Treasure Pavilion, second floor.
After entering the second floor, Zhu Ziyang began searching through the vast and varied collection of treasures.
Fifteen minutes later, he found the two spiritual herbs that were suitable for Zhu Changhe and Liang Ying.
One was a Millennium Snow Lotus, a thousand-year-old high-grade spiritual herb that grows deep within the extreme north icefields. It is a rare resource that only survives in severely frigid conditions. For ice-type soul beasts and soul masters, it strengthens the foundation, calms the mind, and enhances inner strength—an ideal tonic. This herb was selected for Liang Ying.
The other was an Earth Origin Fruit, another top-tier herb known to enhance a soul master's soul power while also improving their innate talent. Among high-grade herbs, it ranks among the best. Naturally, this one was chosen for Zhu Changhe.
"Senior Brother, I've decided. I'll take the Millennium Snow Lotus and the Earth Origin Fruit," Zhu Ziyang said to Yan Shaozhe.
"Just those two?" Yan Shaozhe asked, slightly surprised. "The value of those herbs doesn't come close to the Storm Ghost Harrier left arm bone. Why don't you pick one more?"
"No need, Senior Brother," Zhu Ziyang replied calmly. He knew perfectly well the herbs were worth far less than the soul bone, but he wasn't interested in taking more. "I don't have any current needs. I'll come back when I do."
"Alright then, if that's your decision," Yan Shaozhe relented.
Zhu Ziyang nodded and placed the Millennium Snow Lotus and Earth Origin Fruit into the new soul tool ring he'd received—Starflame.
With that done, Yan Shaozhe led Zhu Ziyang out of the Treasure Pavilion and back beneath the Golden Tree.
"Little junior brother, I still have some work to do," Yan Shaozhe said. "Do you want to stay on the island to get familiar with things, or head back to the outer court?"
"I'll head back first. Nannan and Tang Ya are probably still waiting for me," Zhu Ziyang replied without hesitation.
"Alright." Yan Shaozhe smiled knowingly. "Then I won't escort you. There are ferries at Sea God Square—you can take one to return to the outer court. From now on, you're free to come and go from the island. Your access restrictions have been lifted."
"Got it, Senior Brother," Zhu Ziyang nodded.
"Then I'll be off. See you later, junior brother," Yan Shaozhe said before turning and walking away.
Once Yan Shaozhe was out of sight, Zhu Ziyang made his way to Sea God Square.
Along the way, he drew a lot of attention. Nearly every person he passed gave him a curious look, as if saying, "Huh? What's a first-year kid doing on Sea God Island?" At first, Zhu Ziyang found it a bit uncomfortable, but after a few such encounters, he got used to it and walked calmly all the way to Sea God Square.
"Hey? Little guy, you're a freshman, right?"
As he crossed Sea God Square and reached the lakeshore, hesitating between walking across or taking a boat, a clear and charming voice suddenly called out to him.
He turned to look and saw a stunning girl around fourteen or fifteen years old fly in from over the lake and land gracefully at his side.
She wore a brilliant red robe, her figure tall and alluring, her skin radiant like a peach blossom. Her eyes sparkled like stars, and her long hair fluttered in the wind. Her aura was fresh and ethereal, enough to make anyone forget the mundane world.
"…Eh?" Zhu Ziyang hadn't intended to speak, but the girl had already come up close. Her delicate face was right in front of him, her soft pink eyes brimming with curiosity, and her luscious red lips nearly touched his cheek. Feeling helpless, he took a step back and asked, "Is it really that rare to see a freshman?"
"To be precise, it's rare to see a freshman on Sea God Island," the girl replied with a soft laugh, taking a step back as well—realizing perhaps she had invaded his space too much.
"Oh," Zhu Ziyang acknowledged, but didn't say anything else.
"If I asked what you're doing here, I'm guessing you wouldn't tell me, right?" the girl continued. "So I won't ask. My name's Ma Xiaotao. What's yours?"
"First-year Class One, Zhu Ziyang," he replied. Seeing that she had no intention of leaving, he reluctantly answered.
"You're heading back to the outer court, right?" Ma Xiaotao asked with a thoughtful expression.
"Yes." Zhu Ziyang nodded. Her appearance had sparked his curiosity. "Ma Xiaotao, are you an inner court disciple?"
"'Ma Xiaotao'?" she pouted slightly. "Where are your manners? I'm fifteen this year—you should call me Sister Xiaotao!"
She then added with pride, "And yes, I'm an inner court disciple! Since you're on the island, you must be pretty talented. Keep it up—I hope to see you in the inner court soon!"
Zhu Ziyang didn't respond to her request for an honorific, but when he heard her encouragement, he scoffed inwardly and replied casually, "Don't worry. You'll be seeing me in the inner court very soon."
"Oh? What a cocky little brat," Ma Xiaotao replied, somewhat annoyed. Then she asked with a teasing grin, "So, heading across the lake? Want big sister to give you a ride?"
"No need," Zhu Ziyang declined firmly.
"Oh, don't be shy!" Ma Xiaotao giggled. Before Zhu Ziyang could react, she darted behind him and suddenly wrapped her arms around his waist with her pale, delicate hands.
"You—!" Zhu Ziyang's face changed, and he instinctively prepared to resist. But before he could move, he felt her soft, warm body press closely against his back.
Strangely… he didn't resist.
"Such a good boy!" Ma Xiaotao teased, chuckling. Suddenly, flaming red wings sprouted from her back. With a light step, she lifted into the sky, carrying Zhu Ziyang across the lake.
He was stunned. She had a Fire Phoenix Martial Soul!
And her last name was Ma… Could she be a descendant of Phoenix Douluo Ma Hongjun, one of the original Seven Shrek Monsters?
Before he could ponder further, they reached the shore.
Ma Xiaotao gently set him down and said, "See you, little guy."
Then, with a strange expression and a faint blush on her face, she turned and hurried away. Zhu Ziyang clearly noticed the flush on her cheeks and was baffled.
"…Weird," he muttered, then continued toward the administrative building.
Back on Sea God Island…
Ma Xiaotao landed softly, her beautiful face still tinged pink.
"Hmph. It was our first time meeting… Why did I feel so close to him?" she murmured, puzzled. "But being near him felt really nice. Even my Martial Soul was calm…"
Lost in thought, she walked forward absentmindedly.
"Xiaotao," a voice suddenly called.
She snapped out of it and saw her teacher standing before her.
"Teacher!" she greeted with a bright smile.
"What's got you so deep in thought?" Yan Shaozhe asked. Looking at his brilliant disciple, he suddenly thought of Zhu Ziyang, his little junior brother. Zhu Ziyang was eleven years old and Level 37. Ma Xiaotao, fifteen years old and Level 47. Compared side by side, even his dazzling disciple suddenly seemed… ordinary.
Ma Xiaotao didn't know what he was thinking. She spoke for herself, "Teacher, I just met a new student on the island. Why would a freshman be on Sea God Island?"
"You met… Ziyang?" Yan Shaozhe paused, then asked.
"Mhm!" Ma Xiaotao nodded, a faint doubt in her eyes. "When I was around Zhu Ziyang, even my Martial Soul felt much calmer…"
"...!" Yan Shaozhe's eyes suddenly sharpened, and he fell into silent thought.
After a while, he finally said,
"Xiaotao, if you get the chance, you should spend more time around Zhu Ziyang."
"Huh?" Ma Xiaotao blinked in confusion.
But Yan Shaozhe didn't explain.