The World Was Shocked

As Huo Tianchen announced that he had become a Titled Douluo, Blazing Academy's reputation soared once again. It also became the only advanced Soul Master Academy in the two great empires with a Titled Douluo.

At this point, Blazing Academy's standing in the Soul Master World had reached unprecedented heights. In the finals, Huo Wu's peerless elegance, Huo Wushuang's overwhelming dominance, and Wang Xiaofei's ever-changing application of Soul Skills had all become the faith of many young Soul Masters.

For a time, countless students came to Blazing City seeking admission. Unfortunately, Blazing Academy only accepted Fire Element Soul Masters, so it could only recommend some talented students to the other Elemental Academies. As a result, the other major Elemental Academies rose in prominence as well. Even Skywater Academy, which had always been strict in its admissions, recruited quite a few more gifted students.

All the various factions discussed Blazing Academy and Huo Tianchen.

At the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, Sect Master Ning Fengzhi sat together with Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo. Ning Fengzhi said, "With Huo Tianchen's talent, it should have been difficult for him to break through in such a short time. Could he really have absorbed the Soul Bone awarded by the Spirit Master Tournament? Given Huo Tianchen's character, he shouldn't have taken the rewards of a few students. Or did he encounter some other opportunity? Especially since Huo Wu and Huo Wushuang in the finals were his granddaughter and grandson. Uncle Jian, do you think Wang Xiaofei has truly wasted his potential?"

Sword Douluo shook his head. "I don't know either. During the Spirit Master Tournament, his performance had already far exceeded my expectations. As a Soul Ancestor, he defeated two Soul Kings by himself, and his Soul Power was exceptionally deep. He did not look like someone whose potential had been depleted. Moreover, he had an excellent grasp of his Martial Soul and Soul Skills. It could be said that he was invincible among those of the same rank and could fight above his level. He could be called the foremost among the younger generation. But he only advanced six levels in two and a half years. I don't know why."

Ning Fengzhi said again, "Uncle Jian, do you think there is still a need to win Wang Xiaofei over?"

Sword Douluo shook his head again. "Wang Xiaofei is extremely low-key in his conduct. He clearly does not wish to take part in struggles between factions. He was even unwilling to attend the finals award ceremony, obviously because he did not want to face the Pope's recruitment. Being so low-key, he is certainly a person with a very firm mind. It will probably be difficult for us as well."

After thinking for a moment, Ning Fengzhi finally said, "In the past, the Upper Three Sects stood united, allowing us to contend against Spirit Hall. But now Haotian has gone into seclusion, and that Tang San clearly has plans of his own. The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan has only that old dragon holding it up and does not dare act rashly. Blazing Academy clearly has ties to Star Luo's Fire Leopard Sect, while the Fire Leopard Sect has Spirit Hall behind it. Even if we cannot win Blazing Academy over, we cannot allow them to lean toward Spirit Hall."

"This time, Huo Tianchen has become a Titled Douluo. I plan to take Rong Rong with me to offer congratulations in person. It would be best if Rong Rong could get to know Wang Xiaofei. Uncle Jian, I'll have to trouble you to take another look at him then."

Sword Douluo nodded.

At the Heaven Dou Imperial Palace, Xue Ye, Prince Xue Xing, Xue Qinghe, and Xue Beng were gathered together. Xue Ye said, "Qinghe, this time, take gifts and attend Dean Huo Tianchen's investiture ceremony. If Huo Tianchen is willing to join the Heaven Dou Royal Family, I can appoint him Imperial Advisor and fully support Blazing Academy's development from then on."

"Also, Blazing Academy's Huo Wu has unparalleled talent and is quite beautiful. You can try pursuing her."

Xue Qinghe nodded with a smile, while Prince Xue Xing and Xue Beng wore rather grim expressions.

After Xue Qinghe returned to his residence, his face turned livid. He said, "That Xue Ye has quite the plan. Yu Long, immediately notify that woman and tell her of Xue Ye's intentions. At the same time, inform the Fire Leopard Sect to strengthen its efforts to win over Blazing Academy. At the very least, we cannot let it side with the Heaven Dou Empire."

