Looking at his brand new left hand, Huo Yuhao revealed a satisfied smile. His left hand could now be considered "acquired divine"—transformed through postnatal cultivation.
Moreover, with the influence of Huo Yuhao's cultivation, the remnant shell had finally begun to evolve, starting to nurture a divine ability.
Once the divine ability was fully developed, this left hand would possess power comparable to Electrolux and Mu En—perhaps even stronger!
Because this left hand would be driven by Huo Yuhao's own power.
As for what kind of divine ability would emerge from the Iceworm's remains, Huo Yuhao had his own suspicions. There were two main possibilities:
One was defensive, the other binding.
These would correspond to the Iceworm's strengths—enhanced defense and the ability to trap even the Ice Empress. Even though the remnant never directly confined the Ice Empress, its inherent power was undoubtedly real.
The inherited ice and spiritual power from the Iceworm would also be embedded in the left hand, available for Huo Yuhao to wield. These powers would likely be fused into the divine ability as well.
The ideal scenario would be a fusion of both traits—combining defense and control. If he could get a "two-for-one" and birth two divine abilities at once, that would be excellent too. There was no rule that said you could only birth one divine ability at a time.
Just like twins—rare, but not impossible.
Divine abilities are often fusions of one's overall capabilities, reflecting the cultivation methods practiced.
So the divine ability that would be born in Huo Yuhao's left hand would reflect that—it would carry the influence of the Iceworm's power and might also integrate aspects of his Demonic Buddha techniques.
After all, it was with the help of the Demonic Buddha method that this divine ability was able to take shape.
The Iceworm watched the entire process in silence, emotions complicated. If I had had Huo Yuhao's methods back then, would I have suffered at the hands of the savage beasts like that? It's a painful memory best left unspoken.
Electrolux, on the other hand, pondered whether he could draw inspiration from divine techniques to further improve necromancy. There were similarities between the two after all.
The Golden Tortoise played its usual role as comic relief, exclaiming "Turtle! Turtle!" in admiration.
The Three-Eyed Golden Lion remained uninterested, continuing to play with the beast spirits. But lately, it seemed a bit bored and was itching to go outside—but that would need Huo Yuhao's approval.
After confirming there were no hidden dangers or discomfort in his left hand, Huo Yuhao carefully peeled off the skin.
A cultivator's body could also serve as magical material, and the skin from Huo Yuhao's original left hand was no exception—it could be crafted into useful items.
In fact, the durability of Huo Yuhao's skin made it suitable even for refining into a magical artifact.
Nothing should be wasted.
Then, Huo Yuhao walked to the other side of the secret chamber, where a pill furnace was operating. Inside, something was being refined.
The material: the heart and soul of the Trifated Wolf Ape.
Even Huo Yuhao wasn't entirely sure what he was trying to create—he had no specific alchemy recipe or artifact blueprint. In order to preserve the "trifated sensing" ability of the beast, he chose the most primitive method: start refining and let the essence form something on its own.
Whether it would become a pill or a magical tool—he had no way to know.
But one thing was certain—it would be very interesting, because the trifated sensing ability would be preserved.
It felt a bit like pulling a gacha card.
After checking on the progress inside the furnace and confirming all was well, Huo Yuhao nodded.
"A bit more time, and it'll be done."
He then left the secret chamber.
Inside the pill furnace, a fire-type beast soul was steadily providing heat—ensuring the flame never ceased was enough.
Star Dou Forest, Core Area
"So I've been unconscious for this long? And so many things have happened during that time… Teacher has passed, and Aunt Zi Ji is missing."
Inside a small wooden house, nestled in blooming flowers—
Jin Qiu'er had awakened from her coma. Dressed in a flowing skirt, she sat on the wooden bed, stunned and speechless after hearing everything that had happened. It was clear she was struggling to accept reality.
Beside her sat Bi Ji, just recently recovered from her injuries. It was Bi Ji who had told Jin Qiu'er about everything that occurred while she slept. Seeing Jin Qiu'er like this, Bi Ji gently pulled her into an embrace, like a mother comforting her daughter.
Jin Qiuer's condition had been incredibly tricky. Even Di Tian was helpless. In the end, it was the Silver Dragon King who finally managed to awaken her.
In truth, the Silver Dragon King had shattered the hidden technique Huo Yuhao had left behind, which roused Jin Qiu'er.
This also allowed the Silver Dragon King to realize that Jin Qiu'er's coma had been induced by someone—not a natural unconsciousness. Moreover, her soul had become extremely fragile and even damaged!
