Soul Land: Xiao Yan Reincarnates as Huo Yuhao

Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy – Plaza Outside the Laboratory

Xu Tiannan inclined his head slightly, his narrowed eyes glinting with a frosty light. "Hall Master, this situation arose due to my failure in discipline. Allow me to give you a resolution. Men, execute these seven."

A simple sentence, yet it carried an unparalleled air of menace and authority.

As his words fell, a black shadow emerged silently from behind him, like a specter, and materialized before Wang Shaojie and his group. Instantly, a chilling and suffocating killing intent enveloped the area.

The figure was a stooped old man clad in black. His hair was streaked with white, and his blade-like gaze pierced through the surroundings. Previously unnoticed by all, his hunched back gave the impression of an ancient tree on the verge of collapse.

The bone-chilling aura caused Jing Hongchen's expression to change dramatically. In the next moment, a series of anguished cries echoed. Wang Shaojie and his companions collapsed to the ground, blood spurting from a thin crimson line on each of their throats.

"Shadow Douluo Xuechen?" Jing Hongchen's pupils contracted as he stared at the stooped figure before him, his tone betraying disbelief.

For a Soul King or higher-ranked individual, their mere existence was considered a strategic asset in any nation. Yet here, seven lives were snuffed out in an instant, a matter that could not be taken lightly. However, Xu Tiannan appeared entirely nonchalant, as though this were an everyday occurrence.

The hunched man slowly raised his head and offered a faint smile at Jing Hongchen. "It seems the Hall Master still remembers Xuechen."

"Of course," Jing Hongchen responded, his earlier astonishment fading. "Brother Xue's name has long been renowned across the lands."

The seven bodies now lay drenched in blood, their crimson lifeblood pooling beneath them. Xu Tiannan, however, did not spare them so much as a glance. Instead, he smiled faintly at Jing Hongchen. "Hall Master, does my handling of the matter satisfy you? If not, I am willing to offer reparations to the academy."

"Heh, this is a matter internal to the royal capital. How could this old man dare interfere?" Jing Hongchen's brow furrowed slightly, and he bowed slightly. "There's no need for reparations, Your Highness. If there's nothing else, I shall take my leave."

"Wait." Xu Tiannan raised a hand slightly, his eyes scanning the surroundings before asking curiously, "Hall Master, I heard that Orange's classmate had a confrontation with the Royal Enforcement Corps earlier. Why don't I see him here?"

"Oh? You mean Yan Xiao?" Jing Hongchen's expression shifted slightly before responding. "He left the academy earlier, and as for his whereabouts, I am unaware."

"Very well. Since Yan Xiao is not here, I shall take my leave. Please convey the royal family's apologies to him on my behalf." With that, Xu Tiannan turned to his attendant, who immediately began pushing his wheelchair away.

From the shadows, Orange observed the entire scene unfold. She couldn't help but feel a deep sense of admiration for Xu Tiannan's maneuvering. With a simple and decisive action, he had not only extended an olive branch to Xiao Yan but had also implicated Jing Hongchen, the Hall Master of Mingde Hall, in the process.

After all, regardless of Jing Hongchen's stance, word would inevitably spread that the Crown Prince had killed members of the Royal Enforcement Corps to defend a student of the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy.

Wasn't that essentially aiding Jing Hongchen in silencing his enemies?

In the Streets of Mingdu

Xiao Yan stopped a passerby, politely asking for the location of the auction house. At first, the man looked a bit annoyed, but upon spotting the emblem of the Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy on Xiao Yan's chest, his attitude shifted to one of respect, and he quickly pointed Xiao Yan in the right direction.

"Let's hope they have some treasures to restore soul power, or at least some water-attribute soul bones for auction," Xiao Yan mused, turning a corner as he made his way toward the auction house.

Mingdu, one of the most prominent cities on the Douluo Continent, lived up to its reputation. The bustling streets were filled with vibrant activity, the clamor of voices blending with the rhythmic clanging of armor from patrolling guards. It was a city alive with energy and grandeur.

Meanwhile, on another street, Zhou Yi led a group of fourteen Shrek Academy students—both inner and outer court members—wandering aimlessly through the city. They took in the sights, observing the expressions of the locals, their surroundings foreign yet intriguing.

At the end of a crowded street, Xiao Yan stopped and stared at the enormous structure before him—the Hanyue Auction House. His jaw dropped slightly in awe. Back in Shrek City, he had been impressed by the Treasure Pavilion, but now, standing before this colossal auction house, the Treasure Pavilion seemed insignificant in comparison.

At the entrance of the Hanyue Auction House, several stern-faced guards stood watch, their hawk-like gazes scanning the crowds entering the venue. From the faint aura they emitted, it was evident that these guards were all Soul Kings, their presence causing Xiao Yan to frown slightly.

To avoid unnecessary attention, Xiao Yan retrieved a black cloak from his storage ring and draped it over himself, pulling the hood low to obscure his face. Given his age, walking into such an esteemed auction house unmasked might attract unwanted scrutiny. For added precaution, he stowed his Heavy Ruler in his storage ring and blended into the crowd, cautiously moving toward the entrance.

