Inside the castle, within a spacious hall, there were three figures.
Two of them were seated on opposite sides of the hall, both tall and imposing.
On the left sat a robust middle-aged man with a burly physique. His short, dense hair resembled steel needles, and his appearance was dignified. His strong face looked like it had been carved from stone, and his deep brown eyes had a faint golden glow. Though he wore a gray robe, it couldn't fully conceal his muscular build. Simply sitting there, he exuded an aura of unshakable steadfastness.
On the right sat another middle-aged man with long, green hair draped over his broad shoulders. His green eyes, though seemingly simple, held a unique, indescribable quality, as if he couldn't fully suppress the powerful aura within him. He wore a white battle outfit that tightly wrapped his towering frame, making his presence even more intimidating than the man across from him.
These two were none other than Niu Tian and Tai Tan, the leaders of the Clear Sky Sect—both rare and powerful figures in the world. Especially Niu Tian, whose strength made him one of the most formidable beings on the continent.
Standing before them was a third figure, smaller in comparison to their towering forms. She wore a lavish battle outfit, her pink-blue hair and large eyes of the same color adding to her youthful charm. Despite her delicate appearance, she had a handsome quality. At that moment, she was pouting at Niu Tian and Tai Tan, acting coquettishly.
"Dong'er, didn't you want to go to Shrek Academy? Why the sudden change of heart? Now you want to attend the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineering Academy?"
Tai Tan spoke, his tone helpless. "Second Uncle is telling you, that place isn't good at all."
He looked at the petite figure in front of him, trying to dissuade her. Just yesterday, she'd been set on going to Shrek Academy. Now, she'd changed her mind and wanted to go to the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineering Academy. Wasn't this nonsense?
"Dong'er, your Second Uncle is right," Niu Tian added.
"The Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineering Academy isn't a friendly place. At Shrek Academy, with our Clear Sky Sect's reputation, nothing will happen to you. No one would dare lay a hand on you. Over the millennia, the Clear Sky Sect and Shrek Academy have had some ties. But the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineering Academy—that's beyond our reach. And what could they teach you? Martial souls? Soul cultivation? Surely they won't teach you about soul tools, especially when you don't have talent in that area."
Niu Tian couldn't understand her sudden insistence on going there. Didn't she dislike soul tools? Why insist on something that seemed like a waste of time?
"Who says I don't have a talent for soul tools?"
Wang Dong'er shot back, pursing her lips.
"I, Wang Dong'er, can learn anything! What's a soul tool, anyway? I'm going to the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineering Academy."
She replied defiantly, her willfulness evident. I'm going, and no one can stop me.
"Dong'er, Second Uncle is only doing this for your good. Why won't you listen?"
Tai Tan sighed, troubled by her stubbornness.
"Alright, Second Brother. Dong'er, are you set on going to the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineering Academy?"
Niu Tian's voice interrupted, more serious now. Wang Dong'er nodded.
"Why?"
His expression turned stern. Seeing his seriousness, Wang Dong'er dropped her playful demeanor and replied earnestly: "There's a voice inside me telling me I have to go to the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineering Academy. If I don't, I'll regret it."
Hearing this, Niu Tian and Tai Tan exchanged shocked glances.
"Big Brother, could it be…?"
Tai Tan began, but Niu Tian cut him off.
"Fine, Dong'er. If you're determined, then go," Niu Tian conceded. "Though it's far away, I doubt the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineering Academy would dare offend our Clear Sky Sect."
"Really, uncle? You're the best!"
Wang Dong'er beamed, and her mood instantly lifted.
"I agree, but you must promise not to cause trouble. Don't be capricious, understand? It's not like home over there, so you'll need to be more careful," Niu Tian cautioned her.
"I know, I promise I won't cause trouble," Wang Dong'er responded with a radiant smile.
"Alright. Since you're so happy, go pack up properly. Tomorrow, uncle will take you to report at the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineering Academy," Niu Tian said, his gaze softening as he watched her.
"Okay, uncle!"
Wang Dong'er replied cheerfully before skipping out of the hall.
"Big Brother, what's going on with Dong'er? Could it be…?"
Tai Tan trailed off, pointing toward the sky.
"Enough. You know what's going on. Don't say it out loud."
Niu Tian glanced at Tai Tan.
"What's he thinking, anyway? Wasn't everything arranged for Dong'er to go to Shrek Academy? Why the sudden change?"
"I still say the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineering Academy isn't suitable for Dong'er. It's a waste of her talent," Tai Tan grumbled.
"I've watched her grow up, after all."
"Do you think I haven't?"
Niu Tian replied.
"He's her father. He wouldn't harm her."
"That's debatable," Tai Tan muttered under his breath.
"He's been different since he became a God King."
"Enough. Just get ready to send her off. The Sun Moon Empire is dangerous. From now on, you'll protect her closely. If anything happens…"
"Then you can use my head as a chamber pot!"
Tai Tan vowed, pounding his chest solemnly.
"I don't need one that big," Niu Tian quipped, giving Tai Tan a warning. "But be careful. If you let anything happen to her, I'll skin you alive. And remember—you're not allowed to interfere unless she's in mortal danger. Understood?"
"But what if someone bullies her?"
Tai Tan muttered.
"If it's someone her age, don't interfere unless she's in danger. Dong'er is growing up—she needs challenges."
"But if someone bullies you by using their seniority, don't hold back—beat them to death if you have to."
