Under the warm invitation of Prince Xue Xing and the Education Committee's Elder Meng Shenji, although Ning Fengzhi and his two accompanying elders eventually took their leave, everyone from Shrek Academy remained behind.
The dinner banquet was held in the grand dining hall of Heaven Dou Imperial Academy.
One had to admit, the financial backing of Heaven Dou Imperial Academy was indeed substantial. Even their canteen was extravagantly furnished.
The dining hall stretched vast and elegantly decorated, boasting carved pillars, fine chandeliers, and polished stone floors. The meal itself was a true feast—spiritual beast meats, precious herbs, and delicacies infused with soul-nourishing properties were arrayed in abundance.
That evening, nearly all the students and instructors of Heaven Dou Academy gathered in the dining hall, eyes fixed with admiration on the guests from Shrek.
Led by Yu Chen, the Shrek group had managed to defeat the elite members of the Heaven Dou Imperial Clan team—a feat no one expected. Now, the very prince of the empire treated them as honored guests.
Their performance had left a deep impression.
"I truly didn't expect our soul master world would produce a genius like little friend Yu Chen!" Meng Shenji, Chairman of the Education Committee, raised his wine cup with reddened cheeks and a heartfelt smile. "He is a source of pride for us all!"
"Indeed! And all of you from Shrek—gifted, each and every one of you. You must cultivate diligently!" added Bai Baoshan, the Committee's second elder, swaying slightly, wine glass in hand.
Zhi Lin, the third elder, also chimed in enthusiastically, raising his cup as his face flushed.
"The Shrek team really defeated the Heaven Dou Imperial team?"
"They look so young, but their cultivation is unbelievable. Absolute monsters in terms of talent!"
"I heard the one leading them, Yu Chen, defeated Senior Yu Heng. Look at how respectfully even Yu Heng treats him!"
As whispers of awe filled the room, the students of Heaven Dou Academy couldn't help but keep stealing glances at Yu Chen.
Amid the praise, Prince Xue Xing wore a refined smile, repeatedly commending Yu Chen's talent.
"Uncle, that Dugu Bo is no ordinary person. He's dangerous—you must be careful," Yu Tianheng leaned toward Yu Chen, speaking in a hushed tone.
Dugu Bo's ruthlessness was well known in the upper ranks of the empire. Though Tianheng had once stood proudly as the Heaven Dou Imperial Team's captain, after losing to Yu Chen, his respect for the latter had only deepened.
Yu Chen, calm as ever, merely shook his head and responded with a faint smile. "I'll be fine. But you, you should be more wary of Prince Xue Xing."
He glanced meaningfully toward the prince.
Yu Chen was no ordinary soul master. As a transmigrator, he knew Xue Xing's ambitions ran deep.
"Prince Xue Xing?" Yu Tianheng frowned, startled. But then he nodded solemnly. "Understood. Tianheng will remember your warning, Uncle."
The banquet continued well into the night, with toasts and laughter resounding through the dining hall. Eventually, once the moon stood high, the event finally drew to a close.
Flender and Yu Xiaogang gathered the Shrek team without delay. The group boarded a flying soul beast and departed from Heaven Dou Academy, returning swiftly to Shrek.
Their visit had served its core purpose: to gain official certification as an Advanced Soul Master Academy. With the decree secured thanks to Ning Fengzhi's support, there was no reason to linger.
The students and teachers of Heaven Dou Academy watched them leave in awe before dispersing back to their dormitories.
…
At the same time, in the heart of the imperial capital, Prince Xue Xing returned to his private residence.
Awaiting him inside were three elderly figures in crimson robes, each bearing the sigil of Spirit Hall on their chests.
"Prince Xue Xing," one of them said calmly. He was thin and pale, with eyes like stagnant water. "I assume your mission has failed?"
"I greet the elders," Prince Xue Xing bowed respectfully. "Indeed, the operation was interrupted. Ning Fengzhi's sudden appearance forced our hand. Without him, Yu Chen wouldn't have escaped so easily…"
The thin elder shook his head. "His Holiness the Pope has issued a new directive. You are no longer to interfere with Yu Chen directly."
"Instead, focus your efforts on monitoring the Heaven Dou Royal Family and the academy. 'Prince Qinghe' will be assigned to assist you."
"In due time, both factions may serve our Spirit Hall's greater plan."
A glimmer of excitement flashed in his murky eyes.
"Yes, I shall comply," Prince Xue Xing replied, his expression firm. "I will monitor every movement from the palace and academy."
The elder smiled coldly, eyes lifting to the night sky. "In the end, the three empires shall all belong to Spirit Hall."
…
Meanwhile, aboard the flying soul beast, Yu Chen and the rest of the Shrek team traveled for several hours before arriving at their academy.
After a long day filled with politics and pressure, everyone felt drained.
Back at Shrek, they returned to their respective dorms for rest.
Ning Rongrong and Xiao Wu both followed Yu Chen to his dormitory, their eyes shining with anticipation.
Seeing their hopeful expressions, Yu Chen smiled knowingly. With a wave of his hand, he activated a [Mimicry Training Space], enveloping the room.
The four of them—Yu Chen, Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong, and Zhu Zhuqing—sat in a circle and began their cultivation.
The night passed silently, but their spirit power grew subtly stronger.
The next morning, as sunlight trickled over the academy walls…
"Come out, all of you! Sparring time!"
A familiar, boisterous voice rang from outside. It was Ma Hongjun.
Yu Chen and Xiao Wu washed and stepped out to find Ma Hongjun and Dai Mubai already engaged in friendly sparring with some students from Lanba Academy—Huang Yuan among them.
Standing near them was a robust teen with a square build and honest face, clearly from Lanba as well.
"Brother Chen!"
"Good morning, Brother Chen!"
Seeing him emerge, Ma Hongjun and the others greeted Yu Chen warmly.
"Brother Chen, I'm Tai Long! Ever since you defeated Senior Huang Yuan, I've admired you greatly!" the strong youth said, stepping forward, eyes bright with admiration. "Would you… would you consider taking me as your disciple?"
The Duel doesn't end here… it only gets more intense.
30+ chapters ahead are already waiting.
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