Just as Dai Hao was praising his two sons, his keen senses quickly picked up something amiss. His gaze passed over his sons and landed on the youth behind them.
The youth's breathing had grown unusually rapid and erratic. His eyes held an immensely complicated look as he stared at Dai Hao, filled with emotions beyond words. This was certainly more than mere nervousness at meeting an important figure.
Dai Hao frowned slightly. Looking at Huo Yuhao, he asked in a low voice, "Young man, have we... met before?"
Huo Yuhao's body jolted. His hands clenched into fists at his sides, his nails nearly digging into his palms. Forcing down the emotions churning inside him, he all but squeezed his answer through gritted teeth. "No!"
What sort of man was Dai Hao? A veteran of countless battles who could see into people's hearts-how could he fail to notice Huo Yuhao's strange behavior? But he truly could not remember meeting this youth anywhere. Since the boy seemed unwilling to elaborate, he could not be bothered to pursue it. He was only a stranger, after all. Perhaps he was simply nervous.
But just as Dai Hao was about to look away, Huo Yuhao suddenly raised his head, as though he had made up his mind. His voice carried an excitement he could no longer suppress, and even a hint of accusation. "Your Grace! Do you still remember your other son, Dai Youheng?"
Dai Hao froze.
Ignoring Dai Huabin's instantly darkened expression, Huo Yuhao continued, "The strength he has shown now actually far surpasses that of your legitimate son, Dai Huabin! Yet during the academy's Core Disciple Selection, Dai Huabin took advantage of his weakened state after a fierce battle with Senior Xu Sanshi to ambush and eliminate him. As his father, don't