Lu Yu nodded, a hint of anticipation flashing in his eyes: "Royal Academy... that sounds interesting. I hope it won't disappoint me."

The sky above Tiandou City was a clear, deep blue, and the outline of the Royal Academy gradually came into view.

It was a magnificent architectural complex, its glazed tiles gleaming in the sunlight, exuding an imposing aura.

At the entrance of the college, an elderly man with a hunched back and a full head of white hair had been waiting for a long time.

His gaze was deep and scrutinizing as he swept over the Shrek members, finally settling on Flander.

"Dean Flander, I've long admired your name."

The old man's voice was hoarse but dignified: "I am Dugu Fu of the Heaven Dou Royal Academy, and I have come today to welcome the Shrek Academy students."

Flander cupped his hands in a smile, his tone neither humble nor arrogant: "Senior Loneliness, you are too kind."

The Heaven Dou Royal Academy is renowned for its strong faculty, while Shrek Academy is merely a small academy from a remote town. It is truly an honor to be here for this exchange.

A glint of light flashed in Gu Du Fu's eyes, and the corners of his mouth turned up slightly: "Dean Flander is too modest."

The genius students of Shrek Academy are famous throughout the continent; I have long heard of their reputation.

Since we're here, why don't the two academies have a friendly competition and see who's better?

These words seemed to add an invisible tension to the air.

Lu Yu raised an eyebrow, thinking to himself, "This old man is indeed not simple. He wants to test our strength right from the start."

Flanders chuckled, his tone still smooth: "We appreciate Senior Loneliness's kindness."

A friendly competition between the two academies is certainly a good thing, but the outcome will only be known on the field.

Gu Du Fu nodded, his gaze sweeping over Lu Yu and the others, a hint of barely perceptible interest flashing in his eyes: "Alright, let's arrange for everyone to stay today, and we'll host a welcome banquet tonight."

We can discuss the matter of exchanging ideas another day.

Lu Yu stood aside, quietly observing Gu Du Fu, but a sense of vigilance rose in his heart.

The old man's aura was unfathomable; he was clearly no ordinary Soul Master.

He whispered to Xiao Wu, "This Lonely Fu seems to be a tough nut to crack."

Xiao Wu pouted and lowered her voice, saying, "No matter how strong he is, we at Shrek Academy aren't afraid! Lu Yu, you'd better show some real skills and not embarrass our academy."

Lu Yu chuckled, a hint of confidence flashing in his eyes: "Don't worry, I never disappoint."

The group followed Gu Du Fu into the academy. The scenery along the way was magnificent and breathtaking, and the students looked at them with curiosity and scrutiny.

Lu Yu walked in the group, but in his mind he was planning his next move.

The absorption of the soul bone further enhanced his strength, but the 15% speed boost still left him somewhat dissatisfied.

He needs stronger soul bones and stronger soul skills to gain a foothold on this continent.

As night fell, the Royal Academy's banquet hall was brightly lit.

Lonely Fu raised his glass in greeting, his smile carrying a hint of deeper meaning: "Gentlemen of Shrek, please have a good rest today."

We'll have to have a good talk tomorrow.

Lu Yu held his wine glass, his gaze briefly meeting Gu Du Fu's, and thought to himself, "Exchange? He probably wants to test our strength."

"Very well, let me see just how capable the Heaven Dou Royal Academy really is!"

As dusk fell, the afterglow of the setting sun cast a golden-red glow on the bluestone ground of the Royal Academy.

As soon as the Shrek Academy students stepped through the academy gates, they were met with a subtle sense of oppression.

Lu Yu walked at the front of the group, his eyes scanning the surroundings, his brows slightly furrowed.

His gaze finally settled on the figure in front of him, clad in a dark green robe—Poison Douluo Dugu Bo, the leader of the Royal Academy's exchange team.

"Lu Yu, who is this old man? He has such a strong aura."

Xiao Wu moved closer to Lu Yu and asked in a low voice, her tone tinged with unease.

Her rabbit ears twitched slightly, as if she had sensed something.

Lu Yu's gaze remained fixed as he replied in a low voice, "Dugu Bo, a titled Douluo, also known as the Poison Douluo."

His poison skills were unmatched, and his actions were extremely ruthless and vicious.

You and everyone else should stay away from him and not get close.

Xiao Wu nodded, a hint of worry flashing in her eyes: "What about you? Aren't you afraid of him?"

Lu Yu's lips curled up slightly, revealing a calm smile: "Afraid? Not really."

However, this old fellow doesn't seem to have any friendly intentions; I need to be careful.

He turned to look at Flander behind him, his voice slightly deep: "Dean, for this exchange, the Royal Academy sent a tough nut to crack."

You handle him, I'll keep an eye on everyone else.

Flander pushed up his glasses, a glint of shrewdness flashing in his eyes: "Don't worry, I can still handle that old poisoner, Dugu Bo."

Take them to rest first; don't let them mess up during tomorrow's sparring match.

Lu Yu nodded and led Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, and the others toward the accommodations arranged by the academy.

