A student of Shrek Academy
Eastsea City, the Hu Clan mansion was brightly decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers. A red carpet was laid out at the main gate, and servants stood in two rows. The head of the family, Hu Zhentao, personally led the elders of the clan to stand at the gate, craning his neck to look at the street corner from time to time, his expression full of eagerness.
Today is the day Hu Yuxiu returns to Eastsea City.
This junior member of a collateral branch of the Hu Clan was someone no one would have paid any attention to a few years ago, but ever since he was admitted to the Shrek Academy, his status has risen dramatically.
Having withstood 20,000 years of trials and tribulations, it is a sacred place in the hearts of all Soul Master throughout the entire Douluo Continent, and even the entire Douluo Star and Douluo Plane!
It's important to know that, setting aside those unverifiable legends and epics, Shrek Academy has indeed produced beings who have become gods!
It can be said that on the Douluo Continent, whatever Shrek Academy wants, even a behemoth like the Sun Moon Federation has to give in!
This is the extraordinary status of the Shrek Academy in this country!
Anyone who can get into Shrek, even if they are just an Outer Court student, would be an absolute genius in a small place like Eastsea City.
"They're here! They're here!"
Someone gasped softly.
A richly decorated carriage pulled up at the street corner and came to a smooth stop in front of the Hu Clan's house. The door opened, and a boy in a blue school uniform stepped out. A small Shrek badge was embroidered on the chest of the uniform, which was particularly eye-catching in the sunlight.
The boy, about sixteen or seventeen years old, held his chin high and glanced at the crowd waiting at the door with an air of condescension. It was Hu Yuxiu.
"My dear nephew! We've been waiting for you to return!" Hu Zhentao immediately rushed forward, his face beaming with smiles. He reached out to pat Hu Yuxiu's shoulder, but then withdrew his hand halfway and instead cupped his hands in a respectful gesture. "You must be tired from your journey! The family feast is all prepared, just waiting for you to take your seat!"
"Uncle Hu, you're too kind." Hu Yuxiu nodded slightly, his tone indifferent, maintaining a very proper air.
As he stepped inside, the clan elders surrounded him, showering him with compliments like "genius" and "bringing glory to the family," until their ears were numb.
Hearing these compliments, Hu Yuxiu felt as sweet as if he had drunk honey, and was extremely pleased.
Who would have thought that he was the worst student in Shrek Outer Court?
Among his classmates, geniuses abounded, Soul Elder were as common as dogs, and Soul Ancestor were not uncommon. With his cultivation level, he couldn't even squeeze into the middle ranks. Even the menial disciples dared to give him the cold shoulder, and the core students wouldn't even give him a second glance.
But things are different when we return to Eastsea City.
Even the head of the Hu Clan had to treat him with utmost respect, and these elders who were usually high and mighty all had to fawn over him when they spoke.
This sense of disparity is more pleasant than taking a magic pill.
He had to feign humility. "You flatter me, elders. Shrek Academy is full of talented people; I'm just an ordinary one among them, and I'm far from being good enough."
This sounds humble, but it actually reveals a sense of superiority, like "I'm a member of Shrek."
Upon hearing this, everyone praised him even more, saying that he was mature beyond his years and had a limitless future.
A group of people escorted Hu Yuxiu into the banquet hall, where a table was laden with delicacies. During the meal, Hu Zhentao frequently raised his glass, talking about family resources and future plans, his words full of flattery, hoping that Hu Yuxiu would rise to prominence in the future and help the Hu Clan.
Hu Yuxiu accepted all offers of wine, drinking one cup after another, and became increasingly talkative. He talked about how powerful Shrek Academy's mentors were, how strong the geniuses from the Outer Court were, and how diligently he cultivated himself, boasting that he was a future Titled Douluo.
The people below listened with admiration and awe.
Watching this scene, Hu Yuxiu was overflowing with smugness.
This is what life is all about.
