The tacit understanding between the two stunned the surrounding students, who completely failed to grasp what was happening.
Zhou Yi turned and waved her hand, saying, "You all go back and prepare first."
"Yes, ma'am."
Though extremely curious, the three students quickly left without hesitation. Moreover, they intelligently turned back to close the door for Zhou Yi.
Wang Dong hastily said, "Teacher Zhou, Huo Yuhao still hasn't returned! Haven't you heard any news about him? Should we go to the Soul Tool Department and ask?"
Zhou Yi frowned, her eyes filled with anger as she said, "No need. I already asked. That damned brat, I don't know what he's up to. He told me that the teachers in the Soul Tool Department had arranged someone to help him collect a soul ring. But when I asked Fan Yu, Fan Yu said that Huo Yuhao told him that the Soul Master Department had sent a teacher to help him. Isn't this deceiving both sides? In the end, no one went with him. Could he have gone into the Star Dou Great Forest alone?"
Hearing Zhou Yi say that, Wang Dong became even more worried.
"No way, he doesn't have any offensive skills, how could he hunt soul beasts by himself? That's too dangerous. No... no. He's not that foolish. When the disciples parted ways, he was still very normal."
Zhou Yi said in a deep voice, "He must be hiding something from us. Now, go to the advanced class and ask Bei Bei and Tang Ya if they have any news about Huo Yuhao. He's a Tang Sect disciple, so they might know something. If Huo Yuhao went to the Star Dou Great Forest with Bei Bei and Tang Ya, then everything will be fine."
"Yes, ma'am."
Wang Dong immediately turned and ran off upon hearing Zhou Yi's command. At this moment, he could only secretly hope that Zhou Yi's guess was correct, and that Bei Bei and Tang Ya had not yet returned. Huo Yuhao must be with them, it must be.
However, reality doesn't always go as one wishes. After he left for a while, two more people appeared in Zhou Yi's room: Bei Bei and Tang Ya. They had just returned, and indeed, they had returned.
Both were extremely shocked to hear that Huo Yuhao had not yet returned. Bei Bei said, "Teacher Zhou, when the disciples and Huo Yuhao parted ways, junior brother was still very normal. Could he have gone to hunt soul beasts alone? Although the first time we met was like that, he was also injured that time, and the soul beast he hunted was only ten years old. This time he needs to find his second soul ring. With his current strength, even with the help of Tang Sect martial arts, I'm afraid he would have difficulty dealing with a hundred-year soul beast. After all, his cultivation is still too low. Junior brother has always been very smart, why would he do something so foolish today?"
The four looked at each other, all unable to understand why Huo Yuhao would do such a thing, and even less what Huo Yuhao was truly hiding from them.
The person had not returned, so worrying was useless. Nevertheless, Zhou Yi was extremely worried, and Fan Yu was even more anxious.
It was difficult enough to find a disciple with such good talent, and yet he was doing something so foolish. How could he not be worried? Clearly, he, like the others, could not understand Huo Yuhao's reasons. And from what he knew, Huo Yuhao was absolutely not the type of person to act so recklessly; he must have had some hidden difficulties to do such a thing.
Those close to Huo Yuhao were filled with different emotions: indignation, regret, and even doubt. Perhaps they were still worried or wondering about the deeper reasons behind the incident, but... time does not stand still and wait for people.
In a flash, a day had passed.
In another flash, another day passed.
The final registration day for the new academic year had arrived. Most of the disciples had already registered or signed up. The New Student Assessment was almost complete, and the first-year students were preparing to begin their first academic year at Shrek Academy, while the upper-class students were starting their promotion assessment exams.
Registration began in the morning and lasted until the afternoon.
Wang Dong arrived early in the morning to register, then stood in front of Shrek Academy, looking into the distance, and waiting.
Why hasn't he returned yet? Why, exactly?
Shrek Academy's rules were very strict; if one failed to register by the deadline, they would certainly be expelled.
It was almost evening, but there was still no sign of him...
Wang Dong looked into the distance, his eyes a little dazed. He was only twelve years old this year, a little younger than Huo Yuhao, yet in these twelve years, this was the first time he had yearned for someone so much.
Standing still all day, his legs had long gone numb, but in his mind, images of the past year, living and studying with Huo Yuhao, constantly replayed.
They attended classes together, cultivated together, participated in assessments together, won championships together, ate grilled fish together, and finally... completed their first academic year together and left Shrek Academy.
Now I'm back, but you? Where are you?
The sky gradually darkened, the distant horizon a fiery red. Today's sunset was beautiful, but Wang Dong was in no mood to appreciate it.
Late... it's late. The registration deadline has passed. It's too late.
