The card had the words 'Treasure Gathering Pavilion' engraved on it, but it was otherwise unadorned.
Little Red gazed at the red card in Huo Yuhao's hand with jealousy. She then said, "Mr Huo, this VIP card allows you a 40% discount within our Pavilion, which is the highest discount we can give anyone. Furthermore, you can also redeem any item you wish from our Treasure Appreciation Auction once a year with it."
Wang Dong asked curiously, "How many cards like this does your pavilion have?"
Little Red shook her head. "I'm sorry, but I'm not very clear with regards to that. Every single person in possession of a top-ranked VIP card is an extremely honored guest of our pavilion. Moreover, all VIP cards have slight differences. For example, this is the first time I've ever heard of something like Mr. Huo's privilege, where he's allowed to choose a single treasure for free every year."
Suddenly, a warm voice rang out in Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong's ears, "There's no need for you to feel astonished. Go and pick what you need. The Treasure Gathering Pavilion is a part of the academy, thus it's naturally aware of your situations. The academy was the one who chose to give Huo Yuhao a top-ranked VIP card. However, you two have to keep this a secret; you can't reveal the relationship between the academy and the pavilion to others, nor can you reveal your VIP ranks. If you do, you'll be stripped of your privilege to enter this place."
This was the first time they'd ever heard this voice, yet they felt an immense sense of pressure as soon as they did. Just this person's voice had been nigh unbearable for the two of them. They naturally didn't dare to ask any more questions and hurriedly turned to leave the front desk.
A figure slowly appeared in front of the front desk soon after the two of them had left. The workers present all bowed respectfully when they saw him.
The newcomer was an old woman who had a head of white hair and a ruddy complexion. She'd recently attended the conference held in the Sea God's Pavilion. She was Elder Lin, who'd sat next to Xian Lin'er, and was also the Pavilion Master of the Treasure Gathering Pavilion.
She hadn't lied when she'd said that the Treasure Gathering Pavilion was a part of academy, as the Treasure Gathering Pavilion was still a business that belonged to Shrek Academy. However, she'd intentionally left out one thing: the Treasure Gathering Pavilion didn't belong to the academy itself; rather, this action was one of the points that had been discussed during the conference held at the Sea God's Pavilion. She would normally be the only person who would control everything within the pavilion.
It was of course normal for a student like Huo Yuhao—someone who could trigger a conference at the Sea God's Pavilion—to obtain a top-ranked VIP card from the Treasure Gathering Pavilion. This was also deluded by the conference. The academy didn't say anything on the surface, but they naturally hoped that Huo Yuhao would rapidly mature and be of use to the academy. The academy would absolutely not be miserly to a talent on this level. This was also a reason why Shrek Academy, not only had outstanding students, but a group of powerful elders and teachers. Practically all of them had gone through the same process that Huo Yuhao was now going through. Only, the treatments they'd received at his age weren't as high as this.
Giving him help via the Sea God's Pavilion was equivalent to concealing everything from the other students within the academy. After all, only the top-level figures who could participate in the meeting held within the Sea God's Pavilion knew of the relationship between the Treasure Gathering Pavilion and Shrek Academy. This way, even if the academy tried to rope in and help Huo Yuhao, it wouldn't give rise to dissatisfaction from core disciples of the outer courtyard, or even students of the inner courtyard. Thus, why wouldn't they do it this way?
However, Shrek Academy wouldn't bet all of its resources on a single student. Regardless of how special a student was, he would only be a piece of trash if he lost his ambition and drive. Because of that, Huo Yuhao would only receive a single free item each year. Yet, he simply had too many treasures he needed as a person who dual-cultivated in the Martial Soul and Soul Tool Departments. The choice of this item would be left up to him, but he would have to rely on his own hard work if he wished to obtain any more items.
"Let's go and take a look at that soul bone." Without any hesitation at all, he headed towards the soul bone that Wang Dong had seen earlier.
Wang Dong hurriedly tugged at his sleeve. "Yuhao, you don't need to. I can buy it myself." He naturally understood Huo Yuhao's intentions. There was no doubt that he was going to use his privileges to help Wang Dong get that soul bone.
