Soul Land: Xiao Yan Reincarnates as Huo Yuhao

Star Luo Empire, Western Border, Mingdou Mountain Range, Western Army Headquarters

The Western Army's base was a spectacle of disciplined might. Tens of thousands of soldiers moved like a relentless steel tide, with banners fluttering in the wind. Heavily armored cavalry led the vanguard, their riders and mounts covered in thick plating. On either side marched the formidable heavy infantry, while the center was occupied by a massive formation of foot soldiers.

Flanking the formation were six light cavalry units darting across the perimeter, scouting for threats and ensuring the security of the main forces. The grand procession advanced steadily, exuding an aura of unstoppable power.

The central command tent was simple yet imposing. Made from thick cowhide, it stood solid and practical. Outside, White Tiger Guards equipped with advanced military soul tools kept a vigilant watch, their expressions stern and unwavering.

Under the moonlight, their chest armor glinted faintly, bearing an emblem of a fierce tiger's head. The lifelike insignia seemed to radiate an air of ferocity and dominance.

The flap of the command tent opened slowly, and a man with short golden hair emerged. Bare-chested, his bronzed skin revealed a well-defined muscular build. His chiseled features exuded strength and authority, and on his chest was a faint fist imprint—none other than Duke White Tiger, Dai Hao.

Not long after, streaks of light descended from the sky, swiftly approaching Dai Hao's position.

Moments later, a squad of thirty warriors clad in black, their forms accentuated by fitted leather armor and flight soul tools, landed gracefully before Dai Hao. Leading the group was a stern-faced elder from the Duke's household—Dureis.

Dureis stepped forward and bowed respectfully. "Marshal, we have returned."

"Did you safely escort Elder Xuan back to the Academy?" Dai Hao's voice carried a hint of concern as he furrowed his brow.

Dureis straightened and replied firmly, "Yes, Marshal. Elder Xuan and the young master have been safely returned to Shrek Academy. The journey was uneventful."

Dai Hao nodded slightly, his expression easing. Just as he was about to return to the tent, Dureis hesitated before stepping closer, lowering his voice. "Marshal, regarding the White Tiger Guards' corpses that were stripped to the bone… Are you sure you want to keep this under wraps? That reeks of an Evil Soul Master's doing."

Dai Hao's expression darkened instantly. He glared at Dureis and responded coldly, "Have you lost your mind? The one who did that was a Shrek Academy Elder. Though Huabin is dead, Yueheng still remains at Shrek. Do you understand the consequences of making this public?"

"Besides, given the situation, Elder Xuan likely had no choice. When faced with death from starvation or the grim means of survival, what choice would you have made? As long as Shrek Academy shows no suspicious signs in the future, we will let this matter slide. It never happened."

Not long ago, when the Western Army rescued Elder Xuan from the rubble, he was barely alive, his breath faint. Around him, however, were over a dozen skeletal remains, their bones bearing unmistakable signs of having been gnawed. The implication was clear to anyone with eyes.

"Spread my order: everyone involved in the rescue operation is to remain silent. Anyone who leaks even a word of this will face military justice."

What Dai Hao did not realize was that secrets never stay buried. As the saying goes, only the dead cannot speak. The truth would surface sooner or later.

---

Meanwhile, in Shrek City

The night was serene. A silver moon hung high in the dark sky, casting a faint glow that veiled the earth in a layer of mystery. After the bustling day, Shrek City had fallen into a tranquil slumber.

Outside the city, in a quiet forest, a caravan of seven or eight horse-drawn wagons moved slowly along the path. Vigilant eyes scanned the surrounding shadows, hands gripping weapons, ready to react to any sudden threat.

These seasoned soul master mercenaries operated with tacit understanding, exchanging glances that conveyed unspoken warnings or reassurances.

"Stay sharp," barked the caravan leader, raising his hand. "We're almost at Shrek City. Once we're inside, no Evil Soul Masters would dare make a move. Don't screw up at the finish line."

"Yes, boss!" the mercenaries replied in unison, their voices firm.

Satisfied, the leader allowed himself a brief moment to relax, blinking tired eyes. But before he could settle, the wagons ahead came to an abrupt stop, accompanied by faint voices of alarm.

"What's going on?" he demanded, his tone sharp.

A guard hurried back to report. "Boss, there's a figure in a black cloak blocking the road ahead. We don't know what they want."

Frowning deeply, the leader dismounted and strode to the front of the caravan. Sure enough, standing in the middle of the path was a black-cloaked figure, their face obscured in shadow.

"Who are you, and why are you blocking our way?" the leader demanded, his voice steady despite the tension.

But before the cloaked figure could respond, agonized screams echoed through the forest.

"Ah! Ah! Ah!"

In mere moments, the caravan was reduced to a scene of blood and carnage. Only skeletal remains, glistening with fresh blood, and a monstrous creature with half a face stood in the aftermath—a fearsome Gluttony Beast.

"Hahaha! Devouring living flesh not only accelerates my recovery but also boosts my cultivation. This is far tastier than chicken meat!"

A maniacal laugh reverberated through the forest, chilling and unending.

---

In Mingde Hall

Moonlight filtered into a dimly lit room through a small window, casting a soft glow. Xiao Yan sat cross-legged on his bed, his soul power flowing outward in waves as he activated his Spirit Eyes, scanning every corner of the room. Satisfied that there were no hidden threats, he tapped the black ring on his finger.

