"Let's reintroduce ourselves, my name is Dai Yueheng."
After the competition, Dai Yueheng was no longer in the awkward state he had been in during the ice prison. His demeanor was generous, and a warm smile graced his face, making people feel naturally at ease around him.
As the Duke's son, he had been groomed from a young age to be the next White Tiger Duke, and his interpersonal skills were indeed impeccable.
"Hello, my name is Wang Nan."
"When we were on a mission last time, I saw that Junior Brother's strength was extraordinary. After a year, Junior Brother has improved a lot."
"Not at all, Senior Brother, your ability to fight multiple opponents in the match just now truly impressed me."
Wang Nan merely complimented Dai Yueheng in response, without any other intention. However, Dai Yueheng thought about it and didn't continue the conversation on that topic.
"Where are you from, Junior Brother?"
"My home is in Star Luo City."
"What a coincidence, my home is also near Star Luo City. You should visit my house sometime."
"Yes, next time for sure."
Dai Yueheng entered Shrek Academy not just for schooling. Everyone who could enter Shrek was exceptionally talented; even if they couldn't graduate smoothly, they were still much stronger than ordinary Spirit Masters. Therefore, he paid close attention to other students, so he could win them over in the future.
After Wang Nan entered the Academy, he didn't show any background, and his performance during the last mission left a deep impression on Dai Yueheng. Coupled with the fact that he was from the Star Luo Empire, Dai Yueheng inevitably had some other thoughts.
"Then it's settled, you must come in the future."
While Wang Nan was exchanging pleasantries with Dai Yueheng, the other three were also chatting together.
Besides Gongyang Mo and Ling Luochen, the remaining Disciple was named Xi Xi, who had met Wang Nan once during the freshman assessment.
She was able to stay not because she was strong, but because she was fast. Dai Yueheng couldn't catch her and could only eliminate the others first.
Gongyang Mo seemed to possess a kind of magic, quickly getting along with girls. Even Ling Luochen and Xi Xi, who weren't very talkative, found common ground and chatted amiably.
Soon after, two familiar faces appeared in the Fighting Soul Zone.
Ma Xiaotao, of course, needs no introduction; the other was Ye Xiaosheng from the Soul Guidance System.
Ever since his last encounter with Wang Nan, Ye Xiaosheng had shamelessly pestered him. Although he was older than Wang Nan, he kept calling him 'Brother' just to hear more novel ideas about spirit tools from Wang Nan.
The spirit tool oscillating cannon used in this competition was made by Ye Xiaosheng after he heard Wang Nan's idea.
"Alright, now that everyone is here, I'll get straight to the point." Xuan Zi put down the things in his hand, his face unusually serious. "You have been selected to participate in the All-Continent Advanced Spirit Master Academy Soul Duel Tournament, which occurs once every five years."
"Ten thousand years ago, the first generation Shrek Seven Devils represented Shrek and won the All-Continent Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Competition, thus laying the foundation for our Academy to become the number one academy, and the name Shrek Seven Devils spread widely."
"With the advent of spirit tools, the Elite Competition was changed to the current Soul Duel Tournament, but the Academy's tradition has not changed. The contestants who participate in the Soul Duel Tournament each year will be awarded the title of Shrek Seven Devils."
"However, with your current age and strength, you cannot participate as official contestants, only as reserve contestants. And within these five years, you must also improve yourselves as much as possible. Once your strength falls behind, you may lose the opportunity to fight for the Academy."
"Starting today, you will Cultivate with me one day a week until the Soul Duel Tournament begins a month from now. Alright, you can all disperse for today."
Leaving the Fighting Soul Zone, everyone scattered. Wang Nan and Gongyang Mo returned to their dormitory together.
Not long after returning, a knock suddenly came from outside the door.
"Who are you?"
Wang Nan opened the door, and a young man stood outside.
"Hello, distinguished guest, I am a customer service representative from Jubao Pavilion."
"Jubao Pavilion?"
Wang Nan had resources brought by Ma Xiaotao, so he didn't lack basic things, and he couldn't afford expensive items. Therefore, he had hardly visited Jubao Pavilion in the past two years, and for a moment, he really didn't know why he was looking for him.
"Distinguished guest, you might have forgotten, but you reserved an exhibit at our Jubao Pavilion. I am here this time to deliver a message from the Pavilion Master."
"The Pavilion Master said, the three-year agreement has arrived."
Only then did Wang Nan remember that when he first became a Core Disciple, Jubao Pavilion held a treasure appreciation event for Core Disciples. Among the exhibits, there was a Spirit Bone that was very compatible with him, but his credit limit was not enough, so he couldn't buy it. Later, the Pavilion Master of Jubao Pavilion personally intervened and reserved it for him for three years.
Now, sending someone to find him must be because he was selected as a reserve contestant for the Soul Duel Tournament, and in Jubao Pavilion's assessment, his credit limit was sufficient to buy that Spirit Bone.
No wonder they insisted on a three-year deadline back then; it seems this was also part of the Pavilion Master's plan.
"Okay, I understand."
"Distinguished guest, would you like to come with me? The carriage is already parked at the Academy gate."
Speaking of this, one has to mention the strange structure of Shrek City. Shrek City has four city gates: East, South, West, and North. The East Gate is exclusive to Shrek Academy, and entering the East Gate means entering Shrek Academy.
However, Shrek Academy has no other gates, which means that to enter Shrek City from Shrek Academy, one must first exit through the East Gate, then take a long detour and enter the city through one of the other three city gates.
It's a mystery who came up with such a design.
Wang Nan had nothing else to do for a while, and considering the distance between the city gates, he finally agreed to the customer service representative's suggestion.
The journey was silent.
When Wang Nan got out of the carriage, he was already in front of Jubao Pavilion. Although there were no special events being held, Spirit Masters and Soul Masters came and went in an endless stream.
He went up the stairs to the second floor, where the Pavilion Master was already waiting for him.
"It's been a long time."
"Uh, thank you for your concern, Pavilion Master."
"Haha, come, sit down and let's chat." The Pavilion Master of Jubao Pavilion gestured for Wang Nan to sit in front of her. "My surname is Lin. From now on, when we meet, don't keep calling me Pavilion Master, so as not to cause misunderstandings."
"Okay, Elder Lin."
"Hmm, I said last time that as long as you met the standard within three years, not only could you buy this Spirit Bone, but I would also give you a gift." Lin Huiqun said, waving her hand at the person behind her. "Do you still remember?"
As she spoke, a woman behind Lin Huiqun stepped forward and placed a brocade box on the table.
"I am not one to go back on my word. Although this item is not a top-tier treasure, it is quite rare and will be of great help to you. Open it and take a look."
Wang Nan opened it as instructed, and a milky-white bead lay quietly within the brocade box.