That afternoon, Class Four had a course titled "A Brief History of Soul Tools."
This class covered the historical development of soul tools. While the three original nations of the Douluo Continent had once strongly resisted soul tools, as the number one academy on the continent, Shrek Academy couldn't ignore this rising power system that was already impacting—and would continue to impact—the entire continent's balance. For this reason, all Outer Court students from Year One through Year Six studied soul tool–related knowledge, including development history, common types, and basic usage.
That said, this was the extent of their study—students interested in truly learning soul tools had to transfer to the Soul Tool Department.
Zhu Ziyang was mildly interested in soul tools, but not passionate. He didn't reject them—in fact, he was happy to use them in battle—but he had no desire to study or craft them.
To him, no external tool could ever compare to raw personal strength. In a world where personal power determined everything, even the highly advanced soul tool technology of the Sun Moon Empire had been held back by Shrek Academy's soul masters.
Moreover, based on what Zhu Ziyang knew, the stronger a soul tool was, the more soul power it required to operate. The so-called "mass-produced" soul-guided weapons used in war—while effective—weren't decisive. Victory still ultimately depended on battles between top-tier soul masters.
After class ended, Zhu Ziyang and his companions had dinner and made a decision:
They would head into Shrek City.
The reason? Beibei had gotten his hands on four invitations to a Treasure Appreciation Gathering at Jubao Pavilion.
Jubao Pavilion was the largest merchant guild in Shrek City, with deep connections and intricate ties to Shrek Academy's Inner Court. The Treasure Appreciation Gathering was a high-profile event jointly organized by the city's merchant guilds. Its purpose was simple: to win over Shrek Academy's students—after all, Shrek students were widely recognized as the most talented individuals on the continent.
Normally, only Outer Court core disciples and Inner Court students qualified for such invitations. Zhu Ziyang and the others, being brand-new freshmen, shouldn't have had access at all. It was obvious that Beibei had used special connections to get the four personalized invitations, each bearing their names.
Zhu Ziyang had no reason to refuse this chance to broaden his horizons—and maybe even get lucky. Still, he was well aware that they were just there to look. The items displayed at such an event would be top-tier treasures, likely far beyond his financial reach.
"This is Shrek City?" Jiang Nannan asked as they entered the bustling metropolis, holding Zhu Ziyang's arm. She marveled at the dazzling scenery around her.
"Pretty impressive, right? I was blown away the first time I came here too," Tang Ya said as she pulled Beibei's hand and walked up beside them.
"I thought Heaven Dou City was already big, but compared to Shrek City? Not even close!"
"Well, Shrek City was built through the combined efforts of the original three nations—it's bound to be more prosperous than Heaven Dou," Beibei said with a smile.
"Let's keep moving; we're blocking the road," Zhu Ziyang added, noticing some annoyed pedestrians behind them. He chuckled apologetically and gently pulled Jiang Nannan along.
Beibei and Tang Ya followed close behind.
Soon, the four arrived at the event venue: Jubao Pavilion.
Jubao Pavilion was a luxurious and majestic structure, living up to its name. At the entrance, four elegant young ladies were stationed to greet guests. When they saw the four freshmen in white Shrek uniforms, they were visibly surprised—but as professional hostesses in Shrek City, they maintained perfect composure. After all, age meant little here—this was Shrek, and the academy was right next door.
After presenting their invitations, the four were smoothly guided inside. They followed a hostess up to the second floor, where the Treasure Appreciation Gathering was being held.
"Should we stay together or split up?" Beibei asked. His intention was obvious.
"Let's split up and meet at the entrance when it's over," Zhu Ziyang responded naturally—no way was he giving up a chance to walk alone with Jiang Nannan.
"Perfect. See you later!" Beibei nodded knowingly. Without waiting for Tang Ya's opinion, he took her hand and led her off.
"Let's go too," Jiang Nannan said cheerfully, hugging Zhu Ziyang's arm as they headed in the opposite direction.
The two wandered among rows of exhibition tables, marveling at the beautiful, rare, and eye-catching treasures on display.
Many of these items Zhu Ziyang had only ever read about. Seeing them in person, he realized how wide the gap was between book illustrations and real artifacts.
The exhibit featured many soul bones, mostly thousand-year pieces, with a few ten-thousand-year bones. As for hundred-thousand-year soul bones—forget it. There was no way something like that would appear at an event like this.
Zhu Ziyang's eyes lit up when he spotted a soul bone that would suit Jiang Nannan perfectly—a 7,000-year-old Clearwind Demon Leopard Left Leg Bone. According to the description, it could boost a soul master's speed and provided a strong offensive skill. He considered buying it—until he saw the price.
One million gold soul coins.
His enthusiasm vanished instantly.
"I'm still too poor," he thought bitterly, shaking his head.
Leaving the soul bone section, the two continued browsing when Zhu Ziyang suddenly noticed a circular exhibition area that caught his attention.
"Nannan, let's check that spot out," he said, tugging her hand gently.
"Okay!" she replied sweetly.
The two walked over to the round platform, where a series of jade porcelain bottles were displayed in a circle. Small plaques beneath each bottle described the contents.
Jiang Nannan read the closest label aloud:
"Soul-Raising Pill. Mid-grade elixir. Increases soul power. Especially effective for wood-type attributes. Provides soul power equivalent to leveling from Rank 31 to Rank 32. Price: 100,000 gold soul coins each!"
"Wha—?! That's insane!" Jiang Nannan gasped, mouth wide open.
"A single tiny pill costs a hundred thousand?!"
"Totally normal," Zhu Ziyang said, eyes sweeping across the various bottles. "An elixir's benefits to a soul master are priceless."
"Well, maybe, but still... that's hard to accept," Jiang Nannan muttered under her breath.
Zhu Ziyang didn't respond. He continued examining the elixirs.
"Soul Spirit Pill… high-grade… 500,000 gold coins each…"
"Mystic Water Pill… mid-grade… 250,000 coins each…"
"Bone Tempering Pill…"
"Hundred-Heal Pill…"
"…"
There were dozens of kinds of pills on display. The cheapest ones cost 100,000, leaving both Zhu Ziyang and Jiang Nannan wide-eyed in disbelief.
For the first time, they truly understood the power of money.
As they stood in front of these tantalizing, awe-inspiring pills, a thought struck Zhu Ziyang. His eyes lit up with a flash of inspiration.
He had figured out a way to make money!