"Although the method is a bit strange, this move is very effective."
Mu En gave his evaluation—
"Even with my preparation, I was still stunned for one second."
"If it was a surprise attack, immobilizing the opponent for around three seconds would not be a problem."
"And with such an overwhelming flood of information, soul masters below Rank 35, as long as they are not of the spiritual attribute, will basically fall into confusion for a while. Even if they can withstand it, their reactions will definitely be delayed by several beats."
"So you don't need to carry any psychological burden. Regardless of whether it's a black cat or a white cat, as long as it can catch mice, it's a good cat."
"This is quite a fine control-type self-created soul skill."
"Have you given it a name yet?"
Huo Yuhao shook his head.
"It was only a spur-of-the-moment creation. Why don't I trouble Grandpa to give it a name?"
"Then let's call it Mind-Bending Illusion." Mu En chuckled. "I also have a self-created soul skill that's quite similar to this one. Do you want to give it a try?"
This was…
Passing on a secret skill!
Huo Yuhao's first reaction was to refuse.
"Grandpa, I cannot accept unearned rewards. How could I rashly learn your self-created soul skill?"
"That's simple. Just become my disciple." Mu En finally revealed his fox's tail. "As long as it doesn't conflict with your Holy Flame Sect."
A Title Douluo wanting to take him as a disciple?
This made Huo Yuhao hesitate. What did this person see in him?
"Accept him," Zhuge Lan suddenly said. "This senior is a Rank 99 Ultimate Douluo, the strongest of Shrek Academy in a thousand years, and also one of the strongest in the present age. Although already in twilight years, short-lived powerhouses are the most frightening."
"What the—?!" The Skydream Iceworm was ecstatic. "Little Yuhao! Quickly accept!"
"But… what is he after in me?" Huo Yuhao asked in puzzlement.
"Idiot! Of course, it's because he values your talent!" the Skydream Iceworm cursed. "Anyway, just agree first!"
"Brother Lan, is it really like Skydream says?" Huo Yuhao still felt uncertain.
"There are also elements of mutual benefit and compensation."
Zhuge Lan explained—
"The former is his intention to build ties with the Holy Flame Meow Meow Sect, or more precisely, with the people behind you—meaning us."
"The latter is because you cultivated the Muscle-Easing Scripture under his very nose. He unintentionally caught sight of it. If he accepts you as a disciple, it can shield you within the Holy Flame Sect. When they question you for leaking a cultivation method, the Sect will have to show restraint."
"Of course, as an Ultimate Douluo, he has countless ways of compensating you. The fact that he's willing to take you as a disciple means he truly values you."
This thorough analysis made Huo Yuhao firm his resolve.
He knelt before Mu En on both knees, took out the White Tiger Dagger, and said—
"My name is Huo Yuhao. My mother was Huo Yun'er, a personal maid of the White Tiger Duke of the Star Luo Empire. After one drunken night, she became pregnant with me."
"But he left behind only this White Tiger Dagger and never cared again. He doesn't even know I exist, never once asked about my mother or me."
"The Duke's wife was harsh and cruel to us. My mother had to wash clothes to feed me. Even so, I was still malnourished. Just over a month ago, my mother died from overwork."
At this point, scarlet light of hatred flashed in Huo Yuhao's eyes.
"Fortunately, in the Great Star Dou Forest, I obtained my current soul rings and met Brother Lan, who gifted me with cultivation methods. Later, with Sister Xiao Ya and Brother Bei Bei's recommendation, I was admitted into Shrek. That is the only reason I stand here today!"
"But my mother's hatred cannot go unavenged!"
"The Duke's wife who persecuted her, and those accomplices—
I will make them pay the price!"
"Grandpa, may I ask—do you still wish to accept me as your disciple?"
His words were earnest, laying everything bare before Mu En, except for Zhuge Lan and the Skydream Iceworm.
Huo Yuhao lowered his head, not daring to look.
Through spiritual perception, Zhuge Lan saw clearly as Mu En's gaze fell on the White Tiger Dagger. A thoughtful look crossed his eyes.
Normally, who would leave behind a dagger as a love token afterward, and then never care again? Unless…
He chuckled softly.
"The White Tiger Duke, ah… truly majestic."
Rising from his recliner, without the slightest ripple, he floated into the air.
A giant white dragon soared into the sky, towering above Shrek Academy, gazing down at all living beings. The entire Shrek City looked up in awe.
"Weng—Weng—Weng—"
One soul ring after another emerged.
Yellow, Yellow, Purple, Black, Black, Black, Red, Red, Red!!!
Nine rings!
The fourth a ten-thousand-year ring!!
The seventh, eighth, and ninth—all one-hundred-thousand-year rings!!!
Huo Yuhao's jaw dropped as his eyes widened. The scene before him was earth-shattering. How could this be the same old man who had been dozing lazily on a chair?
Mu En's voice, dignified and awe-inspiring, resounded through heaven and earth—
"I, Mu En, hereby accept Huo Yuhao as my final disciple. Let this be known to the world. If anyone dares to oppress him, this old man will personally pay a visit!"
In just a single sentence, Mu En gave Huo Yuhao infinite confidence.
—Go all out, boy. If anything happens, this old man will back you up!
Such unreasonable favoritism—
Huo Yuhao had only ever felt from his mother Huo Yun'er, Zhuge Lan, and the Skydream Iceworm.
Mu En became the fourth.
Huo Yuhao was deeply moved. He kowtowed three times with resounding thuds.
"Disciple Huo Yuhao, pays respect to Teacher!"
[Destiny altered: +500,000 Fortune Points!]
Huo Yuhao's pupils trembled!
So much?!
As expected of one of the world's strongest. The weight of his name was immense!
Mu En nodded in satisfaction.
The next moment, all his vast might dissipated. He descended, lifted Huo Yuhao up, and pressed a finger to his brow.
A surge of spiritual power merged into him, carrying the message of a self-created soul skill.
Dragon's Might Suppression!
—A fusion of soul power and spiritual power, releasing simulated Dragon's Might like a soul skill to suppress an enemy's will!
And this was merely a "preliminary soul skill." Only after mastering it could he learn the follow-up.
But Huo Yuhao thought—
Spiritual detection is far more advanced than this!
With just a slight comprehension, he instantly grasped it.
He released Dragon's Might Suppression through spiritual power. A crushing aura spread, enveloping dozens of meters around.
[Destiny altered: +100 Fortune Points!]
Mu En, who had just withdrawn his hand, stared in surprise at Huo Yuhao.
He had still underestimated this brat's talent!
Today, he wanted to see just how monstrous Huo Yuhao could be.
He raised his finger again, passing another self-created soul skill.
Eight Desolation Dragon's Roar!
—Fusion of soul power and spiritual power, materialized into eight dragon shadows encircling the body. They could serve as passive defense or actively attack enemies!
Huo Yuhao blinked.
Materialized?
Spiritual power already existed in reality, it didn't need to be converted.
So by applying Dragon's Might Suppression technique with spiritual power—
Eight platinum dragon shadows manifested, vividly circling around Huo Yuhao, as if truly alive.
[Destiny altered: +500 Fortune Points!]
Mu En remained silent, raising his finger once more—
Sovereign's Dominion
—Not a soul skill, yet stronger than a soul skill.
It could augment any soul skill, fusing spiritual power with physical attacks. Upon striking, it would rampage within the enemy's body, wreaking havoc!
And if one was defeated under Sovereign's Dominion, they would also feel submission and helplessness toward the user, unable to ever raise hostility again!