Departure and Banquet

"You guys challenged me because you felt it was unfair that the first and second grades got more resources, right?" Nero directed this question to Ye Wu and the two siblings, breaking the silence that had settled over the arena.

Ye Wu nodded in response, prompting Nero to continue, "So, let's make a bet." Ye Wu eagerly asked, "What bet?" Nero smirked and replied, "The bet is that you guys will fight the team which has the top students from both grades, and if you win, fifty percent of the allocated resources will be given to you."

Ye Wu hesitated for a moment before asking, "Are you also in that team?" Nero instantly clarified, "Of course not, idiot. If that was the case, why would I even bother making the bet?"

Li Mengtian, still uncertain, asked Nero, "What if we lose?" Nero smiled and said, "If you lose, then you will do the student work for me and my girlfriend."

Yuanen Yehui, watching the situation unfold from the stands, struggled to contain her laughter. The third-grade students were really miserable, their predicament had taken an unexpectedly humorous turn. To make matters worse for them, not only would they have to win the bet to secure the additional resources, but they would also have to do the work for both Nero and Yuanen Yehui if they lost. Yuanen Yehui couldn't help but think that, excluding Tang Wulin, she alone, with her evolved Martial Soul and Battle Armor, could give the entire third grade a run for their money.

Li Mengyang scanned the area and expressed concern, saying, "Our team is still unconscious." Nero remained silent but summoned his Energy Demon Wings. Blue clusters of light descended into the bodies of the unconscious members of the third-grade team. It was clear to the naked eye that their conditions were improving. The trio's shock grew as they realized that, even with their maximum firepower, they wouldn't be able to tire Nero out, as for defeating him they already knew that it was impossible to defeat this monster. 

Fifteen minutes later, all the previously unconscious members of the third-grade team woke up. They agreed to Nero's bet, realizing it was their only chance to preserve their dignity. As the match unfolded, it went just as Nero had anticipated. The third-grade team was thoroughly defeated by the combined team of first and second graders. The defeated third-grade team members stared at the sky with lifeless eyes, questioning whether they truly were geniuses. In the end, they only had themselves to blame for needlessly wasting Nero's time.

Ignoring the third grade for the moment, Shen Yi gathered everyone's attention and made an announcement. "Due to the outstanding performance of the first and second grades' alliance team in this match, the academy has decided to select the top five teams from the semester exam to participate in an exchange program on the Star Luo Continent in six months. All ten of you will have to work even harder as the exchange program will last for one year."

Except Nero and Yuanen Yehui who knew this beforehand other eight were stunned by this unexpected opportunity at first, but they soon realized that this was the tournament Elder Cai had mentioned. First and second graders cheered for their peers, and the rest of the onlookers joined in the celebration. It was a moment of triumph for the academy's students.

-------

Six months passed with everyone preparing for Star Luo continent trip and Nero doing his usual things. The outer-court yard also regarded Nero as undefeatable as even a soul emperor from senior grade who wanted to challenge Nero ended up utterly defeated.

In a secluded area of the Ice Spirit Plaza, a silver-haired and beautiful girl who was Na'er was having a conversation with another equally beautiful black-haired girl, Gu Yue. Na'er inquired, "Have you been able to determine his bloodline yet?" Gu Yue shook her head and replied, "No, as far as I could discern, there really isn't any bloodline on the same level as the Dragon God Bloodline. Yet somehow, Nero possesses such a bloodline." A cold gleam flickered in Na'er's eyes as she asked, "Why didn't you let Di Tian take action?" Gu Yue sighed in annoyance and responded, "You really think I've not considered that? Firstly, he has the Limit Douluo as his aunt, and secondly, there seems to be some sort of restriction preventing Di Tian from acting first."

Unbeknownst to Na'er and Gu Yue, a drone was recording their conversation from a discreet distance. Yuanen Yehui, who was watching this conversation alongside Nero from their dormitory, couldn't contain her amazement. "It's still unbelievable that Gu Yue is a million-year-old Dragon," she commented. Nero turned towards Yuanen Yehui and said, "Don't be too surprised. In the next year, you will face many more surprises."

"Regarding our upcoming Star Luo trip," Yuanen Yehui inquired, "you mentioned that amidst the journey we will go somewhere with your brother. Will Sister Serena will also come? "

Nero chuckled and replied, "Of course, that idiot will bring her. He clearly has affection for her, and she also reciprocates those feelings, but that dumbass can't figure that out."

Over the past six months, Nero had introduced Yuanen Yehui to Ren multiple times. During these meetings, Yuanen Yehui had also become acquainted with Serena, whom Ren referred to as his best friend but Nero could clearly see they both had feelings for each other it's just his idiot brother can't figure that out. There wasn't much known about Serena as she was plagued by amnesia and haunted by fragmented memories from her past.  Yuanen Yehui and she quickly became like sisters as Yuanen Yehui saw the loneliness she had once in Serena. 

