"'A familiar silhouette?'" Beibei muttered.
Upon hearing this, Xuan Zi glanced at him and asked, "Do you still know someone in the Sun–Moon Empire?"
Beibei shook his head. "Probably just my imagination."
Neither he nor Xuan Zi thought of Tang Ya. Although Xuan Zi was aware she reopened the Tang Sect in the Sun–Moon Empire, he had no idea she was their representative in the Soul Master Tournament. As Tang Ya remained Tang Sect's sect leader, neither Xuan Zi nor Mu En would typically make that connection.
He turned to comfort Jiang Qingtong: "Don't be upset. Everyone at Shrek Academy is your family. What's more, I've informed the Seagod Pavilion of the exchange-student proposal, and Elder Mu has agreed! After your brother arrives, I believe he'll begin to understand what is right and wrong."
"Really?" Qingtong looked up at him, surprised.
Xuan Zi nodded. "Really."
A smile spread across Qingtong's face, and Xuan Zi waved his hand. "Let's go—into the city!"
As they approached the gate, soldiers bowed in surprise. "Welcome! Please, great one, come in. Someone will guide you to the official hotel."
"Shrek Academy?" they murmured.
"The Academy's parade!"
People at the gate clustered, eager for a glimpse of Shrek—it was a rare occurrence. This commotion caught the attention of the Sun–Moon Imperial Soul Master team.
Xiao Hongchen leaned in, whispering, "What's happening?"
"They're announcing Shrek Academy's team," replied Jiang Shengyu nonchalantly. "Qingtong called out earlier—didn't you hear?"
They both shook their heads. "No..." Meng Hongchen asked, "Is she already here?"
"Yeah, right after us," Jiang Shengyu confirmed.
Hongchen sighed. "I don't want to end up dueling her. It's just acting on our part, but she'll be going all-out."
"How do you know?" Shengyu chuckled at him.
Hongchen shrugged. "Isn't it obvious? Your act and hers—we both know you have to hold back, but if I slip, I could get hurt."
"Really can't beat her?" Shengyu teased.
Hongchen exhaled. "It's not just about winning or losing. I have to appear sincere in this exchange. If I accidentally injure her, you know how nuts she'll get, right?"
"Uh-huh," Shengyu agreed. "She's dangerous when she refuses to hold back."
Meng Hongchen tapped her brother's shoulder. "You talked so loudly the other day that I had to all but shut up. How could you not pick up on it?"
Hongchen lowered his head, rueful. "Yeah... regret it already."
He grabbed Shengyu's shoulder, leaning in. "Use your mind-link and tell Qingtong: we'll act, but let's not really fight. Can't have me getting hurt!"
Shengyu pushed him away. "Get lost."
Nana, Huoyao, and the others followed behind, whispering at the trio's banter. "I heard he's cold and proud, never friends with anyone, but look how this is going..." Nana remarked.
Huoyao nodded knowingly. "They've grown up together. Of course they're close."
A veteran team member observed, "Too bad Hongchen hasn't picked up a thing from Meng Hongchen—should smile just a bit more."
That caught Hongchen's attention. He turned back and gave the man a gentle smile. "Like this?" he murmured.
The teammate shivered a bit and quickly said, "No... Hongchen, you're handsome enough already."
"I know," Hongchen grumbled, then turned back around.
Once they were guided to their designated hotel, the official usher informed their teacher, "The Empire has prepared lodging for special guests. Please follow me."
With that, subtle hostility filled the air as they passed by other guests—they'd caught on to their identity. But Jiang Shengyu was unaffected. Let them glare. They can't do anything.
They reached their rooms. After entering and confirming everything, their teacher spoke up: "This is your first time in Star Luo City—share your impressions, everyone."
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