Balak Kingdom was located in the southern region of the Heaven Dou Empire, bordering the Fasinuo Province. Though called a kingdom, its territory was actually only three-fourths the size of Fasinuo Province. It was subordinate to the Heaven Dou Empire, and one of the Empire’s four major vassal kingdoms.
To the south, Balak Kingdom bordered the Star Luo Empire directly. As such, among the four vassal kingdoms under the Heaven Dou Empire, Balak possessed the strongest military power—it could even be considered the empire’s southern gateway.
Originally, the Heaven Dou Empire was divided into ten provinces. But after the four kingdoms were granted autonomy, the empire’s political structure split into six major powers: the empire retained direct control over five provinces, while each of the four kingdoms governed one. The final province, the smallest one in the east, was ruled by a duchy—its power just beneath that of a kingdom.
On the surface, the four kingdoms and the duchy were still subordinate to the Heaven Dou Empire. In reality, though, these five territories had long since beco nations within a nation. Aside from the required tributes, they governed themselves entirely. If not for the imperial family still holding command over a large standing army, civil unrest would likely have erupted already.
The Star Luo Empire was experiencing a similar situation. Thus, while both great empires appeared powerful on the surface, they were in fact in gradual decline. No one could say for sure when the entire continent’s power structure might suddenly shift.
In recent years, however, due to the growing influence of the Spirit Hall, all the major kingdoms had begun to feel the pressure. Subtle changes were underway as they moved toward alliance and cooperation. After all, they all understood who their most dangerous common enemy was.
But while Li Chang’an was well aware of this, he remained unafraid. History had proven countless tis that alliances were often nothing more than fleeting illusions—shattered with the slightest impact.
The Spirit Hall, however, was a different story. With the unification of the Pope’s Hall and the Worship Hall, the Spirit Hall now had the authority to govern all branches across the continent—without exception.
Within Balak Kingdom, there were two particularly important cities. One was the capital, Balak City, where King Kundela resided. It served as the political and economic heart of the kingdom.
The other was Suotuo City, located in the fertile Limar Plains—the agricultural core of the kingdom, known as the "Granary of Balak."
Both cities were heavily garrisoned and considered vital to the kingdom’s security. Suotuo City was a large tropolis, a fact made evident by the presence of a Level Three Spirit Hall main branch.
However, just three days ago, Suotuo City’s Spirit Hall had been suddenly upgraded to a Level Two Hall. Even more surprising was the appointnt of a Spirit Douluo as its overseer—causing a stir across the city.
At the sa ti, thirty new shops had sprung up across Suotuo City, covering a range of industries—from inns and restaurants to auction houses and beyond.
It didn’t take a sharp eye to realize that behind these new establishnts stood two major business alliances: the newly rising Li Clan Chamber of comrce, and the revitalized Hong Clan Chamber of comrce.
Li Chang’an’s arrival in Balak Kingdom wasn’t solely to target Shrek Academy. He was also eyeing a stake in the kingdom itself—at the very least, he intended to gain control of one of its two key cities.
The location was simply too important. If played right, it could even spark conflict between the two great empires. Moreover, the Spirit Hall needed a foothold of its own within the Heaven Dou Empire—this was all part of a longer-term strategic plan.
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It was just past noon, and the sun blazed overhead. Two youths—a boy and a girl—entered Suotuo City through its western gate. They appeared to be in their teens and carried no luggage.
The boy stood about 1.78 ters tall. He wore an inner robe of black, with a flowing black outer cloak that looked both regal and well-made. Along the edges of the cloak, fla-red embroidery shimred—making it all the more eye-catching.
He had well-proportioned features—sword-like eyebrows, sharp eyes filled with heroic spirit, and yet a refined elegance. Every now and then, he would cast the girl at his side a mischievous grin, murmuring a few teasing words that left her cheeks flushed red.
The girl, too, drew many glances. Her silky black hair had been braided into a neat scorpion braid, trailing all the way down past her calves.
She wore a pink top that hugged her youthful, developing figure. While she might not have been particularly busty, her slender waist—so delicate it seed it could be encircled with one hand—would make many girls envious.
Her long, shapely legs were wrapped in white pants, forming a perfect golden ratio. Despite her youthful appearance and babyish round cheeks, her perky little figure hinted at blossoming maturity.
Her naturally arched eyebrows and large, watery eyes gave her a playful and adorable air—one that made her seem like the very embodint of cuteness.
Clutching Li Chang’an’s hand, the girl grumbled, "Brother~ why do we have to co all this way just to attend Academy? It’s so far."
The boy, of course, was none other than Li Chang’an—who had used the Morphing Skull Soul Bone to subtly alter his appearance. After all, he was now a well-known figure, and if he wanted to enter Shrek Academy without attracting attention, so disguise was necessary.
Even so, he hadn’t simply altered himself at random. His new appearance was modeled after his younger self from his previous life—a face that had once made many girls swoon. Undeniably, it was peak-level handsoness.
He had also tweaked his martial spirit slightly using soul skills, though he hadn’t bothered to suppress his power. He was still a Spirit King—just with a more "normal" looking soul ring setup.
After all, keeping a low profile had never been Li Chang’an’s style.
Patting Xiao Wu’s hand gently, Li Chang’an smiled and said, "Because this is the place where you’ll grow. What’s wrong? Don’t you want your brother to accompany you to Academy?"
Xiao Wu imdiately wrapped her arms around his, grinning. "Of course I do! I’ll go wherever you go! But Brother, this ti you’re going as a teacher, not a student..."
That’s right. This ti, Li Chang’an was applying for a teaching position at Shrek Academy. At thirteen, he was a bit old to pass as a new student. And besides—how else could he legitimately bully—ahem, train—Tang San and the others?
"Of course I’m going as a teacher. With my strength, I’d be wasted as a student. Oh, by the way, Xiao Wu—did you morize my new na?" he asked.
New martial spirit, new face—naturally, Li Chang’an had changed his na too.
"Yep, I rember! Big Brother Li Changsheng!" Xiao Wu replied, though with a hint of exasperation. "Still don’t get what difference these nas make. They both sound equally weird."
"Heh. Good girl. Co on, let’s go find sothing delicious," Li Chang’an chuckled, taking her hand and walking toward a street vendor that sold Suotuo City’s signature snacks.
Just then, his eyes narrowed slightly as his gaze landed on a boy not far away. Xiao Wu followed his line of sight.
The boy wore a blue training outfit—neat and fitted. While his appearance was plain, there was sothing distinctive about him.
"Tang San? What are you doing here too?" Xiao Wu greeted him, tugging on Li Chang’an’s hand.
After all, both she and Tang San were prominent figures at the academy. Though Xiao Wu hadn’t needed to work as a working student thanks to Li Chang’an’s presence, she was still known as "Sister Xiao Wu" around campus. And Tang San, being born with full innate spirit power, naturally stood out as well. The two of them already knew each other.
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