His steps were steady, but he always maintained a sense of vigilance.

Dugu Bo's appearance was by no means accidental; the Royal Academy's trip was probably not just for a simple exchange.

The courtyard is small, with seven neatly arranged houses with blue tiles. An old locust tree sways in the wind, bringing a touch of coolness.

Lu Yu pushed open the courtyard gate, glanced at the simple room, and waved his hand dismissively: "It doesn't matter where you stay. Everyone, get a good rest tonight. Tomorrow is the real battle."

Tang San stepped forward and patted Lu Yu on the shoulder: "You don't seem worried at all about whether there will be any problems with this place?"

Lu Yu chuckled, a sly glint in his eyes: "The problem? If the Royal Academy really dares to tamper with things in this courtyard, I'll be the first to tear down their lair."

He paused, then his tone turned serious: "However, be careful tonight, especially Xiao Wu. Stay away from people you don't know."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Wu blushed slightly, lowered her head, and whispered, "I know, Lu Yu, you're always so worried."

Ning Rongrong covered her mouth and chuckled, "Oh, Lu Yu, you really care about Xiao Wu. Even I'm a little jealous."

Lu Yu glanced at her, too lazy to pay attention, and went straight into his room, sat down cross-legged, and began to adjust his soul power.

His soul power flowed slowly through his body like a stream, each breath seemingly gathering strength for tomorrow's sparring match.

In his mind, Dugu Bo's sinister face kept flashing by, and Lu Yu's eyes grew even deeper: "Old poisoner, you better not try anything funny."

As night deepened, the courtyard became so quiet that only the chirping of insects could be heard.

Lu Yu was closing his eyes to regulate his breathing when there was a gentle knock on the door.

He opened his eyes and said in a deep voice, "Who?"

"It's me, Xiao Wu."

Xiao Wu's slightly nervous voice came from outside the door.

Lu Yu got up, opened the door, and saw Xiao Wu standing at the door. The moonlight shone on her, making her big eyes sparkle, but with a hint of unease.

He frowned and asked, "What do you want with me so late?"

Xiao Wu bit her lip and whispered, "Lu Yu, I... I have something I want to tell you. Can we talk inside?" Lu Yu was taken aback for a moment, then stepped aside to let her in: "Come in, it's chilly outside."

Xiao Wu entered the room, closed the door, but stood still, head down, hands clasped together, as if hesitating about something.

Seeing this, Lu Yu softened his tone: "What's wrong? You're stammering, it's not like you."

Xiao Wu took a deep breath, as if she had made up her mind, and suddenly raised her head, her eyes filled with some trepidation: "Lu Yu, I... I am not human."

I am a ten-thousand-year-old soul beast from the Star Dou Great Forest, a hundred-thousand-year-old Soft Bone Rabbit in human form.

Her words were like a pebble thrown into a lake, creating ripples.

Lu Yu was slightly taken aback, but quickly regained his composure. There was no surprise in his eyes, but rather a gentle look: "Is that all? I was so scared that I thought you had made a big mistake."

Xiao Wu was stunned, her voice trembling: "You...you're not afraid? You don't hate me? I'm a soul beast, and humans...all hate soul beasts."

Lu Yu stepped forward, gently patted her shoulder, and said firmly, "Xiao Wu, I don't care whether you are a soul beast or a human."

You are my partner, my family, and that's enough.

He paused, then took out an exquisite necklace from his pocket. A deep blue gemstone was set on the pendant, emitting a faint glow.

"Here, wear this. Even a Title Douluo won't be able to detect your aura."

Xiao Wu took the necklace, tears welling up in her eyes: "Lu Yu, why...why are you so good to me?"

Lu Yu smiled and ruffled her hair: "Because you are Xiao Wu, do you need a reason? Put it on quickly, don't let anyone see through it, especially that old poisoner."

Xiao Wu nodded vigorously and put the necklace around her neck. The gemstones pressed against her skin, sending a slight chill through her.

She looked up, her eyes filled with gratitude: "Lu Yu, thank you. I... I was so afraid you would hate me."

Lu Yu waved his hand, his tone relaxed: "Alright, don't overthink it."

There's another tough battle tomorrow, so you should go back and rest. Don't linger here.

Xiao Wu stopped crying and smiled, gently hugging Lu Yu: "Okay, I'll listen to you."

After seeing Xiao Wu off, Lu Yu had just stepped out of the room when he bumped into Zhu Zhuqing.

She stood under the locust tree, the moonlight outlining her slender figure, but her eyes held a complex expression.

Lu Yu raised an eyebrow: "Zhu Qing, why are you here so late instead of sleeping?"

Zhu Zhuqing approached, her voice cold: "I just saw Ma Hongjun. He's here, and Dai Mubai is probably here too."

Upon hearing this, a hint of fighting spirit flashed in Lu Yu's eyes: "Oh? They really are at the Royal Academy. It seems they came in advance to make preparations."

He paused, a smile playing on his lips: "That's good. I'm actually looking forward to fighting them again tomorrow."

