Although she was unwilling, Long Yeyue could only watch as Xia Yi and Gu Yue swaggered out of Shrek Academy.
Two days later, Xia Yi and Gu Yue piloted a mecha to Tianhai City.
Xia Yi had a universal access pass granted by the Federation government.
As long as it was inserted inside the mecha, they could travel unhindered.
This mecha wasn't Xia Yi's; it belonged to Gu Yue.
Xia Yi's mecha, Little Ice, was currently occupied by the Ice God's Heart.
More importantly, compared to Gu Yue's mecha, which stood over ten meters tall…
Little Ice was simply too small, only about five meters in height.
Before Xia Yi could upgrade and modify it to gain transformation capabilities…
Its interior space simply wasn't enough to fit two people.
Since Xia Yi and Gu Yue were representing the Spirit Pagoda, they were directly accommodated at the gathering location designated by the Federation—the Tianhai Grand Hotel.
Over the next three days, the delegation from the Star Luo Continent and the exchange representatives from the Douluo Continent would gradually gather here. They would then depart by ship from Tianhai City's port.
The Star Luo Empire had brought their own large ship when they arrived. This time, the Douluo Continent would also dispatch a large vessel to accompany them.
This was to ensure that the Federation's representatives, who were traveling to the Star Luo Empire for cultural exchange, could be brought back a year later.
Tianhai Grand Hotel was the most luxurious hotel in Tianhai City.
Xia Yi and Gu Yue were immediately assigned rooms on the highest floor.
Since they were representing the Spirit Pagoda, they naturally received top-tier treatment.
Originally, the Spirit Pagoda hadn't been included in the Star Luo Empire delegation's invitation.
Like the Tang Sect, the Spirit Pagoda was an organization that spanned both continents.
There were already branches of the Spirit Pagoda and the Tang Sect in the Star Luo Empire.
There was no real need for an exchange program.
However, when the delegation saw that Xia Yi was not included in Shrek Academy's or the Blacksmith Association's exchange teams…
The delegation's blacksmith representative, Chang Gongyan, immediately sought out the leader of the Star Luo delegation.
He strongly insisted that Xia Yi must be brought along, no matter what.
The delegation leader immediately contacted Leng Yaozhu.
They hoped to have Xia Yi represent the Spirit Pagoda in the exchange program.
Leng Yaozhu agreed without hesitation.
Since Shrek Academy was also a superpower on the Douluo Continent, they were likewise assigned accommodations on the highest floor.
Not long after Xia Yi and Gu Yue settled in, Shrek Academy's group, led by Cai Yue'er, also arrived at the Tianhai Grand Hotel.
They were placed right next to Xia Yi and Gu Yue.
Because of Long Yeyue's involvement, Shrek Academy had sent a large number of students this time. Aside from the Outer Court students, many Inner Court students were also present.
From Title Douluo to Soul Elder, every rank had a representative.
The only exception was the Soul King level, which had only one representative—Lin Pingzhi.
Even Wu Siduo and the Inner Court's senior disciple, Lan Muzi, had come along.
When people saw Shrek Academy's lineup, they couldn't help but furrow their brows slightly.
"Does Shrek really need to take this exchange so seriously?" Gu Yue curled her lips, clearly confused.
"They're just full of themselves," Xia Yi shook his head.
"You know something, don't you?" Gu Yue hugged Xia Yi's arm, her beautiful eyes shining with curiosity.
"There's always a balance to things. I don't know whose idea it was for Shrek Academy to make such a grand, blatant show of 'exchange,' but their intentions are too obvious," Xia Yi said in a deep voice.
"Intentions? You mean Shrek wants to use this exchange with the Star Luo Continent to showcase their strength to other organizations, so they will once again regard Shrek with awe and respect?" Gu Yue asked thoughtfully.
Over the past few years, a lot had happened.
Shrek Academy's reputation had taken significant hits.
Right now, Shrek desperately needed to prove itself.
