Zhu Zhu left covering her mouth.
She didn't say a single word as she left—more like fled—and her retreating figure appeared somewhat disheveled and flustered.
Huo Yuhao narrowed his eyes slightly as he watched her leave.
"Brother Hao, you're just letting her go like that?" Tianmeng Iceworm asked curiously.
"Don't worry," Huo Yuhao replied inwardly. "Things are already beyond her control."
From Zhu Zhu's memories, Huo Yuhao had seen some very special things.
Among them was intelligence about the Mingdou Mountain Range—it turned out the Duke White Tiger's Mansion was pulling strings behind the scenes.
Of course, the Zhu Clan couldn't be unaware of the White Tiger Duke's actions, and Zhu Zhu herself had the qualifications to know.
To that, Huo Yuhao could only think: Thanks, I guess~
Before devouring the White Tiger Duke's Mansion entirely, getting them to help damage Shrek Academy's reputation a little was a fine bit of resource recycling.
"My strength is about where it needs to be. Soon, I'll be ready to make my move on the White Tiger Duke's Mansion. I wonder, when that time comes, will the blame be pinned on Shrek Academy?"
"As for the Zhu Clan... the Netherworld Civet bloodline might be good for more than just consumption—it might be useful."
Just then, Ling Luocheng walked over to Huo Yuhao, curiosity in her expression. "Yuhao, what happened in there? Why did it take so long?"
A full hour!
Huo Yuhao, however, looked genuinely puzzled. "Honestly, I don't really know. I just sat in the booth and watched her eat a mountain of food. Really weird."
Ling Luocheng frowned. She didn't suspect Huo Yuhao, but she couldn't understand Zhu Zhu's behavior. She could only warn him: "Yuhao, she might have come to show off or test you. Be careful not to be alone with her again. And stay away from the White Tiger Duke's Mansion and the Zhu Clan."
"Mm-hmm, got it. Don't worry, Senior Ling."
"As long as you understand. Let's head back to the hotel."
"Okay!"
…
Zhu Zhu returned to the dorms at Star Luo Imperial Academy.
Unless necessary, she generally stayed at the academy rather than returning to the Zhu Clan.
After all, it was the competition season. As a team member—even just a reserve—she still had to be on standby at all times.
And the academy provided very generous accommodations for team members like Zhu Zhu.
For instance, her residence was a beautiful, private villa with its own courtyard.
As soon as she returned, Zhu Zhu rushed into the bathroom and began furiously brushing and rinsing her mouth, her expression stormy and unstable.
"How dare he! How dare he! How dare he?!"
Her encounter with Huo Yuhao had made Zhu Zhu realize she had badly miscalculated—and she was now in deep trouble.
Huo Yuhao was actually the White Tiger Duke's illegitimate son!
And he harbored an irreconcilable hatred for Dai Huabin and the Duchess.
Yet based on Dai Huabin's earlier behavior, it seemed he hadn't recognized Huo Yuhao at all.
That was extremely dangerous.
Because with Huo Yuhao's current talent, strength, and background, the White Tiger Duke's Mansion could no longer deal with him at will. And if he were given more time to grow…
Dai Huabin and the Duchess would be doomed.
And she would be dragged down with them.
"No, I have to tell Huabin and the Duchess about this…"
But just as this thought emerged, Zhu Zhu's expression twisted in agony. She felt an intense pain in her tongue and spat out a mouthful of blood with a wrenching cry.
The searing pain drained the color from her face, and her body began to tremble uncontrollably.
Ignoring the blood now covering the sink, Zhu Zhu forced her shaking body to stand. She reached up with one hand, pried open her mouth, and stuck out her tongue to examine it in the mirror.
The next second, her pupils constricted sharply.
Because she saw it—a golden centipede crawling on her tongue, gnawing into the flesh.
It looked like a warning.
"A centipede?! How is this possible?!"
"This has to be Huo Yuhao's doing!"
"Was it… from that moment?"
She hurriedly reached out with her other hand to yank the golden centipede off her tongue—but her fingers grasped only air, as if the centipede weren't physically real.
"What... is this?"
Paralyzed by pain and horror, Zhu Zhu wept silently, her body trembling harder with each second—but she didn't dare to act rashly.
The golden centipede chewed her tongue for a while, leaving it torn and bloodied. Then, under her terrified gaze, it slowly burrowed back into her body.
Zhu Zhu was utterly terrified.
She didn't understand this technique.
But she did understand one thing: if the golden centipede could gnaw on her tongue, it could just as easily devour her heart—or her brain.
This was the method Huo Yuhao had used to mark her—to monitor her. And to warn her.
She now regretted everything. Regretted going to find Huo Yuhao. Regretted speaking on Dai Huabin's behalf.
"What should I do now…"
The thought of reporting Huo Yuhao no longer even crossed her mind—because she didn't dare gamble. What if the golden centipede struck her down before she could?