Bei Bei, Tang Ya, and Xiao Xiao also arrived at the academy gates, their expressions no better than Wang Dong's.
Wang Dong didn't even know how he returned to the dormitory. When he came to, it was already pitch black outside. He no longer felt any anger or resentment about Huo Yuhao not returning on time or missing registration. He only hoped that Huo Yuhao was still alive and would return. That would be enough.
He was very worried, afraid that Huo Yuhao had died in the Star Dou Great Forest. If that were the case, he feared even his bones would be gone.
As Wang Dong thought, he turned to look at Huo Yuhao's cold, dusty bed, then walked over and sat down. At this moment, he completely disregarded any dirtiness.
Huo Yuhao, are you still alive? Wang Dong clenched his fists, his eyes gradually reddening, his heart filled with worry and impatience to the point of madness.
Just then, hurried footsteps and rapid breathing suddenly sounded from outside. It seemed someone was running towards them.
Wang Dong started, raising his head, then with a "thump," a figure appeared before him.
"It's over, I'm doomed. I ran myself to death, but in the end, I'm still late."
The youth mumbled incessantly even after entering the room, then he looked up at Wang Dong, smiling, and said, "Ah, you're here! Did everyone register today? I'm in trouble, I'm late. No, I need to go find Elder Zhou now and quickly think of a good solution tonight."
As soon as the youth finished speaking, he turned to run off.
"H U O – Y U – H A O!"
A piercing shriek rang out. Before Huo Yuhao could even turn around and run, something pressed down on his back, sending him tumbling to the ground. Then, he felt someone relentlessly beating his back.
Indeed, who else could the youth who had just entered be but Huo Yuhao, the owner of that cold wooden plank bed? Although he had tried his best, he was ultimately too late. This was because the process of fusing with the Ice Empress had taken too much time. He didn't even know exactly how long it had been. After that, he still had to wait for the Heavenly Dream Iceworm to help him find the second spirit ring for his Spirit Eyes martial spirit before leaving that frigid land. Only when he inquired with the people around him did he panic and rush back desperately. Alas, he was still one day late.
"Ouch..."
Huo Yuhao covered his head with both hands. He was being beaten by Wang Dong, yet he was still dazed, not understanding why. However, the sensation of two soft objects pressing against his buttocks and constantly wriggling was a bit... well, a bit... not bad.
"You still know your way back? This damned guy still bothers to come back?"
Wang Dong scolded and cried like rain. This was the first time he had worried so much about someone outside his family. When he saw Huo Yuhao return, something inside him seemed to shatter. The emotions he had suppressed for so long could no longer be contained and burst forth.
His fists gradually lost strength, then he hugged Huo Yuhao's back tightly and sobbed loudly.
Huo Yuhao was a little annoyed by the sudden beating, but seeing Wang Dong cry, he was stunned. However, being pinned to the ground like this, he didn't know what to do.
"Wang Dong, why are you crying? Crying like a girl."
Huo Yuhao truly didn't know what else to say.
"Damn it. Do you know how many people you made worry? I thought you had become food for the spirit beasts in the Star Dou Great Forest. You... why did you deceive everyone? Why did you lie to everyone that a teacher led you to hunt spirit beasts? Why did you go alone?"
Wang Dong gripped Huo Yuhao's shoulders, questioning him angrily.
"Uh... don't tell me all the teachers know about this?"
Huo Yuhao said guiltily.
"Nonsense. You're only just back now, so how could it still be a secret?"
Wang Dong was so angry that his teeth gnashed, wishing he could pounce on Huo Yuhao and bite him a few times to vent his frustration.
Huo Yuhao said with a bitter smile, "How about you get up and then we talk? Although you're not heavy, you can't keep pressing down on me like this."
Only then did Wang Dong startle, then he stood up as fast as an arrow, his face flushed with embarrassment.
Huo Yuhao turned and stood up. Seeing Wang Dong's tear-filled eyes, he couldn't help but feel moved. He knew that his friend had lost his composure only because he was worried about his safety. He said with an apologetic expression.
"I'm sorry for making you worry. I didn't think it would take so long. It's also because I couldn't determine the time that it ended up being so late."
Wang Dong wiped his tears, gave him a cold glance, and said, "You tricked everyone like that without a good reason. I won't let you off easy."
Huo Yuhao chuckled and said, "Looking at you, I never expected you to be so weepy like a little girl sometimes. Where's the imposing aura of a Power Attack System Battle Spirit Master?"
Wang Dong was startled and immediately changed his tone.
"Who are you calling a little girl? Don't you want to go find Teacher Zhou? Hurry up and go. I'll go with you. But you should worry about your own life. Teacher Zhou is probably very angry right now."
