Chapter 128 The Heavenly Soul Emperor Gives Utmost Respect! Top-Tier Treatment!
As dawn broke over Xingluo City, the air still carried the lingering aroma of wine and the noise of last night's victory celebration.
But for the newly crowned champions, the Royal Academy of the Heavenly Souls team, this city that witnessed their glory now seems somewhat superfluous.
Liu Yuan, Long Aotian, and every member of the team felt the same way at this moment:
They desperately wanted to return to their hometown.
The feeling was like that of a soldier who had just won a great victory in a distant battle, eager to return home.
Therefore, under the leadership of Du Bu Si, the group did not linger in the Star Luo Empire for even a second longer.
The next morning, as the first rays of sunlight shone on the east gate, the Heavenly Soul Squad set off at full speed, rushing towards the Heavenly Soul Empire.
The journey home was unusually calm.
Perhaps it was due to the blessing of the champion's luck, or perhaps it was because the deterrent power of the level 98 Super Douluo, who could not be poisoned to death, had spread far and wide due to the previous confrontation. Along the way, not only were there no established bandits, but even the occasional evil soul masters who used to appear did not appear.
The team moved at an extremely fast pace, and after crossing the border, the familiar mountains and rivers of the Heavenly Soul Empire came into view.
Soon, the group arrived outside the Heavenly Soul Imperial City.
When Liu Yuan looked up and gazed ahead, even his usually calm demeanor was slightly disturbed.
Ten miles outside the Heavenly Soul Imperial City, the once desolate official road was now covered with a thick, bright red carpet.
At the end of the red carpet, the emperor of the Heavenly Soul Empire, dressed in a formal dragon robe and wearing a flat-topped crown, led his civil and military officials, waiting quietly.
Along both sides of the official road, tens of thousands of civilians had spontaneously gathered. They waved the banners of the Heavenly Soul Empire, their eyes filled with fervor and reverence.
"They're back! They're back!"
As the first shout rang out, the once silent wilderness instantly erupted in chaos.
"Bang! Bang! Bang!"
The cannons, specially prepared for the celebration, roared in unison.
The moment Liu Yuan and his entourage stepped onto the red carpet, a band composed of the empire's top musicians began to play a majestic triumphant symphony.
Several powerful soul masters stood on a high place, shouting at the top of their lungs:
"The hero has returned! Welcome home!"
"Champion! Champion! Champion!"
The cheers from countless civilians were like a tidal wave, shaking the surrounding trees slightly.
Such a grand welcome was unprecedented in the history of the Heavenly Soul Empire, not even after the victory in the war against the Sun Moon Empire.
Liu Yuan and Long Aotian exchanged a glance, then quickly stepped forward.
The two men, along with their five comrades, bowed down when they were ten steps away from the emperor, preparing to perform the proper rites of greeting.
"The entire Heavenly Soul Royal Academy team has fulfilled its mission and pays its respects to Your Majesty!"
However, before Liu Yuan and the others could even touch the red carpet with their knees, Emperor Tianhun had already strode forward.
He disregarded imperial decorum, extending his hands to firmly support Liu Yuan's arms, then turned around and helped Long Aotian and the others to their feet.
"My beloved ministers, please rise!" Emperor Tianhun's eyes were even slightly red. He looked at Liu Yuan, then at Long Aotian, his voice trembling uncontrollably.
"Your Majesty, we have lived up to your expectations and have finally brought the championship trophy back to the Empire." Although Long Aotian was a man of strong character, he was also moved by the emperor's attitude.
The Emperor grasped Liu Yuan's hand tightly and said with emotion, "My dear minister, you flatter me. What you brought back is far more than just a trophy. It is the dignity of our Heavenly Soul Empire for ten thousand years! I watched your performance at Star Luo Square the whole time."
"Especially Liu Yuan, your powerful blow not only shattered the opponent's defense, but also dispelled the gloom that had weighed on my heart for decades!"
Liu Yuan lowered his head slightly, his tone calm: "It is all thanks to the teachings of the sect and His Majesty's trust. As a member of the empire, I should do my utmost."
"Very well, a fine 'doing everything in my power' indeed!" The emperor laughed heartily, then gestured for them to proceed. "Today, this ten-mile-long red carpet is laid out for you, and my carriage will also be shared by you!"
Under the shocked yet seemingly natural gazes of the civil and military officials, the emperor personally led Liu Yuan and Long Aotian by the hand, guiding them onto the enormous chariot drawn by eight top-tier soul beasts, a symbol of supreme imperial power.
With the emperor's command, the ceremonial guard began its return journey.
The atmosphere reached its peak along the way.
The common people on both sides of the street kept throwing flowers in front of the car. Those people whose faces were flushed with excitement loudly thanked Liu Yuan for the glory he had brought them.
