Facing the combined attack from Wang Dong'er and Jin Qiu'er, Huo Yuhao showed no intention of dodging. Instead, he smiled.
"Perfect. Let me show you what I've gained after breaking through to Ultimate Douluo!"
In an instant, Huo Yuhao seemed to merge with the heavens and earth, entering a state of unity with nature. He summoned his dragon spear, gathered his power, and thrust it toward the descending black-and-white dragon breath.
The phantom of an ice dragon coiled around the spear, soaring skyward.
"Ice Centipede Spear Technique: Ultimate Ice Dragon Ascends!"
The black-and-white dragon breath collided with the ice dragon phantom, and everyone widened their eyes, eager to see the outcome.
Would the annihilating power of the black-and-white dragon breath prevail?
Or would the Ultimate ice of the dragon phantom prove stronger?
To everyone's surprise, the two forces were locked in a stalemate, continuously expending energy without either side overpowering the other.
"A draw?" Xiao Xiao exclaimed.
Cai Mei'er shook her head and said, "Not quite. Yuhao is doing this deliberately."
Cai Mei'er knew clearly that while Wang Dong'er and Jin Qiu'er's martial soul fusion skill could threaten a Super Douluo like her, it was far from enough to challenge an Ultimate Douluo.
After all, they couldn't even defeat her instantly.
Cai Mei'er's gaze shifted from the clashing forces to Huo Yuhao, observing his relaxed and effortless spear-wielding stance. Her heart was filled with mixed emotions, and she could only sigh inwardly.
"Shrek Academy can no longer withstand any storms. Let the past be nothing but a beautiful dream."
Others could only see that Huo Yuhao, with his superior strength, was steadily depleting the power of Wang Dong'er and Jin Qiu'er's martial soul fusion skill.
However, the Silver Dragon King and Di Tian, secretly observing the battle, saw something deeper.
Di Tian's expression was one of shock. "That Huo Yuhao can connect with the heavens and earth, using their power to fight?"
Normally, soul masters could gain greater endurance through their soul cores, but Huo Yuhao was essentially using the heavens and earth as a backup battery.
Who could outlast Huo Yuhao?
Even against a stronger opponent, Huo Yuhao might exhaust them through sheer attrition.
But the Silver Dragon King wasn't worried. "He needs a special state to harness the power of the heavens and earth. Defeat him before he enters that state, or knock him out of it, and he can be beaten."
"What intrigues me is that his current state doesn't seem like something he comprehended on his own. It's more like it was taught to him by another powerhouse. Perhaps he's had another fortuitous encounter this past year."
The Silver Dragon King murmured, then instructed Di Tian, "Di Tian, find an opportunity to test Huo Yuhao and see how the Golden Ancient Tree within him is faring."
Di Tian nodded respectfully. "Yes, my lord."
As expected, Huo Yuhao's battle with Jin Qiu'er and Wang Dong'er ended without surprise. With his unreasonable endurance, he completely wore them down.
That move was their strongest attack, and if even that couldn't faze Huo Yuhao, they were out of options.
The two women, their soul power heavily depleted, exited their martial soul fusion state. Fortunately, they were only drained and not injured.
However, Huo Yuhao's shameless fighting style left them dissatisfied. They both huffed at him in unison before leaving together.
Their relationship was currently quite good.
Moreover, training together helped them recover their soul power faster, so they naturally stayed together to recuperate.
Huo Yuhao smiled nonchalantly, then raised his cup to the others. "Keep the music playing, keep dancing!"
The others laughed as well.
The banquet lasted late into the night before everyone dispersed to their wooden cabins.
Huo Yuhao didn't have a room of his own.
Several people offered to let him stay with them.
Even Xu Sanshi was willing to give up his room for Huo Yuhao.
As for where Xu Sanshi would go?
Naturally, he'd spend the night sitting outside Jiang Nannan's door.
Huo Yuhao declined everyone's invitations, choosing to stay outside, saying the environment no longer affected him.
Seeing his firm stance, the others relented.
Late at Night
Huo Yuhao stood with his hands behind his back by the Lake of Life.
He wanted to talk with the Silver Dragon King, but she didn't respond.
Having broken through to Ultimate Douluo with considerable strength, Huo Yuhao was someone the Silver Dragon King didn't want to interact with too much, lest he see through her plans.
Besides, there was little more the Silver Dragon King could do. She could only wait for Huo Yuhao to "stray" on his own.
Even if Huo Yuhao wasn't drained by the Golden Ancient Tree, the Silver Dragon King still had Jiang Nannan under her control, with no chance of escape.
