The Sun Moon Capital did not resemble any other city on the continent.
Most great capitals grew from history—layers of stone and tradition stacked upon each other until time itself shaped the skyline.
This one had been built with purpose.
From the moment the Lin Clan aircraft entered the imperial air corridor, the difference was obvious.
Traffic moved through the sky.
Not chaotically.
But in disciplined streams.
Dozens of aerial craft followed designated routes between towers marked with glowing formation beacons. Merchant transports, academy vessels, military escorts, and long-range cargo carriers crossed the sky like flowing currents of steel and light.
Each craft maintained precise spacing.
Each movement was guided by synchronized arrays embedded throughout the capital.
Below, the city stretched outward in geometric order.
Wide avenues cut through entire districts in straight lines, their surfaces reinforced with layered formation metals that reflected faint sunlight. Along those roads, endless streams of people moved between markets, workshops, inns, and observation platforms that had been constructed specifically for the coming tournament.
The entire capital was alive.
And the closer the aircraft descended toward the inner districts—
The louder that life became.
Wu Feng leaned forward slightly from her seat, staring through the transparent viewing panel.
"…That's a lot of people."
Her tone carried genuine surprise.
Below them, entire plazas were already packed with spectators even though the tournament had not yet begun. Vendors shouted prices from temporary stalls while banners bearing the tournament emblem hung between towers like bright ribbons stretching across the streets.
Xu Tianzhen glanced down briefly before leaning back again.
"They've been preparing for weeks."
Meng Hongchen rested her chin against one hand, watching the city pass beneath them.
"The atmosphere is strange."
Ma Xiaotao glanced toward her.
"Strange how?"
Meng tilted her head slightly.
"There's too much spiritual energy circulating through the city."
Xiao Hongchen didn't even look up from the small projection device in his hand.
"That's intentional."
His fingers adjusted several settings while faint holographic maps flickered across the device.
"The capital increased its formation output for the tournament. Stabilization arrays, security formations, amplification nodes for the broadcast towers."
Wu Feng looked at him.
"You checked all that already?"
Xiao shrugged.
"It was obvious."
Across the cabin, Jiang Nannan had remained quiet since the descent began.
Her violet eyes scanned the streets below with careful attention.
Crowds.
Guards.
Movement patterns.
Even from this height she could already see how the flow of people shifted around patrol routes and formation towers.
A city like this would be difficult to navigate quickly in an emergency.
But it also meant something else.
Too many blind spots for someone who knew where to look.
Beside her, Long Xiaoyi placed one hand lightly against the metal surface of the cabin wall.
Her fingers remained there for several seconds.
Then she nodded faintly.
"The ground is reinforced."
Wu Feng blinked.
"You can tell from up here?"
Long Xiaoyi didn't look away from the city below.
"The earth beneath the capital is layered with formation plates."
Her voice remained calm.
"Someone rebuilt the foundations long ago."
Tang Ya leaned forward slightly, her gaze drifting toward the patches of greenery scattered across the city's rooftops.
Gardens.
Parks.
Long terraces filled with trees growing inside carefully constructed soil beds.
For a brief moment, the natural energy around those plants reacted faintly to her presence—even from this distance.
She smiled softly.
"They still left room for life."
Ning Tian had been quietly reviewing a stack of formation reports for most of the flight.
Now she closed the final document and looked out the window.
"The entire continent will be watching this tournament."
Ji Juechen, standing near the rear of the cabin with his sword resting against his shoulder, gave a small nod.
"That's the point."
His voice remained calm.
But certain.
Across the aisle, Lin Huang stood near the forward viewing panel.
Unlike the others, he had barely spoken since the aircraft began its descent.
His gaze remained fixed on the horizon where the central district of the capital rose like a metallic forest.
At the heart of that district—
Something massive stood above everything else.
Even from kilometers away, the structure dominated the skyline.
The tournament stadium.
Its outer walls curved upward in layered arcs of alloy and reinforced stone, each section carved with complex formation patterns that shimmered faintly under the sunlight.
Several projection towers rose around it like enormous spears pointed toward the sky.
Even at this distance—
The pressure of the formations surrounding the arena could already be felt.
Ma Xiaotao whistled softly.
"…That thing is huge."
Xu Tianzhen smirked faintly.
"You should see it from inside."
The aircraft continued descending.
