Magic held a far greater allure for Huo Yuhao than even soul skills.
What child didn't have a magical dream in childhood?
In a previous life, he'd even dreamt of a broom sitting between his legs.
Lifting his left hand slightly, Huo Yuhao's pupils turned a faint blue, and wisps of cold energy emanated from his left palm. The next moment, he chanted silently, and a miniature magical light array suddenly condensed from his palm. The cold energy gathered, eventually forming a seventy-centimeter-long ice arrow.
"No wonder the teacher gave me ice-attribute magic. After all, I still have an ice martial spirit. However, concentrating an ice arrow consumes both soul power and mental energy. I wonder how powerful it will be."
Gazing at the bone-chilling arrow, Huo Yuhao pondered.
"Yuhao, what are you doing? Why don't you come out?"
Suddenly, the lounge door opened.
Ma Xiaotao walked in. For a moment, Huo Yuhao froze in place, the ice arrow still hovering in his hand.
The two of them met eyes.
"Uh... Sister,"
Huo Yuhao called out subconsciously.
"Hiss." Ma Xiaotao's eyes lit up, and she took a few steps forward, examining the icy arrow. "What's your second spirit? This icy arrow looks quite powerful."
Seeing Ma Xiaotao's impassive expression, Huo Yuhao was shocked and quickly asked tentatively, "Second spirit?"
Ma Xiaotao, hands behind her back, smiled and said, "Teacher told me a long time ago that you have a second spirit, and it's of ice attribute. Otherwise, why do you think he was so eager to match you and me..." Ma Xiaotao suddenly stopped, her pretty face a touch of embarrassment. She spoke
too quickly, making it easy to let something slip.
Huo Yuhao's expression grew even more surprised. He had no recollection of releasing his second spirit, but now Ma Xiaotao had clearly indicated that Teacher was aware of his situation.
Ma Xiaotao said helplessly, "Look at my mouth! No wonder Master's Wife told me not to speak so quickly."
Huo Yuhao's face changed slightly, and he tried to stall. "My situation is a little special. I'll go to Master and explain it when I get a chance."
Ma Xiaotao waved her hand quickly. "No, no, you can't go to Master. If he knew I accidentally let the secret out, he'd probably punish me by not letting me leave the Inner Court for six months. For my sister's sake, don't tell me."
Huo Yuhao looked stunned. Seeing Ma Xiaotao's expression, he could only agree. "Okay, then I won't tell you. When Master comes to ask me, I'll reveal everything."
Ma Xiaotao's red lips curved. "Thank you. I owe you one. If you want to use this favor later, come to me. I'll definitely help you with anything I can."
"Then I'll use it now." Huo Yuhao took a step forward, closing the distance between them.
As Huo Yuhao approached, Ma Xiaotao's breath hitched, a hint of discomfort flashed across her beautiful pink eyes, and her delicate body froze in place.
At this time, Huo Yuhao spoke, and said in a serious tone: "I do have a favor to ask of you, and it is even related to my life." The
unnatural look in Ma Xiaotao's eyes disappeared instantly, and a strong murderous aura swept over, "What do you mean, which bastard wants to touch you?"
"Dai Huabin." Huo Yuhao said in a deep voice, "My second soul skill is called mind control. I just used this trick to control the body of Dai Huabin's fiancée, that Zhu Lu, and let her hug... ahem, anyway, as you saw, based on my understanding of Dai Huabin, he will most likely ambush me when I go out."
Ma Xiaotao's face no longer had the gentleness she had when facing Huo Yuhao before, and was full of coldness, "Humph, if he dares to send people, I will dare to kill all of them. It just so happens that the master's wife asked me to take a break and relax during this time, so I will stay by your side. As long as you go out, I will follow, whoever comes will die."
Boom.
A burst of crimson flames suddenly erupted from Ma Xiaotao's hands, distorting the very air and scorching the room, as if entering a furnace. "
What
?" Inside the Shrek Outer Court treatment room, Zhu Lu covered her mouth, listening in disbelief as Cui Yajie recounted her recent actions.
