The phrase "a defeated army collapses like a landslide" could not have been more appropriate to describe the seven members of the Douling Royal Academy.
They had spent a full half year planning, piecing together a youth-version Thunder Giant Cannon, intending to crush Shrek Academy in the team battle in one decisive blow. Yet who could have imagined that after six months of preparation, everything would end in complete failure?
For this, they had even deliberately lost the final match of the round-robin stage. And the result they exchanged it for—was defeat.
Once Shrek's main team unleashed their full firepower, a match that should have been fiercely contested was instead taken with ease.
Of course, part of the reason was that Douling Royal Academy had already lost all fighting spirit.
When Cheng Gang announced the end of the match, they were still somewhat dazed.
Watching Huo Yuhao walk off the stage, Gu Zhujian couldn't help but ask,"How exactly did you absorb the Thunder Giant Cannon's attack?"
"You guess."Huo Yuhao turned his head back and replied with a smile.
Gu Zhujian's mouth twitched. Guess my ass. If I could guess it, would I need to ask you?Huo Yuhao didn't explain, instead leaving this so-called Angel Gate shrouded in mystery.
Watching Huo Yuhao step off the stage with Ma Xiaotao hooking an arm around his shoulder, everyone on the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy side wore grave expressions.
Soul tools were their strongest specialty. If that Angel Gate could be used again later, wouldn't it completely counter them?
But that was, of course, not an Angel Gate.
No one could see through it—the appearance of the so-called Angel Gate was fake. Only the holy aura was real. To avoid exposing its true nature, Huo Yuhao had deliberately used the power of the sun as embellishment so it wouldn't be seen through.
That so-called Angel Gate was actually a teleportation gate to the undead demi-plane.
"This is exactly why the empire's higher-ups want the younger generation of imperial geniuses to develop both soul tools and martial souls. If you only research soul-tool combat, you'll eventually be targeted. Without special methods to escape that, you'll be in serious trouble."
Pan Tianxing turned to look at the younger generation and spoke earnestly.
It was very similar to Shrek Academy. At their age, they possessed the strongest mastery of soul-tool technology and looked down on others around them. Huo Yuhao's operation this time was essentially a lesson taught to them.
There is always someone better.There is always a higher sky.
The students looked at each other, then lowered their heads.
"Though I'm unwilling to admit it, Hongchen Xiao and Hongchen Meng, you two truly count as the ones among this batch who can grasp both paths. Keep walking this road—for Mingde Hall, and for the empire."
As team captain, Ma Rulong sighed. He was a pure soul engineer, already locked into this path.
Perhaps it was because he realized the impact of the saying 'a true master forever holds the heart of a student' that Ma Rulong finally spoke his true thoughts—even toward someone he had never liked much.
"We will. We will."Hongchen Xiao and Hongchen Meng's expressions shifted from slight astonishment to firm resolve.
"What exactly was that move of yours, Yuhao?"
While the other two academies were fighting, everyone in Shrek's rest area immediately gathered around, chattering nonstop as they asked about the Angel Gate Huo Yuhao had just released.
"That involves confidential matters. Please forgive me—I can't explain it."
Huo Yuhao answered helplessly.
"Everyone has their secrets. Digging until the bottom isn't a good habit."
Zhang Lexuan spoke in time to ease the situation.
Wang Yan rubbed his chin and asked in a low voice,"Yuhao, I won't ask about the origin of that move—but I want to know, can you use it again afterward?"
Zhang Lexuan's gaze flickered as a wave of soul power spread out, invisibly sealing the rest area.
Everyone immediately looked over.
Under their expectant gazes, Huo Yuhao nodded heavily.
"Excellent."
Wang Yan excitedly smashed his left fist into his right palm.
Seeing his childlike action, everyone couldn't help but laugh.
"Watch the matches. If there's anything to discuss, we'll talk back at the hotel."
Zhang Lexuan smiled.
"Yes."Everyone answered in unison.
Huo Yuhao carried his chair to the very back of the group and sat down, then closed his eyes. He didn't watch the fierce battle currently unfolding between Star Luo Royal Soul Master Academy and another advanced academy.
Releasing the legendary gate of the undead demi-plane consumed a great deal of his mental power. Unlike the original Huo Yuhao, who directly inherited control of the undead demi-plane, his current situation was more like that of a wealthy family's heir—qualified to use its resources, but lacking full authority.
With his eyes closed, his fatigued mind slowly began to recover.
