" Huo Yuhao, you!"
Dai Yueheng was utterly disheartened upon seeing the scene before him. Chen Zifeng, the Soul-chasing Sword, was already the best card he could play. Even Xi Xi, a member of the Shrek Seven Devils, was far inferior to Chen Zifeng in terms of offensive capability.
However, Huo Yuhao's hidden strength was unexpectedly immense. Even though Chen Zifeng had been somewhat careless, he shouldn't have been defeated by Huo Yuhao so easily unless their strengths were quite close from the beginning.
Now, Xi Xi was being held back by Bei Bei and Wang Dong, while Xu Sanshi and Jiang Nannan had become Ling Luochen's playthings, trapped within walls of ice, playing a game of labyrinth.
Xiao Xiao knew she was no match for the Soul King-level Yao Haoxuan, so she simply went over to ask this senior for guidance on cultivation.
Yao Haoxuan, being good-natured, didn't take any action against her and patiently played the role of a mentor.
In his panic, Dai Yueheng's men lost their discipline and were hit in the chest by Ma Xiaotao, who was enhanced by mental detection and surrounded by golden-red flames.
With a muffled groan, Dai Yueheng stumbled back several steps. Ma Xiaotao's first soul ring shone, and a line of fire burst from her mouth, hitting Dai Yueheng square in the chest.
"Stop!"
Elder Xuan appeared in the arena, dispelling Ma Xiaotao's phoenix flames with a single palm, saving Dai Yueheng. Upon hearing Elder Xuan's words, everyone stopped fighting.
"I originally intended for you to get to know each other better, but I didn't expect things to escalate like this, it's a complete mess!" Elder Xuan coldly remarked to the dejected Dai Yueheng.
"It's not like that, Elder Xuan. I wasn't aware of Huo Yuhao's abilities, so I—" Dai Yueheng bit his lip, attempting to defend himself.
However, Huo Yuhao chuckled lightly and said, "Senior Dai, if that's the case, do you plan to ask your opponent about their martial soul, soul skills, family members, land, and cattle before attacking in future battles?"
Huo Yuhao's remark was so scathing that even Ma Xiaotao and the others couldn't help but laugh.
Dai Yueheng's pale face turned red with anger as he glared venomously at Huo Yuhao.
"Huo Yuhao is right. Your team's complete defeat was due to your incompetence! After this, write a self-criticism and submit it to me!" Elder Xuan commanded sternly. "Now, losers, accept your punishment!"
He had planned another match, but with Gongyang Mo now asleep like a baby and Chen Zifeng needing treatment for his burns, it had to be postponed.
"I'm a pig!" Dai Yueheng shouted without hesitation, his face twitching slightly. It was clear he was deeply resentful.
Where did they lose? In a pure comparison of individual strength, Dai Yueheng believed his team had the advantage.
Four main team members against three, the advantage was theirs! Yet, they lost so miserably.
Xi Xi, resigned, also shouted the humiliating phrase. Xiao Xiao, seeing her senior shout, felt no shame in following suit.
Jiang Nannan's voice was soft as she meekly said, "I'm a pig."
Xu Sanshi, grinning, quipped, "That's the girl I like, even calling herself a pig with such flair."
Jiang Nannan glared angrily, "Get lost!"
Gongyang Mo and Chen Zifeng were spared from punishment due to their injuries.
Elder Xuan was extremely dissatisfied with today's match. He was well aware of the main team's strength.
Since Ma Xiaotao's return, there had been some discord within the team. Elder Xuan hoped today's match would highlight Ma Xiaotao's strength.
However, Ma Xiaotao's display was overshadowed by Huo Yuhao, who shone the brightest, defeating two inner courtyard Shrek Seven Devils single-handedly. Dai Yueheng's miserable state was orchestrated by Huo Yuhao, who had controlled the battle's direction entirely.
Elder Xuan's primary assessment was focused on the seven reserve members.
Bei Bei, Xu Sanshi, and Jiang Nannan's performances were average. Jiang Nannan, being an agility-type soul master, was heavily suppressed, so her poor performance wasn't surprising.
Wang Dong and Xiao Xiao had little to show. Xiao Xiao was asking Yao Haoxuan for advice, and though Wang Dong fought alongside Bei Bei against Xi Xi, he didn't stand out.
Ning Tian's Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda's augmentation was unquestionable, and her control over her martial soul was exquisite, not surprising Elder Xuan.
Huo Yuhao's performance was the hardest to gauge because Elder Xuan knew he had many hidden cards. His Ultimate Ice martial soul hadn't even been revealed yet. If paired with Ling Luochen, they could likely control the entire battle.
But the most frustrating part for Elder Xuan was that such a talented soul master no longer had any ties with Shrek Academy.
No matter how strong, talented, or shrewd Huo Yuhao was, he ultimately belonged to someone else.
"I must find a way to make Huo Yuhao develop a sense of belonging to Shrek," Elder Xuan thought, his not-so-clever mind racing to come up with a "brilliant idea."
"Alright, you can all leave now. Pack your things and gather at the academy gate early tomorrow to head to Star Luo City for the competition."
Hearing the words "Star Luo City," Huo Yuhao's eyes couldn't help but gleam.
Though he had never been to the capital of the Star Luo Empire, the name "Star Luo City" was deeply etched in his memory.
The original Huo Yuhao grew up in the Duke's Mansion, fifty miles northwest of Star Luo City. On clear days, stepping out of the mansion, one could faintly see the outline of the distant capital.
"Dai Hao? Will I meet you in Star Luo City this time?" Huo Yuhao muttered to himself. "Rest assured, I will let you witness the destruction of the White Tiger Duke's Mansion and see the White Tiger Duchess and Dai Huabin torn apart on the ruins!"
As his mind wavered, a cold gray current surged through Huo Yuhao's spiritual sea, making him shiver.
"Yuhao, don't let hatred consume your heart. Maintain peace and tranquility within. Even in slaughter, keep your heart pure," Electrolux reminded him.
"Yes, teacher, I understand," Huo Yuhao responded.
Indeed, avenging the original Huo Yuhao was just a necessary step on his path to growth. Beyond that, the enemies he would face were far stronger than the White Tiger Duke's Mansion.
Tang San, and the God Realm, wait for me! This time, I, Huo Yuhao, will not lose!