Niu Tian's eyes sharpened as he added, "We've never been afraid of anyone."
"Got it—beat them to death," Tai Tan clenched his fists, brimming with fighting spirit.
"So, after everything I said, the only part you remembered was about beating people up?"
Niu Tian looked at Tai Tan with an exasperated expression.
Tai Tan chuckled sheepishly, scratching his head.
...
The next morning, at dawn.
Su Yu followed his usual routine of physical training, then washed up and had breakfast in the dormitory cafeteria. Each building had its cafeteria, making meals convenient. Once again, Su Yu couldn't help but admire the human-centric design of the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineering Academy.
In some ways, it was more advanced than Shrek Academy. At Shrek, the cafeteria didn't even have seats—students had to stand while eating, and taking food outside was forbidden. What were they thinking? Even having a meal was unnecessarily complicated.
Su Yu entered the cafeteria and ordered a few steamed buns along with a bowl of golden, thick stew, likely made from some type of soul beast tendon. It was soft and flavorful. He also grabbed some stir-fried vegetables, made from the core of a plant-type soul beast. After cooking, Su Yu couldn't even identify which soul beast it came from, but the taste was good.
The meal cost Su Yu over a hundred gold soul coins—soul beast cuisine was simply that expensive. But it was worth it. Su Yu never skimped on food. Besides, it was cheaper in the academy; outside, it would probably cost even more.
After breakfast, Su Yu took a stroll around the academy to digest his food. Since formal classes hadn't started yet, he decided to explore and familiarize himself with the campus. The dormitory area didn't have much to offer, so Su Yu first wandered to the teaching buildings. There were twelve in total, two for each grade.
After checking them out, Su Yu moved on to other parts of the academy. He found facilities like the simulation training room, fitness center, entertainment venues, and more. The Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineering Academy lived up to its reputation as one of the top academies on the continent, with nearly every facility fully equipped.
As Su Yu wandered, his pace seemed leisurely, but in reality, he moved quickly—like a gust of wind. His steps were so light that they left no trace, and in just a few strides, he would be ten meters away.
Without realizing it, Su Yu ventured deeper into the academy's experimental zone. This area was the core training ground of the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineering Academy, housing various soul tool laboratories. Even this early in the morning, the rhythmic thud, thud, thud from many buildings echoed through the area.
There were far more people in the experimental zone than in other parts of the academy. Su Yu encountered many students along the way. Noticing that he wasn't wearing a school uniform, some gave him curious looks, but no one approached to question him.
As Su Yu continued exploring, he suddenly stopped. A peculiar building caught his eye. It was different from the others—not particularly large or eye-catching, but heavily guarded, with a striking metallic design. Above the entrance, a plaque bore three bold characters: Illustrious Virtue Hall.
"So, this is Illustrious Virtue Hall?"
Su Yu murmured to himself.
"Hey, who are you? What are you doing sneaking around Illustrious Virtue Hall?"
A somewhat arrogant voice sounded behind him. Su Yu turned around and saw a boy and a girl walking toward him. They looked to be around fourteen or fifteen, but their soul power was notably high. With his sharp eyes, Su Yu could tell they were both above the Soul Elder level, nearing Soul King. It was rare to see such cultivation at their age.
"I'm talking to you! What are you doing here?"
The boy demanded.
Su Yu pointed at himself.
"Me?"
"Yes, you! What are you doing wandering around Illustrious Virtue Hall, you little spy?"
The boy's gaze was unfriendly, scrutinizing Su Yu as if trying to see through him.
"I'm no spy. I'm a student here," Su Yu said calmly.
"Nonsense! How come I've never seen you before?" the boy retorted. "Where's your uniform? Where's your student badge?"
Su Yu casually pulled out his student badge and put it on.
"The uniforms haven't been issued yet. I'm a new student."
"A new student? Really?"
The boy still seemed skeptical, though the badge appeared authentic.
"Alright, I'll believe you for now. But do you know this area is off-limits to new students?"
"No, I didn't."
"You—!"
The boy was irritated.
"Alright, brother, don't be so harsh. It's his first time at the academy; it's understandable if he doesn't know," the girl interjected, her voice soft but firm.
"Besides, he didn't barge into Illustrious Virtue Hall, right? No need to make things difficult."
The girl's large, watery eyes shifted to Su Yu, lingering on his face, as if she couldn't look away.
Seeing the boy and girl, Su Yu began forming some guesses.
"Senior, you're so beautiful. May I ask your name?"
Su Yu's tone softened as he looked at the girl.
Blushing slightly, she replied, "I'm Meng Hongchen."
"Meng Hongchen? What a lovely name. And who's this fierce guy with you, Senior? He's scary."
Su Yu pretended to look frightened.
"Hey, who are you calling fierce?"
The boy's face darkened as he glared at Su Yu.
Meng Hongchen quickly held him back.
"This is my brother, Xiao Hongchen."
"Your brother? But you two don't look alike at all. Senior, you're so beautiful," Su Yu observed with mock seriousness, shaking his head.
"You! What do you mean by that?"
Xiao Hongchen was livid.
"Huh?"
Su Yu feigned innocence.
Xiao Hongchen was completely triggered. Complimenting his sister while implying they looked nothing alike? Wasn't that just a roundabout way of calling him ugly?
This guy! He had to teach him a lesson!
"Brother, he's just a junior—don't scare him," Meng Hongchen pleaded, holding Xiao Hongchen back tightly, trying to calm him down.