Below them, the capital's inner plazas became visible—vast open spaces filled with temporary stands, merchants, and travelers from every region of the continent.
Delegation banners fluttered above many of the arriving vessels.
Different colors.
Different symbols.
Different academies.
Some were familiar.
Some completely unknown.
But all of them carried the same destination.
Wu Feng leaned closer to the window again.
"So it begins."
Meng Hongchen watched the stadium grow larger as the aircraft approached the inner air platforms.
"Not yet."
Her voice was calm.
"But it will soon."
The vessel passed through the final layer of air traffic formations.
Guiding beacons lit up along the designated landing corridor.
Several escort helicopters adjusted their positions as the Lin Clan aircraft slowed and descended toward the reception platform reserved for high-ranking delegations.
Wind rushed past the hull.
The engines shifted into stabilization mode.
Below, the platform came into view.
Rows of officials and guards waited along the landing perimeter while several smaller transport vessels were already stationed nearby.
And beyond that—
Crowds.
Thousands of people gathered behind formation barriers that surrounded the reception district.
Even from the air their voices carried upward like distant thunder.
Some of them pointed toward the descending aircraft.
Others shouted guesses about which academy had arrived.
Rumors spread quickly in places like this.
Wu Feng rolled her shoulders slowly.
"…I hope they're ready."
Xu Tianzhen glanced at her.
"For what?"
Wu Feng grinned.
"For disappointment."
The aircraft touched down with a low metallic hum.
Outside, the roar of the crowd swelled slightly as the formation barriers amplified the sound of arrival announcements across the reception plaza.
Lin Huang remained standing near the viewing panel for one final moment.
Through the transparent glass, he could see the capital stretching endlessly toward the horizon.
Markets.
Towers.
Academies.
Delegations arriving from every corner of the continent.
And somewhere among them—
Enemies who believed this gathering would give them the perfect opportunity.
His gaze shifted briefly toward the massive stadium rising above the city.
Then he turned toward the cabin.
"Let's go."
The ramp began to lower.
And the Sun Moon Capital finally welcomed them to the stage where the continent's future would soon be decided.
The reception platform reserved for high-ranking delegations stood slightly apart from the chaotic energy of the main arrival districts.
While the outer plazas were overflowing with merchants, travelers, and spectators hoping to glimpse the arriving academies, this section of the capital had been constructed with a different purpose.
Order.
Wide stone walkways extended between elegant pavilions and gardens carefully maintained by imperial attendants. Formation barriers separated the public areas from the inner reception courts, where officials and representatives waited to greet important guests.
Even here, the distant roar of the crowds could still be heard.
But it was muted.
Refined.
A reminder that the entire capital was watching.
The ramp of the Lin Clan aircraft lowered slowly with a faint hydraulic hiss.
Cool air rushed into the cabin.
Wu Feng was the first to step down.
Her boots touched the alloy platform with a solid metallic sound as she rolled her shoulders and looked around the reception court.
"…Not bad."
Xu Tianzhen followed behind her, glancing across the courtyard.
"Of course not."
"This is the imperial reception district."
Ma Xiaotao stepped onto the platform next, stretching her arms once as if shaking off the stiffness of the flight.
"Feels too quiet."
Meng Hongchen laughed softly behind her.
"You're complaining about peace?"
"I'm suspicious of it."
Ji Juechen descended without comment, his sword resting calmly against his shoulder as his gaze moved across the surrounding structures.
Guards.
Formation towers.
Observation balconies.
Every position had been chosen carefully.
Even in a place meant for welcoming guests, the Sun Moon Empire never ignored security.
Jiang Nannan stepped down next.
Her eyes moved across the reception court with the quiet awareness of someone who naturally searched for exit routes and blind angles.
Nearby, Long Xiaoyi paused briefly as her boots touched the ground.
Her gaze lowered for a moment.
Then she nodded slightly.
"The earth here is calmer than the city center."
Tang Ya smiled faintly as she followed behind them, her attention drifting toward the small gardens growing between the walkways.
Even within the heart of an imperial capital, the presence of living plants softened the rigid structure of stone and metal.
Ning Tian and Xiao Hongchen stepped down together, both already studying the surrounding formations with quiet analytical focus.
One observed spiritual flow.
The other mechanical structure.
Behind them, Lin Huang finally descended from the aircraft.
His mask remained in place.
Simple.
Smooth.
