Douluo Dalu 2: Peerless Gu master

Ma Xiaotao looked utterly confused.

Yan Shaozhe coughed twice and explained, "Xiaotao, here's the good news. Didn't you say that Huo Yuhao used his Ultimate Ice to help you completely suppress your evil fire a few days ago, allowing you to cultivate freely for a whole month?"

Hearing this, Ma Xiaotao's eyes lit up with excitement. "Does this mean the academy approved my request to reward Yuhao?"

Indeed, Ma Xiaotao had long struggled with the outbursts of her evil fire. Although there were no casualties this time, she had used the incident as an opportunity to formally request a reward for Huo Yuhao.

Given Huo Yuhao's possession of Ultimate Ice, Shrek Academy would never let go of such a rare genius. This was an excellent opportunity to secure his loyalty. It was a clever tactic!

After all, why should she have to endure her struggles alone without the right resources? If she could leverage the academy's support for her future cultivation, why not take advantage of it?

Yan Shaozhe, however, felt somewhat helpless. 'She hasn't even married yet, and her priorities are already shifting away from me.'

All he could do was sigh inwardly. It was a universal truth—once a daughter grows up, even a father's words start losing weight.

Though he was Ma Xiaotao's teacher, he had also acted as a father figure to her for many years. He had watched her suffer through the torment of the evil fire ever since she began cultivating.

Yet, despite being a Level 95 Super Douluo and the esteemed Dean of Shrek Academy's Martial Soul Department, there was little he could do to help her.

Unless…

The legendary immortal herb, the "Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower," somehow resurfaced in the world.

Unfortunately, even Tang San, the founder of the Tang Sect and the Sea God from ten thousand years ago, left no records of such a plant. Even within the Tang Sect's vast archives, there were no mentions of it.

But now, with the appearance of an Ultimate Ice soul master, things had finally started to take a turn for the better.

'Destiny truly works in mysterious ways.'

Yan Shaozhe smiled and said, "Yes and no. But Xiaotao, considering how much you care about Huo Yuhao, could it be that you've taken a liking to that boy?"

Ma Xiaotao's face instantly flushed red. She hurriedly tried to cover up her reaction. "Master, it's not like that! It's just that Yuhao helped me suppress my evil fire last time, and I promised to repay him. But…"

At this point, her voice grew softer, and a hint of frustration appeared on her face.

"We've only known each other for a few days and met only a handful of times. Besides, there's a considerable age gap between us..."

Seeing his usually fiery and headstrong disciple show such a rare display of feminine shyness, Yan Shaozhe confirmed his suspicions.

'So, she really does have feelings for Huo Yuhao.'

He had no idea how the boy managed to capture the heart of his proud and unruly disciple in such a short time, but it didn't matter. 'Love is truly unpredictable.'

As someone who had experienced the pain of missed opportunities in his youth, Yan Shaozhe knew that feelings could be cultivated over time. But if one let the chance slip away, it might never come again.

'That boy is exceptionally talented. It's only a matter of time before many outstanding women start flocking around him.'

Huo Yuhao's strikingly handsome appearance and his unparalleled potential meant that he wouldn't lack admirers in the future.

Though the thought left Yan Shaozhe feeling somewhat conflicted, he also knew that this was none of his business. With such a promising pair before him, it wasn't his place to be an obstacle.

Thus, he decided to use this meeting to present his disciple with an "arranged marriage opportunity."

'Who says older women can't pursue younger men?'

Yan Shaozhe chuckled inwardly. "Xiaotao, you're too reserved."

After detailing Shrek's intentions, he concluded, "Age is hardly an issue. Titled Douluos live for hundreds of years. A difference of seven or eight years is insignificant in the grand scheme of things."

"Simply put, we hope you and Huo Yuhao can develop a good relationship. In the future, the academy will take you both as its core. Ideally, we'd like to 'seal the deal' and ensure Yuhao remains tied to Shrek forever. But there's no rush—take your time. Now, what are your thoughts on this?"

Ma Xiaotao's phoenix-like eyes sparkled, and she lowered her head slightly. Her voice was so faint that even she could barely hear it.

"Master, whatever you decide... Whether it's cultivating our bond or... making things official... I'm fine with it."

At that moment, a deep crimson hue spread across her stunning face, leaving her silent.

Yan Shaozhe let out a sigh of relief.

'A brilliant plan, indeed.' His approach accomplished three key objectives:

First, it resolved the long-standing issue of Ma Xiaotao's Evil Fire. With Huo Yuhao's Ultimate Ice, it wasn't impossible for her Evil Fire Phoenix to evolve into an Ultimate Fire variant.

Second, it prevented the issue of "older, single women" in the inner court. Ma Xiaotao's fiery temper and overwhelming presence had long earned her the nicknames "The Inner Court's Active Volcano" and Blazing Fire Demon.

If she found a suitable partner early, it might even help regulate her temper and suppress her evil fire further.

Third, as his personal disciple, Ma Xiaotao was bound to inherit his position in the Sea God Pavilion. By fostering a strong relationship between her and Huo Yuhao, the academy could secure one of the most talented geniuses of their generation.

'Perfect.'

...

Huo Yuhao had just finished class and was on his way to work when Yan Shaozhe stopped him and brought him to his office.

After offering his congratulations for Yuhao's recent victory over Xu Sanshi and acknowledging his talent, Yan Shaozhe assured him, "Young man, live boldly. As long as Shrek Academy is behind you, there's no need to hold back—just do your best."

Huo Yuhao nodded in agreement.

Indeed, when it came to protecting its students, Shrek Academy was second only to the Body Sect. For someone with outstanding talent, Shrek provided an invaluable safety net. This was one of the key reasons he had joined the academy in the first place.

After some small talk, Yan Shaozhe finally revealed his true intentions. "Huo Yuhao, your second martial soul is Ultimate Ice, correct? Have you obtained an additional spirit ring for it yet?"

Huo Yuhao nodded. "Yes, my second martial soul is the Ice Jade Scorpion Empress, an Ultimate Ice attribute. As for the spirit ring, it has one, but the two spirit rings you usually see belong to my Spirit Eyes martial soul."

As he spoke, he demonstrated his abilities.

Seeing that things were progressing smoothly, Yan Shaozhe's eyes gleamed as he made a monumental offer: "Yuhao, if you're willing, you can enter the Inner Court immediately. Additionally, my teacher—one of the strongest beings on the continent, Level 99 Ultimate Douluo, titled 'Dragon God'—is willing to take you as his personal disciple."

Huo Yuhao hesitated, rubbing his nose. 'Do I really have to join the Inner Court so soon?'

To be honest, he wasn't eager to rush into it.

His small frame wasn't ready to withstand the 'intensity' of Chicken Leg Douluo's training!

…

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