This revelation enraged the beast clan—especially Di Tian, who wanted nothing more than to hunt down the culprit and tear them apart.
Unfortunately, the technique used was extremely strange. Even with the Silver Dragon King's power, no trace of its origin could be found. The force that had bound Jin Qiu'er's soul and consciousness wasn't anything typical of soul masters. After being broken, it simply vanished without a trace.
Currently, Di Tian had three suspects:
Shrek Academy – but this was unlikely. Shrek didn't know Jin Qiu'er's real identity and believed her to be Mu En's disciple. Mu En was even willing to sacrifice himself for her—no motive to harm her.
The Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy, adjacent to Shrek. Mu En had mentioned this before. The Sun Moon Empire's soul masters came from a different continent and had different methods. Given their tension with Shrek, they had reason to act.
Star Luo Empire – Jin Qiu'er encountered her incident while in the Star Luo Empire. Regardless of what happened in between, the empire had now landed on the beasts' suspect list.
But catching the real culprit would be like searching for a needle in a haystack—nearly impossible.
The good news was: Jin Qiu'er was alive. Her soul wasn't beyond recovery, so this case could be set aside—for now.
Yes, the beasts were considering restoring Jin Qiu'er's fragmented soul. The Silver Dragon King even offered to handle it personally.
When it came to soul-related issues, she had confidence. And she didn't mind sacrificing a few years of healing if it meant helping Jin Qiu'er—after all, Jin Qiu'er played a key role in the future of the Star Dou Forest.
If soul recovery wasn't possible, they would supplement her soul with other beast souls. After all, what mattered in an Auspicious Beast was bloodline and destiny power, not necessarily the original soul.
But another issue was even more severe—
Zi Ji had gone missing!
She might even be dead!
After she was gone for far too long, Di Tian had sent Chi Wang to track her. Chi Wang followed Zi Ji's scent to a battlefield—one ravaged by Huo Yuhao's Destruction Light.
Sensing something was wrong, Chi Wang quickly returned to report to Di Tian. Di Tian personally investigated the site and confirmed: Zi Ji's aura had completely vanished, and the force used there bore a destructive energy that obliterated everything.
Zi Ji may have been killed.
Zi Ji was not only a fierce beast—she was a pure-blood dragon, holding a special place in both the forest and Di Tian's heart.
Her disappearance pushed Di Tian to the brink of madness. The other beasts were equally enraged. The Silver Dragon King's expression turned cold.
Thankfully, Di Tian still held onto reason. Because of Jin Qiu'er, he couldn't leave. So he led a full-scale search of the Star Dou Forest—but found nothing unusual.
Apart from Zi Ji, no other Beast King had gone missing. Nor were there any other traces of that destructive energy.
It was just like the earlier slaughtered mountain ranges—eerily clean.
As if an invisible hand was stealing the forest's very foundation.
However, Di Tian had preserved a sample of that energy. This would not be the end of the matter.
The one who harmed Jin Qiu'er left no clues—but the one who harmed Zi Ji left traces. Di Tian vowed to track them down and make them pay in blood!
"Uncle Di Tian is dealing with Aunt Zi Ji's situation, isn't he?" Jin Qiu'er asked Bi Ji.
Bi Ji sighed deeply and nodded.
Even though she and Zi Ji didn't get along, Bi Ji still cared for all her kin equally. Zi Ji's disappearance deeply worried her, and she prayed constantly to the Dragon God for Zi Ji's safe return.
"I want to see Uncle Di Tian! I want to help him too!" Jin Qiu'er wiped the corner of her eye, speaking with determination—as if she had made up her mind.
Looking at Jin Qiu'er in her arms, Bi Ji suddenly felt that the girl had grown up in that moment.
No longer just the spoiled child adored by Di Tian and the beasts.
Late Night.
Outside Shrek Academy, on the plains.
Whoosh—
Powerful auras descended under the moonlight.
The bright moon hung high, illuminating the plain.
Xuanzi led Elder Lin and other powerful figures to the scene, all in their Spirit Avatar state, fully prepared for battle, exuding intense killing intent.
Because standing before them was a black-robed man—Di Tian!
"Di Tian! You actually dare step out of the Great Star Dou Forest? As expected, you soul beasts never intended to uphold the pact! Do you really think Shrek Academy fears you?" Xuanzi roared in anger.
Whether they could defeat him or not, the people of Shrek were already fired up.
In fact, Xuanzi had long prepared to risk everything. Advancing the confrontation a few years earlier than planned wasn't a problem. With the help of the Dragon Pill, he might even stand a chance against Di Tian!
