Douluo Continent: When Huo Yuhao Becomes the Lord of the End

Chapter 207 Meeting with Xu Tianran, Ju Zi, and Xu Tianzhen
While Du Busi and Kong Deming were planning for Huo Yuhao's future, an uninvited guest arrived at Huo Yuhao's residence.

Xu Tianran sat in his wheelchair, looking at Huo Yuhao, who stood in front of him and seemed unfathomable. He first frowned, then quickly put on his standard fake smile.

"It's been a few years, and Yuhao's strength has indeed improved rapidly. Even I can't see through your true strength anymore."

He was accompanied by Ju Zi and Xu Tianzhen; this was a meeting that Huo Yuhao had not anticipated.

Huo Yuhao had previously wondered how much restraint the Crown Prince of the Empire would have, but it seems he can't sit still any longer.

"Your Highness, you have not come here today to congratulate me on my progress in strength, have you?"

Now that he has ample resources, he no longer needs to feign politeness with this Crown Prince of the Sun and Moon as he did the last time they met.

However, since he recently developed those soul tools that greatly improved the productivity of the Sun and Moon layers, this creature was not stingy and provided many benefits and conveniences. Therefore, it was willing to keep this creature company and have a chat.

At the same time, we need to find out what the purpose of this visit is.

Orange, standing to the side, kept her head down, occasionally glancing at Huo Yuhao.

That boy, whose soul power level was only forty, has now become a near-soul douluo of level eighty in just a few years. Moreover, he has accomplished things that many people cannot do, and even the crown prince of the empire has to deal with him with caution.

As for herself, ever since Duke Dai Hao of the White Tiger died, she had been thinking about leaving Crown Prince Xu Tianran's side and living the life she wanted.

But how naive is such a thing? Once you're in this situation, the path you take is no longer your choice. The idea of ​​getting away from Crown Prince Xu Tianran is somewhat laughable.

Xu Tianran, however, did not notice Ju Zi's expression. He knew that Huo Yuhao never liked beating around the bush, so he got straight to the point.

He had a smile on his face and tapped the armrest of the wheelchair with his right index finger.

“A long time ago, Yuhao, you asked me what I thought of the Holy Spirit Cult. At that time, my answer was that it would be eradicated. I know that Yuhao did not believe my words at that time.”

"Now that the Holy Spirit Cult has lost its means of survival in the Sun and Moon Empire, the Empire has eradicated this cancer. This is all thanks to the efforts of your teacher, the Poison Sect Master, and Elder Kong. But I know that the most crucial factor in this is inseparable from your efforts, Yuhao."

"Therefore, on behalf of all the people of the empire, I would like to express my gratitude to Yuhao for his help."

These words were purely flattery of Huo Yuhao, but he was well aware of this.

Since the old emperor usurped the throne, the Holy Spirit Cult has been operating in the Sun Moon Empire for so many years. The relationships and affairs within it are complex and sordid, and cannot be explained in just a few words.

Are the Sun and Moon some kind of benevolent birds? Impossible. Even if the royal family provided the Holy Spirit Church with land to survive, and even if the royal family helped the Holy Spirit Church develop step by step, it was all for the purpose of consolidating its own position.

The reason they're speaking so grandly now is simply because, with the awakening of public opinion and the development of the general trend, the Holy Spirit Church is no longer of much help to the Sun and Moon Sect.

Compared to the Body Sect, the increasingly powerful Mingde Hall, and the reputation of the royal family, the Holy Spirit Sect, which is extremely dangerous and could potentially hinder the future unification of the continent by the Sun and Moon Sect, deserves to die a violent death in a foreign land.

History is always written by the victors. As the victors, the Sun and Moon faction naturally blames all the dirty and sordid things on the Holy Spirit Church and the royal family in this operation. They can only be the spotless and righteous side.

"Your Highness is too kind." Huo Yuhao waved his hand. Ju Zi was taken aback, then blushed slightly and gave up her seat.

Supporting Xu Tianran's wheelchair, Huo Yuhao was too lazy to pretend anymore.

"Your Highness, why don't you stand up and walk with me?"

Xu Tianran was taken aback upon hearing this, and then turned his head to look at Huo Yuhao with a hint of surprise.