"Ah!" Yuanen Yehui suddenly exclaimed as Nero lifted her off her feet and carried her toward the bed. Puzzled, she asked, "What are you doing?" Nero's mischievous smirk was his response. "What do you think? Going to sleep."

Yuanen Yehui glanced out the window and, realizing it was still daytime, questioned, "But it's still daytime." Nero rolled his eyes and replied, "I know it's daytime, but there's no way that the Old Hag will let us enjoy our time until we arrive at the ship."

Understanding his intentions, Yuanen Yehui blushed and hid her face in Nero's chest. Nero smiled, and after settling on the bed with her still in his arms, he pulled a blanket over both of them, creating a cozy cocoon of warmth.

-------

The azure sky stretched above them, clear of clouds, and the brilliant sunlight bathed the surroundings in a warm, inviting glow. This kind of weather had a calming effect on one's mind, a respite from gloomy days.

Nero, accompanied by Yuanen Yehui and others, arrived at a city he knew well – Skysea City, the largest city in the eastern part of the Star Luo Continent. It was here that he had first met Ren after their rebirth.

The group consisted of twelve people from Shrek Academy. Cai Yu'er, the Silver Moon Douluo, led the delegation, while Wu Zhangkong, now a Contra, served as the chaperone teacher. The students included Nero, Yuanen Yehui, Tang Wulin, Gu Yue, Yue Zhengyu, Xu Xiaoyan, Xu Lizhi, Ye Xinglan, Xie Xie and Xiao Yue'r who was an auxiliary soul master from Grade 2. 

Their purpose in Skysea City was to rendezvous with the Star Luo Continent delegation. After more than a year of exchange, the delegation was preparing to return to the Star Luo Continent by boat. Due to the closed airspace and the impracticality of mechas for such long journeys, air travel was not an option. The only place with long-haul flights was the Douluo Continent, and the federation couldn't risk their advanced soul airplane being stolen just to transport the Star Luo Continent's delegation. Hence, they had opted for a sea voyage.

Currently, everyone looked speechlessly at Nero who through teleportation was bringing Yuanen Yehui different types of tasty food from all over the city.  Envy filled the eyes of the girls in the group – who wouldn't desire such a considerate boyfriend?.

Yuanen Yehui, while slightly embarrassed by the intense gazes directed her way, continued to enjoy her meal. The food was not only delicious but also made even more special because Nero had brought it for her. The rich aroma of the dishes caused Tang Wulin and Xu Lizhi's mouths to water, but they dared not reach for any of Yuanen Yehui's food, knowing well that it would incur Nero's wrath.

The registration process and boarding of the ship took approximately two hours. Once they were on board, Nero wasted no time and took Yuanen Yehui to their private room. He had spent an hour in the morning arguing with Elder Cai to secure this, so it was only natural that he wanted to inspect it himself. The room was impressively spacious, featuring a comfortable double bed, a private bathroom, and various amenities for their journey.

Nero paused in his examination of the room as the announcement echoed through the cabin. "Attention! Attention!" The voice declared the upcoming grand banquet on the S.S. Star Luo ocean liner to welcome all passengers. It was emphasized that formal attire was required for the event, which was intended to foster lasting friendships between the two continents. Furthermore, there was mention of exciting games to be held during the occasion, encouraging everyone to participate.

" Do you have a gown to wear? " Nero asked Yuanen Yehui who nodded and replied, " Yes, Aunt Yaozhu provided me with several for occasions like these." Curious, she inquired, " Do you have one? " Nero shook his head and responded, " No, I don't." Yuanen Yehui then asked, " So, what will you wear? " Nero chuckled and summoned Yamato, saying, " Do you think I'll have any trouble getting a suit with this?" Yuanen Yehui laughed as she remembered Nero's ability to teleport over long distances using Yamato.

Nero quickly headed out of the room and placed a call to Zhou Hongbuo. " Hello, Yes, Nero, how are you? " Zhou Hongbuo's voice came from the other side. Nero replied, " Grandpa, I'm fine, but I need a minor favor. " Upon hearing this, Zhou Hongbuo asked, " What happened? " Nero proceeded to explain the situation about the banquet. " Hahahaha, my dear grandson, don't worry. I'll find the most dashing suit for you," Zhou Hongbuo reassured him. Nero then told Yuanen Yehui to get ready and teleported to Zhou Hongbuo's location.

-------

Nero, now dressed in a dark-grey shirt, black formal pants, and a cream-colored patterned black tie and jacket, was patiently waiting for Yuanen Yehui to come out of the dressing room. { Picture in comments}

When he heard the sound of the door opening, Nero looked up, and his breath caught in his throat as he was instantly captivated by her beauty. Yuanen Yehui was wearing a stunning black gown adorned with red ruby crystals. Her hair was elegantly tied in a side bun, with strands of hair framing her face on both sides. She had silver earrings embedded with rubies, adding to her radiant appearance. { Picture in comments}

"Nero, how do I look?" Yuanen Yehui's question snapped Nero back to reality. He gazed at her stunning appearance, and his throat went dry for a moment. 

_______________________________________