Perhaps to celebrate the birth of a new team, that very evening, Shuyan took the lead in organizing a casual dinner at the Star Emperor Grand Hotel. Lavish, extravagant dishes were brought to the table one after another. Xu Jiujiu personally attended the gathering, which left the hotel staff trembling with nervousness from start to finish, terrified that one wrong move might offend a noble and bring disaster down upon them...
At first, the group was a bit reserved. But after a few rounds of drinks, the atmosphere gradually became more relaxed. Chen Ming, just like his fire-type martial soul, was bright and extroverted. Under his intentional guidance, Shuyan came to learn quite a bit about each member of the group.
After spending some time with them, Shuyan gained a rough understanding of everyone.
Chen Ming was outgoing and energetic, though a bit impulsive when it came to handling serious matters.
Wang Lin, on the other hand, was the team's "silent gourd." He was introverted, but not exactly shy—in simpler terms, he was just too lazy to talk.
As for Luo Qinghan, Shuyan had already gotten to know her earlier, so there wasn't much new to note.
Qian Gu Yueyin's personality reminded him a little of the Nine-Colored Goddess from ten thousand years ago when she was young. Still, there were subtle differences—what exactly those were, Shuyan figured he'd only find out over time.
Huyan Hao, the big guy, had a straightforward personality. He didn't look like a good person at first glance, but he was actually honest and simple-hearted. He was also one of the quiet types in the group.
Then there was Tian Ling, who couldn't help teasing Shuyan from time to time… Yeah, she was the classic flirtatious troublemaker. Apparently, she'd been scolded more than once by Luo Qinghan for her behavior.
As for Meng Ning… well, she was just a shy little girl. During the dinner, she kept sneaking glances at Shuyan and immediately looked away with a red face every time their eyes met—only to sneak another peek a few moments later. Honestly, it was kind of cute.
Back at the Princess' residence, Shuyan took a quick bath. When he returned to the bedroom, he found that Xu Jiujiu had already fallen asleep.
Shuyan yawned, but he didn't feel tired. He had an odd, tingling sensation—like a breakthrough was near. After setting up several soul power alerts around the room, he sat down cross-legged and entered cultivation.
By the following afternoon, Shuyan felt refreshed in both body and spirit. His soul power surged joyfully, and his spiritual sea was crystal clear. Nearly eight hours of deep meditation had not only pushed his soul power to level 56, but also cleared his mind as though he had undergone a spiritual cleansing.
Seeing that it was still early, Shuyan searched the Princess' residence for Xu Jiujiu but didn't find her. A maid informed him she had gone to handle an urgent matter and wouldn't return until later that night.
Looking at the empty residence, Shuyan sighed and decisively chose to enter the palace.
What the Medical Immortal Douluo had mentioned yesterday still lingered in his mind. While he didn't know why the Grand Worshipper wanted to see him, Shuyan had a few guesses. Based on what he already knew, it wasn't hard to conclude that this man harbored a significant secret—and not an ordinary one.
Inside the Starlight Hall, Shuyan first met with Xu Jiawei, who was attending to government affairs. After a few brief exchanges, Xu Jiawei personally led him through a secret passage deep into the palace.
Surprisingly, the passage was so long that Shuyan began to wonder if they'd already left the palace grounds. Just as he was lost in thought, Xu Jiawei came to a stop.
He looked at the two massive stone doors ahead, then turned to Shuyan and said:
"This is my teacher's seclusion chamber. It's the most mysterious place in the entire Star Luo Palace. Even I only entered it once when I was young. Go on—he won't harm you."
Xu Jiawei's voice was calm and steady, and so was his gaze. Shuyan nodded and stepped forward, pushing open the heavy stone doors, which weighed at least a thousand catties.
Darkness rushed in like a tidal wave, instantly swallowing Shuyan whole. Xu Jiawei stood still for a moment before turning back the way he came.
In the dim stone chamber, several oil lamps flickered to life, barely dispelling the surrounding darkness. Shuyan looked up and found that above him was a shaft-like tunnel, similar to a well. The sun was just beginning to set, casting a faint golden light over the stonework above—but it couldn't reach much deeper, only adding a mysterious hue to the space below.
A soft chuckle came from the darkness, followed by more lamps lighting up. Qian Gu Chaosheng sat cross-legged at a low table. Just like the first time they met, he was thin and hunched, his figure half-shrouded in shadow. But his golden eyes still gleamed with an extraordinary brilliance.
"Greetings, Senior."
Shuyan gave a small bow, only to feel a gentle force of soul power lift him upright.
Qian Gu Chaosheng pointed to the seat across from him and said softly:
"No need for formality. Come sit. I have a few things I'd like to discuss with you."
Shuyan nodded and sat down across from him.
Qian Gu Chaosheng sighed, a hint of reflection in his eyes as he looked at Shuyan.
"I watched your battle with Yueyin and the others. You did well—far beyond my expectations."
"This is the first time in my life I've seen the overwhelming strength and dominance of an ultimate attribute firsthand. Perhaps by following you, Yueyin and the others can escape their current predicament and finally see a broader world."
Shuyan remained silent for a while before speaking:
"Elder Qian… you agree with my views?"
Qian Gu Chaosheng chuckled and replied casually:
"Why wouldn't I?"
"To us, Shrek Academy is a shame—and our greatest obstacle. To be honest, I once thought the same way you do. But reality forced me to compromise. That decision has always been a regret in my heart. Now that I'm old, I see things more clearly. And as my life nears its end… your appearance gives me hope. A sense of legacy."
Shuyan was stunned for a moment, just about to respond when Qian Gu Chaosheng cut him off and smoothly changed the subject.
"Little one, would you care to hear an old man's story? Perhaps after listening, you'll understand why I summoned you today…"