NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 176: Fan Alliance
Although the original purpose of the fan club was to serve as a backup furnace* reserve for Huo Yuhao, the current Hao Alliance had grown far beyond that single function.
It had become a key piece in Huo Yuhao's grand strategy to manipulate the fate of the three kingdoms: Heavenly Soul, Star Luo, and Xingdou.
The gates of the Hao Alliance were tightly shut, keeping the onlookers outside—because what was about to happen was not for outsiders to see.
"Tch, what's with all the showing off? Just watch, someday my Dong Alliance will surpass the Hao Alliance and become the strongest club in the outer courtyard!" grumbled Wang Dong from the crowd—a young teen who had already grown into a handsome (questionable?) youth.
What irritated her more was that Huo Yuhao hadn't even noticed her in the crowd—his supposed arch-rival!
Yes, Wang Dong considered herself Huo Yuhao's archnemesis.
The graceful girl Xiao Xiao covered her mouth with a soft laugh and echoed, "Ah, yes, yes."
This immediately made Wang Dong flush with frustration, yet she could do nothing about it.
Xiao Xiao had grown completely accustomed to Wang Dong's daily tough talk and now found it just amusing.
The publicly acknowledged strongest club in the outer courtyard was the Hao Alliance. It had luxurious facilities, consisted entirely of female members, was overflowing with talent, and dominated the spotlight.
By contrast, the club ranked second was barely noticed.
In reality, that second-place club had held its position steadily, backed by solid strength.
That was none other than Wang Dong's Dong Alliance, with Xiao Xiao and Lan Yin as vice-leaders.
For years, Wang Dong had harbored a single dream: to one day overshadow the Hao Alliance, give Huo Yuhao a taste of defeat, and wipe that smug look off his face.
Unfortunately, the Dong Alliance lagged behind in overall strength—and even its headquarters were inferior. Like most other clubs, it could only claim a single floor in an unused academic building.
The disparity in treatment between clubs was stark, yet no one complained—because the Hao Alliance was simply that powerful.
For example, every member of the current Shrek Academy pre-selection team came from the Hao Alliance. The other clubs couldn't beat them even if they joined forces. They were even dubbed the "Seven Fairies of the Outer Courtyard."
That's five more than the once-legendary "Twin Stars of the Outer Courtyard," Xu Sanshi and Bei Bei.
Fortunately, the Dong Alliance still had Wang Dong and Xiao Xiao, who held official team positions and the prestigious title of Shrek Seven Devils for life—a last-minute redemption.
Still, the two of them didn't loiter around the Hao Alliance gates for long. Their fellow vice-leader Lan Yin quickly dragged them back for training.
"At your age, how can you still be slacking off? The next Soul Master Tournament is just around the corner! As official members, how can you justify playing around? The Hao Alliance girls train eight hours a day—aren't you ashamed?" Lan Yin nagged like a mom, scolding the two girls.
"Sorry! We were wrong!" ×2
Wang Dong and Xiao Xiao bowed their heads in perfect sync, then flashed ingratiating smiles. Wang Dong asked sweetly, "Lan Yin Mama~ can't we train just four hours a day? We're not beasts like those girls in the Hao Alliance!"
"Yeah, yeah! If I train eight hours, I'll seriously break down~" Xiao Xiao pleaded.
"I'm not asking you to match them—just to put in more effort!" Lan Yin sighed in defeat.
"Yay~ Then can we rest a bit before going back to train? We were planning to go buy the new pastries in town—if not for Huo Yuhao, we'd be in Shrek City by now," Wang Dong said hopefully.
"..."
Lan Yin just felt exhausted.
Honestly, she sometimes felt tempted to defect to the enemy.
But with her two companions this unreliable, if she didn't keep her composure, the Dong Alliance really would have no future.
"No!" Lan Yin refused flatly. "Train for one more hour, then spar. After that, you can go!"
"Okaaay~~"
Wang Dong and Xiao Xiao instantly deflated.
Meanwhile, Huo Yuhao paid no attention to Wang Dong and Xiao Xiao grumbling outside. In truth, he had noticed Wang Dong long ago—but had no interest in interacting with her.
There was no need to guard against Wang Dong. The real threat was the Tang God King residing within her.
In fact, trying to use Wang Dong as leverage against the Tang God King was inefficient. It was better to let Wang Dong roam free and target the Tang God King directly.
Perhaps, until the final showdown between Huo Yuhao and the Tang God King, Wang Dong would get to enjoy a rare taste of freedom.
At this moment, Huo Yuhao was led into a luxurious conference room inside the building to meet the current leaders of the Hao Alliance. While he had been absent, the alliance naturally had its own administrators.
But the Hao Alliance was not run by a single leader—it was managed by seven.
