The value of the Ice Jade Marrow Bed far exceeded Huo Yuhao's expectations.
"No wonder that event happened in the original story. This Ice Jade Marrow Bed isn't something just anyone can use. In fact, even without Tang Dog orchestrating anything, the original Huo Yuhao would've been in trouble just by using it!" Huo Yuhao sighed inwardly while cultivating.
After a short while of cultivation, Huo Yuhao had already grasped the nature of the Ice Jade Marrow.
This Ice Jade Marrow is like an elixir — known to be beneficial, but if you can't absorb it, it'll explode your body.
The Ice Jade Marrow Bed is essentially a solid slab of Ice Jade Marrow — no carvings, no processing.
It differs from Ten-Thousand-Year Profound Ice Marrow; Ice Jade Marrow originates from cold jade, while Profound Ice Marrow originates from ice. One is essentially jade, the other ice.
They're similar in many ways: both pure white, both infused with intense ice elemental energy and world essence. Sometimes, they may even appear together.
When the Skydream Iceworm fell into the Ten-Thousand-Year Profound Ice Cavern for the first time, it bit into a hidden piece of Ice Jade Marrow, which spilled all over it.
But that usage was crude and wasteful — though it still yielded benefits.
Most soul beasts that stumble upon Ice Jade Marrow end up using it in this rough way. Wasteful, yes — but at least it's safe.
Niu Tian and Tai Tan could use it too, but they lack the ice attribute, so their gains would be minimal.
Profound Ice Marrow can be safely absorbed by ice-attribute soul masters and soul beasts.
But Ice Jade Marrow is different. To truly use it, one must communicate and connect with it — the concept of "jade with spirit."
It's somewhat similar to Extreme Ice Crystals in that sense.
However, failure to communicate with Extreme Ice Crystals just means you can't use them.
Failing to communicate with Ice Jade Marrow, though, can be fatal.
The result? You'd be frozen into an ice statue.
Even if you succeed in making a connection, if you can't control its power, it'll harm you instead.
Just like in the original story — triggering the sealed origin of Snow Empress.
The Ice Jade Marrow refines all the ice attribute soul power in Huo Yuhao's body, which naturally affects other internal ice-type energies. In the original, Snow Empress' sealed origin was triggered and exploded due to lack of control.
But if one successfully absorbs the Ice Jade Marrow's power, their attributes, body, and soul will all receive massive enhancements.
Even non-ice users could benefit greatly — possibly even gain the ice attribute.
Having the Ultimate Ice attribute is a key to unlocking the Ice Jade Marrow — but not a requirement.
In the original, Huo Yuhao's power level made him incapable of handling it.
But now, Brother Hao is here.
The Ice Jade Marrow's power surged into Huo Yuhao, refining every inch of his being. Thanks to his immense control, he suffered no adverse effects.
And when Huo Yuhao channeled his luck into his body, the effects reached a new level — his acquired body began transforming into an innate body.
Keep in mind, Huo Yuhao had originally planned to reincarnate to rebuild an innate spiritual body.
But now? The Ice Jade Marrow alone was enough to completely transform him.
What's a surprise?
This is a surprise!
"Though I no longer need to be reborn, my avatar still can. I can lower the bar a little when choosing a host mother now."
"In fact, I can even combine my body's genes with the chosen host to create a new body for my avatar — one that's even more perfect."
Ethics? Morality?
How can cultivation be restrained by worldly concerns?
Huo Yuhao's thoughts briefly wandered, but he quickly refocused and continued absorbing the Ice Jade Marrow's energy.
His body transformation had reached a critical point.
At this moment, the Snow Lotus on him suddenly bloomed, absorbing the Ice Jade Marrow's power along with him and releasing its own origin to fuse with his body.
A Snow Lotus mark appeared slowly over Huo Yuhao's heart. Fortunately, he was facing away from Tai Tan and Wang Dong'er, and his body was glowing gold, so they didn't notice.
"The Snow Lotus… she's helping me forge an innate spiritual body?!" Huo Yuhao was both shocked and deeply moved.
The Snow Lotus was offering itself in sacrifice, merging into Huo Yuhao's physique to elevate him further.
Had he done it alone, the transformation would be uncertain — at best, a standard Innate Ice Spirit Body.
Strong, but not unique.
Innate spiritual bodies differ in quality; the Ice Spirit Body is considered low tier.
