Huangdou Academy, officially known as Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, is the premier advanced academy within the Heaven Dou Empire—bearing prestige second only to Spirit Hall's institutions. It is not only the empire's strongest educational center for cultivating elites but also a symbol of the imperial family's strength.
Most of its core students are descendants of prominent noble families, high-ranking officials, or top-tier clan successors. As such, students like Yu Tianheng from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, Dugu Yan of the Jade Phosphor Serpent lineage, and the Shi brothers from the Black Tortoise Clan represent the elite of the empire's younger generation. These are not just students—they are symbols of future power.
Though not every student in the academy is as prominent, the academy's background ensures that nearly all its pupils are of noble status. It's no exaggeration to say Huangdou Academy is the cradle of future empire leaders.
This time, Prince Xue Xing's invitation to Shrek Academy carried clear implications. Though outwardly a gesture of goodwill between institutions, it was rooted in the recent humiliating defeat Huangdou suffered at Shrek's hands in the Suotuo Great Spirit Arena.
Flander narrowed his eyes as he gathered the group, his tone grave.
"Prince Xue Xing isn't the kind to forget a loss easily. This visit likely stems from the sting of defeat dealt by our team."
Yu Xiaogang nodded slightly. "We'll go, but caution is necessary. There may be more than just a friendly exchange awaiting us."
He glanced toward Yu Chen. "As Shrek's instructor now, I'll accompany you all to Huangdou."
At his side, Liu Erlong, arms folded, added firmly, "Then I'll go too. If anything happens, they'll have to get through me first."
Just as her voice fell, a familiar system chime rang in Yu Chen's mind.
"Ding! The Divine Three-Choice System has been activated. Host, choose one of the following:
1. Decline the invitation to Huangdou Academy. Reward: One thousand-year spirit ring!
2. Remain silent and ignore Flander's concern. Reward: Advanced Storage Soul Tool +1!
3. Accept the invitation and attend Huangdou Academy. Reward: +1 Spirit Power Level!"
"Please select within 30 seconds!"
Without hesitation, Yu Chen responded internally.
"Third option. The other two aren't worth it. I've heard of Huangdou long ago—it's time to see it for myself."
He raised his head. "I'll go."
Flander and Yu Xiaogang exchanged glances, pleased. "Very well. In three days, the eight of you will accompany us to Huangdou Academy."
After the briefing, everyone dispersed. Yu Chen returned to his dormitory, and like clockwork, Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing followed quietly behind him. Xiao Wu was already inside, cultivating on her bed.
They had unknowingly fallen into a rhythm—training and progressing together daily.
...
Meanwhile, far from Shrek Academy, in the capital of the Heaven Dou Empire, within a private chamber of the Imperial Academy, Prince Xue Xing was meeting with several elders clad in crimson robes adorned with golden insignia.
The robes and emblems bore the mark of Spirit Hall.
Each of these elders, powerful Spirit Douluo-level figures or higher, represented the enforcement arm of the Spirit Hall. Xue Xing himself, draped in the formal garb of a royal noble, welcomed them with calculated politeness.
"Prince Xue Xing," one elder said, his tone pleased, "well done. Securing a visit from Shrek is no easy feat."
Xue Xing chuckled lightly. "You give me too much credit. They're simply applying to become an advanced academy."
The eldest among the red-robed consuls leaned forward. "The Pope's orders are clear: observe the one called Yu Chen. If possible… eliminate him."
Xue Xing's smile thinned. "Yu Chen? The one who defeated our elite team?"
He chuckled coldly. "Rest assured, I will make their visit most… enlightening."
"However," one of the consuls warned, "Shrek's students come from powerful backgrounds. Tang San's lineage, Ning Rongrong's Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, even that fiery girl Zhu Zhuqing from Star Luo. Our Hall must not be exposed. Caution is paramount."
Xue Xing's gaze turned steely. "Understood. I plan to bring Senior Dugu along—his presence should ensure things go our way."
The mention of "Senior Dugu" startled the elders slightly, but they quickly masked their reactions.
"That… would indeed ensure control," one elder said with a slight nod. "Very well. We await results."
With that, the Spirit Hall envoys departed.
Xue Xing walked to the window, hands clasped behind his back, and stared toward the south.
"Shrek Academy… the game begins."
...
Back at Shrek Academy, Yu Chen and Xiao Wu sat across from each other in [Mimic Space], their soul power circulating steadily. The unique training ground amplified cultivation efficiency, allowing students to hone their spirits more quickly than normal.
Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing meditated nearby. Though the others didn't spend quite as much time in the space, even Oscar, Ma Hongjun, and Tang San had shown significant improvements.
Time passed like flowing water. In what seemed like the blink of an eye, three days were gone.
The day to visit Huangdou Academy had arrived.
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