In truth, inviting Huo Yuhao to join the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy brought Liu Yuan no personal benefit.
He wasn't part of the academy's recruitment staff, nor did he hold any blind loyalty toward it—he was simply a student there.
This invitation was purely his own decision.
On one hand, he couldn't stand Shrek Academy's arrogance and self-righteousness.
Despite meeting the requirements for the "Core Disciple" title, the rules had been changed at the last moment simply because the higher-ups didn't favor Huo Yuhao.
That alone was enough to leave Liu Yuan deeply dissatisfied.
On the other hand, as a transmigrator who knew the future, Liu Yuan possessed a "Heavenly Eye."
He understood better than anyone just how important Huo Yuhao would become to Shrek Academy.
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that in the future—an era dominated by Soul Engineers—Shrek's continued supremacy would rely heavily on Huo Yuhao.
And precisely because of that…
Liu Yuan didn't want Shrek to thrive.
Since that was the case, why not act now—before Huo Yuhao developed an unshakable bond with the academy—and cut off Shrek's future at the root?
At this thought, a faint smile formed on Liu Yuan's lips.
Looking at the conflicted Huo Yuhao before him, he calmly raised the stakes:
"Yuhao, you don't need to worry about practical matters."
"As long as you agree, I can have Dean Jing Hongchen waive all your tuition and fees."
"And I can guarantee that you'll be granted Core Disciple status immediately upon joining."
He emphasized those last words.
"Our Core Disciples aren't just a title."
"You'll have your own laboratory, access to the continent's top spirit tool knowledge, and a monthly resource supply far beyond imagination."
"Most importantly… no one will judge you based on your current spirit power."
"They value talent. Potential. Your mental strength will be fully recognized and developed."
Each sentence struck like a hammer against Huo Yuhao's heart.
He fell silent.
Tempted?
No.
He was deeply moved.
Everything Liu Yuan described…
…was exactly what he had longed for.
Recognition.
Opportunity.
Respect.
A place where he wouldn't be judged for his weaknesses.
Everything Shrek had failed to give him—
The Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy was offering freely.
But…
Images began flashing through his mind.
Teacher Zhou Yi—strict, yet fiercely protective.
Teacher Fan Yu—dedicated, always supporting him.
Wang Dong—sharp-tongued, but always fighting beside him.
Xiao Xiao—gentle, yet reliable when it mattered most.
Those bonds…
They weren't something he could abandon.
After a long silence, Huo Yuhao raised his head.
The hesitation in his eyes was gone, replaced by determination.
He bowed deeply.
"Big Brother Liu… thank you. But I can't leave Shrek."
"My teachers… my friends… I can't abandon them."
Liu Yuan sighed softly.
A pity—but expected.
He hadn't truly expected success.
If Huo Yuhao agreed, it would have been a bonus.
If not, then so be it.
Different paths.
Different choices.
That was all.
"I understand," Liu Yuan said calmly.
He didn't try to persuade him further.
There was no point.
But deep down, he knew—
If Huo Yuhao remained at Shrek despite everything…
Then one day, he would truly become its pillar.
And when that day came…
They might no longer stand on the same side.
Silence fell between them.
The fire crackled softly as they finished the remaining grilled fish.
The warmth of reunion had faded, replaced by something heavier.
"I should go," Liu Yuan said, standing up.
"Take care, Yuhao."
"You too, Big Brother Liu," Huo Yuhao replied earnestly.
Liu Yuan gave one final smile.
Then—
"Swoosh!"
A streak of green-gold light shot into the distance, vanishing into the endless snowfields.
Only the fading fire remained.
---
Several days later, Liu Yuan returned to Capital City.
The towering Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy still stood proudly at its center.
Without wasting time, he headed straight back to the private cultivation chamber arranged by Jing Hongchen.
There, he began cultivating once more.
Even with his current strength, he couldn't afford complacency.
After all…
The Shrek team still had Ma Xiaotao.
Unless he intended to fully reveal his Mega Rayquaza—
He needed to grow stronger.
Fast.
---
Meanwhile, Huo Yuhao finally returned to Shrek Academy after a long and exhausting journey.
By the time he arrived, the new semester had already begun.
Without resting, he rushed anxiously toward his classroom.
---
At the same time…
Inside Shrek Academy, within the Sea God's Pavilion—
The atmosphere was heavy.
Dai Yueheng stood respectfully before Xuan Zi, alongside a scout.
The usual chicken leg in Xuan Zi's hand had long been set aside.
H
is cloudy eyes now shone with rare intensity.
His gaze locked onto them.
His voice was low—but filled with expectation.
"Well?"
"Was the person brought back?"
"Why hasn't he come to see me?"
------------Author---------------
Read 40 advanced chapter
👉 patreon.com/Master_fic
U can read 10 chapters ahead just for 5$