Two days later.
At the Soul Guidance Train station in East Sea City, all the participating students from East Sea Academy had gathered. Among the junior division, two familiar figures stood out—Mu Xi and Ouyang Zixin.
"Brother Luo Chuan, Sister Gu Yue, and everyone else…"
"So you're going to Heaven Sea City too."
Mu Xi's gaze landed on Tang Luochuan, her face brimming with a smile, showing no surprise at all.
"Sister Mu Xi, you're participating in the forging competition, right?"
Tang Luochuan smiled faintly and spoke slowly.
"Of course."
"I may not be as versatile as you, Luo Chuan, but in the field of forging, aside from you brothers, no one in the junior division can match me."
Mu Xi nodded with a bright smile. She had long guessed they would be going together, but she had spent the past few days refining her forging skills and hadn't had the chance to meet up with them.
She had no interest in the Soul Master competition, but as one of the few students in the academy who had successfully undergone Spirit Ascension, she had to tag along. However, when it came to forging…
She was determined to win.
Though, facing Luo Chuan and the others, she'd probably only manage to secure third place in the junior division.
"By the way, Sister Zixin and I are also representing the junior division in the Soul Master competition as members of the Control System."
"Ever since Luo Chuan and Sister Gu Yue helped us with Spirit Ascension, our combat abilities have improved significantly."
Mu Xi grabbed Ouyang Zixin's arm and said cheerfully.
"That's right."
"If it weren't for Luo Chuan and Sister Gu Yue's help, my strength wouldn't have improved this much."
Hearing this, Ouyang Zixin wore a gentle smile, her eyes filled with gratitude as she looked toward Tang Luochuan.
Her Martial Soul already carried the bloodline of the Blue Silver King, and after her first Soul Spirit underwent Spirit Ascension, her Martial Soul had also improved considerably.
In addition to its inherent resilience, the previously faint life-affinity effect had strengthened, now even granting her healing abilities.
This was an enormous boon for her.
"Hahaha."
"It was just a small favor. If you really want to thank us, Sister Zixin, just focus on training harder and become a powerful Soul Master in the future."
Tang Luochuan smiled warmly as he spoke.
"Alright!"
Ouyang Zixin responded with a laugh.
"Wu Lin…"
As they boarded the Soul Guidance Train, Tang Luochuan instinctively glanced at his younger brother, Tang Wulin. Though they had never encountered any mishaps so far, he knew full well…
His brother was an absolute train-wrecker!
Of course, this time, that effect shouldn't be triggered.
"What is it, Brother?"
"Nothing…"
Tang Luochuan shook his head with a smile, though his expression grew serious.
"In the future, try to ride the Soul Guidance Train less."
"Huh? Huh??"
Tang Wulin blinked in confusion.
"..."
"Heaven Sea City, we've arrived."
Not long after, the train from East Sea City to Heaven Sea City pulled into the station.
The group from East Sea Academy, like participants from other academies, headed to the Starlight Grand Hotel in the heart of Heaven Sea City. The competition venue was right next door, just a short distance away.
"Luo Chuan, come to my room later."
As soon as they entered the hotel, Mu Xi seemed thoughtful and looked at Tang Luochuan with a serious expression.
"Huh?"
"Huh???"
Hearing these words, everyone was stunned—Xie Xie and his group were no exception, while Xu Xiaoyan's eyes widened as if she had just stumbled upon some juicy gossip.
So, the boss and this sister actually…
"..."
Gu Yue's expression darkened entirely. She remained silent, but the coldness in her heart was almost palpable.
"My forging skills still need refinement. I hope to improve a bit more before the first round of tomorrow's forging competition..."
"Hmm? Gu Yue, what's wrong?"
Mu Xi spoke slowly, but as she did, she noticed Gu Yue's increasingly strange expression and froze.
She could tell Gu Yue had feelings for Luo Chuan. That expression… could she have misunderstood something?
Oh no! Had her earlier words been… Her face visibly flushed red.
"No, Gu Yue! It's not what you think!"
"I'm just here for forging!"
Mu Xi waved her hands, her face burning as she spoke. She was still an innocent maiden, and her relationship with Luo Chuan was purely platonic—absolutely nothing beyond that!
"I just wanted to forge, nothing like what you're imagining… ugh!"
"Luo Chuan, I'll talk to you later!"
Overwhelmed by embarrassment, Mu Xi couldn't bear to stay any longer. She grabbed Ouyang Zixin beside her and dashed toward her room.
"Xiao Xi~"
"Why did you confess without being asked~?"
Ouyang Zixin's smile widened as she teased Mu Xi, amused by her flustered state.
"You really don't like Luo Chuan, huh~?"
"I don't…!"
"Zixin, stop making things up!"
"..."
Meanwhile, hearing Mu Xi's explanation that it was only about forging, Gu Yue snapped out of her thoughts, the coldness in her expression fading instantly.
She… would never be jealous!
Never!
At the same time, in another hotel room.
"Na'er."
"Are you here to compete too?"
Teacher Shen Yi looked at the adorable, petite girl before her and couldn't help but ask.
Without context, no one would guess that this seemingly harmless little girl was actually a Soul Venerable powerhouse—and even the disciple of the Atlas Douluo, Yun Ming, the leader of Shrek Academy and the Sea God Pavilion Master.
She hadn't planned to bring Na'er along, as no one could guarantee her safety if anything happened…
"Teacher Shen, I'm not here to compete."
Na'er shook her head obediently.
"I just wanted to see the outside world."
"I've been so cooped up at school…"
She said earnestly.
"Alright."
"But if you go out, you must tell me first. Even though you're strong, the world is full of dangerous people. Stay safe…"
Shen Yi spoke with deep concern before leaving the room, leaving Na'er alone.
"Brother Luo Chuan…"
Na'er gazed out the window, her beautiful eyes filled with longing, happiness, and a hint of guilt.
She understood Gu Yue's intentions—keeping her at Shrek wasn't about monopolizing Luo Chuan but for her own good. But…
She missed him so much.
"But this time…"
"
Let me pretend to obey while acting otherwise…"
Na'er blinked her eyes, her gaze filled with unconcealable anticipation. In Tianhai City...
She would run into Brother Luo Chuan!