Yan Shaozhe retrieved a porcelain bottle from his soul tool and took out a pill, handing it to Zhou Sichen.
He said, "This is a Soul-Nourishing Pill. Helping Xiaotao must have cost you a lot of energy—consider this a small compensation."
Zhou Sichen did not refuse, as he understood the value of the Soul-Nourishing Pill.
It could cleanse the meridians, refine the body, and nourish the soul.
Its value far exceeded ordinary pills like the Profound Water Pill mentioned in the original story.
The pill required essences from dozens of 10,000-year-old plant-type soul beasts to refine, and its annual production was extremely limited.
Even for Zhou Sichen, it was rare to come across one.
Swallowing the Soul-Nourishing Pill, Zhou Sichen immediately closed his eyes and began meditating, completely unbothered by the presence of Yan Shaozhe and the other elders on the high platform.
These powerful figures seemed particularly satisfied with Zhou Sichen, remaining silent as they patiently watched him recover.
Ma Xiaotao hesitated for a moment, then also sat cross-legged and started restoring her soul power.
As Zhou Sichen meditated, his Hellflame Bird and Darkgold Dreadclaw Bear moved to his side, standing guard.
Even when facing some of the strongest figures in Shrek Academy, these two soul beasts showed no fear!
Seeing this, Xuanzi and the others couldn't help but take another deep look at Zhou Sichen's contracted soul beasts.
After an hour, Zhou Sichen slowly opened his eyes.
His energy had completely recovered, and his body still radiated a thick, icy aura.
Exhaling softly, he let out a breath so cold that it formed into an ice pillar!
He was still in his fused state with the Ice Jade Scorpion.
Of course, he deliberately maintained the fusion—he wanted these high-ranking elders to see his strength.
As long as he had enough soul power, he could sustain his fusion with his contracted soul beasts indefinitely.
With the Soul-Nourishing Pill, his soul power had increased significantly—
Originally, he had just broken through to rank 38, but now his soul power had risen by nearly half a level, bringing him even closer to rank 39.
At this point, Ma Xiaotao was gone.
After recovering some soul power, Yan Shaozhe had taken her aside for a private conversation.
Afterward, Ma Xiaotao's face flushed red, and she glanced at Zhou Sichen before suddenly running off.
Zhou Sichen stood up and bowed slightly to Yan Shaozhe.
"Thank you, Dean Yan, for the pill."
Then, he raised his right hand, summoning his Contract Book, glowing like solid gold.
The Darkgold Dreadclaw Bear and Hellflame Bird transformed into streaks of light, returning to the book, once again appearing as intricately drawn illustrations.
Finally, A-Da separated from Zhou Sichen's body, also turning into a stream of light and entering the Contract Book.
With that, Zhou Sichen's appearance returned to normal, and he closed the book, retracting his martial soul.
Yan Shaozhe patted Zhou Sichen's shoulder and said with admiration, "Good kid... Suppressing Xiaotao as a mere Soul Elder—you've made history at Shrek Academy."
Zhou Sichen smiled humbly, replying, "Senior was holding back for me. If she were at her full strength, it wouldn't have been so easy."
Just then, a figure flashed into view.
"Being too modest is not always a good thing, child. You have shown us a miracle."
Recognizing the elder, Zhou Sichen bowed respectfully and greeted him, "Student Zhou Sichen greets Gluttonous Douluo."
Hearing Zhou Sichen call out his title so clearly, Xuanzi was slightly surprised.
But remembering Bei Bei's words, which described Zhou Sichen as knowledgeable and well-read, he quickly understood why.
Zhou Sichen then turned to the three figures on the high platform and bowed.
"Greetings, Dean Qian, Dean Xian, and Dean Cai."
The three deans smiled in response.
Yan Shaozhe chuckled, "Looks like you know quite a lot about us, kid."
Zhou Sichen responded smoothly, "The three deans have dedicated their lives to Shrek Academy and are renowned across the continent. There aren't many people who wouldn't recognize you."
Hearing this, Yan Shaozhe laughed—he clearly enjoyed the praise.
After all, they had spent their entire lives working for Shrek and the Douluo Continent.
Xuanzi, however, didn't waste time with small talk.
He spoke directly, "Zhou Sichen, your talent is extremely rare in Shrek Academy's history. Even the past geniuses with Ultimate Attributes couldn't achieve what you have at your age."
"While part of this is due to your unique martial soul, a martial soul is part of one's strength. You have proven yourself worthy of Shrek's pride."
Zhou Sichen bowed again and said, "It is my honor to receive your praise."
Seeing how polite and well-mannered Zhou Sichen was, Xuanzi nodded approvingly.
He then asked, "Aren't you curious about why we're here?"
Zhou Sichen thought for a moment before replying, "To evaluate the authenticity of my talent and strength?"
Xuanzi chuckled. "You truly are a smart child."
Then, with a serious expression, he said, "Now that we've seen your talent and strength, it's time for you to come with us."
Zhou Sichen paused, glancing at Xuanzi, Yan Shaozhe, and the deans on the high platform.
The reason he displayed his talent was precisely to attract the academy's attention.
His plan had clearly worked—
By joining Bei Bei and the others, he had made an impression on the right people.
With Bei Bei, the great-grandson of Mu En, speaking highly of him—
His talent on full display—
And his background adding weight to his worth, he had been at Shrek for less than a day, yet he was already receiving special attention.
Now, where was Xuanzi taking him?
Could it be... Sea God's Pavilion?
Seeing that Zhou Sichen agreed immediately, Xuanzi led the way out of the Soul Dueling Training Hall, with Yan Shaozhe and the others following.
As they stepped outside, they found a large crowd of inner court disciples gathered around.
The appearance of four deans and Elder Xuan together for a single freshman had naturally drawn everyone's attention.
Zhou Sichen walked with Xuanzi and the others without hesitation, ignoring the whispers around him.
At that moment, a Soul Douluo-level instructor approached the crowd.
"What are you all staring at? Have you finished your Soul Dueling tasks for the day?"
As they walked through the heart of Sea God's Island, passing along winding paths, the inner court disciples they encountered all greeted the high-ranking elders with deep respect.
However, many couldn't help but sneak glances at Zhou Sichen.
Who was this handsome newcomer, and why was he walking with so many bigshots?
An illegitimate child of some elder, perhaps?
Yan Shaozhe chuckled and looked at Zhou Sichen.
"Can I call you Sichen?"
Zhou Sichen nodded. "Of course, you are my elder."
Yan Shaozhe grinned and began making small talk.
"How has your grandfather been lately?"
Zhou Sichen recalled his grandfather's words before he left home.
"Grandfather is still strong. When I was young, I often heard stories about you—back when you took him under your wing, you were the brightest star in Shrek Academy..."
Yan Shaozhe's expression stiffened slightly.
Beside him, Xian Lin'er and Cai Mei'er rolled their eyes, while Qian Duoduo covered his mouth, suppressing laughter.
Clearly, they all remembered some of Yan Shaozhe's past embarrassments.
Clearing his throat, Yan Shaozhe quickly changed the subject.
Soon, they passed through most of Sea God's Island, surrounded by towering ancient trees and elegant pavilions.
Finally, they reached a secluded mountaintop.
A grand pavilion stood before them.
Three bold, majestic words were engraved on the plaque—
Seeing this, Zhou Sichen was genuinely surprised.
It was only his second day at Shrek Academy, and he had already arrived at this sacred place—the dream of countless students.
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