She didn't want to die!
Just then, a voice outside her villa pulled Zhu Zhu out of her haze of fear and confusion.
"Zhu Zhu, I'm here to see you!"
It was Dai Huabin's voice.
Zhu Zhu felt as if she had found her anchor. She scrambled to her feet in excitement—but then froze, motionless.
Because she had caught a glimpse in the mirror—a flash of golden movement at her temple.
The centipede was still there. It had been watching her all along.
Dai Huabin's voice came again from outside.
"Zhu Zhu? Why aren't you answering?" He had come only because he knew she was back.
But Zhu Zhu had locked the villa from the inside—otherwise, Dai Huabin would've come straight in rather than calling out.
"I'm here, I'm just washing up, Huabin. Wait a minute," Zhu Zhu called back through the open window, feigning calm. But her eyes were still filled with dread and uncertainty.
Her tongue injuries slightly altered her voice.
But Dai Huabin wasn't a particularly perceptive person. He didn't notice.
The window was open, so they could speak across the distance. Otherwise, the villa's soundproofing would have blocked them out entirely.
"Then hurry up—we need to train with the team later."
"Got it…"
Zhu Zhu shut the door again, standing before the vanity, staring at the bloodstains and her haggard reflection in the mirror.
Her lips were stained crimson. Cold sweat still beaded her brow. Her hair was a tangled mess.
But now, she had regained full composure—and complete clarity.
"No matter what Huo Yuhao plans, I absolutely cannot let Dai Huabin, the White Tiger Duke's Mansion, or my family notice anything wrong with me!"
Zhu Zhu made up her mind.
If she wanted to see Dai Huabin, she had to clean herself up first.
As rationality returned, her eyes grew resolute. She slowly raised her hands and removed her clothes.
Then the sound of running water filled the bathroom.
Washing away every last trace of what had just occurred.
…
Meanwhile—
Huo Yuhao and Ling Luocheng returned to the hotel.
They found an unexpected visitor waiting in Shrek Academy's suite and meeting room.
Ma Xiaotao and Wei Na were sitting nearby, talking with the guest.
When Huo Yuhao saw who it was, his eyes lit up. "Master Fanyu! What brings you here?"
It was Fanyu!
He had come to assist the Shrek Academy team.
Xuanzi had come too, in fact.
But feeling too ashamed to face the others, Xuanzi hadn't shown himself.
Fanyu smiled as though nothing unusual had happened. "Haha, Yuhao, you're back? I just got here myself. By the way, didn't Zhou Yi come back with you all?"
Some things simply cannot be hidden.
When Huo Yuhao placed Zhou Yi's stiff body on the table, Fan Yu still couldn't believe it. He even thought he might be hallucinating.
Zhou Yi's corpse, frozen by the power of Ultimate Ice, remained lifelike, her beauty and graceful figure preserved in perfect stillness.
One could clearly see the look of shock on her face, and the bloody hole piercing through her throat.
Huo Yuhao could only pat the still-stunned Fan Yu on the shoulder in comfort, his expression grief-stricken as he said solemnly,
"Teacher Zhou Yi did everything she could."
Fan Yu was undoubtedly heartbroken, unwilling to accept the truth. After all, they were all comrades in arms, capable of understanding one another.
Moreover, Huo Yuhao could sense how much Fan Yu had cherished Zhou Yi — so much so that he felt she was still "ninety percent new."
Finally, Fan Yu completely broke down. Clutching Zhou Yi's corpse, he sobbed uncontrollably, crying like a two-hundred-pound child.
Watching the grief-stricken Fan Yu, Huo Yuhao suddenly felt a tinge of guilt — for having been too rough when "piloting" Zhou Yi.
Of course, that guilt lasted only a moment.
Because even though he had done his utmost while using her, without harming her life or foundation, the benefits Zhou Yi could provide were still limited.
Huo Yuhao glanced at Wei Na, who obediently retreated, pulling Ling Luochen along with her.
In the entire meeting room—
Only Huo Yuhao, Ma Xiaotao, and the sobbing Fan Yu remained.
Once everyone else had left, Xuanzi silently appeared in the meeting room.
"Senior Brother Xuanzi."
"Elder Xuan!"
Huo Yuhao and Ma Xiaotao quickly greeted him.
"Tell me exactly what happened during this time."
Xuanzi gritted his teeth, speaking word by word with chilling intensity.
Compared to the last time Huo Yuhao had seen him, Xuanzi looked even more disheveled and worn down. His trembling face and wild, unkempt hair showed that he was barely containing his fury.
Something so tragic had occurred within the Shrek Academy battle team…
And all because no strong protectors had accompanied them!
This matter might even be related to his own failings — how could he not hate himself?
In truth, Huo Yuhao was more curious about what had happened after Xuanzi returned to Shrek Academy — how had the academy responded?
