Chapter 176: Chapter 175: Poor Huo Yuhao Faces Reality’s Hard Knocks
"From the Clear Sky Sect? Huo Yuhao?"
Director Du Weilun looked at the symbol of the Clear Sky Sect that Huo Yuhao had presented, and his interest in Huo Yuhao shot up immediately.
"You're a Level Four Soul Engineer? And you're also a Soul Elder with a Body Spirit?"
Reading through Huo Yuhao's impressive profile, Du Weilun's eyes gleamed with excitement.
A true genius!
Shrek Academy had just gained another extraordinary talent! While he might not yet match Qian Ran, he was far above the average. And to top it off, he was a prodigy from the Clear Sky Sect, hinting at his high status within their ranks.
The Clear Sky Sect might have kept to itself over the years, but it still held a prestigious position on the continent, comparable to the Body Sect.
"Yes, that's right," Huo Yuhao replied proudly.
To make a splash, he'd fused several of the Clear Sky Sect's best soul bones, using their abundant resources to boost his strength rapidly. Entering Shrek Academy as just a Grandmaster would have been decent, but it wouldn't have had the impact he desired.
In his memories, his past self had been low-key and humble.
This time, there was no need for that. He was the Clear Sky Sect's prized genius, meant to outshine all others!
A Level Four Soul Engineer! Just that alone would shock these "hillbilly" Shrek natives who'd never seen real soul engineering!
Not to mention that his knowledge of soul tools was grounded in cutting-edge ideas from the Sun Moon Empire's Royal Academy. This gave him a subtle sense of superiority, knowing that once he joined Shrek's Soul Tool Department, the teachers would fight over him.
"I want to join the Soul Tool Department."
"No problem! A Level Four Soul Engineer—our Soul Tool Department just got a real gem!"
"Anything else you need?" Du Weilun asked, beaming.
"I want to be placed in Teacher Zhou Yi's class," Huo Yuhao requested without hesitation. He knew that entering Zhou Yi's class was crucial to reconnect with Dong'er and Xiao Xiao. If he ended up in another class, he'd lose his chance.
"You want to skip directly to second year?" Du Weilun raised an eyebrow. Had Zhou Yi's reputation grown so impressive that students were now requesting her by name? Just the other day, Xian Lin'er had even proposed promoting Zhou Yi to a Senior Teacher.
Was Zhou Yi truly that exceptional?
If Huo Yuhao joined Zhou Yi's class, it would instantly restore the "genius" status her class had lost when Dai Huabin left.
The Duke of White Tiger might have been an influential backer, but he didn't compare to the Clear Sky Sect.
"No problem. Starting now, you'll go directly to Zhou Yi's class. Your level of ability isn't quite suitable for a freshman class, yet you're not advanced enough to enter the inner court. Zhou Yi's class is the best place for you to learn. Here, let me take you to Dean Xian Lin'er's office."
"Thank you, Director Du!"
Huo Yuhao could hardly contain his excitement.
As expected, his background in the Clear Sky Sect earned him instant recognition from Shrek's high-ranking officials. Du Weilun didn't even need to test his abilities to trust his talent—Clear Sky's influence was that strong!
Soon, he would become the most dazzling presence in Shrek Academy!
Qian Ran may be impressive, but could he create Level Four soul tools?
A little more training, and within a year, Huo Yuhao would be crafting Level Five soul tools!
Qian Ran, ultimately, was no match. A mere good-luck child who'd stolen Huo Yuhao's own opportunities; in the end, he'd be left in the dust.
…
"Huo Yuhao?"
Upon hearing his name, Xian Lin'er nearly spit out her tea.
The name was familiar to her.
Qian Ran had once mentioned that if someone named Huo Yuhao ever arrived at Shrek Academy, she should "keep an eye on him."
Since Qian Ran frequently visited Xian Lin'er's office to "discuss life and ambitions," she'd taken to wearing rather enticing outfits when in her office. Not revealing, but undeniably alluring.
Today, she wore a sleek black leather skirt, her flawless legs wrapped in sheer taupe stockings.
In her high heels, Xian Lin'er's figure looked tall and graceful.
Her recent transformation had not gone unnoticed by Shrek's faculty; she had become the academy's undeniable enchantress. Her charm and maturity were unmatched, captivating all who laid eyes on her.
Even Du Weilun found himself momentarily spellbound before quickly averting his gaze.
Xian Lin'er's fiery temper was well-known; being on her bad side wasn't something he wanted.
"This is… Xian Lin'er?"
Huo Yuhao stood stunned, unable to process the woman before him.
The Xian Lin'er in front of him bore a resemblance to the one in his memories, yet somehow, she was even more breathtaking. Her makeup and attire were different, but her allure was unparalleled. Was it possible for someone to be this beautiful?
"Do you like what you see?" Xian Lin'er's voice purred in his ear.
"Yes," he answered without hesitation.
Too beautiful.
He had never seen anyone quite like her. There were beautiful women in the Clear Sky Sect, but none like this. And with his adoptive fathers always keeping a watchful eye, he'd never had the chance to approach any of them. Plus, since his return from the Extreme North, their attitude toward him had noticeably cooled. It was partly why he was so eager to leave and enroll in Shrek Academy.
Du Weilun noticed Xian Lin'er's expression darkening and felt a shiver run down his spine.
"Uh, Dean Xian Lin'er, I'll take my leave. I'll leave Huo Yuhao in your hands," Du Weilun said, hastily making his exit. Whatever happened to Huo Yuhao from here on out was no longer his concern.
When Xian Lin'er was in a mood, not even Shrek Academy could stop her.
Slap!
Xian Lin'er's hand struck Huo Yuhao's cheek, the stinging pain snapping him out of his trance.
"Who taught you to stare at women like that? No manners whatsoever."
Xian Lin'er's gaze was icy as she sized him up. She couldn't quite understand why Qian Ran would take such an interest in someone like him. Did Huo Yuhao have talent? Sure, but he was nowhere near Qian Ran's level.
"Dean Xian Lin'er?" Huo Yuhao stammered, completely blindsided.
He'd expected to be welcomed into the Soul Tool Department with open arms, but instead, he was met with a slap.
"Kneel over there and don't get up until I say so," Xian Lin'er said coldly, pointing to a corner of the room.
"Dean, I didn't mean to be disrespectful. I was just momentarily struck by your beauty," Huo Yuhao protested, feeling wronged. He had only looked at her once, and he was already being punished? This didn't seem fair at all!
After all, he was a genius from the Clear Sky Sect!
He knew Xian Lin'er had a fiery temperament, but surely she couldn't be that petty, could she?
Noticing his internal complaint, Xian Lin'er gave a scornful smile. She'd merely found an excuse to give Huo Yuhao a reality check. She didn't care about his background. If he annoyed her Qian Ran, he was in for a rough time. And when Xian Lin'er was upset, Huo Yuhao's life would only get more difficult.
(End of Chapter)