Time passed, and nearly a month went by just like that. The next day, Shrek Academy was officially starting its exchange student program with the Sun Moon Empire.
The exchange location was chosen to be Maple Leaf City in the Heavenly Soul Empire.
Since Ma Xiaotao had advanced to the ultimate attribute, her days had been incredibly busy. Cai Meier personally taught her the various complicated aspects of the dean's office.
Of course, after the initial teaching, Ma Xiaotao's tasks weren't too heavy. She only needed to focus on cultivation. Occasionally, she would assist Cai Meier or Yan Shaozhe in handling affairs. So, for the past month, Huo Yuhao had been teaching Zhu Lu. Of course, Ma Xiaotao had also remembered to ask different types of Soul Masters from the inner court to help with Zhu Lu's special training.
The morning before the day of departure, in the Poseidon Pavilion, a group of people were either sitting or standing.
Old Mu still had some final instructions to give.
"This time, Qian Duoduo and Fan Yu will be leading the team. The situation in the Sun Moon Empire is chaotic, with constant conflicts between the various princes. These children need more powerful individuals to protect them. Remember, if anyone dares to cause trouble, don't hesitate to act. I haven't stretched my bones in quite a while."
Qian Duoduo and Fan Yu stood before Old Mu, their eyes filled with surprise and respect as they nodded, "Yes, sir."
According to the original story, Fan Yu would have led the team alone. However, Huo Yuhao's growth had made Old Mu more cautious, so he directly sent Qian Duoduo along.
Mu En said, "Although Jing Hongchen is cunning, he will not go back on his word regarding promises. However, the Hall of Bright Virtue will certainly teach you the core Soul Tool technology, but they will also give you the most abstruse and difficult problems. You and Fan Yu need to pay attention to this, Duoduo. Remember to guide the students, lest they be hindered by their knowledge, which will stir up their hearts and affect them."
"You can rest assured, Old Mu." Qian Duoduo's eyes flickered, clearly indicating he had this guess as well. This time, he was dispatched, and there was also a symbolic meaning, mainly to attract the attention of the Hall of Bright Virtue.
After all, no matter how strong the students were, they were still students. Unless you could secretly replicate the Soul Tool technology directly, the Hall of Bright Virtue would not care how much the students could learn.
Therefore, the Soul Tool technology that this batch of students would be exposed to was only at the sixth and seventh rank. He, Qian Duoduo, was an eighth-rank Soul Tool Master and knew more than the students, so he would definitely be the focus of attention.
Later, Old Mu said a lot more, but it was mostly cautionary words.
After the meeting, Huo Yuhao stayed behind.
"What's wrong, Yuhao?" Old Mu asked Huo Yuhao with a smile after the others had left.
Huo Yuhao said in a low voice, "Grandmaster, I want to ask you for a favor."
"Go ahead," Old Mu said.
Huo Yuhao said, "I hope the academy will make the Extreme North a key inspection target. There's a high probability that something big will happen there, and maybe we can get a piece of the pie."
Hearing this, Old Mu was quite surprised. The Extreme North was the place Shrek Academy had the least involvement in.
But as if he remembered something, Old Mu chuckled lightly, "Is it for the Ice Emerald Scorpion Soul Beast clan?"
Huo Yuhao's eyes were calm, "Yes."
Ever since he used the Eternal Freeze Domain, he knew that the Ice Emerald Scorpion Martial Soul couldn't be hidden from Old Mu. Of course, Old Mu didn't know it was the Ice Emperor; he would only think it was another one of the hundred-thousand-year-old Ice Emerald Scorpions.
How could a Soul Beast race like the Ice Emperor possibly have only one existence that was over a hundred thousand years old?
"Indeed," Mu En understood. "Your Shizu agreed."
"Thank you," Huo Yuhao respectfully bowed.
Mu En shook his head. "No need to thank me. Consider it a return gift for the hundred-thousand-year-old Ice Emerald Scorpion that sacrificed itself for you. Thank him for making you and for helping Shrek Academy produce an Ultimate Attribute Soul Master."
"But, even if you hadn't mentioned it, your Shizu would still pay close attention to the Extreme North. The Body Sect sent an invitation, hoping to explore the Extreme North with us, but I haven't agreed yet."
Huo Yuhao raised an eyebrow, a little surprised.
Mu En smiled and explained, "The Body Sect obtains a large amount of resources from the Extreme North and the Extreme North Ice Sea every year. Therefore, if something major happens in the Extreme North, the Body Sect will naturally be more concerned because it affects their core interests."
