More than two months passed quickly. The voyage had been smooth, and now land had come into view. By midday, the two giant ships docked.
The Star Luo Empire had arranged a grand welcoming ceremony. Amid cheers from tens of thousands lining the docks, the Federation's envoy delegation disembarked, officially stepping onto the soil of the Star Luo Continent.
The ceremony was lavish. First, a representative from the Star Luo mission gave a speech, followed by Pan Wen, representative of the Federation envoy.
After over an hour, the ceremony concluded and the two missions parted ways.
The Star Luo mission dispersed, each member returning to their own quarters, while the Federation mission prepared to begin its journey through the continent.
Yun Ze and the other members of Sun Moon Royal Academy waited together in a cool pavilion.
Before long, their team leader returned from speaking with Pan Wen, the secretary-general of the envoy delegation. Entering the pavilion, he said:
"Just now, Star Luo Empire's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lan Xiao, approached me. He invited our academy to participate in a youth soul master tournament they are currently hosting."
"I didn't agree right away. I wanted to ask all of you first—mainly you seven. Do you want to take part?"
As he spoke, he glanced at Yun Ze and Gu Yue Na. His question was directed primarily at them.
He could decide on behalf of the other students, but with these two, it was better to consult them, given Yun Tian's status as an ultimate powerhouse.
"Old Yang, why don't you first explain the details of this tournament? Only then can they decide," one of the directors suggested.
"You're right," Yang Fan replied with a smile. "The full name is the Youth Advanced Soul Master Elite Tournament."
"It's similar to our Federation's great competition. It includes individual matches, team matches, mecha battles, and battle armor contests."
"The battle armor and mecha categories don't suit you, so I'd like you to enter the individual and team events."
Here Yang Fan paused, looking at Yun Ze with a slightly strange expression. "Though, Yun Ze, if you want to enter the battle armor contest, you may. If you do, I'd wager the championship will be yours outright."
The three directors and several teachers all smiled in agreement, turning toward Yun Ze.
At just over seven years old, Yun Ze already possessed a two-word battle armor. The battle armor contest would be his for the taking.
"We'll see," Yun Ze replied blandly, showing no particular desire for the title.
"Mm." Yang Fan nodded. "The reward for the individual contest is said to be a ten-thousand-year spirit bone, of excellent quality."
"What?!"
At that, the students and teachers alike lost composure. Even the three directors widened their eyes in shock. None had expected the prize to be a spirit bone—what generosity!
Di Tian and Gu Yue Na, upon hearing the words spirit bone, both revealed flickers of killing intent, their expressions hardening.
Yun Ze, however, showed no change. He simply listened calmly, neither surprised nor tempted.
"I'll participate!" one student said, breathing heavily, unable to resist the allure of a spirit bone.
"Me too!" The others voiced their eagerness one after another.
"What about you two?" Yang Fan asked, turning to the still-silent Gu Yue Na and Yun Ze.
"I don't want to," Gu Yue Na said coldly, rejecting the spirit bone outright.
"I don't have any particular plans, so I'll join. It'll be a way to pass the time," Yun Ze answered.
Gu Yue Na pouted at him, then said softly, almost pleading: "Could you… not join?"
Yun Ze tilted his head and replied with deeper meaning: "If someone must claim the spirit bone, isn't it better in our hands than in another's?"
He knew why Gu Yue Na was reluctant—spirit bones came from the death of her kind. She didn't wish to face it.
But objectively, avoiding it wasn't the answer. If they won, they didn't need to use the spirit bone. They could bury it, or at least keep it from falling into the hands of others.
Gu Yue Na froze, then understood. After a short silence, she nodded. "I'll participate too."
"Excellent. Then you two will register for the individual contest," Yang Fan said with a grin. With Yun Ze and Gu Yue Na competing, he was relieved.
After all, the Star Luo Empire hadn't invited only Sun Moon Royal Academy—they had also invited Shrek Academy.
To be precise, Shrek was the true guest of honor. Sun Moon Royal Academy had only been added for appearances' sake.
That stung Yang Fan's pride, but he had not refused outright. Instead, he resolved to register and prove themselves.
Of course, this was only possible because Yun Ze and Gu Yue Na agreed to participate. Without them, he would rather decline than risk humiliation.
"Besides the individual contests, there's also the team competition. It's split into seven-versus-seven and two-versus-two. The first offers soul-forged metal as a prize, while the second offers a ten-thousand-year spiritual item."
"I think for the two-versus-two, Yun Ze and Gu Yue Na should register together," Yang Fan suggested.
"Yes!" Gu Yue Na's eyes sparkled, and she nodded eagerly. Such a good opportunity—she had no reason to refuse.
Yun Ze also nodded. For him, a few extra fights hardly mattered.
"We want to join too!" the other students said eagerly.
Yang Fan shook his head firmly. "Not this one. Don't make trouble. Focus on your individual and team events. If you also take on two-versus-two, you'll be exhausted."
"I suggest the seven of you enter the seven-versus-seven team battle. What do you two think?"
"Let's join as well. But after the tournament, we'd like to act independently, to travel the continent," Yun Ze said.
"Independent action is fine, but your safety…" Yang Fan hesitated. He knew how vital these two were to Sun Moon Royal Academy. If something happened to them…
"You doubt my strength?" Di Tian finally spoke, reminding them of his presence.
"No! Absolutely not." Yang Fan waved his hands quickly, tense and deferential.
Di Tian hadn't released any pressure, yet his very presence made Yang Fan uneasy—it was the weight of facing an ultimate powerhouse.
"Very well. After the tournament, you may act independently. But keep in contact with us. If you run into any… difficulties, we'll know how to find you," Yang Fan said.
He had nearly said danger, but corrected himself. With an Ultimate Douluo by their side, danger was hardly a concern.
"Alright," Yun Ze agreed.
With Yun Ze and Gu Yue Na confirmed as competitors, Yang Fan finally felt assured.
The Federation envoy soon split up, with some departing as planned to travel and observe different parts of the Star Luo Continent.
(End of Chapter)