But Di Tian barely reacted to Xuanzi's outburst. He simply let out a cold snort, glanced at the group, and slowly said, "I asked you out here because I have something to discuss."
Had it not been for Jin Qiu'er's request, Di Tian wouldn't have come here in peace. But for Zi Ji's sake, he chose to follow her advice.
Di Tian's unexpectedly calm demeanor left Xuanzi and the others a bit confused.
Wait, what? He's not here to fight?
Then all of them charging out of the academy en masse just looked kinda dumb now...
Moments ago, they'd been tending to their duties or cultivating, when Di Tian's voice suddenly rang out over Shrek Academy, calling for Xuanzi to meet him outside.
Naturally, Xuanzi panicked.
He thought Di Tian was attacking again.
So he immediately led Shrek's top fighters out to avoid involving the academy in any conflict.
And now? This was it?
What the hell—are you here for a romantic negotiation?
Even Huo Yuhao was caught off guard. Yes, he had come too, since he'd heard Di Tian's voice. But he was only present in spirit form, hidden in the void.
As long as he didn't reveal himself or run into a soul specialist, he'd be fine. Besides, he didn't get too close—just enough to keep everything in sight.
Di Tian ignored their confusion and raised his hand. In his palm was a tightly bound aura.
"I want to ask," he said, "do you recognize where this energy comes from?"
He released the bound energy, and the group instantly felt a wave of destructive power—the aura of Destruction Demonlight!
Huo Yuhao raised a brow but didn't worry—anyone who had seen Destruction Demonlight was already dead.
This kind of residual energy normally wouldn't last long, but Destruction Demonlight was so potent and hard to dispel that it retained its presence.
If just the residual aura was this terrifying, how horrifying would it be if it struck someone directly?
Di Tian was deeply concerned for Zi Ji. While dragons had strong bodies and tough scales, they weren't invincible.
As the group sensed the destructive aura, they exchanged bewildered looks—what was Di Tian trying to do?
Playing "Guess the Aura" in the middle of the night?
"What's the meaning of this, Di Tian?" Elder Lin asked warily, hoping to clarify things before deciding how to respond.
Di Tian replied grimly, "After the beast tide, the Hell Demon Dragon King of the Star Dou Forest mysteriously vanished. This aura was left at the scene. This power doesn't come from our soul beasts!"
During his search for Zi Ji, Di Tian had investigated the forest and found nothing similar among the soul beasts. He did, however, kill a few devouring-type evil soul beasts in a fit of rage.
Elder Lin and the others were shocked—but also a bit pleased.
Good riddance!
However, they also realized something alarming: while they were battling the soul beasts, a third party had taken advantage of the chaos—and even captured a 200,000-year-old beast!
A 200,000-year-old beast's soul ring or soul bone would be unheard of.
Even 100,000-year rings and bones, while rare, were still known to appear. But 200,000-year ones? Not even Shrek Academy had ever obtained one.
No word had spread about such a beast being killed... until now.
The question now was: whose aura did Di Tian have? Was this force connected to the cause of the beast tide?
The Shrek elders were both pleased and furious.
But they genuinely couldn't recall encountering such a power before.
Di Tian, seeing the long silence, frowned—did they not know or were they refusing to say?
He suspected the latter.
Just as Di Tian grew impatient and looked ready to use force, Xuanzi suddenly spoke.
"I have seen that aura before," Xuanzi said solemnly.
His words immediately drew everyone's attention. Even the Shrek elders looked at him in surprise.
"Speak!" Di Tian barked, eyes locking onto Xuanzi to gauge his honesty.
Xuanzi replied carefully, "That aura resembles the power of Starfall Douluo, an offering of the Star Luo Empire's Offering Hall."
Huo Yuhao: Of course it does.
"Star Luo Empire again?" Di Tian narrowed his eyes, face turning cold.
He didn't sense any deception in Xuanzi—so now he truly considered the Star Luo Empire a target.
"But…" Xuanzi suddenly changed his tone, "Starfall Douluo mysteriously disappeared months ago, allegedly killed by evil soul masters."
"Huh?"
That twist nearly threw out Di Tian's back—he'd already drawn his claws, and now they were telling him the target was dead?
Seeing Di Tian's mood sour, Elder Lin quickly added, "Actually, even before the beast king's death, Starfall Douluo and another Super Douluo were believed killed by evil soul masters. They've been missing ever since."
"You think I'm a fool? That I don't understand your human world?" Di Tian sneered, his killing intent rising again. "Evil soul masters are like rats scurrying in the dark—how could they possibly kill Title Douluo?"
