Dai Yaoheng was well aware of the humiliation that Huo Yuhao's mother had suffered in the residence. Once Huo Yuhao grew up, the trouble could be enormous. Yet the problem was, Dai Yaoheng himself didn't know how to handle it.
Behind Huo Yuhao stood Ming Feng Douluo. If Huo Yuhao were to die, who knew whether it would trigger the wrath of this powerful figure?
For him, perhaps the only good news was that Dai Yaoheng had long since left home and had never bullied Huo Yun'er.
At the same scene, within the Star Luo Royal Soul Master Academy, two young men showed very different expressions. One was ecstatic, gazing at Shrek Academy and Huo Yuhao like a devoted fan.
The other, his expression stormy, clenched his fists tightly.
But soon, Dai Huabin nearly spat out a mouthful of blood as he saw a familiar figure—
Zhu Lu.
Dressed in a black fitted outfit, Zhu Lu stood beside Huo Yuhao, casually chatting with him, a smile on her delicate face, her words unknown.
"How did she come too?" Dai Huabin was shocked and confused, yet no one offered an explanation.
His former fiancée laughing and chatting with the very person he once despised, and now, one of them was either to become his fiancée again or his sister-in-law.
Two layers of humiliation weighed on Dai Huabin. His breath quickened, and a shadow of darkness, unusual for a normal soul master, flickered in his eyes.
"All right, everyone, please take a seat in the resting area. We'll continue watching other academy matches,"
Wang Yan clapped, signaling for quiet.
Seeing this, the Shrek Academy students, led by staff of the Competition Committee, moved toward a resting area.
As they passed, Huo Yuhao sensed a strong spiritual fluctuation directed at him. Turning, he saw a fair-skinned, delicate-looking young man staring at him.
Their eyes met in midair.
This student belonged to the Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy.
Huo Yuhao raised an eyebrow and immediately thought of someone—Xiao Hongchen.
Next to him stood a beautiful girl, her burgundy hair striking and memorable.
"You're strong, but I will defeat you," Xiao Hongchen said proudly, his gaze sharp. He knew that Huo Yuhao had used some special means to unleash such power.
"Mm-hm," Huo Yuhao replied indifferently, nodding, then followed the main group.
The two-word response made Xiao Hongchen's expression stiffen immediately, as if his heavy punch had hit cotton—utterly powerless.
"Haha!"
Meng Hongchen laughed, patting Xiao Hongchen's shoulder, "Brother, he just ignored you."
"You're laughing?!"
Xiao Hongchen rolled his eyes at his sister, annoyed.
"I can't help it," Meng Hongchen said with a grin.
"This Shrek Academy student is no ordinary opponent. Pay attention to his combat style and soul skills in the upcoming matches,"
Pan Tianxing, the team leader, transmitted to everyone via soul power.
Upon hearing this, the students of Sun Moon Royal Soul Master Academy all nodded seriously. Even the usually proud Xiao Hongchen became more solemn.
He was proud, but not foolish.
The second match started quickly. But with a Shrek Academy student having already achieved the feat of defeating seven opponents instantly, the rest seemed somewhat ordinary. Yet the intense, evenly-matched battles were still exciting.
On the imperial terrace, Xu Jiawei looked at Huo Yuhao intently, then turned to an elder sitting nearby, asking, "Elder Xuan, do you know this student's name? Could you introduce him?"
On a nearby seat, a scruffy old man sipped juice and chewed on a chicken leg, ignoring the grease staining his collar. He smiled upon hearing Xu Jiawei's question, "Don't let this kid catch your attention, young man."
Xu Jiawei smiled, "Rest assured, Elder Xuan. I won't take anyone away."
Listening to their conversation, many officials were shocked. Only a person of such caliber could call the emperor "young man."
The Elder Xuan Xu Jiawei referred to was naturally Xuan Zi. As for why he appeared in the imperial city with Xu Jiawei, that had to do with Elder Mu.
Xuan Zi said, "That child's name is Huo Yuhao. Technically, he is from your Star Luo Empire."
Upon hearing this, Xu Jiawei's eyes brightened.
"Hehe," Xuan Zi chuckled, "though he's from your empire, he has already apprenticed under a Shrek Academy expert. Best let go of your attachment."