Footsteps broke the silence of the night behind Huo Yuhao.
He turned to see a graceful figure emerging from the shadows of the forest under the moonlight, standing in the light as if a fairy had descended to the mortal world.
"Sister Nannan," Huo Yuhao called out to the newcomer.
It was Jiang Nannan.
She took a deep breath, suppressing her excitement, and approached Huo Yuhao.
"I couldn't sleep, so I came out for a walk," Jiang Nannan explained, feigning calm.
Huo Yuhao glanced at her nearly transparent gauze dress and remained silent.
They stood side by side by the Lake of Life, Jiang Nannan gazing at the water, Huo Yuhao looking at the night sky, neither speaking.
After a moment of silence, Huo Yuhao spoke first. "Sister Nannan, how's your divine test going?"
Jiang Nannan was undergoing her seventh test: Heart's Imprint.
The task was to create her own combat technique, with the help of others if needed.
The reward for completion was a 25% affinity with the divine position and the ability to sense the God of Love's artifact.
"With the experience you shared and guidance from that senior, I've mostly completed the creation of the technique," Jiang Nannan said, turning to Huo Yuhao. "Yuhao, want to see it?"
Huo Yuhao nodded earnestly. "I do!"
Jiang Nannan replied with a single word, "Good!"
She stepped forward, walking onto the lake without sinking, her feet gliding over the water as she danced like an elf, her combat technique unfolding with her movements.
Huo Yuhao's gaze gradually changed.
He realized that Jiang Nannan's technique wasn't just about refined moves—it carried her will and emotions, much like Sovereign's Descent or Demon's Arrival.
Huo Yuhao actively sensed the emotions within her technique.
He saw a young girl standing by the lake, her brows midday, filled with longing for her beloved, confusion about love, and a hidden, fiery passion.
Yet, because the girl couldn't face her own heart and was lost in her confusion, her emotions couldn't fully integrate into the technique, leaving it flawed.
Thus, Jiang Nannan had yet to complete her seventh test.
Her technique was born from her feelings for Huo Yuhao, but those same feelings prevented her from perfecting it, hindering her test's completion.
But with Huo Yuhao's return and their reunion, the barrier holding her back began to loosen.
Huo Yuhao spoke up. "Sister Nannan, I feel your heart. Don't worry, I'm here. I'll always be here!"
Jiang Nannan's eyes reddened, and she could no longer maintain her combat dance. But in that moment, her heart found its home.
Her emotions complete, her technique perfected!
The seventh test—passed!
When Jiang Nannan completed her Seventh Trial, a pink light radiated from her body. Then, all that radiance returned into her once more.
She hadn't expected to complete her seventh trial at this moment. Coupled with how emotionally moved she had been by Huo Yuhao's earlier words, she lost control of her strength for a moment and directly fell into the lake.
Huo Yuhao immediately jumped into the water, swimming toward Jiang Nannan.
Who knew if a Contra could drown?
Sure, it was pretty much impossible for a Contra to drown—but not entirely impossible either.
Especially considering how thinly Jiang Nannan was dressed—what if she caught a cold?
Brother Hao obviously had to rush in and warm her up in time!
Splash—!
The lake's surface broke open.
Huo Yuhao emerged from the water, holding Jiang Nannan. Both their clothes were soaked by the lake water. Jiang Nannan's sheer gauzy dress, already light to begin with, had become nearly transparent after soaking, clinging tightly to her body, leaving almost nothing to the imagination.
"Uh, Sister Nannan, I didn't mean to… uh~" Huo Yuhao tried to act reserved.
Unexpectedly, Jiang Nannan held his face and kissed him.
Without any hesitation.
However, from her tightly closed eyes, slightly trembling eyelids, rapidly beating heart, and rising body temperature, it was clear that her heart was far from calm.
Huo Yuhao froze for a moment, then wrapped his arms around Jiang Nannan and responded to her kiss.
Silver Dragon King, watching from the bottom of the lake: "..."
She was right there beneath the surface of the Lake of Life. Which meant… Jiang Nannan and Huo Yuhao were messing around right above her head.
It made her want to kill someone.
But that kiss had already drained all of Jiang Nannan's courage. She didn't go further. Perhaps it was because of what happened in the past—leaving her with a psychological shadow.
When Huo Yuhao tried to take the initiative, Jiang Nannan panicked and fled his embrace like a startled bunny.
By the shore—
Jiang Nannan put on a coat, pulled the hood over her head, and tightly wrapped herself up, trying to hide every inch of her skin, even her face. It formed a stark contrast to how bold she had just been.
