Beibei had spoken so decisively.
What could the Heavenly Soul Emperor do?
He suppressed a smirk, adding Beibei's share of compensation to Huo Yuhao's.
No, it wasn't compensation anymore—it was a *gift*!
An investment in Huo Yuhao by the Heavenly Soul Empire.
Taking back Beibei's share? Impossible.
Everything was prearranged.
Ministers and nobles knew.
If the gifts weren't given, many would grow restless.
Those leaning toward Shrek Academy would stir trouble.
Such was the plight of the original three Douluo nations before Shrek.
"Ahem." The emperor cleared his throat. "Nephew Beibei, truly Dragon God Douluo's heir, with a demeanor rivaling his prime. Though I never witnessed Dragon God Douluo's glory, I glimpse it in you."
"Classmate" became "nephew."
"Your Majesty flatters me," Beibei said, delighted, his impression of the emperor improving.
The emperor's praise set the tone.
Huo Yuhao wanted to throttle Beibei but kept an innocent, obedient facade.
*Back at Shrek, Beibei's done for…*
Unexpectedly, the emperor pivoted, saving Beibei's life.
"However, yesterday's battle put Nephew Yuhao in danger. A Soul Emperor's ambush caused… significant psychological harm. Without some gesture, I'd feel uneasy."
The frozen, drained Soul Emperor: *Thanks for the mention…*
"Here's the plan. Your Excellency Yazi, please escort Nephew Yuhao to the national treasury to select gifts as consolation. Nephew Beibei, stay and chat with me—I've prepared a gift for you too."
Beibei paused, then *got it*.
*So, the emperor knows about Huo Yuhao and Princess Wei Na's fusion skill. He's investing in him! But Huo Yuhao's Shrek's!*
"I'll thank Your Majesty on Little Brother Huo's behalf," Beibei said, glancing at Huo Yuhao. "Go with His Excellency Yazi, Little Brother. I'll wait here."
"Mm-hm." Huo Yuhao nodded.
*For the emperor's initiative, Beibei, you've earned a reprieve!*
The emperor and Yazi Douluo noted Beibei speaking for Huo Yuhao, their eyes flickering briefly before returning to normal.
They understood Beibei was staking Shrek's claim on Huo Yuhao.
But his approach was immature, and neither took it seriously.
*Straight-line speed isn't true speed—cornering speed is.*
Their smiles didn't waver.
Yazi Douluo chuckled, approaching Huo Yuhao. "Young Friend Huo, follow me."
Huo Yuhao left the side hall with Yazi Douluo.
The emperor and Beibei shared a smile, raising teacups.
No one noticed a wisp of Beibei's luck drifting to Huo Yuhao as he left.
A sign Huo Yuhao had intercepted Beibei's opportunity.
Nor did anyone mention the soldiers, frozen and drained by an evil soul master yesterday.
…
Huo Yuhao followed Yazi Douluo to the Heavenly Soul Treasury.
The treasury was grand.
Heavily guarded.
Two ten-meter black iron gates barred intruders.
The structure bristled with defensive soul tools. The empire's soul masters disliked fighting with soul tools but used them elsewhere. In the original story, the empire had a flying defense force using soul tools.
A soul master legion was stationed around the treasury, guarding it year-round.
Yazi Douluo led Huo Yuhao closer.
Even as a royal consecrator, they were stopped.
After Yazi Douluo presented credentials and guards verified them, they were allowed in.
But first, they surrendered all soul tools, underwent a brief search, and wore special bracelets to restrict martial soul summoning and soul skill use.
Inside the treasury
It resembled a vast treasure vault.
Seemingly empty, but whether hidden experts or detection methods existed, Huo Yuhao couldn't tell.
The first floor held countless gold soul coins, sealed in labeled boxes, densely packed.
Descending further
The treasury's main structure was underground.
The second floor stored armor and weapons, emitting faint soul power fluctuations from hidden, powerful soul tools.
The third held ores and herbs, mostly preserved in soul tools, their true forms obscured.
Then, the fourth floor.
Not the deepest, but their destination.
Far emptier, yet vastly more valuable.
It housed rare items and—soul bones!
"Young Friend Huo, His Majesty allows you to choose three items as gifts," Yazi Douluo said, smiling.
Actually, with Beibei's share, it should've been four.
But leaving the hall, the emperor secretly instructed Yazi Douluo.
Three items for Huo Yuhao; the fourth, Yazi Douluo would take to the emperor's private vault.