Huo Yuhao turned around and looked at Wang Dong in a very serious manner.
Wang Dong gradually felt somewhat awkward under his gaze. "What're you looking at me for?"
Huo Yuhao said, "Wang Dong, do you still remember when Teacher Zhou gave me that soul bone? I used it, but I didn't fuse with it. Instead, I used it as a medium to fuse with another high-ranked soul bone. I can't tell you how I got that soul bone, but I definitely wouldn't have been able to fuse with it without the use of the Secret Law Soul. Xiao Xiao and I already have soul bones, but the attack-type soul master in our team, you, doesn't have one. It's definitely in the team's best interests that you be our first choice when we get another one."
With that, he paused for a moment before continuing, "Moreover, the friendship between us definitely can't be measured using any benefits or money whatsoever. We're partners who can use a fusion skill! From another standpoint, the two of us are a single entity. If you get stronger, our strength as a whole will similarly increase. If you think of me as a brother, don't say anything else. Go."
As he spoke, he walked towards the soul bone while holding onto Wang Dong's hand.
The reddish-golden soul bone had attracted a lot of attention. Anyone who could participate in the Treasure Appreciation Auction was a core disciple of the outer courtyard, and there were many of them that the two of them recognized.
"Senior brother." Huo Yuhao immediately saw the gentle and cultured Bei Bei, but he didn't see Tang Ya beside him. Evidently, Tang Ya wasn't a core disciple of the academy. However, the person standing beside him was someone that they both recognised; it was Xu Sanshi, who possessed the Xuanwu Turtle. He was currently speaking to Bei Bei with a hand on his shoulder.
The two of them simultaneously looked up after hearing Huo Yuhao's cry. It turned out they weren't looking at the soul bone, but another item beside it.
"Juniors, you've come as well." Bei Bei walked up to them with a smile on his face.
Xu Sanshi's eyes immediately lit up after he saw Huo Yuhao. With a look of faux-anger on his face, he said, "Yuhao, I haven't eaten your roasted fish for a long time. I've heard that you've been shining extraordinarily for a while, and even Dean Yan wants you. But why'd you run over to the Soul Tool Department?"
Huo Yuhao chuckled. "Big Brother Xu, you ask too many questions. I don't know how to answer all this at once. In any case, nothing has changed; I'm training in both the Soul Tool Department and the Martial Soul Department.
Xu Sanshi said, "It's good that you two have come. Help give this guy some advice. I've just told Bei Bei that I'll definitely join the Tang Sect as long as you guys can get Jiang Nannan to join. How about it?"
The two of them were both astonished after hearing that. Like Bei Bei, Xu Sanshi was a core disciple. Moreover, Xu Sanshi was already a sixth year student who wasn't far away from Bei Bei in terms of cultivation. In reality, he was even younger than Bei Bei as a result of having entered the academy at a young age.
The Xuanwu Turtle was a top-ranked defensive martial soul, and though it wasn't as powerful as an Ultimate one, it could be considered at the peak of the defense system. Furthermore, Xu Sanshi definitely had some sort of background since he had been able to inherit a martial soul like this. All of this would definitely be of enormous use to the Tang Sect.
Yet, Bei Bei turned a blind eye to this. "What do you think the Tang Sect is? A tool to help you chase after girls? Go away."
Instead of becoming angry, Xu Sanshi laughed mischievously. "Who asked Nannan to be on such good terms with your Little Ya? Just go and ask Little Ya to get Nannan to come here. A person with Nannan's personality won't easily leave the Tang Sect after she enters it. At that time, I'll come in. Won't my chances be much better then?"
Bei Bei sighed lightly. "Although you're not a good fella, I have to admit that you're practically infatuated. For the sake of Jiang Nannan, you've actually stayed in Year 5 and refused to enter Year 6. If it weren't for the fact that you were a core disciple, you would've already been expelled from the academy."
Xu Sanshi made a long face. "I have no choice! Who asked her to be my first love? I'm willing to do anything for her."
