The environment of the Star Luo Empire wasn't much different from the Douluo Continent. After two days, the Shrek Academy group had already become completely familiar with the place.
By the third day, Fang Yang and the others received notification that today was the day the Star Luo Empire Emperor would personally receive the delegation.
The reception was in the evening, followed by a banquet dinner, requiring them to attend in formal attire.
Fang Yang's formal attire was a well-tailored black suit that accentuated his increasingly upright posture.
Gu Yue chose a silver-white long dress that complemented her cold and refined temperament.
The others also changed into formal suits, looking exceptionally spirited.
As evening approached, luxurious ceremonial vehicles arrived at the entrance of the Star Luo Grand Hotel to welcome the Douluo Continent delegation.
On the Shrek Academy side, Zhuo Shi rode alone as an honored guest.
The others, led by Wu Zhangkong and Shen Yi, gathered with other members of the delegation and boarded the vehicles separately.
The Star Luo Imperial Palace was located at the very center of Star Luo City, reportedly built completely according to its original appearance when it was on the Douluo Continent.
The imperial family surname was Dai. The most renowned figures throughout history, besides the War God Dai Mubai from twenty thousand years ago, were the Spirit Ice Douluo Dai Yuhao, who shook the continent ten thousand years ago.
"Woo—!"
A resounding trumpet call rang out, and the grand state ceremony commenced before the Star Luo Imperial Palace.
A scarlet carpet stretched from deep within the palace outward, like a magnificent ribbon.
On the Douluo Continent delegation side, the leader was a Vice Speaker of the Sun-Moon Federation, accompanied by several highly respected parliament members, plus Zhuo Shi and several other important figures.
Fang Yang and the others followed at the rear of the procession, walking slowly along the red carpet. The palace architecture was magnificent and imposing, everywhere displaying royal dignity.
Guards standing at attention on both sides wore traditional armor, wielded long halberds, and had solemn expressions.
Entering the palace main hall, the resplendent decorations were dazzling to the eyes. The dome featured exquisite murals depicting the long history of the Star Luo Empire.
At the far end of the hall, the Star Luo Empire Emperor sat upon his throne, wearing an imperial crown and dragon robes, commanding respect without anger.
This was the current ruler of the Star Luo Empire—Dai Tianling.
Delegation members stepped forward to pay their respects in turn. Star Luo Empire Emperor Dai Tianling responded with a smile, one by one.
When it was the Shrek Academy group's turn, Dai Tianling's gaze lingered on Zhuo Shi for a moment.
"The Scarlet Dragon Douluo graces us with his presence—truly Star Luo's fortune." His voice was resonant and majestic.
Zhuo Shi bowed slightly: "Your Majesty overpraises me."
Subsequently, ceremonial cannon fire pushed the ceremony to its climax.
Star Luo Empire Emperor Dai Tianling presented the state letter to the Sun-Moon Federation Vice Speaker, signifying friendly relations between the two nations.
He cordially shook hands with the delegation's high-ranking members, the atmosphere solemn yet harmonious.
After the reception ceremony concluded, Dai Tianling departed first.
An imperial offering master approached everyone and said respectfully: "Honored guests, His Majesty has instructed that you please follow me to the banquet hall."
...
Within the Star Luo Imperial Palace's private chambers.
Dai Tianling had just returned when a petite figure rushed toward him.
"Father..."
Dai Yun'er's voice carried a hint of grievance, her lively eyes slightly reddened.
Dai Tianling looked at his daughter before him, his tone gentle: "Who has upset our little princess?"
Dai Tianling had seventeen sons, yet only this one daughter.
He had doted on her since childhood. Dai Yun'er was quirky and mischievous, yet best at making him happy. In his heart, his daughter was truly the pearl in his palm!
"Father, I don't want to be engaged to Long Yue..." Dai Yun'er said softly, her eyes pleading.
A hint of helplessness flashed through Dai Tianling's eyes as he petted his daughter's head with affection: "This is the royal family's arrangement. Your father is also constrained by circumstances."