But the Snow Lotus chose to sacrifice her origin for Huo Yuhao's breakthrough.
Now, as he reversed into an innate form, he was absorbing not just her ice and snow attribute, but also water, light, life, the Blue Silver Emperor's seed origin, Monarch Fire, Phoenix Aura, and a massive amount of blood energy and Sea God power.
Who knows what kind of body this will become — but it will certainly surpass a mere Ice Spirit Body.
Looking inward, Huo Yuhao saw the seven-colored lotus light on the Snow Lotus gradually dimming. Her stored resources were rapidly depleting, and her consciousness was fading.
Huo Yuhao's expression turned sharp.
"Snow Lotus, don't underestimate me. No matter how hard the road ahead, I, Huo Yuhao, will never sacrifice a companion to move forward!"
"If we're to ascend to the heavens together, how can I leave you behind?!"
"Divine power — ignite! Luck — ignite!"
Divine power is precious, but luck is priceless.
For the sake of a companion — both can be sacrificed!
Only by sharing ecstasy with comrades can one truly walk the path unalone!
A radiant golden light suddenly burst from Huo Yuhao, blazing like wildfire, illuminating the entire room. The intensity forced Tai Tan and Wang Dong'er to shield their eyes.
Tai Tan immediately stepped in front of Wang Dong'er, his expression serious as he stared at Huo Yuhao, confused.
"Isn't this kid supposed to be Ultimate Ice? Isn't he cultivating on the Ice Jade Marrow Bed? Why do I feel... heat? Like he's burning?"
The whole room started to shake.
Amid the tremors, the sound of cracking could be heard.
Tai Tan's expression changed — he knew exactly what had broken.
A loud explosion followed — the Ice Jade Marrow Bed had shattered completely.
Vast elemental energy swirled like a vortex around Huo Yuhao.
But none of it dispersed — it was all drawn into Huo Yuhao's body by his luck manipulation.
At Clear Sky Fort, elder Niu Tian was sipping tea when he suddenly leapt up, spilling his cup. He looked up at the ceiling and, in the next instant, vanished — rushing toward the Ice Jade Room.
Outside the fort, elders and grey-robed figures stood dumbstruck, gazing skyward.
From within the fortress, a golden-blue pillar of light shot into the clouds.
Huo Yuhao was kicked out of the Clear Sky Fortress.
Personally escorted out of the mountain range by the elders.
After all, he not only destroyed the Ice Jade Marrow Bed, but also blasted a giant hole in the fortress, wrecking a fair amount of property.
If it weren't for the fact that he was selected by Tang San himself and potentially the future partner of Wang Dong'er, he might've had his legs broken before being let go.
"Tch, so stingy. I still wanted to check out the simulated environments in the other rooms," Huo Yuhao muttered.
The First Elder, Tang Cheng, who was escorting him out, turned grim and left without another word, seemingly having made up his mind never to bother with Huo Yuhao again.
Huo Yuhao watched him leave, then looked back at the direction of the Clear Sky Fortress and Clear Sky City in the distance, seemingly a bit reluctant to part.
"Next time I come back, I'll really leave nothing behind," he sighed.
Wang Dong'er didn't accompany him this time. After Huo Yuhao's recent breakthrough, she was so shocked she decided to stay behind and focus on her cultivation. She vowed not to leave until she broke through to the Soul Douluo level.
With her talent and the Clear Sky Sect's resources, there was a high chance she could reach Soul Douluo before the age of twenty.
After a brief moment of sentiment, Huo Yuhao turned around and walked away without looking back.
High on the mountain of the Clear Sky Fortress, Wang Dong'er gazed out over the sea of clouds, as if seeing Huo Yuhao off.
Her gaze gradually grew determined.
"Dad, Uncle, I want to grow stronger! I want to catch up with Huo Yuhao!" she declared firmly.
Behind her, Niu Tian and Tai Tan exchanged glances in silence. They believed Wang Dong'er becoming stronger wasn't hard—but catching up to Huo Yuhao? That was a tall order.
Unless they both sacrificed themselves for her again.
But then again…
Finding two dying hundred-thousand-year-old soul beasts to sacrifice for Wang Dong'er wasn't impossible.
And if she becomes a god in the future, those soul beasts might be revived by the divine opportunity, just like what had happened to them. The soul beasts might even thank them.
