The environment of the Star Luo Empire was not much different from the Douluo Continent, and after two days, the Shrek Academy group was completely familiar with the area.
On the third day, Fang Yang and the others received a notice that today was the day the Emperor of the Star Luo Empire would personally receive the delegation.
The reception would be in the evening, followed by a banquet, and they were required to attend in formal attire.
Fang Yang's formal attire was a well-tailored black suit, which made his posture appear even more upright.
Gu Yue chose a silver-white long dress, which perfectly complemented her cool and elegant temperament.
Everyone else also changed into formal attire, looking exceptionally spirited.
As evening approached, luxury limousines arrived at the entrance of the Star Luo Grand Hotel to welcome the Douluo Continent delegation.
From Shrek Academy, Zhuo Shi, as a distinguished guest, rode in a separate car.
The others, led by Wu Changkong and Shen Yi, gathered with the rest of the delegation and boarded their respective vehicles.
The Imperial Palace of the Star Luo Empire was located in the center of Star Luo City, said to have been built exactly as it was on the Douluo Continent.
The imperial family's surname was Dai, and their most renowned members throughout history, besides the God of War Dai Mubai from twenty thousand years ago, were the Spirit Ice Douluo Dai Yuhao, who shook the continent ten thousand years ago.
"Woo—"
A clear horn sounded, and the grand national ceremony began in front of the Imperial Palace of the Star Luo Empire.
A crimson carpet stretched from deep within the palace, like a brilliant ribbon.
On the Douluo Continent delegation's side, the team was led by a Vice Chairman of the Sun Moon Federation, several high-ranking councilors, along with Zhuo Shi and several other important figures.
Fang Yang and others followed at the rear of the procession, walking slowly on the red carpet. The palace architecture was magnificent, everywhere showcasing the majesty of the imperial family.
Guards stood on both sides, dressed in traditional armor, holding long halberds, with solemn expressions.
Entering the grand hall of the palace, the resplendent decorations were dazzling. Exquisite murals adorned the dome, narrating the long history of the Star Luo Empire.
At the end of the hall, the Emperor of the Star Luo Empire sat on his throne, wearing a crown and a Dragon robe, exuding an Aura of natural authority.
This was the current ruler of the Star Luo Empire—Dai Tianling.
Members of the delegation approached one by one to pay their respects, and the Emperor of the Star Luo Empire, Dai Tianling, smiled and responded to each.
When it was the turn of the Shrek Academy group, Dai Tianling's gaze lingered on Zhuo Shi for a moment.
"It is truly Star Luo's fortune to have Scarlet Dragon Douluo grace us with his presence," his voice was loud and majestic.
Zhuo Shi bowed slightly: "Your Majesty, you flatter me."
Subsequently, salvos of salutes pushed the ceremony to its climax.
The Emperor of the Star Luo Empire, Dai Tianling, handed the national letter to the Vice Chairman of the Sun Moon Federation, symbolizing the friendship between the two nations.
He cordially shook hands with the high-ranking members of the delegation, and the atmosphere was solemn and harmonious.
After the reception ceremony, Dai Tianling left first.
A royal attendant walked up to everyone and respectfully said, "Distinguished guests, His Majesty has instructed me to lead you to the banquet hall."
...Inside the Imperial Palace's sleeping quarters of the Star Luo Empire.
As soon as Dai Tianling returned, a petite figure rushed over.
"Imperial Father..."
Dai Yuner's voice carried a hint of grievance, and her bright eyes were slightly red.
Dai Tianling looked at his daughter in front of him, his tone gentle: "Who made our little princess unhappy?"
Dai Tianling had seventeen sons, but only this one daughter.
He had doted on her since she was a child. Dai Yuner was mischievous but knew best how to make him happy. His daughter was truly the apple of his eye!
"Imperial Father, I don't want to get engaged to Long Yue..." Dai Yuner whispered, her eyes pleading.
A trace of helplessness flashed in Dai Tianling's eyes as he dotingly stroked his daughter's head: "This is an arrangement by the imperial family; Imperial Father is also helpless."
"I don't want to!" Dai Yuner shook her head vigorously and then ran out of the sleeping quarters.
"Alas..."
Watching his daughter's retreating back, Dai Tianling sighed.
Although Dai Yuner was mischievous, she was exceptionally talented.
From a young age, she had the ability to remember everything she saw, and she was extremely intelligent. When her Spirit awakened at the age of six, she had Innate full spirit power. This year, at only fifteen years old, her spirit power cultivation had already reached four rings.
She was the most outstanding Genius of the imperial family, which was also why Dai Tianling doted on her.
Privately, Dai Tianling had said more than once how wonderful it would be if Yuner were a boy.
Dai Tianling and the imperial clan elders planned to betroth Dai Yuner to Long Yue.
As long as Long Yue openly defeated Shrek Academy in the upcoming exchange competition, he would be the undisputed number one among the younger generation of both continents.
From any perspective, this was a perfect marriage.
Long Yue's talent was hailed as the best in the history of the Star Luo Continent. He was also a disciple of En Ci, the National Grand Master Saint Dragon Douluo, the strongest individual in Star Luo, and would undoubtedly inherit En Ci's esteemed position in the future.
Dai Yuner marrying Long Yue would not only greatly benefit the Star Luo imperial family, but also, judging from their years of interaction, Long Yue would surely dote on Dai Yuner after marriage, never letting her suffer any grievances.
Unfortunately, Long Yue's appearance simply did not appeal to Dai Yuner.
Dai Yuner only saw him as an elder brother, and Long Yue's rough personality and appearance were indeed unusual.
Dai Tianling turned and looked out the window. Under the night sky, Star Luo City was brilliantly lit, but a hint of worry arose 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 future of the imperial family.
"Yuner, Imperial Father is sorry..." Dai Tianling shook his head helplessly.
"Your Majesty."
A young woman in palace attire walked in, looking at Dai Tianling with some helplessness, "Does that girl Yuner still not agree?"
Dai Tianling smiled bitterly: "Don't you know what kind of daughter you gave birth to?"
The young woman in palace attire said, "Then what do you think?"
Dai Tianling's eyes narrowed, and the majestic 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 rules cannot be broken, otherwise, how can we lead the masses?"
"Proceed with the arrangements as planned. The day the competition ends will be the day the princess chooses her consort."
"Your humble servant obeys the decree."
The Empress bowed slightly, but her eyes could not hide her worry.
She knew that behind this political marriage lay her daughter's lifelong happiness. But in an imperial family, personal feelings often had to give way to national interests.
Inside the banquet hall, lights blazed, and cups clinked.
Before long, His Majesty, the current Emperor of the Star Luo Empire, in magnificent attire, accompanied by the Empress, chatted animatedly with the high-ranking members of the delegation.
The atmosphere was very harmonious, with Star Luo Empire nobles and Douluo Continent delegation members exchanging pleasantries, presenting a scene of unity.
Fang Yang and Gu Yue stood in a corner, quietly observing the grand palace banquet.
In the center of the dance floor, nobles danced gracefully, and melodious music echoed through the hall.
"It seems the Star Luo imperial family attaches great importance to this exchange competition," Gu Yue whispered, her gaze sweeping over the imperial family members present.
Fang Yang nodded slightly: "This, after all, concerns the relationship between the two continents."
"Mm."
Gu Yue nodded slightly.
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