The national treasury belonged to the empire—even the emperor couldn't freely take from it.
The private vault was his, its contents at his discretion.
Without Huo Yuhao and Beibei's incident affecting empire-Shrek relations, happening in Sky Dou City, Huo Yuhao wouldn't have entered the treasury.
Beibei's refusal gave the emperor a chance to pocket something.
Think emperors don't need money? They want *more*!
Yazi Douluo, assisting, would get a cut from the emperor.
All part of human dealings.
They began selecting.
Yazi Douluo, with clear orders—did the emperor not know the treasury's contents?—quickly took a 30,000-year ice-attribute left arm bone.
Obviously for Wei Na.
To recruit Huo Yuhao via Wei Na, they'd invest in him while boosting her.
Like fertilizing grass to lure a horse, making it lush to attract it.
Huo Yuhao chose carefully.
Honestly, the treasury's items were precious but held little value for him.
Soul bones below 100,000 years? He'd feed them to his Ghost Banner.
The treasury had no 100,000-year soul bones.
The oldest was 70,000 years, wind-attribute.
Still, two items caught his eye.
A soul bone entwined with a hundred resentful spirits. Only a thousand years, but the spirits were rare.
Label: *Secret Art Soul Right Leg Bone*.
Huo Yuhao's eyes nearly glued to it.
The spirits could boost his Ghost Banner's power by 30%!
A 30% stronger Ghost Banner, without using the main soul's power, could one-shot a Soul King.
The other was a flower emitting seven-colored poisonous gas, described as a toxic oddity from the Sunset Forest.
"Sunset Forest, seven-colored gas… could this be the Biphosphorus Seven Absolute Flower?" Huo Yuhao wondered.
He didn't choose it.
Whether it was the Biphosphorus flower or not, it wasn't essential.
The Sunset Forest had plenty. He'd grab some later.
His poison development wasn't urgent. After absorbing the Twin-Headed Colorful Scale King Snake's soul ring, his liquid poison sufficed.
Iron Blood Sect's herbs also let him concoct poisons for cultivation.
The thousand-year Secret Art Soul Right Leg Bone was a must.
To justify it, he picked a 30,000-year ice-attribute soul bone and a 40,000-year water-attribute soul bone.
*To dip the soy sauce, you need dumplings.*
Sure enough, Yazi Douluo approved his choices without suspicion.
"You know the Secret Art Soul Bone's fusion trait, allowing similar-attribute soul bones to merge. If you fuse these two, the new soul bone's value will surpass any here. Water and ice suit you. Very clever."
"Your Excellency Yazi flatters me."
"Let's go."
Both got what they wanted.
Yazi Douluo led Huo Yuhao out of the treasury.
They arrived as two, but left as three.
"From now on, I'll be studying at Shrek Academy. Please guide me," Wei Na said gently to Huo Yuhao and Beibei, her eyes frequently darting to Huo Yuhao, her face shy.
Beibei flashed an ambiguous smile, nudging Huo Yuhao's shoulder, urging him to say something.
Huo Yuhao, feigning innocence, scratched his head. "Uh, welcome."
The Heavenly Soul Emperor and Yazi Douluo, observing, nodded secretly.
*Youthful naivety—perfect.*
With Princess Wei Na's charms, winning Huo Yuhao would be easier.
Thus, Huo Yuhao, Wei Na, and Beibei left Sky Dou City for Shrek Academy.
Three Soul Sages protected them covertly.
Meanwhile
At Shrek Academy, Mu En and Yan Shaozhe received an urgent state letter from the Heavenly Soul Empire.
It explained that, due to an unexpected discovery of a martial soul fusion skill between Huo Yuhao and Wei Na, the empire hoped Wei Na could study at Shrek to grow alongside him…
Already anxious over Huo Yuhao and Beibei's disappearance, Mu En and Yan Shaozhe fell silent reading the letter.
"How did they end up in the Heavenly Soul Empire?" Yan Shaozhe asked, baffled.
"Because Tang Sect's old site is in Sky Dou City," Mu En replied, cutting through.
Yan Shaozhe's face darkened. "That damned Tang Sect again! Their disappearance has had me… hmph!"
He'd searched Star Dou Great Forest multiple times!
Nearly got targeted by a ferocious beast!
Once, Yan Shaozhe merely disdained Tang Ya's mediocre talent, feeling guilty after she was injured by Ma Xiaotao. Now, he resented Tang Sect.