Zhu Zhuqing frowned: "You can still laugh? Last time we fought them, we went through a lot of trouble."

Lu Yu's gaze drifted into the distance, as if lost in memories: "Yes, it was indeed a difficult fight last time."

However, it is precisely because it is difficult that I want to become stronger.

He looked at Zhu Zhuqing with a determined gaze: "Zhuqing, tomorrow we'll show them the strength of Shrek Academy!"

Zhu Zhuqing was slightly taken aback, then nodded, a fighting spirit appearing in her eyes: "Okay, I'll go with you."

Lu Yu suddenly laughed, put his arm around Zhu Zhuqing's shoulder, and said half-jokingly, "Come on, let's go inside and chat. We'll just touch each other, nothing else."

Zhu Zhuqing blushed and glared at him: "Lu Yu, be serious! Who would believe that?"

Lu Yu laughed and put his arm around her as they walked into the room: "Believe it or not, I keep my word."

Zhu Zhuqing sighed helplessly, but finally nodded and followed him into the room.

Moonlight spilled into the courtyard, the locust trees swayed, and the night was tranquil, as if brewing endless possibilities for tomorrow's battle.

Inside the room, the flickering candlelight added a touch of ambiguity to the atmosphere.

Lu Yu sat on the edge of the bed, smiling as he looked at Zhu Zhuqing: "Zhuqing, tell me, how do we deal with that Dai Mubai guy tomorrow?"

Zhu Zhuqing sat on a chair to the side, arms crossed, and said irritably, "All you ever think about is this nonsense."

"Don't underestimate the sparring tomorrow; those people from the Royal Academy are no pushovers."

Lu Yu waved his hand, his tone relaxed: "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."

"That big cat Dai Mubai almost got his teeth knocked out by me last time, so I won't hold back this time."

Zhu Zhuqing snorted: "You're just bragging. If it weren't for Tang San's hidden weapons last time, you would have been completely overwhelmed by him."

Upon hearing this, Lu Yu feigned displeasure: "Oh, Zhu Qing, are you siding with outsiders? Taking sides with outsiders?"

Zhu Zhuqing rolled her eyes at him, but the corners of her mouth involuntarily curled up: "Who's helping outsiders? I'm just reminding you not to be too arrogant, lest you embarrass yourself tomorrow."

Lu Yu laughed, got up and walked over, gently pinching her cheek: "Alright, I know, my Miss Zhuqing."

"I promise, tomorrow I'll show those guys from the Royal Academy what Shrek Academy is all about."

Zhu Zhuqing slapped his hand away, her cheeks slightly flushed: "Don't touch me, let's get down to business!"

Lu Yu laughed even harder and sat back down on the edge of the bed: "Okay, let's get down to business."

"We're facing Dai Mubai tomorrow. How do you think we should coordinate?"

Zhu Zhuqing pondered for a moment, then said seriously, "Dai Mubai's White Tiger Blazing Light Wave is powerful, but it's slow to start. We can take advantage of your speed and combine it with my Netherworld Thrust to catch him off guard."

Lu Yu nodded, a hint of appreciation flashing in his eyes: "Not bad, Zhu Qing, your mind is getting sharper and sharper."

Zhu Zhuqing ignored his teasing and continued, "And there's Ma Hongjun. His Phoenix Flame is troublesome. We'll have to get Oscar's Mushroom Sausage to help us avoid it."

Lu Yu stroked his chin and pondered, "Yes, Oscar's support is indeed crucial."

"Tomorrow I'll lead the attack. You and Tang San will hold them off, while Xiao Wu and Ning Rongrong will cover the rear. Rongrong's buff should be used at crucial moments."

Zhu Zhuqing nodded, a hint of determination in her eyes: "Okay, it's settled then."

Looking at her serious expression, Lu Yu suddenly smiled: "Zhu Qing, you look really cute when you're serious."

Zhu Zhuqing was taken aback, then her cheeks turned even redder, and she glared at him, saying, "Lu Yu, can't you be serious for once!"

Lu Yu laughed and stood up, stretching: "Alright, I won't tease you anymore."

It's getting late, let's go back and rest. We need to win a decisive battle tomorrow.

Zhu Zhuqing stood up and snorted, "That had to be the case."

She turned to leave, but Lu Yu gently grabbed her wrist.

"what?"

Zhu Zhuqing turned around, her eyes filled with a hint of doubt.

Lu Yu smiled gently: "It's nothing, I just wanted to say that I feel at ease knowing you're here tomorrow."

Zhu Zhuqing was taken aback for a moment, then whispered, "Glib-tongued."

She withdrew her hand and walked away quickly, her back view carrying a faint, almost imperceptible smile.

Inside the room, the candlelight still flickered.

Lu Yu watched Zhu Zhuqing's departing figure, a slight smile playing on his lips, but a resolute glint flashed in his eyes: "Royal Academy, Dugu Bo, Dai Mubai... Tomorrow, I'll show you what I'm capable of!" (End of Chapter)

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