"I won't have it!" Dai Yun'er shook her head forcefully, then ran out of the chambers.
"Sigh..."
Watching his daughter's departing figure, Dai Tianling sighed.
Although Dai Yun'er was mischievous, she possessed extraordinary talent.
She had possessed a photographic memory since childhood and was extremely intelligent. At six years old when her martial soul awakened, she had innate full soul power. Now only fifteen years old, her soul power cultivation had already reached four rings.
She was the most outstanding genius of the imperial family—this was also the reason Dai Tianling cherished her.
Privately, Dai Tianling had said more than once how wonderful it would be if Yun'er were a boy.
Dai Tianling and the imperial clan elders planned to betroth Dai Yun'er to Long Yue.
As long as Long Yue openly defeated Shrek Academy in the upcoming exchange competition, he would be the undisputed number one of the younger generation on both continents.
From any perspective, this was a perfect marriage alliance.
Long Yue's talent could be called unprecedented in Star Luo Continent history. Having become the disciple of the Star Luo's number one powerhouse, State Teacher Holy Dragon Douluo En Ci, he would inevitably inherit En Ci's exalted position in the future.
Dai Yun'er marrying Long Yue would not only greatly benefit the Star Luo imperial family, but also, from their years of interaction, Long Yue would certainly dote on Dai Yun'er after marriage and not let her suffer the slightest grievance.
Unfortunately, Long Yue's appearance simply didn't appeal to Dai Yun'er's eyes.
Dai Yun'er only regarded him as an elder brother, and Long Yue's rugged personality and appearance were indeed unusual.
Dai Tianling turned to look out the window. Under the night sky, Star Luo City was brilliantly lit, yet a trace of worry surfaced in his heart.
As a father, how could he not wish for his daughter to marry someone she truly loved? But as an emperor, he had to consider the royal family's future.
"Yun'er, Father is sorry to you..." Dai Tianling shook his head helplessly.
"Your Majesty."
A palace-dressed young married woman entered, looking somewhat helplessly at Dai Tianling, "That girl Yun'er still won't agree?"
Dai Tianling smiled bitterly: "What kind of daughter you gave birth to, don't you know?"
The palace-dressed woman said: "Then what do you think?"
Dai Tianling's eyes focused, and the dignified aura of an emperor emanated from him: "No matter how much I dote on her, she is still a member of the imperial family. Imperial family rules cannot be broken—otherwise, how can we lead the masses?"
"Proceed according to the previous arrangements. The day the tournament ends will be the day the princess selects her prince consort."
"Your subject obeys the decree."
The Empress bowed slightly, yet worry was difficult to conceal in her eyes.
Dai Tianling looked at his wife, "Keep a close eye on Yun'er these days. This girl has a wild nature. Knowing we've arranged her marriage, she certainly won't submit easily. She might very well put on a show of running away for me to see. Watch her well."
"Mm."
The Empress responded softly, yet a trace of concern flashed through her eyes.
She knew that behind this political marriage was her daughter's lifelong happiness. But in an imperial family, personal emotions often had to yield to national interests.
Within the banquet hall, lights blazed brilliantly and wine cups clinked together.
Before long, the current Star Luo Empire Emperor, dressed in magnificent attire, accompanied the Empress, chatting amiably with the delegation's high-ranking members.
The atmosphere appeared extremely harmonious. Star Luo Empire nobles and Douluo Continent delegation members exchanged with one another, a scene of peace and harmony.
Fang Yang and Gu Yue stood in a corner, quietly observing this grand palace banquet.
At the center of the dance floor, nobles danced gracefully, while melodious music echoed through the hall.
"It seems the Star Luo imperial family attaches great importance to this exchange competition." Gu Yue spoke softly, her gaze sweeping over the imperial family members present.
Fang Yang nodded slightly: "After all, this concerns the relationship between the two continents."
"Mm."
Gu Yue nodded slightly.
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