But now clearly wasn't the time to ask.
Fan Yu gradually recovered from his grief, his red eyes locking onto Huo Yuhao as he pleaded,
"Yuhao, please… tell me who did this!"
Ma Xiaotao remained silent, weighed down by emotion.
Huo Yuhao sighed. "We're not sure of all the details either… All we can do is tell you what we saw and heard…"
Then, he began slowly recounting everything that had happened recently.
His story was carefully crafted — no accusations, no conclusions, just facts. Let others judge for themselves.
But by the time he finished, both Xuanzi and Fan Yu had been driven to madness.
Xuanzi hadn't expected that the tragedy was indeed connected to his earlier mistake — due to the lack of protection for the Shrek battle team, Zhou Yi had been assassinated in the street by someone from the White Tiger Duke's mansion.
Then Huo Yuhao had taken people to seek justice, only to be bullied by a Titled Douluo from the Star Luo Empire — which left Ma Xiaotao gravely injured, no longer able to fight.
And in the next competition match, the fallen of Shrek were openly mocked!
How dare the White Tiger Duke's mansion do this?
How dare the Star Luo Empire?!
Fan Yu had thought he could visit his injured wife after dropping everything in his lab and rushing to Star Luo City — only to find she was gone forever, and there was no way to bring the murderer to justice.
The White Tiger Duke's mansion had dared commit murder in broad daylight!
And even now, the Star Luo Empire hadn't handed over the killer. Were they trying to protect them?
Huo Yuhao had not stoked any flames.
But Xuanzi and Fan Yu were clearly not the type to calmly analyze things — and all the facts and evidence pointed to one conclusion:
The Star Luo Empire and the White Tiger Duke's mansion were targeting the Shrek Academy team.
"Star Luo Empire! White Tiger Duke's Mansion! COURTING DEATH!!!"
Xuanzi roared, and the full might of a Rank 98 Super Douluo erupted from him.
Fan Yu also released his Soul Douluo pressure. Though much weaker than Xuanzi's, it was still something no ordinary person could endure.
The immense pressure was overwhelming — even Huo Yuhao and Ma Xiaotao felt it.
Of course, Huo Yuhao was just pretending.
Ma Xiaotao, on the other hand, turned visibly paler.
"Yuhao, Xiaotao, you've suffered enough these past days. Rest now. I will get justice for you!"
Xuanzi said coldly.
"And me too!"
Fan Yu gritted his teeth, eyes blazing with fury.
"This blood debt must be paid in blood!"
"Senior Brother, Master Fan Yu, please calm down… things may not be as they appear—"
Huo Yuhao tried to softly interject.
But his words were like fuel to the fire — Xuanzi and Fan Yu were even more incensed.
Such a good child — who could bear to let him suffer like this?
He must've endured immense pressure when facing that Titled Douluo.
"Yuhao, no more words! Shrek can lose lives, but never dignity!"
Xuanzi's voice was icy.
Boom!
Xuanzi blasted open the wall of the Star Emperor Hotel and flew boldly into the sky, heading straight for the Star Luo Palace.
Fan Yu activated a flying soul device and followed close behind.
Everyone who sensed the terrifying aura rushed out of their rooms, staring in shock at Xuanzi.
Many realized — something big was about to happen!
Huo Yuhao steadied the pale, nearly collapsing Ma Xiaotao, who was weakened from the pressure earlier.
She tried to reassure him,
"Yuhao… trust Elder Xuanzi and the others."
Huo Yuhao: "…"
This wasn't about trust anymore.
Right now, Huo Yuhao even felt like going for a wild gallop on horseback.
As for going to watch the chaos personally? That wasn't necessary — if his external brain arrived, it might restrain Xuanzi's outburst.
"Niece Xiaotao, don't speak for now. Let me help you back to rest,"
Huo Yuhao said gently.
"Mhm…"
Ma Xiaotao nodded slightly, her cheeks flushing.
Huo Yuhao helped her back to her room.
Wei Na and Ling Luochen also emerged from their rooms, asking what had happened.
Everyone gathered in Ma Xiaotao's room.
As for the damage to the Star Emperor Hotel — no one cared.
Luckily, Shrek Academy's rooms were on the top floor. Xuanzi had only blasted a hole through the wall, not collapsed the whole building.
None of them noticed a segmented centipede foot, stealthily trailing behind Xuanzi and Fan Yu, hidden in the shadows.
In a suite of the Sun and Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy next door, the students hadn't yet returned — only some entourage members and hidden powerhouses remained.
They too were startled by Xuanzi's explosive outburst — at first thinking they were under attack.
They stayed on alert for a while, only to discover that Xuanzi was charging straight toward the Star Luo Palace.
"What's going on?"
"What's with that powerhouse from Shrek?"
"Is it about what happened a few days ago?"
"Must've just arrived — or he'd have acted earlier."
"Let's follow and take a look!"