Yes, they were none other than the so-called "Seven Fairies of the Outer Courtyard"—the seven most powerful girls in the Hao Alliance.
Within the alliance, however, they weren't called the Seven Fairies. They were known as the "Seven Jades"—a reference to the "Jade Cultivation Technique" they practiced.
The only ones in the room were Huo Yuhao, the three girls led by Ma Xiaotao, and the Seven Jades.
The members of the Seven Jades were:
Eldest sister: Bai Shanshan
Martial Soul: Red String, Control System, Rank 58
Second sister: Jin Yu
Martial Soul: Golden Crocodile, Power Attack System, Rank 55
Third sister: Huyan Xue
Martial Soul: Pink Diamond Mammoth, Power Attack System, Rank 55
Fourth sister: Dantai Jiayao
Martial Soul: Bow of Myriad Flowers, Ranged Attack System, Rank 53
Fifth sister: Sha Huayan
Martial Soul: Red-Crowned Crane, Agility Attack System, Rank 53
Sixth sister: Wang Qian
Martial Soul: Jade Bamboo, Support System, Rank 52
Seventh sister: Ou Ou
Martial Soul: Holy Grail, Healing System, Rank 51
These seven girls were all upperclassmen in the outer courtyard, representing the second generation of Seven Jades.
The first generation had included Lan Susu, Lan Luoluo, Nanmen Yuner, Cui Yajie, and others from Huo Yuhao's year or upperclassmen. They had all become Soul Emperors and entered the inner courtyard ahead of schedule.
This new generation had started training in the Jade Cultivation Technique even earlier, and their current strength was truly frightening. With their capabilities, any one of them would've qualified for the official competition team in previous years. Yet now, they were just reserves.
No wonder Shrek Academy valued the Hao Alliance so highly.
All seven of them were potential future Title Douluo candidates—and with their admiration for Huo Yuhao, there was a strong chance they would stay and serve Shrek in the future.
Thus, the academy spared no expense in cultivating them: unlimited resources, elite instruction, and even personal tutoring from Title Douluo-level mentors.
Shrek's leadership was already dreaming about the shockwaves the next Soul Master Tournament would bring across the continent.
Shrek Academy was ascending to new heights—making history!
And it was all thanks to Huo Yuhao.
His succession as the Sea God Pavilion heir was truly well-deserved.
Eldest sister Bai Shanshan stood and reported the current status of the Hao Alliance to Huo Yuhao.
"Reporting to the Alliance Master: as of now, the Hao Alliance has a total of 312 sisters—217 from the outer courtyard, 15 from the inner courtyard, and the remaining 80 have returned to their families, scattered across the three kingdoms of Heavenly Soul, Heavenly Dou, and Star Luo. Among those still in the academy, 211 are from the Martial Soul Department and 21 from the Soul Tool Department."
Huo Yuhao nodded in satisfaction.
Each year, Shrek enrolled only about 300 new students. With annual attrition, graduation, and dropouts, the outer courtyard rarely exceeded 2,000 students—including Soul Tool students.
The number of exceptional female students was even lower.
To recruit this many outstanding girls into the Hao Alliance was no small feat.
No wonder the boys resented Huo Yuhao—he had practically swept up all the high-quality girls in the outer courtyard, cutting off their chances of finding a partner.
(Veena was friendly toward the Seven Jade girls, treating them kindly as juniors. Ling Luocheng remained calm—she only cared about her standing in Huo Yuhao's heart. Ma Xiaotao, on the other hand, evaluated the seven girls with a discerning eye, ultimately nodding in approval.
These seven weren't just strong and talented—they were all stunning in their own unique ways.
Eldest sister Bai Shanshan had an elegant aura with a subtly seductive charm—easily the most alluring.
Jin Yu and Huyan Xue were tall, athletic, and impeccably proportioned.
Dantai Jiayao was as radiant and charming as a blooming flower.
Sha Huayan lived up to her name—gorgeous and proud, with cold, sharp eyes.
Wang Qian had a cute, lovable demeanor.
Ou Ou shared the generosity typical of support-type Soul Masters.
What they all had in common was the open admiration, respect, and love in their eyes whenever they looked at Huo Yuhao.
Of course... this was all due to the effects of their cultivation technique.
The technique had not only improved their training speed but also enhanced their appearance and skin, and even modified their talents and soul spirits.
In fact, the soul spirits of four of the girls—Bai Shanshan, Dantai Jiayao, Sha Huayan, and Wang Qian—had undergone evolution:
Bai Shanshan's original thread-based soul spirit transformed into a top-tier Red Thread spirit after she absorbed a rare red jade.
