Douluo Dalu 2: You are an Evil Soul Master, but also a good person ?

Buzz!"

Accompanied by the humming sound of flying soul tools, Xu Cheng and his team finally arrived in the capital of the Star Luo Empire after a grueling two-day journey from the Sun Moon Empire.

In the distance, the towering and solid city walls came into view.

"Phew, we finally made it. Flying for two days straight, eating on the go… it was brutal," Xiao Hongchen complained.

"Next time we come, we might not have to suffer like this," Xu Cheng replied with a grin.

Currently, not only were mechas in development, but aerospace planes were also on the research agenda. Compared to the physical sciences of his past life, the combination of soul power propulsion and formation-based core technology made things much simpler in the Douluo Continent.

The speed of a soul-powered engine depended on its grade and the amount of soul power it could receive—the more energy supplied, the faster it would go.

Unlike flying soul tools, which had to account for the user's physical endurance, combat aircraft had far fewer restrictions. However, for now, the development of such technology was still in its early stages. Their priority was to complete the research on lower-tier mechas first.

There was also the matter of launching satellites, which took precedence over aerial transport.

Still, it wasn't quite there yet…

Xu Cheng sighed slightly.

Of course, there was another method of traveling with ease—conquering the Star Luo Empire and building a soul-guided railway all the way from Mingdu to the capital.

As he gazed at the solemn and majestic city walls, a poem came to mind:

"When autumn comes on the ninth of September,My blossoms bloom while all others perish.Their fragrance pierces through Star Luo skies,The city bathed in golden armor."

But honestly, this poem suited Huo Yuhao more. After all, he had fled the Duke's Mansion and would one day return to reclaim his place. It would be a fitting tribute when he stormed through the capital straight to his father, who was stationed at the border.

Thinking of this, Xu Cheng glanced at Huo Yuhao, who was fitting in well with the team and was currently busy grilling fish for everyone.

He shook his head helplessly.

Well, no matter what, a good cook always had high status.

Although the team didn't particularly care about Huo Yuhao's strength, they all treated him warmly. A single fragrant, mouthwatering grilled fish was far better than the dry rations and compressed food they were used to.

Noticing Xu Cheng's gaze, Huo Yuhao quickly handed him a freshly grilled fish, which was originally intended for Lin Xi.

"Who the hell stole my grilled fish?!" Lin Xi roared angrily, but the moment he saw it was Xu Cheng, he shrank back and grinned sheepishly.

"Heh, Xu Cheng gets first dibs! All yours, boss!"

"Give it to him, Yuhao," Xu Cheng sighed helplessly.

Why did this feel like bullying within the team?

"Hehe, I love you, Xu Cheng!" Now that they had gotten close, Lin Xi had no qualms about acting casual. He grabbed the grilled fish and tore into it, making loud slurping noises that made others jealous.

Once everyone finished their meal and filled their stomachs, they entered the city.

With the tournament approaching, the entire capital of Star Luo was bustling—similar to the Olympics in Xu Cheng's previous life. Countless businesses flourished, from small clothing shops and street food vendors to high-end soul master and soul tool stores, all crowded with people. The streets were filled with travelers from various regions, as well as tournament participants.

What a great way to boost the economy.

Xu Cheng observed the scene while making mental notes.

Though theoretically, all nations on the continent had equal opportunities to host the tournament, in reality, the event had never been held outside the four great empires.

It was just like how certain powerful nations in his past life always had veto power—playing the game by bending the rules to their advantage.

(Just a joke, of course.)

Upon reaching the registration area, they arrived at the most prestigious hotel in Star Luo Empire, one managed directly by the royal family. This towering skyscraper was an architectural marvel and had been the official lodging for participating academies for decades.

"There are 133 participating teams, and this hotel has over a hundred floors. Each floor can easily accommodate fifty people… Pretty extravagant," Xiao Hongchen remarked.

"Next tournament, it'll be our turn to host. When that time comes, we'll have home advantage. Xu Cheng, let's win another championship together—double crowns!"

"Don't be careless…" Ma Rulong warned.

"Relax, relax!" Xiao Hongchen chuckled. Being Xu Cheng's close friend, he had already been briefed about Xuanzi's fiasco, even watching the recorded memory crystal of the event.

With that kind of power on their side, how could they possibly lose?

But for a young man like him, winning under such circumstances felt a bit unsatisfying. So he looked forward to the next tournament in five years, where he could go head-to-head with Shrek Academy in a fair battle.

The Sun Moon Empire team was assigned to the second floor, taking up an entire level.

This was a privilege given to the previous tournament's top eight teams—each got a whole floor to themselves. Teams ranked lower had to share floors.

Meanwhile, on the upper floor...

Shrek Academy's team gathered in one place.

"Teacher Wang, the registration closes tonight. Has the academy sent reinforcements yet?" Bei Bei asked anxiously.

"…"

Wang Yan fell silent, then slowly shook his head.

After a long pause, he finally spoke. "Actually, the academy has already sent word. No additional support will be coming."

The words struck everyone like a heavy hammer to the chest.

"The academy has made it clear that Shrek's honor should never be a burden on anyone. We should compete without fear, and no matter the outcome, as long as we give it our all, it will be worth celebrating," Wang Yan forced a smile.

In truth, the message he received from Yan Shaozhe had a very different tone.

The implication was clear—even if you all have to die fighting, you must make it to the top four!

Otherwise… well, they knew what would happen.

But Wang Yan understood just how difficult that would be.

Regardless of whether they made it or not, as long as they failed to win the championship, the blame would all fall on him. His name would be tarnished in Shrek Academy's history forever!

The disaster caused by Xuanzi would remain a secret of the Sea God's Pavilion. But when future students read about the tournament history, they would see a glaring stain—under his leadership, for the first time ever, Shrek Academy had failed.

No reinforcements. No backup instructors. No support at all.

Why? Because no one was foolish enough to come share the blame with him.

But no matter what, life had to go on…

Wang Yan sighed.

"Xiao Tao, how long do you need?"

"Around a week! I can fight in a week!" Ma Xiaotao gritted her teeth.

"You won't be fully recovered in a week…" Wang Yan shook his head helplessly.

"I can recover! Teacher Wang, this is Shrek Academy's honor of ten thousand years!" Ma Xiaotao, still in a wheelchair, nearly jumped up in frustration.

"Shut up! I am the lead instructor!" Wang Yan finally lost his temper, his eyes burning with rage.

(End of Chapter)