She had actually taken the initiative to embrace Huo Yuhao, even holding him incredibly close, almost negating distance.
Zhu Lu's face lit up with panic, and as she looked at Dai Huabin lying in bed, she felt a wave of weakness.
Although she and Dai Huabin were connected by their spirit fusion technique, her status within the family was ultimately low; she was merely a branch, not on the same level as the Duchess. If Dai Huabin deemed this humiliation too humiliating, he might even abandon the marriage.
If that happened, she would be finished.
Having spirit fusion didn't mean everything was stable. She hadn't forgotten that the White Tiger Duke's mansion still had a young master, Dai Yueheng.
Until a thorough understanding of the path to the title is reached, even if you possess a spirit fusion skill, it won't mean much; it's just a bonus.
"What's wrong?" Cui Yajie asked, noticing Zhu Lu's expression.
Zhu Lu took a deep breath. "It's okay. Sorry to bother you and the teacher. I'll stay here with Huabin until he wakes up."
Cui Yajie and the homeroom teacher exchanged a glance. They nodded, gave instructions, and quietly left the treatment room.
Watching the two men leave, Zhu Lu helplessly covered her forehead and sat on the sofa nearby.
She tried to recall the previous scene, but it was impossible.
"Hmm."
Suddenly, a muffled groan was heard. Zhu Lu's gaze shifted, and she hurried to Dai Huabin's bedside. "Huabin, you're awake."
On the bed, Dai Huabin slowly opened his eyes, staring at the ceiling, silent.
Zhu Lu remained silent, waiting.
Dai Huabin's fists clenched tightly, a vein bulging on his forehead.
He glanced at Zhu Lu from the corner of his eye, but his eyes were filled with the image of her hugging Huo Yuhao on the competition stage. Thinking of this, Dai Huabin felt like his head was about to explode.
"Huabin, I was controlled by that guy using a special soul skill, which is why I am like this. I didn't do it on purpose."
Zhu Lu noticed Dai Huabin's anger and hurried to explain.
Dai Huabin took a deep breath and said in a stiff tone: "Don't worry, I won't blame you."
Hearing this, Zhu Lu secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
She and Dai Huabin had only known each other for a year and a few months. To say that they were very familiar with each other would be a lie.
"I want to be alone, you can go down."
Dai Huabin said indifferently.
Zhu Lu nodded, "Call me if you have anything."
Bang.
The door closed.
Dai Huabin placed his left hand on his forehead, his gaze transforming from initially sullen to venomous.
"Huo Yuhao..."
...
Night.
Shrek City, inside the Lan's BBQ.
"Cheers!"
A group gathered together, excitedly raising their glasses in celebration.
At a glance,
Huo Yuhao, Wang Dong, Xiao Xiao, Bei Bei, Tang Ya, Ma Xiaotao, Ning Tian, Wu Feng, Yao Haoxuan, and Blueberry were all there.
They chatted and enjoyed Huo Yuhao's exquisite cooking.
Whether it was the regular grilled fish or the Mountain City grilled fish, it was an eye-opener and a pleasant surprise.
Huo Yuhao didn't forget to look for Ning Tian and summoned Yao Haoxuan as well.
However, unlike the chubby Yao Haoxuan back then, he was now as thin as a bamboo pole. No one knew what had happened.
This celebratory dinner brought everyone closer together. After all, since they were all in Shrek, it was good to make friends.
The party lasted until almost eleven o'clock before it finally concluded.
Because the awards ceremony was to be held the next day, everyone had to rush back.
They also agreed to meet again.
What no one expected was that several houses on Ping'an Street, just outside Shrek Academy's back gate, belonged to Blueberry.
This suddenly reminded Tang Ya, and when she inquired and learned that the house she planned to rent in the future belonged to Blueberry, she was stunned.
Blueberry then patted her chest and promised, reserving a room for Tang Ya.
Bei Bei breathed a sigh of relief.
Tang Ya, however, didn't disclose the date of her withdrawal, only that she planned to rent a house.
"Sister Blueberry, we're leaving first."
On Ping'an Street near the back gate, Huo Yuhao and the others waved and left first.
