Stars dotted the heavens, and the night was as tranquil as still water.
As the night deepened, the bustling noise of Star Luo City finally faded away. Yet for the hotel suite where the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy team was staying, this night was destined to be anything but peaceful.
After the award ceremony ended, Jing Hongchen did not rush the group to depart. After all, having finally seized the championship, the tension they had carried for so long suddenly released. Coupled with the overwhelming joy of victory, if they didn't vent it out, none of these young people would be able to sleep anyway.
Thus, a celebration belonging exclusively to the victors was quietly held on the hotel's top floor.
Fine wine and delicacies filled the long table. Jing Hongchen, usually strict and dignified, was exceptionally easygoing tonight. He even took the initiative to raise his glass, his chubby old face glowing with an unrestrained, priceless grin.
Everyone toasted one another and chatted excitedly, reliving every detail of the tournament. Naturally, the topic of conversation never drifted far from Liu Yuan, who sat quietly in a corner, leisurely sipping juice.
Faced with everyone's praise and flattery, Liu Yuan merely responded with a faint smile.
In truth, his thoughts had already drifted far away—to the Gold of Living Beings stored in his spirit tool and to the Heal Ball containing the Snow Empress.
The night passed in revelry.
The next morning, as the first rays of sunlight pierced through the clouds and fell upon the ancient walls of Star Luo City, a formation of flying spirit tools—representing the highest specifications of the Sun Moon Empire—had already taken to the skies.
As the thrusters roared and spewed brilliant streams of flame, the formation transformed into streaks of light that sliced through the heavens at astonishing speed, leaving behind only the complex gazes of countless Star Luo citizens below.
This time, they departed carrying not only the championship trophy, but also the glory of breaking Shrek Academy's ten-thousand-year monopoly—engraving the name of the Sun Moon Empire deeply into the continent's history.
…
The journey home always felt lighter than the journey there.
"Ah, finally heading back!"
Along the way, Xiao Hongchen let out a long sigh and looked eagerly at Jing Hongchen beside him. "Grandpa, we've accomplished something huge this time—a massive contribution! After we return, how do you think His Majesty will reward us?"
"You know, I've been thinking about it the whole way. Maybe he'll give me a set of ninth-rank soul tool core formations? Or at least grant me a noble title for fun?"
Seeing his grandson's impatient expression, Jing Hongchen laughed and scolded him, "You little brat, a ninth-rank core formation? You really dare to dream. Is that something you can even handle?"
"And besides, did you even do anything in the finals? You just stood there shouting 'Liu Yuan is awesome.' Does that count as merit?"
Having his sore spot poked, Xiao Hongchen's face flushed red as he argued stubbornly, "That's because Liu Yuan was too fast! He didn't give me a chance! Besides, even if there's no merit, there's still hard work—I was the captain of the cheering squad!"
"Alright, alright."
Jing Hongchen waved his hand, though the smile in his eyes couldn't be concealed. "Don't worry. Winning the championship this time has extraordinary significance for the Empire. His Majesty is overjoyed—the rewards will definitely exceed your imagination."
As he spoke, Jing Hongchen turned his gaze toward Liu Yuan, who was cultivating with his eyes closed. His expression softened instantly, filled with admiration.
"Especially Xiao Yuan."
"Ninety-nine percent of this victory is thanks to him. His Majesty specifically instructed in his message that Captain Liu is to receive a 'gift he cannot refuse.'"
Hearing this, Liu Yuan slowly opened his eyes, a hint of interest flashing within them.
"Then I'm quite curious."
They continued on their journey.
The flying spirit tools streaked through the skies at high speed, mountains and rivers retreating rapidly beneath them. Before they realized it, seven days had passed in the blink of an eye.
…
Sun Moon Empire, Bright Capital.
As the imperial capital, Bright Capital represented the pinnacle of spirit tool technology across the entire continent.
Towering metallic structures pierced the clouds, and spirit tool trains weaved through the air, vividly displaying the nation's power and prosperity.
Today, however, the atmosphere in Bright Capital was heated to an unprecedented level.
Outside the city gates, banners blotted out the sun, and red carpets stretched across the ground. A broad imperial road extended as far as the eye could see, with both sides already packed with dense crowds.
Normally, even a victorious general would only be welcomed at the city gates.
But today, the Emperor of the Sun Moon Empire had made a decision that stunned everyone—
An imperial welcome, ten miles outside the city!
