Staring at the ball of lust energy, now half-tinged a dark red, Huo Yuhao's mind suddenly filled with a pressing question.
Maybe… just maybe.
Recalling his own not-so-firm resolve in this area during his previous life, Huo Yuhao admitted he might have a slight… weakness.
Just as he was about to delve deeper into this rather serious introspection, Xian Lin'er's meaningful voice yanked him back to reality.
"What's wrong, Director Du? Are you feeling unwell?"
Looking up, Huo Yuhao saw Xian Lin'er's icy gaze sweeping back and forth between Yan Shaozhe and Du Weilun.
"If you need to discuss something with Dean Yan, Director Du, you can say it outright. Or is there something that requires immediate attention, something I'm not supposed to hear?"
"No, no, Dean Xian, you're overthinking it."
Du Weilun laughed awkwardly, his eyes darting to Huo Yuhao. When he caught sight of the amusement on Huo Yuhao's face, his own expression collapsed into despair.
It was over.
From the moment Yan Shaozhe had opened the door, Du Weilun knew there was no way to salvage this. He wouldn't even get a chance to signal to Yan Shaozhe. And even if Yan Shaozhe valued Huo Yuhao now, there was no way Huo Yuhao would choose the Martial Soul Department.
Finally, Yan Shaozhe glanced at Du Weilun with mild confusion, sensing something was off. But with no time to address it, he simply said, "Dean Xian, there's no need to push. Now that everyone's here, let's get started."
Yan Shaozhe cleared his throat, turning to address the three new students.
"Here at Shrek… or really, any organization, talented individuals enjoy more privileges. The academy has reviewed your gifts, and we've prepared some perks to give you an early start on special training."
"Since our academy has both Martial Soul and Soul Tool departments with distinct teaching approaches, we'd like to understand where your interests lie."
"Of course, before that, Dean Xian and I will give you a brief overview of each department's strengths. I'll start with Martial Soul."
As Huo Yuhao had heard in his past life, Yan Shaozhe praised his own department fervently before fixing his gaze on Tang San with a serious expression.
"Tang San, if you join the Martial Soul Department, I can immediately promote you to an inner disciple. Not even core disciples from the outer division are guaranteed a place in the inner division."
"Joining the Martial Soul Department means you'll receive inner-division resources six years early, and I'll personally train you as a Super Douluo. I'll also help you secure a perfect set of compatible spirit bones over time, and once you meet the requirements, a hundred-thousand-year spirit ring."
Huo Yuhao glanced at Gu Yue Na beside him, noticing her purple eyes now staring coldly at Yan Shaozhe.
"…Tang San, can you share your decision?"
Yan Shaozhe's eyes burned with anticipation. Tang San's mind was in turmoil.
Talent alone wouldn't make him a true powerhouse—he still had a long journey ahead. Unlike in his last life, he wouldn't have his Title Douluo father guarding him. Seeking a powerful ally to help him grow faster was a practical choice.
Yan Shaozhe, like his father Tang Hao from his previous life, was a Super Douluo. Backed by Shrek Academy, he could offer resources beyond anything Tang San had ever known.
As for the Soul Tool Department, Tang San held no affection for soul tools, given their role in the Tang Sect's decline. Without hesitation, he used the first skill of his third martial soul, the "Soft-Bone Knee-Bend"—falling to his knees in front of Yan Shaozhe.
"Dean Yan, I wish to join the Martial Soul Department. Please, accept me as your disciple."
Tang San's respect for tradition was deep, a legacy from the Tang Sect's rigorous teachings in his first life. Even after three lifetimes, he instinctively knelt as he had once done before his master.
Yan Shaozhe was momentarily taken aback by Tang San's immediate response, but soon a gleam of excitement filled his eyes.
"Wonderful! Good child, rise. From now on, you are my personal disciple!"
"Yes, teacher!"
Yan Shaozhe was ecstatic. Securing Tang San, the most talented of the three, was an auspicious start; Gu Yue Na would surely follow suit, and perhaps even Huo Yuhao would choose Martial Soul.
Xian Lin'er, if you leave empty-handed, it won't be my fault.
Indeed, Shrek's future belongs to the Martial Soul Department!
He was so pleased his face lit up with a broad smile, his hands trembling with joy.
"Soon enough, you'll realize just how right your choice was," he said, patting Tang San's shoulder, casting a knowing glance at Xian Lin'er.
But before he could finish, he felt an intense, bone-chilling aura that made his hair stand on end, his heart racing with dread. Instinctively, he tried to release his martial soul, only to feel a terrifying realization—he had no control over his body.
Impossible…
The thought had barely crossed his mind before an overwhelming sense of suffocation engulfed him, his limbs frozen in a bone-deep chill.
Just as he thought he might break, Du Weilun's urgent voice snapped him back, and the oppressive darkness faded, replaced by the office surroundings.
"Dean, Dean! Are you alright?"
Seeing the worry on Du Weilun's face, Yan Shaozhe doubled over, retching in pure relief.
"What's wrong with him?" Xian Lin'er frowned, stepping forward.
"I… I'm fine," Yan Shaozhe replied, his voice shaky.
Xian Lin'er's frown deepened. "What just happened?"
"I don't know." He shook his head, feeling lost and humiliated. He had no clue who had attacked, or even what had happened to him.
"Congratulations, Dean Yan, on gaining a talented disciple."
Startled, Yan Shaozhe looked up to see Huo Yuhao standing, pulling Gu Yue Na to her feet, a strange smile on his face.
"Gu Yue Na and I have already made our decision about which department to join. We won't take more of your time."
"…What?"
Ignoring Yan Shaozhe's stunned look, Huo Yuhao turned to Xian Lin'er, a gentle smile spreading across his face.
"Dean Xian, if you have a moment, could we have a word?"
At that, Xian Lin'er felt her heart nearly skip a beat. She had suspected Huo Yuhao's choice, but hearing it confirmed filled her with exhilaration.
Feeling her head spin slightly, she realized this was exactly the answer she'd hoped for.
(End of Chapter)