He had thought Huo Yuhao wanted to push his wheelchair like last time, but now it seemed interesting, truly interesting.
Even Ju Zi, who was close to Huo Yuhao, was unaware that he could walk using a soul tool. Huo Yuhao's abilities far exceeded her imagination.

Of course, he also gleaned another meaning from Huo Yuhao's words. Yes, now that the Holy Spirit Cult, the only one who could pose a threat to him, had been eliminated, the others posed no threat at all. There was no need to continue to feign weakness and pretend to be a cripple who couldn't walk.

Want to take a walk together? This would be a good start.

"Alright, then I'll accompany you for a walk, Yuhao."

Standing up, Xu Tianran smiled and walked with Huo Yuhao toward the distant lake, leaving Xu Tianzhen behind looking completely bewildered.

"Sister Orange, what about my brother, the Emperor?"

As one of Xu Tianran's most trusted confidantes, Ju Zi naturally knew about the prince's situation, but Princess Xu Tianzhen was unaware of it. She had never imagined that her imperial brother could stand up with the help of a soul tool.

That's a prosthetic leg.
"Naive, there are some things you'd better not know."

Over the years, Ju Zi has come to know Xu Tianzhen's personality and intelligence. He truly lives up to his name. If she knew that her seemingly harmless elder brother had tricked and killed many royal brothers by pretending to be unable to walk, she would definitely be heartbroken.

After saying these words, Ju Zi stared at Huo Yuhao's retreating figure in the distance, pursing her lips, seemingly lost in thought.

Meanwhile, Xu Tianran and Huo Yuhao's conversation continued. The guards who were secretly protecting Xu Tianran hadn't caught up. There were some things that were beyond their control, and besides, this was arguably the safest place in Mingdu, so there was no need for them to follow and protect their prince.

With no one else around to interfere, Xu Tianran's words became less roundabout.

"Yuhao, if I am fortunate enough to inherit the throne, I plan to make the Body Sect the guardian sect of the Sun and Moon Empire after my accession, sharing the fate of the nation and ranking above all other sects within the empire."

"In addition, if the Empire breaks out into war with the original Douluo Kingdom and Shrek Academy, I can allow the Body Sect, Mingde Hall and Gongfeng Hall to have the right to intervene militarily, and their status will be above that of the Empire's Soul Master Legion."

"."

His words made no attempt to conceal his ambition, nor was there any need to.

Different times bring different promises. Xu Tianran's promise to Huo Yuhao was nothing more than a kingship, because Huo Yuhao was just a rising star at that time, and his importance was not enough for him to win him over at all costs.

After all, talent is just talent. If it doesn't grow and dies halfway through, then no matter how much you do, it will be in vain.

Therefore, he had previously offered support and resources in a gesture of goodwill.

But things are different now. Xu Tianran understands that Huo Yuhao's support is more important than anything else around him.

Behind it stand three behemoths: the Mingde Hall and the Offering Hall of the Body Sect. Moreover, their strength and future prospects are enough to make him willing to do anything to befriend them.

As long as Huo Yuhao supports him, not only will the throne be within his grasp, but he will also be able to handle the situation with ease when he unites the Sun Moon Continent and faces the original Douluo Three Kingdoms and Shrek Academy.

Making the Body Sect the guardian sect of the Sun and Moon Sect is the first step, and all Huo Yuhao needs to do is nod his head.

The Primal Sect is the best replacement for the vacant position left by the Holy Spirit Cult.

However, Huo Yuhao did not answer directly, but responded in a calm and composed voice.

"Your Highness, why be in such a hurry? The Body Sect will support you, but now is not the best time to announce your joining the Sun and Moon Sect. What do you think, Your Highness?"

Xu Tianran was taken aback at first, then looked at Huo Yuhao's meaningful gaze and suddenly understood.

"You're right, now is indeed not the best time. I'm just a little impatient."

He understood what Huo Yuhao meant. Although the Sun Moon Kingdom and the original Douluo Kingdom were currently in a standoff, at least on the surface, the situation was balanced.

If we were to suddenly announce that the Body Sect had joined the Sun Moon Sect and become its guardian sect, it might dampen the morale of the original Douluo Three Kingdoms and boost the Sun Moon Sect's spirits in the short term, but it wouldn't maximize the benefits.

It could even shatter the facade maintained by the Sun and Moon Kingdoms and the Three Kingdoms, becoming the fuse that ignites war.