"The reason they invited us is just to use this opportunity to bring the two forces closer together, laying the groundwork for future cooperation. And they know that our Shrek Academy won't step into the Extreme North to compete with them."
"So that's how it is." Huo Yuhao's heart stirred slightly. If the Sea God family really invaded the Extreme North, wouldn't they be stepping on the Body Sect's toes? Du Busi definitely wouldn't let them off.
It seemed he'd unexpectedly gained another helper in the shadows, a pleasant surprise.
"Yuhao," Mu En suddenly said with a strange tone.
Huo Yuhao looked at him in confusion. Mu En smiled meaningfully. "Although the academy doesn't support relationships, it doesn't forbid them either. There are some things you need to seize."
Huo Yuhao was stunned for a moment, then he understood. He chuckled, "Grandson understands."
"Good, good." Mu En was beaming. "Go rest now. Once you get to the Sun Moon Empire, things will probably get busy."
"Yes." Huo Yuhao saluted and then left the Poseidon Pavilion.
Sunlight spilled onto his shoulders, dappling through the treetops. Huo Yuhao had just started walking back to the outer courtyard when he suddenly stopped in place.
Huo Yuhao saw Ma Xiaotao standing not far ahead, dressed in a red outfit. The sunlight fell on her, causing her red hair to cascade down like a waterfall, radiating a captivating glow.
Her pale pink eyes were deep yet clear, and her lips were beautifully shaped with a slight curve. "You're finally out," she said.
"Sister," Huo Yuhao hurried over.
Ma Xiaotao smiled. "Shi Niang said she'd prepare a delicious meal tonight to see you off."
"That would be great," Huo Yuhao said, his eyes filled with anticipation for Cai Meier's cooking, which he highly praised.
Ma Xiaotao nodded thoughtfully, then smiled. "You're leaving for the Sun Moon Empire tomorrow. How about you spend the day with me today?"
"No problem," Huo Yuhao agreed immediately, his heart warming as he looked at the beautiful woman's fair and smooth profile.
They spent the entire afternoon joyfully playing in different districts of Shrek Academy. As the core of the Douluo Continent's economic development, Shrek Academy had a lot of entertainment facilities.
He also got to try many unique, hidden treasures of snacks only found in the alleys, similar to the "hole-in-the-wall" eateries Huo Yuhao had encountered when he wandered the streets and alleys of his past life's mountain city.
Shedding her usual cold and aloof image, Ma Xiaotao's playful side was what Huo Yuhao experienced the most during their outing. It seemed she had never played these things before, nor eaten so many snacks. Whenever she encountered something particularly delightful, she would widen her eyes and gaze at him.
Occasionally, they'd come across a few old ladies' shops. When the two were shopping, they would receive extra items. When asked why, the reply would be, "This girl is so pretty, the grandma likes the look of her."
What could Huo Yuhao say to that?
Of course, he secretly gave them more money.
The grandmas really had an eye for beauty.
When dusk arrived, their outing finally ended. Returning to the academy through the back gate, Huo Yuhao didn't go back to his dorm. Instead, he went straight to Yan Shaozhe's residence. As luck would have it, both the teacher and his wife were there.
As soon as they arrived, the siblings could smell a particularly delicious aroma. Huo Yuhao sat beside Yan Shaozhe, chatting with a smile, while Ma Xiaotao excitedly rushed to the kitchen, shouting to his wife, "I love you!"
"When you go to the Sun Moon Empire, remember to protect yourself," Yan Shaozhe instructed.
"Understood, disciple." Huo Yuhao's eyes flickered. "There's something I'd like to discuss with you."
Yan Shaozhe took a sip of tea, puzzled. "What is it?"
"I plan to replicate the Hall of Bright Virtue's Soul Tool technology, and then send it back to the academy," Huo Yuhao stated frankly.
"Pfft…" A mouthful of exquisite tea was immediately sprayed out by Yan Shaozhe, but before it could reach Huo Yuhao, it automatically turned into ice particles and then dissipated.
Yan Shaozhe didn't have time to wipe his mouth; he immediately asked with a serious expression, "Are you sure?"
"Absolutely sure." Huo Yuhao nodded. "I've already spoken to Grandmaster about this. If I can successfully replicate it, Old Song will be responsible for transporting it."
"Good, good, good." Yan Shaozhe was visibly excited, never expecting this boy to surprise him again.
This son-in-law… no, this disciple was really well-chosen.
Shrek Academy was only lacking in Soul Tool technology. Although it was stronger than the other empires of the original Douluo Continent, it was far behind the Sun Moon Empire.
