"Angel God?"
Inside a building at the Royal Academy of the Sun and Moon Empire,everyone looked at Ye Guyi in astonishment, eyes flashing with curiosity—and faint traces of hostility.
The reason?From Gu Yuena, they had learned that in that sealed chamber, Ye Guyi and Xu Cheng had their first time.It wasn't that they were being petty, but rather they feared Xu Cheng would try to keep this newfound power to himself.After all, even with all his trump cards, Xu Cheng currently only held half-god-level strength,far from the status of a true deity—which Ye Guyi now embodied.
Clad in golden armor, exuding divine beauty and holiness, Ye Guyi walked behind Xu Cheng, her hand gently looped through his arm.She seemed unaffected by the gazes of those around her—her expression calm, her posture elegant.
Yet, she truly was a god now.
Even without deliberately releasing divine pressure, the subtle aura she emitted still made others feel breathless.Only Gu Yuena dared meet her gaze directly, eyes unyielding.Even Zhang Lexuan, who had recently advanced to Super Douluo, seemed overwhelmed.
"Ah Cheng, tonight is the Paper Boat Festival. Wanna go watch the lanterns on that bridge?"Xiao Hongchen asked with a wink.
"Is it today already? That came fast."Xu Cheng nodded thoughtfully.
"Yup. C'mon, we've got nothing better to do anyway."Xiao Hongchen grinned.
"Alright, I'll go change into casual wear."Xu Cheng waved and disappeared from view.
After he left, Ye Guyi finally spoke gently,"Ladies, we're all Xu Cheng's women. We all want what's best for the Sun and Moon Empire. I have no interest in arguing over status. I will always be his subordinate. That will never change."
The women's expressions eased slightly at her words.
"Ah Cheng is the emperor—having a harem of three thousand beauties isn't a problem,"Zhang Lexuan said calmly."Besides, judging by his ambitions, I doubt he'll stay obediently in the God Realm. He may just start a major upheaval."
She wore a pale yellow dress, graceful and intelligent in demeanor.
"The Sun and Moon Empire will eventually replace the God Realm and become the new ruler of the galaxy. Humanity will rise under Ah Cheng's leadership,"Juzi added firmly, adjusting her glasses.
"...Then what's the point of my Tang Sect techniques anymore?"Tang Ya muttered as she flicked her ponytail.
"Maybe there really is no point anymore…"Meng Hongchen shrugged,"We live in the era of soul tools. Eventually, when soul tools advance to the divine level, traditional soul masters—and even the Tang Sect's arts—will all be replaced."
She slung an arm over Tang Ya's shoulder and chuckled.
"Well, I only have one wish left—to restore my master's physical body."Tang Ya pouted.
"Technology changes fast. One day even soul tools could be replaced by something more advanced... vessels capable of holding soul power,"Juzi mused with a glint in her eyes.She had always been more research-oriented and deeply understood the terrifying pace of innovation.
As more satellites launched into orbit around Douluo Planet,a new global map gradually emerged,and technology seemed to be headed toward infinity.In the future, even those without soul power might wield massive energy…
"Whatever. So when's the competition?"Ma Xiaotao asked, bored.
"In about four months..."
Mingdu, a massive river ran through the city.Xu Cheng and the others stood on a bridge, watching countless people float folded paper boats onto the water, each carrying a flickering flame.
The dim glow bathed the night in a warm yellow hue.Reflected on the water's surface was the mirrored image of the world.
It truly felt like a glorious age, something out of a dream.
People passed by without seeming to see Xu Cheng and his group—as if they existed in a different dimension.
"Three boats."Seeing everyone's expectant gazes,Xu Cheng finally spoke:
"First, I hope we resolve our spatial technology problems before the spatial storm arrives."
"Second, I want to eliminate Tang San."
"Third, I still want to live…"
He glanced around at the stunning women and twitched the corner of his mouth,hoping he wouldn't be drained dry tonight.
Also, hopefully, he wouldn't repeat Brother Cheng's tragic fate...