Fortunately, Jiang Nannan didn't run away altogether.
She sat on the grassy bank beside Huo Yuhao.
"Yuhao, it's not that I dislike you. Just… please give me a little more time, okay?" she whispered, not daring to meet his eyes. She didn't want him to misunderstand her, or worse, grow to resent her. So her voice carried a note of pleading.
"Sister Nannan, it's okay. I was the one who acted too impulsively," Huo Yuhao replied with a smile. Then, he took the initiative to change the subject. "By the way, Sister Nannan, that combat technique you created earlier—did you give it a name?"
Huo Yuhao wasn't too overwhelmed by beauty; he was more curious about the technique Jiang Nannan had just completed.
Jiang Nannan relaxed. She quickly nodded in response.
"I've named it already."
"It was created by combining the power of the Love Goddess and my… heartfelt emotions. It consists of three moves, each corresponding to a core emotion: joy, sorrow, and love."
"So, I named it The Love Goddess's Three Secrets."
Huo Yuhao nodded in approval. "Love Goddess's Three Secrets? That's a good name."
It even felt strangely familiar…
He silently muttered to himself.
Jiang Nannan continued, "Yuhao, I've already received the rewards from the seventh trial. Not only has my affinity with the Love Goddess's divine position increased, but I've also gained the ability to sense her divine artifact."
"My affinity with the Love Goddess's godhood has now reached 105%, but since I haven't yet inherited the godhood, I can only manifest up to 99%."
"I don't know much about godhood affinity," Huo Yuhao said seriously, "but I do know something about divine artifacts. According to legends, the Sea God, the Evil Angel God, and the Rakshasa God all had exclusive divine artifacts. If a successor obtains one, their power skyrockets. The strength provided by a divine artifact far surpasses the benefit of even the most powerful martial souls!"
Upon hearing this, Jiang Nannan clenched her fists in excitement.
Previously, the Silver Dragon King had already analyzed her situation. Though Jiang Nannan had good talent and worked hard, her greatest limitation was the inadequacy of her martial soul.
Her Soft Bone Rabbit martial soul wasn't bad—but definitely wasn't top-tier.
And she had never used any immortal herbs to enhance her martial soul. Completing the god trials would be extremely difficult under such conditions.
If she could obtain the Love Goddess's divine artifact, her strength would improve dramatically.
She focused and carefully sensed the direction of the artifact. Then she turned to Huo Yuhao.
"I can sense it. The Love Goddess's artifact is in the west of the continent!"
"The west?" Huo Yuhao thought for a moment, then guessed, "Maybe the Sun Moon Empire? Didn't we first encounter the Love Goddess's inheritance back there?"
He knew what Jiang Nannan had sensed was likely the other half of the artifact—'Sun Affection'.
Jiang Nannan nodded in agreement, then added—
"Also, my Eighth Trial is related to the divine artifact."
"My eighth trial is called Mutual Affection. Its contents: Collect the two divine artifacts, Sun Affection and Moon Intention, and wield them together with your beloved."
When she mentioned "beloved," she involuntarily glanced at Huo Yuhao, her cheeks reddening.
Then, perhaps to mask her feelings, she quickly continued, "After completing the Eighth Trial, I'll receive a 10% boost in godhood affinity. Once I break through to Titled Douluo, I'll unlock the Ninth Trial: The Love Goddess's Inheritance!"
If she completed the eighth trial, her total affinity would reach 115%—a value similar to when the Sea God inheritance had occurred.
But Huo Yuhao's eyes gleamed with sharp insight. He noticed something off.
"You're saying… you already know the contents of the ninth trial?"
Jiang Nannan nodded—then realized something was wrong.
How could the god trials reveal future trials ahead of time?
"Maybe the Love Goddess did it on purpose," Huo Yuhao speculated. "To help you prepare in advance. Maybe… the Ninth Trial will be very difficult."
Jiang Nannan's expression turned serious. The joy from completing the seventh trial began to fade. Pressure returned.
Thinking of what the Silver Dragon King had said about her weaknesses made her feel heavy inside.
Then Huo Yuhao gently put his arm around her shoulders and softly said—
"Don't worry. I'll always be by your side—to help you, and face everything with you."
Jiang Nannan was incredibly moved. She even had the impulse to give herself to him, but in the end, she restrained herself. Still, she didn't leave his embrace anymore, simply leaned into it, listening to his strong, steady heartbeat.
Huo Yuhao looked down at her, lips slightly curved upward.
