The next day, by noon, Salas arrived at Shrek Academy.
Without delay, he summoned his disciples.
Before long, the four disciples—Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, Dai Mubai, and Oscar—stood before him.
Salas scanned their cultivation levels and nodded with satisfaction—or at least that was the expression on his face.
Their current cultivation levels were as follows:
Xiao Wu—level 33; Zhu Zhuqing—level 28; Oscar—level 31; Dai Mubai—level 38.
Among them, only Xiao Wu's cultivation speed deviated from the original timeline due to Salas's interference. Motivated by revenge and driven by Salas's intervention, she cultivated diligently and broke through to level 33 twenty days ago.
Of course, one of the key reasons was Salas providing her with the whale glue dose a month earlier.
In contrast, Tang San had yet to break through to level 33. However, considering his progress and the knowledge of the plot, Salas expected Tang San would reach that breakthrough soon, as he was approaching the end of his 49-day forging period—45 days had already passed.
Other than Xiao Wu, the other three disciples' cultivation levels remained consistent with the canon.
"Hmm... Zhuqing broke through to level 28. Well done," Salas praised, his tone encouraging as he acknowledged her progress in his absence.
He extended his hand and gently patted her head.
Though Zhuqing instinctively wanted to shrink away, she held still, allowing Salas to pat her head—unwilling to give her master the impression she resisted his affection. Though conscious of his male identity, she respected him as her master; shrinking back or stepping away would appear disrespectful.
After a few seconds, she slightly retracted, wanting to step back—but before she could, Salas withdrew his hand. His smiling eyes, however, hid a shadowy gloom unknown to anyone.
Suppressing his inner anger, Salas turned his gaze to the group, his warm smile drawing their attention.
"This time I have returned... and I brought two pieces of good news. First, the establishment of our pavilion on the mainland has officially begun. The land has been purchased, and construction will start within the next few days," Salas announced.
"Wow, Master… that was fast!"
"Yes, I didn't expect the construction to start so soon either," Xiao Wu, Oscar, and Dai Mubai echoed happily, while Zhuqing smiled gracefully.
After all, once the pavilion is established and grows strong, as one of the four founding disciples and hall masters of the four halls, each of them would gain their own identity and influence on the mainland.
Whether Oscar needs to pursue Ning Rongrong, or Dai Mubai's ambition to confront his elder brother, or even Zhu Zhuqing's goal to stand on her own feet… everything will be solved.
Considering how grandly Salas portrayed the future… once the Eternal Pavilion surpasses the upper three sects, as well as the two empires and Spirit Hall, wouldn't they become the dominant power?
"Our master is incredibly powerful. No one in the world can harm him unless he wishes it. Once the pavilion is established, it will be only a matter of time before everyone flocks to join. Then, as heads of the four guardian halls, we will shake the world alongside our master," everyone thought inwardly.
"Master, where exactly is our pavilion being constructed?" After the excitement settled, Dai Mubai asked.
"The land I purchased is a hundred miles east of Heaven Dou City, on the outskirts of the Sunset Forest," Salas replied, then looked at Oscar and Dai Mubai. "Since construction is about to start, I want the two of you to go there early and oversee the progress on my behalf. After two weeks, when it's time for you to join Heaven Dou Academy, I'll come pick you up."
"Yes, Master. We will follow your instructions," Oscar and Dai Mubai nodded obediently.
"Mm. Now, onto the second piece of good news… I managed to collect the main ingredient for the Godbone Essence," Salas said, pausing to watch their reactions. Their eyes gleamed the moment they heard the name.
Godbone Essence—the name Salas gave to the special medicine made primarily from whale glue. The four knew its miraculous effects; Xiao Wu had explained it when they became Salas's disciples. It was an elixir that allowed one to break the soul ring absorption limit—something no one else on the continent could do.
Xiao Wu, with her level 33 soul power, could match Dai Mubai's physical strength all because of this rare medicine gifted by their master.
Their eyes sparkled, eagerly waiting for Salas to continue.
But Salas's next words cooled their excitement.
"It's only enough to make one potion… so the four of you must decide among yourselves who will receive it." He smiled and waited for their decision.
They exchanged looks. After a moment, though reluctant, knowing the power of the Godbone Essence, Xiao Wu, Dai Mubai, and Oscar decided that Zhu Zhuqing should have it.
After all, among the four, only Zhu Zhuqing hadn't absorbed her third soul ring and was still a Spirit Grandmaster. The earlier one receives the Godbone Essence in their cultivation journey, the better. Zhu Zhuqing was the only one who could truly make use of it.
If they were all of equal rank—Spirit Elders or Spirit Grandmasters—they could compete for it. But since one was still at a lower cultivation level, it was pointless.
They also realized this was a test from Salas. Otherwise, why would their master, who usually made all decisions himself, give them the chance to choose?
Xiao Wu, Oscar, and Dai Mubai thought carefully; it was clear their master was testing their unity—or so they believed.
As for Salas's true intention in giving them the choice… only he knew.
"Master... let Zhuqing take it," the three—Xiao Wu, Mubai, and Oscar—looked at Salas and said firmly. They also gave Zhuqing an encouraging look. Particularly Dai Mubai, who smiled broadly and gave Zhuqing a wink.
Zhuqing's face was full of smiles… She didn't expect the opportunity to fall upon her suddenly. She looked at her three fellow disciples and thanked them gratefully.
"Mm, good. Then Zhu Zhuqing it is. I will need two days to prepare the medicine. Xiao Wu, share your experience and all precautions with Zhuqing," Salas said, smiling at Zhuqing's joy. But inwardly, he was laughing to himself.
"Foolish girl… Didn't you shrink your head when I patted you just now? Wait and see—I'll touch you all over and have my snake spray venom on you in two days. Haha," Salas chuckled darkly in his heart.
Why two days? Of course, it was so Dai Mubai could leave with Oscar without interrupting his 'good deeds.' As for Xiao Wu, he would find a way to fool her… easy enough.