Prince Xue Xing and Xue Beng also returned to their residence, equally furious. After thinking for a moment, Xue Beng said, "Royal Uncle, is there any chance we can win over Blazing Academy? Or could I ask to marry Huo Wu?"

Prince Xue Xing looked at Xue Beng in disappointment. Shaking his head, he said, "If you went to propose with your reputation, you might be thrown out on the spot. Huo Wu is extremely proud. Even Xue Qinghe will likely have a hard time."

Xue Beng gritted his teeth. "Even if I cannot marry her, I absolutely cannot let Xue Qinghe succeed. Can we ask Dugu Bo to sabotage it?"

Prince Xue Xing shook his head. "Dugu Bo is only in the Heaven Dou Empire because he owes me a favor. He would never offend a Titled Douluo."

At Spirit Hall, the Pope looked over the report and said, "Chrysanthemum Douluo, take Nana and the other two to Blazing Academy. Remember, we are there to win them over. We cannot let them join the Heaven Dou Empire. Focus on that child called Wang Xiaofei. If he is promising, invite him to Spirit Hall." Chrysanthemum Douluo below nodded. "As you command, Your Holiness, the Pope!"

For a time, every faction in the Heaven Dou Empire expressed its intention to build friendly relations. They all arranged for important representatives to prepare lavish gifts for a visit.

Meanwhile, Wang Xiaofei, who was at Blazing Academy, felt somewhat conflicted. He did not really want to attend the investiture ceremony, but it would be hard to justify skipping his own dean's ceremony. Besides, with so many people there, exposing his strength would be troublesome. And he had not returned home for years; he wanted to go back and see Old Jack.

Huo Wu saw Xiaofei's frustration and, without another word, dragged him to Dean Huo Tianchen. The dean smiled and said, "Xiaofei, I never intended to let the three of you attend this investiture ceremony. Otherwise, where do you think all those rumors outside came from?"

Xiaofei instantly understood the dean's purpose in spreading the rumors. He stood and bowed to him.

The dean shook his head. "You are all my students. It is only right that I protect you. Recently, I'll have Huo Lie take the three of you out for training."

And so, while everyone focused their attention on Blazing Academy, Huo Lie had already left the academy with Xiaofei, Huo Wu, and Huo Wushuang.

After leaving the academy, Huo Wu asked, "Xiaofeizi, where are we going now?"

Xiaofei thought for a moment. "I want to return to Holy Soul Village first and see my grandfather. I haven't gone home in two and a half years. I'm considering whether I should bring my grandfather to Blazing City."

The others all nodded. Huo Wu suddenly asked rather bashfully, "Since it's our first visit, should we bring any gifts?" Seeing Huo Wu's expression, everyone broke out in a cold sweat.

After several days of travel, Xiaofei returned to Holy Soul Village.

When Old Jack saw Xiaofei, his eyes filled with excitement. Holy Soul Village had finally produced another Soul Master.

After several years without returning home, Old Jack seemed to have aged considerably. They invited a doctor to examine him, and the doctor said that Old Jack was mainly too old, compounded by years of hard labor. He had grown so frail that he was nearly at the end, with at most a few months left to live.

The group stayed in Holy Soul Village afterward. Whenever Xiaofei had time, he kept Old Jack company, and at night, he cultivated his Soul Power. Huo Wu, meanwhile, seemed somewhat strange. She was no longer as valiant and spirited as before, but instead had a trace of a young woman's gentleness. She even occasionally tried learning to cook, making everyone look at her with strange expressions.

At the same time, Blazing City was extremely lively. Countless people came to visit Huo Tianchen, yet they did not see the three main members who had performed best in the Spirit Master Tournament. Everyone was deeply curious, only to eventually learn that the three had gone out for training. Those who had wanted to recruit them or befriend them left with disappointed expressions.

As for Huo Tianchen himself, he adopted an attitude of neither accepting nor refusing nor opposing the recruitment attempts from every side. At the same time, he repeatedly stated that he merely ran an academy and seemed unwilling to become too closely involved with any faction. The factions seeking to recruit him were left rather speechless.