Dantai Jiayao's flower-bow soul spirit evolved into the Thousand-Flower Bow after absorbing a unique gem found in the forest.
Sha Huayan's white crane spirit evolved into the top-tier Red-Crowned Crane after absorbing a toxic jade.
Wang Qian's purple bamboo soul spirit evolved into Purple Jade Bamboo after absorbing a matching jade.
The other three didn't undergo mutation—not due to lack of opportunity, but because they already possessed top-tier soul spirits.
Still, after consistent absorption of rare jades, even their spirits showed signs of future evolution. For instance, Jin Yu's soul spirit seemed poised to evolve into the Golden Crocodile King.
Both the Golden Crocodile and the Golden Crocodile King are top-tier spirits—but while the former can reach Titled Douluo level, the latter might even brush against the divine threshold.
Huo Yuhao was especially intrigued by Ou Ou. Her soul spirit was the Holy Grail, a rare divine-type spirit. According to Sea God Pavilion records, such spirits existed in the Spirit Hall of ten thousand years ago and were passed down in the Qian Clan's side branches. He wondered if Ou Ou was one of their descendants.
Due to the frequent spirit mutations triggered by rare jades, many girls in the Huo Alliance had become more determined than ever to find high-grade jades.
Sadly, while common jade was abundant in various mines, high-grade and special jades were much harder to come by.
Even so, over twenty girls in the Huo Alliance had experienced spirit mutations or evolutions—most involving jade in some form.
As Huo Yuhao studied the Seven Jade girls, Ma Xiaotao suddenly stepped forward and declared loudly:
"I'm Yuhao's girlfriend, the Blazing Phoenix—Ma Xiaotao! Your senior from the inner courtyard! I'm here to assess you all!"
"We inner courtyard seniors are your best big sisters. If you ever have questions about training or life, just come to us—we'll kindly help!"
"Now, introduce yourselves from the beginning!"
She pointed at Bai Shanshan.
Bai Shanshan stepped forward and said seriously,
"I'm Bai Shanshan, a fifth-year student in the outer courtyard."
"Can't hear you! Not at all! Talking that softly, and you still want to be with Yuhao?"
"I'm Bai Shanshan, fifth-year, outer courtyard!" she shouted, visibly fired up.
After all, being loud meant being noticed by Huo Yuhao!
Huo Yuhao said nothing.
...Well, if it makes them happy.
After Returning to Shrek Academy, life settled into a peaceful routine.
Each day followed the same path:
Sea God Pavilion → Huo Alliance → Centipede Garden → Shrek City → Sea God Pavilion
He no longer needed training grounds—his cultivation had advanced beyond such basics.
At the Sea God Pavilion, he studied how to manage Shrek's operations, accompanied by Ma Xiaotao, Ling Luocheng, and Veena.
At the Huo Alliance, he deepened his relationships with the girls and offered some guidance. The Seven Jade girls had, in fact, all succeeded in "being with" Huo Yuhao, and he found the process quite... satisfying.
News spread among inner courtyard members, prompting them to return to the outer courtyard to join in—though participation was staggered, not all at once.
Aside from exceptionally high-level "cauldrons," most dual-cultivation experiences only gave Huo Yuhao minor gains. Still, they accelerated the girls' growth—each of the Seven Jade gained at least one level after the process.
At the Centipede Garden, he cultivated spiritual descendants and consolidated his foundation.
Visits to Shrek City were mainly for external affairs—such as assisting women like Nan Shuishui and Zhu Lu, who needed "nurturing."
Nan Shuishui now resided permanently in Shrek City, having handed control of the Earth Dragon Sect to Nan Qiujin.
Zhu Lu had rushed to find Huo Yuhao as soon as she heard of his return—bringing women from her clan who were ready to break through cultivation bottlenecks.
To Huo Yuhao's surprise, the first one she introduced was Zhu Zijin, a former auctioneer he'd met long ago. She had the [Fated Spirit Cat] cauldron fate, as well as [Beauty] and [Wealth Magnet]—making her a living lucky charm.
Sadly, Zhu Zijin's innate talent was lacking—but now, she had hope.
After an intense cultivation session, her strength finally broke through, bringing her to tears of joy. She immediately knelt before Huo Yuhao and pledged loyalty—offering to become his "mother cat."
In a world where even the sons of sect leaders are overlooked without talent, how could a mere side-branch woman like Zhu Zijin be treated better?
Many people are willing to sacrifice everything in pursuit of power.
Zhu Lu had, in fact, gathered many such women within the Zhu Clan.
Because Huo Yuhao had been gone so long, Zhu Lu had quietly helped these women advance, occasionally triggering rumors about the technique. Yet the Zhu Clan didn't reprimand her.
Why?
The men weren't affected.