But in the next instant, Huo Yuhao suddenly felt a soft touch press near his temples, gently massaging.
At the tip of his nose lingered wisps of a faint, elegant fragrance—strangely unfamiliar, yet seeming as though he had once been intimately close to it.
He subconsciously wanted to open his eyes, but a calm voice sounded beside his ear:
"When my dad used to get tired, my mom would massage him like this. She said rubbing it helps you feel less tired."
Huo Yuhao instantly guessed who it was. His heart jolted with surprise, but he didn't reject the goodwill, letting that soft touch brush across his face.
And he had to admit—it really was comfortable. His whole body felt relaxed.
Behind him, Zhu Lu's fair, jade-like hands gently massaged his temples. On her delicate face was an incomparably determined smile.
Because they were seated at the very back of the rest area, none of their teammates noticed this scene.
Only Ma Xiaotao's beautiful eyes flashed with a trace of an inexplicable smile.
"Dai Huabin actually joined Star Luo Royal Soul Master Academy."
On the field, Star Luo Royal Soul Master Academy's offense was extremely fierce. They hadn't even fielded their full main lineup—five main members and two substitutes—one of whom was Dai Huabin, whom Xiao Xiao and Wang Dong knew.
The surprised cry came from Xiao Xiao.
Because they were overwhelmingly suppressing their opponent, the audience didn't hold back their cheers for their strongest local academy.
On the imperial platform, Xu Jiawei was also smiling broadly.
"You know this person?"Yao Haoxuan turned his head and asked.
Everyone looked toward Xiao Xiao.
Only Dai Yueheng's expression showed a hint of awkwardness.
"He was originally the highest-cultivated student of our batch. I don't know what happened, but Dai Huabin suddenly withdrew from school. I didn't expect to see him here today."
"Withdraw?"
The word withdraw seemed to trigger something in Bei Bei's mind. He looked at Xiao Xiao in surprise.
Those who voluntarily withdrew from the academy fell into only two categories: those who felt they couldn't keep up, and those who had committed a major mistake.
Xiao Ya was the former—so this person must be…
"Isn't Dai Huabin your younger brother, Yueheng?"
Gongyang Mo recalled something and looked toward Dai Yueheng, whose expression had grown silent.
"Yes. But I don't know why he withdrew either."
Dai Yueheng's face stiffened. He clearly didn't want to continue the topic. As he spoke, his peripheral vision even glanced at Ma Xiaotao.
Ma Xiaotao's expression remained calm, as if she hadn't heard anything.
"Wow—!"
Suddenly, thunderous cheers erupted, interrupting Shrek's conversation. Everyone turned toward the competition stage.
The match was already over. Star Luo Royal Soul Master Academy had defeated their opponent with extreme ease.
On the stage, Star Luo's team gathered together in celebration. Soon, they walked off one after another.
Because they had to pass by both Shrek's and Sun Moon's rest areas, Dai Huabin directly came face-to-face with Shrek's team.
Looking at Dai Yueheng—expression indifferent, arms crossed—Dai Huabin subconsciously clenched his fists. When his gaze swept over the others, a deep sense of loss welled up inside him.
I should have been sitting there too.
The more he looked, the worse he felt. Just as he was about to withdraw his gaze, his pupils suddenly shrank.
At the very back of Shrek's team—
Huo Yuhao was sitting on a chair, and his former fiancée was massaging him?
And Zhu Lu's lips… seemed to be curved in a smile?
Dai Huabin's breathing hitched. He slowly turned his gaze away.
Though his teammates' laughter filled his ears, all he felt was noise. He wanted to be alone—to calm down.
After the two morning matches concluded smoothly, the Shrek team returned to the hotel to rest. In the afternoon, Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy would compete, and they still needed to watch.
After lunch, the Shrek students returned to their rooms for a noon break.
Huo Yuhao leisurely brewed himself some tea in the living room.
Before he could even take a sip, a figure quietly approached his side.
"Was Zhu Lu's massage comfortable?"
"Quite comfort—"
Huo Yuhao answered instinctively, but once he realized whose voice it was, his breathing stuttered and he nearly flung the teacup away.
When he saw Ma Xiaotao's teasing smile, he finally relaxed.
"Sis, want some tea? I'll pour you a cup."
"No."
Ma Xiaotao plopped down on the sofa, hugging a cushion. With less cold allure and more gentleness, she said,
"You're just like Teacher—pretty bad at handling emotional matters."
