One day later, the soul guide train slowly arrived at the capital of the Star Luo Empire—Star Luo City, situated at the core of the continent.
Star Luo City was vast in area, yet possessed city walls that had become extremely rare on the Douluo Continent. Its overall style more closely resembled the majestic architecture of ancient times.
Various soul guide weapons were deployed on the walls as a defensive system, further confirming that the Star Luo Empire was not in a state of peace.
However, once inside the city, a familiar feeling washed over them.
The streets were bustling with crowds flowing like weaving threads. Apart from slight differences in architectural style and the clothing of the populace compared to the Douluo Continent, there wasn't much difference.
After experiencing the long sea voyage and riding the soul guide train for a full day, the Shrek Academy group had finally arrived at Star Luo City, and everyone couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.
Subsequently, they were arranged by the Star Luo Empire to stay at the luxurious Star Luo Grand Hotel.
This hotel's architectural style was extremely opulent, with gold and white as its main color scheme. The lobby featured a soaring dome ceiling, crystal chandeliers flowing with colorful light, marble floors polished to a mirror shine—everywhere displaying the magnificent splendor of royal grandeur.
Attendants respectfully led Wu Zhangkong and Shen Yi to their respective rooms.
Walking through corridors covered with soft carpets, everyone couldn't help but secretly marvel at the degree of luxury here.
"Ah, we can finally get some proper rest." Xie Xie stretched his limbs, an expectant expression on his face.
Tang Wulin looked around and sighed softly: "The luxury here rivals that of hotels in Tianhai City."
"Alright, everyone rest for now."
Wu Zhangkong's cold and clear voice rang out, "Meet in the hotel restaurant tomorrow morning."
"Yes, Teacher Wu." Everyone responded in unison, then headed toward their assigned rooms.
...
The next morning.
Fang Yang woke up from the soft, large bed at the Star Luo Grand Hotel.
After a night of good sleep, he felt refreshed and invigorated, the fatigue of consecutive days swept away completely.
Knock, knock, knock!
Just as he finished washing up, his door was knocked.
When Fang Yang opened the door, Gu Yue, Na'er, and Xu Xiaoyan were all standing outside. They had obviously taken care to groom themselves and looked refreshed.
Gu Yue wore an elegant white dress that accentuated her cold and refined temperament.
Na'er wore a lively pale yellow dress, appearing delicate and adorable. Xu Xiaoyan chose a fresh light blue outfit.
"You're all here." Fang Yang was somewhat surprised.
Gu Yue nodded slightly: "Mm, it's about time."
Na'er and Xu Xiaoyan exchanged smiles, obviously both looking forward to today's itinerary.
"Understood."
Fang Yang smiled knowingly, "Then let's head out now. Don't keep Teacher Wu waiting too long."
The four walked side by side down the corridor covered with magnificent carpets. Sunlight streamed through the stained glass at the corridor's end, casting colorful patterns of light and shadow upon them.
Attendants were already beginning their busy work in the hotel, and the scent of breakfast wafted through the air.
When Fang Yang and the others arrived at the restaurant, they found that everyone else had already gathered.
Zhuo Shi sat at the head seat, with Wu Zhangkong and Shen Yi on either side. The other members of the Genius Team and Zero Class were also waiting by the dining table.
"Just waiting for you."
Zhuo Shi spoke indifferently, his gaze sweeping over the four of them.
Shen Yi smiled and beckoned: "Come have breakfast. There will be many arrangements today."
Everyone sat around the long table covered with a pristine white tablecloth and began enjoying the abundant breakfast.
The table was filled with all kinds of delicacies—both characteristic breakfast items of the Star Luo Continent and familiar dishes from the Douluo Continent.
Obviously, the hotel had specially prepared these for guests who had traveled from afar.
"Zhangkong, Yi'er, I'll leave the arrangements to you next." After finishing his breakfast, Zhuo Shi put down his utensils and said.
"Yes, Teacher."
Wu Zhangkong and Shen Yi responded in unison.
Zhuo Shi nodded slightly, said nothing more, and rose to leave the restaurant.
As an Elder of the Sea God Pavilion of Shrek Academy, his role on this trip was primarily to provide deterrence through his presence.
Unless it involved high-level negotiations or major decisions, ordinary affairs did not require his personal attention.
After Zhuo Shi left, Wu Zhangkong's icy gaze swept over all the students present. "Next, your two teams need to participate in the Star Luo Continent's All-Continent Youth High-Level Soul Master Elite Tournament."
"Teacher Wu, we're participating in the tournament? Against people our own age?" Tang Wulin was the first to ask.
"No, it's the youth division—anyone twenty years old and under can register." Wu Zhangkong's voice remained cold.
"So they're challenging our Shrek Academy?" Xie Xie said.
Zhang Yangzi took over the conversation, his expression grave: "I heard there's a Monster Academy here on the Star Luo Continent. Apparently, the students there are all extraordinarily gifted with formidable strength."
Wu Zhangkong's gaze turned to Fang Yang, who had been listening quietly the entire time: "Fang Yang, what do you think of this tournament, and this Monster Academy?"
Instantly, everyone's eyes focused on Fang Yang.
"Not sure."
Fang Yang responded indifferently, his tone carrying a hint of nonchalance.
To him, whatever so-called Monster Academy was merely an insignificant existence.
Wu Zhangkong seemed unsurprised by his reaction and continued: "This tournament was specially invited by the Star Luo Empire side."
"Since we're here, let them witness the strength of Shrek Academy."
"Yes, Teacher Wu." Everyone responded in unison.
Wu Zhangkong nodded slightly and began to explain in detail: "The All-Continent Youth High-Level Soul Master Elite Tournament is one of the greatest events on the Star Luo Continent. This competition originated from ancient times on the Douluo Continent."
"In ancient times, soul masters were revered. The Spirit Hall, which once controlled the vast majority of soul masters on the continent, founded this competition to select outstanding talents."
"Later, the Spirit Hall was overthrown by the two great empires led by Ancestor Tang San. Soul masters gained complete freedom, but this competition was also passed down."
"After the Douluo Continent's federation, this competition gradually faded away, while the Star Luo Continent continued this tournament with its long history."
"Every three years, it is held in the Star Luo Continent capital, Star Luo City. All soul masters under twenty years old can register to participate."
"Of course, registration has its thresholds. Soul masters below twentieth rank are not allowed to participate, and participants also need to pay a certain registration fee."
"Right, let me remind you."
Wu Zhangkong spoke, "The Sea God Pavilion attaches great importance to this exchange mission. Both of your teams are under consideration. Perform well, and you could become members of the Shrek Seven Monsters."
After speaking, his gaze turned to Fang Yang, Gu Yue, and Xu Xiaoyan, a hint of regret flashing in his eyes.
Fang Yang and Gu Yue were from the Spirit Pagoda, while Xu Xiaoyan had explicitly stated she did not wish to become one of the Shrek Seven Monsters.
"The Shrek Seven Monsters?"
Tang Wulin, Xie Xie, and the members of the Genius Team—all their eyes instantly ignited with burning light.
This title symbolized supreme glory in Shrek Academy, an identity that every student dreamed of attaining.
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