Zhu Lu had prepared thoroughly and secured allies within the clan.
Now that Huo Yuhao was back, and Zhu Lu continued to help more clan women break through and level up, her status within the Zhu Clan would surely soar.
And the Zhu Clan itself? It would soon become a plaything in Huo Yuhao's hands.
After all, Huo Yuhao had strength, status, looks—and the potential to become a god.
Faced with such temptation and benefit, who could say no?
So, every so often, a new "big kitty" would voluntarily show up—for Huo Yuhao's amusement and pleasure.
In this world where even "Chosen Ones" can be tamed like dogs—who still treats anyone like a human?
It wasn't just Nan Shuishui, Zhu Lu, and the Zhu Clan women.
Tu Xijun would also occasionally bring Taylor to learn from Huo Yuhao and exchange cultivation insights—though due to distance, they couldn't visit as frequently.
Ning Tian and Wu Feng invited Huo Yuhao to a three-way spar in Shrek City, only to lose despite their two-on-one advantage.
After their initial encounter with Huo Yuhao, their martial souls began evolving. Through consistent practice of the *Jade Nurturing Technique*, they fully absorbed the power Huo Yuhao left in them, completing their martial soul evolution.
Ning Tian's martial soul ascended to the Nine Treasure Glazed Pagoda, while Wu Feng's was close to evolving into the Red Dragon King.
Following their evolution, they withdrew from Shrek Academy, returning to the Nine Treasure Glazed Sect for protection.
"Damn it, damn it!" Wu Feng, hunched over the bed, pounded it furiously, venting her frustration.
She'd thought her last loss was due to carelessness. This time, prepared and boosted by Ning Tian's enhancements, she still lost.
Outmatched in combat and in bed—what was the point?
This wasn't what the sect's aunties taught! Weren't fields supposed to withstand any plow? She was stumped!
Huo Yuhao, amused by Wu Feng's sulking, playfully teased her, making her flush again.
"You're asking for it! Taste my Red Dragon Breath!" Wu Feng lunged at him.
Ning Tian sighed, shaking her head at Wu Feng, then nestled into Huo Yuhao's arms.
She didn't care about winning or losing—she knew she was Huo Yuhao's woman. Like last time, this intimate exchange boosted her cultivation significantly.
In his embrace, Ning Tian casually summoned her martial soul, the Nine Treasure Glazed Pagoda, at Level 68. Faint dragon patterns adorned it, hinting at further mutation.
This encounter pushed her up a level, saving months of grueling training.
Though she'd possessed the Nine Treasure Glazed Pagoda for a while, it still felt surreal. She never imagined the sect's millennia-long pursuit of martial soul evolution could be achieved by sleeping with Huo Yuhao.
Ning Tian took it in stride, but the sect's elders nearly lost their minds. If Huo Yuhao weren't the Sea God Pavilion's heir, they'd have dragged him to Nine Treasure City.
With Elder Xuan's breakthrough to Limit Douluo exposed, the sect not only kept the news secret but sought to deepen ties with Huo Yuhao.
Thus, Ning Tian and Wu Feng were tasked with enhancing their feminine allure. The sect also prepared other eligible women for Huo Yuhao's use.
This visit was to discuss that matter.
"Yuhao, I have a cousin…" Ning Tian began, embarrassed.
Huo Yuhao raised an eyebrow. "So, the Nine Treasure Glazed Sect is offering breeders?"
Ning Tian hesitated, then said earnestly, "The Nine Treasure Glazed Sect could be ours!"
"Oh? Intriguing. Elaborate," Huo Yuhao said, intrigued.
Clearly, Ning Tian wasn't passive about the sect's plans and had her own ambitions.
Having spoken, Ning Tian held nothing back. She took a deep breath. "I've been named young sect leader, but it comes at a cost. I must produce more Nine Treasure Glazed Pagoda soul masters for the sect and ensure its legacy."
"But if the sect gains more such soul masters, my position as young sect leader becomes a joke. Who's to say others won't seize power? With alternatives, I could be discarded."
"Compared to others, as the sect leader's daughter, I hold little real power. I was never the first choice for sect leader."
"I want true control of the Nine Treasure Glazed Sect. Only then can I protect myself, Feng Mei, our future children, and aid you."
Her words were heartfelt.
Wu Feng, done venting, took Ning Tian's hand, pulling her from Huo Yuhao's arms into her own. "Tian'er, don't worry. I'll always be with you. Once I reach Titled Douluo, I'll crush anyone with ill intent!"
Ning Tian gave Wu Feng a wry look.
Wu Feng no longer called her "young leader," closing the distance, but "Tian'er" felt more than sisterly.
Even with her evolved martial soul, Wu Feng couldn't dominate the world. Huo Yuhao's claim would carry more weight.
