Chapter 87: Yan Shaozhe – Just an Upstart!

Ma Rulong looked at Huo Yuhao with admiration and said, "Not bad. While Xiao Hongchen and Meng Hongchen played a crucial role, the key to our victory was still you, Junior Yuhao. Your contribution was irreplaceable." In Ma Rulong's mind, he couldn't help but wonder if Huo Yuhao hadn't provided intel on Xu Jiujiu, the Sun Moon Team might have been in serious danger. After all, Xu Jiujiu's Absolute Defense soul tool and Star's Guardian were perfect for dividing the battlefield. If Ma Rulong had been trapped by Absolute Defense, his only way out would have been using Judgment Sword. But Judgment Sword came at too great a cost unless it was for the honor of his empire and academy, he would never use it lightly. Jing Hongchen approached the Sun Moon Team, ready to praise them. Just then, a voice called out behind him, "Hall Master Jing, please wait. I have something to discuss with you." Jing Hongchen paused and turned around to see Yan Shaozhe. To be honest, Yan Shaozhe the Dean of the Martial Soul Department at Shrek Academy was incredibly famous. Even though Jing Hongchen had never interacted with him before, he could recognize him instantly. In the Sun Moon Empire's intelligence reports, Yan Shaozhe was classified as a highly dangerous figure. Jing Hongchen smiled and said loudly, "Dean Yan, if you have something to say, just say it directly. No need for formalities. If you're here to congratulate our Sun Moon Team on winning the Soul Master Tournament, I'd be more than happy to accept your congratulations." Yan Shaozhe's expression stiffened. Jing Hongchen's demeanor could be summed up in one phrase an upstart gloating over his success. He was acting just like those amateur fishermen who never catch anything, only to suddenly hook a giant fish and brag about it to everyone. Yan Shaozhe thought, If Elder Xuan hadn't made mistakes in leading our team, Shrek Academy would still be the champion. Not Sun Moon. However, results were results, and arguing was pointless. So, he simply smiled and said, "Indeed, Sun Moon winning the championship is something worth congratulating. Hall Master Jing, you have a fine group of students." No matter what he thought inside, they hadn't completely fallen out yet, and he had a mission to accomplish. So, he had to at least show some respect. Jing Hongchen was pleased. For years, the Sun Moon Empire had been mocked for never winning a championship. But now, thanks to Huo Yuhao and his team, they had finally broken that curse. For the first time, he felt that when discussing the Soul Master Tournament with Shrek Academy, he could stand a little taller. Jing Hongchen said, "Dean Yan, I doubt you came here just to congratulate me." Yan Shaozhe replied, "Indeed. Shrek Academy wishes to initiate an exchange student program with the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy. It would benefit both academies by fostering learning and cooperation." Jing Hongchen frowned slightly and thought for a moment before responding, "Dean Yan, your proposal makes sense. We can discuss the timing, but I will need some time to decide on the students." Yan Shaozhe was momentarily stunned. His gaze shifted past Jing Hongchen, landing on Huo Yuhao. "Hall Master Jing, I watched the match earlier. I found Huo Yuhao to be quite an interesting student. Why don't we start by confirming him as an exchange student?" To Yan Shaozhe, Huo Yuhao was a prodigy, and given his origins, he seemed like someone who could be swayed. If they could bring him to Shrek Academy, he would undoubtedly be captivated by its ten thousand year legacy. And once he was immersed in that environment, he might even choose to stay. That would be a huge gain for Shrek Academy. Huo Yuhao, caught off guard, instinctively activated Spiritual Detection Sharing and directly linked with Jing Hongchen. Through their connection, he transmitted a quick message: "Hall Master, don't agree to this. I have no interest in Shrek Academy." He admitted that the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy had its fair share of fanatics. But Shrek Academy seemed to have way more of them. If he went there, who knew what kind of madness he'd have to deal with? Shrek's Beibei had once said, "At Shrek Academy, our tests are always based on real combat. A teacher once said that any data is meaningless in the face of battle." Huo Yuhao believed Beibei after all, he was Mu En's great grandson. But how did Shrek Academy actually operate? Huo Yuhao had won the freshman competition, proving his combat prowess. Yet, instead of making him an official core disciple, they only gave him a temporary core disciple status. Meanwhile, Dai Huabin, who lost that competition, was immediately accepted as a core disciple of the Martial Soul Department. Ridiculous. Sure, the academy eventually compensated him with a soul bone. But everyone knew he had no intention of absorbing it, so in the end, the soul bone went to Xiao Xiao. Jing Hongchen's expression shifted slightly. Clearly, he had heard Huo Yuhao's transmission. In truth, even if Huo Yuhao hadn't said anything, he had no intention of sending him to Shrek Academy. Huo Yuhao was Sun Moon's prized talent why risk sending him away? What if something happened to him? So, Jing Hongchen took two steps forward, looked directly at Yan Shaozhe, and shook his head. "The Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy must consider multiple factors when selecting students for exchange. First and foremost, Yuhao's martial soul is Spirit Eyes. He was born to be a soul engineer. Sending him to Shrek Academy would be pointless. Yes, your academy leads the world in training Soul Masters. But in the field of soul tools? You're not on the same level as Mingde Hall." Yan Shaozhe's expression darkened with disappointment. He wanted to try one more time, so he turned directly to Huo Yuhao, hoping to persuade him in person. But Jing Hongchen saw through his plan immediately. Without hesitation, he stepped forward, diverting the conversation back to exchange student details completely shutting down Yan Shaozhe's approach. Duke's Mansion After the Soul Master Tournament ended, the mansion's steward rushed back and reported everything to the Duchess. The moment she heard his words, she slammed her hand against the table. BANG! The wooden surface cracked under her palm. She glared at the steward, her voice filled with fury. "You're certain that Huo Yuhao is actually Dai Yuhao? The son of that servant, Huo Yun'er? And he won the championship of the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Tournament?" On the Douluo Continent, one's birth was everything. For 99% of people, their martial soul and innate soul power at the age of six determined their future. To the Duchess, Dai Yuhao was a nobody someone with no potential, destined for mediocrity. The steward quickly nodded. "It's absolutely true! My Lady, rumors of Huo Yuhao's achievements have spread throughout Star Luo City. Many people are questioning your past actions..." At this point, the steward hesitated. He was, after all, just a servant. The Duchess was a member of the Star Luo royal family, raised in luxury, and known for her temper. And ever since Dai Huabin's death, her moods had become even more volatile. Lately, everyone in the mansion had been walking on eggshells around her. The Duchess's face darkened. "My reputation...? Hmph. Huo Yuhao never awakened the White Tiger martial soul of course, he was never meant for greatness. And his mother? She was nothing more than a servant. As the Duchess of this house, was I wrong to discipline a mere servant?" (End of chapter.)Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon. 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