"We're not lying," Lin replied urgently. "Back during the northern beast tide, we encountered evil soul masters with Title Douluo-level power. We believe they've formed a powerful hidden organization."
This concern had started with Dai Huabin's death, which revealed evil soul master involvement. Then came Dai Hao's murder and more evidence of their activities.
"Starfall Douluo lacked the strength and ambition to attack a beast king," Lin added. "But the evil soul master who killed him might be controlling his body—and using his power to commit this crime."
Corpse manipulation wasn't rare among evil soul masters—but using the body's original power while doing so was unprecedented.
They were counting on Di Tian's lack of detailed knowledge about evil soul masters.
And it worked—his face darkened even further.
"Where are they?" Di Tian growled at Lin, ready to strike if he didn't get a satisfactory answer.
Because if even Starfall Douluo's body could be controlled… so could Zi Ji's! Di Tian could not allow that!
Xuanzi stepped forward to shield Lin from the pressure and replied coldly, "We don't know."
"But we suspect they're hiding in the Sun Moon Empire."
Di Tian: "…"
He hated how Xuanzi talked—he almost pulled out his dragon claw again.
Fortunately, Lin jumped back in to clarify.
"If they were anywhere else on the continent, we'd have found them. But the Sun Moon Empire is out of Shrek's reach. That's the most likely hiding place."
"And frankly, the beast king's death in the Star Dou Forest might also be the Sun Moon Empire's doing. Aside from Shrek and the Body Sect, only their Mingde Hall has that kind of power."
Though the Douluo Continent is filled with countless powers and the might of the four great empires, in this era, the three universally acknowledged forces are none other than Shrek Academy, Body Sect, and Mingde Hall.
These represent the three major paths of cultivation: the traditional Soul Master, the Body Martial Soul Master, and the Soul Engineer.
Naturally, Ditian had heard of Mingde Hall.
He hadn't expected to actually obtain useful intelligence.
While Ditian didn't fully believe Shrek Academy's analysis and conclusions, he at least had a direction to begin his investigation—the Star Luo Empire was his next destination.
"I will investigate this matter myself," Ditian said in the end, preparing to leave—without a single word of thanks. He clearly didn't consider Xuan Zi and the others worthy of his respect.
Only Mu En, who could control the Golden Ancient Tree, was given the slightest recognition. The others from Shrek were unworthy of equal treatment in his eyes. Plus, Ditian could tell at a glance that many of the academy's strong cultivators were wounded, and their combat strength severely diminished.
If it weren't for the divine aura lingering over the Golden Ancient Tree making Ditian cautious, he might've stormed into Shrek himself and stolen the tree to heal the Silver Dragon King.
Just as he was about to leave, a sudden thought struck him. He paused and said,
"Jin Qiu'er has awakened. Her soul had been tampered with, which is why she couldn't wake up."
"Qiu'er..." Xuan Zi murmured, his expression unreadable.
Xuan Zi had once cared deeply for this gifted junior, second only to his concern for Huo Yuhao.
However, Jin Qiu'er wasn't human. She was also one of the main culprits behind the devastation of Shrek Academy. She had become their enemy.
Before Xuan Zi could speak, Yan Shaozhe coldly interrupted,
"Jin Qiu'er is no longer one of us. She has no ties to Shrek Academy now! She is no longer our teacher's disciple!"
Cai Mei'er, standing beside him, gently held Yan Shaozhe's hand, heart aching.
Ditian only now seemed to notice Yan Shaozhe—but merely gave him a disdainful glance, saying nothing.
Xuan Zi, brought back to his senses by Yan Shaozhe's words, took a deep breath and firmly said,
"That's right. Shaozhe is correct."
In the end, humans and soul beasts are different. Past emotions had to be discarded—for the sake of Shrek.
Ditian wasn't surprised by their reaction. The corner of his lips curled into a faint smile, and he turned, vanishing into the void.
The group stared long at the spot where Ditian had disappeared.
"So someone really did tamper with Jin Qiu'er's soul... We must get an explanation for this," Xuan Zi said darkly, turning to Xian Lin'er.
Understanding his intent, she nodded seriously,
"Don't worry, Elder Xuan. On this trip to the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy, I'll give it my all."
"Then you're in full charge. Everyone else, give her your full support," Xuan Zi ordered.
Everyone nodded.
They believed that Shrek had enjoyed peace for too long, making others think they could take advantage of it.
It was time to remind the continent of Shrek Academy's might.