Huo Yuhao quickly grasped Ning Tian's predicament.
With other women around him, the sect assumed he was lustful, aiming to cater to his desires.
Ning Tian resented the sect's plan but, bound by its interests and her limited influence, couldn't object.
The sect's power struggles fueled her insecurity, prompting her to seek Huo Yuhao's external support, even at the cost of betraying the sect's interests.
He wasn't worried about Ning Tian or Wu Feng—his influence over them would subtly shape their loyalty.
"To think the prestigious Upper Three Sects from ten thousand years ago would stoop to selling their women. How could I agree?" Huo Yuhao declared righteously.
Ning Tian and Wu Feng stared, unimpressed. If he were so noble, how had he won them over?
As expected, Huo Yuhao grinned wickedly at Ning Tian. "Tian'er, I have a mind-control technique, suited only for those with strong mental power. Interested?"
"What!? You have such an evil technique?" Wu Feng blurted, shocked.
Ning Tian, after a moment of surprise, adopted a righteous tone. "Indeed, such evil mustn't spread! I'll purge your wickedness!"
She pulled Wu Feng along, pinning Huo Yuhao down, directing her, "Feng Mei, handle his upper half! I'll take the lower!"
Wu Feng: "Huh??"
Only then did Wu Feng catch Ning Tian's meaning. She'd nearly activated her martial soul earlier.
But she did activate it.
"Hmph, I refuse to believe I can't win with my martial soul active!"
Huo Yuhao laughed heartily. "You two think you can suppress me? Try it! Behold my treasure!"
Ning Tian answered with action.
…
A day later, Ning Tian, supported by Wu Feng, left, both with trembling legs.
Their gains were immense.
Both reached Level 70.
Huo Yuhao injected a drop of his blood into each, a privilege reserved for long-term cauldrons like Ma Xiaotao, enhancing their martial souls' evolution.
They also received new techniques.
Ning Tian gained *Soul Capture Technique* for controlling minds and *Radiant Focus Technique*, a gem-based mental training method Huo Yuhao adapted.
Wu Feng received *Fire Mastery Art* and *Red Dragon Combat Technique*, a fire control method and a demon combat art Huo Yuhao revised.
Combined with upgraded versions of the *Jade Nurturing Technique*, they'd likely dominate the Nine Treasure Glazed Sect within years.
The *Jade Nurturing Technique*, refined by Huo Yuhao, had improved significantly, boosting cultivation speed, though it paled beside the *Jade Maiden Scripture*.
Departing, Ning Tian assured Huo Yuhao he wouldn't wait long—her cousin would soon arrive, as her puppet.
Initially reluctant, Ning Tian now embraced the plan eagerly.
Huo Yuhao insisted he wasn't that kind of man.
The grand movements of the world are stirred by the major powers. A single decision from a dominant force can shift the entire continent's landscape, plunging it into upheaval.
The world's fortune and fate are distributed among the major factions according to their strength. As events unfold, this fortune flows, shifts, and transforms among them.
In the end, it always comes down to the decisions of just a few powers.
In this era, the power structure of the Douluo Continent is divided between two major factions: human powers and soul beast powers.
Among human powers, they can be divided as follows:
Three Superpowers:
Sea God Pavilion
Mingde Hall
Body Sect
Four Imperial Powers:
Sun Moon Empire
Star Luo Empire
Heavenly Soul Empire
Dou Ling Empire
Five Major Sect Powers:
Shrek Academy
Clear Sky Sect
Heavenly Dragon Gate
Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect
Holy Spirit Church
Yes, Shrek Academy and the Sea God Pavilion, though located in the same place, are counted separately. The Sea God Pavilion and Shrek Academy do not have a clearly defined subordinate relationship—Shrek Academy is not merely a school.
In contrast, the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy, which is housed with Mingde Hall, is strictly under the jurisdiction of the Sun Moon Empire. It is simply an educational institution with no independent authority.
As for the other minor sects and powers, they have no ability to influence the continental situation. They can only drift with the tides of greater forces.
Submit or perish.
As for the soul beast faction, it can be divided into:
Four Forbidden Zones:
Lake of Life
Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well
Core Area of the Extreme North
Core Area of the Demonic Forest
Five Major Soul Beast Habitats:
Star Dou Great Forest
Extreme North
Ming Dou Mountain Range
Demonic Forest
Jingyang Mountain Range
One Unofficial Zone:
The Ocean
There are also several small soul beast habitats, which are similar in status to minor human sects.
The Sunset Forest has already been engulfed in poisonous gas, and its fortune has been fully transferred to the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well.
Huo Yuhao listed all these locations and began marking them.
