Chapter 89: Xu Tianran ’s Invitation

Moments later, Di Qiu ́er put down the book, her breathing slightly erratic. A faint blush had appeared on her originally fair cheeks. The book's content was simple it depicted love stories between the protagonist and various female soul beasts that had taken human form. However, the author had gone into excessive detail in certain scenes. For an old soul beast like Di Tian, such content might not have mattered. But for Di Qiu ́er who had only cultivated for 15,000 years and yearned for the human world it was a real shock. Even though soul beasts and humans were fundamentally different, she could fully understand the Guide to Soul Beast Girls. After all, she could take human form, and her intelligence was quite high. Take Tianmeng and Bingdi, for example. When the original Huo Yuhao questioned how a scorpion and a silkworm could sleep together, Tianmeng had simply responded: "We take human form, of course." "Humans actually write books like this? No wonder Di Tian insists on reviewing certain books before allowing them into the forest..." Di Qiu ́er had emotions, and after inheriting part of Huo Yuhao's memories, she had inevitably been influenced by them. However, unlike the original novel, where Tang San's intervention and Wang Dong's divine consciousness altered her personality, she retained some differences from the original Wang Qiuer. "Young lady, are you buying that book?" The bookstore owner, seated in a chair, asked with a cheerful smile. Di Qiu ́er shook her head, setting the book down and walking out. She didn't have any money to buy it. As she continued wandering through the city, she encountered a problem. Some people had started following her drawn in by her striking beauty. "This face seems to attract too much attention from humans... I should wear a veil next time. But for now, I need to hurry to the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy and experience the academy life from Huo Yuhao's memories." Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy Huo Yuhao walked through the campus, heading toward the cafeteria. Although he could make delicious grilled fish, it wasn't as nutritious as the academy's specially prepared meals. As he passed by, students who spotted him stopped in their tracks, their faces lighting up with excitement as they whispered among themselves. "That's Junior Yuhao! He contributed greatly to our victory in the Soul Master Tournament. Truly, a hero among young men!" "Junior Yuhao is the pride of the Sun Moon Empire!" This reaction was expected. Since the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Tournament was first established, the Sun Moon Empire had never won a championship. For Huo Yuhao and his team to claim victory was a matter of immense pride for all Sun Moon citizens. Huo Yuhao paid no attention to the chatter and continued toward his destination. He had already grown numb to the endless praises. The moment he had returned to the academy from Star Luo City, Jing Hongchen had announced their championship victory using a loudspeaker soul tool. The entire school had erupted in celebration. Students had poured out in droves to congratulate the team. Naturally, the news spread rapidly after that. It wouldn't be long before his name was known throughout the entire Sun Moon Empire. By then, he would be a true celebrity. As for the champion's reward? To be honest, he wasn't interested in Star Luo's so called high grade soul bone. He had ways of obtaining even better ones. Suddenly, a voice called out from behind him. "Mr. Huo, could you spare a moment?" Huo Yuhao stopped and turned around. A dark skinned man stood before him. Without a doubt, he was a noble while not all Sun Moon nobles had dark skin, those who did were almost always from noble families. He was a prime example, just like He Caitou. "You are?" Huo Yuhao asked, puzzled. He had no recollection of this man. The man smiled and introduced himself. "My name is Xu Feng. I serve under His Highness the Crown Prince. Upon hearing of your victory in the tournament and how you brought honor to the Sun Moon Empire, His Highness was overjoyed. He has sent me to personally invite you to attend a private banquet tonight." Huo Yuhao blinked. "Xu Tianran is interested in my talent and background... He wants me to support him in his bid for the throne, doesn't he?" He was certain that if he accepted the invitation, the "Pill Popping Douluo" Xu Tianran would shower him with rewards and make all sorts of promises. But Xu Tianran was someone who valued his own interests above all else. To him, people were merely tools. Even Juzi, who had saved his life, was nothing more than a "trustworthy tool." Otherwise, he wouldn't have forced her to bear another man's child just to secure his claim to the throne. If Huo Yuhao agreed to the banquet, he would immediately be labeled as someone who supported Xu Tianran 's succession. At first, this would bring him benefits. But once he lost his usefulness, Xu Tianran 's attitude would turn cold in an instant. That was simply the kind of person he was. Take Jing Hongchen, for example. In the original story, Jing Hongchen had gone to great lengths to help Xu Tianran ascend to the throne. But when Xu Tianran later rebuilt Mingde Hall, he deliberately excluded Jing Hongchen, instead assigning him to be the governor of Tian Dou City. Sure, Xu Tianran wanted to promote "his own people." But this still left Jing Hongchen bitter. Even though the Sun Moon Empire had conquered Tian Dou City by then, a mere city governor simply couldn't compare to the Hall Master of Mingde Hall. With these thoughts in mind, Huo Yuhao immediately shook his head. "I appreciate His Highness's invitation, but I must decline. I am currently focused on researching soul tools and simply don't have the time to attend a banquet. Please convey my apologies." He wasn't afraid of offending Xu Tianran . After all, he had Kong Deming backing him. As long as Kong Deming was around, Xu Tianran wouldn't dare make trouble. Even in the original story, before creating the first rank ten soul tool, Kong Deming was still the most respected soul engineer in the Sun Moon Empire. Even other rank nine soul engineers had to address him as "Elder Kong." As for any potential rewards Xu Tianran might offer, Huo Yuhao wasn't interested. After all, anything Xu Tianran could provide, Kong Deming could offer as well. Xu Feng's expression stiffened slightly. It was rare for anyone to refuse an invitation from Xu Tianran . The Crown Prince was the strongest contender for the throne. Even those who disliked him still gave him face. Yet Huo Yuhao had outright rejected him. That left a sour taste in Xu Feng's mouth. However, he didn't dare show any hostility. Before sending him, Xu Tianran had specifically instructed that Huo Yuhao was to be treated with the utmost respect. And so, despite his displeasure, Xu Feng maintained his composure. (End of chapter.)Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon. Read 15 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Albino1