As he spoke, he hastily pulled Huo Yuhao and ran off.
Huo Yuhao was indeed anxious to find his teachers and explain everything; he didn't want to be unfairly expelled. So, he didn't pay attention to Wang Dong's embarrassment at the moment.
Once they left the dormitory, Wang Dong calmed down. Seeing Huo Yuhao walking in front of him, he felt completely at ease. After all the worry and tension were released, he felt utterly exhausted.
"Where did you go in the end? Why did you deceive the teachers?" Wang Dong ran up to walk alongside Huo Yuhao, asking incessantly.
Huo Yuhao forced a smile and said, "It's a long story. Let's wait until we meet Teacher Zhou, then I'll explain everything at once."
Wang Dong said, "You should be careful. I don't think this problem is too big. Although the academy's rules are strict, they do make some allowances for talented disciples. After all, you're now a core disciple of the Soul Tool Department. The important thing now is for you to explain your reasons to the teachers. As long as Teacher Fan Yu and Teacher Zhou are willing to protect you, the problem will be resolved. You know Teacher Zhou's temper, and although Teacher Fan Yu hasn't shown his attitude, he must be very worried."
On the way back, Huo Yuhao had already come up with a suitable reason. He nodded and said, "I truly had a special reason for doing what I did. I believe the teachers will understand."
A moment later, they arrived at the teachers' work area. The dormitories for the Outer Court teachers were also located here. The lower floors of this building were offices, and the upper floors were the teachers' residences.
However, neither Huo Yuhao nor Wang Dong had ever been to Teacher Zhou's home, so they didn't know exactly where it was. They had to grope their way to Teacher Zhou's office. Fortunately, the light was still on inside.
Before they even got close, they heard Zhou Yi's furious voice from inside the room...
"Fan Yu, tell me, what in the world does this brat Huo Yuhao want to do? We put so much effort into nurturing him, and he dares to act so recklessly, leaving behind a lie and running off. He still hasn't come back. Tell me, why did he lie to us? Could it be that we couldn't help him find a good Soul Ring? Unbelievable, I can't believe I misjudged him. It's infuriating! Don't let me see him again, I swear, if I don't skin him alive, I won't be able to quell this anger!"
As soon as Huo Yuhao heard Zhou Yi speak, he couldn't help but shiver, cold sweat breaking out on the back of his neck. He turned to look at Wang Dong, as if seeking some help.
Wang Dong looked at him with a gloating expression, signaling him to pray for himself. In his heart, he thought, "Who told you to lie? Who told you to only show up now? You deserve it."
Huo Yuhao, with a pained expression, continued to walk towards Zhou Yi's room. At this moment, Fan Yu's voice rang out:
"Alright, alright, don't be angry. Am I not anxious too? It was so difficult to find a direct disciple, and his talent is even better than Tai Tou's. I've placed so much hope on him. Now that he's disappeared, I'm even more worried than you. However, I've been in contact with him for a long time. Although he has his own strong opinions, he's very obedient and mature. He would absolutely not do anything impulsive. If he's hiding something from us, there must be a reason. Right now, I just hope he can come back. I believe he will give us a satisfactory explanation."
Zhou Yi angrily said, "It's too late. What's the point of coming back? He's already been expelled, what's the point of coming back?"
Fan Yu gently said,
"Not necessarily. As long as he has a legitimate reason, we can reveal his identity as a core disciple of the Soul Tool Department. After all, his time enjoying the benefits of a core disciple in the Soul Master Department is almost up. If he doesn't achieve good results in this assessment, those benefits will probably be lost. In that case, let's just ignore it. After all, Dean Qian had already planned for it."
Listening to Fan Yu and his wife talk, Huo Yuhao was filled with emotion. He had deceived them, yet they were still here worrying and planning for him. He felt very guilty about this, even considering telling them the truth.
Just then, the voice of the Heavenly Dream Iceworm echoed in his mind:
"If you don't want to become an experimental subject, keep your mouth shut."
Hearing its reminder, Huo Yuhao suddenly snapped back to reality. That's right, no matter what, he couldn't tell the truth. If it were revealed that a million-year soul beast and a powerful expert from the Three Great Heavenly Kings had both become his intelligent soul rings, who knew what kind of storm would arise.
Huo Yuhao gritted his teeth and quickened his pace. When he reached the door of Zhou Yi's office, he saw that the door was still open. Perhaps the other teachers had already gone home, so there was no one else there. Huo Yuhao poked his head in and happened to witness a very steamy scene.
Zhou Yi was no longer wearing her old mask. Although she was furious at the moment, she was indeed sitting on Fan Yu's lap, her hands wrapped around his neck, while Fan Yu's hands were around her waist.
