Douluo : People are writing diaries in Douluo

However, Huo Zhuhua, who had experienced her fair share of challenges, quickly grasped the underlying meaning in Su Ming's words—they were to be allies going forward.

Understanding this, Huo Zhuhua smiled and said, "Joining Spirit Hall is fine, but I have one request: Blazing Fire Academy should maintain its autonomy and will not be merged into Spirit Hall Academy."

"That's it?" Su Ming asked, a bit surprised.

Huo Wu's mother's request was practically nothing since he had no intention of merging the academy into Spirit Hall to begin with. Blazing Fire Academy was doing well independently, and incorporating it into Spirit Hall would only create additional financial burdens. Besides, Spirit City's space was limited; bringing all academies into the city wouldn't benefit the students or Spirit Hall.

Huo Zhuhua nodded calmly. "Yes, that's my only request. And you should be grateful to Huo Wu here. She's been going on and on about you—how wonderful her boyfriend is and how I should be kind if you ever showed up. If not for her, this conversation might not have been so straightforward."

Huo Wu, a bit embarrassed, shook her mother's arm and muttered, "Mom, why would you tell him that?"

Chuckling, Huo Zhuhua playfully tapped her daughter's head. "Silly girl, how else would Su Ming know all you've done for him?"

Huo Wushuang, meanwhile, was watching the trio, feeling distinctly like an outsider.

"Mother-in-law, please don't worry. Spirit Hall values Blazing Fire Academy's support and has no intention of absorbing it. In fact, we'd prefer the academy to continue independently and even train more Spirit Masters on our behalf," Su Ming assured her.

"That said, Blazing Fire Academy might want to consider relocating out of Heaven Dou Empire's territory. It would be safer to move within Spirit Hall's jurisdiction. When the time comes, we'll have the Division of Defense set up a new facility for Blazing Fire Academy."

Huo Zhuhua was slightly taken aback; she hadn't expected Spirit Hall to be this organized, especially after learning they'd recently won over the Four Single-Attribute Clans—who had historically been at odds with Spirit Hall. Clearly, Su Ming had been hard at work over the past few days, hence his delayed visit to Blazing Fire Academy.

"Very well, then. In that case, I'll prepare to send a few representatives to the inauguration ceremony in a few days," Huo Zhuhua agreed.

"That's perfect," Su Ming replied.

But then Huo Zhuhua's tone shifted as she said, "Su Ming, I'm guessing Blazing Fire Academy isn't your only stop. You're headed to Skywater Academy next, correct?"

Both Huo Wu and Huo Wushuang turned to look at him.

Su Ming replied sheepishly, "You're incredibly perceptive, Mother-in-law. Yes, Skywater Academy is my next destination."

"I've heard you're close to three young women there, so the rumors are true," Huo Zhuhua said, giving him a slightly scrutinizing look.

Feeling the intense gaze of his mother-in-law, Su Ming stiffened, the pressure palpable. "Rest assured, Mother-in-law. I treat all my partners equally," he replied cautiously.

Huo Zhuhua laughed. "Oh, I was just joking. Why so tense?"

In truth, Blazing Fire and Skywater Academies had maintained a healthy rivalry and friendly relations. Huo Zhuhua's inquiry was mostly out of curiosity.

"So, how do you plan to manage this? The ceremony is in just three days; will you have enough time?" she asked.

"No need to worry. I'll have Huo Wu return to Spirit Hall with Elder Ghost Douluo and Chrysanthemum Douluo," Su Ming said, clapping his hands as the two appeared.

Huo Zhuhua, though slightly surprised, found it understandable; as the soon-to-be Holy Son, Su Ming would naturally have protection when traveling.

"Elder Ghost Douluo, could you escort Huo Wu and the others back to Spirit Hall?" Su Ming requested.

Ghost Douluo respectfully replied, "Yes, Holy Son."

While Su Ming had allowed the elders to call him by name in private, they maintained the title "Holy Son" in public, preserving the dignity of his role within Spirit Hall.

Noticing Huo Zhuhua's slight hesitation, Su Ming assured her, "Rest easy, Mother-in-law. Both elders are my trusted companions."

Huo Zhuhua had heard of the two titled Douluo accompanying Bibi Dong. It seemed Su Ming held a special place in her regard for her to assign them to him.

"Yes, thank you. I'll just inform the vice dean and a few teachers so they can accompany Huo Wu," Huo Zhuhua said, nodding.

Chrysanthemum Douluo, in a flamboyant tone, responded, "No need for formalities. We're all family now, with you being the mother-in-law of the Holy Son himself."

Although their positions were high above that of Huo Zhuhua's, their respect stemmed from gratitude to Su Ming, who had directly supported their growth.