"Son... are you really planning to go to that Shrek Academy? Honestly, I think some of the intermediate academies nearby are quite good. Especially Tianling Intermediate Academy—it has royal backing. With your talent, you could easily use that route to enter the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy!"
Zhang Lingling looked at Han Feng with visible reluctance. Over the past three and a half years, her soul power hadn't increased much, nor had her appearance changed significantly. Time seemed to have stood still for her—she looked exactly the same as she did three and a half years ago.
Han Feng gave an awkward laugh. Ever since he mentioned wanting to attend Shrek Academy, Zhang Lingling had been voicing her reluctance. Just today alone, it was the third time—once in the morning, noon, and evening.
In reality, Soto City and Stan City weren't that far apart. If one were determined, they could travel back and forth in a single day.
On the other side, Han Dang snorted in disapproval and said sharply, "Hmph! I think he just doesn't want to stay at home anymore. He wants to go out and play. He thinks we're old and annoying!"
Zhang Lingling's eyes filled with sorrow when she heard this. She stared intently at Han Feng and asked, "Feng'er... is that true?"
Han Feng quickly shook his head, waving his hands so fast they left afterimages, and denied it repeatedly: "I never said that! I've already explained—going to Shrek Academy was a decision I made after serious consideration! Tianling Academy may have royal connections, but I really can't stand the aristocratic lifestyle—it's far too restrictive!"
"Shrek Academy may not be that well-known, but I heard that anyone who graduates from there successfully is at least a Soul Sect. Isn't Qin Ming, the youngest Soul Emperor right now, a graduate of Shrek Academy?"
Han Feng argued his case passionately. He absolutely didn't dare accept the blame that Han Dang had placed on him.
Of course, there was another reason Han Feng didn't mention—Shrek Academy had strong backing!
Zhang Lingling sighed softly. Although she understood the reasoning, the thought of the son she had raised for twelve years leaving her side was still difficult to accept.
Han Dang, however, was more straightforward. He grunted, "Do you think your mother and I would've agreed to let you go to Shrek Academy if it weren't like this?"
"But—I have one condition."
His tone suddenly shifted to one of seriousness. He stared at Han Feng and spoke slowly and clearly.
Han Feng straightened up, sensing the gravity in his father's voice. "Go ahead, Dad."
"I was young once too. At your age, I was just as curious—eager to explore the world. But you have to understand, there are limits. I never want to see a repeat of what happened three years ago."
Han Feng, thinking this was something new, immediately deflated upon hearing his father bring up the past again. He groaned, "Dad... I've explained it a hundred times. Three years ago, I didn't wander off on purpose. I was lured away by a ten-thousand-year Fire Spirit Cat!"
But Han Dang still didn't believe him. "I don't want to hear that excuse again. Just be careful."
Han Feng could only shrug helplessly.
Back when Han Feng returned from the Star Dou Forest three and a half years ago, he had explained everything to Han Dang. But neither Han Dang nor Zhang Lingling believed him.
Their reason was simple—what Fire Spirit Cat? They had never even heard of such a soul beast! And even if it were true, how could Han Feng have survived being captured by a ten-thousand-year soul beast?
Han Feng had no way of explaining it. After all, he had promised Sister Qianqian he wouldn't tell anyone—not even Zhang Lingling and Han Dang.
Finally, Han Dang moved on, continuing: "Aside from that, I want you to always remember—you're a defense-type soul master."
"Huh?"
Han Feng was puzzled.
Seeing the confusion on his son's face, Han Dang explained, "Feng'er, your talent is extraordinary. I truly believe that 99% of titled Douluo in this world don't have talent as high as yours."
As he spoke, a natural expression of pride appeared on Han Dang's face. Zhang Lingling showed the same pride.
Han Feng was just one month away from turning twelve, yet his soul power had already reached a staggering level—Level 32! Technically, it had been Level 21, almost 22, right after absorbing the Soul Ring of the Rampaging Rhino. Then came an automatic advancement of 8 levels. Over the past three years, Han Feng had only cultivated about 2 more levels on his own.
Though the increase was small, his soul power quality was incredibly high—almost on par with that of a Soul Sect. In fact, soul masters like Zhang Lingling, who weren't adept in combat, had soul power quality inferior to Han Feng's!
He had also developed four self-created soul skills. In addition to Solar Flame and Shadow Shield, he had created an offensive skill called Charged Shield Bash and a powerful ultimate technique he named Flame Dragon Armor.
If not for the limitations of his martial soul and soul power level, Han Feng could already be considered a Soul Sect—and a powerful one at that.
"But!" Han Dang suddenly raised his voice. "I want you to remember: you're a defense-type soul master. Leave the reckless fighting to the power-type attackers. You're a genius—you have an external soul bone, self-created soul techniques, high soul power, and extraordinary quality. If you go all out, even I would find it tough to handle you. But the world of soul masters is dangerous. Only a genius who survives can be called a true genius."
"With your talent, you're bound to become a Titled Douluo one day. This world will have a place for you—but you must not fight for temporary glory at the cost of your future!"
Han Feng pouted a little. "Of course I'm hard to handle—try fighting someone with two giant shields."
Smack!
Zhang Lingling frowned and lightly tapped his head. "Listen to your father."
"Yes, yes." Han Feng nodded, falling silent. Though he listened to his father's wise words, his thoughts drifted.
In truth, he had considered going to Heaven Dou Imperial Academy—after all, Sister Qianqian was part of the royal family. But she had written back and firmly rejected the idea.
Even after their parting in the Star Dou Forest, Han Feng and Qian Renxue had kept in touch through letters.
Of course, Han Feng always assumed Sister Qianqian was just some princess or noblewoman of the Heaven Dou Empire. He never suspected her true identity as Qian Renxue.
Thinking of her made him think of his external soul bone, and he sighed.
Ever since discovering something unusual about it, Han Feng had secretly tried to study it. But in the end, he gained no real results.
All he knew was this: when his emotions fluctuated wildly, his soul power would become highly active, boosting his strength temporarily. However, this would also cause the external soul bone to become unusually reactive—amplifying his emotions in return. The cycle would repeat, and if he lost control, it could drive him to madness.
He had thought about using this as a trump card—but emotions aren't something one can control at will.
To make things worse, his external soul bone had a distinct personality—it ignored positive emotions like joy or excitement. Only negative emotions such as rage or hatred could awaken its power.
This left Han Feng frustrated. He couldn't even get mad on command enough to trigger the effect!
"Alright, alright! Dearest Mom and Dad, I'm setting sail tomorrow! Don't worry about me—my ship is powered by joy and wisdom~"
Seeing that his father had said his piece, Han Feng broke into song. Although Han Dang and Zhang Lingling didn't understand the reference, they were used to Han Feng speaking in odd, quirky ways ever since he was a child.
At this moment, Han Dang was simply thinking: With a son this talented, he will surely stand atop the world one day.
Zhang Lingling, however, had a far more down-to-earth concern: My son is so handsome—how many daughters-in-law will he bring home this time?
P.S: Read advanced chapters in my collection at patreon.com/Zarctus[1]
[1] P.S: Read advanced chapters in my collection at patreon.com/Zarctus