"What the heck—Captain?"Xu Cheng froze as he looked at Zhang Lexuan walking out of the bathroom wearing a captain's uniform.
Real cosplay?The soft room lighting reflected off her sleek, form-fitting space military uniform.
The dark-gold trim emphasized her elegant neck.The cinched waist perfectly outlined her figure.The short skirt lifted subtly as she bent over to rummage in a drawer, revealing the silk-wrapped shimmer of her ankles.
Her metal-heeled boots clacked softly on the floor as she approached.The leather straps left faint red marks on her thighs.A silver moon pendant dangled teasingly from her deep V neckline.
"Well? Do you like it?"Zhang Lexuan smirked as she saw Xu Cheng gulp."Tonight, you're mine. Don't worry, no one will disturb us…"
Her soft hand gently pushed Xu Cheng's chest—then pinned him down.
The lights went out.
Feeling her soft curves pressed against him, Xu Cheng's breathing grew heavy.
He pounced.
Night fell.
The room filled with spring-like warmth, beginning with gentle moans…
Pale golden sunlight filtered through the window, settling in Zhang Lexuan's silver hair.
Her delicate toes peeked out from beneath the silk covers,and a silver moon soul mark shimmered on her ankle.Xu Cheng's hand still rested on her smooth waist—her uniform from the night before only half removed, the inner ice-silk undergarments showing at her hip.
Zhang Lexuan brushed her nose against Xu Cheng's chest.
When Xu Cheng tried to quietly remove his trapped right arm,she instinctively wrapped her long legs around his waist again,the smooth arch of her foot tensing.
The quilt slid off her back, revealing faint bruises from last night's battle.
"Ah Cheng…" she murmured coquettishly.
"Alright, alright... I'm not going anywhere."Xu Cheng raised his hands in surrender.
He sighed helplessly,beauty is dangerous—but good thing he had a strong body…
"When will you unify the continent?"Zhang Lexuan mumbled like a kitten, cuddling into his arms.
She had actually woken earlier and secretly admired Xu Cheng's sleeping face.
"Within three years of my coronation," Xu Cheng replied after a pause.
To be honest, if he really wanted to destroy Shrek Academy now, he probably could.
Even Ah Yin, a half-god, wouldn't be able to stop him.
His forces included:
Three half-gods,
Mecha,
Electrolux,
And Level-11 soul-guided cannons.
With interstellar warships in orbit, he could bombard Shrek Academy at will—much more efficient than his scrapped God's Judgment Rod concept (satellite + soul cannon combo).
Too troublesome.Warships were just better.
But back to the point—
Shrek Academy must be destroyed eventually.He planned to settle that after the All-Continent Soul Master Tournament, in about three months.That would include taking out Shrek Academy and Clear Sky Sect.
Even if Tang San figured out his plan, with the God of Destruction watching him, he couldn't openly interfere.Unlike in the original story—no manipulation, no threats, no forcing Juzi into submission…
Warfare between mortals was now beyond the gods' jurisdiction.
"Why are you asking this?"Xu Cheng asked with a smile.
"Because I want to destroy Shrek Academy myself,"Zhang Lexuan's eyes gleamed with resentment and sadness.
She had once blamed Elder Mu alone,but after the last battle in Mingdu, she realized the truth:she was the only one being kept in the dark.All the other Sea God Pavilion elders and even Principal Yan had known everything.
Being manipulated like that by enemies had left a bitter taste.
"Didn't you used to hesitate?" Xu Cheng asked.
It was, after all, her former home—asking her to destroy it herself felt cruel.
"It's different now," she said softly."Most of the inner court disciples—like Xiaotao and Chen Zifeng—have already come to the Sun and Moon Empire.Many others left with their clans. Only the newest generation still remains."
"I see." Xu Cheng gently brushed her cheek."Alright then."
Time passed quickly.
Three months later,Mingdu became livelier than ever.
Not that it wasn't already lively—but now, suddenly, groups of "country bumpkins" (original continent dwellers) began showing up.