Conversely, even without declaring that the Body Sect has joined the Sun Moon Sect, as long as Huo Yuhao is present, the Body Sect can be a pawn of the Sun Moon Sect in secret. When the war breaks out later, if the Body Sect defectes, it can severely damage the morale of the opposing side.

Therefore, it seems that the debate over whether the Body Sect should side with the Sun Moon Sect is not that important. On the contrary, with Huo Yuhao around and the Body Sect's tacit cooperation with the Sun Moon Sect in this operation, the outcome was already predetermined.

"The Mingde Hall and the Offering Hall."

Huo Yuhao didn't really want to say much about this matter, but he still reassured Xu Tianran.

"As long as Your Highness needs it."

In short, Huo Yuhao was indeed interested in things like the One Continent, but he didn't have time to get involved himself.

With the Sun and Moon Royal Family as a sharp weapon, he only needs to sit back and enjoy the final fruits.

In his view, with the improvement of the basic productivity of Sun Moon and the emergence of top combat forces such as his own teachers, Sun Moon already had overwhelming power when facing opponents such as the original Douluo Three Kingdoms and Shrek Academy.

Unifying the continent is a foregone conclusion, barring any wicked deity from interfering.

As for the time after the unification of the continent, that will be the time for me to participate. The existing political system can absolutely not continue to be used. Whether it is the sects of the original Douluo Three Kingdoms, or the feudal monarchical system of the Sun Moon and even the Three Kingdoms, they must be swept into the dustbin of history.

Ideally, what will emerge then is a just and democratic system similar to a unified government.
At this moment, Xu Tianran could no longer hide the smile on his face. What a simple yet touching six words, "If I need it."

"Then I can also guarantee that if Yuhao inherits the mantle of the Poison Sect Master and Elder Kong in the future, I am willing."

Xu Tianran saw himself as a monarch who was recruiting talent, a talent scout, and Huo Yuhao as a thoroughbred horse that could be used by him and become a pillar of the empire in the future, just like Confucius.

However, Huo Yuhao understood that all of Xu Tianran's promises were to serve his political ambitions, with the core purpose of using his own value to pave the way for the unification of the continent, perhaps with a trace of goodwill mixed in.

He thought the same thing.

With the support of three top forces—the Mingde Hall and the Gongfeng Hall of the Body Sect—Xu Tianran would need to have the ability to utilize his value.

Huo Yuhao still did not respond to Xu Tianran's promise, and cleverly changed the subject again.

"In a while, the two teachers are preparing to launch an operation against Shrek Academy. Your Highness is surely aware of the relationship between the original Douluo Three Kingdoms and Shrek Academy, and you are even more aware of how much of a blow the Body Sect, together with the teachers, will deal to Shrek Academy." "If the original Douluo Three Kingdoms dispatch their top combat forces to support them, I think this will be a good opportunity for Sun Moon Academy to strike. What do you think, Your Highness?"

Xu Tianran looked at Huo Yuhao with an incredulous gaze, but seeing his calm expression as if he were talking about something trivial, he immediately understood.

This is insane! This is absolutely insane! Shrek Academy is the number one academy on the continent! Its reputation, status, and strength are all at the top of the continent. It can be said to be the only transcendent force that is beyond the continent's established order.

Even though he had failed once before and his reputation was greatly affected, his influence over tens of thousands of years still remained. Even he, the crown prince of the Sun and Moon Royal Family, had a mixture of fear and admiration for Shrek Academy.

Now they suddenly say they want to take action against Shrek Academy, isn't that just insane?

Moreover, the fact that both the sect leader of the Body Sect, Poison-Free, and Elder Kong agreed shocked Xu Tianran, and made him value Huo Yuhao even more.

He was one of the planners of the sudden destruction of the White Tiger Duke's Mansion last time, and the Sun and Moon Sect benefited greatly from that incident.

Even now, Xingluo can only retreat outside the Mingdou Mountains, and its western army is not what it used to be, suffering heavy losses.

This time, the target was Shrek Academy, and Xu Tianran immediately thought of Huo Yuhao's purpose in telling him these things.

If Shrek Academy is attacked, the original Douluo Three Kingdoms will dispatch their top forces to support it, leaving their countries vulnerable. Whether it's Star Luo or Heavenly Soul, there will be plenty of opportunities to exploit the border regions.

"This matter is indeed true."

