Chapter 111: The Arrival of the Star Luo People – Star Shattering DouluoLess than an hour after the turmoil caused by Sect Master Du Busi had passed, Shrek Academy welcomed another heavyweight uninvited guest: Mirror Scarlet Dust, the Hall Master of Mingde Hall from the Sun Moon Empire.Unlike the domineering and wild style of the Body Sect, Mirror Scarlet Dust's visit was full of a politician's slickness and calculation.His purpose was clear: first, to retrieve the eighth-rank spirit tool, The Sword of Judgment, which had been confiscated by Xuan Zi during the tournament; second, to discuss the previously proposed "exchange student" program.Elder Mu demanded that Mirror Scarlet Dust cure Ma Xiaotao before he would return The Sword of Judgment, but Mirror Scarlet Dust was also helpless against the Evil Fire. In the end, not only did he fail to retrieve The Sword of Judgment, but he also gifted a ninth-rank spirit tool, Red Dust's Blessing, to Huo Yuhao as an entry ticket to the Sea Gods Pavilion.Mirror Scarlet Dust cursed the old fox in his heart, but he had to suppress his displeasure and turn to push forward his second goal: academic exchange.To his surprise, Elder Mu and the various elders of the Sea Gods Pavilion did not make things too difficult on this issue. Shrek also needed to understand the latest developments of the Sun Moon Empire in terms of spirit tools; closing the country off would only lead to falling behind.Both sides had their own agendas, yet their goals were aligned, and the details regarding the mutual exchange of students were discussed surprisingly smoothly.In the end, both sides agreed that in two years, they would send their most outstanding students to the other academy for a two-and-a-half-year study exchange.These negotiations and deals, which were enough to affect the future pattern of the continent, were like watching a fire from the other side of the river for Dai Youheng; they didn't stir even the slightest ripple in his heart.Whether Ma Xiaotao lived or died? What did it have to do with him? Where The Sword of Judgment ended up? It was irrelevant.The secret struggle between the Sun Moon Empire and Shrek? For now, it was just a game between chess players, and he had not yet officially entered the game.He stood like a calm spectator, watching the actors on stage perform vigorously, while in his heart, he was silently counting down the moment of his own entrance.He stood alone by the window, his gaze seemed to penetrate the walls of the dormitory, cross the high walls of Shrek, and cast itself toward the distant south, that vast land belonging to the Star Luo Empire. His fingertips tapped lightly on the windowsill unconsciously, the rhythm steady, carrying a kind of composure that suggested everything was under control."Mingde Hall—Body Sect—Shrek—" He whispered the names of the three strongest powers on the continent's surface, a barely perceptible arc curving at the corners of his mouth.One day, he would also enter the game and have a good time playing with them.At this moment, all his thoughts were focused on tomorrow.According to the agreement with Xu Jiujiu, the people from the Star Luo Empire would arrive tomorrow.Shrek was, after all, just a transit station. A sense of anticipation, of being about to break free from restraints and leap into a broader world, surged in his heart.The next day, the agreed-upon time arrived, precise to the second.Two vast and majestic auras did not deliberately show off, yet like a giant stone thrown into a calm lake, they instantly broke the morning tranquility of Shrek Academy.There were only two people who came, yet they represented the will and profound foundation of the Star Luo Empire.One was Nebula Douluo, whom Dai Youheng had met before. She was still wearing simple red robes, her expression calm, but her eyes were as sharp as an eagle's, standing silently half a step behind, demonstrating her respect for the person in front of her.And the one who truly shocked the Sea Gods Pavilion was the old man in front of her. His figure was not burly, yet he stood straight, like a long spear piercing the sky. As his eyes opened and closed, tiny fragments of golden light flowed, as if a starry sky were sealed within his eyes. Wherever his gaze landed, the air twisted slightly, carrying an invisible, sharp feeling capable of tearing everything apart.Star Shattering Douluo! The third enshrined elder of the Star Luo Empire's Offering Hall, a Super Douluo, with the Spirit: Star Shattering Light, an unfathomably powerful expert!The arrival of such two figures together was by no means ordinary. Yan Shaozhe, who received the news, appeared immediately to welcome them, his heart filled with suspicion and uncertainty. Having just sent off Mirror Scarlet Dust yesterday, today another top figure from the Star Luo Empire had arrived. When had Shrek Academy become a market for Titled Douluo?"Your Excellency Star Shattering, Your Excellency Nebula Douluo, I wonder what brings you two here today?" Yan Shaozhe's etiquette was impeccable, though he was already on high alert in his heart.Star Shattering Douluo's voice was steady, yet carried an inherent majesty, "Dean Yan, no need for formalities. We two came here today for a private matter. On the orders of Princess Jiu Jiu of the Empire, we are here to take the academy student Dai Youheng back to the country. And in accordance with the laws of the Empire and the rules of your academy, we are here to handle his graduation matters from the outer courtyard."Yan Shaozhe's heart sank sharply. The thing he feared most had happened. Dai Youheng's performance at the tournament was too dazzling; the Star Luo Empire was eager to reclaim this asset!"Your Excellencies, Youheng has extraordinary talent and is a talent of our inner courtyard. The academy has already decided to include him as a candidate for the next generation of the Shrek Seven Devils and is cultivating him with all its might." Yan Shaozhe tried to persuade them to stay, his tone sincere, "The academy has even selected suitable high-level Spirit Bones for him in the inner treasury and plans to hunt a hundred thousand year spirit ring for him once he reaches the Titled Douluo Realm and obtains his ninth spirit ring. The Empire may not be able to offer such conditions. Staying at Shrek, his future will be limitless; why the rush to return to the country?"Just then, Huo Yuhao, Wang Dong, Xiao Xiao, and the Lan sisters, who had heard the news, rushed over and happened to hear Yan Shaozhe's promise. A hundred thousand year spirit ring! Such temptation was a dream-like promise for a Spirit Master."Big Brother Youheng, is what the Dean said true? A hundred thousand year spirit ring!" Xiao Xiao exclaimed.Huo Yuhao also stepped forward, his eyes complex, "Brother, stay. This is the place where you can best unleash your talent."Although Wang Dong did not speak, his eyes also revealed approval.Facing the gazes of everyone trying to make him stay, Dai Youheng remained calm in his heart.He knew that this play had to be performed well. A bitter smile, perfectly mixed with gratitude and helplessness, appeared on his face, but his gaze looked at Yan Shaozhe and his companions with exceptional firmness."Dean, for your great kindness, Youheng is deeply grateful. I also appreciate the good intentions of everyone here." He first bowed to everyone, then took a deep breath, as if having made a huge decision, his gaze cast into the distance, his tone becoming deep and ethereal, as if he were reciting a sacred vow."But all the treasures in the world, to me, are not worth a smile from Princess Jiu Jiu. Fame, wealth, and peerless spirit rings all seem insignificant compared to being able to stay by her side. She is the supreme dream of my youth, and also the only destination I have chosen for this life. Returning to the country to assist her and guard Star Luo is the path I have chosen. For this heart and this ambition, I will have no regrets even if I die a hundred times."This declaration of love was spoken with true feeling and resonated with power, so much so that even Star Shattering Douluo looked at him with less scrutiny and more inexplicable meaning—admiration for his infatuation, and regret that he had given up a hundred thousand year spirit ring for love.
