Douluo Dalu: Beginning with Signing in with Yan Lingji

Chapter 157: Huo Shang's Attempt to Poach

"A genius with a fire attribute martial spirit like you is truly extraordinary. But your talent is being wasted here at Shrek Academy," Huo Shang said as he looked at Zhao Ming. A talent like this—if he missed the chance to recruit him now, it would be the greatest regret of his life.

Initially, he hesitated about poaching Flender's student, knowing it wasn't an honorable move.

But now, with a genius destined to dominate the world standing before him, he couldn't pass up the opportunity. If he didn't try to bring Zhao Ming to Blazing Fire Academy, he didn't deserve to be its headmaster.

"Old man Huo Shang, what do you mean by that? How is Shrek Academy holding Zhao Ming back?" Flender frowned, clearly displeased. He had already anticipated that Huo Shang might try to steal Zhao Ming after learning about his talents, but he hadn't expected him to be so blatant, exposing his intentions as soon as Zhao Ming released his martial spirit.

Could it be that Zhao Ming's martial spirit had some kind of hidden power? Or was there something unique about his spirit ring?

Flender pondered. He knew Huo Shang well enough. Over the years, in his efforts to suppress Ma Hongjun's evil fire, he had frequently visited Blazing Fire Academy. He was familiar with Huo Shang's character and knew he wasn't the type to openly steal students. There must be something unusual that Huo Shang had noticed.

"Flender, we both know the situation at Shrek Academy. Your academy's teaching staff is impressive, but that's as far as it goes. Compared to the Five Great Academies, you're still lacking," Huo Shang said bluntly, showing no mercy. He looked at Flender with a hint of apology in his eyes, but it quickly vanished, replaced by determination.

"That's nonsense!" Flender was furious. He never expected Huo Shang to be so direct in trying to poach his student.

It wasn't just Flender; Zhao Wuji and the other teachers of Shrek Academy were also visibly angry. They all looked at Huo Shang with displeasure.

"Am I wrong? While it's true that the teachers at Shrek Academy are well-known in the soul master world, you simply don't have enough of them. With only a handful of teachers, how much can you really teach? Even if you have three Soul Saints at Shrek Academy, we at Blazing Fire Academy have three Soul Saints too, plus me, a Soul Douluo. In terms of teaching power, we are undoubtedly superior," Huo Shang continued with a smile.

"If we're talking about teaching strength, then maybe Shrek Academy has some ability. But when it comes to training facilities and environments, you fall far behind. Without a good training environment, even geniuses will find their cultivation speed and soul power quality lacking. Our Blazing Fire Academy has a mimetic cultivation environment that all fire attribute soul masters yearn for. In that environment, fire attribute soul masters can significantly speed up their cultivation. So, when I say that Zhao Ming's talent is being wasted here, it doesn't seem wrong, does it?" Huo Shang explained further.

At the side, Huo Wu felt embarrassed as she watched her grandfather criticize Shrek Academy, noticing the unpleasant expressions of those around them. "Grandfather, how can you speak like that?" she said softly.

"What's wrong? I'm just telling the truth. For a talent like Zhao Ming, only at Blazing Fire Academy can he receive the best training," Huo Shang replied seriously.

Huo Wu looked at her grandfather in shock, finally understanding his intentions—he wanted Zhao Ming to join Blazing Fire Academy. Although she admired Zhao Ming's talent and would be delighted if he joined them, she didn't want her grandfather to use such tactics to persuade him.

Just as Huo Wu was about to speak again, her brother, Huo Wushuang, gently tugged at her sleeve and shook his head.

Seeing her brother's signal, Huo Wu thought for a moment and then remained silent, though her eyes showed an apologetic look as she glanced at Zhao Ming.

Zhao Ming smiled warmly at Huo Wu, signaling that he wasn't bothered.

He understood the relationship between Huo Shang and Huo Wu and had no reason to be angry with Huo Shang.

After all, they might soon be family.

Of course, no matter how much Zhao Ming liked Huo Wu, he wasn't about to leave Shrek Academy for Blazing Fire Academy. He knew the difference between a single flower and an entire forest.

This was his first time meeting Huo Wu, and although he had a favorable impression of her, it couldn't compare to the deep bond he shared with Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, and the others. Falling in love at first sight wasn't even something movies would dare to show.

Moreover, he didn't plan to stay long at Shrek Academy. Once he completed the task involving the Diamond Badge and obtained the top-tier equipment, he would leave. How could he have time to attend Blazing Fire Academy?

For him, improving his strength was the most urgent task. Flirting with girls was just a side benefit.

He hadn't felt any urgency before, but ever since he got involved with powerful figures like Gu Yuena, he felt an increasing pressure to strengthen himself.

"Senior Huo Shang, may I say a word?" Zhao Ming spoke up, breaking the tense silence in the room.

All eyes turned to Zhao Ming.

Huo Shang's intentions were clear—he wanted Zhao Ming to join Blazing Fire Academy. In terms of prestige and strength, Blazing Fire Academy had an edge over Shrek Academy. Moreover, it was a sanctuary for fire attribute soul masters, offering the best training environment for them.

But would Zhao Ming accept?

"I appreciate your offer, Senior. Blazing Fire Academy is indeed an ideal place for fire attribute soul masters, but I am already a student of Shrek Academy. So, I must respectfully decline," Zhao Ming said calmly, maintaining his composure as he addressed Huo Shang.

Huo Shang looked disappointed.

He hadn't expected Zhao Ming to refuse. He had clearly pointed out Shrek Academy's shortcomings, and any sensible soul master—especially a fire attribute one—would have jumped at the chance to join Blazing Fire Academy.

But Zhao Ming was different.

"May I ask why you refuse to join Blazing Fire Academy? You must know that it's a place all fire attribute soul masters strive to join. With your talent, if you join us, we will dedicate all of our resources to nurturing you."

"Senior Huo Shang's offer is indeed tempting, but for Zhao Ming, it is merely so."

"A true man has principles. Since I have joined Shrek Academy, I will remain a Shrek Academy student for life. If I were to switch academies for personal gain, what difference would there be between me and those who are driven by greed?" Zhao Ming said with a calm expression.

Hearing Zhao Ming's words, Flender and the other teachers felt proud and gratified.

"Well said—a true man has principles. Flender, you've found yourself an outstanding student," Huo Shang said, clapping his hands. Although he felt it was a pity, his admiration for Zhao Ming grew.

Huo Wu's eyes sparkled as she listened, her admiration for Zhao Ming increasing.

"Of course! Did you think our Shrek Academy students are like those from Blazing Fire Academy?" Flender said, feeling vindicated. After being put down earlier by Huo Shang, Zhao Ming had restored his confidence.

"Alright, let's call it a day. Zhao Ming and Xiao Wu have just returned, and they must be tired. It's late; let them rest. If you have anything else, we can discuss it tomorrow," Flender said, interrupting Huo Shang before he could continue, clearly still annoyed.

"Very well, you have a point." Huo Shang, though slightly reluctant, had no choice but to agree.

[•———•——•———•]

𝙥𝗮𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙤𝙣(.)𝙘𝙤𝙢/𝙂𝙤𝙙𝙊𝙛𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧

✨ • 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀: 𝙂𝙚𝙩 𝟲𝟬+ 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙚.