After returning to his room for a brief rest, Gu La left the hotel alone. He had another important task to complete—transforming Little Bai, the Demon Soul Great White Shark, into a spirit soul. Even though the time-slowing effect of his Forest Sea Space was powerful, it wasn't invincible and couldn't stop the gradual loss of soul energy.
The Star Luo branch of the Spirit Pagoda was located on the western side of Star Luo City. Its architectural style was consistent with the Spirit Pagoda on the Douluo Continent, towering into the clouds. The tower's surface shimmered faintly with soul power, exuding an aura of majesty and mystery.
Using the contact information provided by his teacher, Leng Yaozhu, Gu La smoothly met with the tower's master—Nether Flame Douluo, Zhang Geyang.
Zhang Geyang appeared to be in his early forties, with a stern face and sharp hawk-like eyes. His body subtly radiated a powerful soul power fluctuation, carrying the oppressive air of someone accustomed to authority.
Seated behind a wide desk, he looked at the calm green-haired youth before him, who smiled warmly, and nodded slightly: "So you're Pagoda Master Leng's new disciple, Gu La?"
"Yes, Tower Master Zhang," Gu La replied calmly, presenting Leng Yaozhu's token and a detailed explanation. "My teacher sends her regards and requests the crafting of a spirit soul from the soul essence and beast body of a fifty-thousand-year-old Demon Soul Great White Shark."
Zhang Geyang glanced over the message, confirmed its accuracy, and casually set it aside. A hint of indifference crossed his face: "A fifty-thousand-year-old Demon Soul Great White Shark? Hmm, understood. Leave the materials here, and I'll arrange for its creation promptly. Crafting ten-thousand-year spirit souls may be a bit troublesome, but for our Spirit Pagoda, it's no big deal."
His tone was casual, as if discussing something trivial. He didn't seem to place much importance on Gu La, "Leng Yaozhu's disciple."
After all, he was the master of the Star Luo branch and a core figure of the Qiangu family within the Star Luo Empire. His status was revered.
"In that case, thank you, Tower Master Zhang." Gu La bowed slightly, leaving the special container holding the soul essence and massive body of the Demon Soul Great White Shark. He handed it over to Bo Xi, who stood beside him, to handle subsequent matters.
He said nothing more, completing his commission efficiently and leaving without delay.
Watching Gu La's retreating figure, Zhang Geyang lightly tapped his fingers on the desk, his eyes flickering. Leng Yaozhu's disciple… traveled across the ocean to Star Luo… After pondering for a moment, he picked up the special communicator on his desk and dialed a number far away on the Douluo Continent.
"Brother Dongfeng." Zhang Geyang's voice carried a trace of respect.
On the other end of the communicator came the deep and authoritative voice of Qiangu Dongfeng: "Geyang? What is it?"
"Leng Yaozhu's disciple, Gu La, has come to Star Luo. He just commissioned me to craft a fifty-thousand-year-old Demon Soul Great White Shark spirit soul," Zhang Geyang reported.
"Gu La? He went to Star Luo?" Qiangu Dongfeng paused slightly, clearly surprised. "It must be part of Shrek Academy's exchange activities."
He fell silent for a few seconds, seemingly weighing something.
Two targeted actions had failed to eliminate this potential threat, and now he had grown to this extent, even traveling to Star Luo… This made him feel uneasy.
Leng Yaozhu's protection of this disciple far exceeded his expectations, but now separated by the vast ocean, he doubted Leng Yaozhu's influence could reach the Star Luo Empire!
"Brother Dongfeng, should I do something about it?" Zhang Geyang cautiously asked, his tone carrying a hint of deference and subtle ruthlessness.
Qiangu Dongfeng's voice returned, even lower, carrying an unmistakable suggestion: "Geyang, some people are trouble simply by being alive. Since he voluntarily walked into our hands and is far from protection… it's a rare opportunity. Make it clean, leave no traces, and ensure it doesn't implicate us. Do you understand?"
He didn't mention the consequences of killing Gu La; kill him and be done with it. Even if Leng Yaozhu suspected anything, would he dare confront him?
A cold gleam flashed in Zhang Geyang's eyes, and a cruel smirk curled his lips: "Understood. Brother Dongfeng can rest assured; I know what to do. I'll handle it properly."