Xu Jiawei's smile remained, "Seeing such a talented youth in my Star Luo Empire brings me comfort. As for his allegiance, it is not important."
Xuan Zi drank his juice, thoughtfully glancing at Xu Jiawei, a hint of admiration in his eyes.
"This student reached the Third Ring at the Millennium level. His future achievements may rival even a Super Douluo."
Suddenly, Dai Hao, seated nearby, spoke up.
Upon this statement, the four Title Douluo assigned to protect Xu Jiawei nodded in agreement.
As long as this youth survived, his accomplishments would not be inferior to theirs.
"Haha," Xuan Zi laughed at Dai Hao's praise, then added with meaning, "Huo Yuhao also has ties with your youngest son, Dai Hao."
"Oh?"
Dai Hao turned, drawing the attention of Xu Jiawei and others.
"Elder Xuan, what do you mean?" Dai Hao asked respectfully.
Xuan Zi took a bite of his chicken leg, "Huo Yuhao's teacher is Ming Feng Douluo."
Dai Hao's face instantly changed.
Xu Jiawei's eyes narrowed, a hint of contemplation showing.
The four Title Douluo guards exchanged glances, sensing a strange tension in the air.
Ming Feng Douluo and the others knew, but what was the problem?
"Tap, tap, tap."
Urgent footsteps interrupted the tense atmosphere.
A middle-aged man in Star Guard attire approached, using soul power to convey a message to Xu Jiawei.
A smile appeared on Xu Jiawei's lips, "Prime Minister."
Upon hearing the emperor call him, the Star Luo Empire Prime Minister in his crimson robes quickly approached and awaited instructions.
"Announce my decree: the court assembly will begin at noon."
"Yes." The Prime Minister did not ask why, simply responding before retreating to give orders.
"Your Majesty, did something happen?" The empress, absorbed in watching the competition, was now drawn in.
Xu Jiawei held her fair hand, smiling, "Nothing. Continue watching the matches."
The empress turned back to the stage.
Hearing about the assembly, other officials were unsettled, unsure of what had occurred.
Many officials meant to observe the matches were absent—clearly, a problem had arisen.
Dai Hao was stunned, realizing he should have disciplined his unruly second son earlier.
The morning's matches passed, the cheers never ceasing. Huo Yuhao's voice-clearing medicine in Star Luo City would likely sell out.
By the end of the morning, twelve academies were eliminated, and twelve advanced.
In the resting area, students from advanced academies chatted excitedly. Those eliminated shook their heads and prepared to leave.
Soldiers maintained order as spectators quietly departed. Academies returned to the Star Emperor Hotel under protection.
Upon returning, Zhang Lexuan called everyone to the conference room.
Those planning to eat hesitated, exchanging glances, then entered the meeting room.
"What's wrong, Senior Sister?" Ma Xiaotao asked first.
Others looked on.
Zhang Lexuan scanned everyone, saying, "Elder Xuan just sent a soul transmission. In the subsequent round-robin matches, if the opponent is not among last year's top sixteen academies, we must send four reserve students to compete."
"Elder Xuan wants to train them," Bei Bei mused, chin in hand.
"Exactly," Wang Yan added, "for weaker matches, the main team won't waste energy. We'll select from the reserves. Don't let me down."
"No problem,"
Wang Dong pounded his chest confidently.
He Cai Tou and Bei Bei nodded seriously. Of the seven reserve students, only the three of them had yet to compete.
Although Jiang Nannan and the others' appearances were brief, they had some experience.
Yao Haoxuan, arms crossed, said lazily, "True, crushing weaklings isn't fun. We seniors just cheer from behind."
"You must secretly enjoy not competing," Ling Luocheng said coldly.
"Not at all!" Yao Haoxuan shook his head.
Haha. Everyone laughed at his antics.
Zhang Lexuan smiled, "All right, everyone eat. Those wanting to watch the afternoon matches may go. If staying, that's fine too. But if going out, report to us. No private excursions."
"Yes," they all replied in unison.
…
The sun blazed, heat thick in the air. Outside the Xuanwu Gate of the Star Luo Palace, officials waited long in advance.
Chattering until the gates opened, they entered the palace for the assembly.