"Beibei is still Tang Sect's, after all," Mu En sighed, shifting topics. "Good that the kids are safe. But where's the Soul Douluo protecting them?"
Yan Shaozhe realized.
Beibei and Huo Yuhao were fine.
But the Soul Douluo?
He should've sent word when they went to the empire.
Yet, nothing—not even a mention in the state letter.
Undoubtedly, the Soul Douluo was in trouble!
Likely… more dead than alive.
Mu En paused.
This felt familiar.
He asked Yan Shaozhe, "Any news on Xuanzi?"
"Sorry, Teacher, still nothing…" Yan Shaozhe caught on.
Why did Huo Yuhao and Beibei always return safely, but their protectors vanished?
It was eerie!
Beibei said Xuanzi ran into the Titan Snow Demon King.
Did the Soul Douluo also cross a ferocious beast?
Mu En narrowed his eyes, sighing deeply.
He longed to storm the Extreme North to find Xuanzi or confront Star Dou's beasts about the Soul Douluo.
But his body couldn't handle it.
With Xuanzi's fate unknown, wasting his limited life would leave Shrek defenseless.
Yan Shaozhe and others weren't strong enough to protect it.
Mu En relented.
He only hoped Huo Yuhao would grow quickly.
"Approve Princess Wei Na's enrollment. Send someone to Sky Dou City to investigate Beibei and Yuhao's activities and gather intel on Wei Na," Mu En ordered.
Yan Shaozhe wanted to speak but held back, nodding. "Yes, Teacher."
"Go. I'm tired."
"This disciple takes his leave."
…
Huo Yuhao's trio headed south.
On departure, the emperor gave Huo Yuhao and Beibei local specialties.
Nothing special—just a million gold soul coins each.
On the journey, Huo Yuhao and Beibei's demeanors shifted.
Beibei's gloom eased. Iron Blood Sect's fall and no news of Tang Ya's harm reassured him.
But without finding Tang Ya, he couldn't fully relax.
His luck tied to descendants thinned, nearly gone.
Huo Yuhao seemed pure and obedient, but his gains were immense.
Stronger, resource-rich, new martial techniques, a fake fusion skill, and a foothold in the empire.
Delightful.
Once digested back at Shrek, his strength would leap forward.
His gaze flicked to Wei Na.
Her soul power fluctuations were obvious—she'd recently broken through.
Before, she wasn't near a breakthrough, and Huo Yuhao had siphoned her soul power, hitting level 47.
Logically, Wei Na needed more time.
Yet, in a day, she'd broken through, suggesting unconventional means.
Using his Ontology Incarnation, Huo Yuhao sensed a 30,000-year ice-attribute soul bone in her left arm. Her level hit 40, ready for a soul ring.
"So, a soul bone."
A 30,000-year soul bone, though not ancient, was precious.
Wei Na, not a throne heir or bearer of the royal martial soul, wouldn't get heritage soul bones.
A fitting 30,000-year soul bone was generous.
Even that came from the emperor's private stash.
In the original story, Wei Na had no soul bones.
A day into the journey, Wei Na confessed to reaching level 40.
Beibei decided to detour to Star Dou Great Forest for her fourth soul ring.
Surely Wei Na's fourth ring wouldn't need a 10,000-year soul beast!
Below 10,000 years, the Variant Frost Centipede could handle it.
Beibei was Wei Na's age, and as a healing soul master, her soul power lagged behind his assault-type cultivation.
Assault soul masters progressed faster.
But injuries and worry over Tang Ya stalled Beibei, keeping him below level 40.
With his talent, he could hit level 40 before the next semester.
If nothing else delayed him.
Days later
They reached Star Dou Great Forest.
"Princess Wei Na, what soul beast do you need for your fourth soul ring?" Beibei asked.
Wei Na smiled. "A healing soul beast, preferably plant-type, under 7,000 years."
Wei Na prioritized her Snow Lotus martial soul's healing over ice-snow attributes, choosing healing or support soul skills.
As an Body Sect disciple, her physique surpassed peers, allowing higher-year soul rings.
With a target, the trio entered the forest to hunt.
Beibei led.
Huo Yuhao and Wei Na walked in the middle.
The Variant Frost Centipede guarded the rear.
Beibei resumed his interrupted "soul hunting lesson" for Huo Yuhao.
Wei Na joined in teaching.
They stayed cautious of the forest's dangers.
Needing a 7,000-year soul ring, they ventured to the mixed zone's edge.
