Douluo Dalu 3: Legend of the White Fox

The brilliance in Holy Spirit Douluo Yali's eyes grew brighter. She marveled at the insights offered by Xia Yi, realizing that such intricate deductions had only dawned upon her after becoming part of the Sea God Pavilion.

But Xia Yi, at such a young age, could already see through such complexities.

Tang Wulin didn't lose unfairly, Yali thought silently, nodding inwardly in admiration.

"You're right about everything so far. If I were part of the Federation's upper echelons, I'd absolutely enforce the law strictly on Na'er," Yali affirmed seriously. However, she then shifted the tone of the conversation, continuing, "But there's one point you haven't considered."

"Oh? What point have I overlooked?" Xia Yi asked curiously.

With a faint smile, Yali said, "The Federation's dependence on Shrek Academy."

"You're referring to the Federation's need for Shrek to supply talents, right?" Xia Yi responded flatly.

"Exactly. Because of this, the Federation won't sever ties with Shrek Academy!" Yali said confidently.

"You're wrong. Dead wrong," Xia Yi replied, casting a dismissive look at Yali as though she were a fool. "I've been right all along—you really are quite naive. The Federation's reliance on Shrek only makes it more determined to suppress the Academy."

"Your reasoning was sound earlier, but this statement contradicts everything you've said before," Yali said with a hint of displeasure in her eyes. "You called me naive earlier, and I accepted that. But this time, I won't let it slide. If you can't convince me today, I'll make you become my disciple as the price for offending me."

"Fine. I'll convince you," Xia Yi replied, exasperated. He hadn't expected the conversation to circle back to Yali's persistent desire to make him her student.

"Alright then, go ahead!" Yali said with newfound interest, secretly vowing to counter any argument Xia Yi made. If he couldn't outtalk her, she would finally have her way and take him as her disciple.

"Let's use a simple analogy. Suppose all your food, clothing, and shelter were provided by someone else, and you've grown completely dependent on this person. How would you treat them?" Xia Yi asked.

"Of course, I'd treat them with utmost respect. If something were to happen to them, I'd starve," Yali replied.

Xia Yi scoffed and said, "That might be what you'd do. But if it were me, I'd find any way possible to control this person. Only by having control could I ensure my survival. Simply holding them in high regard wouldn't guarantee their continued support."

Yali froze for a moment, realizing that Xia Yi's reasoning was more pragmatic. However, she still shook her head. "You have a point, but the world isn't that cynical. Many people act out of gratitude. For instance, the Federation overlooks Shrek's violations because the Academy continues to supply them with talent."

Yali gestured for Xia Yi to hold his thoughts as she added with a smile, "I admit it sounds a bit far-fetched, but that's the reality. Especially in recent years, as long as Shrek Academy's students don't overstep too much, the Federation turns a blind eye."

"I don't believe any government would be that spineless," Xia Yi retorted with a shake of his head.

"Believe it or not, it's the truth. Everyone on the continent knows it. Now stop arguing and become my disciple already," Yali said, her radiant smile making her look utterly triumphant. Despite Xia Yi's impressive wit, she finally felt she had gained the upper hand.

The thought of soon taking Xia Yi as her disciple filled her with glee.

"Impossible!" Xia Yi shook his head decisively. His mind raced, trying to figure out why the Federation would seemingly tolerate Shrek Academy's actions.

Could it be that the Federation had truly resigned itself to coexist peacefully with Shrek Academy, letting itself remain dependent on them indefinitely?

That couldn't be possible—unless Shrek surrendered its autonomy and control over Shrek City and the Academy to the Federation.

Otherwise, no competent government would tolerate a "state within a state."

"So? Can't think of any arguments to refute me? That's because the truth is undeniable. There's no point in arguing anymore," Yali said with a beaming smile, urging him, "Just become my disciple already."

With a sudden sigh, Xia Yi shook his head. Just as everyone thought he was conceding, just as Yali was preparing to accept his acknowledgment as her disciple, he looked her straight in the eye with a solemn expression.

"After today, everyone in Shrek Academy will owe me a debt of gratitude," he said with unshakable conviction.

Yali froze, her smile fading as she asked, "What do you mean by that?"

Xia Yi took a deep breath, his tone as serious as ever, and said, "The Federation can't possibly tolerate Shrek Academy. As for what you mentioned about the Federation's growing tolerance for Shrek students in recent years, I can think of only one reason."

"And what's that reason?" Yali's gaze sharpened, sensing the gravity in Xia Yi's words.

"The Federation must be secretly preparing a massive plan against Shrek Academy. Their increased leniency is likely a ploy to lower your guard and avoid alarming you," Xia Yi replied gravely.

Yali's smile vanished entirely, replaced by a deep frown. Her heart sank at his words.

She had once held a high-ranking position within the Federation before being pulled out by Atlas Douluo Yun Ming. She knew Xia Yi wasn't fearmongering—his speculation could very well be true.

Over the years, the Federation's tolerance of Shrek Academy had indeed been excessive.

If Xia Yi was right, and the Federation was indeed plotting in secret, Yali dared not imagine the catastrophic consequences once their plan came to fruition.

"Stop overthinking it and give me my Heavenly Forged Metal already," Xia Yi interrupted Yali's thoughts.

"Let's discuss this back at the Academy," Yali said after taking a deep breath. The issue was far too significant to be resolved alone. She would need to bring it up at a Sea God Pavilion meeting to seek counsel from the other senior members.

"Are you absolutely sure you don't want to be my disciple?" Yali asked, looking at Xia Yi with newfound appreciation.

"I've told you—I don't want to be a support-type soul master," Xia Yi reiterated with a shake of his head.

"Fine. I won't force you anymore. But could you show me your soul skill again?" Yali asked earnestly, still curious about the unique properties of Star Shift.

"I've exhausted my soul power. It'll take time to recover," Xia Yi replied indifferently.

"That's easy to fix," Yali said with a faint smile. She extended a finger to his forehead, channeling a gentle golden light that instantly restored Xia Yi's soul power to its peak.

However, just as she was about to withdraw her finger, a powerful suction force suddenly emanated from Xia Yi's brow.

"This is the aura that's been drawing me in!" Xia Yi shouted.

"Faith energy!" Yali exclaimed, her expression frozen in shock as she realized her faith energy was being continuously absorbed by Xia Yi.

(To be continued)