About Shrek's Inner Court.
Ordinary students at Shrek Academy must first undergo education in the Outer Court to build a solid foundation. After passing various entrance examinations, they graduate from the Outer Court.
If they are under 18 years old upon graduation and their soul power reaches level 40, they are eligible to take the assessment to enter the Inner Court.
Additionally, there is an assessment for outsiders not from Shrek's Outer Court to directly enter the Inner Court, though the requirements are significantly higher and more challenging.
Currently, Shrek Academy has granted Huo Yuhao special permission to enter the Inner Court directly, a testament to the academy's high regard for him.
This decision is understandable, given that Huo Yuhao defeated Xu Sanshi, a core member of Shrek's key training program and a candidate for the next generation of the Shrek Seven Devils.
The academy values flexibility, and having already made an exception for Huo Yuhao, allowing him to bypass the usual procedures is a minor concession. It would be a significant loss if Huo Yuhao were to remain in the Outer Court due to the strict assessment criteria for the Inner Court.
Huo Yuhao smiled and said, "For now, I still wish to stay in the Outer Court and continue my studies."
Yan Shaozhe nodded in agreement. "That's a wise decision. Although your special approval to join the Inner Court is assured, we must consider your age. The Inner Court is not yet suitable for you."
"Inner Court disciples are tasked with monitoring and combating malevolent evil soul masters. While your combat prowess is impressive, you are still young and lack experience."
"Such missions would be too dangerous and premature for you. Staying in the Outer Court allows you to interact with peers your age. We plan for you to remain in the Outer Court until you are older. Rest assured, you will have access to all necessary resources."
Huo Yuhao agreed, "Indeed."
Whether to fulfill his mission or to avoid the notorious "Chicken Leg Douluo," staying in the Outer Court was the wisest choice.
Yan Shaozhe then looked at Huo Yuhao earnestly. "Yuhao, you are aware that my disciple, Ma Xiaotao, possesses the Evil Fire Phoenix martial soul. Each time she trains, evil fire is generated, which can severely affect her mind. Only a high-quality ice-attributed martial soul can help suppress it."
"I know you have already assisted her once. I humbly ask you to continue aiding her in controlling the evil fire. This is a personal request from me as her master. I assure you, your efforts will not go unrewarded."
Huo Yuhao replied, "No reward is necessary. I am happy to help."
He considered it a small favor, though Ma Xiaotao had nearly offered herself as a reward. Given her current personality and status, discussing compensation seemed inappropriate.
No one starts at the top; until one's strength reaches a certain level, maintaining a gentle demeanor is the best form of protection.
"How can that be!" Ma Xiaotao, who had been silent until now, interjected anxiously. She grabbed Huo Yuhao's hand and handed him a white jade bottle. "This is a Spirit-Nourishing Pill. I went through great lengths to obtain this as compensation for you."
"Thank you, Sister Xiaotao," Huo Yuhao said, accepting the pill without hesitation. The Spirit-Nourishing Pill, an advanced version of the Spirit Ascension Pill, is crafted from the essence of thousand-year-old plant-type soul beasts.
It significantly enhances a soul master's soul power and nourishes the spirit. Each soul master can only take one in their lifetime, as additional doses have no effect.
The soul power gained from this pill is roughly equivalent to what an ordinary soul master needs to advance from level 50 to 51. Its value is comparable to a high-quality thousand-year soul bone.
Observing the natural and unpretentious interaction between Huo Yuhao and Ma Xiaotao, Yan Shaozhe raised an eyebrow and said, "I won't intrude on you young folks any longer. Xiaotao, take Yuhao to Sea God Island. We've prepared a special dormitory for him there. The living conditions in the Outer Court are not ideal."
With that, Yan Shaozhe left the office.
[Achievement Trigger!]
[Achieved Yan Shaozhe's "I Have a Plan" Achievement. Reward: Immortal Finger Gu.]
[Immortal Finger Gu: A third-turn consumable Gu worm that provides hints based on known clues. Resembling a seed, it grows into a cactus when planted. Hints can be obtained from the flower buds atop the cactus.]
[Evaluation: Make Shrek Great Again!]
Next, Ma Xiaotao escorted Huo Yuhao to the freshman dormitory. It was noon, and most students were resting in their rooms.
Huo Yuhao said to Ma Xiaotao, "Senior sister Xiaotao, please wait for me downstairs. I'll pack my things and be back shortly."
Ma Xiaotao nodded in agreement.
Huo Yuhao entered the dormitory to find Wang Dong absent, likely still eating in the cafeteria. It was a pity she wouldn't hear the good news immediately.
Now, living alone in the dormitory, Huo Yuhao wouldn't be disturbed, and there would be no need to adhere to the usual rules between roommates.
[Brother Hao's talent has been recognized by Shrek's executives, and he has been granted permission to live in the Inner Court dormitory on Sea God Island.]
[In the days to come without my supervision, I hope you will continue to train diligently and join the Inner Court as soon as possible.]
[If I have time in the future, I will visit you, but don't slack off, or I'll find out.]
After leaving this farewell message, Huo Yuhao began packing. With the help of the Flower Bud Gu, he finished quickly.
"I should equip myself with advanced soul guide storage devices in the future," he thought.
Given his current status, money was no longer a concern. Soul guide devices were essential in Douluo, and he couldn't afford to ignore them. However, in the early stages, there was no need to waste time learning about them. Once his soul power and mental strength reached higher levels, he could focus on advanced techniques. When the exchange student event arrived, the timing would be perfect.
After settling everything, Huo Yuhao left the dormitory.
...
After Huo Yuhao departed, Ma Xiaotao couldn't help but recall her earlier conversation with her teacher. Her face flushed slightly.
When Huo Yuhao moved to the Inner Court on Sea God Island, they would be able to suppress the evil fire more easily and train together.
Initially, Yan Shaozhe had suggested they live together to foster closeness, but Ma Xiaotao had refused.
Huo Yuhao was not the type to act recklessly, and given her age, it was a delicate matter. However, under Yan Shaozhe's guidance, she had become more alert and prepared.
Although it was an academy mission, she needed to take the initiative.
The Inner Court was filled with older, single women—whether it was Ling Luochen, who often clashed with her, Wu Ming, another active volcano, the well-educated Han Ruoruo, or even the "top single woman," Senior Sister Zhang Lexuan.
Ma Xiaotao had to be vigilant to ensure Huo Yuhao wasn't taken advantage of by these older women. Protecting Huo Yuhao was paramount!
…
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