In the entire history of the Sun Moon Empire, this was an honor without precedent—and likely one that would never be seen again.
At this moment, beyond the Ten-Mile Pavilion, the crowd surged endlessly.
Not only were imperial relatives and civil and military officials all present, but countless commoners and soul engineers had also come of their own accord.
They waved Sun Moon flags in their hands, their faces filled with pride and excitement.
How many years had it been?
Ever since the Sun Moon Continent collided with the Douluo Continent, they had been suppressed by the three original Douluo nations in the Soul Master Tournament. Every runner-up finish was a scar of humiliation.
But this time?
Liu Yuan led the team to victory—not just victory, but a crushing triumph that trampled Shrek and humiliated the Star Luo imperial family!
That long-suppressed resentment was finally vented, and it felt indescribably satisfying.
"Did you hear? Captain Liu Yuan pulled off a one-versus-seven sweep in the finals! The other side didn't even get a chance to fight back!"
"Of course! My cousin was there—he said Captain Liu just lifted a finger, and that Star Luo princess was taken down!"
Amid the rising chatter of the crowd, Liu Yuan's name gradually became something akin to a totem of faith.
At a spot with an excellent view, two young girls wearing the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy uniforms stood close together, whispering.
"I really didn't expect them to actually pull it off…"
The girl speaking had neat short hair and was peeling an orange, her eyes filled with lingering emotion and surprise. She was Ju Zi, the future "Goddess of War."
At this point, she hadn't completely fallen into darkness yet, but the seeds of vengeance had already taken root in her heart. Knowing Shrek's strength all too well, she was genuinely shaken that Liu Yuan could lead the team to such a victory.
"Yeah, Sister Ju Zi!"
Beside her, Ke Ke waved her small fist excitedly. "You didn't see the images sent back—Liu Yuan was insanely cool!"
Ju Zi popped an orange segment into her mouth, her gaze drifting toward the distant horizon. "He really is a monster… if he's willing to help me in the future…"
She didn't continue, but a faint glimmer flashed deep within her eyes.
And not far away, inside a royal pavilion—
A young man seated in a wheelchair quietly watched the distant sky.
He had a handsome face, but his complexion was pale, and his eyes were deep and gloomy, exuding a chilling aura.
The Crown Prince of the Sun Moon Empire, Xu Tianran.
"Liu Yuan…"
Xu Tianran lightly tapped the armrest of his wheelchair, the corner of his mouth curling into a cold smile.
"Even Shrek's Ma Xiaotao was defeated by him…"
"If such a sharp blade could be held in my hand, why would I worry about my grand ambitions failing?"
Xu Tianran's ambitions were vast. He didn't just want the throne—he wanted to annex the three Douluo nations and unify the continent.
And the absolute power displayed by Liu Yuan was exactly what he desired most.
"No matter the cost, I must win him over," Xu Tianran resolved silently.
Nearby, a young girl dressed in a splendid palace gown stood as well.
She appeared sixteen or seventeen, with a beautiful face and snow-white skin. Her large eyes were especially lively, carrying the delicate nobility and arrogance unique to the imperial bloodline.
She was the little princess of the Sun Moon Empire, Xu Tianzhen.
At this moment, Xu Tianzhen was fidgeting with a silk handkerchief, occasionally standing on tiptoe to peer into the distance.
"Father is really something… suddenly saying he wants to betroth me to that Liu Yuan…"
Xu Tianzhen pouted. Though she complained, there wasn't much resistance on her face—only curiosity mixed with a hint of shyness.
As an imperial princess, she understood very well that her marriage was destined to be a political tool.
Originally, she feared being married off to some pot-bellied noble or dull-minded scholar.
But if the other party was that legendary peerless genius—who insta-killed the Star Luo princess, trampled Shrek, and was said to be quite handsome—
Then… maybe it wasn't so unacceptable after all?
"Hmph. This princess will see whether you're really as divine as the rumors say," Xu Tianzhen lifted her chin. "If you can't even catch my eye, then even if Father forces it, I won't agree!"
Just then—
At the very front of the welcoming procession, the Sun Moon Emperor, clad in a bright yellow dragon robe—aged yet majestic, profound and imposing—slowly narrowed his eyes.
Beside him, the old Hall Master Kong Deming, dressed in a silver robe and emanating an unfathomable aura, smiled faintly and whispered,
"Your Majesty… they have arrived."
-------------Author---------------
Read 50 advanced chapter
👉 patreon.com/Master_fic