Gu Yue naturally assumed that was their goal.
"Smart, but not quite complete," Xia Yi shook his head.
"Are you mocking me?" Gu Yue shot him an annoyed look. "Then tell me, what's Shrek Academy's real goal in making such a spectacle?"
Xia Yi chuckled. "Don't think from Shrek Academy's perspective. Think from the Federation government's point of view. If you were a high-ranking Federation official and saw Shrek Academy sending such a large group to the Star Luo Continent, what would you think?"
Gu Yue's eyebrows rose slightly, and she said in a serious tone, "They're getting too close to the Star Luo Empire… It might be treason."
"Now do you see why I said Shrek Academy is full of itself?" Xia Yi asked with a smile.
"They're deliberately showing affinity for the Star Luo Empire, naïvely thinking that by doing so, the Federation government will go to great lengths to keep them," Gu Yue said.
"Exactly! Now do you see why I called them self-important?" Xia Yi asked again.
"Shrek Academy thinks too highly of itself. They believe the Federation government can't function without them," Gu Yue tilted her head, her eyes gleaming.
As the Soul Beast Empress, she ruled over all soul beasts.
She understood the political tactics of those in power better than anyone.
Many in the Federation government already disliked Shrek Academy.
And now Shrek was openly displaying closeness to an enemy nation?
They were just adding fuel to the fire.
"Shrek Academy has always lived in its self-proclaimed Sea God's glory. They assume that without them, the Federation wouldn't survive. They believe the government will do whatever it takes to keep them. But in reality, they've made a grave mistake," Xia Yi said flatly.
For this exchange event, anyone could participate.
The only person who shouldn't have come…
Was Wu Siduo.
She was originally a descendant of the Star Luo Empire's royal family, left behind in the Douluo Continent.
Having her represent Shrek Academy in an exchange with the Star Luo Empire…
It was impossible for the Federation government not to suspect something.
"Your analysis makes a lot of sense," Gu Yue nodded slightly, then suddenly looked up at Xia Yi with a serious expression.
"I think we should establish some ground rules."
"What kind of ground rules?" Xia Yi asked casually.
"First, if you figure something out in the future, you must tell me directly. No more situations like this." Gu Yue shot Xia Yi a look and said solemnly, "In simpler terms, you're not allowed to show off your intelligence in front of me anymore."
"The way you do it makes me feel like I'm dumb," Gu Yue pouted, muttering in a small voice.
Her pitiful expression completely lacked the imposing aura of the Soul Beast Empress.
"My Yue'er isn't dumb at all—she just doesn't like playing these mind games," Xia Yi chuckled, ruffling Gu Yue's hair.
He wasn't trying to show off his intelligence in front of her.
He was simply guiding her, helping her learn to think from multiple perspectives.
"Hmph! You better not be saying I'm all brawn and no brains!" Gu Yue swatted away Xia Yi's hand, glaring at him while grinding her teeth.
How annoying!
Xia Yi didn't agree to her rule!
"No, no, absolutely not," Xia Yi quickly shook his head, denying it three times in a row.
"Second, no matter what happens in the future, you are not allowed to scheme against me or deceive me," Gu Yue added.
This time, Xia Yi agreed immediately.
"Of course! Yue'er is my beloved wife—I swear, I'd trick myself before I ever trick you."
"Hmph, that's more like it." Gu Yue smiled brightly and tapped Xia Yi's chest with her finger. "Since you're being obedient, I'll hold off on the third rule for now. I'll decide based on your future performance."
What she truly cared about…
Was not the rules themselves.
But the way Xia Yi indulged and pampered her.
Just about her current relationship with Xia Yi.
Xia Yi always takes her into consideration in everything he does.
Even when he deceives her, it's for her own good.
But for someone like Leng Yaozhu, whom Xia Yi truly feels guilty toward, he would never try to fool her, nor would he use schemes to manipulate her in such matters.
He would simply admit his mistakes outright.
(End of Chapter)