Forget about morals, if the Sun Moon Empire really had that kind of strength, the first one they would destroy would be Shrek Academy.
"Dinner is ready."
Suddenly, Cai Meier's voice came from the kitchen.
"Let's go eat," Yan Shaozhe patted Huo Yuhao on the shoulder, looking quite pleased.
Huo Yuhao quickly went into the kitchen and helped Ma Xiaotao carry the dishes. The siblings cooperated perfectly.
On the dining table, there were more than a dozen dishes, including things that swam in the sea, ran on the ground, and flew in the sky.
The meal was a warm and cozy affair. Cai Meier kept putting food in Huo Yuhao's bowl, which drew a playful response from Ma Xiaotao.
Of course, their own child had to be spoiled, so Ma Xiaotao's bowl was soon piled high with all sorts of dishes, too.
Amidst the laughter and the clinking of cups, the meal came to an end.
Ma Xiaotao and Huo Yuhao offered to help with the dishes, but Cai Meier refused. Yan Shaozhe even took the initiative to tell them to go outside for a walk to aid digestion.
Huo Yuhao understood his master and mistress's intentions.
Leaving the house, they went outside. The cool evening breeze drifted in from Poseidon Lake. Along the forest path, lamps hung high, emitting a soft glow that dispelled the darkness. The pavilions were brightly lit, hidden among the branches and leaves.
The siblings chatted casually, and before they knew it, they had arrived at the edge of Poseidon Lake. At a glance, the clear water was constantly lapping against the shore. Occasionally, they could see fish leaping out of the water, their scales glittering. It seemed like a good place for fishing.
The moon, like a silver plate, was reflected in the water. Huo Yuhao picked up a pebble and tossed it in, causing ripples to spread out. The moonlight was scattered, stubbornly trying to gather again.
The next moment, he took off his shoes and socks, stepping directly into the shallow water. The water reached his ankles, and the cool temperature was comfortable.
"Sister, do you want to join me?" Huo Yuhao's eyes, like stars, lit up slightly as he stood in the water.
Ma Xiaotao's beautiful eyes widened slightly. Seeing Huo Yuhao's invitation, she smiled and took off her shoes as well, following him directly.
Her feet were fair and delicate, like congealed fat, faintly emitting a jade-like glow under the gentle touch of the moonlight.
Stepping into the water, splashes of water wet her trouser legs, and a look of contentment appeared on Ma Xiaotao's pretty face.
This was the first time she had played like a childish child.
"How about we walk along the beach?" Huo Yuhao said.
"Alright." Ma Xiaotao smiled, quickly putting away her shoes.
The fine, soft sand, bathed in the pure moonlight, seemed to be covered with a layer of clean, soft white gauze. When stepped upon, water splashed up, but the sand also slightly sank, enveloping the foot, as if giving a massage, making one feel relaxed.
"We're about to go to the Sun Moon Empire. There's something I haven't finished yet, and I need your help with something, sis."
Walking along, the siblings soon arrived at a place where the environment was slightly dimmer. There were piles of ancient trees on the shore, with lush branches and leaves that almost completely blocked out the moonlight.
Huo Yuhao spoke, stopping in his tracks, gazing at the lake. Ma Xiaotao also stopped, looking at Huo Yuhao, and said with a smile, "Sis agrees. What exactly is it?"
"Sis, look at the lake," Huo Yuhao didn't answer directly.
Hearing this, Ma Xiaotao shifted her gaze to the lake, and was immediately stunned.
Beneath the clear lake water, which should have been dim after losing the moonlight, wisps of soft, emerald green light spread out. From under their feet, it was like a landscape painting unfolding. Before long, there were many emerald spots of light on the beach.
Under the night sky, on the winding beach, the light spots scattered, emitting a fluorescent glow, one after another. When the lake water rushed to the shore, this fluorescent light would also leave indelible light marks on the beach.
"This…" Ma Xiaotao stared blankly at the lake when a strange scene suddenly unfolded.
On the lake surface, where the emerald green light spots were densely packed, the water surged and began to rise. The next moment, crystal-clear, emerald-green ice crystal rose flowers began to condense, appearing like numerous flowers in a flower bed, but none of them had bloomed, appearing only as buds.
When the evening breeze blew over, a certain crisp and pleasant wind chime sound could be faintly heard.
Ma Xiaotao's chest rose and fell, her pink eyes filled with amazement, as she gazed at the lake.
Suddenly, Huo Yuhao moved. Ma Xiaotao instinctively looked over and saw Huo Yuhao picking up an ice crystal rose.