After searching, they found something promising.
Healing soul beasts aren't all defenseless.
Those with only healing abilities but no self-protection either live simply, needing minimal conditions, or rely on stronger soul beasts for protection.
But some healing soul beasts are formidable fighters!
Like the one Huo Yuhao's trio found.
A jade-green bovine soul beast, as if carved from emerald, grazed leisurely.
Underestimate it, and its muscular frame would teach you the meaning of *power*!
"This soul beast suits Wei Na," Huo Yuhao said, pointing at the bovine.
"Little Brother Huo, what is it?" Beibei asked, puzzled.
Beibei paid attention in class, but as an assault-type soul master, his lessons focused on beasts suitable for his type.
Wei Na recognized the beast, surprised, but stayed silent, giving Huo Yuhao the spotlight while gazing at him softly.
"It's a Jade Green Ox, a soul beast with both healing and strength. I read about it in the library—very rare," Huo Yuhao explained. "Ordinary bovine soul beasts have some self-healing, but the Jade Green Ox has exceptional self-healing and can heal others. It's also incredibly strong, excelling among same-year soul beasts. Its soul ring grants a healing soul skill while boosting a healing soul master's physical strength and power."
"Judging by its appearance, this Jade Green Ox is about 5,000 years old."
This was no accident—Huo Yuhao, after consulting Golden Tortoise, picked it for Wei Na, subtly guiding Beibei and Wei Na here using luck navigation.
Until he could fully use his Ontology Incarnation, he'd tune up his "new ride," Wei Na.
"Though its years are low, the soul ring's quality is high. It'll give me a healing skill and boost my physique. It's one of the best soul rings for me!" Wei Na said excitedly.
As expected, she didn't refuse.
As an Ontology martial soul master, Wei Na valued physical strength, and the Jade Green Ox's soul ring was perfect.
With Wei Na's approval, Beibei had no objections.
"Good. I'll feint, Little Brother Huo takes the main attack, and Princess Wei Na supports from the rear," Beibei strategized swiftly.
He knew he couldn't beat a 5,000-year soul beast but was willing to be bait.
Beibei activated his martial soul possession and charged.
"Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon, possess!"
"Third soul skill—"
Beibei went all out.
The Jade Green Ox, startled, instinctively aimed its horns at Beibei as he rushed.
But Beibei was ready.
His attack seemed fierce but held back. At the moment of collision, he used *Thousand Jin Drop*, landing to dodge the horns.
Then
The Variant Frost Centipede burst from the ground, flipping the Jade Green Ox into the air.
"Moo—" The ox, airborne and helpless, bellowed in panic.
As Huo Yuhao prepared to have the centipede freeze it
Wei Na grabbed him, blushing. "Yuhao, I… I want to try *that*…"
"Huh? What?"
"You know, *that*!" Wei Na hugged him.
Beibei, retreating from the fray, turned to see them embracing, stunned.
*What are you doing?*
Next moment
The Variant Frost Centipede was recalled. Huo Yuhao turned into golden light, entering Wei Na's body. Golden radiance bloomed, making her look divine.
Beibei's eyes widened. "Martial soul fusion skill!"
He'd heard about it, but seeing it live was shocking.
The Snow Lotus martial soul appeared, larger, colder, and gleaming gold.
Martial soul fusion skill—Golden Lotus Treasure Form!
*Boom—*
As the fusion completed, the Jade Green Ox crashed, cratering the ground.
It didn't lose its fight.
Enveloped in green light, it rose, eyes red with fury, aura dangerous.
"It's using self-healing," Huo Yuhao warned Wei Na.
"Got it, Yuhao," Wei Na nodded.
The Jade Green Ox charged, targeting Wei Na due to the centipede's aura on her.
"Dodge!" Beibei shouted.
But Wei Na stood firm, unflinching.
The three hidden Soul Sages tensed, ready to intervene.
At the moment of impact, Wei Na's pseudo-Buddha light flared.
*Buzz~~~~~*
The ox hit a golden bell-like barrier, rebounding with a dull thud.
Wei Na didn't budge.
"This fusion skill has defense too?" Beibei gaped.
Wasn't Wei Na a healing soul master? Wasn't Snow Lotus a healing martial soul?
Oh, fusion skill—never mind.
Wei Na countered, pushing the golden lotus forward.
"Snow Lotus Ice Seal!"
The reeling ox, unsteady, took the lotus to the forehead.