Because Emperor Xu Cheng had declared no restrictions on participating sects in this tournament,the number of entrants was unprecedented.
At Mingdu Central Plaza,a huge soul-screen was suspended between twelve alloy pillars.Holographic blue displays showed ads, job postings, and bustling city scenes.
Neon reflections from the eastern commercial towers shimmered on the gilded sign of Wanbao Pavilion,and a giant soul clock struck the hour as six bronze spirit beasts roared in sync, steam hissing through the plaza.
Overhead, interstellar railways crisscrossed the sky,and from every station, crowds poured out—many wearing soul tool badges on their chests.
The smell of roasted gold-foil snacks made academy girls stop in their tracks.Suddenly, the soul-screen burst into light, and the tournament poster sent a ripple through the crowd.
At the plaza's west fountain,a bronze statue of the first emperor wielded a soul-guided lance.The water droplet from the lance tip hovered above a mechanical warhorse rearing beneath him.
An engineer with a newsboy cap leaned against the marble base, tuning a stopwatch-like device.
"This is... the Sun and Moon Empire?!"A group stepped out of the Starlink Railway, dressed in dark green robes,their chests pinned with Shrek Academy's emblem.
Once the center of the continent, these direct disciples were utterly stunned by what they saw.
They had just entered the first province of the Sun and Moon Empire—and already encountered the Starlink Railway.
Beibei had suggested they try riding it.
Now here they were, overwhelmed.
"The Sun and Moon Empire… it's not as bad as the Academy made it sound."Lan Ruoruo murmured.
"Not just that—it's exactly like what I saw in those projection crystals… It's real! So cool!"Xie Huan Yue shouted excitedly.
"Shut up, idiot!"Dai Huabin smacked him on the head.
"What?!"Xie Huan Yue grumbled.
"Look over there…"Dai Huabin nudged his chin toward Beibei.
As expected, Beibei's expression turned somewhat grim.
Although what the others had said wasn't wrong,the blow to Shrek Academy's reputation… was honestly a bit much.
"Alright, Beibei,"Xu Sanshi shook his head with a helpless tone.
He, of course, could tell why his best brother felt uncomfortable.
"Once we truly defeat Shrek Academy on the battlefield, only then will all the factions across the continent realize that the Sun and Moon Empire's so-called 'soul tools'... are ultimately not the right path."
Beibei said nothing.
His face looked complicated.
Because… back at Shrek Academy, it was also the Soul Tool Department that had the final say,leaving the Martial Soul Department gasping for air.
Forget it…
He shook his head.
No matter what, they were here for the competition,not to compare ideologies or cultures.
As long as they could defeat the Sun and Moon Empire in the arena,that would speak louder than any words.
"Alright, let's find a hotel to check in first… and get familiar with the competition grounds in advance,"Beibei said solemnly.
"Sigh…"
Watching Beibei's departing figure, Xu Sanshi sighed.
That brother who used to joke and laugh by his side…was now burdened with enormous responsibility.
To be honest,if Xuanming Sect wasn't so deeply tied to the Douling Empire,he might very well be standing on the Sun and Moon Empire's side by now.
This whole boiling frog in warm water situation…was suffocating.
Not far away—
Xian Lin'er asked worriedly:"Elder Xuan, do you think these kids might be blinded by the dazzling world of the Sun and Moon Empire… and end up not taking the competition seriously?"
"They won't."Xuanzi shook his head."They're all deeply bound to Shrek Academy. Their mental strength isn't that weak."
As for the main team members this time:
Beibei would lead as the captain.
Xu Sanshi, after benefiting from Tang San's divine descent, had undergone a second evolution of his Martial Soul, and had advanced to Rank 83 Soul Douluo.
Dai Huabin and Zhu Lu had both reached Rank 81 Soul Douluo.
Lan Susu, Lan Ruoruo, and Xie Huan Yue were at Rank 73, 74, and 79, respectively.
Because the two Lan sisters had a combined martial soul fusion technique, and came from clean noble backgrounds (making them easier to manage), they were given two of the precious team slots.
(End of Chapter)