"So much food?" Shen Yue was somewhat dumbfounded.
In front of her, Gu You was feasting voraciously. It wasn't any kind of gourmet meal, just simple things like steamed buns and noodles, but there was plenty of it.
The scene was rather awkward—Xin Ya just sat there watching him eat, like he was watching a mukbang.
Gu You was also confused. He didn't have an immense bloodline power like Tang Wulin that required massive amounts of energy, so why did he eat so much and still feel hungry? Could it be that people with dragon-type martial souls naturally had large appetites?
"By the way, I've already submitted the report on Yue Tian. When he returns, he can enroll directly," Xin Ya said to Shen Yue.
For children with talent but from impoverished backgrounds, the Sun-Moon Federation had corresponding policies. Primary academies provided three years of free compulsory education for ordinary families, but after entering intermediate academies, tuition had to be paid. However, if a student had talent, the government would cover the cost. For those from poor families, both primary and intermediate academies were free, but obtaining a poverty-based scholarship spot was extremely difficult.
"Thank you." Shen Yue nodded firmly, expressing her deep gratitude.
…
Two days later, a soul car sped along the Tianhai Highway. Xin Ya drove single-handedly while occasionally admiring the beautiful scenery of the West Coast.
Gu You also rolled down the window, gazing at the vast ocean with many emotions swirling in his heart. The Star Dou Forest was on the brink of extinction—how much longer would this boundless ocean last?
Xin Ya noticed Gu You's pensive mood and saw him glancing back repeatedly.
"I know I'm handsome," Gu You said, brushing his hair back.
"Ugh, you're acting cocky now? You know, sometimes I feel like you're not the same age as your peers. At the very least, you don't seem like a six-year-old." Xin Ya spoke calmly.
"Being mature is a problem now?" Gu You sighed. With Xin Ya's teasing, the sadness he felt when leaving his teacher and grandmother, as well as his melancholic thoughts about the ocean earlier, were gradually swept away.
…
Shrek City.
It wasn't filled with skyscrapers as he had imagined. Instead, most of the buildings retained an ancient architectural style—quaint and traditional. However, given that this city was a historic landmark on par with Tiandou City, the presence of old architecture was understandable.
Incorporating modern soul tool technology had given these historic buildings a unique charm. For example, a medieval-style house in the distance was surrounded by a faint yellow glow—soul tool shielding powered by solar energy, capable of withstanding attacks from fixed soul-guided cannons below level five. This was part of Shrek City's allure—a constant sense of security.
Gu You gazed into the distance, where a towering structure pierced the clouds. It was the headquarters of the Eighteen Celestial Pillars of the Spirit Pagoda—the "Heavenly Spirit Tower!" It had a total of eighty-one floors and reached a staggering height of over three thousand meters.
This was also the first stop for Gu You and Xin Ya—the Spirit Pagoda Headquarters—to select a suitable spirit soul, allowing Gu You to officially become a soul master before heading to Shrek Academy.
"The government has already informed the Spirit Pagoda. Your first six soul rings' spirit souls will all be free—you can pick any one you want. Also, a senior elder from within Shrek has taken notice of your talent. Even without the recommendation of the councilor, your admission to Shrek Academy is already set in stone." Xin Ya spoke with admiration.
Gu You simply smiled. Having talent was a good thing, but it could also make others envious. However, the Federation must have paid a significant price to secure such a deal. Free spirit souls for the first six rings—and the freedom to choose? That was an unimaginable privilege.
…
Inside the Heavenly Spirit Tower, Leng Yaozhu furrowed her brows as she read the report in her hands. The Federation government had made an incredible offer for this child.
Innate full soul power. A never-before-seen martial soul in tens of thousands of years.
Interesting.
Although he wasn't affiliated with the Spirit Pagoda, taking on a disciple wasn't out of the question, was it? If she recruited him under her personal name, the Federation likely wouldn't have any objections.
Thinking this, Leng Yaozhu smiled. She didn't believe that she, the Sky Phoenix Douluo, one of the most powerful figures on the continent, would be refused if she wanted to take on a disciple.
Satisfied with her decision, she gently called out:
"Yali."
"Yes, Vice Pagoda Master." Long Yali entered the office after pushing the door open.
"I have a task for you…"
…
At midday, after lingering around the streets for a while, Xin Ya and Gu You finally arrived at the Spirit Pagoda Headquarters.
Looking up close at this magnificent structure, Gu You was in awe of its craftsmanship. The entire building had an octagonal design with three tiers, four sides, and eight directions. Every nine floors, the structure tapered inward, continuing all the way to the tower's peak.
Inside, the space was vast and majestic. The golden and jade decorations shone brilliantly, and the floor was paved with dark gold stone featuring stunning natural patterns. Massive stone pillars stretched up to the fifty-meter-high ceiling, supporting the grand interior.
At the very center stood two statues—Gu You immediately recognized them.
The Lingbing Douluo, Huo Yuhao, and his wife, the Longdie Douluo, Tang Wutong.
The surrounding walls had a mysterious soul tool embedded within them, continuously projecting images of Huo Yuhao's legendary seven spirit souls and his awe-inspiring, world-shaking deeds. However, this was only part of the story. Each of the Eighteen Celestial Pillars recorded different sections of history. Only by visiting all of them could one fully grasp the complete tale.
Regarding Huo Yuhao, Gu You had mixed feelings.
From his initial name change and relentless pursuit of revenge to his eventual acceptance of the surname "Dai," and finally, his transformation into a loyal hound of the Tang family, all because of Tang Wutong.
There were many visitors inside, all marveling at the statues and exhibits. The Spirit Pagoda's income from spirit soul sales alone was astronomical, making it one of the wealthiest organizations in the world.
"Hello, how can I assist you?" A receptionist greeted them with a professional smile.
Xin Ya took out a special black card and swiped it at the nearby scanner. Instantly, a wealth of information was displayed on a soul tool projection screen.
"We're here to select a spirit soul," Gu You stated with a serious expression.
"You're… Gu You?" The receptionist's voice trembled slightly.
"Yes." Gu You scratched his head, confused by her reaction.
"One moment, please! I'll be right back!" The receptionist hurriedly left, leaving Gu You and Xin Ya bewildered.
"What kind of service is this? If she weren't a girl, I'd already be cursing," Xin Ya grumbled.
…
"Yali-sis! He's here! The child you mentioned is here!" The receptionist Hui Qing rushed over to find Long Yali, her excitement barely contained.
"I understand, Hui Qing. Next time, lower your voice. There are many high-ranking officials' offices here," Long Yali said gently, patting Hui Qing's head.
Of course, she knew that these offices were built with special materials. Even if Shrek City exploded, the sound of the blast wouldn't reach them. However, her goal was to teach this young recruit some unspoken rules of the world.
"…Understood, Yali-sis."
…
As Gu You was contemplating what kind of first spirit soul he should pick, a sudden voice interrupted him.
"Child, greetings."
The unexpected arrival startled Gu You. Beside him, Xin Ya froze, while the eyes of everyone nearby turned toward them.
The newcomer was a young girl, no older than seventeen or eighteen, dressed in a simple black gown that exuded a noble aura.
It was Long Yali.