Xu Tianran didn't know how to answer. Such a crazy thing could easily ignite the current situation, and he needed some time to process it.

"No rush." ​​Huo Yuhao's smile faded. "However, I still think that Your Highness doesn't need to inform His Majesty about this matter. This is a good opportunity to help Your Highness establish prestige in the army, isn't it?"

The emperor is old and his ambition has faded. If such a crazy thing were to reach his ears, he would inevitably hesitate and might not be able to make a decision, which would affect his subsequent plans.

However, Xu Tianran is different. With the power he has now infiltrated into the army, the Soul Master Corps Leaders he has won over are enough to help him share a large part of the power of the Three Kingdoms.

He wasn't worried about Shrek Academy, nor about the sects in the original Three Kingdoms. After all, these were being handled by other forces, including top sects within the Three Kingdoms like the Haotian Sect and the Tianlong Sect. Di Tian and the others would handle the situation when the time came.

Therefore, why not take this opportunity to seize another portion of land and resources?

In such matters, the more people involved, the better; creating chaos is in one's own interest.

"You're right, Yuhao, I will make the arrangements."

Xu Tianran agreed, making it a temporary promise. As for how to proceed, that would depend on the circumstances.

Moreover, he always felt that he had been dominated by Huo Yuhao throughout the conversation. The things he tried to win over seemed to have succeeded and failed, but he couldn't refuse Huo Yuhao's arrangements.

Sigh, there's nothing I can do. Whoever has the strength holds the initiative. Right now, I really need to rely on Huo Yuhao's will, which has nothing to do with age or status.

Moreover, given Huo Yuhao's current prestige in the Sun Moon Empire, he might not be much less prestigious than himself, the Crown Prince of the Empire.

He was even considering sending a royal princess to Huo Yuhao's side, since such a relationship would be the most secure, just like how Elder Kong also had royal blood.

If possible, he wouldn't feel any burden even if it were his younger sister, Tianzhen, and he felt that his sister might be very willing.

The conversation between the two ended.

When Xu Tianran sat back in his wheelchair and left Huo Yuhao's residence, he took one last, deep look at him.

It wasn't until she left that Xu Tianzhen finally couldn't hold back anymore.

"Brother, you are able to stand up now, why did you hide it from me before?"

Clearly, she didn't take Ju Zi's words to heart and couldn't help but react in the slightest.

Xu Tianran smiled calmly and changed the subject.

"Tianzhen, what do you think of Yuhao?"

Xu Tianzhen was taken aback by her elder brother's sudden move and didn't understand his meaning for a moment.

"Huo Yuhao, of course he is very powerful. Your Majesty, don't you know that Yuhao is known as the God of Soul Tool Innovation among the younger generation at the Royal Soul Master Academy?"

"Sister Orange's teacher, Xuan Ziwen, has been researching Yuhao's novel secret soul tool all this time. The level of secrecy is so high that even Sister Orange and Zimu cannot participate in it."

Oh?
Xu Tianran was aware of this matter, but he didn't say much. The royal family was also very interested in the modular interlocking technology, but the meaning from the Hall of Offerings was very clear: the technology was not mature and it was not yet time to apply it.

As for the real reason, it's definitely not that simple.

Xuan Ziwen's secretive behavior couldn't possibly escape the notice of those with ulterior motives. As the crown prince, he naturally knew that Xuan Ziwen was researching a revolutionary soul tool because of Huo Yuhao.

But so what? No matter the final outcome, this is the result of the Sun and Moon. Is there any soul tool that can overturn the world order?

To be honest, he didn't believe it. Moreover, many of the soul tools that Huo Yuhao had researched before, except for the project of fusing soul bones and soul tools which had not been widely used, such as soul tool lathes, airplanes, fertile soil, and chime stones, were all beneficial to the empire.

Since that's the case, why worry so much? Just leave professional matters to the professionals. Just like the royal family can't interfere with the research in the Hall of Worship, he can't interfere with Huo Yuhao's affairs either.

However, his younger sister clearly did not understand what he meant.

"Naive, what I mean is, what do you think if I let you and Yuhao try to get along?"

This time, not only Xu Tianzhen, but even Ju Zi suddenly stopped in her tracks.

Xu Tianzhen blushed instantly, her movements became somewhat awkward, and her voice suddenly became soft and sweet.

"Brother Emperor, what are you saying? Huo Yuhao, how could Huo Yuhao possibly like me?"

