Electrolux remained silent for a long time, the confusion in his eyes gradually giving way to relief. "So that's what happened... so that's what happened! Yuhao, you managed to escape from a desperate situation!"
Huo Yuhao nodded, his expression somewhat grave. "A vortex in the turbulent currents of space and time swept me in, and it also caused my Martial Soul to mutate. That was how I was lucky enough to return here."
If not for my teacher, I would have perished completely...
Suddenly, Huo Yuhao's knees slammed into the illusory ground of the Sea of Consciousness with a muffled thud. His body trembled slightly, and he bowed his head deeply, as though he no longer had the courage to look the man before him in the eye. "I'm sorry, Teacher!" His hoarse voice was filled with remorse and self-reproach. "Your disciple was so foolish that he forgot about you after entering the Divine Realm, and in the end, I failed to bring you back to life!"
Scalding tears burst from his eyes and fell onto the empty ground, vanishing in an instant. This was the first time Huo Yuhao had allowed himself to cry since his rebirth. The guilt, regret, and longing buried in his heart poured out like floodwaters bursting through a dam. "A teacher for a day is a father for life!" he said through sobs. "You treated me as your own son, saved me and protected me, but I..."
Electrolux gazed at the disciple kneeling before him, his eyes full of tenderness and heartache. Memories surged back like the tide. When he first met Huo Yuhao, the boy had still been an innocent child. The two figures overlapped, yet he could hardly compare that child to the reborn god before him now.
"Yuhao," he said softly, his voice carrying the weight of years, "I have never thought you foolish. On the contrary, you are gifted and strong-willed. One day, you will surely reach heights beyond my reach. You have always been an outstanding disciple."
Huo Yuhao raised his head, trembling. Tears filled his reddened eyes, and his voice nearly broke. "Teacher... I've missed you so much..." Those few words seemed to have drained all the strength from his body.
Electrolux slowly stepped closer and stroked Huo Yuhao's bowed head. "How could I blame you? Being able to help when you needed it most meant I could die without regrets. But you, child, you've suffered quite a bit along the way, haven't you?"
Huo Yuhao looked up, his vision blurred by tears, yet he still strained to see his teacher's face. "I haven't suffered!" he said stubbornly. "It's just that I failed to live up to your expectations and bring you back to life. I'm ashamed. It was all my fault."
"Silly child," Electrolux gently interrupted him. "Watching you grow, step by step, was like seeing my younger self. You have never disappointed me. On the contrary, you have given me so many pleasant surprises. How time flies..."
His voice trembled slightly. "Yuhao, you have become a true powerhouse, a man who stands tall between heaven and earth. I am proud of you. You have always been my pride and joy."
The Sky Dream Ice Silkworm, watching from the side, was already in tears. He transformed into human form and wiped his eyes incessantly with a handkerchief. "Hey, you two! If you're going to talk, just talk. Why make it so sentimental?" he sobbed. "You've even got a dignified Hundred-Ten-Thousand-Year Soul Beast like me crying..."
Huo Yuhao slowly raised his hand and fiercely wiped the tear streaks from his cheeks with his sleeve, his knuckles turning white from the force.
He straightened his back, fierce killing intent churning in his eyes as his presence abruptly turned biting cold. "Teacher, Tang San imprisoned you for saving me, and then you sacrificed yourself to get me out." His voice was low and firm, every word seemingly forced through clenched teeth. "When I'm strong enough, I'll make sure we get justice! When that time comes, I'll wipe him out completely!"
Electrolux's illusory figure glowed with a gentle halo, his silver hair stirring without wind. His eyes were full of concern and affection as he said slowly in his aged voice, "Yuhao, never let hatred control you, no matter what. Never let anger blind your true heart. It is enough that you feel this way."
After some time, the vortex in the Time Sea of Consciousness appeared, and the white power of space and time gathered once more.
This time, he did not hesitate. Taking a deep breath, Huo Yuhao stepped resolutely into the vortex. The power of space and time enveloped him, and amid the interweaving of light and darkness, this unknown journey began once more...
The damp scent of rotting leaves, mixed with the earthy sweetness of soil, washed over Huo Yuhao as he slowly opened his eyes. "Where is this? Where have I ended up now? Is this still the Star Dou Great Forest?" His eyes shifted warily as Spiritual Detection spread out like ripples. Damn, this is clearly the outskirts of Shrek Academy!
Cold sweat trickled down his back and into his collar as he instantly concealed his presence.
He had seen Tang San, Xiao Wu, and the others heading toward Suotuo City along a gravel road. Huo Yuhao took the opportunity to follow them and see what they were up to. His disguise was flawless; let alone a Soul Saint, even a Titled Douluo could forget about detecting his presence.
Once inside the city, the Shrek group stopped at a tea stall.
They ordered a few cups of the cheapest tea and sat together, discussing something.
Xiao Wu asked, "Dean, are we really having our first lesson here?"
"Of course not. Your first lesson is over there."
Flender's silver hair fluttered, and a cold light flashed across his black-framed glasses as he raised a hand and pointed outside, toward a cluster of enormous buildings. "You are monsters, and monsters must have their own way of cultivating!"
Flender lowered his voice further, a trace of authority in his tone. "Your cultivation methods are all different. What the academy teaches you is merely how to make better use of your Martial Souls, and it helps you obtain Soul Rings. But practical combat experience will always be the most important. It will greatly help your ability to adapt. Only through constant combat can you accumulate experience, and only through that accumulation can you grow stronger." He lifted his chin, and the group exchanged glances before looking at the place.
Flender continued, "That is the Soto Great Soul Arena. Only cities with a city lord can have a Great Soul Arena. It is a place for competing with Martial Souls."
Of course, there was someone else at the tea stall watching the Shrek group's every move. Huo Yuhao's lips curled into a cold smile. "Looks like I can teach them another lesson."
His gaze swept over Tang San and the others, and his pupils contracted slightly. "The Soto Great Soul Arena really is a good place to settle old scores." A breeze lifted the hem of his clothes. "That's the charm of the game."
Since not many people watched one-on-one fights, Xiao Wu and Tang San proposed forming a pair to compete in two-on-two matches, and Tang San readily agreed.
And so, the Three-Five Combination was officially formed.
After registering, the two went to the Soul Fighting Zone and first took part in one-on-one Soul Fights.
The others rested in the spectator area, close to the Soul Fighting stage. It was a place set aside specifically for participating Soul Masters to watch the matches.
Soul Fights were determined by drawing lots, so no one knew who their next opponent would be...
P.S.: Thanks to Gantuledeyangyangshu for the tip. Thank you for your support.