"It turns out to be Duke White Tiger in person, my apologies, my apologies!"
Zhongli cupped his hands towards Dai Hao, but his expression didn't change in the slightest, and there wasn't the slightest ripple in his eyes.
Seeing this, Dai Hao was filled with confusion.
Even though the Dai family was no longer the royal family, they still retained the title of Duke, which was still very influential in the Star Luo Empire.
He was Duke White Tiger, and the other party knew his identity, yet showed no respect or fear. It was... quite interesting.
"My name is Barbatos, just a wandering bard."
Hearing this, Dai Hao felt disdain in his heart. A wandering bard?
If a wandering bard could have such poise, he would rather die than believe it.
This Barbatos in front of him was not being honest!
Thinking carefully, it was understandable for the other party to act this way since it was their first meeting.
"What Duke or not, I'll call you little brother, and you can call me big brother."
Dai Hao waved his hand and said with great enthusiasm.
Zhongli: "..."
There was something he didn't know if he should say!
After Dai Hao finished speaking, he felt an ominous premonition, but he didn't think much of it.
"The Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Grand Competition is starting in a few days. Little brother must be here to watch the competition, right?"
Dai Hao had just returned from the military, having heard that his two sons were participants from Shrek Academy.
Even though Shrek Academy had suffered such a heavy blow, a starved camel was still bigger than a horse!
He believed that as long as Dai Yueheng and the others performed well this year, they could restore the former glory of Shrek Academy.
At this moment, Dai Hao didn't know that his younger son had been reduced to ashes, and his elder son had lost a leg, becoming a cripple.
"That's right!"
Zhongli nodded. If it wasn't to watch the competition, why would he be here?
"Then, little brother, which team do you support?"
Dai Hao asked with a smile.
In previous years, such a question didn't need to be asked!
After the merger of Douluo and the Sun Moon Empire, for four thousand years!
The Sun Moon Empire had only won the championship once, while the other championships had all gone to Shrek Academy.
The Sun Moon Royal Academy was the perennial runner-up...
This year was different. Shrek Academy had suffered an unprecedented "dimensional blow," directly knocking it back to the "ancient era."
Fortunately, the core of Shrek Academy hadn't changed much, and it could still stabilize the situation.
At most, in a hundred years, Shrek Academy would rise again.
After taking a sip of tea, Zhongli calmly said, "Liyue Academy."
Even if Ma Xiaotao and the others weren't injured, even if this year's Shrek team was complete, Liyue Academy wouldn't lose.
Dai Hao stroked his chin, deep in thought.
He knew about Liyue Academy.
It was Liyue's "academy," but it was different from a traditional academy and didn't follow the usual structure.
"Liyue was built by the Martial God, so Liyue Academy naturally has many talents."
"But the foundation of Liyue Academy is indeed a bit too weak. If they win the championship next year, I wouldn't be surprised."
"But this year, Liyue Academy might not be able to defeat Shrek Academy."
Dai Hao's analysis was reasonable, but he didn't know that in the face of a 100, 000-year soul spirit, those so-called foundations were laughable...
After saying this, Dai Hao looked at "Barbatos," wanting to hear what "Barbatos" would say.
But to his disappointment, "Barbatos" didn't react at all, just took another sip of tea and remained silent.
This left Dai Hao dumbfounded.
Was his title as Duke White Tiger no longer effective, or was there something wrong with his words?
"Forget it, why am I saying so much to this young man?"
After muttering to himself, Dai Hao cupped his hands towards "Barbatos" and said, "Little brother, I have some matters at home, so I won't stay long."
"I'll be at the White Tiger Duke's residence during this time. If you have time, little brother, feel free to come and visit!"
After saying this, Dai Hao didn't wait for "Barbatos" to respond and turned to leave.
Watching Dai Hao's retreating figure, Zhongli didn't say much, just sighed.
Such is fate.
As soon as Dai Hao returned to the White Tiger Duke's residence, he saw the person he least wanted to see, his wife, the Duchess of White Tiger!
The Duchess of White Tiger looked anxious, and when she saw Duke White Tiger, a flash of joy appeared in her eyes.
After so many years, this guy had finally returned!
As if remembering something, the joy of Dai Hao's return turned into urgency again.
"As my wife, the princess of the empire, how can you be so flustered?"
The moment he saw the Duchess of White Tiger, Dai Hao's good mood was completely ruined.
He didn't give her the slightest bit of a good look.
The Duchess of White Tiger clenched her fists, thinking of more important matters, and decided not to argue with Dai Hao.
After all, she had gotten used to it over the years.
"Dai Hao, it seems something has happened to the Shrek team!"
"The Shrek team has been in Star Luo City for three days, but Yueheng and Huabin haven't shown up."
"Not only that, the people who came can't even make up a full team of seven. They, they seem to be injured..."
"I'm afraid, I'm afraid..."
Hearing this, Dai Hao was stunned, then his whole body trembled.
His wife might deceive him in other matters, but when it came to Dai Yueheng and Dai Huabin, she wouldn't dare to hide anything.
These two were his legitimate sons, the future heirs of the White Tiger Duke. Wasn't this what she wanted?
"Are you telling the truth?"
Although he knew his wife wouldn't lie, he still had to confirm.
"Dai Hao, I know you hate me, but Yueheng and Huabin are your legitimate sons. They are innocent!"
"How could I deceive you about such a thing?"
"Let's go, let's check the hotel where they're staying."
Dai Hao glanced at the Duchess of White Tiger and quickly said.
After all, Dai Yueheng and Dai Huabin were his legitimate sons. If one didn't show up, it might be due to a change in the academy's plans.
But if both didn't show up, something must have happened.
Seeing Dai Hao like this, the Duchess of White Tiger quickly nodded and followed him to the hotel where the Shrek Academy team was staying.
In just a short while, the two arrived at the hotel, where Wang Yan received them.
When Wang Yan learned of their identities, a bitter expression appeared on his face. How could he answer?
Dai Yueheng had a broken leg and was severely injured, while Dai Huabin had been reduced to ashes...
"Teacher Wang Yan, what exactly happened?"
"What happened to my two sons?"
The Duchess of White Tiger asked anxiously.
Wang Yan looked at the Duchess of White Tiger, his mouth slightly open, hesitating to speak.
He really couldn't bring himself to say it!
The White Tiger lineage had trusted Shrek Academy and entrusted their children to it, but what was the result?
"Don't trouble Xiao Wang, let me answer you."
At that moment, Xuan Zi, Yan Shaozhe, Cai Mei'er, and others, along with a dozen students, entered the hotel.