"Appraisal Event? What's that about?"
Wu Feng asked while devouring the precious medicinal meal from Shrek Academy in front of him, glancing at the content on the red paper. The paper mentioned an appraisal event, inviting Shrek Academy's core disciples to attend and observe.
"I've already asked around. This appraisal event is tailored specifically for us at Shrek Academy, but it's also divided into different levels. This one is designed just for us core disciples."
"The so-called appraisal event is organized by major merchants in Shrek City. Shrek City is the largest commercial center on the Douluo Continent, frequently hosting merchants from various countries for trade. When the merchants in Shrek City acquire valuable items, they first send them to the Treasure Pavilion, holding an appraisal event for Shrek Academy. Essentially, it allows our academy to pick first; what we don't want will be auctioned off to others."
Ning Tian, who had a steady personality, had already investigated the origins of this so-called appraisal event through the personnel of the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect after receiving the invitation.
"There are three main types of appraisal events. The first is hosted for Shrek Academy, where the academy makes purchases, such as rare metals needed by the Soul Tool Department and some teaching materials used by the Martial Soul Department, as well as these precious ingredients we're eating now. Apart from what the academy and teachers order, there usually aren't many valuable items at this kind of event."
"The other two types of appraisal events are targeted at the students, offering even better items. One is for the inner court students, featuring top-quality goods, and it's said that spirit bones appear at each event. However, only inner court students are eligible to attend. The other is for us core disciples of the outer court."
Huo Yuhao nodded and, after a brief thought, suddenly asked, "I heard that our core disciples can get credit at the Treasure Pavilion?"
"That's right. The graduation rate for core disciples from the outer court of Shrek Academy is over 95%. Any student who graduates from the outer court, regardless of the country or industry, is highly sought after and considered an excellent talent."
"So these merchants are essentially investing in us. They sign an agreement with us, allowing for annual repayment by a specified date. They can even postpone repayment until after we graduate, charging very little interest."
Huo Yuhao smiled lightly and suddenly said, "Why wouldn't these so-called merchants be backed by the academy?"
Wu Feng was momentarily stunned, putting down the large pork knuckle in his hand but not fully grasping Huo Yuhao's implication. In contrast, Ning Tian frowned slightly, a glint flashing in her eyes upon hearing Huo Yuhao's words.
"If a core disciple enters the inner court, the benefits increase further, with no need to pay interest as long as the principal is repaid within the agreed period. Moreover, the repayment methods are varied," Ning Tian murmured.
"This likely includes handling some troublesome matters for those merchants, right?" Huo Yuhao chuckled. "Since we're benefiting from them, how can we not help if they need us? If they want to hire you, how can you refuse?"
"Tying up these future Shrek Academy graduates with financial favors?" Ning Tian whispered. "What a clever strategy for retaining talent."
"Exactly. In the end, debts must be repaid. It's best to avoid taking small advantages. Advanced consumption can kill!"
Huo Yuhao's words seemed to be a casual sigh, but he was actually giving Ning Tian a subtle warning. With her intelligence, she surely understood the underlying message.
When Elder Xuan first mentioned it, Huo Yuhao had already figured out his intentions and naturally wouldn't fall for it.
However, Ning Tian and Wu Feng were unaware. If his two good friends fell into the Sea God Pavilion's trap and incurred high-interest loans, he'd have to step in to protect them, playing right into Shrek's hands.
Although the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect was immensely wealthy, it didn't mean Ning Tian had an unlimited amount of money. Who knows what kind of precious treasures the Sea God Pavilion might present to tempt them? If they were lured by a priceless item with a limited-time purchase, even Ning Tian wouldn't be able to afford it.
And if they signed a loan agreement to buy such a treasure, Shrek Academy would surely find ways to waive the interest or even forgo the repayment altogether. Then, you'd find it impossible to repay even if you wanted to!
Don't think Shrek Academy is above such schemes! In the original story, after Huo Yuhao activated his credit limit at the Treasure Pavilion and bought a spirit bone for Wang Dong, did the academy ever ask him to repay? The academy didn't want your money; it wanted your loyalty and dedication!
Ning Tian's eyes sparkled with a keen light as she nodded slightly, remaining silent. Meanwhile, Wu Feng had already finished the bowl of soup in front of her and wiped her mouth, asking, "What's going on?"
The invitation for the appraisal event was intricate, with a detailed map of the Treasure Pavilion in Shrek City embossed in gold on the back.
Of course, for someone like Huo "Gao Qiqiang" Yuhao, who was a regular at the Treasure Pavilion, he could find the place with his eyes closed.
Although Shrek Academy was within Shrek City, it wasn't directly connected. To enter Shrek City, one had to exit through the academy's east gate and enter the city through the south or north gate.
This meant that if Huo Yuhao had chosen to flee when he was attacked, he would have had to first leave Shrek City, run halfway around it, and then re-enter through the east gate to return to the academy.
Not to mention the physical exertion of such a long run, if the attacked person wasn't Huo Yuhao, who had many advantages, but another student, they would have been reduced to fragments by the time they reached the academy.
Shrek City was vast, and it took the three of them nearly an hour to reach the north gate of the city after leaving the academy.
As one of the most prosperous cities in the central Douluo Continent, Shrek City was bustling in the evening, even surpassing some national capitals. And one of the major contributors to this prosperity was Huo Yuhao, the leader in the local street food industry.
"Delicious grilled fish, five gold soul coins per fish. Authentic Huo-style grilled fish, satisfaction guaranteed!"
"Various soul beast meat skewers, iron plate eggs, spicy clams, and other snacks. Don't miss out!"
"Speedy BBQ, honest dealings, main store at the east gate of Shrek Academy, guaranteed same taste!"
Ning Tian's expression was a mix of amusement and exasperation. Recently, she had been busy with cultivation and hadn't had much chance to explore Shrek City with Wu Feng. She hadn't expected Huo Yuhao to have completely monopolized the street food industry in Shrek City.
"Huo Yuhao, are all these vendors your franchisees?" Wu Feng asked in surprise.
Huo Yuhao grinned and nodded, "Yes, they've all been trained by me systematically. The chefs responsible for the BBQ are all fire-attribute soul masters with decent cultivation. Although their BBQ can't compare to mine, I've enabled them to offer delivery services, ensuring good business."
Ning Tian's eyes gleamed with a peculiar light. The Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's wealth came from the treasure-finding ability of their Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda martial soul and their excellent business acumen.
However, it now seemed that Huo Yuhao's business sense was on par with, if not superior to, theirs, with his innovative commercial ideas.
As they chatted and walked, Huo Yuhao received various snacks from the vendors recognizing their boss on a "work inspection" tour.
While the group enjoyed their snacks, almost forgetting about the appraisal event, a steady and resolute voice suddenly greeted their ears.
"Hello, Huo Yuhao. I am Dai Huabin's brother, Dai Yueheng. I apologize for what Huabin did before."