The tournament in Star Luo City had ended, and the week-long journey back was over.
Every member of the Shrek Team had returned to the academy. They had traveled day and night without stopping, and not one had dared to slack off.
During the journey, Huo Yuhao had seized the chance to break through. His Soul Power had reached rank thirty, the realm of a Soul Elder.
It looked like a difference of only one rank, but for a Soul Master with an Ultimate Attribute, it was a crucial watershed in the early stages.
The championship team, laden with glory, had yet to formally report back to the academy. But within Shrek's highest seat of power—the Sea God Pavilion—a fierce debate over Huo Yuhao had already erupted.
Inside the ancient, solemn hall of the Sea God Pavilion, sandalwood incense curled through the air. Its thousand-year-old timber beams and pillars held the weight of ages.
Several white-haired Titled Douluo sat within, each one a pillar supporting Shrek's ten-thousand-year legacy.
At the head of the hall sat Mu En in a plain robe. His eyes were clouded, yet stars seemed to hide within them.
In the center of the hall stood Yan Shaozhe, Dean of the Martial Soul Department. His eyes were faintly red with emotion as he stared at Mu En above him, his voice hard and unyielding.
"I absolutely refuse to agree! You want to let Huo Yuhao and his companions enter the Golden Tree and absorb Life Energy for a month of cultivation!"
Yan Shaozhe's forceful words rang through the hall. Anyone who didn't know better might have thought he was the righteous one.
"Teacher! It's true that Huo Yuhao led the team to victory, but that glory wasn't his alone! The entire team fought and sacrificed to win