Nobody expected that Huo Yuhao, while inside Shrek Academy, would not only resist brainwashing but also see through all of Shrek's tricks so clearly.
"But Shrek's influence in this area is huge. We probably won't be able to compete," Ran Hongyue said again. This was a real weakness — if you want to do it, you have to do it big, otherwise, what influence do you have at all?
"The Elite Soul Master Competition for the entire continent is coming up soon. As long as we perform well there, our reputation will naturally rise. Once our fame increases, who'll worry about student enrollment? Of course, the results can't be mediocre. The previous champions have always been from Shrek, so this time, we'll climb over them, crush them, and let everyone see our academy's teaching ability," Huo Yuhao said confidently.
But the others didn't dare agree. Crushing Shrek's students? That was a bold claim. Although they didn't get along with Shrek, the soul masters from Shrek were generally stronger than those of the same rank — no doubt about it.
Only Du Bu Si remained expressionless. He knew just how ridiculously talented his disciple was. From his guesses, as long as his disciple wanted, he could handle anything below Soul Emperor level. Soul Emperor level was uncertain, because the true form of a Martial Soul boosted power too much.
"Of course, Shrek has a deep foundation. Competing with them won't be easy. Therefore, I propose we open both intermediate and advanced academies simultaneously, naming the academies after our main sect. We won't restrict students' freedom, but we will brand them with our sect's label."
After saying this, Huo Yuhao sat down, leaving the decision to others. After talking so much, he felt a bit parched.
The crowd's gaze shifted. This young master wasn't simple; just those words were beyond what most people his age could say.
Du Bu Si looked at his disciple as if discovering a new world. For the first time, he realized this kid was not only talented in cultivation but also skilled in strategy — no, this was open, honest strategy.
They were establishing academies to educate and benefit the region. No one could fault that.
This time, no one objected. So they began discussing the academy's location and structure. Many constructive opinions were offered.
However, when the topic turned to Soul Guidance Devices, almost everyone inside the hall voiced opposition.
"Those are just fancy tricks, unworthy of serious consideration."
"Exactly. Look at the Sun Moon Empire's bunch of useless people — all power and soul force but soft as tofu."
...
Listening to their disdainful remarks, Huo Yuhao furrowed his brows, truly realizing how much the sect rejected Soul Guidance Devices. These people viewed themselves as Martial Souls, thinking relying on external tools was improper.
Their resistance to Soul Guidance Devices far surpassed that of Shrek. Politely, it was conservatism; harshly, it was provincial, narrow-minded, and backward.
"Disciple, do you have anything to say?" Perhaps sensing Huo Yuhao's displeasure, Du Bu Si asked.
Once the sect leader spoke, all eyes turned to him, eager to hear what the young master had to say.
Huo Yuhao knew expressing his thoughts would likely cause outrage, but he stood up anyway.
"Elders, I hear you strongly reject Soul Guidance Devices. May I ask why?"
Immediately, someone replied with a sneer:
"Soul Guidance Devices are nothing but trivial toys. A thousand years ago, when the continent clashed, the Sun Moon Empire had the most advanced devices and still lost, ending up having to cede land and pay reparations."
Another added:
"Even if Soul Guidance Devices have some merits, learning them consumes a lot of time and money, wasting precious talent."
Their words drew many nods from the crowd.
Hearing this, Huo Yuhao sighed inwardly. These people were so shortsighted. If they knew that in the future, the Douluo star's people used Soul Guidance technology to colonize the universe, what would they think?
Huo Yuhao scanned the room and asked:
"Is that really what everyone thinks?"
Before anyone could answer yes or no, he continued:
"How many soul masters did the original Douluo Three Kingdoms have? How many did the Sun Moon Empire have? Are you proud just because of numbers?"
"Why do humans rule the continent? Because we reproduce fast, unite, and have intelligence to use tools. That's the fundamental difference between us, beasts, and spirit beasts."
"Ordinary soldiers all know how to use swords and spears. Why can't soul masters use Soul Guidance Devices? It's an inevitable trend. You can resist Soul Guidance Devices and all new things, but I guarantee you'll be abandoned by the times sooner or later."
The elder who criticized the devices before suddenly slammed the table and shouted angrily:
"Young Master, as the sect's heir, how can you boost others' morale and undermine your own authority?"
Huo Yuhao got spit on in the face and was annoyed. He shot back:
"Elder, if you want to argue, go see for yourself if the Sun Moon Empire's devices are really as inferior as you say. Don't just reign supreme here in this tiny place and think you're invincible."
"Also, if you think I'm unworthy as the sect's young master, you're free to leave."
The elder snapped back to reality. True, Huo Yuhao was the sect leader's disciple, and his status wasn't much lower. His previous shouting was too much.
But he was prideful and couldn't apologize. So he stood awkwardly, his face shifting from red to purple.
