The Snow Empress looked at Huo Yuhao's clear eyes, genuine puzzlement surfacing in her own. "What kind of faction do you want to build?"
"A new faction independent of Shrek and the Body Sect," Huo Yuhao said methodically. "I see it as a bridge between humans and Soul Beasts, bound by neither sect restrictions nor academy rules. Its focus will be cooperation in both directions, coexistence, and mutual benefit."
Huo Yuhao had weighed this plan for a long time.
Under the continent's existing system, human Soul Masters and Soul Beasts remained opposed. Neither side could truly reconcile the conflict between the two races.
“Does the Soul Beast Sovereign know about your plan?” the Snow Empress asked, her gaze sharpening.
"Of course." Huo Yuhao nodded openly.
He had given Gu Yue the complete Soul Contract he had created. The contract required no sacrifice and allowed both parties to coexist as equals. By now, word had likely passed through the Jade Abacus, level by level, to the Star Dou Great Forest. Di Tian and the other top Ferocious Beasts would all know.
At the thought, Huo Yuhao laughed inwardly.
He had stolen Gu Yue away and, through the unexpected workings of the Dragon Transformation Art, brought Huo Yan'er into the world with both their bloodlines. Yet far from creating a rift, it had firmly strengthened the bond between humans and Soul Beasts. It was the greatest harvest from a willow planted without intent.
The Snow Empress considered it briefly, then nodded. "All right. I'll help you. You can decide the faction's name and where to establish its headquarters."
"...Let's call it the Spirit-Patrol Pavilion," Huo Yuhao said after a moment's thought. "Its headquarters will be in the Far North."
"The Far North is an excellent choice." A glimmer lit the Snow Empress's