"Niu Tian, you train Dong'er. I'm going out for a bit," Tai Tan said.
On the road back to Shrek Academy, Huo Yuhao was walking alone.
His gains this time were massive.
His luck was part of it.
The inheritance of the Asura God's Will was another.
The Random Wind Hammer Technique was just icing on the cake.
The real treasure was the transformation of his constitution—from a rebellious innate trait into a true Innate Spirit Body—all thanks to the effects of the Ice Jade Marrow.
And most importantly, he had saved the Snow Lotus that was about to be sacrificed.
As he walked, a translucent projection of the Snow Lotus spirit fluttered around him joyfully before disappearing again.
Currently, the Snow Lotus had a state somewhat similar to the Soul Spirits from the original canon, but instead of attaching to his martial soul, it was bonded directly to Huo Yuhao himself.
Like a guardian spirit from birth—independent, self-aware, and capable of growth. Sort of like a Stand from JoJo's Bizarre Adventure.
After the Ice Jade Marrow shattered, Huo Yuhao had infused its remaining essence into the Snow Lotus, boosting its spirituality. Now, it had the intelligence of a child around ten years old.
And the Snow Lotus's sacrifice hadn't been in vain.
Huo Yuhao's newly transformed Innate Spirit Body wasn't a mere Innate Ice Spirit, but inherited many of the Snow Lotus's properties, evolving into something even higher—a body he named:
Innate Ice Lotus Spirit Body
It possessed three major attributes: Life, Light, and Ice/Snow.
Life: Bestowed tremendous vitality and regeneration, including limb regeneration. His life force was so strong that even without cultivation, he could live an incredibly long life. It also made him immune to most side effects of herbs and medicines, allowing him to cultivate rapidly with pills.
Light: Gave him powerful light-based abilities and inherited the Snow Lotus's power, creating a new divine art—Seven-Colored Lotus Light—with offensive, defensive, and support capabilities.
Ice/Snow: Amplified his Ultiamte ice affinity, harmonizing his soul and body. According to the Holy Spirit Serpent, just this one trait alone gave him the potential to become a God King by cultivating ice power alone.
Other Snow Lotus powers remained sealed within her.
Naturally, this transformation also elevated Huo Yuhao's strength.
Both his body and soul had reached Second-Class God level. His soul power upper limit had also increased. Now, he only needed to fill in his divine rings—five of them—to officially become a Second-Class God.
If not for his destiny-concealing abilities, he would've been exposed already.
Outwardly, he pretended that he simply broke through to level 90 and was now just short of his ninth soul ring to become a Titled Douluo.
Meanwhile, his Variant Ice Centipede Martial Soul was in a secret realm, condensing divine rings. All of the divine power came from Huo Yuhao.
And how did Huo Yuhao get divine power?
He harvested it from Cain.
And Cain needed a flood of malice to rapidly generate divine energy.
"So really, the problem is… there's just not enough malice on the continent right now," Huo Yuhao mused aloud. "Looks like it's time to stir things up."
Dou Ling Empire
Underground chambers.
The Death God Envoy awoke from his slumber.
A twisted grin crept across his face.
"Corpse horde… it's time to be unleashed."
In the darkness, countless blood-red eyes opened.
Sun Moon Empire
Xu Tianchen summoned the Left and Right Prime Ministers to the study.
"I have a mission for you. I plan to mobilize troops against the other three empires. It's time to liven up the continent. Make the arrangements," he said calmly.
Tang Ya and Juzi were both stunned.
What the hell?
Back when everything was chaotic, you didn't start a war.
Now that things have calmed down—you suddenly want war?
Are you playing a prank?
Truly a surprise attack—not even your own allies expected it.
But neither Tang Ya nor Juzi objected. A cold glint flashed in both their eyes.
They had both waited a long time for this day. In each of the other three nations, they had enemies they thirsted to avenge.
Juzi: "Star Luo Empire, White Tiger Duke's House… Since Dai Hao is gone, then you will repay the debt he left behind!"
Tang Ya: "Shrek Academy… once I crush the three great empires, you'll be my final target. I'll wipe your hypocritical institution off the map!"
In a hidden underground ruin deep within the Ming Dou Forest of the Sun Moon Empire...
Zhongli Wu, supposedly in seclusion, arrived alone, holding a soul tool lamp.
His eyes gleamed as he illuminated the ancient murals passed down from the distant past.
