"Thank you very much." Gu Feng didn't stand on ceremony and accepted the parchment scroll before turning to leave.
After all, not using one's background when it's available—what kind of fool would do that?
Making reasonable use of one's background advantages is the first lesson of entering society.
After leaving the auction house, Gu Feng leisurely made his way to the largest Seven Treasures Hotel in Tiandou City.
As for why it was the Seven Treasures Hotel and not some other hotel, the reason was simple: who would want to spend their money in someone else's hands?
After a brief inquiry at the front desk, he learned the room number where Dugu Yan was staying.
Room 404.
Gu Feng then headed straight upstairs, arriving at Room 404 and knocking on the door.
"Knock, knock, knock!"
"Coming!" A voice responded from inside.
The door opened, and when Dugu Yan saw Gu Feng, she was momentarily stunned. Then, the corners of her lips curled up, and she smiled softly, "I thought it would take you a while to find me. It seems you're quite clever, my good little brother."
As she spoke, she stepped aside to let Gu Feng in. "But come in and see—your little maid has undergone quite a transformation~"
Without waiting for Gu Feng to respond, she turned her head and called out loudly into the room, "Shana, your young master is here!"
As soon as her words fell, a clear, bell-like voice rang out from inside the room, "Young Master!"
Then, a barefoot little maid came running out of the room, full of joy.
Compared to her previous disheveled and pitiful appearance, Shana now looked like a completely different person.
Her skin was as fair as snow, seemingly delicate and flawless. Her features were exquisite and adorable, and her petite figure, paired with her fluffy fox ears and a small tail, made her the very image of a lovable animal-eared girl.
"A maid?"
Gu Feng was taken aback, raising an eyebrow with a look of surprise in his eyes.
Dugu Yan wore a confident smile, speaking as if it were the most natural thing in the world, "Well, Shana and I had a good talk. She's determined not to leave you, so after some thought, making her your maid seemed like the most appropriate solution."
As she spoke, she casually brushed aside a strand of her purple hair, her expression relaxed.
Then, Dugu Yan added nonchalantly, "As for changing dorms at the academy, it's no big deal. With our status, it's just a matter of a word."
Meanwhile, Shana stood to the side, performing a slightly awkward curtsy. Her cheeks were slightly flushed as she spoke softly, "Young Master, from now on, please… take care of me."
She lowered her eyes, her long lashes trembling slightly, and clasped her hands in front of her, looking both obedient and adorable.
"Did you teach her all this?" Gu Feng was stunned.
Dugu Yan lifted her chin, her chest slightly puffed out, and a proud smile played on her lips. She looked like a child waiting for praise, her eyes filled with anticipation, "Well? Are you satisfied?"
Gu Feng rolled his eyes and retorted, "Satisfied? Not in the slightest."
He felt utterly helpless. What he had been nurturing was a future super-genius capable of reaching godhood, not a maid whose only skill was serving others!
Dugu Yan, however, was still basking in the glory of her "masterpiece," completely oblivious to his frustration.
Standing by, Shana's little face flushed with anxiety. "Young Master, please don't scold Sister YanYan, okay? It was Shana who insisted on becoming a maid..."
Her voice carried a hint of a sob, soft and filled with grievance.
It turned out that during the brief moment when Dugu Yan had stepped out, Shana had overheard from the hotel staff that only by being a maid could she stay close to the Young Master at all times.
The thought of being able to accompany the Young Master constantly made Shana resolute in her decision to become his maid without a second thought.
"Alright, since you're so determined," Gu Feng sighed helplessly, ultimately giving in. But then his expression turned serious as he laid down three strict rules for Shana.
"However, I must warn you in advance. If you slack off in your training and fail to meet my standards in level and physical fitness, I will send you back to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School immediately. Do you understand?"
Seeing Gu Feng agree, Shana nodded eagerly, her face instantly lighting up with a radiant smile, her eyes curving into crescents. "Young Master, don't worry! Shana will work hard in her training and will definitely not be sent back to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School!"
Dugu Yan, watching from the side, let out a soft snort. "Look at how serious you are, scaring the poor girl. But then again, Shana has good talent. As long as she puts in the effort, she'll surely meet your requirements."
Gu Feng shot her a glance before turning back to Shana. "Starting tomorrow, I'll create a specialized training plan for you. For the next few days, just rest well at the hotel and adjust your condition."
"Yes, Young Master!" Shana replied obediently.
Afterward, Gu Feng and Dugu Yan returned to the academy. Although Shana still seemed reluctant to part, after what had just happened, her acceptance of the situation had improved significantly.
...
Upon returning to the Heavenly Dou Royal Academy, Gu Feng immediately sought out the academy's living fossil, Professor Sun.
Unlike some scholars who sought fame and reputation, Professor Sun's published Soul Beast Encyclopedia had received recognition from the previous Pope, Qian Xunji.
Even Dai Tian, the Star Luo Emperor who always revered martial prowess, had praised it highly.
Gu Feng, accompanied by Dugu Yan, made his way to the second floor of the academy's library.
In a secluded corner, he knocked on a hidden door and called out, "Professor Sun, it's Gu Feng!"
"Oh, it's Little Gu. Come in."
A gentle, aged voice came from inside.
Professor Sun was quite familiar with this talented and studious disciple.
Earlier in the semester, whenever Gu Feng had free time, he would frequently visit the library. As the library's administrator, Professor Sun often ran into him, and over time, the two became acquainted.
When Dugu Yan saw Professor Sun, she was visibly surprised. "Huh? Professor Sun, what are you doing here?"
Her memories instantly flashed back to many years ago when her grandfather, Dugu Bo, who had not yet become a Titled Douluo, had taken her and her father to Martial Soul City to visit Professor Sun.
Time had flown by, and she hadn't expected to see him again, now serving as a library administrator at the Heavenly Dou Royal Academy.
Professor Sun smiled, his face calm with the wisdom of age. "Oh, it's Yan Yan."
"I'm getting old and don't want to wander around anymore. Just as Old Meng invited me, I found this quiet place to settle down and live out my days in peace."
Gu Feng's lips curled into a faint smile as he said lightly, "You're not old at all. In the Soul Master World, you're recognized as a living fossil of theory. So many young Soul Masters are eager to learn more from you."
"Hahaha, Xiao Gu, your words are so sweet, they really warm the heart."
Professor Sun laughed heartily a few times, then shifted the topic, "But I've long passed the age of enjoying flattery. You, kid, never come without a reason. Just say it, what do you need from me? If it's something I can help with, I won't refuse."
Seeing this, Gu Feng didn't beat around the bush and directly took out the parchment scroll from his chest.
Since the seal on it had already been removed by Electrolux, Professor Sun took it with ease.
The moment Professor Sun's eyes met the parchment scroll, his brows slightly furrowed, "Hmm, where did you get this? This is something from Sea God Island..."
(End of Chapter)