"This is the Empty Demon Leopard's Left Leg Bone, roughly ten thousand years old. It's suitable for both attack-system and agility-attack Spirit Masters to absorb."
Du Weilun's calm voice carried a sense of weight as he explained, "After fusing with it, your speed will be greatly enhanced. If you're fortunate, you may also obtain a Spirit Bone Ability."
The students listened attentively. Even when absorbing a thousand-year Spirit Bone, one might not necessarily gain a Spirit Bone Ability. But with a ten-thousand-year-level Spirit Bone, it was guaranteed.
However, the quality of the ability depended on fortune. Some were lucky—the Spirit Bone resonated with them, producing powerful abilities. Others weren't so lucky, and gained something nearly useless.
"Thank you, Teacher!" Dai Huabin bowed slightly, unable to hide his excitement. He hadn't expected the champion's reward for the freshman assessment to be a Spirit Bone.
Du Weilun placed the bone back into its pouch and added gravely, "There is only one Spirit Bone. How you three decide to distribute it is up to you. But remember—Spirit Bones are precious, yes, but they are not worth destroying your camaraderie over. Do not let this prize harm your bond, or worse."
"Yes, understood," Dai Huabin said quickly, nodding.
As they were about to leave, Shi Yu suddenly asked, "Director Du, may I ask… what's the approximate market value of this Empty Demon Leopard's Left Leg Bone?"
Du Weilun glanced at him with a faint smile, answering casually, "Between one and a half to two million gold coins."
"Thank you." Shi Yu nodded lightly, then followed Dai Huabin and Zhu Lu out of the office.
The three of them soon found a quiet, secluded place. Dai Huabin set the leather pouch in the center. All three pairs of eyes fell on it.
Dai Huabin's gaze burned with longing, as did Zhu Lu's. This was a ten-thousand-year Spirit Bone. To say they didn't want it would be a lie.
Spirit Bones were rarer than rare. Even among the six types—skull, torso, arms, legs—finding one suitable for oneself was nearly impossible. Their families might be able to acquire Spirit Bones through power and connections, but not everyone, even at the top of a clan, could obtain one. It wasn't a matter of money—Spirit Bones could not simply be bought.
Shi Yu, however, didn't show much desire. He already had two Spirit Bones, both external ones. Compared to those, this one wasn't as enticing.
"This Spirit Bone is more suitable for Zhu Lu and me," Dai Huabin spoke up at last. His tone was firm, yet polite. "Our idea is to compensate you with money. In exchange, you give up this Spirit Bone. What do you think?"
His words carried respect. Ever since realizing Shi Yu might have a powerful backer in the Inner Court, Dai Huabin's attitude toward him had shifted.
Shi Yu frowned deliberately, pretending to hesitate. "That isn't impossible. But how much compensation are you offering?"
Dai Huabin exchanged a glance with Zhu Lu before saying, "The value of this Spirit Bone is between 1.5 and 2 million gold coins. How about we compensate you with half the highest value?"
"One million gold coins?" Shi Yu murmured under his breath. The offer matched his expectations.
"If you think it's too low…" Dai Huabin clenched his teeth. "I can add another two hundred thousand."
"Deal." Shi Yu agreed readily. There was no need to push further—the extra two hundred thousand was already a pleasant bonus.
Dai Huabin exhaled in relief and took out a gold coin card from his Storage Soul Tool. His face showed faint pain as he handed it over. "This card has a five-hundred-thousand limit. Think of it as my deposit. The remaining seven hundred thousand, I'll deliver once I gather it. Don't worry—I'll keep my word."
Although he was the second young master of the White Tiger Duke's Mansion, one million two hundred thousand gold coins was still an immense sum. These five hundred thousand represented almost all of his personal savings; the rest would require his family's support.
"I have five hundred thousand here as well." Zhu Lu produced her own card and passed it to Shi Yu. "That way, only two hundred thousand remain outstanding."
"Alright. Then you can give me the rest later." Shi Yu calmly accepted the cards. He had no concerns about fraud; their families' identities guaranteed the money was genuine.
He leaned back slightly, folding his arms with mild curiosity. "I'm out of the distribution now. But how will you two divide it? Only one of you can absorb it. Who's it going to be?"
It was almost like watching a play. He was particularly curious—would Dai Huabin keep it, or would Zhu Lu? Given what he remembered, Zhu Lu's devotion to Dai Huabin far exceeded his to her, at least at this stage. Later, his heart would be swayed by Wang Qiu'er, whose beauty and aloof strength captivated him.
"This…" Dai Huabin and Zhu Lu exchanged conflicted looks. Both wanted it, but neither found it easy to speak. To take it felt selfish; to give it up was unbearable.
Shi Yu chuckled. "I can see you both want it. How about this? Decide with luck—rock-paper-scissors, or drawing lots. That way, no resentment. Whoever wins, it belongs to them."
The suggestion was surprisingly fair. As teammates, it would be foolish to let this prize sow conflict.
"I agree," Zhu Lu said immediately.
After a moment's hesitation, Dai Huabin also nodded. "Fine."
The two began their contest—a best-of-ten, six-wins system. Rock, paper, scissors—the simple game suddenly felt like a battle of destiny.
The first match ended in a deadlock: five to five. They restarted. This time, Zhu Lu surged ahead, claiming victory six to three.
Her face lit with joy. She immediately reassured Dai Huabin, "Don't worry. If another Spirit Bone comes along in the future, I'll definitely yield it to you."
Dai Huabin forced a smile, swallowing his unwillingness. As much as he longed for it, he would not ruin their bond over this Spirit Bone.
Shi Yu, satisfied at having watched the drama, excused himself. He had nothing pressing in the afternoon and decided to apply for a single dormitory at the Academy. If successful, he would remain on campus. If not, he would have to rent a house in Shrek City. Privacy was important—he needed a space of his own.
Unfortunately, luck was not with him. The single dormitories were full. No vacancies remained.
Thus, he had no choice but to look for housing in the city. Rather than take the usual long route, he walked toward the section where the Academy bordered the city wall.
The wall loomed, over a dozen meters high, a solid barrier separating the Academy from Shrek City.
Shi Yu didn't bother climbing. With a thought, his figure blurred, and he vanished from one side—only to reappear instantly on the other, standing in the city streets.
"This saves me kilometers of walking," Shi Yu said with satisfaction, glancing at the empty road. Normally, traveling between Shrek Academy and the city required a long detour. His method was far simpler.
But just as he stepped forward—
"Stop right there!"
A stern voice rang out.
Shi Yu turned and saw two middle-aged men in the uniforms of Shrek City's law enforcers. Weapons in hand, they strode toward him, their gazes sharp and suspicious.
"Do you not know that even Shrek Academy students are strictly forbidden to climb over the walls when entering or leaving the Academy?" one of them barked. His tone carried authority.
He hadn't acted only because Shi Yu was clearly wearing a Shrek Academy uniform. Had it been an ordinary civilian, they would already have been subdued.
The Academy's walls were not something anyone could cross at will.
Shi Yu gave an embarrassed smile. "Apologies. I truly didn't know this rule."
He had only thought of convenience, never bothering to check if it would cause trouble.