During his seclusion, he had found an old map among the relics of previous Holy Spirit Church leaders. After noticing some anomalies, he followed it here.
To his astonishment, it was an enormous discovery.
"So that's it… no wonder there are so many mutated soul beasts in the Ming Dou Forest. No wonder they're so dangerous…"
"It's because—this place holds a Godly Inheritance!"
"Hahahaha—"
"Ultimate Douluo? No! I'm going to become a god!!!"
...............…
Huo Yuhao returned to his beloved Shrek Academy.
Everyone, including Xuan Zi, was delighted to see him back. Especially when they discovered he had broken through to Level 90, they were astonished and thrilled, their emotions hard to contain.
The Elders immediately pulled Huo Yuhao aside to understand what had happened.
He did not hide anything and recounted his experiences within the Clear Sky Sect.
To be precise, the events witnessed by Niu Tian and Tai Tan.
After listening to his story, Xuan Zi and the others sighed emotionally, "As expected of the Clear Sky Sect—such treasures they possess, and they're even willing to share them with Yuhao. The Clear Sky Sect is truly generous. Dong'er is indeed an outstanding student of the academy. We owe them a great favor."
"Dong'er will surely receive excellent cultivation within her own sect," added Elder Song. "After all, she wields the Clear Sky Hammer martial soul, and her own people naturally have more experience guiding that path."
The Elders were not worried about Huo Yuhao's rapid level gains, since one trait of Ultimate Attribute Soul Masters is that they never suffer from unstable foundations. That's also why they face no bottlenecks before reaching Rank 100.
They quickly turned their attention to the divine prophecy.
They all suspected that the "Evil God" mentioned in the prophecy referred to Xu Tiancheng of the Sun Moon Empire.
And with Huo Yuhao chosen by Ancestor Tang San to be the new era's hero, the Elders were ecstatic. This meant he had been acknowledged by the ancestor, a recognition that made them proud.
However, the thought of Huo Yuhao facing Xu Tiancheng—an Ultimate Douluo—worried them. The gap between a Super Douluo and an Ultimate Douluo was like a chasm.
Though Yuhao could battle a Super Douluo, it didn't mean he could defeat an Ultimate Douluo.
"I've only got a few years left," said Xuan Zi, rising powerfully. "While I live, Xu Tiancheng won't dare touch Yuhao."
Since becoming an Ultimate Douluo, Xuan Zi's lifespan had been extended. But his physical disabilities meant his life force wasn't fully intact. With several years passed, he now looked very old.
His hair was all white, dull and lifeless. His eyes clouded; he wore reading glasses. His skin sagged, and he had grown more hunched and frail.
But when he stood, his spine was straighter than it had been in half a lifetime, something Mu En would've envied.
In that moment, Xuan Zi radiated a resolute aura—like a pillar holding up the sky.
With him around, the sky could never fall.
Xuan Zi might be the weakest Ultimate Douluo, but nearing the end of his life, he feared no death. His reckless combat style meant even Di Tian would rather avoid a fight with him.
His words stirred the Elders, who all declared their support for protecting Yuhao.
Huo Yuhao was deeply moved. Tears fell. He vowed his determination in a triple burst of emotion, pledge, and resolve.
Xuan Zi then withdrew his aura, smiled at Huo Yuhao, and said, "The priority now is for Yuhao to obtain his ninth spirit ring and officially break through as a Titled Douluo. Then rapidly improve strength to face the coming crisis."
At the mention of his ninth ring, the Elders turned serious.
"Yuhao's ninth ring must be a 100,000-year spirit ring," said Elder Zhuang.
But Yuhao frowned, "However, we can't touch the Beast Kings of the Great Star Dou Forest. I won't let the academy fall into conflict with them for my sake."
Elder Song chuckled, "Yuhao, don't underestimate the academy. Rest assured, we've already secured a suitable target for your ninth ring. Go and prepare yourself. Rest and get used to your Rank 90 soul power. In three days, you'll depart to obtain your ninth ring."
All the Elders smiled—they had clearly long since made preparations for this.
But they weren't planning to reveal it yet.
So Huo Yuhao respectfully excused himself.
However, as he left the Sea God Pavilion, Xuan Zi called out to him.
"Yuhao, go visit the back mountain. Someone is waiting for you there."
Huo Yuhao nodded thoughtfully and left the Pavilion.