"Cough, cough... Master... Teacher Zhou... your disciple has returned..."
Suddenly seeing Huo Yuhao appear, both Fan Yu and Zhou Yi were startled. Then, Zhou Yi instinctively sprang to her feet.
Wang Dong came from behind Huo Yuhao, his mouth agape at the scene. Although he had heard Huo Yuhao mention that Zhou Yi wore a mask, this was the first time he had seen Zhou Yi's true appearance.
"Huo Yuhao, do you still know your way back?"
Zhou Yi furiously rushed forward.
It had to be said that Huo Yuhao's luck was truly good. Wang Dong, who was beside him, hadn't fully recovered his wits yet. He instinctively blurted out:
"Teacher Zhou, you're so beautiful."
Zhou Yi, who was raging, felt her anger subside a little after hearing him say that. She stopped, her eyes glaring at Huo Yuhao as if sparks were about to fly.
"Both of you, come in and close the door."
Only now did Huo Yuhao truly understand why Zhou Yi usually covered her face with a mask. She was not only beautiful, but her beauty was of a gentle kind, extremely, extremely gentle. Thus, although her voice was still full of anger, her expression was completely opposite, making others feel as if a great beauty was pouting rather than being threatening at all.
Fan Yu remained seated, but his gaze was fixed on Huo Yuhao. Although he had constantly spoken up for his disciple earlier, was he truly not angry?
Huo Yuhao honestly walked into the room, and Wang Dong closed the door behind him.
Huo Yuhao immediately went before Fan Yu and knelt down.
"Master, your disciple was wrong."
Fan Yu's heart was originally filled with anger. Seeing Huo Yuhao return, his expression grew colder and colder. He was trying to restrain himself to hear what his beloved disciple's reason was. But when he saw that Huo Yuhao not only didn't open his mouth to explain but immediately knelt down to admit his mistake, the anger in his heart subsided a little, and his expression softened.
It must be said that masters are very lenient with their beloved disciples, and neither Zhou Yi nor Fan Yu were exceptions. Don't be fooled by how strict Zhou Yi usually was with her disciples; at this moment, she retreated and stood behind Fan Yu, allowing him to make all decisions.
Fan Yu calmly asked, "Why?"
Huo Yuhao looked up, his face full of remorse. "Master, I was wrong. I shouldn't have lied to you and Teacher Zhou. But honestly, I... I was afraid you two would worry, so I just said goodbye and left alone. Because... when I left, I didn't know if I would be able to return..."
He had thought about this reason many times, and with the help of the Heavenly Dream Iceworm, there were certainly no flaws. He was indeed very remorseful, but he couldn't tell the whole truth. Whether for him or for his two teachers, telling everything wasn't always a good thing!
"Huh?"
As soon as Huo Yuhao finished speaking, not only Fan Yu but also Zhou Yi and Wang Dong were startled.
Zhou Yi blurted out, "What could be so important that the academy couldn't help you? You shouldn't have handled it alone like that! Do you think we couldn't help you?"
Huo Yuhao gently shook his head and said, "Indeed, you couldn't help... Because there was a problem with my martial soul. Teacher Zhou, do you remember what Teacher Wang once said, that for a soul master, the most terrifying thing is a shattered martial soul?"
Zhou Yi said in surprise, "What? Your martial soul???"
Huo Yuhao nodded and said, "As the school year was nearing its end, I discovered a problem with my martial soul. My Spirit Eyes martial soul sometimes made me feel panicked, and there were even signs that it was almost shattering. Teacher Wang once said that my martial soul was originally very weak, with innate soul power of only rank one. If I forced myself to cultivate, it was very likely that my martial soul would be unable to bear it and would automatically shatter. For a soul master, if the martial soul disappears, at best all soul power is lost, and at worst, it's life-threatening."
Hearing this, Fan Yu's expression completely changed. If it was truly a martial soul degeneration, they had no way to salvage it. Even a Titled Douluo powerhouse would be helpless.
For a soul master, the martial soul was extremely important. If something happened to it, even rare thousand-year heavenly treasures would hardly prevent a death sentence.
"Yuhao, then you..."
Fan Yu no longer had the heart to be angry. His voice was full of worry and concern.
Zhou Yi said angrily, "If he can kneel here, then there's nothing else. Yuhao, continue."
Huo Yuhao said, "As the holiday approached, I felt it more clearly. At that time, I was very scared. I was afraid my martial soul would shatter. I was even more afraid of disappointing my teachers, so I had to hide it from you two and leave alone. If my martial soul truly degenerated, then so be it; I wouldn't implicate anyone. But if not, I would definitely return. Honestly, I didn't want to lie to my two teachers; I just didn't want you two to worry."