The stunned moment from earlier passed as Yuhao, Tang Ya, and Bei Bei were now seated around a bonfire with Yuhao grilling fish for them. Tang Ya had given up being shocked, and Bei Bei decided to let it go - he was already planning to drag Yuhao to Shrek Academy to both nurture Yuhao's talent and also so that others could share his suffering.
(Bei Bei: Jie jie jie! Suffer! Xiao Yan: SOUL CLAN! DIE! Bei Bei: WRONG SET EMPEROR YAN!)
"Here you go, Sister Xiao Ya," Yuhao said as he handed Tang Ya the first grilled fish, then gave another to Bei Bei. Tang Ya began eating happily while Bei Bei ate more slowly but with a smile.
[Ding! Invested 'Normal Grilled Fish' in Tang Ya and Bei Bei! Received x100 Return! Obtained 'Heaven's Chef Manual!' and '1000-Year-Old Grilled Spirit Fish!']
'Huh?' was Yuhao and Skydream's simultaneous internal reaction when they heard the notification in Yuhao's Spiritual Sea. 'Huh?! Fish also gives Returns?!' Skydream exclaimed mentally. The System had explained that as long as they remained non-hostile within Yuhao's Spiritual Sea, both Skydream and Electrolux could perceive the System's notifications.
Yuhao suddenly found a manual titled 'Heaven's Chef Manual' in his Spiritual Sea that only he could open, while in the System storage space appeared an enormous fish emitting soul power and an irresistible aroma...
'YUHAO! YUHAO! THAT'S A BLACK-SCALED DRAGON FISH! IT'S A FISH SPIRIT BEAST WITH DRAGON BLOOD!' Skydream shouted excitedly. Though terrible at many things, his knowledge of spirit beasts - especially dragon-related ones due to his hatred for a certain Beast God - was impeccable. Dragon blood meant significant benefits whether consumed or used for soul rings.
"Still, to think little Yuhao is so talented," Tang Ya remarked, snapping Yuhao out of his shock.
"Little Yuhao! Would you like to join our sect?" she asked. Yuhao knew sects were powerful organizations, and generally, the older the sect, the stronger it was.
"Could you tell me about your sect, Sister Xiao Ya?" Yuhao inquired. "Of course! Our sect used to be the number one sect on the mainland! We were the best, and though we've declined significantly, I believe we can rise again!" she declared proudly. "We are Tang Sect!"
"Tang Sect?!" Yuhao exclaimed in genuine shock. Everyone on the Douluo Continent knew the legends of Tang San and Tang Sect from ten thousand years ago, Tang San was said to have broken through the Limit of Titled Douluo and reached a Realm above it, though the current Tang Sect had faded into obscurity. He hadn't realized it still existed.
"Although we've declined, lost our mansion and foundation...and now only I, the Tang Sect Leader, and Bei Bei, my disciple remain," Tang Ya began, her eyes growing slightly red. "We still possess Tang Sect's secret techniques, and one of them would be perfect for you, Little Yuhao."
(Skydream: Master and Disciple....These Humans sure know how to play.)
"What would I gain from joining Tang Sect?" Yuhao asked cautiously. While the secret techniques sounded tempting, he needed to understand their value and the pros and cons of joining a Sect.
"Though we're not what we once were, Tang Sect still retains some privileges as the former top sect," she explained. "You must have heard of Shrek Academy, the continent's number one Academy. They're extremely strict when recruiting students but grant our sect one exempted spot annually. Bei Bei and I are already students there, and we happen to have an opening this year. If you join Tang Sect, this spot is yours. Staying at Shrek would depend on your own efforts." This offer tempted Yuhao. "The only condition is that joining Tang Sect is a lifelong commitment. If you ever leave, you must return all secret techniques," she added, which tempered his enthusiasm.
'Young Yuhao, if secret techniques are your concern, this old man possesses several you could use,' Electrolux interjected mentally. 'But the decision remains yours.'
"I'm sorry, Sister Xiao Ya. I can't join Tang Sect. I have a blood feud to settle, and associating with me could endanger the sect," Yuhao declared with sudden intensity, his face showing a murderous determination unbecoming of a child. He spoke truthfully - Dai Huabin, the Duchess, and the entire White Tiger Duke Mansion would pay for his mother's death.
"I see..." Tang Ya responded, disappointed but recognizing that look - she'd worn it herself after her parents' murder. "Even so, Little Yuhao... I'll still give you this recommendation letter. All I ask is that when you're stronger, if Tang Sect needs help and it's within your power, you'll assist us three times." She knew his talent suggested future greatness - someone who could become a Titled Douluo.
"...Okay! Thank you, Sister Xiao Ya! I, Huo Yuhao, swear to help as long as it's within my ability!" he vowed solemnly as Bei Bei smiled approvingly.
"Thank you in advance then, little brother Yuhao," Bei Bei said. "As your future senior at Shrek, take this." He handed Yuhao a bracelet-shaped Storage Soul Guide containing several dozen gold coins. "Consider it my investment in you," he added as Yuhao began to protest.
Yuhao examined the bracelet, then looked at Bei Bei and nodded seriously - he would repay this kindness.
'...Is it ironic that Yuhao has the Return System but everyone keeps investing in him instead?' Skydream mused as Electrolux chuckled quietly.
---
{{Meanwhile, Douluo Divine Realm}}
"Who did this?! Who dares oppose me?!" roared a handsome man with long hair and a blue trident mark between his brows, clutching a golden trident. This was Tang San - Sea God Poseidon and Shura God King, Divine Realm's Enforcer. He had just lost contact with the Douluo World's Child of Destiny, as if some unknown force blocked his interference.
(System: You're welcome!)
"DAMN IT! WHO DARES THWART THIS GOD KING'S PLANS? THEY MUST HAVE A DEATH WISH!" he raged before instantly composing himself into a gentle smile as a beautiful woman with braided hair entered - his wife Xiao Wu. His earlier fury vanished without trace.
'Whoever you are, pray I never find you,' Tang San thought darkly as he escorted his wife home.