The assembly palace, called Star Crown Hall, was named after the royal soul, occupying an area comparable to the Taihe Hall of the Forbidden City in Huo Yuhao's previous life, though the design differed, resembling a star crown.
Officials, under guard scrutiny, entered the palace. Xu Jiawei had yet to arrive; military officials gathered around Dai Hao.
"Duke, do you know why the emperor suddenly called an assembly?"
"Yes, during the Soul Fighting Competition, we usually rest,"
Dai Hao shook his head, "I don't know. Wait for the emperor."
Military officials exchanged glances, realizing even the Grand Marshal did not know.
Civil officials sought the Prime Minister, only to be told the same—they didn't know.
"Your Majesty has arrived."
A Star Guard announced loudly.
Officials formed two groups, over a hundred in number.
Soon, Xu Jiawei reached the Dragon Throne but did not sit, immediately stating,
"The Sun Moon Empire has mobilized over ten thousand troops and harassed our borders at 4 a.m."
"What?" Dai Hao's eyes glinted dangerously. "Your Majesty, I request immediate deployment to the border."
Other officials' expressions shifted. The Sun Moon Empire was relentless, invading during the Soul Fighting Competition. Did they fear no condemnation from the continent?
Xu Jiawei glanced at Dai Hao, saying, "I have dispatched personnel. Dai Hao, you have long guarded the border and are weary. This time, stay in the capital to observe the competition."
Hearing this, many officials' hearts skipped a beat. Could the border issue be a pretext? Was the emperor planning action against Duke White Tiger?
Civil officials affiliated with the Ling Cat Duke's residence lowered their heads, their minds in turmoil.
The emperor wanted to strike the White Tiger Duke's residence. Would he spare the Ling Cat Duke?
Some officials wanted to speak but dared not, knowing any objection might bring future trouble.
Dai Hao's eyes shifted; he was not foolish and understood the emperor's deeper meaning.
As Grand Marshal, he would normally go to the front lines, yet the emperor had sent others. Something was definitely… unusual.
"Your Majesty, the Sun Moon Empire's border intrusion is serious. I worry—"
Dai Hao tried to argue.
"No need. The generals I dispatched have served the late emperor. They are steady; there will be no problems," Xu Jiawei interrupted.
Their eyes met briefly.
Dai Hao inhaled sharply. Xu Jiawei changed the topic, "Aside from border assignments, today's assembly addresses how to handle the southwestern nobles led by Duke Seafrost."
Swish.
Officials' faces froze—handle southwestern nobles?
Some realized absent officials had connections to these nobles.
"Some may guess why certain officials are absent. Those allied with Duke Seafrost betrayed the empire. I have captured the bribed officials."
Xu Jiawei's gaze fell coldly on officials of the Ling Cat Duke's residence.
The few officials trembled.
"Your Majesty, I recommend exterminating these southwestern nobles after the Soul Fighting Competition. I also request new officials be sent to the southwest to maintain order."
The Prime Minister, over sixty, stood boldly, speaking directly to the emperor.
Xu Jiawei nodded approvingly, "Speak, all of you, don't let the Prime Minister speak alone."
"We concur,"
Officials may be weak in soul power, but their discernment was sharp.
The emperor had silently eliminated the southwestern nobles. Any opposition now would be disastrous.
"Good. The border is secured by General Wei. The southwestern nobles will be executed at the Meridian Gate after the competition. Let them see the fate of traitors," Xu Jiawei said loudly, a hint of excitement in his eyes.
He hadn't planned to act so soon against the nobles; it was coincidental.
Previously, he had sent forces north to capture ten-thousand-year-old transforming soul beasts but failed. Later, his family's wishing power discovered new soul beasts along the southwest coast. During capture, the nobles' dealings with the Sun Moon Empire were uncovered.
To prevent betrayal during a potential war, he decisively enacted the plan.
Under the Ice Crystal Douluo's leadership, over ten thousand southwestern nobles were eradicated without incident.
The Sun Moon Empire was unaware their "dogs" had been killed.
The assembly lasted an hour and a half.
Officials left with mixed thoughts, especially those of the Ling Cat Duke, nearly impatient to the extreme.
Dai Hao was invited by Xu Jiawei to the imperial study for a long discussion. Upon leaving, his expression was indescribable.
................
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