Fortunately, at that moment, Qingyang Douluo sensed trouble and stepped forward to defuse the situation. He calmed the angry elder and changed the topic with a smile:
"What the Young Master says is reasonable, but as the elder said, learning Soul Guidance Devices requires much time and resources, which might delay cultivation."
Huo Yuhao relaxed a little and said:
"It's not as you think. Most soul masters only need to learn how to use Soul Guidance Devices. Soul guides and soul masters don't conflict. Do soldiers who use swords have to become blacksmiths? Or do you have to be a chef to judge a dish at a restaurant?"
"Simply learning to use the devices shouldn't take long. Of course, to keep up with the times and avoid being abandoned, the sect must establish a Soul Guidance research department. Don't argue with me — go to the Sun Moon Empire's capital and see for yourself. Seeing is better than my words."
After saying this, Huo Yuhao left. He understood the old guard's mindset was hard to change, including Du Bu Si.
The only way was to let Du Bu Si witness the true power of Soul Guidance Devices. Once Du Bu Si's view changed, everything else would be easier. The elders didn't usually interfere much in sect affairs, so Du Bu Si's influence was key.
...
After a fierce discussion, they finally agreed to establish four intermediate academies and one advanced academy. The four intermediate academies would be in: the Western Kingdom of Haagen-Dazs in the Heavenly Soul Empire, the capital Tiandou City of the Heavenly Soul Empire, the capital Douling City of the Douling Empire, and the capital Xingluo City of the Xingluo Empire. The advanced academy would be in Longxing City, near the Star Dou Great Forest in the eastern Xingluo Empire. As for Soul Guidance Devices, that topic was postponed.
Thus, the Benti Academy, destined to dominate Douluo Star, was officially established, laying the foundation for the main sect's long-lasting prosperity.
Heavenly Soul Empire, Fasnuo Province's main road to Dabarak City. Normally, this official road would have plenty of people and caravans, but today was different — pedestrians had fled in terror.
On the ground lay three fresh corpses, hot blood flowing and painting the floor like a picture. Three men stood about ten meters apart, forming a triangle around a woman dressed in black.
All four had six spirit rings swirling around them, showing their Soul Emperor cultivation.
The three men were injured to varying degrees but not seriously. The woman in black was different — her right hand hung limply, blood dripping from her fingers, falling with a ticking sound.
"Bitch, you dared kill Xiao Yu, my only son. You probably never imagined this day would come. Don't worry, I won't kill you quickly — that would be too easy for you. I'll have you whipped by a thousand people, thrown into a pack of Gale Demon Wolves, and humiliated!"
The harsh voice belonged to the eldest of the three men, the leader. He had a high nose, deep-set eyes, thin lips, and a goatee. Though old, he had been a handsome man in his youth.
"Hehe, I should thank him. He brought me a nice soul bone," the woman in black sneered confidently. She knew she wouldn't survive, so she was determined to drag the old man down with her, deliberately provoking him.
As expected, the old man's rage exploded:
"Bitch, you—"
But he suddenly stopped mid-sentence.
At that moment, all four became alert, glancing around. Although they remained where they were, the surroundings filled with dense red mist.
"Who dares hide like a coward? Come out now!" the old man shouted, pushing out powerful soul energy to disperse the mist — but it was useless. The red fog was unaffected.
"Long time no see, Steward Lu. Do you remember me?" As footsteps neared, they saw the newcomer clearly: a young boy of about twelve or thirteen, wearing moon-white clothes, about 1.6 meters tall, very handsome but cold-faced.
It was Huo Yuhao. Since moving within the main sect was inconvenient, after settling the academy's matters, he had left directly.
Today he was just passing by, never expecting to run into an enemy. The Steward Lu he mentioned was the trusted aide of the Lady of the Dai family — the same old man behind the assassination attempt on him before.
Moreover, when Huo Yuhao was young at the Dai family, this old man bullied him plenty, so now there was no reason to let him off.
"You're... Third Young Master?" Steward Lu hesitated for a moment, then his eyes lit up with joy. He thought: after all this searching, here he is without effort.
Huo Yuhao:
"Ugh, I can't accept being called Young Master."
Steward Lu didn't mind, forcing a smile:
"Third Young Master, the master and lady miss you very much. Come home with me."
Seeing no reply, he continued:
"The master and lady are old and not well. They've been thinking about you a lot. I feel it in my heart. Young Master, come back and fulfill your filial duties."
Implying that not returning meant being unfilial.
Huo Yuhao snorted inside. What nonsense — he was just a dog they raised. Why should he care about their feelings?
"Come back and talk to me about filial piety after you get that thing connected. I heard your son died — congratulations!"
When young, Steward Lu relied on the Dai family's power and had a strange preference for widows. If he liked one, whether she agreed or not, she couldn't escape him.
As the saying goes, "You can't walk by the river without wetting your shoes." Eventually, he offended the wrong person and lost his "family jewels."
It turned out one of the widows he forced had a brother who was a Soul Emperor, though low-key and pretending to be just a soul sect master in public.
(End of Chapter)