The matter was then resolved satisfactorily. Both the Sun Moon Emperor and Crown Prince Xu Tianran had connections, and both were there for Huo Yuhao's sake.
They also realized the importance of Huo Yuhao, so whether it was maintaining good relations with the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy and Mingde Hall, or dealing with Shrek's diplomatic issues, Wang Shaojie had gotten himself into a huge mess this time.
He's right. Having a background is indeed a form of strength, but when someone's strength has grown to the point where they no longer need a background, that's when they become truly terrifying.
Ju Zi naturally suggested to Crown Prince Xu Tianran that he befriend Mingde Hall and Hall Master Hongchen of the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy, as this would be extremely important for consolidating his power in the future.
Because Ju Zi had truly helped him a great deal; during the power struggle, when Xu Tianran was attacked, it was Ju Zi who shielded him from the knife.
Xu Tianran also brought Ju Zi into the military, handing Ju Zi the military's trump card so she could take revenge in the future, and promising her that she would become his crown princess and future empress.
Xu Tianran's only request was for Ju Zi to help him secure his ascension to the throne.
The Mingde Hall met with the Sun Moon Emperor and explained to him the diplomatic matters concerning Shrek Academy. He was a disciple of Mu En of the Sea God Pavilion.
This background is incredible; he's both a disciple of Mu En of the Sea God Pavilion and the champion of the Soul Fighting Tournament.
He immediately ordered Wang Shaojie's arrest and imprisonment. Along with the Soul Emperor Soul King, Xu Mochen, given Wang Shaojie's background, could not escape this crisis either; his entire family was punished.
Wang Shaojie was so terrified that he was assassinated by Xu Tianran's men the very next day.
"Are you really leaving?" Huo Yuhao leaned against the ginkgo tree, golden leaves drifting past his shoulder.
Ju Zi took a deep breath and shoved a letter into his hand. "Military orders are absolute." She tried to keep her voice steady, " Xu Tianran needs me to join the military; this is a perfect opportunity for me to take revenge."
Huo Yuhao didn't open the letter, but gently held her cold hand. "The battlefield is ever-changing." His eyes were more serious than ever before. "Remember, no matter what happens, come back alive."
Ju Zi paused for a moment, then suddenly threw herself into his arms. She hugged him so tightly, as if trying to etch that warmth into her very bones.
"Wait for me to come back," she whispered in Huo Yuhao's ear, "And then... I will tell you my answer."
Huo Yuhao smiled and said, "Don't worry, I believe in your abilities. I could see your military talent the moment we met, and I'm sure I'll hear your answer."
With Ju Zi's departure, Huo Yuhao officially began his advanced studies at the Mingde Hall. Without the turmoil surrounding the Snow Empress Embryo, and without the open and covert struggles between various forces, everything was unbelievably peaceful.
The Soul Guidance Trial Grounds were already bustling with activity at dawn. Nearly 12,000 teachers and students from the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy packed the stands to capacity, with even the aisles filled with people. This unprecedented exchange match had caused the academy to suspend classes for three days, as everyone wanted to witness the ultimate showdown between Soul Master and Soul Engineer.
"Quiet!"
The referee for this event is, of course, Xuan Ziwen. As Huo Yuhao's mentor, he is undoubtedly the most suitable candidate.
Xuan Ziwen had only heard of Huo Yuhao's power, but had never witnessed it firsthand, so he accepted Lin Jiayi's invitation without hesitation.
Lin Jiayi's deep voice resounded throughout the venue through the Amplifying Soul Tool, instantly silencing the noisy discussions. He stood on the north side of the platform, his gaze sweeping across the packed stands:
"To promote exchange and learning between Soul Master and Soul Engineer, this sparring match is being held today. Shrek Academy will send last year's Soul Fighting Tournament champion, Huo Yuhao, to spar with our students. Regardless of the outcome, we hope everyone will benefit from this."
Huo Yuhao originally wanted to refuse this exchange student competition.
However, if Nana is to be used to bring up the incident involving the Evil Soul Master, then participation is necessary. The Evil Soul Master of the Holy Spirit Cult are all vicious and wicked people who do the most heinous things. Although they can act alone, they are bound to accidentally kill some innocent people.
There are also Ji Juechen and Jing Ziyan, who will become formidable combat forces in the future. They would be good recruits for establishing the Spirit Pagoda.
"Next up, please welcome Huo Yuhao from the Shrek Academy!"
As Lin Jiayi made the announcement, the entire audience erupted in deafening cheers and boos.
The atmosphere inside the Soul Guidance Trial Grounds was heated and noisy, with most of the students from the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy casting disdain and hostility in their gazes toward Huo Yuhao.
In their eyes, the people of the Shrek Academy were nothing more than a bunch of barbarians who only knew brute force. Huo Yuhao slowly walked to the center of the arena, ignoring these prejudiced gazes.
He had long since severed his ties with the Shrek Academy; he hated it. The bond between the Shrek Academy and him had been completely broken in his previous life.
He no longer needs to Shrek Academy, nor does he care to bring glory to the Tang Sect. His gaze has already been set on the more distant future: the establishment of the Spirit Pagoda and the building of his own power. Although it will ultimately be a temporary transition, it is a mission he must complete.
In the stands, Ke Ke and Zi Mu squeezed into the crowd. Since Ju Zi had joined the military, only the two of them could come to support Huo Yuhao. Ke Ke gripped the railing tightly with both hands, her cheeks flushed an unnatural red, her eyes following the tall figure in the arena.
"He will definitely win..." Ke Ke muttered softly, her heart racing uncontrollably. Ever since that trip to the Jingyang Mountain Range, Huo Yuhao's image had been lingering in her mind, and she felt a strange flutter in her heart, always hoping that he would win.
Although she had witnessed his strength firsthand, having seen such an outstanding boy, and comparing him to the arrogant noble children in the academy, Huo Yuhao seemed like someone from another world. She always felt that the people in her own academy were somewhat lacking.
This is similar to how Meng Hongchen viewed Wang Dong. However, Meng Hongchen was simply infatuated with Wang Dong because he was handsome, while Ke Ke viewed Huo Yuhao because of his powerful strength, gentle attitude, delicious food, and willingness to risk his life to save others. This is what created Ke Ke's feelings for him.
Zi Mu keenly noticed her companion's unusual behavior, and chuckled, shaking her head. Who would have thought that this girl, who had once made things difficult for Huo Yuhao, would now be cheering him on?
This turn of events was probably unexpected even for Huo Yuhao himself. His original target was only Ju Zi, but unknowingly, he also captured Ke Ke's heart. Had Ke Ke inadvertently won over this young girl without even realizing it?
"Go for it!" When Huo Yuhao stood in the center of the field, Ke Ke finally couldn't help but shout out. Amidst a chorus of boos, her voice stood out, drawing the attention of those around her. But she didn't care; her eyes were only on the boy who shone brightly in the sunlight.
Huo Yuhao seemed to sense something and looked up at the stands. When his gaze met Ke Ke's, the girl's face instantly turned as red as a ripe apple, and she hurriedly lowered her head.
This scene made Zi Mu chuckle. Who would have thought that the usually feisty and straightforward Ke Ke would have such a shy side?