Chapter 308: More Than Just Fighting Navigating Human Affairs
"Captain, how are we supposed to fight now? Even Vice Captain and I weren't a match for Huo Yuhao," Feng Shen said with a bitter smile.
"We surrender. We admit defeat," the Dragon Slayer Sect captain announced.
He wasn't foolish. Two of his teammates had been easily defeated without even touching Huo Yuhao's clothes. That alone was enough to show the overwhelming difference in strength.
But what was even more important Huo Yuhao had held back. If he had wanted to, his two teammates wouldn't just be lightly injured they would be completely incapacitated.
Since Huo Yuhao had shown mercy, the Dragon Slayer Sect captain knew it was only right to return the favor.
The world of soul masters wasn't just about brute force it was also about understanding the unspoken rules of society.
After all, why did Shrek Academy require a city lord's recommendation for admission?
Why did Tang Sect receive special quotas?
Because connections, influence, and navigating human affairs were just as important as raw power.
Moreover, this was the home ground of the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy.
If Huo Yuhao had chosen not to hold back, heavily injuring or killing Dragon Slayer Sect members, they wouldn't have been able to do anything about it.
This was the Sun Moon Empire, not Dou Ling Empire expecting help from Dou Ling here was pure fantasy.
Besides, continuing the match was meaningless.
Dragon Slayer Sect wasn't here to win the championship they didn't even have the strength for that.
They had joined to gain experience and witness the true geniuses of the continent, not to be completely humiliated.
The Official Decision
"Are you sure you want to surrender?" the referee asked. "Do you even have the authority to make this decision? Shouldn't you consult with your team leader?"
The captain smiled and responded, "Of course, I have the authority. My father is the sect master I don't need anyone else's approval."
The referee nodded.
"Very well. I declare the winner of the first individual elimination match: Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy! Since Dragon Slayer Sect has surrendered, the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy is the first team to advance."
Immediately, thunderous cheers erupted from the stands.
The Sun Moon Empire citizens all beamed with pride at their team's victory.
As citizens of the Sun Moon Empire, it was only natural for them to celebrate the success of their own team.
Xu Tianran's Thoughts
Watching the match, Xu Tianran was surprised.
Although he was a cripple in the eyes of many, in reality, his strength was formidable.
As the Crown Prince, he had unlimited access to resources.
With the aid of alchemy and his powerful Purple Desolation Annihilation Dragon martial soul, he had already reached the level of Titled Douluo.
So, he could see through the battle's true nature.
When Huo Yuhao had pressed his hand on Feng Shen's head, it wasn't just physical strength at work
It was an advanced and masterful application of spiritual power.
Even he himself a powerful Titled Douluo couldn't achieve that level of control over spiritual power.
Xu Tianran smiled approvingly.
"Huo Yuhao has truly surprised me," he said. "At his age, his strength is far beyond my expectations. He is a peerless genius.
"If he continues to grow, he will undoubtedly become one of the pillars of the Sun Moon Empire, making our nation even stronger."
Then, he glanced at Jing Hongchen.
"Hall Master Jing," he mused, "Huo Yuhao is at the right age to start considering marriage.
"I think Xiao Tianzhen would be a good match for him. They seem quite compatible.
"If Huo Yuhao and Xiao Tianzhen were to be together, it would be a great advantage for him."
Xu Tianran was indulgent toward his younger sister, Xiao Tianzhen.
As long as her requests weren't outrageous, he usually granted them.
Some outsiders might call it spoiling, but Xu Tianran had his reasons.
Xiao Tianzhen was arrogant and lacked talent no threat to his throne.
If she had been as ambitious as the Third Prince, Xu Tianran would have eliminated her long ago.
To him, Xiao Tianzhen was just another tool and now, it was time to use her.
If she could form a bond with Huo Yuhao, it would secure his imperial power and give him a supremely talented subordinate.
Jing Hongchen's Reaction
Jing Hongchen had initially planned to go along with Xu Tianran's suggestion but he hadn't expected Xu Tianran to suggest making Huo Yuhao a prince consort.
His face stiffened slightly.
His own granddaughter hadn't even been considered yet, and now this spoiled princess was supposed to have such good fortune?
Sure, many people wanted connections to the imperial family.
But with Huo Yuhao's potential, he didn't need to attach himself to royalty.
Jing Hongchen forced a smile.
"Your Highness, I believe it's best to let Yuhao decide for himself. He is a man of strong convictions," he replied.
Xu Tianran didn't intend to force an imperial marriage he wasn't foolish.
Elder Kong was still alive.
Forcing his grand disciple into marriage would offend one of the strongest figures in the empire.
Xu Tianran's eyes flickered.
"Very well," he said.
"But I'll have Xiao Tianzhen visit the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy more often give her more opportunities to interact with him."
Late Night at the Mingyue Hotel
As the first day of the competition ended, most teams returned to the Mingyue Hotel to rest.
In the corridors, Xuanzi stood alone, having successfully evaded Song Lao and the others.
No one could stop him except Mu En himself.
He took a sip from his wine jug, deep in thought.
Which team should he target?
Not every team was worthy of being considered a true opponent to Shrek Academy.
So the weaker teams weren't worth his time.
Of course, his best target should have been Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy.
If he could cripple their team, it would make Shrek Academy and Tang Sect's path to victory much easier.
However, the Sun Moon Empire had not required their team to stay at the Mingyue Hotel.
That meant no opportunity to strike.
Xuanzi scowled.
"The Sun Moon Empire is so unfair, giving their academy special privileges!"
Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy was the biggest obstacle in Shrek Academy and Tang Sect's path to winning both champion and runner up titles.
After all, Tang Sect's entire team consisted of Shrek students.
For Xuanzi, the ideal scenario was Tang Sect vs. Shrek Academy in the finals.
That way, no matter who won, Shrek's legacy would remain untarnished.
After pondering for a while, he finally made his decision.
"I'll go after Snow Demon Sect first.
"That sect dared to expose my attack on the Sun Moon exchange students last time.
"This grudge must be settled first."
With that, Xuanzi disappeared into the night, heading toward the Snow Demon Sect's lodging.
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