Feeling hungry, Huo Yuhao immediately activated his flight type soul tool and descended from the mountain. Though he was skilled at grilling fish so much so that he could easily cook a satisfying meal for himself he chose not to.

After all, grilled fish didn't offer much benefit for cultivating soul power.

The academy cafeteria's special meals, however, were a different matter. While the chefs' skills couldn't compare to his own, the ingredients used in these meals were carefully selected. Each ingredient was incredibly valuable, ensuring that every dish consumed aided soul master cultivation without harming potential.

Not long after, Huo Yuhao arrived at the cafeteria.

Despite it being late at night, the cafeteria at Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy was always operational.

This was because soul engineers were the dominant profession here.

Due to their intensive work schedules, many soul engineers stayed up late into the night, crafting soul tools.

Since the academy was wealthy, they employed plenty of chefs to ensure that meals were available at all hours.

Huo Yuhao went straight to the counter for special meals, retrieved his identity token, and handed it to the chef.

The chef glanced at the token and immediately understood Huo Yuhao's status, then began carefully preparing his meal.

"That Smell… You're Hiding Something Delicious!"

Tap. Tap. Tap.

The sound of footsteps approached from behind Huo Yuhao.

Thanks to his Spiritual Detection Sharing, he didn't need to turn around to know who it was.

"Qiu'er."

Turning around, Huo Yuhao saw Empress Qiu'er holding a massive bowl brimming with fragrant, delicious food.

It was no surprise.

After all, her true form was the Three Eyed Golden Lion a powerful 15,000 year old soul beast.

For someone like her, having a big appetite was perfectly normal.

In fact, if Qiu'er suddenly ate less, Huo Yuhao might start worrying that something was wrong.

Empress Qiu'er sniffed the air, then gave him a puzzled look.

"Strange… You smell really good. Even back home, I've never smelled something this delicious."

Huo Yuhao froze for a moment.

"I smell… good?"

He hadn't used any special fragrance.

Thinking about it, he realized was it because he had absorbed the Sunlight Essence earlier?

Since Qiu'er's martial soul was the Golden Dragon, and Golden Dragons consumed Sunlight Essence, it made perfect sense that she'd be drawn to it.

"Yes! A very delicious smell!" Qiu'er nodded excitedly.

"I don't really understand what it is, but my instincts are telling me that whatever is producing this smell… is incredibly tasty! You're hiding it, aren't you?"

Huo Yuhao felt helpless.

"Why would I hide anything?"

"Are you sure?" Qiu'er squinted at him.

Huo Yuhao responded seriously, "Of course. But… I can attract more of this scent tomorrow. If you come with me, I'll show you."

Hearing this, Qiu'er's eyes lit up with excitement.

"Really? Alright!"

Shrek Academy

Near Sea God's Pavilion.

The sky was lightening, revealing a clear blue expanse.

Standing by Sea God Lake, Xuan Zi inhaled the fresh lake breeze and spoke.

"Shaozhe, Beibei and the others should be returning soon, right?"

Yan Shaozhe nodded.

"Yes, Elder Xuan. They'll be back shortly. Why do you ask? Are you planning to personally greet them?"

Xuan Zi shook his head.

*"Why would I do that? That's your job as the headmaster.

I have something far more important to take care of.

Shaozhe, listen carefully as soon as Beibei's group returns, get them somewhere safe."*

Yan Shaozhe blinked in confusion.

*"Something more important? Elder Xuan, don't tell me you've found the Holy Spirit Church's headquarters?

We've searched all three empires and wiped out every Holy Spirit Church base we could find but we still haven't located their main headquarters."*

Like Elder Xuan, Shrek Academy had a deep hatred for the Holy Spirit Church.

This organization of evil soul masters was one of Shrek's greatest enemies.

Yet, no matter how many evil soul masters they captured, none could reveal the headquarters' location.

They all claimed to be bound by a restriction, stating that if they revealed anything, they would die in agony.

At some point, Shrek Academy simply gave up on capturing them for information opting instead to execute every evil soul master they found.

Xuan Zi shook his head again.

*"No, I haven't found their headquarters. That would be far too difficult.

However… I do have a plan one that will strengthen Shrek Academy and weaken the Sun Moon Empire."*

Yan Shaozhe frowned.

"Elder Xuan, just tell me plainly. What's your plan?"

Xuan Zi chuckled.

*"Shaozhe, you're always so impatient.

My plan is simple after Beibei's group returns, I will personally attack the Sun Moon Empire.

I will inflict enormous damage upon them."*

His hatred for the Sun Moon Empire ran deep.

For one, they were a growing threat to the three Douluo nations.

But more importantly…

They had humiliated him at the previous Continental Soul Master Tournament.

He had orchestrated Shrek's cheating strategy, only for the Sun Moon soul tools to expose everything.

"Only the Victorious Are Righteous!"

Yan Shaozhe's expression darkened.

*"Elder Xuan, this is too risky!

If this is discovered, it would completely undermine the exchange student system.

Shrek Academy is supposed to be a righteous institution how can we do something so dishonorable?"*

Xuan Zi scoffed.

*"Righteous?

Only the winners can define justice!

Shaozhe, you're old enough to know that morality means nothing.

Shrek Academy became the #1 soul master academy not because of justice but because of strength!

Because of the legacy of the original Seven Devils!

If we want to weaken our enemies, eliminating their geniuses is the best way to do it!"*

Yan Shaozhe clenched his fists.

"But Elder Xuan… if you get caught, Shrek's reputation will suffer immensely!"

Xuan Zi's eyes gleamed coldly.

*"Do you really think I'd go as myself?

I have slaughtered enough evil soul masters to understand them perfectly.

If I use the right techniques, I can pose as one.

Even if the Sun Moon Empire investigates… they'll only find traces of an evil soul master attack not me."*

Yan Shaozhe fell silent.

Xuan Zi's plan was both ruthless and brilliant.

If executed correctly, it could cripple the Sun Moon Empire without implicating Shrek.

Even so, the thought of such underhanded tactics left a bitter taste in his mouth.

(End of chapter.)

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