Blueberry smiled in response.
Ma Xiaotao generously clapped her hands around Blueberry's shoulders. "Well, bringing Yuhao here was the right decision, wasn't it?"
Blueberry looked at the now-vanished Huo Yuhao with a sigh of gratitude. "I didn't expect this kid to be so strong now."
"Of course he's my junior apprentice now," Ma Xiaotao said with a smile.
"Junior apprentice?" Blueberry was curious.
Ma Xiaotao explained, "Some time ago, Yuhao became my teacher's disciple, which means he is my junior apprentice."
Blueberry's eyes widened, but then she showed a gossipy smile, "He is already your junior apprentice, you should have a lot of contact, how is it, any progress?"
Ma Xiaotao's pretty face flushed, and she said angrily, "He is my junior apprentice, what are you thinking."
Blueberry giggled, "When you sent Yuhao to me and left, he was staring at your back."
Ma Xiaotao's eyes widened immediately, but inexplicably remembered the contact between the two during this period. A smile inadvertently slipped across the corner of her mouth, and she shook her head and said, "Yuhao is six years younger than me, not suitable."
"Six years old is nothing." Blueberry smiled slightly, "My mother recommended a blind date to me, his name is Langbao, that guy is also six years younger than me, and I'm getting along pretty well with him now."
"Come to think of it, his name—at first I thought it was a girl's. I wondered why my mom was so open-minded."
Ma Xiaotao's beautiful eyes narrowed in surprise, "Did your blind date succeed?"
"Not yet, but it will be soon," Blueberry said with a smile. "I'm not someone who doesn't want to get married. I still want to get married and have children. Now that I've met the right person, of course I'm willing to get in touch."
Ma Xiaotao was silent for a moment.
"Okay, you should go back too. I need to rest and sleep too. I have a date tomorrow." Blueberry yawned. "Good night," Ma Xiaotao whispered, watching Blueberry go upstairs.
"I'm looking forward to your wedding," Blueberry suddenly said, turning around.
Ma Xiaotao was stunned for a moment, and when she realized what was happening, she was about to lose her temper, but Blueberry scurried away, not giving Ma Xiaotao the chance to lash out.
Waving her fist, Ma Xiaotao snorted softly and rushed back to the academy.
However, when she reached the back door, she caught a glimpse of something out of the corner of her eye and glanced subconsciously.
At a corner, a young man with long blond hair and a sullen face met a short, middle-aged man. The two walked further and further away.
Ma Xiaotao paused slightly, her eyes deep.
...
The next day, early morning.
A slightly cool breeze blew from Poseidon Lake, rippling the surface of the lake and sweeping across the entire academy. The air was unusually fresh, refreshing, and the rustling of leaves brought a peaceful atmosphere.
The only downside was that it was overcast today, with a gray sky. It looked like it would rain soon.
The students gathered, chatting and laughing, heading towards the teaching building or Shrek Plaza.
A total of 150 groups remained after the freshman assessment, totaling 450 students, successfully becoming first-year students.
Looking from above, Shrek Plaza was already packed with students.
If this weren't Douluo Continent, some would have mistaken it for the Zang Ai Clan's gathering place.
The students' hair colors were a dazzling array.
Fortunately, their hairstyles weren't unusual, and there wasn't any cement powder piled nearby, otherwise, one might have feared they would suddenly start dancing with the cement powder.
Huo Yuhao also spotted Dai Huabin and Zhu Lu.
His mouth curled up, revealing his white teeth, a smile of pure innocence.
Dai Huabin's pupils dilated, and he clenched his fists. Only when Zhu Lu grabbed his arm did he calm down.
As the students whispered, a dozen figures approached from a distance.
Leading them was Du Weilun.
The arrival of the teachers brought an immediate hush to the students, over four hundred pairs of eyes fixed on them.
Du Weilun stepped onto the upper landing and smiled down at the students below. "The freshman assessment has concluded successfully. As the Dean of Students, I congratulate you all."
The students exchanged a few smiles.
