Sea God Island, Treasure Pavilion.
Zhu Ziyang followed Yan Shaozhe into the Treasure Pavilion. The structure was similar to the Library—both were six-story wooden buildings.
The two of them headed straight to the third floor.
"Little junior brother, this Treasure Pavilion has six floors. The first and second floors contain spiritual herbs, pills, and rare metals. The third and fourth floors are reserved for soul bones, ranging from thousand-year up to just under hundred-thousand-year soul bones. The fifth floor stores powerful or rare mid-to-high level soul tools. As for the sixth floor—that's where we keep the most priceless treasures: hundred-thousand-year soul bones, peerless divine pills, and immortal-grade herbs." Yan Shaozhe introduced proudly. "There's probably no other power on the continent that can match Shrek Academy's Treasure Pavilion."
Zhu Ziyang nodded unconsciously.
"You may choose any one item from the first through fourth floors. Whichever you choose, I can authorize it. You don't need to trade the Storm Ghost Harrier soul bone for it." Yan Shaozhe added, "But the items on the fifth and sixth floors are not within my sole authority, so I won't take you up there today."
"Really? Then I won't be polite!" Zhu Ziyang beamed with delight and didn't pretend to be reserved. He didn't pay much attention to the limitation about the upper floors.
"Hahaha, of course it's real." Yan Shaozhe laughed cheerfully. This junior brother was truly a delight.
Zhu Ziyang immediately began exploring the third floor.
Most of the soul bones here were thousand-year grade, with a few between ten and thirty thousand years. The total count exceeded a hundred. The variety dazzled Zhu Ziyang—he couldn't help but marvel at Shrek Academy's wealth.
"Ice Tyrant Dragon Right Arm Bone: Originating from a 15,000-year-old Ice Tyrant Dragon, this soul bone contains pure dragon blood and icy energy. Suitable for soul masters with dragon-type martial souls. Upon absorption, it enhances strength and dragon bloodline. Soul skill: Ice Dragon Claw Strike—summons a phantom Ice Tyrant Dragon that charges at the enemy, unleashing rapid dragon claw attacks."
"Light Mane Tiger Left Arm Bone: Originating from an 11,000-year-old Light Mane Tiger, this soul bone contains condensed light element and tiger essence. Ideal for assault-type soul masters or light-elemental soul beasts. Upon absorption, it enhances light affinity and body toughness. Soul skill: Tiger of Light's Guard—creates a shield that absorbs enemy attacks and boosts the soul master's power."
Zhu Ziyang found two soul bones on the third floor that caught his eye. However, he had no intention of absorbing them himself.
First, he already had a right arm bone, so the Ice Tyrant Dragon one wasn't compatible. Second, the Light Mane Tiger bone wasn't very beneficial to him—it wasn't suited to his needs in any sense.
He was drawn to these two bones because they were perfect for Zhu Changhe and Liang Ying. Though his parents had limited talent, Zhu Ziyang, as their son, wished they could go further with him—ideally to the very peak of the world, rather than leaving only two lonely graves behind one day.
If they could absorb these bones, it would certainly improve their strength. Paired with the pills Zhu Ziyang had sent home, perhaps by the time he returned next year, they might surprise him.
The Ice Tyrant Dragon bone originated from the Ice Tyrant Dragon—a direct superior species to the Snow Dragon Lizard. It would surely enhance Liang Ying's strength. Meanwhile, the Light Mane Tiger was a powerful light-type beast known for its strength and protective barrier. Its soul bone would be the perfect tonic for Zhu Changhe.
He did not realize that his good intentions might also create danger.
Zhu Ziyang turned to Yan Shaozhe and asked, "Senior brother, can I exchange the Storm Ghost Harrier bone for these two ten-thousand-year soul bones?"
"Oh? Are you sure?" Yan Shaozhe blinked in surprise, a bit puzzled. "Why? Are there no suitable bones at this level? If not, we can go to the fourth floor—those are all over thirty thousand years."
"It's not that. I just like these two bones, that's all." Zhu Ziyang smiled.
"But that would be a loss for you. The Storm Ghost Harrier bone is at least fifty-five thousand years old." Yan Shaozhe hesitated.
"It's fine. As long as I think it's worth it, it's not a loss." Zhu Ziyang shook his head and handed the soul bone over.
"Alright, since you insist, I won't stop you." Yan Shaozhe accepted the soul bone. "So, which two did you pick?"
"Those two!" Zhu Ziyang pointed at the Ice Tyrant Dragon and Light Mane Tiger soul bones.
"These…" Yan Shaozhe frowned, clearly confused. "Junior brother, forgive me for being blunt, but these aren't suitable for you. Don't let greed make you choose poorly."
"I know." Zhu Ziyang smiled warmly at Yan Shaozhe's concern and explained, "I don't plan to absorb them myself."
"You don't?" Yan Shaozhe raised an eyebrow. "Then what are you planning?"
"I want to give them to my parents." Zhu Ziyang chuckled awkwardly. "Their potential is nearly spent. I thought giving them soul bones might help them walk a little further."
"I see." Yan Shaozhe's eyes showed approval. Such filial piety reflected a person of deep emotion and loyalty. Still, his brows remained furrowed as he considered something.
He hesitated, then said, "Your intentions are noble. But, little junior brother, have you considered that your parents are already in their forties? Soul bones may not help them much at this stage—and having a treasure makes one a target."
Zhu Ziyang froze, a chill creeping up his spine.
Only now did he realize the flaw in his thinking.
He had assumed that if he could possess soul bones safely, so could his parents. But he'd overlooked the massive difference in their environments.
Zhu Changhe and Liang Ying were adults fully embedded in the soul master world. Unlike Zhu Ziyang, who lived under the shelter of his academy and teachers, they lived with far less protection.
Take Zhu Changhe, for example. As part of the Anyang City Guard, he frequently went out to hunt soul beasts and gather soul rings. In such situations, it would be easy for his soul bone to be exposed. If word got out, the consequences could be dire.
After all, human greed was the most dangerous of all temptations.
Just picturing a future where his parents were hunted for their bones made Zhu Ziyang break into a cold sweat. He realized just how naive he had been.
"Thank you, senior brother!" he said with heartfelt gratitude.
"I'm glad you understand." Yan Shaozhe smiled in relief. "If you want to help your parents, soul bones aren't the only way. You could pick some spiritual herbs or pills instead. There should be suitable ones on the first or second floors."
"Really?" Zhu Ziyang's eyes lit up as he looked at Yan Shaozhe with a hint of doubt.
"No problem." Yan Shaozhe grinned. "I'm still the Dean of Shrek Academy—this much authority I do have."
"Then let's go downstairs!" Zhu Ziyang said with renewed excitement.
"Let's." Yan Shaozhe replied.
Together, they made their way to the second floor of the Treasure Pavilion.
(End of Chapter)
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