These three days were not just for adjusting to his new strength—they were also for settling some personal matters.
Last time he returned, he had left too abruptly, leaving many personal threads unresolved.
Thankfully, he didn't have many.
Guided by Xuan Zi's words, Yuhao went straight to the back mountain and eventually arrived at a waterfall.
This was the very place Mu En had once trained him in the Sovereign's Descent technique—and also where Mu En used to cultivate.
Now, next to the waterfall, stood a simple wooden house.
In the small yard outside, vegetables grew, and chickens and ducks wandered about. It looked like a peaceful countryside home.
As he approached, Yuhao slowed his steps, nervous and a little hesitant.
Clearly, he had guessed who lived there.
The person inside had already sensed his presence.
Creaaak.
The door opened from within.
A gentle figure in plain linen robes stepped out and smiled at Huo Yuhao. "Little brother Yuhao, since you've come, come sit for a bit. What? Afraid I'll attack you?"
Standing at the door was none other than—Beibei!
"Brother Beibei!" Huo Yuhao gasped, eyes reddening. He looked awkward at Beibei's teasing, then broke into a sheepish grin.
His expressions shifted quickly—clearly mirroring his turbulent emotions.
Beibei was slightly dazed by that familiar smile.
So many years had passed. Things had changed. But in Yuhao, he still saw the same sincere youth he had once met in Shrek City.
Everyone else changed—but Yuhao seemed untouched by time.
And only seeing this version of Yuhao gave Beibei's scarred heart a moment of peace.
At least someone had waited for him.
Inviting him inside, Beibei and Yuhao sat at a stone table in the yard, a pot of tea between them.
"I'm so glad you're okay, Beibei-ge," Yuhao said cheerfully.
Beibei rolled his eyes. "What? You thought the academy would hurt me?"
Yuhao fell silent.
Seeing his concern, Beibei laughed and said gently, "Don't worry about me. I walked the wrong path. If the academy stripped me of everything, I'd accept it gladly—it would mean I can't hurt anyone else."
"But the academy did remember old ties. Elder Xuan didn't destroy my martial soul or soul power. He just sealed them using the Golden Ancient Tree. I was confined in the Sea God Pavilion until recently. Now, I'm no different from a regular person—just stronger and healthier."
"I'll live out the rest of my life here. That's not such a bad end."
Yuhao wept with relief. "As long as you're okay… that's all that matters…"
Beibei wasn't crippled—meaning he could still play a role.
The two chatted about recent events.
Yuhao revealed his current cultivation.
When he heard Yuhao had reached Rank 90, Beibei tilted his head back and sighed emotionally.
"Ancestor Mu, are you watching? Yuhao has become Shrek's new pillar."
Beibei's eyes reddened.
Though Mu En had passed, his legacy lived on in Yuhao. Beibei revered and missed him.
It felt like Mu En still smiled down from the sky.
Later, Yuhao brought up Tang Sect.
"Beibei-ge, since I've inherited Tang Sect's legacy, I count as a disciple now. But I must also protect the academy. Still, Tang Sect's legacy must continue. I plan to recruit some of my friends at the academy into Tang Sect."
"In the future, Tang Sect and Shrek Academy will support each other. That way, the Sect will never fall again!"
"Is… that really okay?" Beibei looked tempted, but hesitant.
Tang Sect was one of his last connections to the past—something he still deeply cherished.
Backed by the academy, Tang Sect could grow rapidly. But Beibei worried it might one day become merely a vassal.
Yet the current Tang Sect had no better option.
Asking Yuhao to give up his position as heir to the Sea God Pavilion and rebuild the Tang Sect from nothing—it was impossible. It would betray the academy that raised him.
And that was something Beibei could never do.
Seeing the hesitation in Beibei's eyes, Huo Yuhao raised his hand and solemnly swore.
"Brother Beibei, rest assured. I swear as the next leader of the Sea God Pavilion that the Tang Sect will never become a vassal of Shrek Academy. Instead, it will develop as Shrek's ally, grow together, be like brothers, and progress side by side!"
Beibei was so moved he grabbed Huo Yuhao's hand tightly, tears in his eyes, repeatedly saying "Good, good."
Meanwhile, Huo Yuhao focused on the power clouds above Beibei's head.
The Tang Sect's power cloud was now completely black, even clumped in places.