"What do you mean?"
Huo Yuhao froze.
Ma Xiaotao glanced around to make sure everyone was resting in their rooms, then smiled.
"The way Wang Dong and Zhu Lu look at you—something's off. Even Ning Tian, that girl, too."
Huo Yuhao chuckled."Really? Why haven't I noticed?"
Ma Xiaotao raised a finger and shook it.
"Yuhao, you don't understand women's thoughts. Wang Dong is a girl sharing a dorm with you for so long—don't you think she'd develop other feelings?"
"As for Zhu Lu, she's already chosen to follow you. I even saw her family come to take her back a few days ago, only to be rejected. Things got really ugly. Since she's so determined, who knows what might happen in the future? Feelings grow with time."
"Cough—'time' is a noun, not a verb."
Huo Yuhao's forehead darkened.
That was way too bold.
"As for Ning Tian, she's the young sect master of the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. Her future husband must be an exceptionally powerful soul master. When she bid for the Devouring Spirit Carving Knife for you at the auction, the way she looked at you wasn't normal gratitude—it was gentle, feminine emotion."
"Didn't you notice how Yao Haoxuan keeps trying to connect you and Ning Tian?"
Huo Yuhao took a sip of tea and remained silent.
He had no romantic feelings toward Zhu Lu or Ning Tian—at most, they were friends.
But thinking carefully… Wang Dong really was different.
Sometimes when he returned to the dorm smelling faintly of Ma Xiaotao's fragrance, Wang Dong would always ask in a sour tone where he'd been.
Thinking about it carefully, maybe…
I treated you like a brother, but you actually want to sleep with me.
It was Douluo Continent—people started relationships very early.
But he had no romantic feelings toward Wang Dong. At least, not now. It was just brotherhood.
"Sis, are you angry?"
Huo Yuhao turned to look at Ma Xiaotao.
"Angry?"
Ma Xiaotao smiled and shook her head.
"No matter how you change, you'll always be my most beloved little brother. I'm telling you this because you're in the advantageous position. Don't let girls down. When it's time to decide, decide—never hesitate."
"Whether it's lovers or friends, think carefully."
"As for me, I can spend my life one-on-one with you, or I can share you with others. I know exactly what kind of feelings you have toward me."
"Just don't make a decision you'll regret."
Her expression grew serious at the end.
Huo Yuhao held his teacup, emotions tangled. He hadn't expected Ma Xiaotao to say all this.
But she was right.
In his previous life, when reading novels, he always wondered why Xiao Yan didn't marry the Little Doctor Fairy. Xiao Yan understood her feelings too—he just never made a clear decision. In the end, the Endless Fire Domain had only two mistresses.
"I understand."
Huo Yuhao gently set down his teacup and smiled.
"Good."
Ma Xiaotao nodded in satisfaction, then asked with concern,
"How's your mental power recovery?"
"Almost fully recovered."
"Good."
She smiled."I'm going to rest. Still need to watch matches this afternoon."
She stood up to return to her room, but suddenly, the communicator rang at the door.
Both of them turned to look.
Huo Yuhao quickly went over and picked it up.
"What's the matter?"
A female voice came from the other side.
"Hello, sorry to disturb you. I'm hotel front desk staff. I'm calling to inform you that a student from Star Luo Royal Soul Master Academy wishes to meet your academy's student Zhu Lu in the hotel lobby. Could you please notify her?"
Huo Yuhao and Ma Xiaotao both showed looks of surprise.
"I'll tell Zhu Lu, but if she doesn't want to go, that's fine."
"Thank you."
The call ended.
"Zhu Lu?"Ma Xiaotao was puzzled, then quickly realized."Don't tell me it's that Dai Huabin?"
"Very possible."
"You go tell her. I'm going to rest."
Ma Xiaotao stretched lazily and left with light steps.
Huo Yuhao went to Zhu Lu's room.
She wasn't asleep. She quickly opened the door after hearing the knock.
When she heard that Dai Huabin wanted to see her, she frowned.
"What do you think I should do?"
She looked straight at Huo Yuhao.
"That depends on your own choice."
Huo Yuhao smiled.
Zhu Lu gazed at him deeply, then shook her head.
"I won't see him."
Once, it was a family engagement binding her. Now it was gone. She no longer needed to follow Dai Huabin's commands or foolishly trail after him.
Everything was over.
"Alright. I'll reply."
Huo Yuhao nodded and turned to leave.
