Inside the mansion in Shrek City.
Since Bei Bei had his own small home with Tang Ya outside, he would return here to stay every once in a while.
Of course, Jiang Nannan was in a similar situation.
Though one was to accompany his girlfriend, the other was to accompany her mother.
And today happened to be one of Bei Bei's days returning here.
However, at noon, Chen Junting came looking for him. Clearly, among the two slots available, he had chosen Bei Bei.
After all, Bei Bei's martial soul had undergone purification by the Golden Ancient Tree. Coupled with his fifth soul ring being contracted to a light-attribute sub-dragon species soul beast—the Sky Feather Dragon—his martial soul was no longer the previous Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus, but had evolved into a Light Blue Lightning Tyrannosaurus. Possessing both light and thunder attributes, he would have tremendous suppression power against evil soul masters.
For the upcoming mission, he was undoubtedly an excellent helper.
Upon learning of Chen Junting's arrival, Bei Bei personally went to a restaurant to buy a table full of good food to entertain him. Only after they had eaten and drunk their fill did Bei Bei inquire about Chen Junting's purpose.
"So we can finally go on an inspection team mission!" Hearing it was an inspection mission, and specifically one to capture evil soul masters, Bei Bei couldn't stop smiling.
After all, he held deep hatred for these inhuman creatures. The crimes committed by that Death God Envoy over a year ago were still vivid in his memory!
"When do we set out?"
"Tomorrow."
Before leaving, Chen Junting told Bei Bei: "Senior brother Bei, this mission isn't like the last one. If we encounter the target, we'll be the main force, so we must be fully prepared."
"I understand."
As he spoke, Bei Bei's expression also turned serious.
...
"Senior brother Dai!" ×3
By the Sea God Island shore, Dai Yueheng saw his fellow students whom he hadn't seen for a year. His previously somewhat stiff face revealed a warm smile. "Three junior brothers and sisters, it's been a long time."
"Senior brother Dai, what's wrong?"
Bei Bei glanced at the less-than-enthusiastic Dai Yueheng. After hesitating for a moment, he still asked. After all, this mission involved evil soul masters and was extremely dangerous! Poor condition could lead to mistakes. Failing the mission was minor—the real fear was losing lives.
Chen Junting also sent an inquiring look.
"Don't worry, I'm fine."
Dai Yueheng waved his hand, then his gaze swept from Sea God Island toward the Shrek outer court. "It's just that I'm about to graduate. I'll be leaving the academy soon, and I find myself somewhat reluctant to go."
"Senior brother, you're about to graduate!?"
Ning Tian was slightly surprised. Calculating this way, Dai Yueheng would be the first to leave the academy among the entire main team from back then.
"Yes."
Sighing, Dai Yueheng seemed to accept this reality.
"This mission will be my last as part of the inspection team. After I return and pass the graduation assessment, I'll officially graduate from the inner court. Then, I'll join my father's military camp to serve as a soldier and contribute to the nation!"
Dai Yueheng's words were filled with confidence. Clearly, the reduced-difficulty graduation assessment was a sure thing in his eyes.
"Then I'll wish you a bright future first."
"You flatter me."
Facing Chen Junting's congratulations, Dai Yueheng's mouth said this, but the smile on his face couldn't be suppressed.
As the four conversed, Chen Junting gradually steered the topic toward the main subject. Especially when mentioning evil soul masters—even though they already knew, solemn expressions once again appeared on their faces.
[Mission location: Southeast border of Tian Ling Empire.]
[Mission target: A Soul King-level evil soul master with a Bone Dragon martial soul.]
[Mission background: According to reports from nobles in Qianye City of the Tian Ling Empire, many children had been kidnapped by this soul master. Since these children never reappeared, they were presumed dead. Additionally, many nobles had been killed by this soul master. During the pursuit, they discovered his martial soul was Bone Dragon, confirming his identity as an evil soul master.]
Soon after, the detailed mission content was explained.
"Another beast that harms children!"
"Junior brother Chen, how do you plan to arrange things?"
Dai Yueheng was the first to step forward, asking the key question.