Among the three superpowers, the fortunes of Mingde Hall and the Body Sect have already been completely seized. The Sea God Pavilion is set to be inherited in the future.
Among the four imperial powers, the Sun Moon Empire is under control via the third prince. The Star Luo, Heavenly Soul, and Dou Ling Empires have also had pieces placed by Huo Yuhao. The Death God Envoy has already entered the Star Luo Empire, stirring up chaos.
Among the five sect powers, Shrek Academy will serve Huo Yuhao once he inherits the Sea God Pavilion. Nan Shuishui has made preparations for the Heavenly Dragon Gate to be absorbed by the Earth Dragon Gate. The Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect will fall under Ning Tian's control. As for the Holy Spirit Church, Huo Yuhao has already plundered most of its fortune and laid out plans to capture the destiny of Tang Ya and Bei Bei.
Only the Clear Sky Sect remains untouched. Previously, Huo Yuhao dared not interfere—after all, Sky Azure Bull Python and Titan Giant Ape reside there, and Tang God-King might be keeping an eye on them.
But now, perhaps... well, unless absolutely necessary, Huo Yuhao won't meddle with the Clear Sky Sect until everything is laid bare.
Caution when necessary, boldness when appropriate.
True prudence doesn't mean betting everything on a slim chance with full preparation. It means avoiding danger altogether—unless it becomes truly unavoidable, a do-or-die situation, or one already has the strength to resolve the crisis.
Prudence is about surviving—not living cowardly.
Likewise, among the Four Forbidden Zones, the Lake of Life and the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well must also be avoided for now.
However, if any fierce beast dares leave the Lake of Life, Huo Yuhao won't hesitate. He's already stationed a centipede leg clone outside the lake to monitor internal movements.
As for the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well, there's no pressing reason to visit.
The so-called immortal herbs there offer no real benefits to Huo Yuhao anymore.
A bunch of plant souls with only 100,000 years of cultivation—neither their bodies nor their essences can significantly enhance a god-level being.
The Core Area of the Extreme North and Core Area of the Demonic Forest have already been cleared by Huo Yuhao.
The remaining five soul beast habitats can be dealt with gradually. These so-called habitats are basically breeding pens—they're not expanding, they're being forced to shrink.
Which leaves only one final place—free to explore without constraint.
Yes, the unofficial zone—the Ocean, a place barely touched by humanity.
Even in the modern world, it's said "it's easier to reach the heavens than dive into the seas." The same holds true in Douluo Continent.
So even in this era, human exploration of the ocean is limited to coastal areas and surface waters. Almost no one ventures into the deep sea.
"After all these years, who knows how many powerful Beast Kings and fierce beasts have accumulated in the ocean?
Let me begin the Ocean Purge Plan—wipe out those excess soul beasts."
"Besides, the young ones need bloodshed to grow. Only blood and souls can fuel the rapid development of my demonic descendants."
"I wonder if the suffering of oceanic soul beasts will affect the Sea God's power?"
With that, Huo Yuhao descended into his Centipede Garden, delving deep underground, speaking into the darkness:
"I will now teach you the Water-Parting Incantation, enabling you to fight and travel freely through rivers and seas. You are to plunge into the ocean and battle on my behalf!"
"You will find an abundance of blood and souls there—slaughter at will, unleash your demonic nature! You shall grow stronger through combat and trial!"
"I look forward to your progress!"
Rustling echoed from the darkness. Countless blood-red demonic eyes opened and fixed on Huo Yuhao. A surge of demonic aura followed.
Who knows how many monsters lurk in that abyss?
Yet Huo Yuhao felt nothing but warmth and closeness.
What if they slaughter and drink blood?
Once they ascend to the divine realm, their sins can be washed away.
This is the Douluo Continent's way of cultivation!
Lay down the butcher's knife—become a Buddha on the spot.
What? Soul beasts can't become gods?
That's their problem. Who says that applies to my demon beasts?
And if necessary—he could just devour the Silver Dragon King and Golden Dragon King.
Then Huo Yuhao is the Dragon God. He could shatter the rules at will.
Huo Yuhao's words sent his demonic descendants into a frenzy. Their demonic aura surged, their bodies squirmed with excitement, expressing their joy and eagerness.
Children locked away too long—all want to go out and play.
Huo Yuhao barked a sharp command:
"Still yourselves! Listen well while I teach!"
Immediately, all the demonic aura withdrew. His descendants prostrated in the dark, respectfully awaiting their ancestor's teachings.
Huo Yuhao sat down cross-legged and began to teach—not just the Water-Parting Incantation, but also various demonic combat techniques, cultivation insights, and philosophical truths.