Extreme cold erupted!
In a blink, the ox became an ice sculpture, its bewildered expression frozen.
Sealed, it was powerless.
One-shotted, what do you say?
The golden glow faded from Wei Na. Huo Yuhao and the centipede reappeared. The lotus reverted to normal.
Fusion skill ended.
Wei Na was thrilled.
Though she had a second martial soul and trained physically, she was still a healing soul master.
With Huo Yuhao's fusion skill, she could output damage.
Every healer dreams of dealing damage!
"Thank you, Yuhao!" Wei Na hugged him.
Her *assets* taught Huo Yuhao the meaning of *more than a handful*.
What could he do? He sighed.
"As long as you're happy…"
"Ahem." Beibei coughed awkwardly. This wasn't the place for romance.
Wei Na released Huo Yuhao, blushing, avoiding his gaze.
"Alright, time to finish it and absorb the soul ring," Beibei said, breaking the tension.
The ice sealing the ox was Ultimate Ice, laced with cold toxin, constantly eroding it.
Without strong self-healing and poison resistance, it wouldn't have lasted for Wei Na to kill.
Huo Yuhao's toxin could fell 20,000–30,000-year soul beasts, let alone a 5,000-year one.
Its survival was impressive.
Huo Yuhao melted the ice around the ox's eyes.
Wei Na pierced its eye with a weapon, stabbing into its brain, stirring until it died.
Despite her gentle demeanor, Wei Na was ruthless in action.
Huo Yuhao: *Safe travels, Ox.*
A purple soul ring rose from the corpse.
Sadly, no soul bone.
Huo Yuhao touched the corpse, seemingly melting the ice, but secretly absorbed its ghost.
---
Afternoon had arrived.
Wei Na sat cross-legged in the forest, absorbing a soul ring.
The process seemed to be going smoothly.
Huo Yuhao and Bei Bei stood guard nearby to protect her.
The Mutant Frost Centipede martial soul lay hidden underground.
But what the others didn't know—
The Mutant Frost Centipede martial soul, hidden beneath the ground, was secretly at work.
In the underground cave, one of the centipede legs detached and, after a transformation, turned into a small, wingless version of the Mutant Frost Centipede.
Divine Ability — Centipede Leg Clone!
This was the innate divine ability of Pu Du Cihang.
During the recent days on the road, Huo Yuhao had found time to open the Eye of Myriad Arts for the Skydream Iceworm, and the Skydream Iceworm had already mastered this ability.
To be precise, it was the Mutant Frost Centipede martial soul that had acquired this divine ability.
It was relatively easy to learn because the underlying principle of this innate divine ability wasn't overly complex. Moreover, the learning process was aided by Pu Du Cihang's millennia of cultivation memories.
Innate divine abilities can be taught and learned—provided the bloodline is similar enough. However, those learned later in life won't be as powerful as the innate version, and their effects will vary.
The original version of the Centipede Leg Clone, as used by Pu Du Cihang, could be activated at will, producing multiple clones simultaneously, each with significant combat power.
The version learned by the Mutant Frost Centipede martial soul, however, required preparation time, and could only generate one clone at a time. The number of clones was limited to the number of centipede legs.
As for combat capability, each clone had only one-tenth of the Mutant Frost Centipede's strength, lacked wings (and the corresponding attribute bonuses), and couldn't use soul ring abilities. Fortunately, it could still use self-created soul skills.
Both versions shared the same trait—long-lasting clones with a degree of autonomy.
In short, the Centipede Leg Clone offered limited combat utility, but it could be used for special tasks.
Like... sending out a small clone to cause mischief!
The Mutant Frost Centipede martial soul pitifully clutched the spot where a leg had detached. However, a new leg was already growing back rapidly.
Unfortunately, until the corresponding clone vanished, the new leg couldn't be used to summon another.
"This clone has the strength of a Soul Elder and can exist for at least three months," the Skydream Iceworm communicated telepathically with Huo Yuhao.
"Soul Elder strength, and three months... That's plenty of time," Huo Yuhao replied.
On the surface, the clone appeared as a small, wingless Frost Centipede, crawling on the ground.
"Go on, little guy. Your mission has already been embedded into your mind," Huo Yuhao commanded.
At the moment the clone was created, the Skydream Iceworm had already programmed it with its mission.
The Centipede Leg Clone strapped on a small pack, dug a tunnel, and departed to begin its assigned journey.
Above ground, Huo Yuhao remained calm and composed.