The Love Goddess's successor was now firmly in his grasp.
Another Level-1 god would soon join the Divine Realm.
"But… there are traces of mental manipulation on Jiang Nannan. Was that the Silver Dragon King's doing?" Huo Yuhao pondered. "Maybe I can use Jiang Nannan to lure that silver dragon out—kill two birds with one stone."
Though the Silver Dragon King was no longer a match for him, capturing her without forcing her into desperate retaliation was far more beneficial to his goals.
Before settling scores with Old Tang, Huo Yuhao still had to move carefully.
At the same time Jiang Nannan was completing her god trial—
Xu Tiancheng also made formal contact with the God of Fire, stating his desire to lead his harem in inheriting the other Elemental Gods' thrones.
Because Xu Tiancheng had found someone capable of inheriting the God of Space's divine position.
In the Fire God's Secret Realm—
"This is the space-element genius I found."
Xu Tiancheng introduced the person he'd brought.
A short-haired girl with an aura as sharp as a blade stood there. With a cold expression, she introduced herself—
"My name is Lan Yin. I'm 24 years old. Rank 95. I have twin martial souls—first: Shuyue Sword, time attribute; second: Yiri Blade, space attribute."
Lan Yin then displayed both her martial souls.
The Shuyue Sword was surrounded by nine soul rings: Yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, black, red, red, red.
To ensure she would be accepted by the God of Space, Huo Yuhao had personally trained her, and now her results were more than satisfactory.
The seven Elemental Gods officially descended their trials upon all suitable inheritors.
Each of the seven gods personally arranged the contents of the trials.
Overall, the structure of the trials was similar to the three divine tests that Xu Tiancheng had once received from the Fire God. Essentially, the content of the traditional Nine Tests was condensed into just Three.
The First Test involved passing the Elemental Trial. Through the baptism of the element, the inheritor's body and spirit would be strengthened. During this process, their elemental affinity would also improve, and they would be awarded the corresponding Elemental God's divine artifact.
The Second Test required defeating a divine beast of matching elemental attribute. Upon victory, the reward would be divine equipment personally or owned by the Elemental God.
The Third Test, which Xu Tiancheng also needed to participate in, required all seven chosen ones to jointly receive the divine inheritance and comprehend the "Elemental God's Divine Punishment Formation."
The Elemental God's Divine Punishment Formation was one of the three greatest divine arrays in the God Realm, capable of rivaling the Original Sin God's Divine Punishment Formation. It was also the trump card of the seven Elemental Gods.
Of course, because Xu Tiancheng and the others lacked sufficient power, even if they succeeded in comprehending the formation, they would not be able to unleash its true potential just yet.
They didn't have to use it right away—but they had to learn it. And once the seven of them entered the God Realm and replenished enough divine power, they could then fully activate its might.
In fact, even the current generation of the Seven Elemental Gods could not fully utilize the array's true power.
To unleash its full potential, the current Seven Elemental Gods would require the central core of the God Realm as the array's core.
However, even without the core, simply activating the formation was enough to allow the seven gods to transcend their limits and fight across realms.
This was one of the key reasons this formation was hailed as a "Divine Array."
While others were undergoing the First Test, Xu Tiancheng had already begun challenging the divine beast assigned by the Fire God.
The divine beast selected by the Fire God was a Hellfire Beast.
"Hellfire Beasts are demonic creatures made of flame and rock. They possess no intelligence, but wield terrifying brute strength capable of crushing everything.
The one before you is a top-tier member of its kind, with strength surpassing level 100.
However, I've restricted its power to match your current level. Even so, its combat strength is sufficient to battle beyond its level.
So, defeating it will not be easy."
"If you fail to defeat it, you won't pass the trial. You also won't inherit my godhood—and your failure will affect the inheritance of the other gods as well."
Inside the Fire God's secret realm,
The Fire God's solemn voice echoed in Xu Tiancheng's ears.
When it came to selecting successors, the Fire God showed no mercy.
But Xu Tiancheng was unafraid.
"Fighting beyond my level? Like I haven't done that before!"
He immediately summoned his White Dwarf Martial Soul, activated his power, and charged the White Dwarf into the Hellfire Beast.
The Hellfire Beast roared and tried to crush the incoming star, only to be sent flying by the impact.
"Take it up with my insurance company!"
As the Hellfire Beast clambered back to its feet,
It saw Xu Tiancheng, now possessed by his Ancestral Dragon Martial Soul, holding the Heavenly Demon Divine Ballista—a half-divine weapon—already charged and aimed at its head.
