now that he had what he came for, there was no need to linger.
After all, this was the Heavenly Soul Empire, not the Sun Moon Empire. Staying too long here was courting unnecessary danger.
Leaning back on the hotel's sofa, Wang Chen said calmly:
"Uncle Shen, make arrangements for us to return to the Sun Moon Empire as soon as possible."
Shen Kang bowed once more. "Young Master, this subordinate recommends returning with the other nobles who came to watch the tournament. Traveling together back to Mingdu, along safer routes, will maximize protection."
Wang Chen chuckled. "Uncle Shen, you know these matters better than I do. Handle it however you see fit—I trust you."
He never let his foreknowledge of the original story make him arrogant. Yes, he knew many hidden truths thanks to the novels.
But there were far more things he didn't know. And as the saying went, outsiders shouldn't meddle in professional matters.
Leaving such things to experts was always wiser. Reckless interference only bred disaster.
"Yes, Young Master. I shall take my leave."
Click. The door closed behind Shen Kang.
Alone now, Wang Chen moved leisurely to the wine cabinet, retrieved a bottle of red, and poured it into a crystal glass.
Cradling the glass, he walked to the window, savoring both the view and the taste of the wine.
In the sunlight streaming through, his black eyes seemed to shimmer with a faint golden flame.
Three days later, after a long, weary journey from Heaven Dou City, Wang Chen finally arrived home, back to the Marquis Wang household in Mingdu.
The trip had taken three days, but all was peaceful and uneventful.
As he reunited joyfully with his family—
Elsewhere in Mingdu, within the Hongchen Clan.
A silver-haired, blue-eyed girl was tiptoeing silently toward the gates, careful not to make the slightest sound.
She had almost succeeded—only a few more steps, and she would be free. Her eyes sparkled with excitement.
Then, a deep, resonant voice thundered behind her:
"Sweet granddaughter, where do you think you're going?"
The girl froze, trembling like a startled kitten.
Turning around with a forced but adorable smile, she said sweetly:
Grandpa… I was just going out to play for a while. Staying cooped up at home is so boring!