Suddenly, though, his expression subtly shifted.
The Skydream Iceworm's spiritual probe had just sensed a powerful presence approaching!
"Brother Hao, it's a Title Douluo!" the Skydream Iceworm said gravely.
"Turtle requests to fight!" the Golden Tortoise eagerly jumped out to show off.
Electrolux observed silently from the shadows.
"Let me take a look…"
Huo Yuhao, linked mentally with the Skydream Iceworm, saw what it had detected.
It was an old man with a tall and burly frame. He had long, dark green hair cascading down his back, but amusingly, the top of his head was bald.
His complexion was rosy like a baby's, and he barely had any wrinkles. The only hint of his age was the ancient weariness in his dark green eyes.
"Damn... green hair and bald on top... could he be Du Bushi from the Body Sect?"
In the original series, the only green-haired, bald Title Douluo was indeed Du Bushi.
Of course, this could also be a hidden character similar to Du Bushi.
At this moment, the three Soul Sages secretly assigned to guard Huo Yuhao's group revealed themselves and stepped in front of the old man, clearly alerted by his presence—deliberately so.
The old man casually tossed out a token. Upon seeing it, the three Soul Sages dropped their hostility.
After saluting him, they departed—clearly following prior instructions.
These Soul Sages had been tailing them in secret and had never shown themselves before. To the outside world, it should seem as though Huo Yuhao and Bei Bei were unaware of their presence, so their departure wouldn't arouse suspicion.
"It's confirmed. This old guy isn't Du Bushi, but he definitely has ties to the Heavenly Soul Empire. He's likely here for me," Huo Yuhao thought, looking speechless.
He had been wondering why the Heavenly Soul Empire showed interest in recruiting him, but the Body Sect hadn't acted.
Turns out, they were setting a trap!
The Heavenly Soul Empire and the Body Sect were staging a performance for Huo Yuhao.
"Well, well... this is how you want to play, huh…"
The Body Sect trying to recruit Huo Yuhao wasn't the problem—it was their underhanded tactics that irked him.
Under spiritual detection, the old man donned a black robe and made a basic disguise—then prepared to act.
The next second—
An overwhelming pressure descended on Huo Yuhao and Bei Bei.
"Who's there?!"
Bei Bei turned pale in shock.
Huo Yuhao pretended to be startled as well, stepping in front of Wei Na protectively.
Du Bushi, hidden in his black cloak, nodded in satisfaction.
"Looks like this kid really cares about Wei Na. Next, we'll see whether that yet-to-awaken Eye Martial Soul of his is the real deal."
Shrouded in black robes, Du Bushi appeared before Huo Yuhao and Bei Bei, letting out a deep, sinister chuckle.
"Hehehe... Shrek Academy students, eh?"
"He's strong!" Bei Bei immediately stepped forward, putting on a respectful front while staying alert. "Greetings, senior. We are indeed students from Shrek Academy. My family elder—"
BAM!
Without a word, Du Bushi backhanded Bei Bei, sending him flying with a 720-degree spin that snapped a tree in half. The rest of his sentence died in his throat.
Bei Bei was knocked out cold in dazzling fashion.
A Title Douluo's strike—Bei Bei didn't stand a chance.
Besides, Du Bushi already knew who Bei Bei was. Trying to use Mu En's name to intimidate him? That was just asking for a beating.
If it weren't beneath him, Du Bushi might've just killed Bei Bei on the spot.
"That slap felt so damn good," Du Bushi thought, feeling refreshed.
First, beat up Mu En's descendant. Later, find a chance to beat up Mu En himself.
But first, he had to stick to the plan.
Actually, this whole plan had been devised by the Heavenly Soul Empire. It didn't fit Du Bushi's usual methods, and Wei Na wasn't even in on it.
Keeping Wei Na in the dark made things more authentic. And she wasn't stupid—she'd play along.
If it were up to Du Bushi, he'd just capture Huo Yuhao on the spot, confirm whether he was an unawakened Body Sect disciple, and drag him back to the sect.
Letting Huo Yuhao return to Shrek Academy? No way.
Huo Yuhao had been thinking the same. He even planned to use this as a trigger to spark conflict between the Body Sect and Shrek Academy, speeding up Mu En's downfall.
But he hadn't expected this level of manipulation.
The Heavenly Soul Empire claimed this plan would make it easier for Huo Yuhao to join the Body Sect and hurt Shrek Academy—a win-win for both the Empire and the Sect.