Elegant enough that it did not attract immediate suspicion, but distinct enough to conceal his identity from the curious crowds beyond the barriers.
The moment his feet touched the platform—
Someone approached from the far end of the courtyard.
Two figures.
Walking calmly along the stone path.
They had clearly been waiting.
Xu Tianzhen noticed first.
Her expression shifted slightly.
"Oh."
Wu Feng followed her gaze.
"…Ah."
The rest of the group turned as well.
At the far side of the courtyard stood two people whose presence carried a quiet authority that even the imperial reception guards seemed to acknowledge.
Lin Zhenyuan.
And beside him—
Lin Huang's mother.
They were not dressed in elaborate ceremonial robes.
That would have been unnecessary.
The weight of the Lin Clan did not depend on decoration.
Yet even without such displays, their presence alone was enough to draw respectful distance from the surrounding officials.
Lin Huang stepped forward.
For the first time since arriving in the capital, the calm detachment in his posture softened slightly.
"Father."
Lin Zhenyuan studied the group approaching across the courtyard.
His gaze moved from face to face, measuring.
Not critically.
But carefully.
When it reached Lin Huang, he gave a small nod.
"You arrived safely."
Lin Huang inclined his head.
"Yes."
His mother stepped forward next.
Unlike Zhenyuan's measured composure, her eyes carried warmth as she looked across the assembled group.
"You've all grown."
Wu Feng scratched the back of her head awkwardly.
"It's only been a few months."
"That is enough time for cultivators."
Ma Xiaotao gave a casual wave.
"Good to see you again, Aunt."
His mother smiled faintly.
"And you as well."
Her gaze moved across the group again.
She seemed genuinely pleased.
Zhang Lexuan stepped forward politely and bowed slightly in greeting.
"It has been some time."
"Yes."
Lin Huang's mother nodded gently.
"But I heard about your progress."
Ji Juechen remained slightly behind the others, offering a respectful nod without speaking.
The brief reunion carried none of the stiff formality that many noble families displayed in public.
Instead, it felt natural.
Comfortable.
Almost familial.
But then—
Lin Zhenyuan shifted slightly.
"There is someone you should meet."
The group exchanged small glances.
Someone new?
From the shaded walkway behind the Lin Clan elders, another figure stepped forward.
She had been standing quietly until now, allowing the reunion to take place without interruption.
Her presence was calm.
Almost understated.
Long blonde hair fell softly past her shoulders, catching faint sunlight filtering through the courtyard canopy. Her eyes carried a clear golden hue that seemed to reflect light rather than simply observe it.
But the moment she stepped fully into the open—
Several members of the group felt something.
Subtle.
Yet unmistakable.
Light.
Not the overwhelming brilliance of an offensive technique.
But the pure, steady resonance of a martial soul aligned with radiant energy.
Lin Huang's mother gestured gently.
"This is Ye Guyi."
The young woman stepped forward and bowed politely.
"My name is Ye Guyi."
Her voice was calm.
Clear.
"I recently joined the Sun Moon Imperial Academy."
Wu Feng blinked once.
"…Recently?"
Lin Zhenyuan nodded.
"She will be accompanying your team during the tournament."
Xu Tianzhen raised an eyebrow.
"As reserve?"
"Yes."
That simple confirmation settled the matter.
Ma Xiaotao gave Ye Guyi a friendly grin.
"Well, welcome to the chaos."
Ye Guyi allowed a small smile.
"Thank you."
Her gaze moved across the group slowly.
Observing.
Measuring.
And then—
Her senses reacted.
At first it was faint.
A subtle stirring of her martial soul.
But as her attention shifted from one person to the next, the sensation grew clearer.
Zhang Lexuan stood near the center of the group.
The light surrounding her was gentle.
Soft.
Like moonlight reflected across still water.
It carried balance.
Calm authority.
Ye Guyi blinked once.
That alone would have been enough to draw her attention.
But then—
She looked slightly to the side.
Qiu'er stood nearby.
The golden-haired girl had not spoken yet.
But the moment Ye Guyi's perception brushed against her—
The sensation changed completely.
Powerful.
Dominant.
Like sunlight blazing through storm clouds.
The draconic bloodline within Qiu'er's aura carried a radiant force that made Ye Guyi's own martial soul respond instinctively.
Her heart skipped slightly.
"…Strong."
