Chapter 43 – Shrek's Cold Logic
In a quiet courtyard within Shrek Academy, Wang Yan bowed deeply to an unkempt old man sprawled on a reclining chair, gnawing lazily on a chicken leg.
"Elder Xuan, about Huo Yuhao…"
"Okay, okay, stop right there." Elder Xuan waved his free hand impatiently, not even glancing at Wang Yan. "That boy Huo Yuhao again? Haven't you been nagging me about him for months now? I remember you wouldn't stop during the freshman competition either."
"Elder Xuan, Huo Yuhao possesses an eye-type martial soul. Though his innate soul power is only level one, that alone makes it a top-tier body martial soul," Wang Yan said earnestly.
Elder Xuan scowled, clearly growing annoyed. "Hmph. If his martial soul had truly awakened, then yes, it would've been considered elite. But it hasn't awakened, has it? A first-level innate soul power—he's lucky to have even been accepted into Shrek Academy. That's more than he deserves."
"Master Xuan, Huo Yuhao is not waste. To reach level ten at the age of eleven with such a low starting point—it's almost a miracle. And his dedication surpasses that of anyone else in the first grade. If we offer him even a sliver of resources, he may succeed in a second awakening of his martial soul."
"What if he doesn't?" Elder Xuan growled, squinting one eye at him. "Who's going to take responsibility for those wasted resources? You?"
"Master Xuan…"
"I've said this before, and I'll say it again—Shrek only nurtures awakened geniuses, not hopefuls waiting for miracles. If his martial soul awakens, then fine, we'll talk resources. But if it doesn't, it proves he's just ordinary."
"But—!"
"Fine! Let me ask you this," Elder Xuan snapped, sitting up with a flash of irritation. "What is Huo Yuhao's current soul power level?"
"…Level fifteen," Wang Yan admitted, lowering his gaze.
"Half a year since enrollment, and he's just met the basic threshold for freshmen. What value is there in investing in someone like that? He's dragging down the Bright Goddess Butterfly, who showed remarkable talent with a thousand-year soul ring. Without him holding her back, she might've beaten those two girls with the hair martial spirits."
"Wang Dong is indeed a genius," Wang Yan admitted, "but if Huo Yuhao successfully awakens his martial soul a second time, he will be no less."
Elder Xuan scoffed. "I've had enough of this nonsense. I've tolerated your babbling for months. I'll let the boy stay in the academy for two more years, but that's it. Say another word to me about giving him resources, and you can pack your things and leave Shrek Academy."
Wang Yan opened his mouth again, but Elder Xuan's cold snort cut him off. A crushing pressure descended on him, forcing him to his knees.
"I've made up my mind," Elder Xuan said as he turned and walked away, his back facing the still-kneeling teacher. "Don't test my patience again."
Only after a long moment did Elder Xuan release his soul pressure. Wang Yan remained kneeling, staring at the man's retreating figure, sorrow flickering in his eyes.
"…Elder Xuan…"
He sighed deeply.
Wang Yan had hoped to help Huo Yuhao achieve a second awakening of his main body martial soul. If he succeeded, it would allow Shrek to fill a long-vacant position—the study and cultivation of top-tier body martial souls. That would raise Shrek's influence even further on the continent. But to his dismay, no one else in the academy shared his vision.
"…Still, at least Elder Xuan agreed to let him stay for two more years," Wang Yan murmured. "That's something. I just have to make the most of this time. I must figure out the method to awaken a body martial soul for the second time."
Though disappointed, he quickly pulled himself together. To him, today's meeting wasn't a total failure. Elder Xuan had indirectly granted him time and space to continue observing Huo Yuhao, which meant the door to research on the second awakening wasn't entirely shut.
"Don't worry, Elder Xuan. I'll make it happen."
Wang Yan clenched his fists and muttered under his breath with renewed determination.
However, hidden in the shadows of the Sea God Pavilion, a more complex picture was unfolding.
Mu En, head of the Pavilion, had been silently observing everything. As the leader of Shrek's highest authority, he understood Elder Xuan's decision well. Cultivating the second awakening of a body martial soul was not just difficult—it was nearly impossible.
Yet Huo Yuhao's eye-type martial soul was undeniably top-class among body spirits. If the Body Sect ever learned about him, they would pull him in without hesitation. A boy like that could easily become a future elder of their sect, perhaps even their hope for resurgence.
That was a threat Shrek could not allow.
Thus, Elder Xuan's approach was coldly strategic—allowing Huo Yuhao to stay in the academy but not supporting his growth. No resources, no meaningful guidance. Let him linger until he turned twenty. After that age, even if he somehow awakened his martial soul, the lack of a strong foundation would forever cap his potential. He would never reach the heights of a Super Douluo.
And by then, Shrek would have quietly removed a potential rival to their dominance on the continent.
From a moral standpoint, the decision was cruel.
From the standpoint of Shrek's long-term interests, it was perfect.
Mu En sighed. He didn't plan to interfere. Elder Xuan had acted with the academy's best interests at heart. And as for Huo Yuhao—he was too polite, too soft-spoken. Without talent, those traits amounted to nothing.
Politeness, after all, was only a virtue when backed by power.
Meanwhile, within Shrek Academy's inner courtyard, Yan Shaozhe was in the middle of inspecting the team preparing for the upcoming All-Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Tournament.
As he evaluated their progress, a powerful presence descended from the sky—Elder Xuan had arrived.
"Elder Xuan, welcome," Yan Shaozhe greeted him with a respectful bow. Elder Xuan's status in Shrek Academy was second only to Mu En himself.
"The tournament will start in a little over six months. How's Xiaotao doing?" Elder Xuan asked directly.
"We've had Ling Luochen helping suppress the evil fire within her," Yan Shaozhe replied, "but the results haven't been ideal. If we can't find something to suppress it entirely, we may have to let Dai Yueheng lead the team instead."
"The Dai family's kid? He should've reached the Soul Emperor stage by now."
"Yes, he has."
"Then that's good enough. Two Soul Emperors offer us two playstyles. Even one is workable."
Elder Xuan stepped forward, moving toward the group of students. As his imposing figure stopped before them, the air grew still.
"You lot should recognize me, so I won't waste time introducing myself," he said gruffly. "I've only got one thing to say."
His eyes narrowed, and his voice turned ice-cold.
"If you encounter anyone from the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy during the tournament—kill them. Wipe them out if you have to. I'll take full responsibility."
A few students gasped, stunned by the ruthlessness of the statement.
"If they dare lay a hand on you," Elder Xuan continued, his tone turning even darker, "I'll show them what a level 98 Titled Douluo can do. With me here, you don't need to worry about dying."
The students remained silent, their faces pale. It was rare for an elder to show such outright hostility, but none doubted Elder Xuan's words. His killing intent was genuine.
With that final declaration, Elder Xuan turned and walked away, leaving behind a weighty silence.
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