Aside from a few absurdly expensive high-grade soul tools and soul bones, the Treasure Appreciation Gathering still offered plenty of reasonably priced items.
There were tonic pills that nourished blood and energy, and materials from spirit beasts rich in vitality. Huo Yuhao couldn't personally discern their exact properties, but under Electrolux's guidance he bought them all.
Everything displayed at the Treasure Pavilion had been inspected, and could safely be used to strengthen a Spirit Master's physique or accelerate specific kinds of cultivation.
Naturally, Yuhao didn't miss the dark lump of Ten-Thousand-Year Whale Gel. With Tianmeng Iceworm's help, his body was already far tougher than other Spirit Masters of the same level, though he was only Rank 24. Combined with Electrolux's refined potions made from those herbs and beast materials, his body would become even stronger.
That meant his physique could endure denser soul-power circulation, raising the speed of cultivation until body and energy reached balance.
As for side effects? In the Douluo universe, for some reason, most drugs that touched the protagonist only caused restless blood and heat. With Tianmeng and Electrolux assisting him, Yuhao had nothing to fear.
The five wandered the hall, Yuhao doing most of the buying. Ning Tian, Wu Feng, and Nanmen Yun'er mostly watched; as heirs or branch disciples of the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, their personal resources were already provided. Following Ning Tian to Shrek Academy itself proved their importance—this trip was mainly to accompany her and perhaps befriend Yuhao.
Even Wang Dong bought several things, mostly blood-nourishing herbs. Many items had detailed descriptions, and Yuhao's prior reading of outer-court texts helped him choose efficiently.
"Senior Brother!"
Wang Dong brightened and waved. Two familiar figures approached—Beibei and the black-clad Xu Sanshi.
"Long time no see, junior brothers," Beibei greeted, nodding politely to Ning Tian's group.
Yuhao simply walked to another display, leaving Wang Dong to chat. Their talk circled around the Tang Sect and Xu Sanshi's endless attempts to involve Jiang Nannan, hoping to win her over. Yuhao ignored it. What had started as a mere transaction had somehow turned into infatuation—only on Douluo Continent could children that young cause such drama.
Ning Tian followed Yuhao alone, dismissing her attendants.
"Did anything else catch your eye? You've bought a lot of herbs and pills—useful but slow in effect. Shall I open a long-term purchase channel through the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect? I can add discounts."
Yuhao was examining a defensive Level-4 Soul Tool, usable even by a Spirit Grandmaster. "Tell me more."
"I can personally sponsor you," Ning Tian said evenly. "Equal in value to the Treasure Pavilion's investment. In return, you'll owe me one favor during your time at Shrek Academy."
Yuhao used his purple credit card to buy the item, then turned to her. "A favor sounds light. With my current strength, I doubt I'm worth your sect's notice."
"That's true," she smiled. "This isn't the sect's investment, it's mine. I believe your future will make it worthwhile. The Tang Sect's ties with us were once close—helping where we can is only natural."
Yuhao nodded. "Then I'll accept. I'll sort out what I need and contact you later."
"Good. Mention my name at our merchant branch in Shrek City," she replied, smiling still.
He could tell she was used to this—using her position to build allies was standard for the sect's young mistress.
When they returned, the area was noisy again. Jiang Nannan had kicked Xu Sanshi across the hall. Seeing her open disgust, Yuhao simply pulled Wang Dong away.
"Alright, enough watching. We're done here. Ning Tian, we'll head back first."
Ning Tian nodded politely and led her group elsewhere.
"Wow, Senior Jiang really kicked hard," Wang Dong muttered. "I wonder what's between them."
"Who cares," Yuhao replied. "It's late. Let's rest—classes start tomorrow. Still, this trip wasn't bad."
To him, Xu Sanshi got what he deserved. End the deal and move on. Why cling and ask for trouble?
After leaving, Wang Dong dragged Yuhao around Shrek City to eat properly. For Spirit Masters below the level of absorbing natural energy directly, restoring soul power consumed a great deal of bodily energy. Her earlier meal wasn't enough.
Once fed, they returned to the academy. Without the original story's side plot of duels and assassins, everything stayed peaceful. In a city patrolled by multiple Titled Douluo, no sane Soul Emperor or Soul King would attempt murder during the Treasure Gathering.
The next two days passed quietly. As the new term began, students prepared for lessons. For Yuhao, who had read every book in the outer-court library, it meant little; noble students had their tutors, and only commoners struggled.
Yuhao spent those days processing his newly bought herbs, beast parts, and pills. Electrolux couldn't act directly inside the academy, but as a former Archmage he had another method—using Yuhao's body as the refining crucible.
Following precise sequences, Yuhao wrapped each prepared material with soul power, then used his spirit and energy flow to fuse them within. Difficult, but with his open meridians, Electrolux's control, and Tianmeng's vast spiritual energy as backup, it succeeded.
The potion's power settled in his dantian, continuously nourishing his body. Electrolux estimated it to be a Grade-5 magic potion, high among its class.
Once fully absorbed, Yuhao's physical strength would reach near-Spirit Ancestor level. While its energy lasted, any injury would heal almost instantly—that constant recovery gave him the illusion of endless power.
In Zhou Yi's office, the second-year core disciples filled the small space.
Zhou Yi nodded. "I've called you to announce something important. Three days from now, the outer court will hold a Core Disciple Selection Tournament. Originally it excluded your year, but now you'll participate as well. Prepare yourselves."
The students buzzed in confusion. "Didn't we have a class competition first?"
"I thought only seven would be chosen—everyone's going?"
Yuhao frowned slightly. A blessing or a disaster, it must be faced. And that old fraud, Xuan ZI the Chicken-Leg Douluo, still owes me. The Golden of Life must be obtained—for both Electrolux and myself.
His gaze steadied. The path ahead was already decided.
(End of Chapter)