Aside from a few outrageously priced high-grade soul tools and soul bones, the Treasure Appreciation Gathering still offered a number of reasonably priced treasures.
There were various nourishing elixirs that strengthened blood and vitality, as well as herbs and spirit beast organs rich in energy. Although Huo Yuhao couldn't identify their precise elemental nature himself, under Electrolux's guidance, he purchased them all one by one.
Everything displayed at the gathering had already been inspected by the Treasure Pavilion, ensuring they could be safely used to enhance a Spirit Master's body or speed up specific cultivation paths.
Among them, Yuhao naturally didn't miss the lump of Ten-thousand-year Whale Gel. With Tianmeng Iceworm's constant support refining his body, Yuhao's physical strength already far surpassed other Spirit Masters of his rank, despite being only Rank 24.
Now, by combining the Whale Gel with magic potions refined by Electrolux from the other ingredients and beast materials, Yuhao's physique could be strengthened even further.
That meant his body would soon be able to withstand higher-intensity soul power circulation, allowing physical development to catch up with spiritual cultivation — until both reached equilibrium.
As for potential side effects of external enhancement? In Yuhao's view, within the Douluo world, ninety percent of "side effects" for main characters amounted to nothing more than… heightened blood circulation and restlessness.
And with both Tianmeng Iceworm and Electrolux aiding him, he had no reason for concern.
The five of them wandered the exhibition for some time. Yuhao did most of the buying, while Ning Tian, Wu Feng, and Nanmen Yun'er largely observed.
For them, personal cultivation resources were already provided by their powerful families. Ning Tian, as the direct heir of the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, had no shortage of support, while Wu Feng and Nanmen Yun'er's clans — both branch families under the sect — had their own ancient training systems.
Following Ning Tian to Shrek Academy was itself proof of their favored status; they never had to worry about basic supplies. This trip was more about networking — or, in their case, accompanying Ning Tian to befriend Huo Yuhao.
Wang Dong also made several purchases, mostly medicinal ingredients focusing on blood nourishment and recovery. Many exhibits came with detailed descriptions, and Yuhao's extensive reading in the outer court library allowed him to recognize most of them, simplifying his choices.
"Senior Brother!"
Wang Dong's eyes lit up as she waved. Two familiar figures appeared: Beibei, and beside him, a broad-shouldered young man with fierce eyes — Xu Sanshi.
Yuhao recognized them immediately. Back when he'd spent time at the outer court's Battle Arena, he had seen the pair fight together more than once.
"Junior brothers, long time no see," Beibei greeted warmly, nodding politely to Ning Tian and her companions.
Yuhao didn't respond, quietly moving off to browse another display, leaving Wang Dong to chat with the others.
Their conversation was the usual — topics about the Tang Sect, Xu Sanshi pestering Beibei to invite Jiang Nannan into the Sect, all in the hope of creating more "opportunities."
Yuhao couldn't be bothered. What had begun as a normal trade between Xu Sanshi and Jiang Nannan had somehow turned into an awkward infatuation, with the former clinging to the latter like a leech.
He inwardly sighed. Only on the Douluo Continent could such ridiculous relationships happen among kids barely in their teens.
Meanwhile, Ning Tian had quietly followed Yuhao, dismissing Wu Feng and Nanmen Yun'er with a subtle gesture.
"Have you found anything else worth your attention?" she asked evenly. "I noticed you've bought mostly herbs and pills — a few hundred to several thousand gold coins each. They're useful, but their effects are gradual. Would you like the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect to arrange a long-term supply channel for you? I can even offer additional discounts."
Yuhao was examining a defensive soul tool — a Level 4 Soul Barrier Shield that could be operated by a Spirit Grandmaster and used proficiently by a Spirit Elder.
"Tell me more," he said.
"I can personally sponsor you," Ning Tian replied with calm assurance. "The sponsorship level will match the Treasure Pavilion's current investment in you. In exchange, you'll owe me one favor during your time at Shrek Academy. What do you think of that?"
Yuhao silently used his purple credit card to purchase the barrier shield, instructing a staff member to deliver it directly to the Academy, then turned back toward her.
"A favor, huh? That sounds light enough. But with my current ability, I doubt I'm significant enough to draw the attention of the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect."
"Of course," Ning Tian said with a faint smile. "This isn't the sect's investment — it's my own. I believe your future value will make my gesture more than worthwhile."