To the people of the Heavenly Soul Empire, defeating Shrek Academy meant that they were no longer the "subordinates" or "supporting roles" in the eyes of others; they were the true masters of the continent.
Inside the carriage, the emperor repeatedly expressed his gratitude to Liu Yuan and the others.
This gratitude is no longer a condescending bestowal, but a thankfulness based on equality and respect.
Soon, the group returned to the magnificent Heavenly Soul Palace.
In the main hall, in front of all the officials, the emperor officially announced the rewards for the team.
"The core of the team, Liu Yuan, is granted the title of 'Marquis of Zhenhun' and is granted a fief in the core area of the southeastern province of the empire, with tens of thousands of acres of fertile land and a marquis's mansion. In addition, he is granted ten thousand catties of gold essence and three thousand sets of core parts of various top-level soul tools."
"Long Aotian is hereby granted the title of 'Marquis of Weiyuan', with a fief located at the strategic western border of the empire, and will enjoy the honors and benefits of a prince."
Following them were Chen Lu, Wang Yanfeng, Gu Tong, and others, all of whom were granted the title of Earl and corresponding fiefdoms, as well as a large amount of gold and silver jewelry.
Although these rewards were extremely valuable, some even exceeding the usual logic of promotion, not a single civil or military official in the hall felt dissatisfied.
Looking at Liu Yuan's calm expression, they felt only awe.
Every pillar of the nation understands that the political benefits and cohesion brought back by these seven individuals far outweigh the value of these inanimate objects.
Liu Yuan, he deserves all of this.
That night, the grandest victory celebration banquet was held in the palace.
That was a level of honor that Liu Yuan had never experienced in Xingluo City.
One by one, the ministers who once held immense power in the court all lowered their stance and came to Liu Yuan and the others' seats to offer them a toast.
These shrewd and calculating officials gave him plenty of face when toasting him, their words full of praise.
To add to the festivities, the emperor also arranged numerous programs with an imperial flair.
With fine wine and singing and dancing as the backdrop, every member of the team had a great time.
The following afternoon, as Liu Yuan and the others prepared to leave the palace and return to their sect, Chen Lu and the others walked along the imperial road leading out of the palace, still feeling a lingering sense of nostalgia.
"Tsk tsk, I never imagined in my life that I would be able to ride in His Majesty the Emperor's carriage." Chen Lu patted the newly hung earl's jade pendant on his waist, his face full of excitement.
Wang Yanfeng nodded in agreement: "Yes, it was really satisfying to see those ministers who usually don't even glance at us fawning over us like that last night."
Gu Tong, who was standing to the side, suddenly stopped smiling, looked into the distance with some emotion, and said, "We are indeed happy, but there must be someone on the Douluo Continent who is suffering so much that he wants to die right now."
Wang Yanfeng reacted quickly, immediately replying, "Who? You mean that Xuanzi from Shrek Academy?"
"Of course!" Gu Tong curled her lips, her tone revealing a hint of schadenfreude. "He made so many mistakes, led the team to lose the eternal championship, and even knelt down and kowtowed in public. Now that he's back at Shrek Academy, he's probably getting a scolding from the Sea God Pavilion, right? I bet those elders will curse him to death."
Chen Lu picked up the thread, scoffing, "They deserved it. Who told them to look down on people and insist on driving Senior Brother Liu Yuan away?"
"They must be kicking themselves now, watching helplessly as Senior Brother Liu Yuan led us to trample Shrek Academy's reputation on the ground. That feeling must be worse than killing them."
Liu Yuan walked at the very front of the group, listening to the discussions of his junior brothers behind him, without pausing his steps at all.
"The past is the past, it doesn't matter anymore." Liu Yuan said calmly, his gaze fixed on the direction of the Body Sect. "How Shrek regrets it is none of my business. Now, I just want to return to the sect to cultivate as soon as possible."
Upon hearing Liu Yuan's words, everyone became serious.
They all knew that Liu Yuan's cultivation had reached an extremely critical juncture.
He is currently at the peak of level 49, just one last step away from breaking through the shackles of the Soul King and advancing to level 50.
For Liu Yuan, level 50 was by no means just an increase in soul power level.
That means he will be able to bear more powerful spirit rings and obtain more terrifying spirit skills.
More importantly, Liu Yuan vaguely sensed that as his soul power reached the level 50 mark, his original martial soul—Double Pupils—would likely undergo a deeper awakening.
If double pupils awaken, what kind of power would it possess that would surpass all living beings?
Is it the truth that sees through illusion, or the annihilation that dominates space?
Liu Yuan was filled with anticipation for this.
He ignored the clamor outside and, filled with glory and a thirst for power, disappeared into the ancient path leading to the Body Sect.
(End of chapter)