"Starting next semester, I'll forge Spirit-Infused Metals for you guys. Bring your own materials. I'm only charging half the normal price. That's already me being very generous." Gu You swept a glance over everyone as he spoke.
'Generous?'
'Do you even hear yourself?'
Half price might sound cheap, but what were Spirit-Infused Metals? Even half the price was still unaffordable for most.
Forging such metals was extremely difficult, but their value was undeniable. They were much easier to Spirit Forge in the future. These things were never found on the market. The moment one appeared, it would be snatched up instantly. If anyone wanted Spirit-Infused or Spirit-Forged metals, they had to post high-reward commissions at the Blacksmith Association. The cost? Astronomical.
One by one, the students bid farewell and flew off. Fifteen days seemed like a long time, but they had far too much to accomplish. Step one: make money!
Without money, they couldn't take a single step.
"I'm off to act cute for donations," Xu Xiaoyan waved as she turned and walked back toward the academy. Clearly, she already had a plan in mind.
"I'm heading out too. If you see news later about a Shrek student performing on the streets, don't be surprised," Xie Xie said with a heavy sigh before running off.
Tang Wulin planned to forge metal for others to earn money in return.
Gu You was, of course, also going to forge. After all, blacksmithing was quick cash—one piece of metal could cover days of expenses. But unlike Tang Wulin, he wasn't going to seek out clients. He planned to accept a mission directly from the Blacksmith Association.
As they watched their companions leave, Ye Xinglan turned to Gu Yue.
"Which one of us goes first?"
"You go ahead," said Gu Yue.
"Alright." Ye Xinglan nodded.
It was still early morning, and Shrek Academy hadn't started classes yet. Normally, students came and went in small groups. Not everyone lived on campus; wealthier students often rented apartments in the city for better training conditions.
But today was different.
From the front gates came a loud, hearty shout.
"Don't miss out, fresh steamed buns for sale! Power Recovery Meat Buns—one bite restores your energy, strengthens your body, boosts your blood, and sharpens your mind! Lightfoot Pork Buns—makes you nimble as a swallow! Bloodlust Red Bean Buns—instantly triggers bloodlust, doubling your combat strength! Get them while they're hot! Only good for one day!"
A male student, about sixteen or seventeen, walked past and immediately recognized the chubby boy selling buns.
"Hey, isn't this the fatty from the last first-year match? Junior, what's with the bun stand?"
Xu Lizhi grinned. "Can't help it! I need money for the final exam. Want to buy a few, senior? Cheap and tasty!"
"No thanks, I don't need that stuff. And it only lasts one day anyway. I've got class. Good luck though." The student waved as he approached the academy gates.
But as he neared the gate, he found himself involuntarily stopping.
Two people stood in front of the gate, clearly blocking the path.
The gate was wide, and two people weren't enough to fully obstruct it. The second-year student calmly moved to go around.
But a figure instantly stepped in front of him.
"This mountain is mine, this tree I planted," Gu Yue said lazily. "Um, Gu Yue, how do the next two lines go?"
Gu Yue rolled her eyes. "'If you want to pass this way, leave a toll behind.'"
The second-year student was dumbfounded. "What is this? Girls, there's no mountain or tree here! And even if there were, they're not yours."
"Pay up. 100,000 Federation coins and we'll let you pass." Ye Xinglan extended her hand, blunt as ever.
The boy stared at her. "What is this? A stickup?"
"That's right. It's a robbery," Ye Xinglan replied flatly.
"Can't I say no?" His lips twitched. Ye Xinglan was stunning, and he couldn't bring himself to get mad. But these two were ridiculous. More students began returning from outside, watching the scene unfold with curiosity. Among them was a clearly older student, likely from one of the higher grades.
"You can say no—if you beat us," said Ye Xinglan as she stepped forward. With a flick of her wrist, three soul rings rose up along her arm, and her Star God Sword appeared in a flash of radiant starlight.
With her sword in hand, her entire presence shifted. Her eyes glowed with clarity, and her aura flared. The boy felt his body tense involuntarily. The sword's sharp intent made him summon his own martial soul in defense, and three soul rings rose around him.
Fight? No way he could win.
He'd seen the match between Class One and the sixth-years. This girl had gone toe-to-toe with a five-ring Soul King! And she had a piece of battle armor!
"Aren't you afraid of being punished by the academy?" he asked, taking a step back.
"That'll be a problem for when we get back. I told you—it's a loan. Fifteen days. When we return, we'll pay double." Ye Xinglan was getting impatient.
She raised her sword slightly. Starry light shimmered around her. She didn't want to waste time. A hundred thousand coins would cover their round-trip expenses, and she and Gu Yue would have their food and lodging taken care of.
"Fine, I'll pay!" the boy said bitterly.
"Wait a second." Just then, that same jolly voice called from behind him.
The boy turned around. Xu Lizhi ran over, holding a few buns. He offered them with a grin.
"Senior, if you eat a few of my buns, you might not lose! My Bloodlust Red Bean Bun is incredible—it can boost your combat power by over thirty percent! You don't have to beat them—just break through and get inside. Once you're in the academy, they can't lay a finger on you!"
The boy hesitated. "Aren't you on their team?"
Xu Lizhi looked righteous. "Not anymore. We're taking our final exams, and there will be eliminations. Every one of us is a competitor now."
The boy seemed tempted. As an agility-type Battle Soul Master, if he really could boost his power by thirty percent, he might not win, but he could probably outrun them. Neither of the girls were agility-types.
"Alright, I'll give it a try. One Bloodlust Red Bean Bun, and one Lightfoot Pork Bun. How much?"
"Thirty thousand for the red bean, ten thousand for the pork bun," said Xu Lizhi cheerfully.
"Are you robbing me too?!" the boy glared.
"You're saving sixty thousand, aren't you?" Xu Lizhi said sincerely.
The boy glanced at Ye Xinglan, who looked ready to pounce, then sighed.
(End of Chapter)
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