Soul Land 2: Huo Yuhao, Join Sun and Moon

Chapter 120: Juzi's Confession

Huo Yuhao looked at Juzi with some suspicion, sensing that there was something odd about her demeanor. However, considering that he was no longer a student of Shrek Academy, Juzi probably wouldn't resort to poisoning him or pulling some underhanded scheme. After all, they were both at the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy, and it wasn't like they wouldn't see each other again for a long time. There was no real reason for her to make a move against him.

So he nodded and agreed. "Alright, Senior Juzi."

Upon hearing his response, a smile appeared on Juzi's face. She walked to his side, and they began strolling together.

As they walked, they soon arrived at Sun Moon Lake, located within the academy. Usually, this place was bustling with students and teachers enjoying the scenery, but today, it was eerily empty almost as if someone had intentionally cleared the area for them.

Watching the shimmering lake surface, Juzi spoke as they walked. "Yuhao, did you know? You and I actually share a common enemy the White Tiger Duke. Because of him, I lost my parents and became an orphan with no home.

"When I first lost them, I was terrified. I was just a child back then. Sometimes, I would dream of them, yearning to feel their warmth one more time. But every time I reached out to hug them, their bodies would shatter like an illusion."

Huo Yuhao thought to himself, Of course I know. We're both comrades in the 'Kill the White Tiger Duke' alliance. In this regard, we're fighting on the same front.

He immediately put on a look of sympathy. "I never expected you to have gone through such pain, Senior Juzi. It seems we truly do share a grudge against Dai Hao. Because of his neglect and the oppression of the Duchess, my mother died in agony."

Hearing this, Juzi took a deep breath, visibly touched.

She had already heard the speech Huo Yuhao gave during the Soul Dueling Tournament, but hearing him say it to her in person felt different.

Honestly, there were two reasons why she was so moved. Firstly, Huo Yuhao's cooking reminded her of her father's, which made her develop a strong fondness for him. Secondly, they had a common enemy, which strengthened their bond.

Without hesitation, Juzi declared, "From now on, I will stand with you in seeking revenge against Dai Hao. One day, he will die by our hands. And since you also have a grudge against the Duchess, I will help you take revenge on her as well."

"I appreciate that, Senior Juzi. But surely, that's not the only reason you wanted to meet with me today, is it?" Huo Yuhao asked.

He figured that if Juzi just wanted to talk about this, there was no need for her to arrange a private walk. There was something suspicious about the way she had invited him out.

Narrowing his eyes slightly, he activated his Spiritual Detection and linked his consciousness to Juzi's. Then, without beating around the bush, he asked, "Senior Juzi, what exactly are you hiding from me? Did Xu Tianran send you?"

Juzi's pupils widened slightly in shock. However, she quickly composed herself, adjusted her expression, and casually activated a soundproofing soul tool.

Then, she spoke softly. "What do you mean, Xu Tianran? I barely know the Crown Prince, Yuhao. Don't misunderstand. As for keeping things from you… well, everyone has their own secrets."

She tried to deflect, hoping to brush past the issue.

Although Xu Tianran had tasked her with getting closer to Huo Yuhao, and she was willing to go along with it, she knew that emotions couldn't be rushed.

She was certain of her feelings for Huo Yuhao, but what about his feelings for her?

Since she wasn't sure, she wasn't foolish enough to be too direct.

Of course, she had activated the soundproofing soul tool because she knew that Xu Tianran had likely placed someone nearby to monitor them.

She knew Xu Tianran too well even though she was his most trusted confidante, he would never fully trust anyone. If she didn't block out any potential eavesdroppers, she was sure that the hidden observer would immediately run back to Xu Tianran and tattle.

"Senior Juzi, just be honest with me," Huo Yuhao said calmly.

"I already know that Xu Tianran once saved your life, and that's why you chose to serve under him. You came to find me today was that his order? What does he want from me?"

Juzi was utterly shocked.

To her, this was a closely guarded secret. Even Xuan Ziwen didn't know about her past with Xu Tianran.

So how did Huo Yuhao know?

Her first instinct was to suspect that Xu Tianran had betrayed her secret, but she quickly dismissed that thought.

It didn't make sense there was no benefit for Xu Tianran in revealing something like this to Huo Yuhao. And Xu Tianran never did anything without a reason.

For a moment, Juzi's mind was in turmoil.

After a while, she looked at Huo Yuhao's face and hesitated. Then, she sighed helplessly.

"Fine. I admit it Xu Tianran sent me."

"But no matter what orders he gives, I will never harm you. That much, you can be sure of. But tell me how did you find out about this?"

Since Huo Yuhao had already uncovered such classified information, she saw no point in pretending anymore. Instead, she chose to come clean, especially since she had already developed feelings for him.

Huo Yuhao thought to himself, The young 'Empress War God' isn't as mature as her future self in the original timeline.

Clearing his throat, he responded, "Senior Juzi, before I answer your question, shouldn't you first answer mine?"

Juzi hesitated.

After a moment of silence, she steeled herself and confessed, "Yuhao, Xu Tianran wants me to be with you. He hopes that by influencing you through me, you will convince Elder Kong to reconcile with Zhongli Wu."

She figured that if Huo Yuhao knew about her past with Xu Tianran, then he must also be aware of the current tensions between Kong Deming and Zhongli Wu.

Huo Yuhao was momentarily stunned.

Classic Xu Tianran always coming up with twisted plans.

Xu Tianran was someone who placed immense value on his own interests. To him, most people were just tools.

Even though Juzi had saved his life and was his most trusted confidante, if it ever came down to a choice between her and his own ambitions, he would abandon her without hesitation.

A perfect example was how, in the original timeline, Xu Tianran had planned to have Juzi impregnated with the Tianhe Prince's "seed" to solidify her connection to the royal family, ensuring his throne remained secure.

Even though Juzi ultimately used Huo Yuhao instead, this still demonstrated Xu Tianran's priorities his throne over everything else.

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