Under Xuan Zi's leadership, the Shrek Academy representative team quickly crossed the wide streets of the Bright Capital and entered the city center.
Instead of heading straight to their lodgings, they first went to the designated registration site, as required by the tournament's organizing committee.
As the host of this Soul Master Tournament, the Sun Moon Empire had set up a massive registration venue at Mingdu Plaza. At this moment, hundreds of teams from all across the continent had already gathered there.
What stood out, however, was how uncharacteristically restrained Xuan Zi was this time—one could even say overly low-key.
During the previous All-Continent High-Rank Soul Master Academy Soul Dueling Tournament, Xuan Zi had been extremely high-profile during registration and the early stages, true to his arrogant personality.
Not only had he failed to conceal any information about Shrek's participants, he had even acted with a lofty, condescending attitude, publicly revealing the cultivation ranks and spirit abilities of both Shrek's main and reserve members.
It was precisely because of that recklessness that the Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy—and other competitors—had been able to clearly grasp Shrek Academy's true strength before the matches even began.
The Sun Moon Team had made meticulous tactical preparations and spirit tool countermeasures specifically targeting Shrek's combat style, which was one of the key reasons Shrek ultimately suffered a crushing defeat.
As a result, upon returning to the academy, Xuan Zi had been severely punished by Dragon God Douluo Mu En.
Mu En not only ordered him into closed-door reflection but also publicly stripped him of his command authority for several years.
That heavy blow left a deep mark on him, and from then on, he became far more cautious in situations like this.
…
At the registration desk, the staff examined Shrek Academy's official documents and, as routine, asked for the team's basic information.
Five years ago, Xuan Zi would have loudly announced the names of the Shrek Seven Devils, proclaiming Shrek's unshakable prestige to everyone present.
But now, he simply lowered his head and calmly handed over a pre-sealed list.
He disclosed no additional information about the students' cultivation, only briefly stating the names of the team leader and contestants.
After completing the registration, Xuan Zi said nothing further. He immediately led Yuhao, Bei Bei, and the others away without lingering for even a moment.
Shrek Academy's unusually low-profile behavior instantly drew attention from the surrounding teams.
Whispers spread throughout the registration area. Though deliberately hushed, every word reached Xuan Zi's ears clearly.
"Isn't that Shrek's Xuan Zi? Why is he so quiet this time?" a team leader from the Douling Empire asked in confusion.
"It looks like the last defeat really hit them hard," another middle-aged soul master sneered. "Xuan Zi has finally learned to behave. Acting high and mighty on someone else's home turf like before would just be asking for trouble."
The murmurs continued, some expressing surprise at Shrek's change, others openly mocking Xuan Zi's past mistakes.
"I actually think this is the smart move," someone commented. "Revealing all your trump cards ahead of time like last time was just stupid. Now that Shrek is hiding its edge, they might actually be more dangerous."
Xuan Zi heard every word.
His chest burned with frustration, anger churning like fire trapped within, but he forced himself to suppress it.
He neither turned around to argue nor released his Super Douluo pressure to intimidate them.
Instead, he silently swore to himself—
Since everyone believed Shrek was finished and mocked his past errors, he would use these young students to reclaim Shrek's glory step by step in this tournament.
He would silence all doubts with the final championship trophy.
Thirty years in the east, thirty years in the west—don't bully this old man for being poor!
…
Soon, they arrived at the Bright Capital's most luxurious participant hotel—the Yuelai Hotel.
The Sun Moon Empire's royal family had spared no expense. All participating teams were housed together, and the hotel's interior was lavish, with every facility fully equipped.
After half a month of nonstop travel, even soul masters—whose physical endurance far exceeded that of ordinary people—felt exhausted.
Once Xuan Zi gave the order for free activity, Ma Xiaotao returned to her room to regulate her spirit power, while most of the students went back to wash up and rest.
Bei Bei, Huo Yuhao, and Wang Donger were assigned rooms in the same area.
After a quick unpacking, the three soon felt hungry.
Although the hotel provided excellent food, Bei Bei suggested going out to explore the Bright Capital's local atmosphere instead.
"Let's go," Bei Bei said to Huo Yuhao and Wang Donger. "Spirit tool technology here is advanced—we might as well see what the locals usually eat."
Huo Yuhao nodded. In this world, he had never gone to the Sun Moon Royal Academy as an exchange student, so everything here was unfamiliar to him. He was curious to try the local cuisine.
Wang Donger followed eagerly, eyes sparkling as she looked at the buildings illuminated by spirit tool lighting.
The three left the hotel and wandered into the bustling nearby district.
It was evening, and the aroma from street stalls had already begun to fill the air.
Bright Capital's streets were lively, with various spirit tool-powered cooking devices releasing tempting scents.
When they reached a small noodle stall, Bei Bei—who was walking in front—suddenly froze.
His normally steady pupils shrank sharply as he stared at a busy figure by the stall.
It was a young girl wearing a light green dress.
Her back was facing them.
Yet just that slender waist and the jet-black hair cascading over her shoulders gave Bei Bei an indescribable, bone-deep sense of familiarity.
Even after several years and subtle changes in her aura, Bei Bei recognized her instantly.
"Xiao Ya…"
His voice trembled.
Since Tang Ya left Shrek Academy, there had been no news of her at all. He had searched almost the entire Heaven Dou Empire and Star Luo Empire, yet found nothing.
That longing had tormented him day and night.
Overwhelmed with excitement and disbelief, Bei Bei hurried forward, his steps unsteady.
He stopped three steps behind her, lifting his hand to touch her shoulder—yet hesitating, afraid it might only be a dream.
"Xiao Ya… is that really you?"
Hearing his voice, the girl paused in sorting medicinal herbs and slowly turned around.
The afterglow of the setting sun fell across her face, revealing eyes that were gentle yet resilient.
Compared to years ago, Tang Ya looked less childish, her demeanor calmer and more composed.
When she saw Bei Bei, surprise instantly flooded her eyes.
"Bei Bei?"
Huo Yuhao and Wang Donger were equally stunned, exchanging looks of disbelief.
None of them had expected to encounter the long-missing Tang Sect leader on the bustling streets of the Bright Capital.
The crowd flowed endlessly around them, yet in Bei Bei's eyes, only that long-lost figure remained.
They stood facing each other in silence, emotions that had accumulated over years surging quietly through the air.
How had Tang Ya been living in the Bright Capital?
Why was she here?
What had she been doing all these years?