"When it comes to soul power cultivation, there's not much I can teach you—you're already outstanding, even more talented than I was back then."
Mu En looked at Zhu Ziyang with admiration and satisfaction on his face and said, "For now, what you need to do is focus on increasing your soul power and spiritual power. Once you reach four soul rings or when your spiritual power evolves to a tangible yet formless state, I will teach you my ultimate techniques."
"Understood, Teacher!" Zhu Ziyang nodded earnestly at Mu En's words.
"Take this notebook. It contains some of my insights on the Light element. Although Ultimate Light is different from ordinary Light, the principles eventually converge. You can study it when you have time." Mu En took out a slightly worn notebook and handed it to Zhu Ziyang.
"Thank you, Teacher!" Zhu Ziyang received the notebook. Its black cover was clean and neat, with a faint radiance of light emanating from it. This was likely the top-most Light element cultivation manual currently available on the Douluo Continent.
Even someone as confident as Zhu Ziyang couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement upon receiving it.
Once Electrolux awakened in the future, and he gained his guidance and insights into the Light element, Zhu Ziyang believed he would likely become the foremost expert on the Light element throughout the continent.
"From today, you'll live on the island. Your senior brother will take care of the arrangements for the outer courtyard." Mu En said.
"Teacher, I'd like to wait until I reach four soul rings before moving to the island." Zhu Ziyang declined without hesitation. "With my talent, I will definitely reach four rings in my second year. At that time, I'll enter the inner courtyard with full legitimacy."
"Hahaha! This old man was being shortsighted. If you have such ambition, then I'll support you!" Mu En wasn't angry at being turned down; on the contrary, he was delighted. He laughed and said, "That's fine. I also enjoy living near your dormitory—this way, we'll see each other more often."
"Mm! We will." Zhu Ziyang replied happily.
"Teacher, little junior brother's room is ready." Yan Shaozhe's voice came from outside.
"Go ahead and see if the room your senior brother picked suits you." Mu En closed his eyes and waved his hand.
"Yes, Teacher. I'll take my leave." Zhu Ziyang bowed respectfully and left the Sea God Pavilion.
"A time of great struggle indeed..." Mu En muttered.
Outside, Yan Shaozhe was already waiting.
"Senior brother." Zhu Ziyang called.
"Come on, I'll show you your room." Yan Shaozhe greeted him with a smile and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Alright." Zhu Ziyang nodded and smiled.
Yan Shaozhe led him down to a row of treehouses.
"You know where we are, right?" Yan Shaozhe asked. "We're standing on a giant tree."
"Mm-hmm!" Zhu Ziyang nodded. "The Golden Ancient Tree—it's the symbol of Shrek Academy."
"Exactly." Yan Shaozhe continued, "The original purpose of Sea God Island was to support the Golden Tree. As it grew taller and more majestic, the Sea God Pavilion and the inner courtyard were gradually built around it. It's said this Golden Ancient Tree was transplanted here by the soul figure of the original Shrek Seven Monsters—Sea God Tang San. Every generation of Shrek Academy deans has to take their oath beneath this tree when they assume office."
"The Academy's core institutions are all located within this tree. The Sea God Pavilion is at the top, the elders live on the second level, inner courtyard teachers and core disciples reside on the first level, and regular inner courtyard disciples live at the base."
"For those of us who possess Light-attributed martial souls, this tree is an exceptional place for cultivation. I'm sure you've sensed it too."
Zhu Ziyang nodded continuously as he listened. While he had seen some of this on his own, certain details—like the Golden Tree's origin—were new to him. To think it had ties to Tang San!
The influence of this Sea God really was everywhere.
Especially as Yan Shaozhe mentioned, the Light elements on Sea God Island were indeed denser than outside, particularly near the Pavilion. And it wasn't just Light—there were also strong Wood elements, Water elements, life force, and general spiritual energy.
Clearly, this was the power of the Golden Ancient Tree.