Tang Dog had assigned Huo Yuhao the identity of a "Tang Sect disciple" to try and use him to fill the Tang Sect's bottomless pit of luck—and in doing so, drag down Huo Yuhao's fortune as well.
So Huo-ge dragged Shrek Academy into it too.
Let's see whose pit is deeper—Tang Sect's mess or Shrek Academy's blessings!
Huo-ge didn't spit out fortune; he was merely a fortune transporter.
Beibei was very concerned and somewhat anxious about recruiting new disciples for the Tang Sect.
Huo Yuhao didn't make him wait long and soon brought a group of new Tang Sect disciples—all of whom were familiar to Beibei.
They were Xu Sanshi, Jiang Nannan, Xiao Xiao, Cao Jinxuan, and Meng Hongchen.
After witnessing Huo Yuhao's techniques from the Tang Sect and recalling the similar hidden weapon methods of the Sun Moon Xu family, the group became very intrigued by the Tang Sect and all expressed interest in joining.
Especially after learning they could retain their identities as both Tang Sect and Shrek Academy members—just like Huo Yuhao.
If he could do it, why couldn't they?
Besides, they were all eager to grow stronger.
Xu Sanshi wanted to grow stronger to seek revenge for his sect.
Jiang Nannan wanted the power to face the upcoming divine trials of the Goddess of Love—a godly inheritance passed down through an ancient sect.
Xiao Xiao's reasons were simpler: she just wanted to be closer to Huo Yuhao. And since she wouldn't remain at Shrek due to family matters, joining Tang Sect would give her more chances to stay connected.
Cao Jinxuan, like Xiao Xiao, wouldn't stay at Shrek permanently due to family reasons, so joining the Tang Sect helped maintain bonds with the team.
Meng Hongchen was purely interested in the Tang Sect's hidden weapons. Joining a sect founded by a deity and passed down from them might be a chance to glimpse divine inheritance. Plus, knowing she couldn't rise high in Shrek (maybe a middle manager at best), the Tang Sect could offer better opportunities.
To summarize, among the first five who joined, more than half had their own motives—not truly loyal to the Tang Sect.
But Beibei didn't care. He was too thrilled—after all, Huo Yuhao had brought over a bunch of Inner Court geniuses!
What a great little brother—so thoughtful!
Beibei especially knew Xu Sanshi well. If these companions grew smoothly, the Tang Sect could have six future Title Douluos.
Even the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect didn't have that kind of foundation.
Nothing else mattered. As long as these people publicly displayed their Tang Sect identities and promoted its reputation, the sect's name would be restored.
Beibei even had a bold thought—what if the Tang Sect didn't recruit anyone else? Maybe the entire sect could one day consist of Title Douluos!
…Oh, wait, he himself couldn't cultivate anymore. Never mind, then.
So, Beibei began sharing the sect's techniques.
He passed down Xuan Tian Art, Purple Demon Eye, Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track, and Controlling Crane, Capturing Dragon without reservation to Xu Sanshi and the others. The making and usage of hidden weapons were also taught without secrets.
Huo Yuhao also openly shared all Tang Sect techniques he obtained—including those from the Poison Miasma Forest—which were even more complete than Beibei's. According to the legacy, that was the Tang Sect's lost inheritance.
After getting the new techniques, Xu Sanshi and the others began practicing immediately, discovering that these methods helped them significantly. They truly could become stronger.
Their smiles also became more genuine.
With the addition of new talent and restoration of lost heritage, Beibei was overjoyed and brought everyone to a banquet in Shrek City, paying out of his own stash.
During the feast, Beibei and Xu Sanshi, the two former big brothers (and Huo Yuhao's seniors), embraced and wept together, reminiscing over their youthful battles—and the sorrow of the present.
By the end, both Beibei and Xu Sanshi were blackout drunk, and it was up to Huo Yuhao and Cao Jinxuan to carry them back.
Over the next three days, Huo Yuhao bonded with the Tang Sect members and also navigated various romantic threads within the academy.
Of course, he didn't forget Bibi Dong and Ziji in the Rakshasa Secret Realm.
Currently, most of the Inner Court disciples were out on mission as part of the inspection team. Others had been sent to the Sun Moon Empire to investigate matters related to the Evil God.
So most of the girls connected to Huo Yuhao weren't at the academy.
That gave him more chances to visit the Huo Alliance, where the girls cheered wildly at his arrival and trained even harder afterward, like they were on stimulants.
