Stars dotted the sky, and the night was as calm as water.
The bustle of Star Luo City finally quieted down as the night deepened, but for the hotel suite where the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy Team stayed, tonight was destined to be sleepless.
After the award ceremony ended, the group, led by Jing Hongchen, was in no hurry to set off.
After all, having finally won the championship, their tense nerves suddenly relaxed; coupled with the immense joy of victory, if they didn't let it all out, these young people probably wouldn't be able to sleep at all tonight.
Thus, a revelry belonging to the victors was quietly held on the top floor of the hotel.
Fine wine and delicacies filled the long table. The usually strict Jing Hongchen was exceptionally open-minded tonight, even taking the initiative to raise a glass, his chubby old face constantly beaming with a silly, priceless smile.
Everyone toasted and chatted about every detail of the tournament; naturally, the center of the conversation never strayed far from Liu Yuan, who sat quietly in a corner sipping juice.
To everyone's flattery, Liu Yuan only responded with a faint smile.
His thoughts had actually long since drifted to the gold of living beings in his storage spirit tool and the Heal Ball containing the Snow Empress.
A night of full enjoyment.
The next morning, as the first rays of sunlight pierced the clouds and fell upon the ancient walls of Star Luo City, a formation of flying spirit tools—marking the Sun Moon Empire's highest specifications—had already taken to the sky.
As the spirit tool thrusters spat out brilliant trails of flame, they turned into several streaks of light, cutting through the sky at an incredible speed, leaving behind only the complex gazes of countless Star Luo citizens on the ground.
Leaving this time, they took with them not only the championship trophy but also the feat of breaking Shrek Academy's ten-thousand-year monopoly, carving the glory of the Sun Moon Empire deeply into the history of this continent.
...
The journey home was always much lighter than the journey there.
"Ah, finally going home!"
On the way, Xiao Hongchen sighed and looked at Jing Hongchen beside him with a face full of anticipation. "Grandpa, we've achieved a great feat this time! A massive contribution! After we return, how will His Majesty reward us?"
"You don't know, I've been thinking all the way—will he give me a set of Core Formations for ninth-rank soul tools, or just grant me a noble title for fun?"
Seeing his grandson's impatient look, Jing Hongchen opened his eyes and scolded him with a laugh, "You brat, a ninth-rank Core Formation? You really dare to dream! Is that something you can even handle?"
"Besides, did you even contribute in the finals? You just stood down there shouting 'Liu Yuan is awesome.' Does that count as an achievement?"
Having his sore spot poked, Xiao Hongchen's face turned red, and he argued back 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 hard work. I was the captain of the cheering squad!"
"Alright, alright."
Jing Hongchen waved his hand, but the smile in his eyes couldn't be hidden. "Don't worry, winning the championship this time is of extraordinary significance to 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 instantly softening and filling with admiration.
"Especially Xiao Yuan."
"The fact that we could win this time is ninety-nine percent thanks to Xiao Yuan. His Majesty specifically instructed in his message to give Captain Liu a 'gift he cannot refuse'."
Hearing this, Liu Yuan slowly opened his eyes, a hint of interest appearing in his pupils.
"Then I am quite curious."
They continued their journey.
The flying spirit tools traversed at high speed through the high altitude, the mountains and rivers below receding rapidly.
Before they knew it, seven days had passed in a flash.
...
Sun Moon Empire, Bright Capital.
As the capital of the Sun Moon Empire, this city represented the Peak of spirit tool technology on the entire continent.
Metal buildings towering into the clouds and spirit tool trains shuttling through the air all showcased the strength and prosperity of this nation.
And today, the atmosphere in Bright Capital was heated to the extreme.
Outside the city gates, banners blotted out the sun, and red carpets covered the ground.
A wide imperial road stretched to the end of one's vision, with both sides of the road already packed with dense crowds.
Normally, even for a returning general, a welcome at the city gate would suffice.
But today, the Emperor of the Sun Moon Empire made a decision that shocked everyone—
An imperial welcome, ten miles outside the city!