Du Weilun continued, "Of course, with the freshman assessment, it's time for the awards ceremony. I'll announce the prizes for the top three. First, third place: Ning Tian, Wu Feng, and Nanmen Yuner from Freshman Class Nine. Step out."
Suddenly, Class Nine erupted in activity. Ning Tian and the other two smiled as they stepped forward, taking the front of the line.
As disciples of a powerful faction, Ning Tian and Wu Feng remained composed. Only Nanmen Yuner, with her youthful face flushed, could anyone tell if she was shy or something else.
Du Weilun and the other teachers nodded in satisfaction to Ning Tian.
"Pa, pa, pa."
The next moment, applause erupted, congratulating the third-place finisher.
After the applause died down, Du Weilun continued, "Second place: Dai Huabin, Zhu Lu, and Cui Yajie from Freshman Class 5. Step out."
Dai Huabin walked out, breathing heavily and looking indifferent. Zhu Lu's face was equally devoid of smiles. Cui Yajie, on the other hand, wore a smile that attracted quite a few male students.
She was indeed very beautiful.
The applause continued, and even whistles were heard.
Du Weilun paused briefly before speaking in a slightly raised voice, "Let us now give the warmest applause to the champion team of this year's Freshman Assessment Competition. They are Huo Yuhao, Wang Dong, and Xiao Xiao from Freshman Class 1."
Amidst the cheers, Huo Yuhao and the other two slowly stepped forward.
"Brother Beast, awesome!"
"Master Urine Inducer, awesome!"
Suddenly, the students' ranks erupted in excitement, and many of the boys who knew Huo Yuhao couldn't help but cheer.
Huo Yuhao couldn't help but twitch at the sound of his nickname.
It was a good thing these people weren't watching the finals. It was a good thing there was no Prime Minister Cao in Douluo Continent, or else he would have had another nickname.
Wang Dong and Xiao Xiao were even more forcibly stifling laughter.
Du Weilun didn't stop the students from cheering. After about ten seconds, he placed his hands lightly, silencing them. He smiled and said,
"Now let's announce the rewards for the top three teams in the Freshman Assessment Competition. The academy will make a promise to the top three teams: when you need a spirit ring, you can apply to the academy, and the academy will arrange for an inner courtyard teacher to help you obtain the most suitable spirit ring that you can handle." As
soon as these words were spoken, all the first-year students in the team gasped in amazement.
But before their surprise subsided, Du Weilun continued, "Given Huo Yuhao's team's exceptional performance throughout the assessment, with no losses, the academy has considered and decided to grant them an additional reward. However, this reward will not be made public."
"After the class division is complete, Huo Yuhao's team will come to me in the Academic Affairs Office. Okay, you can return to your teams."
An additional reward?
Hearing these four words, everyone was curious.
Huo Yuhao paused, unsure if this spirit bone reward was the Void Demon Leopard spirit bone from the original novel.
Du Weilun glanced at the crowd and said, "The quality of this year's freshman class is far superior to previous ones. As the Dean of Students, I'm extremely pleased and happy. I also hope that you will achieve even greater success in your future studies."
"Okay, now I'll announce the list of core students from the Outer Court."
With these words, many students who considered themselves highly talented erupted in excitement. The benefits of being a core student were numerous and would greatly aid their early development.
"After consideration and selection by the academy, the core students are as follows: Huo Yuhao, Wang Dong, Xiao Xiao, Dai Huabin, Ning Tian, Wu Feng, Zhou Sichen, Cao Jinxuan, Lan Susu, Lan Luoluo, and Xie Huanyue."
The crowd stirred, and a mix of voices erupted, with cheers and sighs.
Huo Yuhao, however, remained calm. The list of core students was pretty much as he'd expected. He hadn't expected Zhu Lu to be kicked out; in the original novel, she'd benefited from Dai Huabin's influence.
Du Weilun held up a folder. "Of course, there are also some students who, despite lacking talent and ability, still excel in performance. These students will be given temporary core student status until the end of the new academic year assessments, when their performance will be determined to elevate them to true core student status."
"They are: Zhu Lu, Cui Yajie, Huang Chutian, Long Xiangyue, and Nanmen Yuner. That's it."