The Golden Tree could gather and concentrate spiritual energy! Zhu Ziyang remembered the book Born of Nature which described this very ability.
"Alright, little junior brother, this is your room." Yan Shaozhe brought Zhu Ziyang to a treehouse at the far end. "This area has the densest Light energy, which should greatly help your cultivation. The nearby rooms belong to Elder Xuan, Elder Lin, Elder Zhuang, and Elder Song. Mine and your little senior sister's rooms are further out. If you need anything, feel free to come to us."
He handed Zhu Ziyang a special key.
"Got it." Zhu Ziyang took the key and looked toward his new room.
"Go in and take a look. I'll wait for you at the base of the tree and then show you around the island." Yan Shaozhe said, then turned to leave.
Zhu Ziyang entered the room.
It wasn't very large, about thirty square meters—still bigger than his outer courtyard dorm. The room had one window and one door, with the window placed beside the door.
The furnishings were simple. A sturdy, old-fashioned bed made from the branches of the Golden Tree stood against the inner wall. A wardrobe carved from the same tree faced the bed. Beside the bed was a wooden desk and a three-tier bookshelf. A soul-powered lamp sat on the desk—the only item not made of wood. At the center of the room was a small round table with three wooden chairs.
The entire setup felt completely natural, as though it had grown organically. Even the carved furniture bore no trace of tools—it was like nature itself had shaped it. The room's aura was thick with spiritual energy—perfect for cultivation.
"Not bad at all." Zhu Ziyang raised an eyebrow and muttered.
He circled the room, familiarizing himself with the layout, and once he was satisfied, he stepped back outside.
He took a look at the nearby cabins. Some were easy to identify. His left neighbor, for instance, had pots of spiritual herbs on the windowsill—clearly Elder Zhuang's room. On the right, dried soul beast meat hung outside—a sure sign it was Elder Xuan's room.
At the far end were two treehouses facing each other—those of Yan Shaozhe and Cai Meier, Qian Duoduo and Xian Lin'er. They were about five or six meters apart—quite unique.
Zhu Ziyang couldn't help but be curious. Most rooms were only about three meters apart. Why were these two pairs spaced farther? Could his senior brothers and sisters have some kind of tension?
When he arrived at the base of the tree, Yan Shaozhe was already waiting.
"Senior brother!" Zhu Ziyang called out.
"Finished looking? Satisfied?" Yan Shaozhe asked with a smile.
"Mm! It's great. I really like it." Zhu Ziyang replied honestly.
"Glad to hear it." Yan Shaozhe relaxed. "Come on, I'll show you around Sea God Island."
"Yes."
Zhu Ziyang followed behind him.
Sea God Island was divided into three primary zones.
The northern section was the living area for inner courtyard staff and students. The dining hall, Sea God Square, and student dormitories were all located here. Many inner courtyard events—like the Sea God Fate Festival—took place at the Square or nearby lake. This was the most populated part of the inner courtyard. Naturally, Zhu Ziyang and Yan Shaozhe's arrival caught the attention of many students. A new student in white uniform walking alongside the Dean? Very curious indeed.
The central section was home to the Golden Ancient Tree. Shrek Academy's core—the Sea God Pavilion—stood atop it. Beneath it was an underground root chamber, ideal for meditation. Zhu Ziyang had no plans to enter this root cave just yet, so he didn't ask Yan Shaozhe to take him.
The southern section was the work zone. Directly facing the tree was the Combat Arena, used for sparring and battles. To the left was the Library—one of the continent's most extensive six-story archives. To the right was the Treasure Pavilion, home to countless precious artifacts. Many foolish thieves had tried their luck here—none had survived. Behind the arena were the administration offices, record centers, and the inspection corps' headquarters.
"Come on, little junior brother. I'll take you to the Treasure Pavilion." After finishing the tour, Yan Shaozhe said, "Teacher has already notified me."
"Alright. Thank you, senior brother." Zhu Ziyang's eyes lit up, a flicker of excitement flashing across his face.
(End of Chapter)
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