Chapter 121: Chapter 121: This Is Shrek, According to Xiao Hongchen
Chapter 121: This Is Shrek, According to Xiao Hongchen
Juzi was, in name, Xu Tianran's empress, yet he was actively pushing her toward another man. In a way, he was putting a green hat on himself. From an emperor's perspective, having an heir was a necessity, but this method was certainly difficult to accept.
Huo Yuhao remained silent for a moment before saying, "So it's clear now Xu Tianran is simply using you as a tool."
Juzi's face revealed a bitter smile. Of course, she had always known this. But most of the time, people simply had no choice. If she had the power to exact her own revenge, she wouldn't have needed to serve Xu Tianran in the first place. She would have stormed into the Duke's Mansion herself and ended the White Tiger Duke's life.
Huo Yuhao looked straight at Juzi and said, "Senior Juzi, would you consider betraying Xu Tianran and becoming my subordinate instead? Of course, you would also act as my spy within his ranks. In return, I will give you something you can't refuse."
Since the current Juzi wasn't as mature as her future self in the original timeline, and considering that she had feelings for him, Huo Yuhao decided to extend his offer directly.
Juzi was surprised. "Something I can't refuse?"
"Yes, for example soul spirits."
Juzi was momentarily stunned. Soul spirits? Is that some kind of new soul tool?
That couldn't be right. As Xuan Ziwen's student, she was always up to date with the latest soul tool research. If this were a new type of soul tool, she would have heard of it already.
"What's a soul spirit?" she asked in confusion.
"A soul spirit is something that can replace the current soul ring system. It's vastly superior because not only does it retain a soul beast's intelligence after its death, but it can also assist a soul master in battle."
"That… that's impossible. The soul ring system has existed for countless years. No one has ever been able to change it," Juzi said in shock.
"I know you don't believe me, so let me show you proof."
As he spoke, Huo Yuhao released his Skydream Iceworm soul spirit. A large, jade white silkworm floated beside him, looking utterly adorable.
"This is a soul spirit?" Juzi's eyes widened in astonishment. "It looks just like a real soul beast… If you can make this available to others, then I would definitely consider betraying Xu Tianran."
Juzi's heart was burning with excitement. If soul spirits were truly as powerful as Huo Yuhao described, their impact on the world would be monumental.
Even if they were only provided to the Sun Moon Empire's soul engineer legions, the sheer increase in combat power would be immeasurable.
That meant her plans for revenge could progress much faster.
Huo Yuhao looked at Juzi. "Senior Juzi, you can have a soul spirit too. Others can also obtain one. But there's a condition you must sign a contract with me."
"A contract?" Juzi was puzzled.
"Yes, it's simply to ensure that neither of us reveals your betrayal to Xu Tianran. It's a way to protect both of us. In fact, I've already started an organization called Spirit Pagoda, and Elder Kong is also part of it."
Huo Yuhao continued persuading her.
After some deliberation, Juzi agreed to his terms.
Because Huo Yuhao had proven that he could help her take revenge against Dai Hao, and because soul spirits were simply too valuable, she couldn't refuse.
Shrek Academy
Xiao Hongchen walked along the path leading to the dormitories.
Studying at Shrek Academy was a novel experience for him, but not necessarily an enjoyable one.
Ever since he arrived, he had noticed several highly unreasonable things about the academy.
Turning to Lin Xi, he complained, "Lin Xi, what exactly is Shrek Academy thinking? I came here to learn how to become an excellent soul master because, in all fairness, Shrek Academy is truly unrivaled when it comes to training soul masters.
"But why the hell do I have to stand while eating in the cafeteria? How does that make any sense? It feels like they're just tormenting the students."
Lin Xi sighed. He also hadn't expected such poor conditions at Shrek Academy especially when it came to the cafeteria.
It wasn't that the food was bad, but rather that the rules made no sense. It felt more like they were trying to train obedience rather than cultivate soul masters.
He nodded in agreement. "You're right, Xiao Hongchen. But it's not just the cafeteria the academy is ridiculously stingy when it comes to building restrooms, too.
"Based on your research, Shrek Academy doesn't even have enough bathrooms. Whether it's the dorms or the classroom buildings, there simply aren't enough facilities. For an academy that's been around for thousands of years, this is completely unacceptable."
According to the original novel's description of Shrek Academy, there were hundreds of students sharing a single restroom in the dorms.
From what they had observed:
There were no private bathrooms in the dorms only communal restrooms.
Each floor of the dorm building had only two communal bathrooms.
The boys' dorm occupied the first three floors, while the fourth floor and above were for female students.
Now, based on Shrek Academy's student numbers:
Shrek's inner court had very few students never exceeding fifty at any time.
The academy's total student population never exceeded 5,000, with 1,000 new students enrolling each year.
This meant the outer court had around 4,000 students, split evenly between boys and girls.
If half of those students were boys, that meant over 2,000 male students shared the first three floors of the dormitory.
With only two communal bathrooms per floor, each bathroom served hundreds of students.
Xiao Hongchen was clearly frustrated. "Lin Xi, this is supposed to be the almighty Shrek Academy how the hell is it so wealthy, yet so stingy? This just doesn't make any sense."
He had come to Shrek Academy to improve his understanding of soul masters and enhance his own skills, but so far, he was baffled by some of the academy's fundamental shortcomings.
Outside the Dormitories
Lying on a chair, basking in the sun, Mu En overheard their conversation. His mouth twitched slightly.
These two Sun Moon students really have a poor impression of Shrek Academy…
Even though he was slightly displeased, he chose not to intervene.
At this moment, he was just an old man tending the dormitories, not the Sea God's Pavilion Master.
Besides, even if he revealed his true identity, he couldn't just go and argue with a couple of students that would be a bad look.
This system was designed by our ancestors! Mu En thought to himself.
The goal was to train Shrek's students properly. Back when Shrek Academy was first founded, conditions were even worse. And since we only train monsters, not ordinary people, even the outer court students must endure hardship!
If you think it's unreasonable… then are you questioning the wisdom of our ancestors?!
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 20 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Albino1