In the afternoon, Class Four's lesson was "A Brief History of Soul Tools."
It was a course introducing the development of soul tools. Although the original three kingdoms of the Douluo Continent were extremely hostile toward soul tools, as the number one academy on the continent, Shrek Academy would never ignore this new power system that had already begun to influence and would continue shaping the future of the continent. From first to sixth year, all outer court students were required to study relevant knowledge on soul tools — their history, common types, and basic usage.
However, that was the limit of what they could do. Anyone wishing to truly research or craft soul tools would have to join the Soul Tool Department.
Zhu Ziyang had some interest in soul tools, but not much. He wasn't against them — in fact, he welcomed using them in battle. But the thought of studying or crafting them himself? That was a definite no.
Because in this world, personal strength was always more reliable than external power. Even with the Sun Moon Empire's advanced soul tool technology, weren't their forces still suppressed by Shrek Academy's soul masters?
Moreover, based on the knowledge he had, the stronger the soul tool, the greater the soul power required to drive it. The soul tools that didn't require high-level soul masters to use had seen some success on the battlefield, but when it came to deciding the true outcome of a war, it still came down to clashes between top-tier soul masters.
After the afternoon class ended, Zhu Ziyang and the others had dinner and then headed toward Shrek City.
The reason was that Beibei had managed to acquire four invitation letters to the Treasure Exhibition hosted by the Fortune Pavilion.
The Fortune Pavilion was the largest chamber of commerce in Shrek City, with deep connections — many of them linked to Shrek's inner court. The Treasure Exhibition was a major event jointly organized by the city's various chambers of commerce. Its purpose was simple: to attract the students of Shrek Academy. After all, Shrek's students were widely recognized across the continent as the gathering of true prodigies.
Normally, only core students of the outer court and members of the inner court were eligible for invitations to such events. Zhu Ziyang and his group, having only recently arrived as new students, clearly shouldn't have been eligible. The four invitations Beibei acquired obviously came through special channels — each one had their names printed on it.
For something that could expand his horizons, and maybe even offer a chance to stumble upon a hidden gem, Zhu Ziyang naturally had no reason to decline. That said, he understood they were likely just going to look. The items on display would surely be top-grade, and it was unlikely he could afford a single one.
"So this is Shrek City?" After entering the city, Jiang Nannan, clinging to Zhu Ziyang's arm, looked around at the dazzling bustle and couldn't help exclaiming in amazement.
"It's grand, isn't it? I was shocked the first time I came too," Tang Ya said while holding Beibei's hand, walking up beside Jiang Nannan. "I thought Heaven Dou City was already large, but compared to Shrek City, it's nothing."
"Shrek City was built with the combined power of the three former nations. Naturally, it's more prosperous," Beibei added with a smile.
"We should keep moving. Let's not block the way," Zhu Ziyang said. He glanced at a few people behind them who were looking displeased, and with an apologetic smile, he gently pulled Jiang Nannan forward.
Beibei and Tang Ya quickly followed.
The four arrived at the Treasure Exhibition's venue: the Fortune Pavilion.
It was an extraordinarily lavish building, its appearance alone worthy of its name. At the entrance stood four young women tasked with greeting guests. When they saw the four dressed in Shrek Academy's white uniforms, they were clearly surprised — but, as trained professionals selected specifically for hospitality, they maintained impeccable etiquette and showed no sign of disrespect. After all, this was Shrek City, right beside Shrek Academy — age meant very little here.
After presenting their invitation letters, the group smoothly entered the Fortune Pavilion and were led by a guide to the second floor, where the exhibition was held.
"Should we go together or…?" Beibei asked, his meaning obvious.
"Let's split up and explore separately. We'll meet back at the entrance before it ends," Zhu Ziyang said, readily taking the opportunity to enjoy a walk with Jiang Nannan alone.
"Sounds good. See you later." Beibei exchanged a knowing look with Zhu Ziyang, then, without consulting Tang Ya, pulled her along with him.
"Let's go too." Jiang Nannan made no objections. Smiling sweetly, she wrapped her arm around Zhu Ziyang's and followed him toward the other side of the hall.
They wandered between displays, marveling at each intricate, rare, or eye-catching item. Many of the artifacts were ones Zhu Ziyang had read about in books. Seeing them in person, though — it was a completely different experience.
Many of the items on display were soul bones, most being of the thousand-year variety, with a few rare ten-thousand-year ones. As for hundred-thousand-year soul bones — forget it. Those were simply not going to appear at an exhibition like this.
Zhu Ziyang spotted a soul bone that seemed perfect for Jiang Nannan — a seven-thousand-year Clearwind Demon Leopard left leg bone. According to its description, it could enhance the user's speed and provided a powerful attack skill. He had been tempted to buy it… until he saw the price.
One million gold soul coins!
As expected… he was still far too poor. Zhu Ziyang shook his head with a sigh.
Leaving the soul bone section, the pair continued browsing. Suddenly, a circular display area caught Zhu Ziyang's eye.
"Nannan, let's go check that out," Zhu Ziyang said, gently pulling her hand.
"Okay." Jiang Nannan nodded obediently.
They walked into the circular area, where several jade porcelain bottles were displayed in a ring. Each bottle sat atop a base with an information plaque.
"Soul Ascension Pill, mid-grade pill. A wood-attribute pill that increases soul power, roughly equivalent to the soul power required for a Rank 31 Soul Elder to reach Rank 32. Price: 100,000 gold soul coins per pill." Jiang Nannan read the label of the nearest bottle, and her eyes widened in shock. "Oh my god, that's ridiculous! A single tiny pill costs 100,000 gold soul coins?!"
"That's pretty normal," Zhu Ziyang said calmly, scanning the various porcelain bottles on the display. "After all, the benefits a pill provides to a soul master can be immense."
"I get that, but it's still hard to accept…" Jiang Nannan muttered under her breath.
Zhu Ziyang didn't comment further and began checking the rest of the pills on display.
"Soul Spirit Pill… high-grade pill… five million gold soul coins per pill…"
"Mystic Water Pill… mid-grade pill… 250,000 gold soul coins per pill…"
"Bone Tempering Pill…"
"Hundred-Heal Pill…"
"…"
There was a wide variety of pills on display, but the cheapest of them all still cost at least 100,000 gold soul coins. Both Zhu Ziyang and Jiang Nannan stood there stunned — this was the first time they truly, viscerally understood the power of wealth.
As he stared at the dazzling, mouthwatering pills, an idea suddenly sparked in Zhu Ziyang's mind. A smile crept onto his face.
He had just thought of a way to make money!
(End of Chapter)
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