Chapter 16: The Path Ahead
Blazing Academy, huh.
Listening to Huo Kui's introduction, Xiao Yu silently crossed that option out in his mind.
For an ordinary soul master, accepting Huo Kui's invitation would be a no-brainer. As Huo Kui described, Blazing Academy was the top-tier advanced soul master academy in the Star Luo Empire.
Unlike the current Shrek Academy, which was nothing more than a fledgling institution, Blazing Academy boasted a robust educational system and excellent training environment.
Moreover, Blazing Academy could stand shoulder to shoulder with the Thunderclap Academy and the Elephant Armor Sect. The academy's upper echelons also wielded considerable power.
Behind the Elephant Armor Sect stood the Elephant Armor Clan, led by HuYan Zhen, a high-ranked Soul Douluo.
Meanwhile, the Thunderclap Academy enjoyed support from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, with the Clan Master, Yu Yuanzhen, holding the title of Titled Douluo at the 95th rank.
If there were no powerhouses at the level of Titled Douluo supporting Blazing Academy, how could it possibly be on par with the Thunderclap Academy and the Elephant Armor Sect?
However, Xiao Yu was evidently not an ordinary soul master. With foreknowledge of the plot and external support, his goal was clear: to establish his influence and potentially unify the entire continent. Therefore, joining Blazing Academy was not a wise choice.
But establishing influence wasn't easy.
Even if he could acquire high-level combat power through the system, what about the soul masters below?
During its peak, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan boasted a staggering five thousand soul masters, while the Spirit Hall had tens of thousands. To develop influence, he needed to recruit talent, and to recruit soul masters, he needed to establish the reputation of his sect in the soul master world. Otherwise, why would anyone join his sect?
The Advanced Soul Master Academy Tournament was a grand event in the soul master world that occurred once every five years.
There was no better place than this to gain recognition. Wasn't the Shrek Academy in the original story built on the foundation of winning the championship in the soul master tournament?
So, during his time at Mingjing Academy, Xiao Yu had already envisioned his future path.
Xiao Yu planned to establish an academy in the name of his sect. He would form a team around himself and participate in the same tournament twelve years later, the one where Tang San and the other Shrek Seven Devils from the original story competed.
By winning the championship, he would establish the academy's reputation and advertise for his sect at the same time.
Even if Xiao Yu could gain fame himself, in the eyes of the public, he was just a talented young man, far from reaching a point where people would follow him.
Take Tang San founding the Tang Sect, for example; his core team came from four attribute clans.
But if he hadn't hitched a ride with the support of his father and attended the gathering of the Four Element Clans with the guidance of Tai Tan, a loyal servant, would the newly established Tang Sect have garnered the attention of people like Niu Gao and Yang Wudi?
Now, Xiao Yu gently shook his head and politely declined, "Teacher Huo, I'm really sorry, but I've already enrolled in Mingjing Academy."
"What's the big deal? You could just drop out!" Before Huo Kui could speak, Huo Wu, who had recovered her senses, casually expressed her disdain, "I've never even heard of that Mingjing Academy. Can it even compare to our Blazing Academy?"
Huo Kui didn't stop Huo Wu from disparaging Mingjing Academy. On one hand, Huo Wu was the daughter of the principal, so he didn't have the courage to stop her.
On the other hand, he also believed that an insignificant academy like Mingjing couldn't compare to Blazing Academy.
However, having been a teacher for over twenty years, Huo Kui had a deep understanding of the soul master academies within the Star Luo Empire. So, he spoke up,
"Mingjing Academy is just a primary soul master academy. After graduating at the age of twelve, students need to find a new intermediate soul master academy to apply to. In contrast, Blazing Academy has a complete system from primary to advanced levels. As long as the students meet the age and cultivation requirements, they can advance automatically, bypassing many obstacles. Little brother, it wouldn't hurt to consider this."
But Xiao Yu had made up his mind long ago. He shook his head again and reiterated his refusal, "I've been studying at the academy for over a year, almost two. I have many good friends there, and I don't want to suddenly change environments."
"In that case, it's a pity!" Huo Kui sighed softly, then thought of something and continued, "Since you've made up your mind, I won't say much. However, after you graduate from the primary soul master academy, you can also consider applying to our intermediate soul master academy at Blazing."
"If it's suitable, I will definitely come."
Although Blazing Academy was just a school, its influence within the Star Luo Empire was no less than many sects.
Xiao Yu didn't want to repeatedly refuse them and risk offending them. Besides, he couldn't tell them about his plan to establish an academy; they would just think he was foolish.
So, he nodded gently, leaving a vague promise. After all, whether it was suitable or not would ultimately be up to him. Moreover, he still had over four years until graduation, and who knew if he would even remember by then.
Huo Kui didn't catch the room for negotiation in Xiao Yu's words. Instead, he thought he had secured a potential recruit.
After exchanging a few more polite words, he returned to Huo Wu's side to protect her, as that was his primary task in the Star Dou Forest.
On the other hand, Huo Wu remained in place, bombarding Xiao Yu with questions, her curiosity unyielding, much to Xiao Yu's chagrin.
His predecessor had been an orphan, yet here he was, accompanied by two guardians of considerable strength.
Huo Kui couldn't fathom their cultivation levels, but he could tell they were at least Soul Kings or above.
Who would believe he was an orphan? He couldn't reveal the existence of the system, so Xiao Yu had to fabricate stories on the spot, depleting countless brain cells.
"Huo Wu, it's getting late. I took leave from the academy, so I should return soon. Farewell for now!" Xiao Yu hastily found an excuse, fearing that Huo Wu would continue probing, leaving him unable to come up with more lies.
"Alright then," Huo Wu nodded, adding, "Xiao Yu, remember to apply to Blazing Academy after you graduate. I want to spar with you when that happens!"
"If it's possible, I will definitely come," Xiao Yu replied without turning back. Despite his own considerations and reservations, he had deceived Huo Wu. Feeling guilty, he couldn't bring himself to face her and simply nodded, then left with Hui Huo and Milo.
Meanwhile, Huo Wu remained behind, excitedly encouraging herself, "Xiao Yu is about the same age as me but has already reached Level 20, just like my brother. I must not lose to him! When I go back, I'll double my efforts. I can't lose to him next time we meet!"
(End of Chapter)
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