Inside the dormitory.
Zhu Ziyang sat cross-legged on the bed, sifting through the changes and improvements he had made after absorbing his fourth spirit ring.
First, naturally, was his spirit power. His spirit power level had reached 41. Although it was only a one-level increase, it was a 41st level that had been purified and refined. Originally, while absorbing his fourth spirit ring, Zhu Ziyang followed Electrolux's advice and meticulously cleansed and refined his spirit power from the inside out.
The purpose of doing this was simple: first, to solidify his foundation. In the past year, Zhu Ziyang's spirit power had increased rapidly. If he didn't cleanse it at the right time, it was very likely to lead to issues of unstable spirit power. Second, it was to improve the quality of his spirit power, enhance its inclusiveness, and allow the various energies within Zhu Ziyang's body to merge better.
Next, were his Spirit Abilities. The Starry Unicorn provided Zhu Ziyang with his fourth Spirit Ability, named Starry Light and Shadow Transformation.
Upon activating Starry Light and Shadow Transformation, Zhu Ziyang's all-attribute increase by one hundred percent, and at the same time, a Starry Shadow clone is generated. The clone possesses eighty percent of Zhu Ziyang's combat power, and its duration is three minutes.
This is a Spirit Ability with more auxiliary than combat capabilities, and it is also a single-target divine ability. Two against one, how can you lose? Starry Light and Shadow Transformation evolved from the Starry Unicorn's signature ability—Starry Mirror Image—but it is even more powerful.
Then, there were the spirit rings. Zhu Ziyang's four spirit rings had all been thoroughly refined, and all the vitality contained within them had been absorbed by Zhu Ziyang. Thanks to this immense vitality, Zhu Ziyang's physique could now withstand the pressure of a Seventy-Thousand-Year spirit ring. If solely considering arm strength, Zhu Ziyang was confident he could compete with a fully-powered, strength-type Spirit King.
Thanks to the secondary refinement of the spirit rings, Zhu Ziyang's first spirit ring's lifespan reached five hundred years. Although it only increased by more than two hundred years, it was still an opportunity that most Spirit Masters wouldn't even dare to dream of. Therefore, his first Spirit Ability also transformed from a purely offensive Spirit Ability into an auxiliary control-type Spirit Ability that also possessed offensive capabilities.
Life-Ending Sacred Blade Domain: Upon activation, Zhu Ziyang unleashes a blade aura infused with the Power of Death towards a designated location. Once the blade aura reaches the designated location, it forms a circular Domain. Within the Domain's range, the vitality of all enemies will be continuously eroded. The Domain lasts for thirty seconds.
Finally, there was the Spirit Bone. That's right, the Starry Unicorn left behind a Spirit Bone, named Starry Soaring Right Leg Bone. After fusion, the Starry Soaring Right Leg Bone significantly increased Zhu Ziyang's speed and right leg strength, and also provided him with a Spirit Ability: Soaring Quake.
Soaring Quake: When activated, power accumulates in the right calf, temporarily granting Zhu Ziyang the ability to fly. He leaps into the air and uses his right leg to heavily stomp the space, creating a massive shockwave that causes enemies to fall into a brief stun.
This is a control-type Spirit Ability, but Zhu Ziyang was more interested in its accompanying short-term flight ability. This flight ability could be said to be a leapfrog enhancement for Zhu Ziyang's current combat methods. After all, remaining airborne is a Spirit King's ability, and sustained flight is the hallmark of a Spirit Saint. Although Zhu Ziyang possesses the Heavenly Frost Sacred White Dragon Spirit, the flight ability of a true Dragon Spirit is related to its dragon wings, and dragon wing transformation requires the strength of a Spirit Emperor.
By now, Zhu Ziyang had fused two Spirit Bones: a silver dragon wolf right arm bone and a Starry Soaring Right Leg Bone, with an average age exceeding One Hundred Thousand Years!
He recalled the Spirit Bone he had just received from Qian Duoduo and immediately took it out to examine it.
Zhu Ziyang opened the wooden box, only then realizing that it was carved from a branch of the Golden Ancient Tree, exuding a rich aura of light and vitality. Inside the wooden box was a small bone, and next to it was a white jade tablet. Zhu Ziyang picked up the jade tablet and saw rows of small characters carved on it.
"Heavenly Soul White Elephant Torso Bone, Age: Ninety-Thousand-Years, Spirit Ability: Undetermined, Effect: After fusion, it can greatly enhance the Spirit Master's physique, improve the Spirit Master's endurance, and accelerate spirit power recovery. Previous owner: Zhang Taiyue."
Zhu Ziyang was stunned, because this Ninety-Thousand-Year torso bone was clearly not suitable for him. But why would the Academy give it to him? Was it a mistake? Zhu Ziyang immediately ruled out the possibility of a mistake, because Xian Lin'er and Qian Duoduo were not careless people, so they naturally wouldn't make a mistake.
So, what did it mean?
Zhu Ziyang's attention focused on the name Zhang Taiyue, and after a brief thought, he understood.