Du Bushi reluctantly agreed—for the chance to deal a blow to Shrek Academy.
Whether Huo Yuhao was a latent Body Sect disciple or not, the Sect wouldn't lose out.
Huo Yuhao watched all this unfold with deadpan resignation.
The Skydream Iceworm whispered to him, "Brother Hao, based on your character setup, you should be going all-out to protect Wei Na right now…"
"Shut up, chatterbox," Huo Yuhao snapped.
Even if he knew his life wasn't in danger, he still had to go up there and take a beating.
What about his dignity?
"Alright, fine. Let's end the charade!"
On the surface, Huo Yuhao appeared furious, ready to fight Du Bushi to the death.
But secretly, he removed the spiritual concealment on his fate, drawing the attention of the Star Dou Forest's guardian beast.
Somewhere in the forest, a certain silly lion who had been frolicking around suddenly frowned and changed direction.
Huo Yuhao was in a state of extreme rage—truly, extremely enraged.
Unkillable Poison thought Huo Yuhao might charge at him, but instead, Huo Yuhao remained firmly in front of Wei Na, guarding her.
This made Unkillable Poison quite satisfied.
"This kid… he's a romantic."
Regardless of whether Huo Yuhao possessed a Body Martial Soul, he was destined to become the son-in-law of the Heavenly Soul Empire and the Body Sect. Now, seeing Huo Yuhao protecting Wei Na only made Unkillable Poison more pleased.
If Huo Yuhao had risked Wei Na's life just for Bei Bei's sake, Unkillable Poison would have considered crippling him on the spot.
Even if Huo Yuhao had a Body Martial Soul, if his heart wasn't set on Wei Na, he'd be of no benefit to the Heavenly Soul Empire or the Body Sect. Worse, he might even contribute to the rise of Shrek Academy.
Huo Yuhao and Bei Bei were not the same.
Huo Yuhao was an Ultimate Ice Spirit Master. Once he matured, he'd be invincible.
Bei Bei, on the other hand, was merely a typical genius. Whether he could become another Mu En was still uncertain.
And the reason Huo Yuhao didn't charge was because… there were no other people from Shrek Academy nearby—only Unkillable Poison.
So there was no need to put on a show.
And really, what was the point of charging?
To get beaten up?
But since Huo Yuhao wasn't charging, Unkillable Poison decided to make a move on him. Without close contact, how could he examine Huo Yuhao's body?
With a wave of his hand, Unkillable Poison released powerful soul power that pulled Huo Yuhao toward him.
Huo Yuhao's body was swept up uncontrollably by Unkillable Poison's soul power and flew straight at him.
Naturally, Huo Yuhao wouldn't just let it happen without doing something.
His Mutant Frost Centipede martial soul burst from underground, aiming straight for Unkillable Poison's lower body.
Unkillable Poison was prepared—he knew Huo Yuhao's capabilities. But instead of dodging, he raised a foot to stomp the centipede, testing its strength.
The next moment, the martial soul collided with Unkillable Poison's foot.
The Frost Centipede didn't last even two seconds before being kicked away. Luckily, its carapace didn't shatter, since Unkillable Poison held back.
"Not bad," Unkillable Poison muttered in approval.
The Frost Centipede's strength and defense were already comparable to that of an average soul beast over 50,000 years old. Ignoring soul skills, it could crush an ordinary Soul Emperor.
Factoring in soul skills, it would come down to each individual's tactics.
Even its cold venom could threaten a Soul Emperor-level powerhouse.
Unkillable Poison's foot shook with soul power, dispersing the venom that had invaded his body. What might threaten others was harmless to him.
Still, he raised an eyebrow in surprise.
The venom that entered him wasn't just cold—it was mixed poison.
Which made it even more dangerous.
"Ultimate attribute, mixed cold venom, powerful strength and defense… In the realm of super martial souls, this is top-tier."
Super martial souls surpassed even the best top-tier martial souls. They usually came with extraordinary abilities or divine potential, often requiring a special awakening ceremony.
Aside from a second awakening of a Body Martial Soul, the only other kind that could be confirmed as a super martial soul was an ultimate-type martial soul.
In an instant, Unkillable Poison saw much and began reassessing Huo Yuhao's talent. But he didn't stop his actions.
Huo Yuhao was still pulled in front of him.
At that moment, Huo Yuhao shouted:
"Frost Centipede—Armor Form!"
