Under the stunned and disbelieving gazes of Zhu Ziyang and the others, Yan Shaozhe opened the second soul bone pouch.
An orange-yellow, compact soul bone floated out, hovering beside the Moonshadow Rabbit's right leg bone. Its shape was completely different, clearly a soul bone from another part of the body.
"This is a left arm bone, taken from a Scaled Armored Crocodile with a cultivation of three thousand years," Yan Shaozhe said, still smiling with a hint of pride. "You should know this soul beast — powerful in strength with tough scales. So this soul bone enhances a soul master's strength or physique and provides a defensive-type skill: Hardening."
He didn't mind the shocked expressions of the three. His tone remained light, even slightly proud.
"Though soul bones are rare, Shrek Academy has more than a few stored in our treasury. To us, outstanding talent is far more valuable than any soul bone. You don't need to feel any pressure — just accept it."
The three looked at each other, silent for a moment before Zhu Ziyang spoke up.
"Thank you, Dean and the academy, for nurturing us. We'll humbly accept it. Xiao Ya, this soul bone is for you."
"Huh?" Tang Ya was caught off guard, then immediately refused.
"No need. I don't need to enhance my strength."
"But you do need to strengthen your defense and aptitude, don't you?" Zhu Ziyang chuckled. "From what I know, eating the flesh of a Scaled Armored Crocodile can improve a soul master's physique and toughen their meridians. Since this bone is the purest essence of that beast, it must have an even stronger effect. That makes you far more suitable to absorb it than me. Besides, Nannan already received a soul bone. If I take this one too, wouldn't that be unfair to you?"
"You... this..." Tang Ya was at a loss for words. She wanted to argue, but she couldn't. The truth was — she did need to enhance her potential.
She fell silent.
"Xiao Ya, just accept it," Jiang Nannan advised gently. "Brother wouldn't say it unless it was true. If he says this soul bone is right for you, then it is."
"You really trust him unconditionally, don't you?" Tang Ya looked at Jiang Nannan, speechless. This was a soul bone, and she just handed it over because Zhu Ziyang said so? Tang Ya didn't know whether she should thank Zhu Ziyang for his generosity or scold Jiang Nannan for being so naive.
In the end, she accepted the soul bone.
"Thank you, Ziyang."
Yan Shaozhe and Du Weilun watched their entire exchange silently. Yan Shaozhe's assessment of Zhu Ziyang rose again. Someone who could remain calm and rational, unmoved by immediate benefits, was destined for greatness. And that was exactly the kind of talent Shrek Academy needed.
"Children, you continue to impress me." Yan Shaozhe clapped lightly, his smile warm. "Since you've already decided the recipients of both soul bones, why not go ahead and absorb them here in Director Du's office? It'll be safer that way. I'm sure Director Du won't mind."
"It would be an honor!" Du Weilun responded without hesitation.
Both girls looked to Zhu Ziyang, clearly waiting for his decision. Zhu Ziyang quickly weighed the pros and cons in his mind, then nodded.
"Alright. Sorry to trouble you, Director Du."
With the decision made, Jiang Nannan and Tang Ya each took their respective soul bones and sat cross-legged on the office floor to begin absorption.
Their breathing was calm, and the fusion process seemed smooth.
Seeing this, Zhu Ziyang's faint worries melted away.
Yan Shaozhe noticed too. He glanced at Du Weilun and gave him a slight nod before speaking to Zhu Ziyang.
"Zhu Ziyang, come with me."
He didn't explain, simply turned and left the room.
Zhu Ziyang paused, momentarily confused.
Du Weilun smiled and said, "Go on, everything's under control here."
That snapped him back. Zhu Ziyang turned and followed Yan Shaozhe out of the office.
Yan Shaozhe kept walking without pause, and Zhu Ziyang followed closely, silently wondering why he was being called away. He could guess the general reason — his Ultimate Martial Soul had definitely attracted the attention of Shrek Academy's upper echelon.
They probably wanted him to meet with the elders of Sea God's Pavilion.
Exactly what he wanted.
After all, this was the most critical step in his plan.
What plan?
To become the ruler of Shrek Academy — the dominant force behind the continent's number-one academy. Just imagining it felt exhilarating.
But to achieve that, he first needed to gain access to Shrek's core hierarchy.
And what better position than being the personal disciple of the Sea God Pavilion Master?
Zhu Ziyang wasn't sure if the current Pavilion Master was the legendary Dragon God Douluo or the Gluttonous Douluo with the Gluttonous Divine Ox martial soul.
Hopefully, it was the Dragon God Douluo.
Soon, they reached the edge of Sea God Lake.
Yan Shaozhe turned to look at Zhu Ziyang, noticing the boy's composed expression. He couldn't help but feel even more satisfied.
"With that calm face of yours, aren't you even curious why I brought you here?"
"A little," Zhu Ziyang replied evenly. "But I trust you have your reasons, Dean. It's not something bad, anyway."
"Haha!" Yan Shaozhe burst out laughing.
"Good kid. You're impressively steady."
He took Zhu Ziyang and soared directly into the air, flying toward Sea God Island. The speed was shocking — before Zhu Ziyang could even blink, they had already landed.
Looking at the drastically different scenery around him, Zhu Ziyang was internally stunned.
So this was the power of a Titled Douluo?
Crossing a distance of over a hundred meters in a flash?
At the lakeshore, Zhu Ziyang noticed a sloppy old man and began guessing his identity. But Yan Shaozhe's words cleared the mystery right away and revealed the true purpose of this visit.
"Senior Xuan, could you gather the other elders? My teacher may be making an announcement shortly."
Senior Xuan? Gluttonous Douluo Xuanzi?
Zhu Ziyang speculated silently.
"Got it," the old man replied without looking up, continuing to gnaw on his chicken leg.
Yan Shaozhe didn't mind. He led Zhu Ziyang deeper into Sea God Island.
Zhu Ziyang noted the many wooden buildings, and quite a few inner court disciples wearing red uniforms. This was likely Shrek's legendary inner court. As they passed, many inner court students respectfully greeted Yan Shaozhe, and curious glances were cast at Zhu Ziyang — a white-clad first-year freshman.
Clearly, his unfamiliar face had drawn some attention.
Yan Shaozhe didn't bother introducing the island. His priority was taking Zhu Ziyang to see his teacher.
Eventually, they arrived at the highest point on Sea God Island, where a three-story building stood.
This must be the Sea God Pavilion, Zhu Ziyang thought.
Yan Shaozhe stood before the door, straightened up, and called respectfully.
"Teacher, I've brought him."
(End of Chapter)
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