Zhang Taiyue, the previous Sea God Pavilion Master, titled Cloud Sky Douluo! Xian Lin'er and Qian Duoduo were showing him their faction. Both of them were undoubtedly reformists, two of the people most dissatisfied with the current situation of Shrek Academy.
In fact, among Mu En's four disciples, except for Yan Shaozhe whose stance was wavering, Xian Lin'er, Cai Meier, and Qian Duoduo were all staunch reformists, just with different focuses. Cai Meier hoped to change the admission method for Outer Courtyard disciples, expand enrollment, and relax promotion standards. It's worth mentioning that Cai Meier was the only commoner among Mu En's four disciples. Xian Lin'er and Qian Duoduo, on the other hand, hoped that the Academy would prioritize the development of the Soul Tool Department, providing it with more talents and resources.
"It seems this incident hasn't completely died down yet." Zhu Ziyang chuckled softly, placed the Heavenly Soul White Elephant Torso Bone back into the wooden box, and stored it in his star flame ring.
Both the conservative and reformist factions within the Sea God Pavilion were vying for him, the clear successor designated by Old Mu. He had now become the biggest beneficiary of this incident, as all the elders had seen how much Old Mu valued him.
One must know that Xuan Zi was the biggest 'Pavilion Master faction' within the Sea God Pavilion.
What does that mean? It means Xuan Zi was absolutely obedient to Mu En, regardless of right or wrong, good or bad. If Mu En told him to go west, he would never go east. That's why he willingly accepted Mu En's punishment. If not for that, as a Level 98 Super Douluo, he would have long since caused a ruckus, or even directly left Shrek Academy. One can only say that Mu En's position in Xuan Zi's heart was too lofty. The two were nominally uncle and nephew, but essentially, there was no great difference from master and disciple, or father and son. Xuan Zi was personally cultivated by Mu En, his de facto eldest disciple.
Mu En's severe punishment of him this time was primarily to appease Zhu Ziyang. Which of the old fellows in the Sea God Pavilion wasn't keenly aware of this?
Zhu Ziyang was almost certain that his upcoming academy life might be very comfortable.
"Knock, knock, knock—"
A knock on the door interrupted Zhu Ziyang's thoughts. He got up from the bed, his face puzzled, wondering who would be looking for him at this hour.
He opened the door, and a graceful figure instantly rushed into his embrace. Caught off guard, he was directly tackled to the ground. Smelling a familiar scent at his nose, he smiled wryly, embracing the girl in his arms, and said, "Nannan, what are you doing? Do you miss me that much?"
"You're still joking!" The girl in his arms said with a choked voice, trembling, "I know everything now. You encountered a 100,000-Year Soul Beast in the Star Dou Great Forest, and you even got separated from Sister Lexuan and the others! Do you know my heart almost broke?!"
"Didn't I come back safe and sound?" Zhu Ziyang heard this and knew that he had indeed caused the girl to worry and fear. He gently patted the girl's delicate back, comforting her, "And, not a single scratch!"
"Really?" Jiang Nannan looked up, revealing her swollen eyes, and said with a hint of doubt in her tone, "But I heard that Sister Lexuan, Sister Ruo Ruo, and the others were seriously injured?"
"Of course it's true!" Zhu Ziyang said, "If you don't believe me, feel for yourself."
As he spoke, Zhu Ziyang reached for the girl's hand, guiding it to wander over his body. The girl's face immediately turned crimson, and with a whoosh, she sprang out of Zhu Ziyang's embrace. Zhu Ziyang also took the opportunity to stand up.
"How about it, I didn't lie to you, did I?" Zhu Ziyang's face wore a mischievous grin.
"Mm!" Jiang Nannan, her face flushed, carefully examined Zhu Ziyang and, finding no signs of injury, finally relaxed. She said, "Brother, next time, can I go with you to hunt for spirit rings?"
"Of course!" Zhu Ziyang understood Jiang Nannan's thoughts and, without trying to dissuade her, readily agreed. "But you have to work hard on your cultivation, Brother is already Level 41!"
"Mm-hmm!" The girl was very happy after getting a satisfactory answer. Immediately, her gaze fell upon Xing Cai, her eyes lit up, and she said, "Is this the Starry Unicorn that Senior Sister mentioned? She's so beautiful!"
Well, Zhu Ziyang knew how the girl had learned all these things now.
"That's right, her name is Xing Cai." Zhu Ziyang smiled as he introduced Xing Cai to Jiang Nannan, and at the same time, beckoned Xing Cai to come over, introducing Jiang Nannan to her. "Xing Cai, this is Jiang Nannan, my girlfriend. When I'm not around, you must listen to her."
Jiang Nannan's pretty face flashed with a hint of joy upon hearing Zhu Ziyang's introduction of her. Then, she looked at the Starry Unicorn and said, "Hello, Xing Cai, my name is Jiang Nannan, you can just call me Nannan."
Xing Cai lowered her head and rubbed against Jiang Nannan, very well-behaved.