As Xiao Yan neared the auction house's gate, a group of familiar faces appeared—Ma Xiaotao, accompanied by other Shrek Academy students led by Zhou Yi. Xiao Yan's eyes narrowed as he muttered to himself, "Shrek Academy? What are they doing in Mingdu?"

As Xiao Yan passed by, Ma Xiaotao momentarily froze, her eyes gleaming with recognition. A frown appeared on her face as she murmured, "Why does the aura of that cloaked figure feel so familiar to me?"

She wasn't the only one. Bei Bei, Xu Sanshi, Wang Dong, and others exchanged knowing glances, each sensing the same strange familiarity.

"Could it be Xiao Yan?" the thought crossed their minds, though none were certain.

Inside the auction house, Xiao Yan found himself marveling at the sheer scale of the venue. The vast space was filled with rows of intricately crafted plush seats. Choosing a comfortable spot, Xiao Yan sank into a chair, relishing the soft, luxurious fabric as he stretched lazily.

---

Outside the Auction House

"Ma Xiaotao, what's wrong? Did you notice something?" Zhou Yi asked, her tone laced with curiosity.

"It's nothing. That cloaked figure just gave me a strange sense of familiarity... almost like Xiao Yan," Ma Xiaotao replied, her brows furrowed in thought.

"Xiao Yan?" Zhou Yi's expression shifted dramatically. She waved the group closer, motioning for all the students to gather.

The outer court students quickly complied, but the inner court students seemed less cooperative, their disdain for Zhou Yi evident. Despite her being the nominal leader of this mission, her strength was on par with theirs as a Soul Emperor, and the inner court students rarely respected anyone weaker than themselves.

Zhou Yi's tone turned firm. "Listen carefully. Ma Xiaotao believes she spotted a cloaked figure entering the auction house who might be Xiao Yan. There are fourteen of us here, and I'll assign seven of you to investigate. If you confirm his identity, do not act rashly. Fire a signal flare immediately to alert the Sea God Pavilion elders."

"According to the dean, two elders, Vice Dean Xian Lin'er and Elder Song, are accompanying us in Mingdu. With them here, even Xiao Yan can't escape."

Ma Xiaotao impatiently waved her hand. "The seven inner court members will come with me. The rest of you stay outside."

Zhou Yi sighed in resignation. Despite her position, she couldn't overrule Ma Xiaotao, one of the academy's top prodigies. She reluctantly nodded in agreement.

---

Inside the Auction House

Xiao Yan's senses tingled as Ma Xiaotao's group entered the auction house. He muttered to himself, "Damn, are they really here for me?"

Realizing he couldn't stay for the auction, he rubbed his temples and sighed. "Looks like I'll have to leave before they spot me. If they latch onto me, it'll be endless trouble."

Just as he stood up, his cloaked figure caught Ma Xiaotao and Dai Yueheng's attention. They immediately began following him.

Xiao Yan maneuvered toward the most crowded area of the auction house, hoping to lose them in the throng. However, Ma Xiaotao leaped forward, landing in front of him with an icy glare.

"Stop! Who are you?" she demanded, brushing a strand of hair from her face.

From beneath the hood, Xiao Yan's voice emerged, calm and raspy. "Young lady, I think you've mistaken me for someone else. I am Yao Chen. Who are you looking for?"

A faint white light flickered from the black ring on Xiao Yan's finger as he spoke.

"Something feels off about his voice," Ma Xiaotao muttered, glancing at Dai Yueheng.

Dai Yueheng responded, "Voices can be faked, but appearances are harder to disguise."

Dai Yueheng activated his Evil-Eyed White Tiger martial soul, his dual pupils glowing with a chilling light, exuding a powerful battle intent.

Xiao Yan feigned ignorance, shrugging. "What are you trying to do? This is the Sun Moon Empire's auction house. Cause trouble here, and neither of you will walk away unscathed."

Ma Xiaotao raised her hand, a purple-red flame flickering to life in her palm. Her tone was icy as she said, "Apologies, sir. We are from Shrek Academy, investigating a dark soul master. If you'd kindly remove your hood, we'll confirm your identity."

"And if I refuse?" Xiao Yan asked coldly.

"Then we'll have no choice but to take action."

Xiao Yan chuckled and sighed. "Fine. But if I'm not who you think I am, you owe me an apology."

Reluctantly, Ma Xiaotao nodded. "If we're mistaken, we'll compensate you."

Xiao Yan smirked. Activating his Simulated Soul Technique, he twisted his appearance, adopting Yao Lao's elderly form. Pulling back his hood, he revealed a white-haired, kindly-looking old man with deep, wise eyes.

Both Ma Xiaotao and Dai Yueheng froze in disbelief. "Did we get the wrong person?" Ma Xiaotao murmured.

The elderly figure smiled warmly. "Remember your promise."

Although reluctant, Ma Xiaotao offered a slight bow. "Apologies for the misunderstanding."

Xiao Yan, still maintaining the disguise, nodded and began walking toward the e

xit. However, just as he reached the doorway, two figures appeared—Elder Xian Lin'er and Elder Song of the Sea God Pavilion.

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