"Yeah, yeah… Heh, Star Luo Empire — now things are about to get interesting."
—
In the city—
Xuanzi flew straight over the royal city, heading directly for the Star Luo Palace.
A loyal commander of the Imperial Guard appeared to intercept him, shouting,
"Halt! This is sacred ground of the Star Luo Palace!"
"Courting death!"
Xuanzi smacked down with a soul-powered palm.
BOOM!
With one strike, a massive handprint was carved into the ground. The commander and nearby guards were instantly reduced to a bloody mist.
When Xuanzi arrived at Star Luo City…
The focus of Star Luo City was no longer the Soul Master Tournament, but the escalating conflict and tensions between Shrek Academy, the Star Luo Empire, and the White Tiger Duke's Mansion.
Though the entire city was referred to as Star Luo Imperial City, it was actually divided into an inner city and an outer city.
The outer city was home to commoners and lesser nobles; Star Luo Plaza was located there and spanned a vast area.
The inner city, on the other hand, was the true imperial city—the residence of the Star Luo royal family. The imperial palace was located here and was guarded by the Imperial Guard.
Ministers and nobles were only allowed into the inner city during court sessions or when summoned by the emperor.
In other words, the inner city was of great importance and heavily fortified.
Star Luo Plaza sat adjacent to the walls dividing the inner and outer cities. From the top of the city wall, Xu Jiawei could watch the tournament below.
Nearby was the Star Emperor Grand Hotel.
As a result, when Xuanzi burst out of the hotel, he didn't even need to turn—he charged straight into the imperial city.
Storming the imperial city was undoubtedly a provocation to the Star Luo royal family's authority. But Xuanzi didn't care in the slightest—and with the palace so close, why not?
The Imperial Guard reacted immediately, sounding the alarm.
A guard captain tried to communicate and reason with Xuanzi—only to be brutally killed by Xuanzi, reduced to ashes.
A whole squad of guards perished with him.
Seeing this, the remaining guards were terrified and dared not act rashly.
After all, guard captains were typically Soul Saints, and even the regular guards were Soul Sect level.
Yet they had been so easily wiped out.
Why risk your life for a few dozen gold soul coins a month?
This wasn't just a top-tier powerhouse—it was a peerless killing machine!
The moment the alarm sounded, it drew the attention of Xu Jiawei and the elders of the Worship Hall.
They all sensed Xuanzi's terrifying aura, which he made no attempt to hide.
Titled Douluos mobilized immediately.
"Who dares to behave so wildly in the imperial city?!"
As the words rang out, two figures appeared to block Xuanzi's path.
One of them was Huang Jinxu, though he lagged half a step behind the other.
The other man wore regal purple robes, appearing to be in his sixties, exuding the powerful aura of a Titled Douluo—his spirit power exceeded Rank 95.
He was a Titled Douluo from the Worship Hall and one of the strongest in the Star Luo Empire.
What was surprising was that while Huang Jinxu flew in, the old man simply appeared out of thin air, accompanied by a flash of purple light.
Clearly, he had used spatial power.
However, when this elder saw Xuanzi, his expression darkened. He spoke in a heavy voice and revealed Xuanzi's identity:
"Gluttonous Douluo—Xuanzi!"
Huang Jinxu's expression also changed. He knew well the reputation of the Gluttonous Douluo.
"So it's Shrek Academy's Gluttonous Douluo! Looks like this is about Shrek… This is trouble."
As for Fan Yu, who followed behind Xuanzi, no one paid him any mind.
A Soul Douluo with eight rings had no right to speak in this setting.
The last Soul Saint who tried to speak had already turned to dust.
Xuanzi recognized the old man too. Suppressing his anger, he said coldly,
"Starshatter Douluo? You're still alive?"
Starshatter: "…"
He wanted to say, I'm younger than you!
But Starshatter ignored that and instead sternly questioned:
"Xuanzi, why have you broken into the imperial city and slaughtered the guards? Even if you are an Elder of Shrek's Sea God Pavilion, you must give an explanation—or don't blame us for showing no mercy!"
Though Starshatter Douluo was weaker than Xuanzi, he wasn't alone. He had Huang Jinxu and other Worship Hall powerhouses.
If it came to a fight, they weren't afraid.
But Xuanzi's eyes were already bloodshot. He laughed in rage:
"An explanation? Then I'll give you one!"
"Burying the leader of Shrek's team is a privilege for them!"
He no longer held back his fury.
His soul rings appeared and lit up.
"Sixth Soul Skill—Gluttonous Stomp!"
A massive phantom of a Gluttonous Divine Bull appeared behind him. A colossal hoof stomped down toward the imperial city.
"You dare?!" Starshatter was horrified and struck out with a purple beam of light aimed at the descending hoof.
If that stomp landed, a chunk of the palace would be destroyed, and none of the guards below would survive!