Chen Junting simply scanned the scroll's information again. "This reported mission has concealed details. According to senior sister's preliminary investigation, these missing children weren't from commoner families in the villages or cities—they were servants of nobles."
"So this evil soul master probably has a grudge against nobles? Perhaps he was once a noble's servant himself, and after becoming an evil soul master, began taking revenge on nobles." Dai Yueheng organized the available information, reaching a general conclusion.
Chen Junting neither agreed nor disagreed.
"It's these people causing trouble again."
As she spoke, Ning Tian's voice carried anger.
Though her own identity was that of a noble, she held deep hatred for the nobles mentioned just now.
Because the true identity of servants was slaves!
And slavery and slave trade were explicitly banned by law in all major empires. However, certain nobles ignored this law, secretly supporting the slave black market.
Since major nobles were deeply interconnected, any crackdown on the slave black market would face united retaliation from all nobles. Thus, all major empires turned a blind eye.
As a result, some evil soul masters were driven to this path!
For a moment, even Dai Yueheng fell silent.
Actually, the Shrek inspection team hadn't been idle regarding the slave black market. Unfortunately, the effectiveness of their crackdowns could be said to be minimal.
Because when the top-level demand isn't destroyed, the lower-level chain will resurface. But just like the major empires, facing deeply entrenched nobles, even Shrek Academy's superior strength was restricted. Even if the Shrek inspection team confronted nobles over slave trading, the nobles would have ready defenses—claiming these were "servants" not "slaves," then pulling in the empire to declare their innocence.
"Now isn't the time for this discussion." Chen Junting broke the silence first. "Our mission this time is only to capture the evil soul master. The empire's deep-rooted problems can only be handled by those who govern the country."
After saying this, he continued in an indisputable tone.
"We set out first. The specific plan can be formulated on the way."
The four had cultivation levels of one Soul Emperor and three Soul Kings. Whether through Chen Junting's sword flight or Ning Tian's external soul bone, they all had impressive flight capabilities. As for Dai Yueheng and Bei Bei, after using flight soul guide devices, their speed wasn't much slower.
After two days of travel, Chen Junting and the four arrived at the southeast border of the Tian Ling Empire. Their first destination wasn't anywhere else—it was Chen Junting's hometown, Shanyang Village.
"Beyond that mountain range is my hometown."
After several years, as he gazed into the distance, a village both familiar and strange appeared before Chen Junting.
Thanks to the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect's involvement, Shanyang Village had quickly developed from a small village into a town-sized settlement. The original dirt roads were now paved with blue bricks, and soul guide lamps stood along the roadside.
The ancient appearance had gradually transformed into a modern face.
To avoid disturbing the villagers, when they were still several miles from Shanyang Village, Chen Junting descended on his Seven Kill Sword, with Ning Tian and the others following suit, putting away their flight methods.
"The changes here are really significant."
With a single glance, Chen Junting couldn't help but sigh.
Then he turned to Ning Tian with a joke. "I haven't been back for years—I don't even know where everyone lives now."
"That's a good thing."
Ning Tian smiled cleverly. "It means everyone's lives have improved."
Chen Junting nodded slightly, then his expression turned serious. "Though the village has changed significantly, the village chief's residence probably hasn't moved to another place. Perfect—I'll give the things I brought for everyone to the village chief to distribute. I'll also ask the chief about recent happenings, to see if any strange people have appeared."
Soon after, under Chen Junting's lead, everyone headed toward the village chief's home. Along the way, they didn't encounter many familiar faces—almost all were strangers.
Clearly, these people had migrated from other places.
"Knock knock knock—"
Arriving at the village chief's door, Chen Junting knocked.
"Who is it!?"
An aged but vigorous voice came from inside. But the next second, this voice carried anger. "Erhu! Is it you again!? I've told you—I won't move and I won't renovate! I'll just keep living like this, you..."
"Creak—"
The old wooden door slowly opened.
When the village chief raised his eyes and saw the smiling figure standing outside, his previous anger instantly vanished. What replaced it was a trembling gaze filled with excitement. "Child, you've returned!"
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