Xu Sanshi had actually decided to stay behind for Jiang Nannan's sake? Shrek Academy actually had a person as strange as this.
"Even this is possible?" Huo Yuhao blurted.
Xu Sanshi smiled cunningly. "Why wouldn't it be possible? It was even Bei Bei who inspired me to do it. Why do you guys think he's in a year lower than mine even though he's older than me? Isn't it all for the sake of staying with Little Ya? Did you guys think he was praising me? He was clearly praising himself. That'll be good; Little Ya, Bei Bei, Nannan and I will all be in the same class. However, Bei Bei, your Little Ya isn't in a good position! Looking at her cultivation, she'll have some difficulty graduating from the outer courtyard, much less entering the inner courtyard."
Bei Bei sighed. "She's already been working hard these two years. But you know how hard it is to cultivate Blue silver Grass. After all, she doesn't have the Blue silver Emperor like the Tang Sect's Ancestor. She can only do her best. I've already thought it through; if Little Ya can't enter the inner courtyard, I won't enter either. I'll follow her travelling around the continent."
Xu Sanshi immediately felt nothing but respect for him. "Good! You're worthy of being called a man that I, Xu Sanshi, have witnessed it! You're righteous in your love."
"You… scram." Bei Bei said unhappily, and stamped his foot.
Bei Bei clearly hadn't used much force, but Xu Sanshi let out a miserable shriek, and he flew outwards fiercely. Just as Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong felt astonished, they saw Jiang Nannan appear in the direction that Xu Sanshi had flown towards.
Jiang Nannan wore the black uniform that fifth year students wore, making her beautiful curves even more moving. She was calm and composed as she looked at Xu Sanshi, who was suddenly flying towards her. With an icy look on her face, she fiercely raised her right foot and smashed in down in a cutting motion towards him.
"Ah!" Xu Sanshi was truly sent flying this time around. His body directly moved five meters horizontally, and he flipped around and stabilised himself by placing his hands on the ground.
"Nannan, you're really heartless! Didn't you see Bei Bei kick me? It would have been fine if you didn't help me, but you even kicked me." Xu Sanshi had a mournful look on his face.
However, Jiang Nannan didn't even spare him a glance. She walked directly towards Huo Yuhao's group of three with a smile and nodded at them; it was as if Xu Sanshi didn't even exist in her eyes.
Xu Sanshi also hurried made his way over. However, Jiang Nannan suddenly turned around, revealing a murderous look. "If you keep following me, I'll leave Shrek Academy."
"Ah…" Xu Sanshi immediately stopped. It seemed that he had really no chances of conquering Jiang Nannan.
Looking at Jiang Nannan's disappearing silhouette, Bei Bei exclaimed, "Junior brother, you have a long way to go!"
Xu Sanshi had an ugly complexion as he said, "Bei Bei, you're my senior brother. Can you teach this junior brother a few tricks? I've tried everything in my power, but she won't give me a single chance."
Bei Bei was also curious as he said, "I'm surprised too. If we consider looks, talent and strength, you're actually quite good among the students. If Jiang Nannan wants to look for someone stronger than you in our grade, it won't be easy! Of course, I'm an exception. And I'm already booked anyway. By the way, why is she so unwilling to talk to you? Looking at the two of you, you should have known each other before coming to the academy. And after all these years, you're still like this. What exactly happened between the two of you before you came here?"
"Ah…" Xu Sanshi had an awkward expression. His face was still a bit red when he said, "I can't say it, I absolutely can't say it. I'm going to take a stroll now." After saying these words, he quickly slipped away.
Bei Bei shook his head helplessly. He had always been curious about what had happened between Xu Sanshi and Jiang Nannan.
"Junior brothers, what are you going to buy? There are many good things at the Treasure Appreciation Auction. The two of you should take a look around, I'll also go for a walk." Saying this, he also left.
Wang Dong said heartily, "As I see it, Senior Brother Xu Sanshi is a very good person. He's very dedicated and resolute when it comes to his feelings. I don't understand what Senior Sister Jiang dislikes about him. You should learn from them."