"Next, we will begin the class division. All students, please stand with the teachers of the different classes according to your chosen department."
With the list announced, the awards ceremony concluded.
Wang Yan successfully became the homeroom teacher of Class 1. He looked at Huo Yuhao and the other two with a smile, unable to resist giving them a thumbs-up. Huo
Yuhao, however, hadn't expected that Mu Jin would become the vice-homeroom teacher of Class 1.
After the class division was complete, the remaining students followed their homeroom teachers back to the classroom, while Huo Yuhao and the other two were led by Du Weilun to the teaching office.
Shrek Academy was wealthy, after all, and the teachers' offices were lavishly decorated, likely costing at least several thousand gold soul coins.
Arriving at the spacious office, Du Weilun invited the three to sit down. He
then summoned a leather bag from the storage ring on his right hand.
The bag appeared to be a soul guide, its brown leather patterned with dark patterns. Huo Yuhao could sense subtle fluctuations of soul power within.
Du Weilun placed the skin bag in front of the three of them and said, "This special reward is extremely generous, perhaps even unique in a century. However, there is only one reward available, so you must choose one. But remember, don't let this reward cause
our friendship to break apart." Xiao Xiao and Wang Dong exchanged glances. What kind of reward could possibly cause our friendship to break apart?
Without a second thought, Huo Yuhao opened the skin bag. The next moment, a deep black light emanated, and a soul bone resembling a single shield appeared before everyone.
The surface of the soul bone was dark brown, with numerous light patterns. A rich wave of soul power permeated the air, making the air in the office thicker.
"Soul bone?"
Xiao Xiao and Wang Dong stared in shock.
Huo Yuhao's gaze shifted. This soul bone was not the one from the original novel.
Du Weilun smiled and said, "This soul bone was obtained from a ten-thousand-year-old soul beast called the Sea Demon Turtle. This soul beast possesses both offensive and defensive abilities, making it perfect for you. It's from the left leg bone. Based on our understanding of the Sea Demon Turtle, it should grant the soul master a water shield-like soul skill."
"This soul skill possesses extremely powerful defensive capabilities. It also leverages the power of the soul bone to attach water-attributed energy to one's martial soul, adding an additional attribute."
"But since there's only one soul bone, you'll need to choose carefully. Remember not to let friendships be damaged over it."
Huo Yuhao waved his hand, and a surge of soul power erupted, retracting the soul bone into his sac.
"Thank you for the academy's reward,"
Du Weilun glanced at Huo Yuhao with a puzzled expression. "Yuhao, stay here after you've arranged the soul bones. I'll call you if I need anything."
Huo Yuhao looked puzzled, but nodded.
"Go ahead and divide up the soul bones. By the way, remember to apply for the soul ring rewards you received as soon as you break through. You might even be led by a Titled Douluo later."
"Okay, Director Du."
The three of them saluted and left the office.
"Who are these soul bones for?" Huo Yuhao said, shaking the leather bag as he reached the deserted corridor. "This thing is useless to me. I already have plans for future soul bones."
"Give it to Xiaoxiao." Wang Dong smiled slightly.
"Wang Dong, you..." Xiaoxiao was stunned.
"Don't refuse. Your martial soul is the Three Lives Soul-Suppressing Cauldron, which already has formidable defense. Adding this will give you even more. As for me, my family has already made plans for me," Wang Dong said with a smile.
"Squad leader, Wang Dong." Xiaoxiao almost cried.
"Be good, don't cry." Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong rubbed the girl's head together
, messing up her hair like playing mahjong.
"I have things to do. You can go back first." After giving the leather bag to Xiaoxiao for safekeeping, Huo Yuhao said and returned to the office.
"Okay." Wang Dong left with Xiao Xiao, who was almost crying.
Regarding the plot of the Snow Empress and the Far North, I thought of three, but I ultimately chose the one with the lowest probability. However, I have to say that this choice also ties in well with the subsequent plot.
I just hope I won't disappoint everyone.
Don't worry, I won't write about sacrifice. Sacrifice is too disgusting, I definitely won't write about it.
...
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