"Sixth Soul Skill—Starlight Shatter!"
Starshatter had no choice but to unleash his soul skill to block the attack.
The purple starlight struck the bull's hoof, gradually dispersing its soul power.
Starshatter's martial spirit had no physical form; it manifested as purple light, which he called Starlight of Starshatter, capable of disintegrating anything it touched.
Naturally, his soul skills reflected this.
His Starlight Shatter aimed to break the bull's hoof phantom.
However, it only shattered part of it—it couldn't stop it completely.
Because Xuanzi's power far surpassed Starshatter's.
At Rank 95 with no hundred-thousand-year soul ring or full-body soul bones, Starshatter was already one of the Empire's top fighters.
Shrek's dominance came from its overwhelming advantage in high-tier combat strength.
The hoof continued to fall.
Huang Jinxu quickly summoned the Heavenly Calamity Lone Star and struck out:
"Sixth Soul Skill—Lone Star's Calamity!"
Dark purple light carrying ominous energy also struck the hoof.
The impact between the hoof and the two lights triggered a massive explosion. The entire Star Luo City heard the deafening blast, shocking countless citizens.
The powerful fighters who came with Xuanzi also witnessed the dazzling clash of soul power.
Fortunately, with the combined efforts of Starshatter and Huang Jinxu, they managed to block Xuanzi's attack.
But Xuanzi wasn't finished. His ninth soul ring began to shine—a blood-red hundred-thousand-year ring, pulsing with terrifying power.
Xuanzi's expression turned serious. He was ready to go all out.
"Ninth Soul Skill…"
Both Starshatter and Huang Jinxu's expressions changed drastically.
They hadn't expected Xuanzi to try unleashing a hundred-thousand-year soul skill right in the imperial city!
Leading with a trump card?
Does this guy not know how to play fair?!
"Stop! Can't we talk this out?!"
"Please, stop! It's all a misunderstanding!"
Starshatter and Huang Jinxu both backed down.
But Xuanzi didn't listen.
Fan Yu, behind him, wore a look of relief and deep emotion.
"Elder Xuan truly has the dignity of a great man, taking such action on our behalf. This is the might of Shrek!"
At this critical moment, someone of authority finally arrived.
Xu Jiawei flew in. Though also a Titled Douluo, he didn't dare release his martial spirit or rings. Hovering in the air with a respectful posture, he called out loudly:
"Please calm your anger, Elder Xuan! I am Emperor Xu Jiawei of the Star Luo Empire. I hope we can discuss this and resolve the misunderstanding!"
Hearing the self-introduction, Fan Yu snapped out of his daze and quickly called to Xuanzi.
If Xuanzi struck down Xu Jiawei, things would spiral out of control.
Though Fan Yu wanted revenge for Zhou Yi, it didn't mean killing the emperor—especially since it was the White Tiger Duke's Mansion that was responsible. They still needed the Empire to provide an explanation.
If they attacked the emperor now, all negotiations would collapse.
Xuanzi understood the gravity of the situation and stopped the activation of his ninth soul skill.
But his face remained cold, eyes still burning with fury.
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
Everyone but one.
Huo Yuhao.
Hiding nearby, his Centipede Foot clone transmitted everything to him. Seeing Xuanzi halt, he nearly slapped his own thigh in frustration.
"Kill them! I want blood flowing like rivers! Kill them all!"
Xuanzi had charged the palace, and all he had done was kill a mere Soul Saint?
What was the point?
Even Electrolux, who was watching through Huo Yuhao's eyes, spoke slowly in his mind:
"Even though he didn't unleash the hundred-thousand-year soul skill, he still forced an emperor to lower his stance. That's a power more impactful than destruction."
"From today forward, relations between Shrek and the Star Luo Empire will drop to freezing point."
The centipede-foot clone silently observed the battlefield from the shadows.
No one knew what Xu Jiawei had said, but it was enough to convince Xuanzi to temporarily abandon any intent to attack. Instead, he brought Fan Yu along and followed Xu Jiawei into the imperial palace.
The chaos gradually subsided.
No one paid any mind to the fallen imperial guards or their slain commander.
Perhaps only when the remaining guards were sent to clean up the battlefield would anyone spare them a moment of sympathy.
What happened next was beyond the reach of the centipede-foot clone. After all, several Title Douluo resided within the palace. If the clone tried to sneak in, there was a high chance it would be discovered.
And once someone saw what the clone looked like, suspicion would immediately fall on Huo Yuhao.
So the centipede-foot clone quietly withdrew, unnoticed by anyone.
As for what Xu Jiawei said to Xuanzi, and how things would proceed from there—that no longer mattered. Huo Yuhao had already achieved most of his goal.
"Zhou Yi was, after all, just an overlooked outer court teacher. Aside from Fan Yu, no one would grieve deeply over her death.