The kicked-away centipede transformed into a streak of cold light and attached itself to Huo Yuhao, forming a half-body armor that boosted his physical capabilities.
If a beating was unavoidable, then at least wear some armor.
Unkillable Poison was visibly intrigued. "This martial soul has that kind of ability? Interesting, interesting."
Still, he wasn't particularly concerned—he only cared about the Body Martial Soul.
In the next second, his large hand reached out.
And—
It landed on Huo Yuhao's exposed face.
Huo Yuhao: "Oh come on…"
"You're too weak, kid," Unkillable Poison jeered.
Then, his soul power forcefully invaded Huo Yuhao's eyes, attempting to provoke a reaction—testing whether a martial soul was hidden in them.
Huo Yuhao immediately understood.
"So this old fart did all this just to check my martial soul? Why not just ask?! I even had a cover story prepared! You just had to test it yourself. Rude!"
The Eye of All Laws quietly activated, and the power of the Body Incarnation began to manifest.
"Hm? What's this?"
Both Huo Yuhao and Unkillable Poison were stunned.
The Body Incarnation activated on its own.
Body Incarnation: "Delivery from the Body Martial Soul incoming?"
Huo Yuhao: "You can do that too?"
Body Martial Soul: "Absorbing the source, kid~"
Unkillable Poison's soul power was quickly absorbed by the Eye of All Laws and merged into the Body Incarnation. The Body Incarnation filtered out the essence of the Body Martial Soul within the energy, purified it, and infused it into Huo Yuhao's own soul power—completely without rejection.
As it absorbed more essence, the golden silhouette of the Body Incarnation began to solidify.
Because Unkillable Poison's martial soul was—himself.
So the reinforcement to the Body Incarnation was comprehensive.
Unkillable Poison also realized something was off—Huo Yuhao's eyes were absorbing his soul power. Rather than pull back, he increased the output.
Huo Yuhao's power instantly broke through to Rank 48… then 49… edging toward Rank 50…
Not even evil soul masters would dare break through like this.
Huo Yuhao gave it some thought—Unkillable Poison was being so generous, the least he could do was cooperate and let the guy feel a bit violated.
So Huo Yuhao began to scream:
"AAAAAAHHHH—"
"NOOO—"
"STOP—"
"No, stop, ahhh—"
The Body Incarnation finally grew unsatisfied with just soul power.
It began eyeing Unkillable Poison's martial soul itself.
As golden light from Huo Yuhao's eyes spread to Unkillable Poison's arm, the latter's expression finally changed.
His martial soul triggered a warning!
Danger!
Boom!
Unkillable Poison quickly flung Huo Yuhao away.
"OW—" Huo Yuhao landed on his rear.
After his shock wore off, Unkillable Poison looked delighted.
"Good kid! So there was a martial soul in your eyes, and it even made my martial soul trigger a warning. It might even be superior to mine!"
Piecing it all together—
Unkillable Poison understood!
Huo Yuhao's eye-based Body Martial Soul was of an extremely high grade—maybe even unprecedented. It might possess the potential for a golden second awakening!
And the reason it hadn't awakened yet was simply because its quality was too high, requiring massive amounts of soul power.
Which explained why his soul power had just been absorbed.
And that small glimpse of power already left such a strong impression.
When Huo Yuhao became stronger, reached Titled Douluo level, and his second martial soul fully awakened… what kind of brilliance would it reveal then?
At that moment, Unkillable Poison made a decision—he was going to abduct Huo Yuhao!
Plans?
What plans?
Placing a mole inside Shrek Academy?
No, this is the future Young Sect Master of the Body Sect!
What's that? Huo Yuhao is Mu En's disciple?
All the better!
Mu En the Minotaur—what a marvelous arrangement~
Sitting on the ground, Huo Yuhao felt a chill down his neck.
"Crap, someone's plotting against Big Bro Hao!"
The joy of reaching Rank 50 quickly dissipated as Huo Yuhao cautiously distanced himself from Unkillable Poison.
Only one person could be harboring ill intent here—Unkillable Poison, no doubt.
Just as he was about to act again—
A small creature leapt out of the forest nearby.
A soul beast resembling a little lion bounded forth.
"I'm here~ Let me see where the thing that attracted me is… Hmm?"
Unkillable Poison blinked. "It can talk? A hundred-thousand-year soul beast?"
Huo Yuhao: (￢_￢)
Three-Eyed Golden Lion: Σ(￣д￣;)!!!