Three days passed quickly.
The day had come—to go hunt a soul ring.
To help Huo Yuhao obtain his ninth soul ring, Shrek Academy assigned him three Title Douluos, including one Super Douluo.
Only Shrek could afford that level of protection.
The three were Xian Lin'er, Cai Mei'er, and Han Ruoruo.
Though Xian Lin'er and Cai Mei'er had academy responsibilities, they didn't feel safe letting anyone else escort Huo Yuhao. Most of the other Elders were too busy with more pressing matters.
Besides, their jobs could be covered temporarily. In a way, this trip was a break for them.
And there was one more person joining Huo Yuhao: Jiang Nannan.
She wasn't going to hunt a soul ring, but to undergo her Goddess of Love Divine Trials.
She had now reached the Fourth Trial.
Her first three trials weren't secrets—those in the Sea God Pavilion all knew.
Trial 1: Purity
Requirement: The examinee must be a virgin.
Reward: +5% Goddess of Love Affinity.
Otherwise, the examinee would be disqualified.
Fortunately, Jiang Nannan passed.
However, her feelings were... complicated.
Some Elders who knew about her and Xu Sanshi's past gave weird looks.
But no one told Xu Sanshi—just stared at him strangely.
Old people… they're sneaky.
Trial 2: Beauty
Requirement: Increase one's attractiveness.
Reward: +5% Affinity.
Not much to say—completed immediately.
Trial 3: Kindness
Requirement: Help 10,000 people in need.
Reward: +15% Affinity.
Though tedious due to the number, it wasn't impossible.
With all of Shrek City, it was easy to find enough people to help.
And notably, killing evil soul masters also counted—likely because "killing to protect life" still aligned with the principle of compassion.
The fourth trial was finally here, and it involved combat at last.
Trial of the Goddess of Love: Talent.
Requirement: Help a friend whose strength is not inferior to your own to complete a spirit beast hunt.
Reward: 15% Affinity with the Goddess of Love.
That's why Jiang Nannan had joined this time.
She didn't need to take the lead in battle—just provide support. If nothing else, even just kicking a hundred-thousand-year spirit beast would count as completing the task.
After all, the spirit beast hunt required by the divine trial had to be for a Spirit Master of at least level 80—such opportunities didn't come easily. Huo Yuhao happened to be the only high-level Spirit Master at Shrek Academy currently needing to hunt a spirit beast.
A chance not to be missed!
The current situation on the continent didn't allow Jiang Nannan to wait any longer either.
Huo Yuhao, however, suspected it was Elder Xuan being mischievous with this arrangement. When they set out, Elder Xuan kept giving him knowing looks and not-so-subtle hints.
Clearly a lifelong bachelor who'd never even tasted romance, Elder Xuan was suddenly playing matchmaker for Huo Yuhao, the "ladykiller."
Huo Yuhao didn't know what to say about that.
Still, Jiang Nannan wasn't his target.
She was far from it—the trial merely qualified her to be in Huo Yuhao's hunting range, but her talent and foundation still fell short of the standards to be truly "reaped."
That said, even just the affinity granted by the Goddess of Love had benefits for Jiang Nannan—she'd already noticed her cultivation speed had increased by more than 20%.
Tang San had received affinity from the Sea God ten thousand years ago, but it hadn't had this effect. Huo Yuhao could only guess this was due to the unique nature of the Goddess of Love's divine power.
Thus, Huo Yuhao, Jiang Nannan, Xian Lin'er, Cai Mei'er, and Han Ruoruo formed a five-person team and quietly left Shrek City.
Elder Xuan personally saw them off. He told Huo Yuhao:
"Yuhao, once you return, take up the position of Sea God Pavilion Master."
Huo Yuhao was stunned and immediately declined.
"But I still lack experience—I'm not ready for that position."
"That's okay. Experience can be gained. The academy needs your strength now." Elder Xuan replied. Recently, he'd been feeling increasingly powerless and often needed rest. It was time for someone else to take over.
After becoming a Title Douluo, Huo Yuhao's strength would be among the greatest at Shrek Academy. Combined with his consistently good reputation, he was already qualified for the role.
It had been agreed upon long ago.
Seeing Elder Xuan so insistent, Huo Yuhao stopped refusing and gave a firm nod.
Then, the team set out.
Since they all knew each other well, they didn't say much more. Xian Lin'er and Cai Mei'er led the way to the destination.