Xuanzi's rage was more due to Shrek's tarnished reputation—and his own sense of responsibility—than any personal grief," Huo Yuhao pondered.
"Unless something happens to me or someone like Ma Xiaotao, one of Shrek's core disciples, Xuanzi won't go on a killing spree.
But even then, the price wouldn't justify the gain."
The incident at the Star Emperor Hotel made many people uneasy.
Fortunately, imperial guards quickly arrived and declared the whole thing a misunderstanding, which calmed the majority.
Still, some onlookers with a taste for drama were eager to dig deeper—such as the students from the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy.
Privately, however, all members of the Sun Moon Royal Academy were immediately recalled by the empire's powerful soul masters and ordered to remain in the hotel, alongside other students from the Sun Moon Empire's academies.
They were being protected by hidden experts of the Sun Moon Empire.
Clearly, the Sun Moon Empire was on high alert.
Publicly, they acted like they were enjoying the spectacle of the Star Luo Empire's internal mess.
But behind the scenes, they were deeply worried about getting caught in the crossfire.
Just as the original Douluo Three Kingdoms feared an attack from the Sun Moon Empire, the Sun Moon Empire was also not yet ready to wage war.
So both sides refrained from making any rash moves.
Security at the Star Emperor Hotel was further reinforced—so much so that even a Title Douluo was stationed there.
Jin Qiu'er and the others who had gone out returned swiftly upon hearing the news and got a general understanding of what had happened.
When she found out it was Xuanzi who made the move, Jin Qiu'er slapped her thigh in frustration.
"If I had known, I would've come back earlier and stormed the palace with Senior Brother Xuanzi!"
"…"
No one took her words too seriously. They just found her somewhat silly—but also kind of cute.
Much later, Xuanzi and Fan Yu emerged from the palace. But instead of returning directly to the Star Emperor Hotel, they flew out of Star Luo City under Xuanzi's lead and arrived at the White Tiger Duke's mansion.
Xuanzi appeared in the skies above the Duke's estate, his formidable Super Douluo aura enveloping the entire compound. The pressure made everyone inside feel an immediate and overwhelming sense of crisis.
"Who dares act so brazenly above my White Tiger Duke's estate?!"
A Title Douluo's presence surged from within the mansion, and an elder dressed in ornate robes flew out—it was the White Tiger Duke's hidden trump card, an ancestral Title Douluo.
Since Dai Hao was rarely at home, this elder was the estate's ultimate defense.
But Xuanzi only snorted coldly. He raised his hand and unleashed a mighty soul force that took the form of a giant palm, swatting directly toward the estate.
The elder roared in defiance and tried to block the attack.
But the sheer difference in strength left him horrified—he was sent crashing into the ground, smashing through several buildings and vomiting blood.
"Ancestor!"
Cries of alarm rang out across the estate. Everyone was shocked.
This stranger had launched an unprovoked assault and easily downed their most powerful protector.
Clearly, he came with hostile intent—and terrifying strength.
Soul cannons were swiftly raised and aimed at Xuanzi.
But Xuanzi remained unmoved. His eyes even glinted with disdain as he mocked:
"The White Tiger Duke's estate has truly fallen—relying on such worthless toys now?"
Then he acted again, unleashing a storm of earthy-yellow meteors that obliterated the soul cannons, shattering the estate's defensive structures in an instant.
Whether it caused collateral damage or killed anyone didn't concern Xuanzi in the least.
This display of might left the estate's members pale and despairing.
Thankfully, he didn't strike again.
The injured ancestral elder stood up and asked respectfully,
"May I ask what grievance Your Eminence holds against our estate? Both we and the Star Luo Empire are willing to offer you a satisfactory answer."
Better to bow before fighting—to see if there was any room to maneuver.
And dragging the Star Luo Empire into the conversation might lend them some backbone.
Xuanzi's majestic voice boomed over the estate:
"White Tiger Duke's estate—you have three days to hand over the murderer of Shrek Academy's supervising instructor, and to offer formal apologies to our Academy.
If not, don't blame us for disregarding old ties!"
Only then did everyone below realize what this was about. Their expressions turned strange.
"Shrek Academy? This guy's from Shrek? But why is he attacking us?"
"It must be because of what happened before."
"You mean… Eunuch Gao? But wasn't he the lady's…"
"Watch your tongue!"
Outside the War God Hall, high-ranking members of the estate—protected by guards—turned their eyes toward the Duchess at the center.
She wore an ugly expression.
The War God Hall had been built after Dai Mubai became a War God. It was the most secure building in the estate, usually reserved for critical meetings.
Now it served as a hideout for the leadership.
Previously, when the royal family demanded accountability, the Duchess had rallied others to fend it off.
She didn't expect Shrek Academy to come knocking and force the estate to pay the price.
The looks from the others were full of scorn, and the Duchess felt humiliated.
But the situation was clear—not only did the estate need to bow its head, she, as the Duchess, had to as well.
