Huo Yuhao nodded gently, a little excited. This was what he had hoped for for many years!
After taking in a deep breath, Huo Yuhao looked at Princess Jiujiu seriously and said, âYour Highness, I still want to add a few prerequisites. Everything I mentioned earlier only applies to me. Furthermore, I donât need you to promise me a knighthood right now. Iâm willing to follow the rules of the Star Luo Empire and earn my position and status through my own merits. I wonât be an exception.
âHowever, Iâm only representing myself. At this moment, Iâm only Huo Yuhao. Iâve nothing to do with the Spirit Pagoda, Shrek Academy or the Tang Sect. At the same time, even if I become a knight in the Star Luo Empire, I wonât be controlled by the empire. Similarly, I wonât be under the command of the empire. If you think this is acceptable, Iâll accept this contribution and offer. Otherwise, Iâd rather not take it.â
Everyone was confused by Huo Yuhaoâs words. What does he mean? He wants to earn merits and his knighthood, but heâs not willing to perform any services. Or rather, he would only perform services according to his own wishes. However, whatâs the significance of these things to him anyway, then?
Xu Jiujiu creased her brow slightly and asked, âYuhao, can I ask what is this for? Although Iâm a princess in the Star Luo Empire and I really hope that you would join the Empire, Iâm also clear on your standing in the world of soul masters. Thereâs no need for you to do this. If you want glory, money or wealth, itâs very easy. Why did you choose the Star Luo Empire?â
Huo Yuhao calmly replied, âI have my own reasons. First, Iâm from the Star Luo Empire.â
When he said this, the look on all the soul mastersâ faces became much gentler.
This Huo Yuhao is also part of the Star Luo Empire. I guess he just wants to contribute to his country. In addition, everyone felt closer to him upon learning that he was from the Star Luo Empire.
Xu Jiujiu already knew that Huo Yuhao was from the Star Luo Empire. When she met Huo Yuhao during the first Elite Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Tournament, she had checked on his background, where he had filled in his country of origin as the Star Luo Empire.
Of course, it was different back than when he was saying it right now. This time it meant that he recognized the Star Luo Empire.
Huo Yuhao continued, âWhen I was young, I had a dream of becoming a general. This is my wish. I hope that Iâll be able to become a general and a marshal through my own hard work. Right now, Iâm willing to use my own abilities to slowly realize this wish. I hope that Iâll be able to lead my own army like the White Tiger Duke, and make my name prominent.â
This reason seemed convincing enough, at least to ordinary people. However, when he said this, everyone from the Tang Sect felt that it was very weird. Wasnât Huo Yuhao already very prominent? In addition, could the position of a general or marshal really be compared to a truly powerful soul master?
No matter how capable the White Tiger Duke was in terms of leading his own army, his reputation couldnât compare to the Master of the Sea Godâs Pavilion, much less an Ultimate Douluo!
Those in the Tang Sect who were very familiar with Huo Yuhao knew that he was bound to become an Ultimate Douluo in the future. However, he requested the right to earn military merits and be knighted by the Star Luo Empire. Suddenly, everyone was confused.
There was an intent look on his face as he glanced at the White Tiger Duke. Yes, he could only use this method to fulfill his dream now!
Among those present, the only person who could really understand Huo Yuhaoâs intentions was probably his younger brother, Dai Luoli.
When Huo Yuhao said all this, the look in Dai Luoliâs eyes became complex. Elder brother, what do you want? Do you really want to compete with dad? What kind of ending are you hoping for?
His acceptance and recognition of Huo Yuhao had already surpassed his feelings toward Dai Yueheng and Dai Huabin in just one short month of interaction.
Even though Huo Yuhao had used hellish methods to nurture him, he could sense Huo Yuhaoâs concern and sincerity in his relentless instruction. His life had completely changed after one month, and so he completely trusted Huo Yuhao.
On one side, there was his biological father. On the other side was his elder brother, who he trusted a lot. Suddenly, he was very confused. On whose side should he stand? Dai Luoli also wasnât clear what Huo Yuhao wanted in the end, or to what extent he would go to.