These carefully raised demonic descendants were going on their first mission. Huo Yuhao could never rest easy. He also feared they might go astray out there, returning warped and unrecognizable—ruining their chances of reaching the Great Dao.
Compared to the humans he'd allied with, Huo Yuhao felt deeper affection for these beings he raised with his own hands.
This is why, in many cases, the bond between master and disciple far surpasses that of parent and child.
Children may inherit your bloodline,
but disciples can inherit your path.
For cultivators, what do they pursue if not their own path? And for seekers of the Dao, nothing matters more than the path itself!
The sermon lasted an entire day and night.
Finally, Huo Yuhao said:
"Go now. Do not disgrace my name. I will dispatch two centipede-leg clones to guard your path from behind. But unless you are attacked by powerful foes, they will not interfere in battles of equal level—even if it means your death."
"If you encounter an enemy you cannot defeat, call out my name—I will sense it. If I cannot arrive in time, I will still avenge you!"
"Now go~"
Huo Yuhao waved his hand, then closed his eyes and sat in meditation.
His demonic descendants prostrated once more before reluctantly departing through the underground tunnels.
Only after they were gone did Huo Yuhao reopen his eyes and sigh softly.
"I don't know how many of them will survive this journey."
There is always risk in stepping out. If fate turns sour, and they perish—so be it.
Still, he had his two clones carry soul-gathering flags and Level 9 fixed soul-guided bombs—not only to collect beast souls but also to preserve their spirits for future resurrection.
The Level 9 soul-guided bombs were specifically to deal with fierce sea beasts—and he had equipped more than one.
Even a 500,000-year beast would be annihilated.
And if even stronger ones came, the clones could still hold out long enough for Huo Yuhao to arrive.
Cultivation also respects status and background.
When in crisis, these can save your life.
That's why in Journey to the West, those well-connected monsters were always saved by a deity just before they were slain.
While Huo Yuhao was enjoying his peaceful life, someone he hadn't seen in ages—Xie Huan Yue—suddenly showed up and excitedly invited him,
"Come on, Yuhao, your bro's taking you to your last bachelor party!"
Huo Yuhao: "Huh???"
Last? Bachelor? Party?
Which of those words sounds even remotely related to me?
If it were a silver party, maybe…
But it had been a while, and Xie Huan Yue had grown into a big guy—also, noticeably chubbier. Incidentally, thanks to the competitive pressure in the outer courtyard, he had now broken through to Rank 50 and passed the inner courtyard entrance exam, finally escaping the outer courtyard's cutthroat grind.
Seeing Huo Yuhao's confusion, Xie Huan Yue burst into hearty laughter before waggling his eyebrows and giving an explanation.
It turned out that Shrek Academy was hosting a special event recently—something that also appeared in the original series—called the "Sea God Fated Date" held on Sea God Lake.
In simpler terms, it was the inner courtyard's version of a blind dating show.
"Oh, that thing… I'm fine with the bachelor party, but I'm not participating in the Sea God Fated Date," Huo Yuhao said helplessly.
"Huh? Why not?" Xie Huan Yue asked in confusion.
Before Huo Yuhao could reply, Ma Xiaotao and two other girls—along with several from the original Seven Jades—arrived arm in arm, chatting and laughing, each with her own charm.
Huo Yuhao gave Xie Huan Yue a resigned look.
Xie Huan Yue suddenly felt something appear on his nose. He reached up and touched it—ah, it was a clown nose.
Most of the original Seven Jades were girls who had appeared in the original novel and were Huo Yuhao's contemporaries. After all, any girl who made it into the original work was bound to be among the best of her age group.
Among them were Lan Luoluo, Lan Susu, Nanmen Yun'er, Cui Yajie, and Ning Tian—five in total. The remaining two were Lulu, Huo Yuhao's former teammate, and Zhu Yuwen, one of the first girls to follow him.
The leader of the original Seven Jades was Nanmen Yun'er. Her spirit, the Jade Green Bird, turned out to be a perfect match for the [Jade Nourishment Art], allowing her to cultivate at incredible speed and evolve her spirit quickly.
Shockingly, her spirit evolved from the top-tier Jade Green Bird into the super-tier Jade Green Luan, awakening a powerful phoenix bloodline.
Compared to top-tier spirits, super-tier spirits are more powerful in one or more aspects. They typically possess divine beast genes or abilities and usually require a special ritual or process to awaken.
Nanmen Yun'er's Jade Green Luan was precisely such a case. Even Xu Sanshi, who had yet to fully awaken his martial spirit, couldn't match her now—only Beibei's Evil Dragon could compare.
Thanks to this powerful spirit, Nanmen Yun'er held her place as the eldest of the Seven Jades. Combined with the cultivation technique, her progress was like having cheat codes enabled. She had now reached Rank 72.
