Chapter 21: Shrek City

Four days later, outside the south gate of Shrek City.

"Brother Chen, Brother Yuhao, and junior sisters Ning Tian and Wu Feng, since you're not registering right away, we'll go ahead. But we'll be waiting for you at Shrek Academy. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask."

Beibei bid farewell to Chen Junting and the others, while Tang Ya cast one last wistful glance at Huo Yuhao—though her real reluctance lay with his grilled fish.

With that, the four of them stepped into Shrek City, heading toward the Nine Treasure Pavilion.

As they navigated the bustling streets, their conversation shifted to the Tang Sect, a topic they hadn't been able to discuss earlier with Beibei and Tang Ya present.

"I never expected the Tang Sect to have only two remaining members," Ning Tian sighed.

"Sister Xiaotian, isn't the Tang Sect supposed to be the number one sect in the world?" Huo Yuhao asked, confused. His mother had always spoken of the Tang Sect as the strongest force on the continent. But based on what he had seen, it seemed to be in ruins.

Before Ning Tian could respond, Wu Feng burst into laughter. "Hahaha! Huo Yuhao, where did you hear that? 'Number one in the world'? That was ancient history!"

Her fiery personality and amused tone caught the attention of passersby, while Yuhao's face flushed—not from embarrassment, but from shock.

"Feng, be mindful," Ning Tian reminded her, and Wu Feng immediately quieted down. Then, turning back to Yuhao, she explained, "The Tang Sect declined completely four thousand years ago. Before we met Senior Beibei and Senior Tang Ya, we thought it had been wiped from history. Even its old headquarters were taken over by some obscure minor sect."

"What?!" Yuhao was stunned. He had unknowingly made a joke of himself.

It was no wonder Wu Feng had laughed. Comparing the Tang Sect's decline to the Nine Treasure Sect's current strength, Yuhao murmured, "Our Nine Treasure Sect is far stronger."

"Of course," Ning Tian, Wu Feng, and Chen Junting replied in unison, their pride evident.

As they continued discussing the Tang Sect's downfall, the reasons became clear. In the end, Chen Junting summarized, "The Tang Sect collapsed because they refused to evolve. The world moves forward, and those who cling to outdated traditions are left behind."

Yuhao nodded thoughtfully. "But our Nine Treasure Sect is different. We embrace innovation. One day, we'll be the number one sect in the world."

"That's the spirit." Ning Tian and Chen Junting exchanged pleased smiles. Yuhao was starting to truly identify with the sect—not just out of gratitude, but out of genuine pride.

As they approached the Nine Treasure Pavilion, Wu Feng suddenly asked, "Yuhao, what's your plan now?"

"My plan?" Yuhao blinked in confusion. Wasn't he going to Shrek Academy with them?

Ning Tian sighed at Wu Feng's inattentiveness. "Sister Feng, weren't you listening? Brother Junting and I already planned for all of us to enter Shrek Academy together."

"Wait, what?" Wu Feng looked shocked. "But Shrek Academy requires applicants to be at least level 15 by age 11. Yuhao's cultivation isn't high enough, is it?"

Her words made Yuhao's excitement falter. In the Star Dou Forest, he had dreamed of joining the legendary academy with his new friends. Now, reality hit him hard.

"Forget it, Sister Xiaotian," Yuhao muttered, forcing a smile. "I don't want to trouble you. I've already relied on you all too much."

"Yuhao, don't worry about that," Ning Tian reassured him. "The Nine Treasure Sect has strong ties with Shrek Academy. We have special admission privileges. But…" Her tone suddenly became serious.

Before she could continue, Chen Junting interjected, "Xiaotian, I don't recommend using the exemption quota."

"Huh?" The others turned to him in surprise.

"If you enter as an exempted student, people will talk. You'll be judged and scrutinized. It won't be pleasant," Junting explained, meeting Yuhao's gaze. "Can you handle the whispers and criticism?"

Yuhao hesitated, then clenched his fists. "Brother Junting, I can endure it."

Junting shook his head. "You don't have to. With the Xuanshui Pills I gave you, your cultivation is already near level 13. Take the second pill now, and with some help from our sect's soul masters, you'll reach level 15 before registration closes. That way, your foundation stays stable, and you won't need special treatment."

Yuhao's eyes brightened. "Thank you, Brother Junting!"

"Just remember this moment," Junting said as they arrived at the Nine Treasure Pavilion.

Stepping inside, Yuhao was overwhelmed by the sight of priceless cultivation resources—ten-thousand-year soul bones, high-grade soul guidance devices, rare medicinal herbs. The Nine Treasure Sect's immense wealth was on full display.

Even the Tianmeng Ice Silkworm, nestled within Yuhao's spiritual sea, stirred from its slumber. "Yuhao! You hit the jackpot! With these resources, plus the second martial soul I'll help you obtain, you're destined to become a god!"

"Brother Tianmeng, these are for sale."

"I know! But if the sect is this rich, they won't hesitate to invest in you, right?"

Before Yuhao could respond, Junting placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Yuhao, are you alright?"

Snapping back to reality, Yuhao nodded quickly. "I'm fine."

Junting smiled. "Good. Wu Feng, take him to eat. Since Ning Tian personally recruited him, he'll receive the same treatment as you in the sect. After that, find someone to melt the thousand-year whale glue I gave him—it will strengthen his body."

Then, his tone turned serious. "But be careful! Whale glue has… certain properties. Make sure no women are around when you take it, or things could get… complicated."

"Certain—what?!" Yuhao's face burned crimson at the implications.

Understanding the importance of caution, he nodded firmly.

With that, Wu Feng led Yuhao away for his cultivation and physique enhancement, while Junting and Ning Tian headed in a different direction.

(End of Chapter)

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Stones me y'all ~