Chapter 20 – Where Does Shrek's So-Called Sense of Honor Even Come From?
The Worship Hall was located deep beneath the imperial capital, hidden within a concealed barrier. At its very heart lay the residence of Kong Deming.
Following his teacher to the quarters, Huo Yuhao finally rubbed at his sore eyes, a faint fatigue creeping over him.
Too weak. He couldn't even make sense of the operational pathways of those soul guidance devices. It was clear—he still had a long, long road ahead.
"What's wrong? Feeling discouraged?"
Kong Deming eyed his disciple with a knowing smile. He had noticed Yuhao scrutinizing every soul guidance device they passed, but hadn't been concerned.
If his disciple—barely a Level 2 Soul Engineer—could understand the core arrays of those taboo-level soul guidance devices, then they might as well throw the entire lot into the scrap heap.
"Not discouraged, Teacher. It's just… I saw some early prototypes of high-altitude soul guidance devices here. So why was Hallmaster Jing Hongchen so excited when he saw my Level 2 soul guidance device design?"
Kong Deming laughed aloud.
"Yuhao, Jing Hongchen may know a little about what lies in the Worship Hall, but that doesn't mean your work wasn't impressive. You need to understand—even that high-altitude soul guidance device you just saw is nothing more than a prototype. Let me tell you the truth: its intended purpose is to strike at Shrek Academy's capabilities."
"Your design, while simple, offered a completely new direction for research, especially that flight-control core array you came up with."
"The original goal for that high-altitude soul guidance device was to achieve single-person mecha piloting through human-body fusion technology. But the limitations are enormous."
Only then did Yuhao understand. In the end, no matter how far they pushed technology, it remained shackled by soul power and mecha integration. The result? No universality, no accessibility for the common people.
"Alright, enough of that. You're still far from the stage where you can truly work on such projects."
"Today I brought you here for two reasons: first, to broaden your horizons, so you don't get arrogant after receiving praise. Second, to lay out your future cultivation plans."
Kong Deming proceeded to detail the arrangements. Yuhao would continue studying in the Teaching Department, under the guidance of Jing Hongchen and Xuan Ziwun. Once his theoretical foundation was solid, he could enter Illustrious Virtue Hall to research alongside Xuan Ziwun. Upon reaching Level 7 Soul Engineer, he could directly join the Worship Hall—enjoying the kind of 'genius treatment' most could only dream of.
In addition, his martial soul training would not be neglected. Kong Deming planned to create a specialized simulation environment to aid in developing Yuhao's Spirit Eyes, along with medicinal baths to strengthen his body.
Every rest day, Yuhao could bring his cultivation difficulties to the Worship Hall for personal guidance and even receive rare metals as needed.
In short: Soul Master and Soul Engineer—both paths pursued equally, neither to be abandoned.
Unlike Mu En's teaching style in the original timeline, Kong Deming—despite being over a century old—had plenty of years left in him. He would never pressure Yuhao into reckless urgency. Measured, consistent training would lead to faster progress.
"Well, Yuhao, any questions?"
"No, Teacher." Yuhao forced himself to remain composed.
Honestly, he was numb to it. These resources… if he had gone to Shrek instead, he might never have touched them in his entire lifetime.
That so-called Bright Phoenix Douluo Martial Soul Department Dean? At most, after seeing Yuhao's Ultimate Ice talent, he'd make empty promises of a hundred-thousand-year soul ring and bone. Empty words. Nothing real.
And yet, they'd expect him to dedicate his entire life to some laughable 'ten-thousand-year honor'? Please.
Who knew where Shrek's terrifying obsession with honor came from anyway? Was it that ridiculous statement from the All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Tournament, when that Chicken-Leg Douluo—the Holy Spirit Cult's Grand Elder—declared: "If your academy's students die, so be it, but if Shrek so much as gets scratched, the whole world must pay!" Or was it the line about "not daring to cause trouble is the mark of mediocrity"?
Shrek… was protective to a terrifying degree.
"Good. In that case, take this week to rest. There's no need to rush your Level 3 Soul Engineer theory studies. Adjust your condition—greater challenges await."
"If you need anything in the Teaching Department—precious heavenly materials, rare treasures—your teacher can procure them."
For the first time, Yuhao truly felt the care and importance Kong Deming placed upon him. He couldn't help but soften, nodding in gratitude.
A teacher—half mentor, half father.
For now, he decided to set aside soul guidance device research and focus on breaking through his soul power rank. With over thirteen million gold soul coins, plus the Mystic Water Pill, the Soul Ascension Pill, and his teacher's top-tier meditation technique, he was confident he could reach rank 20 before the first vacation.
Then… he'd find an excuse to travel to the Extreme North. His goal: the Ice Jade Scorpion Empress, ranked seventh among the Top Ten Fierce Soul Beasts, second of the Extreme North's Three Heavenly Kings.
Thinking about it, time was already tight. He might also need to acquire his Spirit Eye martial soul's second soul ring. To withstand a higher-aged soul beast, his physique had to improve quickly. Whale Rubber was a must—its benefits were invaluable.
Soul beast selection needed to be added to his immediate plans. Illusion Imitation soul skills? Unnecessary—his spiritual interference domain was already more than enough.
"Sigh… not even a single day's rest."
That afternoon, back in his single dorm, Yuhao first bathed, then changed into a white academy uniform and began cultivation.
The top-tier meditation method was truly on another level—its absorption rate far surpassed the academy's basic techniques. Combined with his current talent, even without further fortuitous encounters, his cultivation speed placed him firmly among the top echelon of geniuses.
The moment he switched from basic to top-tier meditation, Tianmeng made her appearance.
"Yuhao, you have no idea how terrified I was just now. Your teacher… there's something terrifyingly dangerous about him. Just one glance and my eyes felt like they were being stabbed with needles. Scared me half to death!"
She patted her small, human-shaped, golden-haired loli form for emphasis.
Yuhao exhaled slowly and explained:
"Tianmeng, my teacher carries multiple Level 9 soul guidance devices, including ones designed specifically to target the soul itself. Honestly, you're lucky. If you'd been accidentally struck, I'd have had to build a grave for you right here in my spiritual sea."
Little Gold-Hair Tianmeng shivered at the memory, then her curiosity sparked.
"Yuhao, bring out those two Level 9 soul guidance devices of yours. I've never seen a top-tier human soul guidance device before. Oh, and from now on—call me Sister Tianmeng."
"No problem, Tianmeng. Got it, Sister Tianmeng."
End of Chapter