Shrek City—this was a city even larger in scale than Mingdu, the number one city on the continent today.
The world-renowned Shrek Academy sat at the very center of the city. Though called an "academy," in reality it was no different from a city within a city.
At the academy's very core, Sea God Island, inside the Sea God Pavilion—
An ancient wooden square table, wooden chairs, and the nine members of the Sea God Pavilion seated on either side. The current Pavilion Master, Yun Ming, sat at the head.
From his appearance, Yun Ming looked the youngest of them all—no more than twenty-seven or twenty-eight, handsome, with a warm smile upon his face.
He released no aura whatsoever, yet gave off an unparalleled sharpness, like a divine spear standing upright—its brilliance enough to pierce the heavens.
"I've already confirmed with Elder Gu. The pill is real—it can indeed extend one's life by a hundred years," Yun Ming said.
Though his status was no lower than Gu Ming's, since Gu Ming was of the same generation as Yun Ming's teacher, it was natural for him to address him as "Elder Gu."
At these words, the faces of everyone present shifted. After a brief moment of shock, what followed was undisguised longing.
"Even if Shrek cannot take them all, we must at least win one or two of these pills," said an elderly woman seated to Yun Ming's right.
She was dressed plainly, unlike the others in their finery. Her aura carried the ease of one who had seen through the world, natural and unpretentious. Because of her old age and withered looks, she was far from beautiful.
But the fact that she sat at the seat of highest honor besides Yun Ming showed her extraordinary status—her strength and position were second only to the Pavilion Master himself.
Yun Ming nodded in agreement:
"My thought is we should at least obtain two. One for Sister Yue to consume, and one to study."
"I don't need it. I've lived long enough. Better you take it—an extra hundred years may give you the chance to reach that realm," Long Yeyue refused firmly.
Though she longed to live longer, she was unwilling to be selfish. The pill's greatest value would be realized in Yun Ming's hands.
Yun Ming smiled helplessly.
"That realm is far too difficult. Even with another hundred years, I have little confidence of breaking through."
"Even so, your chances increase. Don't refuse. Once we acquire it, you will take it," Long Yeyue said, her tone leaving no room for dispute.
"Let's leave the matter of who takes it until we actually win one. It's too early to talk about this now," said Ya Li, seated to Yun Ming's left.
Both Yun Ming and Long Yeyue nodded, dropping the subject.
"Sister Yue, how much liquid capital do we have available right now?" Yun Ming asked one of the senior women.
The old woman he addressed as Sister Yue thought for a moment.
"Roughly over ten billion. If we mobilize quickly, we should be able to gather close to twenty billion federation coins."
As the number one city of the continent, Shrek's commercial scale rivaled that of Mingdu. Its annual tax revenues alone were astronomical.
All of that revenue belonged to Shrek Academy. With their many enterprises as well, their wealth was truly unimaginable.
"Have them gather twenty billion federation coins within three days," Yun Ming ordered.
"Yes," Cai Yue'er responded.
"Sister Yue, Zhuo Shi, Feng Wuyu—in three days, you'll accompany me to Mingdu," Yun Ming continued.
"Alright," the three agreed.
"Brother Yun, I—" Ya Li hesitated. Her eyes clearly said: I want to come too.
Yun Ming's smile softened. He placed his hand gently over her smooth one, and shook his head.
"Not this time. This pill is too precious. Some who fail to buy one may try to seize it directly. That will mean battle. If you come along, I won't be at ease."
"Boss, with your strength, who would be so blind as to try and rob you?" Zhuo Shi laughed.
"Exactly. Once your Heaven-Piercing Divine Spear shines, they'll be running for their lives," Feng Wuyu added.
Yun Ming shook his head, expression turning serious.
"If it were anything else, no one would dare. But this is different. The temptation of a hundred extra years of life is too great. So great that even certain military leaders and hidden clans may act—regardless of the cost."
"If that happens, my opponents won't just be ordinary Titled Douluo. They may be beings on my level."
"Against such adversaries, I may not be able to protect you."
These last words were meant for Ya Li, his gaze filled with deep affection. Hearing him, she abandoned her thoughts of going—she refused to become a burden.
An unrestrained Heaven-Piercing Douluo was invincible. She did not worry for his safety.
Still, Yun Ming's words made everyone fall silent, faces grave.
"Boss, is it really that serious?" Zhuo Shi asked, unable to help himself. Shrek's current prestige was so great—who would dare provoke them?
"The lure of life… Even I have felt the impulse to seize it. Do you really think others won't?" Yun Ming sighed.
And he was not joking—he truly had felt that urge. Only his identity and Shrek's honor kept him from acting on it.
"Boss, you want to snatch it?" Feng Wuyu raised an eyebrow, looking at Yun Ming with a teasing great minds think alike expression.
"We'll see. If someone disrupts the auction, we'll act. Being the mantis stalked by the yellow sparrow is not a bad thing. If no chaos, then forget it," Yun Ming replied.
The others understood instantly, smiling faintly. They too began to look forward to the auction day.
Meanwhile, far to the south of the continent, within the Southern Legion—
A massive chamber, magnificent yet carrying an ancient elegance. Luxurious, but never gaudy—everything bore the weight of time.
Behind the great desk sat an old man. Though his hair and beard were snow white and his face was lined with age, his back was ramrod straight, his spirit vigorous.
He wore a general's uniform, radiating dignity. The three stars glittering on his shoulder proclaimed his rank: a Federation Three-Star General.
This was Le Zheng'en, commander of the Southern Legion, patriarch of the Holy Angel Clan, and one of the Federation's seven three-star generals.
Knock, knock… came the sound of knocking.
"Enter."
A tall, middle-aged man in a general's uniform stepped inside, resembling Le Zheng'en somewhat in features.
"Father, do you have instructions?" he asked.
Le Zheng'en's face hardened. His voice was stern:
"This is the military. How should you address me?"
The man flushed with embarrassment, quickly straightening and saluting.
"General!" he barked firmly.
Le Zheng'en's expression eased somewhat.
"Return to the clan immediately. Gather one hundred and fifty billion federation coins and transfer them to my card. Once it's done, you'll escort Elders Le Xu and Le Zhengye to Mingdu. Four days from now, I want you all there. Understood?"
"Yes, sir!" Le Zhengming answered loudly. But he did not leave at once. Instead, he looked as though he had something more to say…
(End of Chapter)