"And furthermore..." Huo Yuhao looked at Bei Bei with a faint, knowing smile, before his gaze swept across Xu Sanshi, Wang Dong, Gongyang Mo, and the others. "Can any of you pat your chest and guarantee that from the moment you started cultivating until now, you haven't taken a single medicinal pill?"
"..."
Bei Bei felt his cheeks burn and couldn't help but lower his head; the others also felt too embarrassed to meet Huo Yuhao's eyes.
So much for Shrek Academy never "pulling up seedlings to help them grow"... they didn't seem to eat fewer pills in their daily lives. It was truly a case of the pot calling the kettle black.
Wang Yan clapped his hands, drawing everyone's attention to himself.
"Yuhao is right. Humility leads to progress. Even if we have a slight advantage, it doesn't mean we are significantly stronger than our opponents. Everyone needs to adjust their mindset and take every enemy seriously."
Bei Bei nodded silently. Although he was somewhat dissatisfied with Huo Yuhao poking holes in his arguments time and again, the guy was, after all, speaking the blunt truth.
"In any case, I have truly learned a lesson this time."
...
On the official highway outside Star Net City, a large contingent of people was slowly approaching the city gates.
In the middle of the procession was a massive carriage bearing a lifelike White Tiger head. One didn't even need to ask to know that this was the carriage of the White Tiger Duke, Dai Hao.
Dai Hao sat upright inside the carriage, propping his chin with one hand as he flipped through the unfinished military affairs of the Western Army Group.
After reading a few pages, he set them aside with some irritation, resting his hands in front of him and closing his eyes to rest.
Having led armies and fought wars for so many years, Dai Hao was an old hand in officialdom; he was naturally aware of any shifts in the imperial court.
However, he couldn't quite understand why Xu Jiawei had suddenly insisted on his return to Star Net City, claiming they should watch his two sons' matches together.
Everyone in the aristocratic circles of Star Net knew that Dai Yueheng and Dai Huabin had originally studied at Shrek Academy, only to be forced to transfer to the Star Net National Academy after getting into trouble.
What was the point of him going? Wasn't this a public execution of his White Tiger Clan's reputation?
Dai Hao was self-aware enough to know that Xu Jiawei didn't trust him. But because Dai Hao held the military power of the Western Army Group and Xu Jiawei needed him to deal with the Sun Moon Empire, the two factions had maintained a posture of relative peace.
Thinking this way, Dai Hao arrived at the viewing platform of the imperial palace.
"Subject Dai Hao greets Your Majesty and the Empress."
Xu Jiawei, wearing a face full of smiles, stepped forward to help Dai Hao up. "Why such formality, Brother? Please, rise."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Xu Jiawei's face showed only a joyful smile. This grandson is finally back. I can finally take back the military power of the Mingdu Mountains!
"Time flies, and the years spare no one!"
"The last time I witnessed the finals of the Continental Elite Young Soul Master Tournament in Star Net City was twenty years ago. Back then, both I and my dear brother were merely youths. Things have changed; twenty years later, I am the ruler of a nation, and you have become the empire's premier commander."
"But how many twenty-year periods does one get in life? That is why I insisted you return—even if just to reminisce about our youth!"
Dai Hao hesitated for a moment before replying with a smile, "Indeed. Looking at Princess Jiujiu, Dai Yueheng, and the others, it feels like seeing Your Majesty and myself from those years!"
This shameless old fox... Xu Jiawei cursed inwardly. What? You want your son to make a move on my sister? You fool, you don't even understand your own predicament!
"Let's not speak of that. Look, Brother! The first half of today's matches features Shrek Academy, and the second half is our Star Net National Academy. We can finally see Yueheng and Huabin show off their skills!"
Dai Hao spoke with feigned humility: "Any insignificant achievements they have today were granted by the Empire; they are truly nothing to boast of."
"Haha... Brother is as modest as ever."
The two old foxes chatted aimlessly until the "2-2-3" battle between Shrek Academy and Zhengtian Academy reached the three-on-three stage. Huo Yuhao, He Caitou, and Ning Tian took the stage as the final trio.
Xu Jiawei asked intentionally, "Does my brother remember this one named Huo Yuhao?"
"I remember. It was this person who had a conflict with my sons Dai Huabin and Dai Yueheng, leading to..." Dai Hao paused.
He then watched as Huo Yuhao used exquisite swordsmanship to slash away the Golden Leaves surrounding him before charging straight at Ye Wuqing. Thunderous light flickered across the arena, and Ye Wuqing was sent flying by a single punch.
It was a complete and utter victory, one that made Dai Hao frown.
Dai Hao bowed slightly to Xu Jiawei. "Your Majesty, this boy's talent is indeed much higher than I anticipated. He is a genius with Twin Martial Souls. It would be best if Your Majesty devised a way to deal with him soon."
Dai Hao's words were certainly laced with a bit of personal grudge; after all, his two children were essentially forced out of school because of Huo Yuhao.
Xu Jiawei almost lost his composure, but he managed to suppress his expression, asking with feigned surprise, "Then what Brother means is..."
Dai Hao said without hesitation: "If he can be recruited, recruit him. If he cannot, we must not leave such a hidden threat to the Empire."
"..."
The corners of Xu Jiawei's mouth couldn't help but curl into a beautiful arc.
How delightful!
A biological father was actually urging the Emperor to eliminate his own son. Dai Hao, oh Dai Hao... if Huo Yuhao knew what you said today, how many more days would you have to live?
"...Regarding such a genius, we must show more respect," Xu Jiawei said. "I have already sent Jiujiu to contact this great genius of Shrek Academy. Speaking of which, he is also a person of the Star Net Empire; surely he must have some feelings for his motherland."
Dai Hao raised an eyebrow. From the sound of this old fox's words, was he planning to use a "beauty trap"? Then what about Yueheng's side?
...
After watching Huo Yuhao walk off the competition stage amidst the cheers of the audience, Xu Jiujiu stood up and walked toward the Shrek team.
A hint of unease flashed in the eyes of Dai Yueheng, who was nearby.
As the eldest son of the Dai family, he naturally knew the Empire's princess, but she was usually low-profile and rarely went out, so they had little interaction.
But now that the Dai family was facing a predicament, it would be best if he could form a connection with the Imperial family. Moreover, Xu Jiujiu's appearance and temperament were undoubtedly top-tier. Unfortunately, this noble princess didn't seem to have the slightest interest in him.
Instead, she showed a profound interest in Huo Yuhao. Every time there was a match involving Huo Yuhao, this princess was always the first to arrive at the viewing area.
Could it be... Thinking of this, Dai Yueheng's face turned slightly dark.
"Jiujiu, it's probably not appropriate for you to go directly to the Shrek team, is it?"
Xu Jiujiu did not take the Young Master Dai's bait. Instead, her tone was blunt and impolite.
"Vice-Captain Dai, please address me by my official title while we are working."