Qian Duoduo looked at Xian Lin'er with concern, but said nothing. This was the academy's will—and her decision. Nothing he could say would change that.
Soon after, Xuan Zi led the group back to Shrek Academy, lifting the emergency alert.
Huo Yuhao felt a bit disappointed.
"I thought we were about to fight... but nothing happened."
So, he too returned.
But rather than returning to his physical body, his primordial spirit entered the Ghost Banner Martial Soul, where he and Zi Ji secluded themselves to study the art of Soul Fusion.
Ditian's arrival had stirred Huo Yuhao's thoughts regarding Zi Ji.
Soul projection and yin-yang fusion—a technique not especially advanced, and certainly unorthodox. But as long as one had some cultivation, it was doable.
However, the technique was crude. The soul's range and duration outside the body were limited, and there were risks.
It offered little combat value—mainly useful for scouting. A normal cultivator's soul lacked power or defense, and could even be scattered by a gust of yin wind. Meanwhile, the soulless body would become extremely fragile—easy prey for possession by evil spirits.
Still, soul-based yin-yang fusion left no physical traces and was difficult to detect or trace. But it could deeply affect a target's soul—causing mental fatigue, health issues, or even shortening lifespan.
If it resulted in death, it would incur karmic backlash.
Yet people still sought to learn it. Why?
Because the feeling of soul fusion far surpasses mere physical intimacy.
Huo Yuhao had confirmed this firsthand. Those with weak willpower could become addicted.
His primordial spirit, however, was different. He retained battle capability even when projected, and his body was protected.
Other cultivators—especially demonic ones—avoided soul-fusing with mortals, fearing contamination. A tainted primordial spirit could mean regression or even spontaneous death.
But that only applied to mortals. If it was a fairy maiden?
Would any cultivator refuse?
Absolutely not.
That's not impurity—that's divine aura.
After fusing souls with Zi Ji, Huo Yuhao found his primordial spirit had grown stronger, gained affinity with her Yin Water attribute, and even acquired a trace of dragon might.
When morning came, Huo Yuhao returned to his body and opened his eyes.
"Not bad... too bad Zi Ji's soul isn't strong enough. Just one fusion damaged her. If it weren't for the Ghost Banner's restorative abilities, she'd be unusable after a few more times. Better let her recover first."
Meanwhile, after leaving Shrek, Ditian didn't immediately return to the core region. Instead, he descended to the outer edge of the Star Dou Forest, raised his hand, and scattered the shadows—
Revealing Jin Qiu'er.
She had been with Ditian all along, hidden by his dark powers. None of Shrek's people had noticed.
Now visible, Jin Qiu'er was silent, looking emotionally downcast.
"Are you satisfied now?" Ditian asked.
She had insisted on coming, her suggestion leading to this trip. Ditian had initially refused but relented due to her persistence—and Bi Ji's intercession.
The condition: total silence and concealment.
Now, the truth was undeniable. Shrek no longer accepted her. They considered her an enemy.
"Give up that foolish fantasy," Ditian said coldly.
"What Shrek valued was human Jin Qiu'er, not the auspicious beast version of you!"
Jin Qiu'er bit her lip, eyes reddening.
Truthfully, she held little affection for Xuan Zi or Yan Shaozhe. The ones she cared about were Shrek Academy itself, and Wang Dong, Xiao Xiao, and Huo Yuhao—maybe half-heartedly.
Leaving Shrek felt like losing her home.
"I want to go to the Sun Moon Empire... to find the one who harmed me!" she suddenly said, looking at Ditian with hope.
Ditian smiled—
But then his face instantly turned cold.
"Don't even think about it."
"Come. Back to the core region."
"Let Bi Ji give you a proper lesson!"
Time flew by quickly.
A year passed in the blink of an eye.
During this year, although the mainland remained tense, no major events occurred.
At least nothing on the scale of the disappearances of Dai Hao, Wang Xian'er, and the Starshatter Douluo, or the soul beast siege of Shrek.
Because Huo Yuhao had been quietly cultivating in Shrek Academy the entire time.
Over the past year:
On the Empire front:
The Star Luo Empire remained in a standoff with the Sun-Moon Empire, but the latter made no further moves, effectively marking a failed start to the new season. Star Luo gradually gained control of the situation and began focusing on investigating Dai Hao's disappearance. The Heavenly Soul Empire and Dou Ling Empire continued to watch from the sidelines.