She had not meant to say it aloud.
But the word escaped quietly.
Wu Feng smirked.
"You'll get used to it."
Ye Guyi exhaled slowly.
Two sources of powerful light energy within the same group.
That alone would have been unusual.
But then—
Her gaze shifted again.
Toward Lin Huang.
He stood slightly apart from the others.
Mask in place.
Calm.
Silent.
And the moment her perception touched his presence—
Everything changed.
The light she sensed there was deeper than anything she had felt before.
Not simply radiant.
Not simply powerful.
It was layered.
Complex.
Like a star hidden behind layers of space itself.
For a brief moment, Ye Guyi felt the faintest tremor run through her martial soul.
Not fear.
Not pressure.
Recognition.
She didn't understand why.
But something inside her instincts reacted.
Lin Huang tilted his head slightly.
"…Something wrong?"
Ye Guyi blinked.
Then shook her head.
"No."
Her composure returned quickly.
"I was simply observing."
Lin Huang nodded once.
"Good habit."
Behind them, Lin Zhenyuan watched the brief exchange with quiet interest.
His mother smiled faintly.
It seemed the introductions had gone well.
And this—
Was only the beginning.
The inner districts of the Sun Moon Capital were built with deliberate precision.
Every structure served a purpose.
Every avenue connected districts designed to support the enormous administrative machine that governed the empire.
But even within such an organized city, there existed a place where authority itself gathered.
The Imperial Palace.
From the reception district, the palace complex could already be seen rising beyond the surrounding towers. It did not rely on overwhelming height like the stadium or the industrial spires of the capital.
Instead, it spread outward.
Layer after layer of fortified courtyards, halls, and terraces built from polished alloy and pale stone. Formation pillars stood along the outer walls like silent guardians, their surfaces etched with ancient runes that shimmered faintly under the afternoon light.
Imperial guards stood at every gate.
Not ceremonial soldiers.
Real ones.
Each carried the disciplined aura of a trained soul master, their armor reinforced with embedded soul tool plates designed to withstand high-level combat techniques.
Even among the powerful forces of the Sun Moon Empire, the palace guard represented an elite.
The group followed an imperial attendant through the first courtyard.
Their footsteps echoed softly against the stone path.
Wu Feng glanced around with mild curiosity.
"…Security here is serious."
Xiao Hongchen nodded.
"Of course."
He adjusted the small projection device at his wrist.
"The palace core is protected by at least four large-scale formation layers."
Meng Hongchen glanced sideways.
"You can tell that already?"
Xiao didn't look up.
"The energy signatures are obvious."
Jiang Nannan walked slightly behind the others.
Her gaze moved across the courtyards quietly.
Watchtowers.
Elevated corridors.
Hidden observation points.
Even without activating her martial soul, she could sense the careful design meant to control movement through the palace grounds.
This place had been built to withstand assassination attempts.
Xu Tianzhen, walking near the front of the group, remained surprisingly calm.
For her, the palace was familiar territory.
She had grown up within these walls.
Still—
It had been some time since she last returned here.
The attendant guiding them finally stopped before a large set of carved doors.
Two imperial guards stepped aside the moment they arrived.
The doors opened silently.
Inside, a vast audience hall stretched beneath a high vaulted ceiling.
Tall windows allowed sunlight to pour across polished floors where formation lines had been etched so subtly they were almost invisible.
At the far end of the hall—
A single throne stood upon a raised platform.
And seated upon it was the ruler of the Sun Moon Empire.
The Emperor.
His presence did not dominate the hall through raw aura or oppressive spiritual pressure.
That was not necessary.
Authority itself seemed to rest around him like a cloak.
The moment the group entered, his gaze shifted toward them.
It paused briefly on Lin Zhenyuan.
Then moved slowly across the younger generation standing behind him.
When his eyes reached Xu Tianzhen—
They softened slightly.
"Tianzhen."
The princess stepped forward and bowed respectfully.
"Father."
A faint smile appeared at the edge of the Emperor's expression.
"You have grown."
Xu Tianzhen straightened.
"You say that every time."
"And it remains true every time."
His gaze moved again, this time toward Lin Zhenyuan.
"It has been some time since the Lin Clan visited the capital."
Lin Zhenyuan inclined his head calmly.
"The clan has been occupied."
"Yes."
The Emperor's tone carried quiet understanding.