They headed north.
The direction and route were familiar to Huo Yuhao—and to Jiang Nannan too.
Because this was the road to the northwest of the Heavenly Soul Empire—the wildlands!
Curious, he asked:
"Senior Sister Xian, are we going to the wildlands? Are there still hundred-thousand-year spirit beasts there?"
He hadn't seen any last time.
Xian Lin'er smiled and didn't hide it anymore.
"That's not our destination. We're going even farther!"
"Farther?" Huo Yuhao was surprised, then realized, "You mean—the ocean?"
"Exactly. More specifically, the bay area between the Heavenly Soul Empire and the Sun Moon Empire," Xian Lin'er explained.
"The academy has long been searching for a suitable hundred-thousand-year spirit beast for you, but nothing ideal had come up. The number of spirit beasts in the Extreme North has mysteriously decreased, and the powerful ones have vanished."
"However, the academy recently received intel that a Sea Princess tribe was found in the bay between the Heavenly Soul and Sun Moon Empires, including some hundred-thousand-year spirit beasts."
Jiang Nannan was puzzled.
"Sea Princess? What kind of spirit beast is that?"
Huo Yuhao suddenly remembered—this spirit beast had even appeared in the original novel. He'd also seen it in the inner courtyard's library at Shrek Academy. Probably the records were obscure, which is why it hadn't appeared clearly in the original plot.
He explained directly:
"There are indeed records about the Sea Princess in the inner court library, under the books on sea Spirit Masters."
"Sea Princesses are known as ocean sprites. Among marine spirit beasts, they are the most adept at using spiritual abilities. Their upper bodies resemble humans, and their lower bodies are fish tails. Most are female, and their societies are matriarchal. Regardless of gender, they are all incredibly beautiful, which is why they're often referred to as mermaids. Many mermaid legends are based on Sea Princesses."
"It's also rumored that some Sea Princesses can awaken a martial soul like humans, and all of them are powerful spirit-type Spirit Masters. But this is just a rumor, never verified."
"Records show that Sea Princesses are all spirit-type beasts, but they also possess water attributes. My Frost Jade Scorpion martial soul is also spirit-type, and since ice and water are compatible, this type of spirit beast is indeed a great match for me."
After Huo Yuhao's explanation, both Jiang Nannan and Han Ruoruo were wide-eyed in awe.
Xian Lin'er and Cai Mei'er looked shocked.
"Yuhao, you even know this?" Cai Mei'er exclaimed. "We had to dig through the library for days to confirm what a Sea Princess even was."
Huo Yuhao smiled modestly.
"When I'm tired from training, I don't really have any other way to relax, so I usually read in the library. I like weird and curious stories, so I probably just happened to read about them."
Xian Lin'er and Cai Mei'er didn't dwell on it. His broad knowledge was a good thing.
"The spirit beast hunt will likely happen at sea. Fighting there is very different from on land, so stay alert," Xian Lin'er warned.
Huo Yuhao and Jiang Nannan both nodded.
The journey continued northward.
As they passed familiar towns, Huo Yuhao and Xian Lin'er both noticed a difference—there was a palpable tension and martial atmosphere in the towns of the Heavenly Soul Empire.
Huo Yuhao knew why.
The Sun Moon Empire had begun military movements against the Three Nations of Douluo!
Although only with small forces for now, it was an ominous sign.
The Star Luo Empire and Heavenly Soul Empire, being closest to the Sun Moon Empire, were the first affected—but even the distant Dou Ling Empire wasn't safe, as it was currently plagued by a zombie apocalypse crisis.
Many inner court students from Shrek had gone to the Dou Ling Empire to provide aid.
Given the atmosphere, Huo Yuhao and his companions grew tense as well, speeding up their pace.
Before long, they passed through the wildlands and arrived at the coastal bay.
The salty, humid sea breeze brushed their faces—very different from inland air.
Shrek Academy had prepared thoroughly for the mission. Xian Lin'er pulled out a soul tool-powered ship that could travel across the sea—undoubtedly expensive.
More importantly, the ship was armed with several soul cannons—military-grade soul tools, typically restricted even from nobles, but Shrek Academy was beyond such limits.
Once on board, Xian Lin'er took out a sea chart, confirmed their direction, and then…
They set sail!
(Huo Yuhao; One Piece belongs to Brother Hao)