Sea God Island, Treasure Pavilion.
Zhu Ziyang followed Yan Shaozhe into the Treasure Pavilion. The building resembled the Library Pavilion—a six-story wooden pagoda.
The two of them went straight to the third floor.
"Junior brother, the Treasure Pavilion has six floors. The first and second floors mainly store spirit herbs, elixirs, and rare metals. The third and fourth floors are for soul bones, excluding 100,000-year ones. The fifth floor holds powerful or rare mid-to-high-level soul tools. And the sixth floor... that's for the true treasures of the academy—100,000-year soul bones, peerless pills, immortal-grade herbs." Yan Shaozhe introduced proudly. "There's likely no power on the entire Douluo Continent that can rival Shrek Academy's Treasure Pavilion."
Zhu Ziyang nodded instinctively.
"You may pick one item from the first four floors. Any item, I have the authority to give it to you as a gift—no need to trade in that Storm Ghost Harrier soul bone," Yan Shaozhe added. "But items from the fifth and sixth floors are beyond my authority, so I won't take you up there just yet."
"Really? Then I won't be shy about it!" Zhu Ziyang beamed, overjoyed. He didn't bother to pretend humility.
"Hahaha! Of course it's true." Yan Shaozhe laughed heartily. This little junior brother was truly refreshing.
Zhu Ziyang immediately began browsing the third floor.
Most of the soul bones here were around a thousand years old, with a smaller portion ranging from 10,000 to 30,000 years. The total number easily exceeded one hundred pieces. The sheer variety dazzled Zhu Ziyang—it was impossible not to marvel at Shrek Academy's incredible wealth.
He soon spotted two soul bones that truly caught his eye—but not because he wanted to absorb them himself.
First, he already had a right arm bone, so he couldn't absorb the Ice Tyrant Dragon Right Arm Bone. Second, the Lightmane Tiger Left Arm Bone wasn't suitable for his attributes or style.
No—the reason he wanted these two soul bones was because they would be perfect for his parents, Zhu Changhe and Liang Ying.
Although their potential was limited, Zhu Ziyang, as their son, naturally hoped they could advance further, maybe even one day stand proudly beside him rather than being left behind. If these two could absorb soul bones and benefit from the pills he had already sent home, then when he returned next year, perhaps they'd have a wonderful surprise for him.
The Ice Tyrant Dragon Right Arm Bone came from a 15,000-year-old beast—a natural upgrade for Liang Ying, who had an ice-attribute martial soul and would see significant improvement.
The Lightmane Tiger Left Arm Bone, from an 11,000-year-old beast, was a shining tiger-type creature native to the deep forests of the southwest. Known for its strength and tough elemental shield, the soul bone's shielding and light affinity would be ideal for Zhu Changhe, a power-type soul master.
But Zhu Ziyang had not yet considered the risks involved in giving soul bones to his parents.
So, he turned to Yan Shaozhe and asked, "Senior Brother, could I use the Storm Ghost Harrier soul bone to exchange for two 10,000-year soul bones?"
"Oh? Are you sure?" Yan Shaozhe paused, confused. "Why? Didn't find a suitable one? If it's not on this floor, we can check the fourth floor—those are all above 30,000 years."
"It's not that," Zhu Ziyang explained with a smile. "I just like two of the ones here, that's all."
"But you'll be losing out. That Storm Ghost Harrier soul bone is at least 50,000 years old," Yan Shaozhe reminded him.
"I don't mind—as long as I think it's worth it." Zhu Ziyang smiled and handed the soul bone to Yan Shaozhe.
"Well, if you insist, I won't stop you." Yan Shaozhe accepted the bone and asked, "Which two did you choose?"
"Those two," Zhu Ziyang said, pointing at the Ice Tyrant Dragon Right Arm Bone and the Lightmane Tiger Left Arm Bone.
Yan Shaozhe frowned. "Junior Brother, to be blunt, these two don't suit you. Don't let greed cloud your judgment."
"I know," Zhu Ziyang replied, touched by the concern. "I never planned to use them myself."
"Then… who are they for?" Yan Shaozhe asked, visibly curious.
"For my parents," Zhu Ziyang said, a bit sheepishly. "Their potential is nearly exhausted. I want them to be able to go a bit further—maybe even walk with me to the top."
"I see…" Yan Shaozhe's eyes shone with admiration. Such a filial child was certainly someone who valued love and loyalty. But his brows remained slightly furrowed as he thought for a moment and said seriously:
"Your intentions are admirable. But, junior brother, have you considered their age? They're already in their late thirties or forties. The benefits of soul bones will be limited. And more importantly—'an innocent man bears no guilt, but carrying a treasure invites trouble.'"
Zhu Ziyang stiffened. His heart skipped a beat.
He had just realized he'd been projecting his own perspective onto his parents.
He had assumed that if he could possess a soul bone safely, then so could they—but he'd forgotten how different their circumstances were.
Zhu Changhe and Liang Ying were both adult soul masters, living and working without the shelter of a prestigious academy. His father, as a city guard in Anyang, often had to venture out into dangerous areas, hunting soul beasts or escorting missions—high exposure to others. If news got out that he had a soul bone, things could get very dangerous.
After all, nothing tempts human nature more than greed.
As he imagined potential futures where his parents were targeted, Zhu Ziyang broke into a cold sweat. He had been naive.
"Thank you, Senior Brother," he said sincerely.
"I'm glad you understand," Yan Shaozhe said with a smile. Seeing Zhu Ziyang accept the advice so readily made him like the boy even more.
"If you want to help your parents, it doesn't have to be with soul bones," Yan Shaozhe suggested. "Why not check the first and second floors? There might be herbs or pills that suit them better."
"Really?" Zhu Ziyang looked up, pleasantly surprised.
"Of course," Yan Shaozhe grinned. "I'm still the Dean of Shrek Academy—this much authority I have."
"Then let's go downstairs!" Zhu Ziyang's eyes lit up.
"Let's go," Yan Shaozhe said.
And so, the two of them headed down to the second floor of the Treasure Pavilion.