"Back to hell with you!"
Xu Tiancheng pulled the trigger. His soul power blasted from the cannon's barrel—
BOOM—
Back in his temple, the Fire God sat calmly, watching the battle unfold on a projection from the secret realm. He nodded with satisfaction.
"This successor is excellent. Should I go brag to the Phoenix God?
He didn't make it back then, but that doesn't mean others can't…
On second thought, for Sea God's sake, I'll let him off this time."
"Still, I can definitely brag to the other gods about my successor.
Some gods are also seeking inheritors right now—but none of them are as lucky as me."
Just imagining himself shedding the godhood, roaming the cosmos freely with his wife and brothers, made the Fire God want to laugh with joy.
In fact, many gods wanted to pass on their divine thrones. Back in the day, both the Rakshasa God and Asura God successfully fled—and haven't been heard from since.
This inspired other gods to look across various planes for suitable inheritors.
But geniuses were always rare.
Not to mention the older gods—even newer ones like Emotion God Rong Nianbing were already considering passing on their godhood.
The Emotion God was a first-level god, mastering the seven emotions and six desires. Due to the nature of his power, which resembled both the Good and Evil spirits of the Divine Kings, his strength was actually greater than most first-level gods—
He even had the potential to ascend to Divine King status.
"Before, the Sea God said he would ask the God of Emotions to help look after Douluo Continent, but recently, for some reason, the Sea God has decided to look after Douluo Continent himself. How strange."
"Could it be… that Sea God discovered some new genius?"
"That's right—Douluo Continent not only produced inheritors of us seven Elemental Gods, but also of the Sea God, Angel God, Rakshasa God…
Maybe it really is a place where heaven and earth converge! My guess might be right!"
Feeling like he'd stumbled upon the truth, Fire God slapped his thigh.
"Doesn't that mean Emotion God missed his shot at passing on his godhood? What a shame!"
With Emotion God
"Good thing I didn't agree to help Tang San watch over Douluo Continent—otherwise I really would have missed these two geniuses."
Emotion God Rong Nianbing felt he'd nearly taken a big loss.
He turned his gaze to his home world, the Divine Continent. Inspired by Tang San's visit, he decided on a whim to check back on his roots—
And sure enough, he discovered two geniuses.
One possessed powerful Devouring Attributes, with both Dragon and Phoenix bloodlines.
The other had immense vitality and combat strength, with the rare Behemoth Bloodline.
Most importantly—they were both young, and human.
At a glance, Rong Nianbing knew they weren't native—they had come from another plane.
One of them had already reached the Divine Officer level, which made crossing planes possible—and had even grasped the Law of Devouring.
"I'll observe their hearts a little longer.
If they prove worthy, I might select one to inherit my divine position."
In truth, Rong Nianbing favored the younger one with the Behemoth Bloodline.
As for the strong one with Devouring Power—he wasn't really suited to inherit the Emotion God's mantle.
"Perhaps… he's more suited to inherit one of the Seven Original Sin Gods.
Should I recommend him? …I'll observe a bit more first."
"Feng Wudu, when are we starting the massacre?"
On the Divine Continent, Golden Daxian turned to ask Feng Wudu. He was itching to fight.
But Feng Wudu frowned, gazing up at the sky.
"I suddenly have a gut feeling—fate is telling us we shouldn't go too far."
"Huh? Seriously?" Golden Daxian grumbled in dissatisfaction.
"Maybe… we're about to encounter a different opportunity." Feng Wudu narrowed his eyes. Though young, he was wise.
"As people favored by fate, we've already been guided.
If we go against it, we may suffer disaster."
"Alright~" Golden Daxian deflated.
He had charged out full of excitement, and now he had to restrain himself on the very first stop. What a waste.
The battle-hungry genes of the Behemoth Clan strongly influenced Golden Daxian's temperament.
"Based on my investigation, we're on a magical continent.
Maybe we can study some magic first—might lead to some surprises," Feng Wudu suggested.
Golden Daxian nodded in agreement.
And so, the two headed off together toward the nearest place teeming with life.
Huo Yuhao began guiding Wu Ming, Hua Yao, Meng Hongchen, and Xu Sanshi in the process of condensing their Soul Cores. Wang Dong'er and Jin Qiu'er also chose to sit in and observe.
Even Cai Mei'er attended, thinking that Huo Yuhao's cultivation insights might help her push her own power further.
Cai Mei'er didn't expect herself to break through to the Limit Douluo realm, but even a single level gained in the Super Douluo realm would provide her with a notable increase in combat strength.
