Naturally, Dai Yueheng was not pleased about going to the Star Net National Academy.
In the aristocratic circles of Star Net, everyone knew Dai Yueheng had previously been studying at Shrek Academy. Suddenly transferring to the Star Net National Academy would be a major blow to his pride.
Dai Yueheng was no fool, either. The trouble caused by him and Dai Huabin was significant enough to put the Dai Family in a passive position. Thus, Dai Hao's move was a strategic retreat—sending him there to serve as a political hostage.
Exhaling a long breath, Dai Yueheng bowed convincingly. "Understood... I will prioritize the bigger picture."
Dai Hao curled his lips in satisfaction. "Hmph, a true man of the Dai Family must know when to yield and when to stand tall. However, it is not the Dai Family's style to take a beating without hitting back. That boy's name is Huo Yuhao, right? I will personally deal with him!"
Dai Yueheng's expression stiffened. He cast a discreet glance at his mother, the Duchess, and sighed inwardly.
The Duchess's eyes lit up, her expression turning predatory. "Yes! We absolutely cannot let him off!"
Dai Hao nodded. Just as he was about to end the conversation, he suddenly remembered something and asked casually:
"By the way, how is Yun'er doing? I don't seem to have seen her at all."
"Ah? Her?"
The Duchess froze for a moment. Her mind raced as she gave the calm, premeditated answer she had prepared long ago.
"She passed away from a severe illness several years ago. You were busy with military affairs at the time, so I didn't want to disturb you."
Dai Hao frowned slightly but waved his hand regardless. "...Fine, if she's gone, there's nothing more to say. Yueheng, go get ready. Also, remember to maintain a good relationship with Princess Jiu Jiu at the academy. It would be best if you could win her over."
Dai Yueheng bowed, brimming with confidence. "Yes, Father!"
...
Shrek Academy, Outer Court.
The freshman competition was still underway. Compared to the other students fighting for their lives, Huo Yuhao was having a much easier time.
He fought when he felt like it and stopped when he didn't. Either way, winning a single round had already secured his status as a Core Disciple. As for the championship, everyone knew who the strongest freshman was... if anyone disagreed, they could challenge him to a duel.
On his way to the cafeteria at noon, he ran into two unexpected people.
They were both girls.
The girl on the left wore tight leather clothes and boots, with short red hair. Though she was young and her face still looked a bit immature, her figure was already quite curvaceous.
The other was a girl with short golden hair and exquisite features. She carried the refined air of a lady from a prestigious family, a faint smile playing on her lips.
While eating, she stared intently at Huo Yuhao. Although many girls looked at him with admiration when they met him, their gaze held a sense of scrutiny.
Sure enough, after finishing the meal, the two blocked Huo Yuhao's path.
Huo Yuhao sized them up, confirming they weren't there to deliver a love letter or pick a fight.
"Hello, fellow students. Is there something I can help you with?"
The golden-haired girl reached out to Huo Yuhao with grace and said softly, "Hello, Student Yuhao. I've heard much about you. Allow me to introduce myself: I am Ning Tian, and she is Wu Feng. We are from the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect."
"The Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect... I see. Hello, Ning Tian." Huo Yuhao politely reached out to shake her hand.
Seeing their hands meet, a cold glint flashed in Wu Feng's dark red eyes, and she turned her head slightly as if throwing a tantrum.
Although she had heard of Huo Yuhao and had done plenty of research beforehand, Ning Tian had to admit that only up close could one truly see how stunning Huo Yuhao's appearance was. Even Ning Tian, who had grown up seeing handsome men, couldn't help but feel impressed.
His breathtakingly exquisite features were flawless. His sky-blue eyes, as clear as the heavens, were intoxicating; looking into them almost felt like one's soul was being cleansed. Combined with the gentle smile on his lips, he felt as warm as a spring breeze, yet there was a hint of sharpness in his brows that gave that warmth a sense of boundary.
Huo Yuhao released Ning Tian's small hand and subtly stepped back a bit. "So, Student Ning Tian, what did you want to talk about? I assume it's not about the freshman competition."
Ning Tian smiled elegantly. "Of course. I believe that as long as Student Huo Yuhao is willing, the championship is yours. I didn't come here to discuss something already settled."
She made a gesturing motion. "If Student Huo Yuhao doesn't mind, we could go to the Black Tea House to enjoy some post-meal dessert and talk slowly. My treat, of course."
Huo Yuhao hesitated. "Uh... the Black Tea House?"
There was a specialized Black Tea House in the Outer Court that sold various desserts and cakes. It was a place for students to relax, usually frequented by senior students.
In reality, it was widely considered a place for couples... Huo Yuhao, as a self-proclaimed bachelor, had naturally never stepped foot into that place "stinking of romance."
However, this was a good opportunity to try some snacks he had been eyeing for a while.
He figured Miss Ning Tian likely wanted to discuss teaming up or business. Teaming up was worth considering; it wasn't ideal to always be a lone wolf, and no Soul Master would ever refuse the support of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda.
"Cough, then I shall accept your kind offer."
...
As expected, just as lunch ended, the Black Tea House was filled with senior students chatting intimately. Waiters and waitresses in maid and butler uniforms moved to and fro with carts of pastries.
The dazzling array of exquisite pictures left Huo Yuhao a bit overwhelmed. They were all just "cakes," so why were the names so flashy?
Slices, cheesecakes, Mont Blancs, mille-feuilles, and many other varieties...
Every cake looked delicious, but the most eye-catching was the "Strawberry Labyrinth," which featured three large, plump strawberries.
Hmm... girls should like strawberry cake too, right?
Looking at the price, it was indeed expensive, but Huo Yuhao had never heard of the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect being short on cash.
"I'll have this one. What about you, Student Ning Tian?"
Clearly, girls like Ning Tian were more familiar with pastries. She pointed her small hand at an image. "I'll have the Black Forest Secret. Also, three cups of chocolate-flavored milk tea. Oh, and Sister Feng, you can share with me."
The waitress in the maid outfit quickly recorded the order and left.
Soon, three cups of chocolate milk tea were served.
After touching the tea with her lips in an elegant motion, Ning Tian let out a short sigh. Resting her cheek on one hand, she looked at Huo Yuhao with an ambiguous gaze.