Among the sects:
Nan Shuishui, the Sect Leader of Earth Dragon Gate, broke through to Titled Douluo, with her ninth soul ring being a 100,000-year soul ring. This news became the biggest event in the sect world. When she held her Titled Douluo banquet, both Heavenly Dragon Gate and Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect sent lavish gifts. The Heavenly Soul royal family also sent a delegation, and Shrek Academy likewise sent presents. This greatly elevated Earth Dragon Gate's status across the Douluo Continent.
Having a Titled Douluo—or more importantly, one with a 100,000-year ninth soul ring—transforms a sect's position entirely.
As long as Nan Shuishui continues her cultivation, her future path toward becoming a Super Douluo is secure. In times of peace, Titled Douluo are unlikely to fall prematurely unless enemies specifically target them.
Wang Xian'er and the Starshatter Douluo's deaths were rare exceptions.
Even during the beast tide, though many soldiers died, almost no Titled Douluo perished. Mu En passed simply due to old age.
As for the soul beasts:
Both the Extreme North and the Star Dou Forest became quiet again, focusing on recuperation. The two beast tides had taken a toll on them, including a loss in their ferocious beast forces.
What humans didn't know was that Di Tian had visited the core of the Extreme North to confront Snow Empress about the Titan Snow Demon King's attack on Shrek City. But she claimed the Titan Snow Demon King and its tribe had been missing for some time and she didn't know where they had gone. The matter was left unresolved.
Di Tian went north based on Jin Qiu'er's suspicions after analyzing the beast tide events. She pointed out the suspicious actions of the Titan Snow Demon King and suspected the Extreme North may have been behind the scenes. But with no evidence or results, the investigation stalled.
Di Tian also secretly visited Star Luo City to investigate matters related to Jin Qiu'er, causing some disturbances. He kept his identity hidden but still failed to uncover much.
Ultimately, Di Tian turned his attention to the Sun-Moon Empire, but its distance made prolonged investigation impossible. He had to postpone it and instead reinforced Star Dou Forest's defenses, which led to a significant increase in soul master casualties when they entered the forest to hunt for soul rings—sparking considerable resentment.
A soft drizzle made the morning feel even cooler. The rain washed over the world, as if cleansing not only the land but also the soul—perhaps even washing away the tears of the sorrowful.
Shrek Academy — the Academy's Cemetery.
Located at the edge of campus and somewhat remote, the cemetery was quiet and rarely visited, making it peaceful and undisturbed.
It housed memorial tablets of former Sea God Pavilion Masters, Elders, and those who had made significant contributions to the academy. There were only tombstones—no actual remains. It was a place for descendants to pay respects.
Most tombstones were grand and regularly maintained.
Yet among them stood a brand-new, simple tombstone made of plain bluestone, placed among those of the Sea God Pavilion Masters.
It bore the inscription:
"Tomb of Mentor, Dragon God Douluo Mu En!"
Zhang Lexuan held a white embroidered parasol and carried offerings as she approached the cemetery, intending to pay her respects to Mu En.
It was the Day of Ancestral Offerings—similar to the Qingming Festival.
However, before she arrived, Zhang Lexuan spotted a lone figure already standing before Mu En's tombstone.
It was a young boy.
As she drew closer, she recognized him.
He wore the inner court uniform, soaked from the rain and clinging to his lean frame. Standing around 1.8 meters tall, he had a strong build, ice-blue hair, and a youthful face—around thirteen or fourteen years old. Though he radiated a cold aura, there was also a sense of solitude to him.
"Yuhao," Zhang Lexuan softly called his name.
The boy suddenly snapped back to awareness and raised his head. His ice-blue eyes were clear and bright. Upon recognizing her, his cold expression melted into a warm smile, like sunlight piercing through the gloom.
"Senior Sister."
After a year in the inner court, Huo Yuhao had become familiar with Zhang Lexuan and, like other disciples, now addressed her as "Senior Sister."
Zhang Lexuan couldn't change this, so she accepted it without fuss.
His smile stirred something in her. It reminded her of Mu En and Bei Bei—gentle and calm. That warmth of spirit seemed to live on in Huo Yuhao.
Her heart suddenly skipped a beat.
But she quickly steadied herself. Huo Yuhao was neither Bei Bei nor Mu En. He wasn't her family.
Yet she noticed his clenched fist slowly relax.
She sighed inwardly, thinking:
Mu Lao's passing saddens us all, but no one is more hurt than Yuhao. He still hasn't moved on...
Standing in the rain without an umbrella, fist clenched before the grave, radiating coldness—it all spoke volumes.
Even without the ability to foresee the future, Zhang Lexuan could already imagine the day when Huo Yuhao would storm into the Star Dou Forest's core to avenge Mu En, forcing the ferocious beasts to atone for their crimes.
