One day later, Shi Yu arrived at the Spirit Pagoda Headquarters, escorted personally by Deputy Tower Master Li.
The East Sea Spirit Pagoda was already massive in size, but it was nothing compared to the headquarters near Shrek City. That place was dozens of times larger, like a towering city built vertically into the sky.
At first glance, Shi Yu was utterly stunned.
It was the largest single structure he had ever seen—monumental in scale and cutting-edge in technology.Outside the headquarters, there were rows upon rows of soul tool weaponry. Shi Yu quickly noticed that many of the soul cannons were aimed directly at Shrek City.
The headquarters was bustling with people, most of whom seemed to be from Shrek City itself.After all, Shrek City was the second-largest metropolis on the continent, second only to the federal capital—and it housed the most prestigious academy on the continent: Shrek Academy.
Shi Yu looked toward Shrek City several times, but from his current location, he could only make out a vague outline.
Originally, the Spirit Pagoda's headquarters had been located inside Shrek City.But due to the deteriorating relationship between the Spirit Pagoda, Shrek Academy, and the Tang Sect, the organization had eventually decided to relocate.
That's why, in the original storyline, when Shrek City was destroyed by God-killing weapons, the Spirit Pagoda emerged completely unharmed.Had the Pagoda remained within Shrek City, even Qiangu Dongfeng wouldn't have dared to let evil soul masters act so recklessly.
After stepping into the headquarters with Deputy Tower Master Li, Shi Yu decided to put thoughts of Shrek City aside.It wasn't a place he should wander into anyway.
"Tower Master, I've brought Shi Yu to see you," Deputy Tower Master Li said respectfully ten minutes later, standing inside an expansive, elegant office.
Standing before them was the man himself — Qiangu Dongfeng, the Chief Tower Master of the Spirit Pagoda.
Deputy Tower Master Li was visibly excited.It wasn't every day one got to meet the supreme leader of the Spirit Pagoda—let alone in a private setting like this.
Shi Yu respectfully bowed.
"Greetings, Tower Master."
His gaze locked onto Qiangu Dongfeng. The man looked exactly like he did in the videos, but meeting him in person was a completely different experience. The pressure he exuded was suffocating.
Though aged, Qiangu Dongfeng's posture was straight, his aura vibrant. There was no sign of weakness about him—on the contrary, he was brimming with vitality and dominance.
"This guy's spiritual presence… far exceeds my own," Shi Yu thought to himself.
He had met two extremes now: the first was Yun Ming, who had concealed his presence so perfectly he seemed almost lifeless.But Qiangu Dongfeng was the opposite—he made no effort to restrain himself, radiating a sense of towering power.He was like an unshakable mountain; standing before him made one feel insignificant. If he wanted to kill Shi Yu, not even teleportation could save him.
"You're my future disciple. Calling me 'Tower Master' feels a bit distant," Qiangu Dongfeng said gently.
Shi Yu immediately corrected himself:
"Forgive me, Teacher. I came to pay my respects."
It wasn't that he forgot—this was their first meeting in person, and he had wanted to be formal. The master could speak casually, but as the student, Shi Yu couldn't afford to be too relaxed too soon.Especially at this level, being overly familiar could leave a bad impression.
Qiangu Dongfeng smiled.
"I'd like to see your martial soul and your abilities."
"Then please allow me to demonstrate," Shi Yu replied politely.
He released his martial soul — though no soul rings appeared.
A swirling space vortex emerged behind him, and Qiangu Dongfeng's eyes lit up with intrigue.It was one thing to hear about it. Seeing it — and sensing it firsthand — was something else entirely.
There was no doubt. This was the Ultimate Space Martial Soul, the first of its kind in history.
The word "Ultimate" was a synonym for supreme-tier martial soul, and the power of ultimate space surpassed even the famed ultimate fire or ultimate ice.
Shi Yu began his demonstration.
In the roughly 300-square-meter office, he teleported from one spot to another with rapid bursts.Qiangu Dongfeng watched, more and more amazed. Even he, with his sharp senses, could barely detect the spatial fluctuations when Shi Yu moved.
This level of teleportation was terrifying.If his strength continued to grow, he'd be able to move completely unnoticed — even under the noses of extreme-level soul masters.
In combat, the element of surprise was everything.If one could silently approach a powerhouse, even someone like Yun Ming could be assassinated.
Shi Yu eventually stopped, waiting for Qiangu Dongfeng's feedback.Honestly, it felt like he was putting on a show.But considering the potential rewards of pleasing someone like Qiangu Dongfeng, he didn't mind playing the role.
"Your martial soul is incredibly powerful. Your ability even more so. Accepting you as a disciple is a wise choice," Qiangu Dongfeng praised warmly.
"It is an honor to be your student," Shi Yu responded with humility.
Qiangu Dongfeng walked up to him and patted his shoulder, clearly satisfied.
He gave a subtle glance to Deputy Tower Master Li.
Li instantly understood and quietly excused himself, leaving Shi Yu alone with Qiangu Dongfeng.
The room suddenly felt heavy.
Shi Yu tensed up.Being alone with someone of Qiangu Dongfeng's caliber was nerve-wracking, especially considering his ruthlessness.This was a man who could sacrifice millions for his ambition.
"Don't be nervous," Qiangu Dongfeng said calmly."I simply want to learn more about your family—privately."
"Since I've accepted you as my disciple, it's only natural to get to know your background better."
Shi Yu began to recite the fictional family history he had carefully crafted.
It was an expanded, more vivid version of what he had filled out on his application, complete with details to make the story seem real and believable.
He had spent a long time preparing it—and thankfully, it worked.Qiangu Dongfeng seemed to believe every word.
"When do you plan to let me meet your parents?" he asked with a friendly smile.
"I was actually planning to visit them in a few days," Shi Yu replied."I'll speak to them and get their opinion first."
"I could go with you. That way, they don't need to travel—less trouble for them," Qiangu Dongfeng offered.
Shi Yu winced slightly.
"It might not be convenient. My parents have been in seclusion for years.They don't like surprise visits. Even if I bring my teacher… they might scold me for it."
Qiangu Dongfeng chuckled softly and corrected him again.
"Teacher," not "master."On the Douluo Continent, that's the proper title used by disciples.
"Then I won't insist," Qiangu Dongfeng said, waving the matter off."But you should try to bring them to visit the Spirit Pagoda one day. As your teacher, I'd like to treat them to a meal."
He wasn't pushing because he understood.Many true powerhouses disliked unexpected visitors.
But ultimately, he wanted to win over Shi Yu's parents and bring them into the fold of the Spirit Pagoda.It wouldn't help to sour their impression now.
"Of course. I'll make arrangements," Shi Yu agreed smoothly.