Before her spirit evolved, neither she nor her Nanmen family had known that their family spirit was actually a hidden super-tier spirit.
After the evolution, with Nanmen Yun'er's request, Huo Yuhao permitted her to share the cultivation technique with her family, allowing her mother and younger sister to practice it as well.
The Nanmen family, traditionally matriarchal, only passed the Jade Green Bird spirit down through female members. They had long suspected the spirit was unique, but only now saw its true potential.
With the technique now back in the family, their overall strength soared. Nanmen Yun'er's mother and aunt were both on the verge of becoming Titled Douluo.
Naturally, the Nanmen family became some of Huo Yuhao's most loyal followers.
Some of the other Seven Jades also experienced spirit evolution.
Lan Luoluo and Lan Susu, whose martial spirits were originally their hair (a body-type spirit), evolved into the top-tier Ice Jade Hair. Their hair now shimmered with a jade-like glow—silkier, tougher, and more powerful. It resisted blades, fire, and water, had enhanced durability and elemental damage, and significantly boosted their fusion techniques. Both were now at Rank 65.
Cui Yajie's Nine-Tailed Fox spirit started out as a high-level spirit, not particularly rare—but its unique nature, a hybrid between mental and assault types, along with her dedication to cultivation, allowed it to evolve as well.
Now, it had become the top-tier Nine-Tailed Jade Fox. Rather than growing new tails with each soul ring, it already had all nine tails—each soul ring simply enhanced them.
It no longer just balanced mental and assault abilities; it fully mastered both. Cui Yajie now focused on mental abilities and used martial arts in place of traditional soul skills for physical combat. Her overall strength was impressive—Rank 66.
Ning Tian, under Huo Yuhao's "nurturing," had reached Rank 70, much like Wufeng. Wufeng wasn't part of the Seven Jades because she refused to train in the [Jade Nourishment Art] and had no interest in leading Huo Yuhao's fan club.
To Wufeng, the Huo Alliance was just a fandom, and the Seven Jades were its head cheerleaders.
If not for Ning Tian, Wufeng wouldn't have joined at all.
Also, both of them had trained in the earliest version of the [Jade Nourishment Art], which didn't have as strong of a brainwashing effect.
Even though Huo Yuhao had now "won them over," Wufeng's defiant nature remained unchanged.
Lulu's Fairy Staff spirit didn't evolve, but it mutated into a jade version with stronger support capabilities. She also awakened a talent domain—Fairy Domain.
Within this domain, her support effectiveness increased by 30%, and those she supported would inflict double damage when attacking. The downside? It consumed her soul power much faster.
Lastly, Zhu Yuwen—one of the very first girls to align with Huo Yuhao—had initially approached him as an "investment." She, like others, came to Shrek Academy on behalf of her family to expand connections and seek out geniuses to marry or ally with.
At the time, these 20+ girls, including Zhu Yuwen, had only average talent—just getting into the outer courtyard and graduating would be considered a success before returning to their families for arranged marriages.
But Huo Yuhao hadn't forgotten them. Each one received private coaching.
Now, all of them had elevated spirits and talents. No longer needing to seek out geniuses—they were the geniuses. When they returned home, they were highly valued.
Marriage alliances? What kind of sane family would use their most talented daughters for marriage alliances? Cultivating a powerful female clan pillar is far more valuable—unless the benefits were truly overwhelming.
Even if they were forced, they could simply bring up their connection to Huo Yuhao, and anyone trying to mess with them would have to think twice about offending the future Pavilion Master of the Sea God's Pavilion.
Zhu Yuwen's original martial spirit, the Circular Blade, evolved into the top-tier Jade Crescent Blade, which now dealt soundwave attacks that disoriented and damaged enemies. It balanced both offense and support.
Her path mirrored Cui Yajie's—but she focused on offense with secondary support. Her soul power had reached Rank 64.
Among the original Seven Jades, only Lan Luoluo, Lan Susu, Cui Yajie, and Lulu had entered the inner courtyard.
Nanmen Yun'er had returned to her family, which had ties with the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. She and her clan helped Ning Tian and Wufeng handle sect affairs.
Ning Tian and Wufeng had gone back to the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, now heavily protected—especially since Ning Tian was the only known user of the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile spirit.
Zhu Yuwen returned to her family as one of the pawns Huo Yuhao placed across the three great empires.
As for Lan Luoluo, Lan Susu, Cui Yajie, and Lulu—their families were either weak or aligned with Shrek Academy, allowing them to remain in the inner courtyard.
As a result… they all got to ride the "Yuhao train."
Now, in the inner courtyard, Huo Yuhao had seven regular companions to help him with his cultivation every night.
Life was, shall we say… extremely fulfilling.