After hanging up, Zhang Geyang leaned back in his chair, rubbing his chin with his fingers.
Direct action was too risky. After all, the target was Leng Yaozhu's disciple. Any incident in Star Luo City could easily cause a major uproar. He needed a more covert blade.
"The resistance army… those rats operating in the borderlands and the shadows of the capital…" Zhang Geyang sneered inwardly.
"Those desperate souls who would do anything for a high-level spirit soul or resources are perfect tools."
"Wait until later, when everyone's vigilance has relaxed, and the competition draws enough attention… Use the promise of a high-level spirit soul as bait to orchestrate an 'accidental' strike. Without a trace… unnoticed…"
A deadly trap targeting Gu La quietly took shape in Zhang Geyang's mind. Meanwhile, completely unaware of this, Gu La had returned to the Star Luo Grand Hotel, continuing his cultivation and plans.
Time passed peacefully, and in the blink of an eye, it was the third day.
Today, the delegation from Douluo Continent received notice that the emperor of the Star Luo Empire would officially receive them at the palace in the evening, followed by a grand court banquet after the reception ceremony.
The Star Luo Empire had issued the notification early: all members of the delegation were required to dress formally to show respect for the royal family and the empire.
Having learned from their previous experience on the ship, this time, the young members of Shrek Academy dutifully prepared their formal attire in advance. No one dared to stand out or challenge the authority and dignity of the Star Luo royal family again.
As evening approached, the setting sun bathed Star Luo City in a golden-red glow. Streamlined black luxury limousines adorned with the Star Luo royal emblem silently pulled up to the entrance of the Star Luo Grand Hotel, lining up neatly like silent yet noble steel beasts.
From Shrek Academy, Super Douluo Cai Yue'er and Zhuo Shi were naturally the most distinguished guests of the delegation. They would ride in the lead vehicle, directly meeting the Star Luo emperor.
Meanwhile, Gu La, Tang Wulin, Xie Xie, Xu Xiaoyan, Yuanen Yehui, Le Zhengyu, Ye Xinglan, Xu Lizhi, and Wu Zhangkong, along with the younger generation, gathered with the federal officials under the stern gaze of Wu Zhangkong.
Wu Zhangkong remained his usual austere self. His well-tailored navy-blue suit accentuated his tall and upright figure, his silver hair neatly tied back. His sharp eyes scanned his students, ensuring each was appropriately dressed and full of spirit.
He gave a few quiet reminders of precautions, then led this group representing the future of Shrek—and the young generation of the Douluo Continent—to the waiting limousines.
"Wow, these cars are really impressive!" Xie Xie whispered admiringly, curiously examining the luxurious interior. Today, he wore a flashy bright purple suit, which complemented his handsome features.
"Quiet down, pay attention to the occasion," Tang Wulin reminded softly, wearing a steady black suit.
He felt a mix of novelty and anticipation. After all, this was his first time attending such a high-profile royal banquet.
Gu La, on the other hand, changed into a golden suit. Against the night sky, it highlighted a touch of nobility. His green-gold long hair draped over his shoulders, adding a hint of casualness. In formal attire, he exuded even more elegance and aloofness.
Calmly sitting in the car, his gaze turned to the rapidly passing city lights of Star Luo, as if all the surrounding noise had nothing to do with him.
Xu Xiaoyan held onto Yuanen Yehui's arm, both girls wearing exquisite dresses, whispering excitedly while showing a hint of nervousness.
Le Zhengyu tried to maintain the grace of a noble, showcasing the dignity of the Angel Family. Ye Xinglan remained her usual aloof and unapproachable self, while Xu Lizhi smiled innocently, appearing somewhat awkward.
Wu Zhangkong sat in the front passenger seat, his gaze calmly fixed ahead on the escort vehicles and the increasingly close, brilliantly lit Star Luo Palace, resembling a sprawling beast lying in wait.
His fingers unconsciously tapped lightly on his knee, as if calculating something or sensing the safety of the surrounding environment.
As the leader, he bore the heavy responsibility of protecting these children, especially in this foreign capital, where appearances of prosperity concealed hidden currents. This time, he would not allow any accidents to happen!
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