But carrying such hatred is never healthy.
Her heart ached for him. She stepped forward, sheltering him under her parasol. She didn't know how to console him, so she gently said,
"Yuhao, take care of yourself. There are people who care about you—don't let them worry."
She was referring to Ma Xiaotao and the other two girls. Though she didn't say it out loud, she already knew of Huo Yuhao's relationship with them.
She hadn't told anyone.
She'd simply observed more closely and found that the four got along surprisingly well. Even though many girls in the outer court admired Yuhao, the three didn't seem jealous at all.
As a die-hard romantic, Zhang Lexuan was left speechless.
She had seen harems before—but such a harmonious one? Never.
If Yan Shaozhe had Huo Yuhao's talent in relationships, he wouldn't have suffered all those years.
Yep, she knew all about the inner circle drama among the academy deans. She didn't even need to eavesdrop—just listening to their bickering during meetings had given her all the pieces to figure it out.
Suddenly, Huo Yuhao said,
"Senior Sister, I'm going out to train."
"Huh?" She looked puzzled.
"I want to become stronger, faster. I'll return before the next Soul Master Tournament—to fight for the academy! Elder Song and Elder Lin have already approved."
But he kept his eyes fixed on Mu En's tombstone. It was as if he was speaking to Mu En himself.
Zhang Lexuan simply stood by in silence, holding the umbrella for him.
After a moment, Huo Yuhao smiled at her and said,
"Senior Sister, I'm heading back to cultivate."
"Alright," she nodded softly. "Take the umbrella with you…"
"No need. I'm fine. This bit of cold can't affect me." He smiled brightly.
Then he stepped out from under the umbrella and into the rain again, walking steadily away from the cemetery.
Zhang Lexuan remained where she stood, watching him go. She gripped her umbrella tighter and sighed deeply.
How she wished she could be like this umbrella—shielding her juniors from wind and rain.
But she didn't have the strength.
"Yuhao is only fourteen this year…"
At fourteen, she was still cultivating under Mu En's protection. Yet Huo Yuhao was already shouldering the academy's future—and Mu En's vengeance.
"Maybe it's time I give it my all too," Zhang Lexuan thought, her eyes growing resolute.
Before Huo Yuhao set out on his journey, another team had already departed.
That was the exchange student team heading to the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy for collaborative learning.
The timing of this exchange was slightly earlier than in the original novel.
Over the past year, the exchange team had undergone comprehensive training in various skills, including disguise and reconnaissance—just like in the original story. Every member of the exchange team was not only expected to study soul tool knowledge but also functioned as spies infiltrating the Sun Moon Empire.
The team leader and supervising teacher was Fan Yu.
It had been more than a year since Zhou Yi's death. Although no one at the academy brought her up anymore, Fan Yu had yet to walk out of that grief.
Worse yet, Fan Yu had not only lost his wife—his disciple Cai Tou had mysteriously disappeared, his life or death unknown.
Now, Fan Yu's hair had turned entirely white. He had become more withdrawn and silent, as though his heart had broken beyond repair.
Fortunately, these blows hadn't affected his research and development of soul tools. His soul power cultivation hadn't lagged either—he was now one step closer to the Title Douluo rank.
Though Zhou Yi's death pained him deeply, Fan Yu didn't fall into despair. On the contrary, he pushed himself harder. Without external distractions, he progressed even faster.
Qian Duoduo privately considered this a good thing. He had never liked Zhou Yi anyway. Cai Tou's disappearance was unfortunate, but Fan Yu was more important.
However, Qian Duoduo probably hadn't realized: Fan Yu's motivation for becoming stronger wasn't to serve Shrek Academy.
It was to avenge Zhou Yi's death!
Regarding Zhou Yi's murder, the Star Luo Empire and White Tiger Duke's Manor had offered the corpse of a supposed killer and seven soul bones as compensation. The matter was thus officially closed.
Neither Shrek Academy, the Star Luo Empire, nor the Duke's manor intended to pursue it further.
But Fan Yu knew—the real culprit had not been punished!
If one didn't blindly believe the official story and looked into it, the truth wasn't hard to uncover—the mastermind was none other than the White Tiger Duchess.
Her motive was clearly to retaliate against Shrek Academy for Dai Huabin's expulsion.
At least, that was the consensus among the Star Luo nobles. The person who acted was likely Gao Gonggong, a servant close to the Duchess.
And yet, afterward, the Duchess was not punished at all. Instead, after Dai Hao's death, she gradually gained full control of the Duke's Manor, amassing even greater power.