Halfway down the corridor, he suddenly turned back.
"Your massage technique is really good. Thank you."
Zhu Lu looked up, surprised—but upon hearing the thanks, she smiled.
"You're welcome."
Huo Yuhao left.
Zhu Lu smiled, shook her head, and closed the door.
In the hotel lobby.
On a sofa in the rest area, Dai Huabin stared blankly at the floor, silent like a statue.
Footsteps approached.
He raised his head and saw a hotel staff member in uniform. Seeing the apologetic expression, he immediately understood. His breathing grew heavier.
"Sorry. The Shrek Academy student doesn't wish to meet you."
"I understand."
Dai Huabin replied coldly, then quickly walked out of the hotel toward the outskirts of Star Luo City.
The last straw had fallen.
At noon, the blazing sun radiated scorching heat.
Inside a forest, beside several broken trees, a black-robed figure sat on a stone.
Clear footsteps sounded.
The black-robed man lifted his head. His uncovered eyes seemed to hold a smile.
"You came a few days later than I expected."
"Elder Gui."
Dai Huabin knelt respectfully.
The black-robed man nodded in satisfaction.
"It seems you and I are fated. Today was the last day I would wait—and you arrived."
"Stand up."
Dai Huabin rose and looked straight at him.
The man smiled.
"If you're willing, you may take me as your master. My name is Gui Wujing—Great Elder of the Holy Spirit Church, a Level 98 Super Douluo. That should be enough to be your teacher."
Though Dai Huabin already knew he was an evil soul master, hearing Level 98 Super Douluo still stunned him.
"Master, please accept this disciple!"
Dai Huabin clenched his fists. Deep pain and resentment flashed in his eyes. Then, without hesitation, he knelt and kowtowed.
"Very good."
Gui Wujing nodded.
"From today on, you are my final disciple. Continue participating in the tournament. Cultivate in peace for now. I will come find you later."
"Yes, Master."
"Remember—do not expose that you've met me."
Gui Wujing patted his shoulder.
"I still have matters to attend to. I'll be leaving."
His body suddenly turned into countless wisps of black smoke and vanished.
After a long silence, Dai Huabin let out a cold laugh. Deep darkness filled his eyes.
"Dai Yueheng… you all forced me into this. And you too, Zhu Lu—you bitch. One day, I'll make you kneel before me and repent today's decision."
Note:
If you want me to translate your favorite fanfiction from Douluo (Soul Land), BTTH, Marvel, Naruto, One Piece, any anime, or any game franchise, I'm more than happy to do it for you.
You can contact me directly on WhatsApp: +92 302 7012760
Feel free to message me even if you don't want anything translated—whether you just want to chat, give suggestions, or discuss stories. I'm free and available for the next few days, so don't hesitate to reach out 😊.
--------------------
Fully Completed English PDF of this fan-fic on my Patreon shop if you want to support and own the full fan-fic in one go. Just grab the PDF and binge the entire story from start to finish!
Welcome Back!!! Brothers I've uploaded some New New High Quality english translated fanfic on my Patreon shop! recently Feel free to check it out—if you're interested, you can grab a copy and support me there.
Here are a few titles of recently uploaded fanfics on patreon:
" Douluo: Reborn as Ye Lingling (18+) "
" Douluo: Starting by Counter-Killing Qian Renxue (18+) "
" Douluo: Tang Hao Read My Diary and Actually Smashed the Spirit Hall "
" Douluo: Marrying Ah Yin at the Start, Building the Strongest Family "
" Douluo: Lying Flat and Writing a Diary, They're Acting Strange "
" In BTTH, I Write a Fake Diary! The Heroines Have All Collapsed (18+) "
" Douluo: My Diary Makes Tang San Betrayed by Everyone "
" Douluo: Martial Soul — Thunder Ancestral Dragon "
" Awakening Twin Martial Spirits From Douluo Continent and Becoming Invincible "
" Douluo: Using the Sharingan to Snatch Away Tianmeng "
" Douluo: After Drawing My Sword Billions of Times, Bibi Dong Got Addicted "
" Douluo: Everything Can Be Snatched "
" Douluo: Signed In 100,000 Years Early as a Soul Beast "
" Douluo: Starting by Modifying a Ten-Thousand-Year Spirit Ring "
many more up to 180+ are available.
Your support means a lot—thanks in advance, legends!
Patreon.com/UIGOD
(End of Chapter)