Wu Ming, Hua Yao, Meng Hongchen, and Xu Sanshi hadn't been at level 89 for long. They were still completely inexperienced in soul core condensation and needed Huo Yuhao's step-by-step guidance.
Fortunately, they had already accumulated enough to attempt the process.
As for Wang Dong'er and Jin Qiu'er, they had already succeeded in condensing their Soul Cores over the past year, but that didn't stop them from joining in to learn more. After all, their cultivation levels were close to the four being instructed.
Huo Yuhao directly pulled Xu Sanshi over to use him as a "teaching tool," demonstrating the steps to condense a Soul Core for everyone else.
"First, do this… then this… finally, like this…"
"There are two main points… and one flaw that needs patching…"
"There are techniques that can be applied here—I've compiled forty-eight of them…"
Huo Yuhao's teaching was meticulous and thorough.
Under his instruction, the four students suddenly saw the light. Once the lesson was over, they eagerly found quiet places to begin attempting Soul Core condensation on their own.
Xu Sanshi, being the demonstration subject, was also the first to form the embryo of his Soul Core. A vortex of soul power soon formed around him.
"I never imagined there were so many techniques for condensing a Soul Core. If I'd known this earlier, I would've had a much easier time," Wang Dong'er commented.
Despite her extraordinary talent, her first attempt at soul core condensation had been quite difficult due to inexperience. Thankfully, she had succeeded.
Jin Qiu'er, on the other hand, had a much easier time—she simply followed her instincts.
Cai Mei'er was also lost in thought. She was absorbing the theoretical principles of how soul power circulates within a Soul Core. She realized that by referencing Huo Yuhao's methods, she was becoming much more efficient in using her own soul power.
Huo Yuhao then said to Cai Mei'er, "Dean Cai, condensing a Soul Core isn't the end—it's only the beginning. A Titled Douluo must further refine how their Soul Core operates, gaining deeper understanding. That way, the future condensation of a second Soul Core will be much easier."
Cai Mei'er was stunned for a moment, then let out a bitter laugh. "Yuhao, you overestimate me. I don't even know if I can progress any further, let alone hope to condense a second Soul Core."
She sighed. "Not everyone is a peerless talent like you."
"You can do it," Huo Yuhao said firmly. "Beyond the Super Douluo level, talent is no longer the deciding factor. With enough insight and comprehension, you can break through all obstacles and reach the limit!"
Cai Mei'er smiled faintly. "Then I'll take that as a good omen."
Though she wasn't entirely convinced, Cai Mei'er still felt encouraged by Huo Yuhao's words, and that improved her mood considerably.
Even if she didn't fully believe, Wang Dong'er and Jin Qiu'er did. Both proud young women began pondering their own paths forward, full of hope.
Huo Yuhao had spoken the truth—because this was the method used to break through even ten thousand years ago.
After Xu Sanshi, the other three women also successfully formed the model of their Soul Cores one by one and began stabilizing them.
Xu Sanshi was the first to complete the condensation process successfully. His Soul Core dropped into his lower dantian.
At the same time, the fluctuations of level 90 soul power burst from his body, with water-attributed energy swirling around him.
Clearly, Xu Sanshi had formed a Water-attribute Soul Core.
Though Soul Cores don't directly increase soul master rank, condensing one often triggers the release of accumulated power.
Xu Sanshi's foundation was solid. With the core's formation, he naturally broke through his bottleneck.
The Soul Core effectively helped him overcome that barrier.
"Hahahaha, I did it!" Xu Sanshi shouted as he opened his eyes in joy.
A second later, he was silenced by a glare from Cai Mei'er.
"Others are still condensing their cores. Don't disturb them," she admonished.
The four had each picked a separate location. While condensing a Soul Core didn't directly interfere with others, if Xu Sanshi started flexing his power, he could very well interrupt their concentration.
Xu Sanshi chuckled awkwardly, though he was clearly thrilled, pacing around in excitement.
Huo Yuhao gave him a small smile but didn't say much.
With a God King personally guiding them—if they still failed, the issue had to be with themselves.
The second to succeed was Hua Yao.
Her Soul Core landed in her upper dantian, and it didn't show a distinct elemental alignment—but she looked holier as a result.
Cores that settle in the upper dantian are often spiritually aligned—
Perfect for a control-type soul master.
But Huo Yuhao could also sense something deeper: Hua Yao's core had a benevolence attribute, matching the seed of virtue he had planted in her.
The third was Wu Ming, who formed a Fire-attribute Soul Core, which also landed in her lower dantian.