Being a grandson at Shrek is nothing; back in his hometown, he's the pride of the nation in everyone's eyes.
After a few rounds of drinks, Hu Yuxiu gradually lost interest.
He got tired of flattery after a while, and besides, he had been holding back his anger for months at the academy; he needed to find a place to vent. He put down his wine glass and glanced at Hu Feng, who was sitting next to him.
Hu Feng is the young master of the main branch of the Hu Clan. He is two years older than Hu Yuxiu, but his Soul Power is only at the level of Two-Ring Soul Grandmaster. He is usually considered a young figure in Eastsea City, but in front of Hu Yuxiu, he is as obedient as a follower.
Noticing Hu Yuxiu's gaze, Hu Feng immediately approached, his face beaming, "Brother Yuxiu, are you feeling a bit down? I've got a great place for you, I guarantee you'll have a good time."
"Oh? Where?" Hu Yuxiu an eyebrow.
"Our family owns a 30% stake in the underground boxing ring in the west of the city."
Hu Feng lowered his voice, his laughter ambiguous, "There are a few tough battles tonight, all against formidable opponents, going to be incredibly exciting. Plus, there are plenty of good men to keep you company, it'll be a great way to de-stress. You've been working hard cultivating at the academy, this is a good opportunity to relax."
Hu Yuxiu.
Just what he wanted.
He was constantly being suppressed at Shrek Academy, and he had been holding back his anger for a long time. It was perfect to go to a place like this to bully those self-taught Soul Master and vent his frustration.
He waved his hand dismissively, "Alright, I'm just killing time anyway, might as well go take a look. I want to see just how capable the Soul Master of Eastsea City really are."
"Okay!" Hu Feng happily agreed and quickly went to arrange the carriages and horses.
The two changed into casual clothes and rode in a carriage straight to the west of the city.
On the surface, the place was a magnificent auction house, with gilded doors inlaid with gemstones and guards at the entrance all at the Soul Elder level, making it very impressive. Hu Feng took out his token and waved it, and the guard immediately bowed respectfully and led the two down into the underground.
As you descend the stairs, the noise grows louder and louder. Shouts, cheers, and the clinking of chips mingle together, and a wave of heat, carrying with it the scent of strong liquor and a faint smell of blood, hits you in the face.
The underground space was much larger than I had imagined. In the center was a huge alloy arena, surrounded by layers of stands filled with people, all dressed in fine clothes, who were all prominent and wealthy businessmen in Eastsea City.
The lights shone on the ring, reflecting the sweat and blood on the boxers' bodies, creating a wild and decadent atmosphere.
Cheers and shouts mingled together.
The air was thick with the scent of hormones.
The primal desire for extravagance and debauchery is amplified to the extreme here.
Hu Yuxiu glanced around, a hint of undisguised disdain curling at the corner of his mouth.
Is this the kind of place?
The boxers on the ring looked fierce and menacing, but their Soul Power was weak and their moves were full of flaws. If they were put into Shrek Academy's entrance exam, they wouldn't even pass the first round.
His sense of superiority instantly surged.
He couldn't beat anyone at the academy, but here, he was someone who could do whatever he wanted.
Hu Yuxiu casually reached out and grabbed a fat man who was passing by. The fat man was dressed in gold and silver and was holding a large handful of chips. He was the famous president of the Chamber of Commerce in Eastsea City and usually a man who could command the wind and rain.
Suddenly grabbed, the fat man was about to get angry, but when he turned around and met Hu Yuxiu's cold gaze, and then glanced at Hu Feng beside him, he swallowed the curse that was on the tip of his tongue and immediately put on a smiling face.
"Sir, what are your orders?" The fat man bowed and scraped.
Hu Yuxiu raised his chin, his tone arrogant. "I'm asking you, in this boxing ring, who's the best fighter?"
The fat man paused for a moment, thinking Hu Yuxiu was a boxer Hu Feng had found from out of town, and said loudly, "Of course it's Sea Tiger, could it be me?"