"Besides, the Tang Sect has always maintained good relations with our sect. Even if the Tang Sect has declined, it's still worth lending a hand where we can."
Yuhao chuckled softly. "Then I'll accept your generosity, Lady Ning. Once I've sorted out what I need, I'll reach out to you."
"Good," she replied, her expression calm but confident. "Our sect maintains a merchant branch here in Shrek City. Just mention my name when you visit."
Yuhao nodded. Clearly, this wasn't her first time making such moves. As the Young Mistress of her sect, Ning Tian had her own political pressures — using her resources to cultivate allies was simply smart strategy.
When they returned to where Wang Dong had been, the area was already chaotic. Jiang Nannan had once again been harassed by Xu Sanshi — and this time, she'd kicked him halfway across the hall.
Watching Jiang Nannan's expression of disgust, Yuhao sighed and pulled Wang Dong away.
"Alright, enough. We've seen everything worth seeing. Time to head back. Ning Tian, we'll take our leave first."
Ning Tian nodded courteously as Yuhao and Wang Dong exited, while she led her followers toward another section.
"Wow, Senior Jiang really didn't hold back," Wang Dong muttered, glancing behind. "I wonder what actually happened between them."
"Who knows," Yuhao replied, shaking his head. "Anyway, it's late. Let's go rest. Tomorrow classes resume. Still, this trip wasn't bad overall — decent harvest."
To him, Xu Sanshi got exactly what he deserved. You finish a deal, and then keep pestering the other party? That's not affection — that's just being annoying.
After leaving the gathering, Wang Dong dragged Yuhao through Shrek City's streets for some extra food. Having slept for an entire day before, she was famished.
For Spirit Masters at their level, before learning to draw energy directly from heaven and earth, replenishing soul power required large amounts of nutrition. The light meal earlier hadn't been nearly enough.
After the impromptu feast, they returned to Shrek Academy.
Without the original story's ridiculous side plot — the boastful duel and assassination attempt — everything remained peaceful.
After all, in both Shrek Academy and Shrek City, even Soul Emperors and Soul Kings wouldn't dare attempt assassination during the Treasure Gathering period. Too many Titled Douluo secretly patrolled during such events to ensure the safety of potential core disciples.
No one in their right mind would provoke Shrek under such circumstances.
The next two days passed quietly.
Since it was the start of a new term, there was plenty of material to review — though it didn't affect Yuhao much.
He had already studied every book in the outer court library, while noble-born students had private tutors at home. The only ones truly overwhelmed were the commoners.
Yuhao spent those days refining the materials he'd purchased — beast parts, herbs, and pills.
Though Electrolux couldn't physically handle the process within the Academy (that would raise suspicion), he had another way: using Yuhao's body as the refining vessel.
Following specific procedures and alchemical logic, Yuhao wrapped each processed ingredient in soul power, then guided its fusion through his spiritual and soul energy circulation — his own body serving as both crucible and catalyst.
It was immensely difficult, but with his fully-opened meridians, Electrolux's precise control, and Tianmeng's vast mental energy as backup, the refinement succeeded.
The potion's energy settled within Yuhao's dantian, continuously nourishing his flesh.
According to Electrolux, this was a Grade 5 magic potion by Holy Magic Continent standards — and a superior one at that.
Once fully absorbed, Yuhao's physical strength would leap to near Spirit Ancestor level, despite his low rank. Moreover, as long as the potion's effect persisted, any wounds or internal damage would rapidly regenerate.
That constant energy flow was why he felt as though he could do anything — though he knew it was only an illusion.
In Zhou Yi's office, the second-year core disciples gathered, filling the small space almost to capacity.
Zhou Yi nodded solemnly. "I called you all here to announce something important."
"Three days from now, the outer court will hold a Core Disciple Selection Tournament. Originally, second-years weren't included — but the Academy has decided that you'll all participate as well. Be prepared."
A wave of murmurs spread through the students.
"Huh? Isn't there supposed to be a separate class competition first?"
"Yeah, I thought only seven people would be chosen. You mean everyone has to go?"
Yuhao furrowed his brows slightly.
So it's that time already…
Well, blessing or calamity, there's no avoiding it. And that old fraud, Xuan Zi the Chicken-Leg Douluo, is still waiting for me to prove myself. The Golden of Life is essential — for both me and Electrolux, it must be obtained.
He exhaled quietly, eyes calm yet resolute. The path ahead was set.
(End of Chapter)