"Your city has been developing quickly."
For a brief moment, silence filled the hall.
Both men understood the deeper meaning behind that statement.
Yuelan City was no longer merely a regional stronghold.
It was becoming something far more significant.
But this was not the place for such discussions.
The Emperor's attention returned to the group.
"These must be the young cultivators I have heard so much about."
His gaze moved slowly across them.
Measured.
Careful.
Ma Xiaotao stood with her usual relaxed posture, though the faint heat of her phoenix aura lingered around her presence.
Wu Feng rested her hand casually on the hilt of her sword.
Ji Juechen remained perfectly still, like a drawn blade waiting quietly within its sheath.
Tang Ya's calm aura carried traces of living nature energy.
Long Xiaoyi's presence felt like steady earth beneath the surface.
Meng and Xiao Hongchen stood side by side, both radiating the controlled precision of the Sun Moon Academy's technological cultivation methods.
Jiang Nannan remained slightly behind the others, her presence subtle yet sharp.
Zhang Lexuan stood calmly near the center of the group, moonlight-like serenity surrounding her.
Qiu'er stood beside her, golden eyes steady and powerful.
And finally—
The Emperor's gaze stopped on the masked figure standing near the front.
Lin Huang.
For a moment, the hall grew very quiet.
The Emperor studied him carefully.
"…You wear a mask."
Lin Huang inclined his head slightly.
"Yes."
No further explanation followed.
A faint hint of amusement appeared in the Emperor's eyes.
"Young people have their reasons."
Xu Tianzhen crossed her arms.
"He's stubborn."
Lin Huang didn't react.
The Emperor chuckled softly.
"Very well."
His gaze moved across the group again.
"I will not delay you long."
"This tournament will gather the strongest young cultivators from across the continent."
He paused briefly.
"And I am curious to see how this generation has grown."
His eyes shifted toward Xu Tianzhen once more.
"And you will represent the empire well."
Xu Tianzhen nodded.
"Of course."
The Emperor leaned back slightly in his throne.
"For now, you should rest."
"Many delegations have not yet arrived."
His gaze drifted briefly toward the distant horizon visible through the tall palace windows.
"But they will soon."
Lin Zhenyuan gave a respectful nod.
"Then we will not take more of Your Majesty's time."
The Emperor raised one hand slightly.
"Before you go."
The group paused.
His eyes moved across the young cultivators one last time.
"This tournament will be watched by the entire continent."
His voice remained calm.
But the weight behind his words was unmistakable.
"Show them what this generation is capable of."
No one responded immediately.
But the quiet determination in the room was answer enough.
Outside the palace walls—
The capital continued to fill with arriving academies.
And the stage for the tournament was slowly taking shape.
By the time the Lin Clan group left the Imperial Palace, the atmosphere of the capital had shifted once again.
If the morning had been busy—
The afternoon had become overwhelming.
Every major avenue leading toward the central districts now carried streams of arriving delegations. Banners fluttered above transport platforms while officials guided academy representatives through carefully organized reception checkpoints.
The Sun Moon Empire had prepared for this moment for months.
Still—
Even the empire could not fully suppress the energy created when the entire continent gathered in one place.
The stadium district had become the center of it all.
From elevated observation terraces built around the outer plaza, spectators watched eagerly as transport vessels descended one after another onto the massive reception platforms.
Some ships bore the polished hulls of wealthy academies.
Others arrived with the worn metal and reinforced wood of long-distance travel.
Different symbols.
Different uniforms.
Different fighting styles waiting to clash inside the arena.
The tournament had not yet begun.
But already—
Rivalries were forming.
One of the larger vessels descending toward the plaza carried a banner that many in the crowd recognized immediately.
The emblem of the Star Luo Royal Academy.
The moment the ship touched down, murmurs spread through the gathered spectators.
Several figures stepped down from the vessel, each dressed in the formal combat attire of Star Luo's elite training academies.
At their center walked a young girl whose presence immediately drew attention.
Princess Xu Jiujiu.
Despite being only fifteen years old, her posture carried a composure that made her appear older.
Her long hair fell neatly behind her shoulders while a delicate crown-shaped ornament rested above her forehead.
The martial soul of the Star Crown.
Though she had not summoned it, faint traces of radiant starlight seemed to linger around her presence.
She stepped forward calmly, observing the massive stadium rising beyond the plaza.