Princess Jiujiu took a deep look at Huo Yuhao, then nodded gently before saying, âAlright, I agree to your demands. You can follow the Star Luo Empireâs rules to earn your position. However, we wonât restrain you. As long as youâre willing, you can do whatever you want. I only have one demand, or rather, one request. When thereâs a national crisis, I hope youâll offer your help. Be a hero and protect your country.â
Huo Yuhao nodded slightly when he saw the passionate look in Xu Jiujiuâs eyes and answered, âI wonât claim to be a hero, but Iâll stand up for my country if thereâs a crisis. Iâll do it. Iâll prove it with my actions.â
The White Tiger Duke was watching closely Huo Yuhao and said, âThatâs a deal, then. When you complete this reconnaissance mission, the princess and I will celebrate for you. Iâll personally pen down your contributions, and I hope that weâll watch the rise of a heroic general in the future. The Star Luo Empire needs a talent like you.â
He was really happy. If Huo Yuhao was just being patronizing, he wouldnât be able to convince the White Tiger Duke. However, Huo Yuhaoâs immense spiritual power had already fully convinced the White Tiger Duke. He felt that there really was hope when he saw Huo Yuhao.
As he spoke, the White Tiger Duke lifted the cup in front of him, âWe canât drink in the face of a national crisis, so Iâll use tea to replace alcohol. Let me toast you. I hope that youâll be successful.â
Huo Yuhao also lifted his cup and toasted the White Tiger Duke. He calmly said, âThanks.â
The White Tiger Duke smiled slightly after taking a sip of his tea. âKid, I wonder where you hail from since youâre from the Star Luo Empire?â
Huo Yuhao paused for a moment before saying, âI come from a village near the Star Luo City. It isnât very notable.â
The White Tiger Duke smiled and said, âItâs really rare for a small village to nurture a talent like you!â
Huo Yuhao clenched his fist, and immediately repressed his urges. He calmly replied, âDuke, Your Highness, weâve rushed throughout our entire journey. Letâs end the day here, shall we? Let me ready myself before I start my mission within these two days. What do you think?â
âAlright, great.â The White Tiger Duke was a firm believer of âactions are louder than wordsâ. Seeing that Huo Yuhao wasnât wishy-washy, he was even more impressed by him. He patted his shoulder tightly, and instructed Dai Yueheng to find Huo Yuhao and the others a place to rest.
â
As they were from Shrek Academy, the tents that were arranged for them were very good. Every one of them was given a tent that was normally given to the commanding officer of a soul engineer legion.
Every tent was close to fifty square meters in size, and furnished with a table and a bed. There were even a few simple decorations. This was the best treatment they could possibly get in war time.
Everyone from the Tang Sect didnât rush to rest immediately. Instead, they congregated in Huo Yuhaoâs tent.
âLittle junior, what were you doing today?â Xu Sanshi couldnât help but ask when he entered Huo Yuhaoâs tent.
Huo Yuhao was being very abnormal when he asked for merits and a position in the Star Luo Empire.
Huo Yuhao forced a smile and replied, âThird senior, this really is my hope for the future. I donât have any other intentions. Please understand. Furthermore, I wonât affect the Academy or the Tang Sect due to my relationship with the Star Luo Empire.â
Seeing the complex look in Huo Yuhaoâs eyes, Xu Sanshi stopped his interrogation. He clasped Huo Yuhaoâs shoulder before saying, âYuhao, we wonât force you if youâre not willing to say anything. We trust you. However, you can find someone to talk to if youâre feeling sad. Youâll feel better now. No matter who you choose, weâll keep things a secret.â
âOkay, thanks, Third Senior. Iâm fine.â
Apart from Tang Wutong, who wasnât very familiar with Huo Yuhao, the rest naturally trusted him. Although everyone was surprised by his actions today, they didnât doubt him. The others didnât even ask him anything at all.
Everyone returned to their own tents to rest. Huo Yuhao sat behind his table and looked a little dazed.
Have I finally taken this step? Can I finally earn my own merits though my hard work?
According to Xu Jiujiuâs promise, he would be able to earn merits faster than he had planned. After this mission was over, he should be able to earn his knighthood, even if it was just an ordinary one.
Dai Hao, you know Iâm doing this just to surpass you. I want to become a hero of the Star Luo Empire, a hero thatâs more outstanding than you. When that day comes, Iâll return to the Dukeâs Mansion with my chest held high. Iâll get back what my mother deserves.
As he considered that, he clenched his fists, and the thoughts in his head cleared. His immense spiritual power surged in his spiritual sea, and his soul power also circulated throughout his entire body. Suddenly, the mysterious aura that he had once sensed in the Spirit Pagoda seemed to have subtly appeared again.
Huo Yuhao was shocked, and quickly jolted himself out of that state.
A smile slowly formed at the edges of his lips. Di Tian, even you canât continuously monitor me through your reverse scale. If Iâm not wrong, I can obtain the aura of that world a second and third time, since I was able to do it the first time. But it wonât be now. I wonât let you sense anything anymoreâ¦