The moment those words were spoken, the atmosphere at the table subtly shifted.
Xiao Hongchen was no ordinary student. As a top genius of the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy—and the grandson of Jing Hongchen—his invitation carried far more weight than a simple offer of admission.
This was, in essence, a direct recommendation from the highest level.
And he knew exactly what he was doing.
A genius like Liu Yuan—someone discarded by Shrek Academy—was a treasure any power would fight to obtain.
Since fate had placed him here, Xiao Hongchen had no intention of letting him slip away.
---
At the side, Meng Hongchen immediately understood her brother's intent and stepped in to reinforce it.
She set down her glass and looked at Liu Yuan with rare seriousness.
"That's right, Brother Liu Yuan. Why not join our Sun Moon Royal Academy?"
"Our grandfather is the dean—Jing Hongchen. With your talent, you would absolutely receive the highest level of resources and training."
Her tone sharpened slightly with pride.
"Our academy is nothing like Shrek. We would never do something as foolish as suppressing our own geniuses."
She straightened, her confidence unmistakable.
"The Soul Engineer system of the Sun Moon Empire is far more advanced than the traditional Spirit Master path. There, your talent can truly shine."
"This invitation… is completely sincere."
---
The siblings spoke in perfect harmony.
Earnest.
Direct.
Without reservation.
---
Liu Yuan watched them quietly.
A trace of hesitation appeared on his face at just the right moment.
He lifted his glass, swirling it gently, as if deep in thought.
Then, after a pause, he sighed softly.
"Thank you… truly."
"To be honest, after what happened at Shrek, I've grown somewhat disillusioned with so-called great academies."
Those words made the siblings tense slightly.
But then—
Liu Yuan looked up, meeting their eyes, and smiled faintly.
"However… we only just met, yet you're willing to stand up for me like this."
"That sincerity… is hard to ignore."
He paused, as if making a decision.
"Perhaps your academy really is different."
Then, decisively—
"Alright."
"I'll go with you."
"I want to see this Sun Moon Royal Academy for myself."
---
The moment he agreed—
"It's settled!" Xiao Hongchen stood up immediately, unable to hide his excitement.
He raised his glass.
"Brother Liu Yuan, you won't regret this decision! Welcome to the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy!"
Meng Hongchen beamed as well.
"Welcome! From now on, we're classmates!"
Liu Yuan smiled and clinked glasses with them.
"Thank you."
---
Outwardly calm.
Inwardly—
He was already celebrating.
Perfect.
From the moment he recognized their identities, this outcome had been part of his plan.
His next System mission required him to stay at the academy for three months.
Without a proper identity, that would be nearly impossible.
But now?
With the personal backing of Xiao Hongchen and Meng Hongchen—
Everything became simple.
This saves me a lot of trouble.
---
After the meal, Xiao Hongchen wasted no time.
"Let's leave immediately," he said, glancing at the sky. "The sooner we reach the Capital, the sooner I can introduce you to my grandfather."
"Alright," Liu Yuan agreed.
---
They set off that very day.
The journey through the Sun Moon Empire was unlike anything Liu Yuan had seen before.
The wilderness bore traces of mining everywhere. Strange, metallic vegetation dotted the landscape, giving the land a cold, industrial atmosphere—completely different from the natural beauty of the Douluo Continent.
They traveled quickly.
By day—full speed.
By night—rest in towns or camp in the wild.
---
Several days passed in a flash.
---
That night—
A cave.
A small fire crackled, its orange glow lighting their faces.
Meng Hongchen stretched lazily against a rock.
"Are we almost there? I'm so tired of sleeping outside…"
"Almost," Xiao Hongchen replied with a smile. "At this rate, we'll reach the Capital in two days."
He turned to Liu Yuan, eyes bright with anticipation.
"Once we arrive, I'll take you to meet my grandfather immediately. With your talent… he'll definitely be shocked."
Liu Yuan nodded calmly.
"I'm looking forward to it as well."
---
Soon, the night deepened.
The fire dimmed.
The forest outside grew quiet.
One by one, they settled down to rest.
---
But just as silence fully descended—
Liu Yuan's eyes snapped open.
Two powerful auras…
Rapidly approaching.
Fast.
Very fast.
And—
Hostile.
---
The air in the cave turned tense in an instant.
Something was coming.