One of the academy members beside her spoke quietly.
"So this is the arena."
Xu Jiujiu nodded.
"Yes."
Her voice carried calm confidence.
"This is where the continent will gather."
Her gaze moved across the distant platforms where other academies were already arriving.
"This tournament will shape more than reputations."
None of the others argued.
They all understood.
Not far from the Star Luo delegation, another vessel descended with a sharp metallic hum.
Unlike the elegant design of Star Luo's transport ships, this one bore reinforced armor plating and a far more aggressive silhouette.
The banner displayed along its hull showed a symbol many older cultivators recognized instantly.
Just Sky Academy.
The ramp opened.
Several students stepped down.
At their front walked a young man with short dark hair and sharp eyes that carried the faint crackle of restrained lightning.
Yu Tianlong.
Descendant of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon lineage.
Even without summoning his martial soul, the faint electric tension in the air around him made several nearby spectators instinctively step back.
One of his teammates glanced toward the stadium.
"Looks like we arrived early."
Yu Tianlong's gaze moved across the plaza slowly.
"That won't last."
More ships were already descending behind them.
Another delegation arrived soon after.
Their vessel was smaller.
Simpler.
But the moment their banner became visible, a different kind of attention spread through the crowd.
Thousand Spirits Academy.
The students disembarked in disciplined formation.
No unnecessary movements.
No loud conversations.
At their center walked a boy carrying a long spear across his back.
Shen Ce.
Despite his youth—only fourteen years old—his posture carried the calm steadiness of someone trained for battlefield command.
His eyes briefly lifted toward the towering stadium walls.
Then toward the other delegations arriving across the plaza.
His expression didn't change.
But his grip on the spear tightened slightly.
Across the reception district, dozens of other academies continued arriving.
Some were well known.
Others came from distant regions rarely seen in continental tournaments.
Students stepped onto the plaza wearing robes of countless colors.
Soul tools glimmered beneath cloaks.
Martial aura leaked faintly from cultivators eager to test their strength against rivals they had never faced before.
The air itself seemed to vibrate with anticipation.
From one of the elevated observation balconies overlooking the plaza, Lin Huang and the others watched the arrivals quietly.
Wu Feng leaned against the railing.
"Looks like the continent really showed up."
Meng Hongchen rested her arms on the stone edge.
"Of course they did."
"This tournament only happens once every several years."
Xiao Hongchen adjusted the settings of a small projection device again.
"More delegations will arrive before sunset."
Jiang Nannan observed the plaza below with quiet focus.
"There are already hundreds of cultivators here."
Tang Ya nodded faintly.
"And the tournament hasn't even begun."
Xu Tianzhen folded her arms while watching the Star Luo delegation move across the plaza.
"That girl is Xu Jiujiu."
Wu Feng glanced sideways.
"The princess?"
"Yes."
"She's younger than I expected."
Xu Tianzhen shrugged.
"She's only fifteen, but she's already leading the Star Luo team."
Qiu'er remained silent.
Her golden eyes simply watched the arriving academies.
Lin Huang stood slightly behind the others, his gaze moving slowly across the massive plaza filled with young cultivators from every region of the continent.
Each of them carried their own ambitions.
Their own pride.
Their own expectations of victory.
He could already see how the tension between delegations shifted with every new arrival.
Old rivalries.
Unspoken challenges.
The stage was forming.
And yet—
Even as the plaza filled with future competitors—
The tournament itself had not begun.
They had arrived early.
Five days before the opening ceremony.
Five days before the entire continent gathered inside the arena.
Five days before the true storm began.
Behind the balcony railings, the massive stadium loomed over the capital like a sleeping giant.
Waiting.
Soon—
It would awaken.
Far to the west of the Sun Moon Capital, beyond mountain ranges and long stretches of forest where ancient spirit beasts still ruled the deeper valleys, another group had already begun their journey.
Shrek Academy.
Even without banners announcing their presence, the vessel carrying them was unmistakable to anyone familiar with the continent's history.
It was not the most technologically advanced craft in the sky.
The Sun Moon Empire dominated that field.
But the Shrek transport ship carried something far more difficult to measure.
Reputation.
For thousands of years, the academy had stood as one of the greatest centers of cultivation on the continent. Generations of legendary soul masters had walked through its gates.
And once again—
A new group was traveling toward the stage where the next generation would be tested.