"He is the empire's number one genius, whose talent and strength surpass all the younger generation. He has never even given me a second glance."

Thinking of all the rumors surrounding Huo Yuhao, and her own boastful remarks during their first meeting, Xu Tianzhen felt so ashamed she wanted to disappear into the ground.

Forget about challenging Huo Yuhao to become the number one genius, he can't even see Huo Yuhao's back right now. Moreover, Huo Yuhao has Meng Hongchen and Gu Yuena, who are absolute prodigies of the younger generation, by his side. How could he possibly attract Huo Yuhao's attention?

However, she had some hope in her heart. Huo Yuhao's strength, talent, temperament, and appearance were simply perfect for her, or rather, for all women. Who wouldn't want to be with such a young man?

But ideals are just ideals, and reality is cruel. Even though she is an imperial princess, she is not good enough for him. Just like her elder brother, even though he is the crown prince, he can only associate with Huo Yuhao as an equal and has no advantage at all.

Seeing his younger sister's posture, Xu Tianran couldn't help but burst into laughter.

"I never would have guessed! My fearless and mischievous little sister would actually show such a shy side. I don't deny Yuhao's excellence, but you're no less outstanding, so why be so self-conscious?"

He then became serious, "However, if my royal sister truly has feelings for Yuhao, even if it involves some special means, I, as her brother, can help you."

"No way!" Orange and Xu Tianzhen said in unison.

Xu Tianran was stunned, unsure whether to say what was on his mind.

An eerie silence fell over the room. Xu Tianzhen, unaware of the situation, broke the silence first.

“Brother, Huo Yuhao has several confidantes around him, Meng Hongchen, Gu Yuena, and the newly arrived Yu Qiu’er. Their status and talents are all superior. I don’t want Huo Yuhao to like me because of my status. Also, I want to attract Huo Yuhao’s attention through my own efforts, not through other means.”

Xu Tianran couldn't help but chuckle when he saw that even his younger sister was having trouble speaking clearly.

"Okay, okay, I'll rely on my own efforts."

Despite saying that, Xu Tianran did not give up on planning for Xu Tianzhen. This was not for the sake of his younger sister, but for the future of the royal family and for himself.

So what if Huo Yuhao has a few female confidantes? Although Meng Hongchen and Gu Yuena are immobile, no one stipulates that a man in the empire can only have one woman by his side. Which of those nobles doesn't have three wives and four concubines?

In other words, even if Huo Yuhao didn't want her, even if it wasn't his own sister, even if it was a gift, he would still arrange for a royal woman to be by Huo Yuhao's side.

Orange was trying her best to make herself inconspicuous. She didn't know what had gotten into her, why she had suddenly said those things. Could it be that she...
Impossible, absolutely impossible!
She just didn't expect that Xu Tianzhen, who seemed so innocent, actually harbored such thoughts in her heart. She actually liked Huo Yuhao. If Xu Tianran hadn't suddenly said this today, she probably wouldn't have realized it either.

Yes, I'm an emotional idiot, and it's really hard to resist a dazzling man like Huo Yuhao.

Because of the matter concerning Duke White Tiger, I've always had a special feeling for him.

Xu Tianran noticed Ju Zi's expression, but pretended not to see it, and a smile appeared on his lips.

Xu Tianzhen breathed a sigh of relief, but the blush on her face wouldn't go away no matter what. She could only lower her head and leave with Ju Zi and Xu Tianran.

Huo Yuhao was unaware of what was happening here. After Xu Tianran left, he entered his spiritual sea, preparing to plot something with Elder Yi.

As for what he was planning, it was, of course, to figure out how to seal A Yin's soul in the same way he sealed Tang Xiaoqi's soul fragments after a while.

What goes around comes around. It would be quite interesting if I held the soul of that little scoundrel's mother in my hands someday.

But this guy is no weakling like Tang Xiaoqi, so it will definitely take some effort, and Tang Hao will also be secretly helping him.

It's better to be safe than sorry. If we're prepared now, we can prevent Old Yi from being caught off guard by those energies, just like the original route of the eternal ice bed.

Old Yi naturally had no objections, so the two of them began to study magic with great interest. As long as Ah Yin was injured, this place would be sealed by them, and there would be absolutely no leakage of any aura. Even the gods would not notice who did it.

(End of this chapter)