The ancestral elder respectfully said:
"Please be at ease, Your Eminence. Within three days, the White Tiger Duke's estate will provide Shrek Academy with a satisfactory response."
"Very well. You have three days."
With that, Xuanzi vanished. The pressure of the Super Douluo dissipated, and everyone exhaled in relief—it felt like a great weight had been lifted.
Once Xuanzi was gone, the elder flew to the War God Hall. Ignoring everyone's concern, he stared coldly at the Duchess and said:
"This all started because of you. You'll handle it.
And stop those petty tricks—you're jeopardizing our relationship with Shrek Academy.
Remember: the title of Duchess isn't exclusive. Neither are you."
Then the elder disappeared to tend to his wounds.
He had known about the Duchess's scheming—but never imagined Shrek Academy would respond so violently, daring to attack outright.
"Do they really not care about the Star Luo Empire's or our reputation at all?"
"Yes," the Duchess replied grimly, bowing toward the spot where the elder had stood.
The other high-ranking members quietly left without another word to her, treating her like a plague.
Many even looked amused by her predicament.
If the Duchess's actions forced Dai Hao to step down, then the other family branches would have a shot at the next generation's title.
Once everyone had left, the Duchess's face shifted from cold to dark. Her eyes gradually turned icy.
"The White Tiger Duke's estate once protected me. I paid a heavy price for that protection. And now they throw me to the wolves?"
"Cowards and hypocrites—all of them! Dai Hao included!"
"If Dai Hao had avenged Dai Yueheng, would I be in this position?"
The elder didn't strip her of her title outright. But the cost demanded wouldn't fall on her alone—she would make sure of that.
The Duchess said nothing more, but her narrowed eyes gleamed like a viper's.
She had once believed that marrying Dai Hao was marrying for love.
But now she knew how that ended.
Shrek Academy, the White Tiger Duke's estate, the Star Luo Empire—and Dai Hao…
They were all to blame!
She knew she could no longer rely on anyone here.
So why bother playing nice?
She would bleed, yes—but she would make sure others paid too.
She had not relied solely on beauty or royal blood to marry into this family.
She had her wits as well.
Over the years, she had gradually taken control of the estate's various functions—originally to prepare for her son's succession.
But now… she would begin early.
And the fools around her had no idea.
"I can endure. But the title of White Tiger Duke—must go to Huabin!"
Xuanzi found Fan Yu waiting in the distance.
Fan Yu's eyes were already brimming with tears.
"Sigh…" Xuanzi let out a long sigh, his expression melancholic. "Fan Yu, this matter can only end here. If we pursue it any further, it will create a rift between Shrek Academy and the Star Luo Empire, giving the Sun Moon Empire an opportunity. Moreover, because of ancestral ties, I can't go too far. All I can do is punish the White Tiger Duke's household."
With this weighty reasoning of national interests and ancestral sentiment dropped on him, Fan Yu understood he could ask for no more.
"Elder Xuan, you've already done more than enough. I'm truly grateful to you!" Fan Yu bowed deeply to Xuanzi. After rising, he choked back tears and added, "As long as the murderer is punished, Zhou Yi's spirit in heaven can finally rest."
Watching a man like Fan Yu cry so sorrowfully, Xuanzi could deeply feel his pain.
"You should return to the Academy and arrange Zhou Yi's burial. Leave things here to me. As for the culprit, once there's a conclusion, I'll have someone deliver the news to the Academy immediately. Don't worry—with me here, no one from Shrek Academy will suffer further injustice." Xuanzi spoke softly.
"But… the competition…" Fan Yu wiped his eyes, hesitating.
"It's alright," Xuanzi sighed again. "If you stay, your grief might affect the others. As Elder Mu said, treat this as a trial for Shrek Academy."
Mu En hadn't sent anyone this time because he believed with Huo Yuhao and Ma Xiaotao present—and Jin Qiu'er's exceptional strength—the competition wouldn't be an issue.
But he hadn't expected Ma Xiaotao to encounter problems as well.
Still, even if he had known, Mu En wouldn't have sent more experts just to secure a win.
To him, a single loss might not be a bad thing for Shrek Academy. It could be a wake-up call that would lead to renewed vitality.
Destruction before rebirth.
Of course, if they could win, Mu En still hoped to maintain Shrek's glory.
Xuanzi and Fan Yu were unaware of Mu En's thoughts—they simply trusted his judgment.
"If we ultimately lose, then I'll take full responsibility!" Xuanzi said firmly.
"Elder Xuan… take care of yourself!" Fan Yu finally nodded and turned to leave, his steps heavy.
As he watched Fan Yu's back, Xuanzi felt like the man's posture had hunched, his aura deflated.
All Xuanzi could do was sigh once more in his heart.
"I hope this doesn't affect his future."
