"Feel free to share any thoughts you have."
Seeing the Sect Leader speak, those below began to express their opinions.
"The Heavenly Soul Empire is so stingy; they probably assume we won't agree to ally with the Douling Empire. Judging by this, the war in the Douling Empire might be worse than we imagined."
"Makes sense. We're not in a rush to decide. At worst, we can wait until the Douling Empire's conflict ends before making a choice." Another titled Douluo voiced his view.
"I actually find that Donglin somewhat interesting. Maybe we can consider them as well."
"But it's just a small duchy; their national strength and military can't possibly rival the Douling Empire. Looking at it now, it's just a desperate struggle."
...
Huo Yuhao sat quietly, finally understanding that the sect was planning a comeback, having learned from past experiences. This time, they were going straight for official cooperation.
In the past, when people mentioned the Original Sect, it was out of instinctive fear. Some even compared the Original Sect to evil soul masters.
Those in the hall spoke confidently, but Huo Yuhao found it boring. Although they were all impressive fighters, politically, they were total rookies. If it weren't for the occasion, he might have just walked away.
But it made sense — most Douluo-level cultivators were hard workers, with no time for political schemes. Not everyone was a main character. Most who wander around leveling up end up dying young, and only a few with adventurous spirit survive.
At this moment, Du Busi sighed inwardly. These guys only knew how to fight; why did he think they could strategize? Suddenly, he glanced at his disciple and asked with a try-it-out attitude, "Yuhao, what do you think?"
Hearing his master speak, Huo Yuhao hesitated about whether to answer. His views differed too much from the others; they probably wouldn't accept them. "Master, maybe I'll pass."
Du Busi sensed his hesitation and waved dismissively, "There are no outsiders here, don't worry. Speak your mind freely."
The hall fell silent. Everyone looked at Huo Yuhao, curious if the young guy had something to say, though they didn't expect anything meaningful — mostly, it was because he was the Sect Leader's disciple.
Huo Yuhao nodded silently, stood slowly, and said softly, "Sirs, aren't you all falling into a misunderstanding? Why must we choose one nation?"
"Young master, you don't know. In recent years, some malicious people have spread slander against our sect. The public has a poor impression of the Original Sect, and fewer people want to join us. Moreover, Original Martial Souls are rare. So, we must find ways to change public perception. That's why we want to cooperate with the government, to gain official status and cultivate alongside the state." The one replying was the Qingyang Soul Douluo.
Huo Yuhao nodded. He knew all this, and it seemed Shrek was the biggest source of defamation. Although he was also at Shrek now, Qingyang wouldn't say it outright.
"The continent is unstable. The Sun Moon Empire is ambitious and might go to war in a few years. If we get entangled with these countries now, it'll be hard to break free later. At that time, we'll only be exhausted running around, not to mention strengthening the sect."
"What do you mean by this, young master? Our sect's disciples are not cowards! And if the Sun Moon Empire truly launches a major offensive, are we just going to stand by?" The Ghost Soul Douluo frowned, a trace of displeasure in his tone.
Huo Yuhao didn't mind. He expected some wouldn't accept his words. "History shows that alliances form and break — the Sun Moon Empire or the Douling Empire, they're all humans, not foreigners. Why cling to outdated prejudices?"
"Young master, how can you speak so? Do you not have loyalty to your homeland?" The speaker was a female Soul Douluo, her tone clearly critical and questioning.
"I'm only speaking honestly. The final decision still needs everyone's discussion. I owe my master gratitude and don't want the sect to decline. If you disagree, then it's fine."
Others remained silent, seeming thoughtful.
Du Busi raised a hand to silence the female Soul Douluo and looked at Huo Yuhao. "We can't stay silent forever. I want to hear your thoughts."
Huo Yuhao understood perfectly. Although the Original Sect looked strong, it was already showing signs of decline. Without fresh blood, the sect was living off its old reputation. If things continued, in less than two hundred years, the Original Sect would fall, perhaps shrinking to just a few members — an embarrassing situation.
"Master is right. Decline is inevitable if we continue like this. But we can try another way — open an academy." He emphasized the last words.
"Open an academy?" Ran Hongyue was shocked, then smiled bitterly. "Young master, it's easier said than done. Shrek's influence is too strong; no other academy can compete, let alone a new one. Besides, Original Martial Souls are too few."
Huo Yuhao shook his head, frustrated. "Senior Lingyin, you missed my point. Why do you want to cooperate with the government?"
"To change public perception and increase our sect's influence." Ran Hongyue paused, then suddenly understood.
Huo Yuhao's expression turned complicated. "Young children are easily influenced. I've seen with my own eyes at Shrek how teachers constantly instill the idea that the academy is an honor. Over time, students get brainwashed: entering Shrek is glory, joining the inner academy is glory, becoming one of the Seven Devils of Shrek is supreme glory, and the Sea God Pavilion is a blessing. In their eyes, Shrek is more important than the country."
He sighed inside. If Shrek's teachers sold products, they'd be great salespeople.
Looking at the silent crowd, Huo Yuhao continued, "Sounds unbelievable, right? But it's true. That's why education is crucial. If we open an academy, soul masters from our academy will naturally be loyal to us."
Everyone was a bit stunned. This method wasn't that brilliant, but no one had ever thought this way before. Their mindset was still sect-first. Now, thinking back, it was a pretty good idea.
(End of chapter)
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