Huo Yuhao was dumbfounded. "Learn what? I don't even know what happened between them."
Wang Dong snorted as he said, "Except for cultivating, what can you even think of? You're a complete blockhead."
Huo Yuhao scratched his head. "We're students, what should we think of besides studying properly? Anyway, take a look at this soul bone and tell me if it's suitable for you or not."
As he spoke, he arrived beside the golden-red arm bone and inspected it earnestly.
Wang Dong kicked the air behind his back when he left. Then, he resentfully followed behind him.
The arm bone was completely enshrouded in its own reddish-gold radiance. Underneath it was a plate with a detailed description.
Golden Left Arm Bone.
This arm bone had come from a ten thousand year Golden Earth Dragon King that had an affinity with the light element. It was speculated that it could use light-type attacks. This bone was very suitable for soul master with an affinity for the light element. And the skill that came with it was likely to be an assault-type skill.
Although a bit diluted, the Golden Earth Dragon King still possessed the pure bloodline of the light dragon race. Moreover, that was now concentrated completely in this soul bone. This arm bone contained the essence of a ten thousand year Golden Earth Dragon King. The word 'pure' was the key here, because, although diluted, it had still inherited more characteristics of the light dragon race than those with mixed bloodlines. It was a pity that it had been killed when it was only ten thousand years old. Had it reached the hundred thousand year rank, it would have become an existence akin to a king of beasts.
The soul bone was priced at 9.5 million Gold Soul Coins.
When Huo Yuhao and Wang Dong saw this price, their pupils immediately shrank.
As time passed, the worth of Gold Soul Coins also kept increasing. For example, the expenses of a family of three amounted only to a few dozen Gold Soul Coins per year. So what could you do with 9.5 million Golden Soul Coins? You could take ten thousand cavalrymen and arm them to the teeth, horses included.
As expected, soul bones were one of the most expensive things on the continent. Moreover, it wasn't even a hundred thousand year soul bone. Had it been a hundred thousand year soul bone, it wouldn't even have a price, because it would truly be a priceless treasure. However, a soul bone of that rank had never been auctioned or traded by anyone, because they were treasures that would attract even Titled Douluo. Even shops like the Treasure Gathering Pavilion, which dared to exhibit a ten thousand year soul bone, were extremely few in number. This was because they had confidence in being able to protect their goods.
Huo Yuhao smiled bitterly and said to Wang Dong, "Can you still afford it?"
"Why is it so expensive?" Wang Dong said, astonished, "From what I remember, although expensive, the price of a soul bone will rarely surpass 3 million Gold Soul Coins!"
Huo Yuhao said, "I reckon it's so expensive due to that 'pure' word. A soul bone with a pure dragon bloodline can't be cheap, right? The stuff here is really good, but the prices are also very high. I wonder if I can get it through my VIP card. This soul bone is probably the most expensive thing in this Treasure Appreciation Auction. No wonder it's still here and no one's bought it, the price is just too high."
Wang Dong turned his head and looked to Huo Yuhao, "Yuhao, it's too expensive. I think I understand what the academy wants. The academy's giving you these privileges because you have great talent and an Ultimate martial soul. The more precious the thing you take from here is, the more you'll feel indebted to the academy. And in the future, you'll surely need a lot of these things. With that, you'll be tied down to the academy. Yuhao, if you want to be free, you can't take things from here as you wish."
Huo Yuhao shook his head lightly as he said, "When I heard that voice just now, I was already clear about the situation. However, you also know that I don't have a choice. According to what Teacher Zhou said, no matter if it's a soul master or a soul engineer, the only way they have to get stronger is by relying on a huge amount of resources. Without enough money, how are you going to buy soul bones? How are you going to buy those precious materials to build soul tools? Even if a soul master can get stronger by himself, the road he'll have to walk will be more difficult, and he will have a greater chance of meeting hardships that will break his will. If I didn't have this enmity that I bear, perhaps I would have chosen that path. But the current me can only rely on the academy… Anyway, it's still better than relying on countries or powerful families. Also, I like our academy. For the first time after my mother died, I felt the warmth of home by staying here. Today, I'll receive something from the academy. But in the future, I'll be sure to repay it."