The vessel cut smoothly through the afternoon clouds.
Inside the main cabin, the atmosphere was far less tense than one might expect from a team about to participate in the most prestigious academy tournament on the continent.
Several students had gathered around the observation windows, watching the passing mountain ranges below.
One of them stretched lazily.
"So this is it."
Another student leaned back against one of the seats.
"The Continental Elite Tournament…"
He exhaled slowly.
"I still can't believe we actually made it this far."
Across the cabin, a taller boy with sharp eyes folded his arms.
"You're nervous."
"Of course I am."
The first student shrugged.
"This isn't some regional academy match."
"The entire continent will be watching."
Near the center of the cabin, a girl with long hair glanced up from the small notebook she had been reviewing.
"Then focus."
Her tone wasn't harsh.
Just calm.
"We've trained for this."
The conversation paused briefly.
Another student leaned forward.
"You heard the rumors, right?"
Several heads turned.
"Which ones?"
"The Sun Moon Imperial Academy team this year."
One of the students laughed.
"There are rumors every tournament."
"Yes, but this one keeps coming up."
He lowered his voice slightly.
"They say their lineup is completely different this year."
Across the cabin, a quiet boy sitting near the window spoke for the first time.
"…Different how?"
The student shrugged.
"Stronger."
"That's not very specific."
"I heard their captain isn't even well known."
"Someone new?"
"Something like that."
Another student snorted.
"Sun Moon Academy always has strong teams."
"That's nothing unusual."
But the quiet boy near the window continued staring at the horizon.
"…Maybe."
The others noticed his expression.
"You think the rumors are true?"
He didn't answer immediately.
Instead, he looked out at the distant clouds drifting past the vessel.
Then he spoke quietly.
"If the rumors spread this far…"
"…there's usually a reason."
Silence followed.
Even those who had dismissed the conversation earlier now looked slightly more thoughtful.
Shrek Academy had participated in the tournament for generations.
They knew how these things worked.
Sometimes rumors were meaningless.
Sometimes—
They were warnings.
The cabin door opened.
One of the supervising instructors stepped inside.
"We will reach the Sun Moon Capital in several days."
The students straightened slightly.
The instructor looked across the group.
"Use the remaining time wisely."
"No matter how strong your opponents may be…"
His gaze moved across them carefully.
"Remember what it means to represent Shrek."
Several of the students nodded immediately.
The quiet boy near the window finally stood.
"…Understood."
The instructor gave a small nod.
"Good."
Outside the ship, the clouds slowly parted as the vessel continued its eastward journey.
The Sun Moon Capital was still several days away.
Back in the imperial capital itself, evening had begun to settle over the vast city.
Golden light from the setting sun reflected across the metallic towers of the central district while the massive stadium cast a long shadow across the surrounding plazas.
But if anything—
The city had only grown louder.
Even at nightfall, transport vessels continued arriving at the reception platforms.
Academies from distant regions stepped onto the stone plazas beneath the glow of formation lanterns while merchants kept their stalls open far later than usual to take advantage of the enormous crowds.
The entire capital had transformed into a festival ground.
From a high balcony overlooking the stadium district, Lin Huang stood quietly with the others.
Below them, thousands of lights flickered across the streets.
Wu Feng leaned against the railing.
"Still more people arriving."
Meng Hongchen nodded.
"They'll keep coming until the ceremony."
Xu Tianzhen rested her arms on the stone ledge.
"The capital hasn't been this crowded in years."
Tang Ya watched the distant crowds thoughtfully.
"The energy in the city keeps rising."
Jiang Nannan's gaze moved slowly across the surrounding rooftops.
Too many people.
Too many unknown cultivators.
Perfect conditions for both opportunity—
And danger.
Beside them, Ye Guyi stood quietly observing the massive stadium.
Even at night, the formation lines across its outer walls glowed faintly.
It looked less like a building—
And more like a giant dormant weapon.
Lin Huang's gaze remained fixed on the arena.
Five days.
Five days remained before the opening ceremony.
Five days before the entire continent gathered within those walls.
Five days before the tournament began.
Behind them, the lights of the Sun Moon Capital stretched endlessly across the horizon.
And somewhere within that sea of arriving cultivators—
Hidden figures were already waiting.
Watching.
Planning.
But for now—
The stage was still being prepared.
And the arena slept.
For five more days.