Like Hua Yao, Wu Ming had deep reserves of soul power. After condensing the core and breaking through their bottlenecks, both women ascended to level 90.
This is exactly why Soul Cores make advancing to Titled Douluo easier—they help break the bottleneck. Soul masters with enough accumulation can break through immediately, and those without enough won't be far behind.
That left only Meng Hongchen.
Her situation wasn't as smooth.
Her expression gradually twisted with pain, and just as she was about to finish condensing her Soul Core, her soul power scattered—a total failure.
The backlash made her cough up a huge mouthful of blood.
Her blood splattered onto the grass—and wherever it touched, the vegetation froze from a toxic cold, forming crystalline ice granules that gleamed ominously.
Huo Yuhao instantly appeared beside her, pressing a hand to her back and using his power to suppress the rampaging soul energy within her.
At the same time, he examined her condition.
Back then, Xu Tianchen had warned that the Ice Toad power would harm Meng Hongchen's body—even if she used alternate cultivation methods. And now, it had come true. Her body had been corroded to its limit.
Meng Hongchen understood her own condition. A shadow of despair flickered in her eyes.
"How is Xiao Meng?" Cai Mei'er called anxiously, approaching with the others.
After this period of time, everyone had already accepted Meng Hongchen into the group.
Seeing their concern, Huo Yuhao simply shook his head and said nothing more.
No one dared press further, fearing it would upset her more. They simply asked after her health with care.
Meng Hongchen forced a smile. "I'm not feeling well… I'll go back and rest."
Hua Yao and Wu Ming immediately followed to support her.
Despite her failure, the Soul Core training was still largely a success—three of the four had condensed their Soul Cores.
Shrek Academy had gained three more Titled Douluo.
Night had fallen.
Huo Yuhao sat by the lakeside, bathed in the moonlight. Beside him was a wine jug and two wine cups.
Footsteps echoed behind him.
This scene felt like something that had happened before.
But this time, it wasn't Jiang Nannan who came looking for Huo Yuhao — it was Xu Sanshi.
When Xu Sanshi saw the already-prepared wine jug and cups, he realized Huo Yuhao had anticipated his arrival. Surprised, he sat down beside Huo Yuhao and asked,
"You knew I'd come find you?"
"Haha, Brother Xu, don't I know you well by now?" Huo Yuhao smiled as he filled Xu Sanshi's cup. Then his expression turned serious as he looked at Xu Sanshi and said,
"You're getting impatient, aren't you?"
Xu Sanshi also dropped his smile. Holding the cup tightly, he nodded hard.
"I've waited too long for this day. I don't want to waste any more time!"
"Yuhao, I'm grateful for your help — and for everything the academy has done for me. But the hatred of my clan's destruction, my parents' deaths — I've never forgotten, not for a moment!"
"Now that I've finally broken through to Titled Douluo, I finally see hope for revenge. I won't wait any longer."
He declared his decision:
"I'm going to leave alone, hunt my ninth spirit ring, and then seek revenge on Cihang Yao!"
"Brother Xu, we'll help you. There's no need to go alone," Huo Yuhao tried to persuade him sincerely.
Xu Sanshi's eyes reddened with emotion, but he didn't waver at all.
"Yuhao, this is my path. I can't keep dragging the academy down."
"Besides, this is the one thing I can do for the academy. I'll go probe the Holy Spirit Cult and test its strength."
"But…" Huo Yuhao still tried to stop him.
"No need to say more. My mind is made up."
Xu Sanshi raised his hand to cut Huo Yuhao off.
"I've inherited the power of the divine beast Xuanwu. You think I'm that easy to take down? Only by surviving the trials of blood and fire can I grow faster!"
"Yuhao, you've already done so much. I no longer need your protection!"
Hearing this, Huo Yuhao paused for a moment before smiling. He raised his cup and said,
"Brother Xu, this cup is for you."
Seeing that Huo Yuhao no longer tried to stop him, Xu Sanshi also smiled and lifted his cup with both hands, clinking it with Huo Yuhao's.
Then the two of them downed the wine in one go.
"Good wine!"
"Hahaha—!"
They laughed heartily.
Xu Sanshi stood up.
"Yuhao, let's save the rest of this fine wine for next time — when we drink together again. Take care of Nannan and the rest of the academy for me!"
"Brother Xu, take care out there! A gentleman conceals his strength and strikes when the time is right — take care of yourself!"
Huo Yuhao rose to see him off, his eyes brimming with tears.
