37: Chapter 37 Departure! Heading to the Star Luo Empire

He looked at Mu En's wrinkled face, knowing that the old man's question was by no means casual.

He remained silent for a moment, organizing the thoughts in his mind.

As a transmigrator, his perspective on this issue was destined to be different from the people of this world.

"I feel that... slaughter should not be the eternal theme between humans and Spirit Beasts."

Su Chen spoke after careful deliberation.

"In order to obtain spirit rings and Spirit Bones, Spirit Masters must hunt Spirit Beasts. This has been the iron law of the continent for ten thousand years, and it seems beyond reproach."

"But if this continues, Spirit Beasts will become fewer and fewer, and high-age Spirit Beasts will become even rarer. One day, Spirit Beasts will disappear completely. At that time, where will the profession of Spirit Master go?"

Mu En listened quietly, without interrupting him.

Su Chen continued, "I'm wondering if there's another possibility. A path of coexistence between humans and Spirit Beasts."

"The path of coexistence..."

Mu En repeated these four words in a low voice, the light in his eyes flickering slightly.

Su Chen nodded and spoke his boldest idea: "Yes. Perhaps we can establish Spirit Beast sanctuaries, or perhaps we can research methods to obtain spirit rings without harming the lives of Spirit Beasts."

"This path is very difficult, and it even sounds like a fantasy, but I feel it might be the perfect way out."

After speaking, Su Chen looked at Mu En with some nervousness.

In this world, such remarks could be considered rebellious and outrageous.

A long silence fell within the pavilion.

Only the wind outside the window blew through the leaves, making a rustling sound.

After a long while, Mu En slowly let out a breath. In those dim eyes, for the first time, there was an undisguised look of approval.

"What a fine 'path of coexistence'."

He looked at Su Chen with a meaningful gaze.

"This idea is very bold, and also... very good."

"Disciple, remember your words today."

Mu En's voice carried a hint of fatigue, yet it was incredibly solemn.

"Perhaps one day, you really will be able to change the landscape of this continent."

...

A month's time passed in the blink of an eye.

During this month, Su Chen lived quite comfortably.

From time to time, he would run to the Sea Gods Pavilion and nag the old man Mu En.

"Master, I've been having nightmares lately, dreaming that our Shrek people were beaten up by bad guys outside."

"Master, I observed the celestial phenomena at night and found the Ziwei Star to be dim. I'm afraid this trip will have its twists and turns."

"Master, I..."

Mu En's ears were almost growing callouses from listening.

However, he still took his little disciple's words to heart.

After all, he was the hope for the future. If something really happened, it would be too late for regrets.

Thus, Mu En simply gave an order.

All participating team members, including the official and preparatory teams, were to remain in the academy for the month before the competition and were not allowed to go out.

It was ostensibly called 'conserving energy and building up strength'.

When Su Chen found out, he let out a long sigh of relief in his heart.

It's settled.

In the original story, the Shrek team was ambushed by Evil Soul Masters before the competition and suffered heavy casualties, forcing the preparatory team to take over. This plotline had been gently flapped away by him, the little butterfly.

This feeling of secretly manipulating the plot was truly satisfying.

...

The day of departure arrived.

The sun was bright in front of the gates of Shrek Academy.

The two teams stood neatly, fourteen people in total.

Everyone was full of energy with steady auras. There was no pre-battle nervousness at all; instead, they looked like a group of college students out on a trip.

Su Chen stood at the very front of the team.

He wore a white Shrek school uniform today, the golden patterns shimmering in the sun, making him look even more tall and handsome.

As the Holy Son of Shrek Academy, he was the undisputed center.

Many senior and junior female students hid in the distance, looking at his back and screaming softly.

"Look, look, it's Senior Su Chen."

"Oh my god, Senior is way too handsome. He'll definitely win the championship in this tournament."

A burly old man with messy hair came walking over unsteadily.

He carried a large gourd in his hand, and a rich aroma of wine wafted out.

It was Xuan Zi.

Xuan Zi scanned the spirited team members and nodded with satisfaction.

He walked to the front of the team, cleared his throat, and his voice was as loud as a bell.

"Are you all ready?"

"Ready!" the fourteen people responded in unison, their momentum immense.

Xuan Zi grinned, revealing a row of big white teeth.

He raised the wine gourd in his hand and shouted with heroic spirit:

"Departure! Heading to the Star Luo Empire!"

After speaking, he tilted his head back and took a large gulp of wine.

The grand team officially embarked on the journey to the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Soul Dueling Tournament.

Two and a half days later.

The group was travel-worn but finally arrived at their destination.

The capital of the Star Luo Empire, Star Luo City.

The massive city walls were like a reclining dragon stretched out before everyone. The city gates alone were dozens of meters high.

Inside the city, people and carriages flowed like water. The level of prosperity far exceeded Su Chen's imagination.

The air seemed to be filled with the fiery atmosphere of the approaching tournament.

A few days later.

The Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Soul Dueling Tournament officially opened.

Inside the massive circular competition arena, there was a sea of people, and the noise was almost enough to lift the roof.

"Next, let us use our most enthusiastic cheers to welcome the defending champions—Shrek Academy!"

The host's voice spread throughout the venue via a soul tool megaphone.

When the two words "Shrek Academy" resounded through the sky, the atmosphere of the entire venue was instantly ignited.

Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, fourteen figures appeared at the end of a tunnel.

They were wearing uniform dark green team outfits with the Shrek Academy green monster badge on their chests.

Walking at the very front was Su Chen.

His expression was calm, and his pace was neither fast nor slow, as if he weren't here for a competition but for a stroll in a back garden.

However, just as the team entered the player preparation area, a scene occurred that made everyone's jaws drop.

Su Chen did not walk toward the competition stage with the other team members.

He... actually turned a corner, walked straight to the player rest area nearby, found a seat, and just sat down.

The entire venue fell silent for a moment, then erupted into a complete uproar.

Discussions broke out among the audience.

"What's the situation? Why did that leader sit down? Isn't he going on stage?"

"What's going on? Their opponent is the host, Star Luo Royal Academy, one of the strongest teams!"

"Is Shrek going to use their preparatory team for the first match? Are they that arrogant?"

"I don't get it. I really don't understand this move..."

At the highest point of the VIP stand.

The Emperor of the Star Luo Empire immediately locked his gaze on Su Chen as he walked toward the rest area.

Frowning slightly, he turned to the White Tiger Duke, Dai Hao, who was dressed in military uniform with a condensed aura, and asked:

"Dai Hao, is that person Shrek's secret weapon this time?"

"Facing our country's representative team, why isn't he going on stage?"

Dai Hao's gaze also fell on Su Chen, his voice low.

"Your Majesty, he is the newly appointed Holy Son of the Sea Gods Pavilion, Su Chen."

"This person is unfathomable."

Dai Hao paused, his tone carrying a hint of gravity.

"I'm afraid that in his eyes, this first match isn't yet a battle that requires him to take action."