In the 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, heads were bobbing in the crowd.
Not only were the imperial relatives and civil and military officials all present, but there were also countless commoners and Soul Engineers who had come of their own accord.
They waved the Sun Moon flags in their hands, their faces brimming 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 brand of shame.
But this time, Liu Yuan led the team to not only win but also crush Shrek and trample the Star Luo Imperial Family underfoot!
This breath of resentment was released so satisfyingly!
"Have you heard? Captain Liu Yuan achieved a One-vs-Seven Sweep in the finals; the other side didn't even have a chance to fight back!"
"Of course! My cousin was there; he said Captain Liu Yuan just moved a finger, and that Star Luo princess fell!"
In the crowd, discussions rose and fell, and Liu Yuan's name seemed to have become a totem of faith.
In a spot with an excellent view of the welcoming party, two young girls wearing the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy uniform were huddled together whispering.
"I really didn't expect them to actually do it..."
The girl speaking had neat short hair and was peeling an orange in her hand, her eyes filled with a bit of sentiment and surprise. She was none other than the future "Goddess of War," Ju Zi.
At this time, she hadn't completely turned dark, but the flames of revenge were already buried in her heart. She knew Shrek's strength well, so she felt a heartfelt shock that Liu Yuan could lead the team to victory.
"Yeah, Sister Ju Zi!"
Beside her, Ke Ke excitedly waved her small fist. "You didn't see the images sent back; that guy Liu Yuan was simply incredibly cool!"
Ju Zi stuffed a segment of orange into her mouth, her gaze looking deep into the distance: "He is indeed a monster... if he's willing to help me in the future..."
She didn't continue, but an imperceptible glint flashed in the depths of her eyes.
And in a royal pavilion not far from them.
A young man sitting in a wheelchair was quietly watching the distant sky.
He had a handsome face, but his complexion was slightly pale, and his eyes were gloomy and deep, giving off a chilling sensation.
The Crown Prince of the Sun Moon Empire, Xu Tianran.
"Liu Yuan, huh..."
Xu Tianran's fingers lightly tapped the armrest of the wheelchair, and the corner of his mouth curled into a cold arc.
"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 the great cause not being accomplished?"
Xu Tianran's ambition was immense; not only did he want to sit on that throne, but he also wanted to annex the three Douluo nations and unify the continent.
And the absolute force shown by Liu Yuan was exactly what he currently craved the most.
"No matter the price, I must win him over," Xu Tianran secretly resolved in his heart.
And not far from Xu Tianran's side, there was also a young girl dressed in a magnificent palace gown.
She appeared to be sixteen or seventeen years old, with a beautiful face and skin as white as snow; especially her large eyes, which were exceptionally lively, exuding the delicate nobility and arrogance unique to the imperial family.
She was the little princess of the Sun Moon Empire, Xu Tianzhen.
At this moment, Xu Tianzhen was somewhat restlessly wringing the silk handkerchief in her hands, occasionally standing on tiptoe to look out.
"Father is really something... so suddenly saying he wants to betroth me to that Liu Yuan..."
Xu Tianzhen pouted; although she complained, there wasn't much resistance on her face. Instead, it carried a bit of curiosity and shyness.
As an imperial princess, she knew very well that her marriage was destined to be a political chip.
Originally, she was worried she would be married off to those pot-bellied nobles or boring nerds.
But if the other party was that legendary peerless Genius who insta-killed the Star Luo princess, trampled Shrek, and was also very handsome...
Then it seemed, wasn't it acceptable?
"Hmph, this princess will see if you are really as divine as the rumors say." Xu Tianzhen lifted her chin and thought to herself, "If you can't even catch my eye, even if Father forces me, I won't agree!"
Just then.
The Sun Moon Emperor, who had been standing at the very front of the procession wearing a bright yellow dragon robe—aged but still majestic and profound—suddenly narrowed his eyes.
Beside him, the Old Hall Master Kong Deming, dressed in a silver robe with an unfathomable aura, also smiled slightly and whispered, "Your Majesty, they are here."
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