Douluo Dalu 2: Sun-Moon Glory

"You really designed these yourself? These three warships?"

Captain Shi Dongsheng asked again, still in disbelief. Huo Yuhao simply nodded without minding. After all, he was already used to people reacting this way after seeing some of his soul tool designs.

"That's right, Captain Shi. Why would I lie to you?"

Shi Dongsheng absentmindedly ran his fingers across the ship blueprints on the table. He couldn't help but mutter, "This is incredible... Junior Brother, your talent is honestly astonishing. Forgive me for doubting you."

Huo Yuhao shook his head. 'Talent? It's just copying homework from my past life.' Still, he smiled humbly and replied, "You flatter me, Senior Brother. The reason I came aboard the Sunlight this time was to investigate firsthand the threats sea soul beasts pose to human fleets. I didn't expect to meet an experienced and powerful captain like yourself. So I wanted to share my ideas for naval ship modifications and seek your guidance."

Hearing Huo Yuhao's sincere request, Shi Dongsheng gradually nodded. He set aside his amazement and began carefully reviewing the shortcomings in the three blueprints again.

"Alright, little Huo, let me first explain the main ways sea soul beasts threaten human fleets."

Huo Yuhao focused attentively, listening with full seriousness.

After leaving the captain's quarters, he felt refreshed and clear-minded.

Captain Shi Dongsheng truly had a wealth of experience. He had likely encountered more sea soul beasts than anyone else in the current Sun Moon Empire. As such, he provided Huo Yuhao with a number of useful suggestions on how to better defend against sea soul beast attacks.

Together, the two of them stayed in the captain's quarters to revise and finalize the three ship designs. They happily came to an agreement—Shi Dongsheng, as a general of the Sun Moon Empire's Royal Navy, would fully support Mingde Hall's future naval reform plans.

However, Shi Dongsheng had a small request of his own. He hoped the Sunlight wouldn't be scrapped outright but instead refurbished. After all, he had served as its captain for decades and had long developed an emotional bond with the Empire's largest warship. Naturally, Huo Yuhao agreed. Based on the Sunlight's framework, it could definitely be rebuilt into a standard battleship.

When Shi Dongsheng asked when the large-scale naval reform would begin, Huo Yuhao smiled mysteriously and simply replied, "The Crown Prince."

Shi Dongsheng instantly understood. It seemed the current Crown Prince, Xu Tiannan, had a good relationship with Mingde Hall. Once he ascended to the throne, any large-scale project from Mingde Hall that benefited the Empire would receive direct royal backing.

After stepping off the bridge, Huo Yuhao walked toward the bow of the ship and saw Meng Hongchen standing at the edge by the railing. He quickened his pace to catch up.

"Senior Sister?"

Hearing Huo Yuhao's voice behind her, Meng Hongchen turned her head and brushed aside a lock of hair blown loose by the sea wind. For a moment, Huo Yuhao was stunned by the sight.

"The ocean view here is so beautiful, Yuhao. Come up and take a look."

Meng Hongchen bent down and reached out a pale hand. Huo Yuhao smiled gently, took her hand, and stepped up to the bow. One hand held the railing while the other gripped Meng Hongchen's hand tightly as he stood beside her.

The two of them gazed out at the vast ocean. The midday sun hung high in the clear blue sky, casting shimmering reflections across the sea. Seagulls circled the advancing Sunlight, while dolphins and whales surfaced for air or sprayed tall jets of water. Various fish leapt from the surface before plunging back into the waves.

"It really is beautiful. And so many sea soul beasts." Huo Yuhao murmured, quietly enjoying this romantic moment of sharing the view with Meng Hongchen.

"This sea zone is one of the more peaceful ones. There aren't many thousand-year sea soul beasts around here. But once we reach the more dangerous areas, it won't be this pretty—both of you."

A hoarse male voice came from behind. Huo Yuhao and Meng Hongchen turned to see a middle-aged man standing just below the bow, gazing solemnly at the sea ahead.

The man's face was weathered with deep lines. His skin was dark and his frame tall and sturdy—clearly a battle-hardened veteran.

Exchanging a glance, Huo Yuhao and Meng Hongchen lightly leapt down from the bow to the deck, standing beside the man. After all, they couldn't very well speak down to someone from above.

The veteran glanced at them. He was a little surprised. These two looked like pampered nobles, yet they didn't carry the haughty arrogance he usually saw.

Still, his surprise only lasted a moment before he continued,

"You two seem different from the annoying ones who usually come out to sea. So let me give you a piece of advice—don't take offense at my bluntness."

Huo Yuhao smiled and gently tugged at Meng Hongchen's hand as she pouted in displeasure.

"Please, go ahead."

The veteran turned fully toward them, his sharp eyes locking onto Huo Yuhao as he spoke firmly,

"Going to sea isn't a vacation. In the thirty years I've served, I've gone out countless times. I've personally witnessed numerous well-trained but inexperienced young men die under sea soul beast attacks. Among them were so-called powerful soul masters—Soul Kings, Soul Emperors, even Soul Saints."

He paused, eyes still fixed on Huo Yuhao. Not seeing any sign of wavering in the young man's expression, he gave a small nod and went on.

"That's why, if you want to stay alive, I suggest you hide when sea soul beasts appear. My own cultivation is nothing special—barely a Soul Emperor. But in the face of the ocean's might, I'm just an ant. If it weren't for years of experience and the united strength of the ship's soul engineers and crew, I'd have died on the Sunlight long ago."

"I've said my piece. What you choose to do is up to you. But don't worry—no outsiders who've traveled with us have died before. After seeing how vicious the sea soul beasts can be, those same proud and ambitious guests quickly retreated to safe zones. The dangerous waters are approaching soon. Stay safe."

After that long speech, the veteran nodded to Huo Yuhao and turned to leave, clearly not expecting a response.

Meng Hongchen puffed up her cheeks in annoyance as she watched him walk away.

"Yuhao, that guy is so full of himself. Hmph! Does he really think we're soft targets?"

(End of Chapter)

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