A faint white light emerged, coalescing into the aged figure of Yao Lao.

"Teacher… it's been a while," Xiao Yan greeted sheepishly.

"You brat! What nonsense were you spouting about me earlier?" Yao Lao appeared directly before Xiao Yan, landing a firm slap on his head.

"Ow! What was that for, Teacher?" Xiao Yan rubbed his head, protesting. "I only said that to deflect that old man's insistence on taking me as his disciple!"

"Hmph." Yao Lao snorted but then grew serious. "I don't mind you learning about soul tools, but don't neglect your cultivation. Only by becoming truly strong can we hope to return to the Dou Qi Continent."

"I understand, Teacher," Xiao Yan replied earnestly. "My soul power has already reached level 28. Once I absorb my third spirit ring, I'll focus on breaking through to Dou Shi."

"Good. But remember, during that encounter in the cave, your body was controlled by that Elekso fellow. He wielded a gray flame capable of purging evil. If you can refine and absorb it, it might advance your Flame Mantra."

"A gray flame that purges evil?" Xiao Yan murmured, intrigued.

"Ask him about it when he awakens. Also, keep an eye out for treasures at the auction house that can restore soul power. If you aim to refine that gray flame, you'll need three things: Ice Spirit Cold Spring, a third-tier water elemental core, and Na Ling."

After a detailed explanation, Xiao Yan nodded. "Understood, Teacher. Tomorrow, I'll visit the auction house. Let's see what surprises await."

Early Morning Encounter at Mingde Hall

At the break of dawn, as the first pale light crept across the horizon, Xiao Yan arrived at the Mingde Hall's Soul Tool Laboratory. Under Xuan Ziwen's guidance, he began practicing the inscription of core arrays, eager to realize the fusion of soul tools and alchemy.

"Click—"

The door to the laboratory creaked open. A girl of about seventeen or eighteen years stepped in. She had long black hair, bright and expressive eyes, and a drowsy demeanor. Her flawless, rosy skin seemed so delicate that one could imagine squeezing water out of it.

"Teacher, why are you here so early? That's rare," she muttered lazily, seemingly oblivious to Xiao Yan's presence. Walking straight to the broad experiment table, she plopped into a seat and sprawled across the surface, appearing ready to nap again.

Seeing this, Xuan Ziwen took a step forward and reminded her, "Juzi, we have a newcomer here. Mind your manners and don't fall asleep."

The girl, addressed as Juzi, didn't budge. Still sprawled on the table, she lazily waved her hand as if swatting away a fly and mumbled, "Don't bother me. Let me sleep a bit more. So annoying."

Sigh. Shaking his head, Xuan Ziwen looked at Xiao Yan with a helpless expression and explained, "Don't mind her. She's Juzi, one of my students. You can call her Senior Sister or just Juzi. She stayed up late working on soul tools last night and didn't finish until midnight, so she's exhausted."

"Oh, by the way, before you arrived, I had four students. The other three are currently away on errands, but I'll introduce them when they return."

"Understood." Xiao Yan nodded slightly and refocused on inscribing the core array.

Time passed unnoticed until Juzi finally woke up. She sat upright, stretched, and only then noticed the black-robed boy across from her. Her expression shifted as she asked, "Who are you?"

Xuan Ziwen approached her, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Juzi, this is our new junior. He'll be learning from me as well. His name is Yan Xiao, so don't bully him."

Juzi studied Xiao Yan seriously for a moment before muttering, "Bully him? I don't have time for that. I've got my own research to focus on. Anyway, I'm starving. I'll grab something from the cafeteria first." With that, she waved and walked out of the laboratory.

"Yan Xiao, I have some matters to attend to as well. Continue your soul tool research on your own for now. If you encounter any issues, I'll address them when I return." Xuan Ziwen said as he, too, left the lab.

---

Unexpected Visitors

Not long after Juzi and Xuan Ziwen left, the laboratory door creaked open again. This time, three individuals entered—two men and one woman.

Leading the trio was a tall and burly youth, towering over two meters. His muscular frame rivaled that of a war machine, his ebony skin glinting faintly in the light—a mark of nobility in the Sun Moon Empire. With short brown hair, sharp eyes, and taut school robes barely containing his bulging muscles, he exuded an intimidating presence.

Behind him was a petite girl, around 1.6 meters tall. Though not as strikingly beautiful as Juzi, she had a charm that was lively and cute. Her piercing gaze, however, carried a tigress-like intensity that made her appear rather formidable—a "mother tigress," as it were.

The last member was a tall and lean young man. With flowing golden hair draped over his shoulders, a high-bridged nose, and deep, lively blue eyes, he carried an air of quiet elegance.

"Who are you, and why are you in our lab?" The petite girl strode forward, her tone sharp and accusing.

Xiao Yan didn't look up, remaining focused on the core array he was inscribing. "Dean Jing Hongchen arranged for me to be here," he replied nonchalantly.

"Hmph. Just because he agreed doesn't mean I do," the girl snapped, stepping closer. "Get out, or else…"

"Or else what?" Xiao Yan set down the metallic block he had been working on and slowly raised his gaze to meet th

e three newcomers. His sharp eyes locked onto them, his voice cold and firm.

---

PS: This section is adapted from the original storyline.

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