Xu Sanshi strode away gallantly.
But just before stepping into the shadows, he paused and added,
"If I don't come back… take care of Nannan for me."
With that, Xu Sanshi left without looking back.
He would no longer move with Shrek Academy — because he had his own personal vendetta. Until that was resolved, he couldn't throw everything away for Shrek.
Besides, Shrek's current focus was on the evil soul masters and the Holy Spirit Cult. They couldn't fully assist him in his revenge.
Rather than create conflict down the line, Xu Sanshi chose to leave alone — this was his decision.
However...
"Next time we meet, we might not get to drink together again,"
Huo Yuhao murmured inwardly.
That cup of wine he had just given Xu Sanshi — had been spiked.
He had added a drop of Rakshasa Stone Milk.
As a divine-level resource, Rakshasa Stone Milk could help Xu Sanshi break through faster, maybe even remold him entirely — but only if he could withstand the evil will of the Rakshasa God. Otherwise, he would fall and become a Rakshasa demon.
After breaking through to Titled Douluo, Xu Sanshi's Xuanwu bloodline had matured.
With one drop of Rakshasa Stone Milk, he could fully transform into a true Xuanwu.
And once Xu Sanshi completed his metamorphosis —
That's when Huo Yuhao would harvest him.
That night was far from quiet.
Xu Sanshi wasn't the only one who came looking for Huo Yuhao.
After seeing Xu Sanshi off, Huo Yuhao turned to another direction — and Meng Hongchen finally emerged from the shadows.
She wore a white dress, her face still pale like she had just recovered from a serious illness. Her body looked frail, pitiful — completely unthreatening, nothing like someone nearing the Titled Douluo realm.
"Student Meng, are you here about your martial soul?" Huo Yuhao asked directly.
Meng Hongchen nodded eagerly and said,
"Huo Yuhao, I hope you can help me! His Majesty said only you can!"
"I do have some ideas regarding your condition," Huo Yuhao nodded, but then changed his tone.
"However, I can't guarantee success — you may have to sacrifice something."
Meng Hongchen's eyes lit up upon hearing he had a solution. But when she heard about the risks, she hesitated for a moment. Eventually, her eyes regained their resolve.
"I… I just want to survive."
"I understand."
Huo Yuhao smiled.
Meng Hongchen's condition was similar to Dugu Bo's a millennium ago — her martial soul carried poison. As her strength grew, it became increasingly life-threatening.
Under normal circumstances, reaching level 80 would have been her ceiling.
The fact she had reached level 89 was due to two reasons: the special cultivation method she used had enhanced her constitution, and the unique environment of the core region had suppressed the danger within her.
But she couldn't keep relying on luck.
When she tried to condense her soul core and break through to level 90, she sensed a deadly crisis — so she was forced to disperse her partially formed soul core.
That was when Meng Hongchen realized:
She had reached her limit.
If her martial soul issue wasn't resolved, she couldn't progress further — and might die at any moment.
Huo Yuhao had multiple solutions to her problem. The only question was: what did he want to gain from it?
"Her attributes would make her a good furnace… but she's too weak now. I don't need her anymore."
Things he used to desire no longer seemed so valuable.
All things in the world were like wine in a cup — leave it long enough, and it turns bland.
Not because you forget, but because you've seen more.
Looking back might bring a sense of regret.
So, while there's still time — make the most of it. You never know what chance might appear.
Oh, as for Meng Hongchen?
Huo Yuhao never had much attachment to her in the first place. Just considered her a potential furnace — so it didn't matter.
"Well, since you're here… might as well have a taste~"
Huo Yuhao made his move.
And took her.
After Huo Yuhao's intervention, Meng Hongchen's internal problems were eased. She now had a better grasp over the Ice Toad's poison and could continue cultivating.
Once her injuries healed, she could once again attempt to form her soul core.
And Meng Hongchen?
She knew what she had to sacrifice.
Her response?
"I want to sacrifice more."
Already harboring considerable affection for Huo Yuhao, Meng Hongchen didn't mind at all — in fact, she felt like she'd profited.
Afterward, Cai Meier decided to bring Hua Yao and Wu Ming to the Sun Moon Empire to acquire spirit rings. She also took Jiang Nannan along, helping her search for the artifact of the God of Love.
Huo Yuhao remained in the core region, continuing to look after the others and await further updates.
Following Huo Yuhao's return, Yan Shaozhe had already sent word to the other four nations.
All that remained was for their representatives to gather at Shrek Academy — and then the grand plan to strike against the Holy Spirit Cult could begin!