How could Fan Yu possibly accept that?
As a man and a husband, he couldn't stand idly by.
Besides, on Douluo Continent, there was no law prohibiting acts of vengeance. When justice fails, violence becomes the answer.
Fan Yu didn't know if he could succeed, but he knew he had to try.
Thus, he found a new goal and source of motivation, devoting himself to it entirely.
Even Mu Jin, who tried to comfort him and replace Zhou Yi's role in his life, failed to win his affection. Frustrated, she nearly trashed her office.
Zhou Yi had blocked her chances while alive, and now even in death, she still did? What a waste—no, actually, Mu Jin was delighted Zhou Yi died.
So she didn't destroy the office, deciding instead that her sincerity just wasn't enough yet. She resolved to persist. Even if she couldn't win him over, being by his side was enough.
Don't ask why. This is Douluo, where everyone is a hopeless romantic.
On this trip to the Sun Moon Empire, Fan Yu had made up his mind: he wouldn't be distracted by anything else. He'd focus entirely on learning soul tool knowledge, gaining strength—no matter the cost. That was also the task assigned to him by the academy.
When the day came for him to take action, he would not implicate the academy. He'd bear all the responsibility himself and leave his knowledge and legacy to the academy in return for their nurturing.
The other members of the exchange team were students from both the inner and outer court of Shrek's Soul Engineering Department.
Xian Lin'er was disguised as an ordinary accompanying teacher. Her appearance had been changed to that of a plain, unremarkable woman, and her cultivation was hidden using a special elixir—not a soul tool—making it nearly impossible even for strong experts to detect her true level.
"I just wonder if the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy's detection instruments can see through it," Huo Yuhao mused silently.
When the exchange team departed, Huo Yuhao joined the other elders to see them off.
Elder Song, now mostly recovered from her injuries, personally escorted the team to the border. She would later escort the exchange team from the Sun Moon Academy back.
This time, there was no Mirror Dust trying to scout out Sea God Island—and getting detained for his trouble. In fact, Mirror Dust didn't even dare come.
That's because Huo Yuhao had already leaked that Mu En was still alive, leading the Sun Moon Empire to believe that Sea God Island housed a Level 99 powerhouse.
In truth, no one outside knew that Mu En had actually passed away.
Unless Mirror Dust had a death wish, he wouldn't risk investigating Sea God Island again.
It was a good thing he didn't. Though Mu En was gone, Huo Yuhao wouldn't have let him off easily anyway. Had they met, Mirror Dust would've faced more than just a "toll fee."
The day after the exchange team left, Huo Yuhao packed his bags and prepared to set out on his journey.
No one at the academy opposed his decision. On the contrary, the elders encouraged it.
The comfortable environment of the academy no longer suited Huo Yuhao. As the future Sea God Pavilion Master, he needed to broaden his horizons.
Mu En had done plenty of traveling in his youth—he even obtained the Dragon Pellet during one such journey.
Huo Yuhao wasn't going alone either.
Ma Xiaotao, Ling Luochen, and Weina all accompanied him.
All three women were powerful and full of potential. Traveling would benefit them too. Plus, having companions meant mutual care and greater safety.
As Huo Yuhao stepped out of Shrek Academy and looked back at Shrek City, memories flooded in. Though he hadn't left the city in over a year, many had come looking for him.
Nan Shushu often visited, bringing Ice Polar God Crystals, which Huo Yuhao rewarded her for.
Tu Xijun's situation at her family was stable. She'd come to stay at Shrek City for a week each month, shifting her focus entirely to Huo Yuhao.
Zhu Lu frequently came by to replenish the power of the Yin-Yang Golden Radiance Technique, enduring hardship herself so that Huo Yuhao wouldn't touch any other women in her clan. By the way, Dai Huabin was still stationed on the front lines and hadn't seen Zhu Lu in ages.
Just as Huo Yuhao and the three women were setting off, another familiar figure stood in their path.
It was Zhang Lexuan again.
She had shed her uniform and now wore practical traveling clothes.
"Senior Sister? What are you…?" Ma Xiaotao asked in surprise.
Zhang Lexuan smiled softly. "I'd also like to travel for a while. You're not going to turn me away, are you?"
"Welcome, welcome! Of course you're welcome—how could we not welcome you~" Ma Xiaotao was instantly delighted and clung to Zhang Lexuan's arm.
Ling Luochen and Weina also smiled warmly in greeting.
Huo Yuhao exchanged a glance with Zhang Lexuan and smiled too.
"Welcome aboard, Senior Sister!"