As if sensing something, Ma Xiaotao's breathing quickened, her red lips pressed together, faintly trembling, and her eyes revealed a strong look of anticipation.
Holding the ice crystal rose, Huo Yuhao walked solemnly in front of Ma Xiaotao and smiled, "This matter, in short, is very simple."
Under Ma Xiaotao's expectant gaze, Huo Yuhao offered the ice crystal rose, and his voice then rang out.
"I think just being your junior brother seems a bit dull... I thought about it, and I might as well add another identity. Boyfriend feels quite suitable, what do you think?"
At that moment, Ma Xiaotao's mind went blank. Even though she had already figured out what Huo Yuhao was going to say, it still brought a huge impact.
Looking at the ice crystal rose being offered to her, Ma Xiaotao smiled, her pink eyes softening.
"Is this a surprise?"
Huo Yuhao smiled and said, "More or less."
Ma Xiaotao wasn't the type to be shy. When Huo Yuhao finished speaking, she reached out and took the ice crystal rose.
Taking the flower meant she accepted Huo Yuhao's confession.
Huo Yuhao's eyes immediately lit up with joy.
Perhaps because of the change in their relationship, Ma Xiaotao's pretty face flushed a bit. Even though she was usually bold and uninhibited, she couldn't help but lose her composure in these circumstances.
After all, they were now a couple, a senior and junior sister.
But before Ma Xiaotao could say anything, the ice crystal rose seemed to have activated some kind of switch, slowly blooming. The crystal clear petals were each so dazzling. At the same time, thousands of flowers on the lake all bloomed.
The lake surface seemed to transform into a sea of flowers.
Ma Xiaotao was completely captivated. She murmured, "You've really made the ultimate ice bloom into something beautiful."
Huo Yuhao's expression relaxed a bit, and he chuckled softly, "I didn't know how to declare my feelings, so I racked my brains. Fortunately, I didn't disappoint you."
Hearing this, Ma Xiaotao turned her gaze from the lake to Huo Yuhao's face.
~~~
Fully Completed English PDF of this fan-fic on my Patreon shop if you want to support and own the full fan-fic in one go. Just grab the PDF and binge the entire story from start to finish!
I've uploaded some New New High Quality english translated fanfic on my Patreon shop! recently Feel free to check it out—if you're interested, you can grab a copy and support me there.
Here are a few titles of recently uploaded fanfics on patreon:
" Douluo: Martial Soul Demonic Zither, Summoning Ancient Divine Beasts "
" Douluo: So What If I Reincarnated as Ning Rongrong "
" Douluo's Strongest Evolution: I Am Ning Rongrong's Big Brother "
" Douluo II: Reborn as Di Tian, Many Children, Many Blessings (18+) "
" Douluo: Reborn as the Mandala Snake, Many Children, Many Blessings (18+) "
" Douluo: Awakening the Darkgolden Terrorclaw Bear Martial Soul at the Start "
" Douluo: Huo Yuhao Possesses Erlang Shen's Heavenly Eye "
" Douluo: My Martial Soul Comes with Soul Rings "
" Douluo Dragon King: Natural God King "
" Tree Realm Descent upon the Douluo Continent "
" Douluo: A Delightful Journey (18+) "
" Douluo II: Lying Low in Shrek and Quietly Leveling Up "
" Douluo II: You Evil Soul Master, What's with the Charity King "
" Douluo: Angels and Knights "
" Douluo: Evolving into a God Starting from a Chameleon "
" Douluo: Transmigrated into a Group of Lewd Women (18+) "
" Douluo: When Tang Wulin Meets Little Huo Niang "
" Douluo: Sisters Corruption (18+) "
" Douluo: Infinite Lustful God Corruption System (18+) "
" Douluo Continent 3: Legend of the Dragon King (18+) "
" Douluo: Infinite Time Travel Harem (18+) "
" Green Light Douluo (18+) Completed Edition "
" Douluo: Smut (18+) "
" Douluo: The Legend of Tang San (18+) "
" Douluo: Erotic Chronicles (18+) "
" Douluo: Peerless Bull (18+) "
" Douluo: Glazed Sacrifice to Revive the Sect (18+) "
" Douluo: Lust Evoulution (18+)"
" Douluo: Twin Lustful Souls (18+) "
" Douluo: Hypnotic Martial Soul (18+) "
" Douluo: Fat Otaku Fu*king All Over Continent (18+) "
many more up to 220+ are available.
Your support means a lot—thanks in advance, legends!
Patreon.com/UIGOD
(End of Chapter)