Setting aside his path as a soul engineer, Fan Yu still had a chance to break through to Titled Douluo.
Now Xuanzi needed to return to the Star Emperor Hotel to check on the rest of Shrek's team.
By the time he returned to the hotel, the Shrek team members hadn't gone to rest yet. They were waiting for news from Xuanzi and Fan Yu.
When Xuanzi appeared, his expression was full of shame.
"Children, I'm sorry. You've suffered injustice."
Because of his lapse in judgment, everything that followed had spiraled out of control.
None of the students blamed him. In fact, Ling Luochen and the others tried to comfort him, making Xuanzi feel a bit better.
That allowed him to explain the events of the day.
Fan Yu's return to the Academy wasn't a major concern.
Upon hearing that the killer would be handed over within three days, and that both the Star Luo Empire and the White Tiger Duke's family would provide compensation, Huo Yuhao couldn't help but wonder—what kind of compensation?
The others, however, were still emotionally unsettled.
If not for the incident with the Death God Envoy, and if Xuanzi had been with them the entire time, none of this might have happened.
But at this point, saying such things felt meaningless.
"Perhaps now, Teacher Zhou Yi's soul can find some peace," Ling Luochen sighed.
But peace in death—can that truly be peace?
Huo Yuhao blinked.
Peace?
If Brother Hao so much as beckons with a finger, she won't be resting peacefully at all…
Xuanzi didn't linger in the hotel. Looking at Ling Luochen and the others, he felt too ashamed to face them.
So he said, "Children, focus on the competition. I'll protect you from the shadows. I'll always be with you…"
As his words fell, Xuanzi disappeared from sight.
Everyone returned to their rooms as usual.
The only difference: the meeting room still had a large hole from earlier when Xuanzi smashed through the wall. Thankfully, staff had patched it up during the day—no wind could get through.
Night fell quietly.
Huo Yuhao resumed refining the Soul Devouring Engraving Blade.
As for Xuanzi saying he would "be with them"—the Skydream Iceworm's divine sense had already confirmed Xuanzi had long vanished.
After finishing his refining, Huo Yuhao tidied up the room.
When the time was right—
His door creaked open.
Ma Xiaotao and Wei Na slipped in one after another.
Tonight, Huo Yuhao was going to cultivate again in preparation for the competition.
"Hm? Yuhao, why… why do I smell another woman's perfume?"
"How could that be? You must be imagining it."
"Impossible. Wei Na, come smell this."
"Sister Xiaotao, I think… you're right. It doesn't smell like yours or mine."
"Really? Maybe your tongues aren't sensitive enough—try using something else…"
"Eep~~~!"
Because of the sudden arrival of Xuanzi and Fan Yu, Huo Yuhao hadn't had time to wash off the lingering scent.
But Ma Xiaotao and Wei Na? He could easily subdue them with a flip of his body.
And just outside the door, a single eye peeked through the crack, watching the room's events unfold—like an ignorant soul drawn to the abyss of corruption.
The fire of desire burning inside was slowly igniting another's hidden flames.
Next match: Individual Round.
Jin Qiu'er stepped up first, defeating five opponents in a row. She only retreated because she completely exhausted her soul power.
Still, a three-ring Soul Elder defeating four Soul Ancestors and a Soul King stunned the crowd.
Spectators now realized: Jin Qiu'er is also a monster!
The last two opponents, both Soul Kings, were taken down by Huo Yuhao.
Jin Qiu'er wasn't satisfied. Had she managed her soul power better, she might've taken all seven.
But "what ifs" are meaningless.
After the fourth round of the round-robin—
Three days had passed.
Compensation and an explanation from the Star Luo Empire and the White Tiger Duke's household arrived on time.
Their generous offering shocked everyone at Shrek.
Seven soul bones were laid out on the meeting room table—an awe-inspiring sight.
Though none were over 50,000 years old, the highest was a 40,000-year-old head soul bone.
Even so, the value was immense.
For both the Star Luo Empire and White Tiger Duke's family to gather seven soul bones—it must have hurt them.
Taking the bones marked a complete resolution of the matter—no further investigations would be allowed.
But—only seven soul bones. Shrek still had nine team members.
Upon seeing the bones, Jin Qiu'er's expression darkened. She refused hers outright.
No amount of persuasion could change her mind.
This left eight people vying for seven soul bones.
In the end, they decided to distribute them based on contribution and importance.
Huo Yuhao and Ma Xiaotao were guaranteed soul bones.
Wei Na also received one, for her significant effort healing Ma Xiaotao, Ling Luochen, and Xu Sanshi—even if she couldn't fully heal them, her contributions couldn't be ignored.
The 40,000-year head soul bone went to Wei Na, as it would enhance her healing abilities.
To better prepare for the next match—
Ling Luochen received a soul bone too, in hopes it would accelerate her recovery. Even partial restoration of strength could make a difference in the battles to come.
Four people remain.