Chapter Sixteen: The Road Ahead

Blazing Fire Academy, huh.

Listening to Huo Kui’s introduction, Xiao Yu silently crossed it off his list in his heart.

Ordinary soul masters would, without hesitation, accept Huo Kui’s invitation. As Huo Kui described, Blazing Fire Academy was one of the most prestigious advanced soul master academies in the Heaven Dou Empire—completely different from Shrek, which was still a ragtag institution at this stage. Blazing Fire boasted a comprehensive education system and an excellent environment for cultivation.

Moreover, for Blazing Fire Academy to stand alongside Elephant Armor Academy and Thunderclap Academy, its leadership must also possess considerable strength. Elephant Armor Academy was backed by the Elephant Armor Sect, whose master, Hu Yanli, was a high-level Soul Douluo. Thunderclap Academy had the support of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, whose leader, Yu Yuanzhen, was a Title Douluo with a rank of 95. If Blazing Fire Academy didn’t have a Soul Douluo-level powerhouse backing it, how could Thunderclap and Elephant Armor tacitly acknowledge it as their peer?

But Xiao Yu was clearly not an ordinary soul master. Arriving in the Douluo Continent with foreknowledge of future events and special advantages, his goal was clear: to establish his own power here, perhaps even to unify the continent one day. Joining Blazing Fire Academy, therefore, would not be a wise choice.

Yet building a force of his own was no easy task—even if he could rely on his system to acquire high-level combat power, what about soul masters at the lower levels? At its peak, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had five thousand soul masters, while the Spirit Hall boasted tens of thousands. To develop his own faction, he would have to recruit talent. To attract soul masters, his sect would need a name known in the soul master world—otherwise, why would anyone join him?

The Advanced Soul Master Academy Tournament was a grand event held every five years—no better stage existed for making a name. Just look at Shrek Academy in the original story: it was their championship victory at the tournament that sparked their rise.

So, while studying at Mingjing Academy, Xiao Yu had already mapped out his future path. He planned to found an academy under the banner of his own sect, form a team centered on himself, and participate in the tournament twelve years later—the very one where Tang San and the other Shrek Seven Monsters competed in the original work. His aim was to seize the championship, bring fame to his academy, and advertise his sect at the same time.

If he joined Blazing Fire Academy, even if under his leadership they won the championship, it would be Blazing Fire’s name that was glorified.

Even if Xiao Yu himself made a name, in the eyes of the public he would be seen as no more than a promising young man—not someone worthy of being followed.

Take Tang San, for example: when he created the Tang Sect, his core members came from the Four Elemental Clans. If not for his father’s influence allowing him to connect with the Strength Clan and, with Titan’s loyal guidance, attend the Four Elemental Clans’ gathering, would Niu Gao and Yang Wudi have paid any attention to the newly formed Tang Sect?

At this thought, Xiao Yu gently shook his head and politely declined, “Teacher Huo, I’m very sorry, but I’ve already enrolled in Mingjing Academy.”

“That’s no problem—just withdraw and transfer!” Huo Wu, having regained her composure, immediately displayed her forthright nature before Huo Kui could answer. “I’ve never even heard of this Mingjing Academy. How could it possibly compare to our Blazing Fire Academy?”

Huo Kui did not stop Huo Wu from belittling Mingjing Academy—partly because she was the dean’s daughter and he dared not cross her, but also because he truly believed that an unremarkable academy could never compare to Blazing Fire.

Still, with over twenty years of teaching experience, Huo Kui had a deep understanding of the soul master academies in the Heaven Dou Empire. He explained, “Mingjing Academy is just a primary soul master academy. Once students graduate at twelve, they must seek out a new intermediate academy. Our Blazing Fire Academy, on the other hand, has a complete system from primary to advanced levels. As long as a student meets the age and cultivation requirements, they can automatically advance, sparing them many complications. Young man, you should give it some thought.”

But Xiao Yu had already made up his mind. He shook his head again. “I’ve been studying at the academy for nearly two years now, and I have many close friends there. I don’t want to suddenly change environments.”

“That’s a pity,” Huo Kui said with a sigh, then added, “But since you’ve made your decision, I won’t press further. Still, after you graduate from the primary academy, you can consider applying to our Blazing Fire Intermediate Academy.”

“If the opportunity is right, I’ll definitely come.”

Though Blazing Fire Academy was technically an academy, its influence in the Heaven Dou Empire rivaled that of many sects. Xiao Yu saw no need to repeatedly reject them and risk offense, nor could he tell them he planned to found his own academy—they’d only think him a fool. Instead, he nodded lightly and gave a vague promise. Whether the opportunity was “right” would be for him alone to decide. Besides, there were still more than four years until his graduation—who knew if he’d even remember this conversation by then?

Huo Kui did not notice the loophole in Xiao Yu’s answer and instead believed he had secured a promising recruit. After a few more pleasantries, he returned to Huo Wushuang’s side to stand guard, remembering that this was his main task in the Star Dou Great Forest.

Huo Wu, however, remained behind, brimming with curiosity and bombarding Xiao Yu with questions—much to his helplessness.

His former self had been an orphan, yet here he was in the Star Dou Great Forest seeking a soul ring, accompanied by two guards whose abilities were anything but ordinary. The fact that Huo Kui couldn’t see through their cultivation suggested they were at least at the Soul King level. Who would believe he was really an orphan? Certainly not Huo Wu. He couldn’t reveal the existence of his system, so he was forced to spin stories on the spot, exhausting his wits to keep the lies straight.

“Miss Huo Wu, it’s getting late. I only took a leave of absence from the academy—I should return soon. Please excuse me.”

Xiao Yu hastily found an excuse to leave, worried that any more questions would leave him at a loss for answers.

“Very well,” Huo Wu nodded, then added, “Xiao Yu, when you graduate, remember to apply to Blazing Fire Academy. When the time comes, I want to spar with you!”

“If I can, I’ll definitely come.”

Xiao Yu did not look back. Even though he had his own considerations and concerns, he had, after all, deceived Huo Wu. Some guilt weighed on him, making it hard to face her directly. He merely nodded with his back to her, then set off into the distance with Hui Huo and Miao.

As for Huo Wu, she remained where she was, pumped up and determined. “Xiao Yu is about my age and has already reached level twenty like my brother. I can’t lose to him! When I get back, I need to work twice as hard—next time we meet, I definitely won’t let him beat me!”