Wang Dong looked carefully at Huo Yuhao. He knew that this guy that seemed nothing more than a blockhead was actually more mature than his peers. Under that gentle face, he had a blazing heart.
Wang Dong finally gave up and replied, "Fine, I'll take this soul bone. You can go and make the exchange; I still want to take another look at it."
A smile immediately blossomed on Huo Yuhao's face. He patted his shoulder and walked toward the counter on the western side.
Wang Dong looked at his back, and his expression turned gentle. "What you said is right. Today, I'll receive something from you. But in the future, I'll be sure to repay it."
The deal was sealed more quickly than he had imagined. After a short while, Huo Yuhao returned to Wang Dong's side. He whispered in his ear, "Let's go! The Treasure Gathering Pavilion will keep the identity of the buyer secret. After a while, this soul bone will be picked up and delivered directly to the academy. It's not safe to take something so precious with us."
Wang Dong said, "Do you want to buy something? I can still buy things on credit. If you need something, I'll buy it for you."
Huo Yuhao was about to shake his head when he suddenly heard the cold voice of the Ice Empress and Snow Empress. "You absolutely can't miss that thing on the third stand to your left."
Huo Yuhao was surprised. He said to Wang Dong, "Let's take a look around." With that, he moved toward the third stand on the left as the Ice Empress had told him.
The article displayed on this stand hadn't attracted their attention earlier because it was really too unremarkable. It was just a black crystal. Its surface was uneven, and the color was dim and lacked any luster. Compared to that Golden Left Arm Bone from before, there was a difference between heaven and earth.
Above it, there was also a description, "Thousand Year Whale Rubber. Whale Rubber is a special material that is only produced in the brains of whale-type soul beasts. It's a very good tonic for soul masters. It can strengthen the body, enhance the muscles and bones, and also increase the capacity of one's meridians. This piece of Whale Rubber was bought by the pavilion in the past, and according to the seller, it came from a thousand year Devilwhale. Generally speaking, the Whale Rubber of a thousand year Devilwhale should be golden, and worth a lot. This amount of Whale Rubber is capable of thoroughly remolding a soul master's body. However, this piece of Whale Rubber is black. And according to the pavilion's analysis, it decayed over time, and was partially ruined. It can still be used as before, but the effect might be somewhat weaker."
The price of this Thousand Year Whale Rubber wasn't high; it was only six thousand Gold Soul Coins.
Somewhat puzzled, Wang Dong said, "Yuhao, are you really interested in this thing? I've seen Thousand Year Whale Rubber before. It was bright gold, and looked like a golden crystal. That was some real high-quality Whale Rubber. Such a large piece of Whale Rubber should be worth at least fifty thousand Gold Soul Coins. If they're selling this one for only six thousand, it shouldn't be very high-quality."
"Oh? You know about Whale Rubber?" Huo Yuhao asked curiously.
Wang Dong nodded and said, "Whale Rubber is a very precious material. However, you can only consume it after melting it over a flame with a very high temperature. Eating it will improve a soul master's body. For example, right now, you can absorb at most the soul ring of a thousand year soul beast. However, if you eat a big piece of Whale Rubber, your body's capacity for soul rings will increase by at least five hundred years. Or at least, that's how it's supposed to work. Whale Rubber is indeed beneficial for us soul masters, but there are some problems. After all, we can't judge a soul beast's cultivation with absolute precision, nor can we judge whether or not a particular product is suitable to absorb. Moreover, if you meet a soul beast that's suitable for you, you'll hardly check if its age is above the limit or not. Therefore, although good, Whale Rubber's worth is somewhat inferior to its price. And I'm not even talking about this low-quality Whale Gel. If you eat this, you'd be lucky to not get diarrhea…"
Huo Yuhao was at a loss. However, he still hurriedly said, "Wang Dong, help me buy this piece of Whale Gel. Quick."