Afternoon, classroom.
As Instructor Wang Yan dismissed class, Chen Junting was just about to call Wu Feng and head to Class 3 to meet up with Ning Tian for the evening's Treasure Appreciation Meeting.
Before he could leave, Huo Yuhao suddenly pulled Wang Dong over. "Brother Junting, are you going to the Treasure Appreciation Meeting tonight?"
Junting arched a brow and nodded toward Class 3. "Of course. Want to come along?"
Yuhao opened his mouth to agree—but Wang Dong jabbed him in the waist, hard.
"Ow—!" Huo Yuhao flinched and immediately swallowed his words.
"N-No, no need. We're going with Wu Feng and Xiao Xiao." Wang Dong forced a grin and waved casually. "You and Sister Ning Tian go ahead. We'll catch up."
With that, he dragged Huo Yuhao away before he could protest.
Chen Junting chuckled inwardly. Wang Dong's more tactful than he lets on—clearing out the third wheels so Ning Tian and I can have some time alone. Not bad.
After receiving a message from Ning Tian, Junting followed the directions on the back of the invitation card and made his way toward Shrek City's North Gate.
Shrek City, one of the four great cities of the original Douluo Continent, was bustling tonight. The streets were packed with people, yet everything remained orderly. Lanterns hung from every arch, and laughter echoed through the thoroughfares.
Junting, unfazed by the crowds, let Ning Tian loop her arms through his as they walked side by side, weaving leisurely through the alleys—not in a rush to reach Jubao Pavilion, but rather savoring their brief escape from the academy.
Thirty minutes later, the pair arrived in front of a massive four-story building shaped like a colossal treasure pot. The golden light reflecting off its polished dome gave it an air of mystery and wealth.
Eight elegantly dressed women stood outside, each in flowing gowns like the one worn by the messenger who'd delivered the invitation.
They turned heads immediately.
Spotting Junting and Ning Tian in Shrek Academy uniforms, one of the attendants stepped forward with a graceful bow.
"Honored guests, are you here for the Treasure Appreciation Meeting?"
Junting handed her the invitations. The girl's expression brightened as she verified them. "Right this way, please."
Inside, the luxury hit like a wave.
The gold-plated walls, crystal chandeliers, and refined ambiance stood in stark contrast to the elegant restraint of the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's own halls.
Two rows of equally graceful hostesses bowed in sync.
"Welcome, honored guests."
Junting and Ning Tian returned polite nods before being led upstairs.
Second floor—display hall.
Dozens of crystal glass display cases lined the space, each arranged to highlight the treasures inside. Some items glowed faintly, others pulsed with soul energy—each more valuable than the last.
The hostess stopped in front of a central case. "Welcome to Jubao Pavilion's Treasure Appreciation Meeting. Please browse freely. If you see something of interest, proceed to the west counter to inquire about purchase or credit evaluation. Your evaluation will determine eligibility for exclusive discounts or credit limits."
Junting nodded. "Got it. We'll take it from here."
With another bow, the girl turned and departed.
"Let's check the west first," Junting said. "Even if we're not buying on credit, we might as well get the discount."
They moved through the cases slowly, pausing here and there. A gem-type soul bone caught Ning Tian's eye—rare and radiant.
But her expression dimmed slightly.
"Only thirty thousand years…"
"Still rare," Junting said thoughtfully. "Let's note the display number. Might be useful for the sect."
Ning Tian nodded. "Not expensive anyway."
At the west counter, another attendant stood up upon seeing them.
"Welcome, Soul Masters. Are you here for a credit evaluation?"
"No," Junting replied. "We'd like to check our discount tier."
"Understood. Please fill out these forms."
They received and completed the evaluation sheets—names, ages, cultivation levels, and affiliations.
Moments later, they were issued two black cards, each carrying a 1,000,000 gold soul coin limit and a 25% discount.
Without hesitation, Junting used his black card to purchase the gem-type soul bone Ning Tian had seen earlier, instructing Jubao Pavilion to deliver it to the Nine Treasure Glazed Pavilion in Shrek City.
"Come on," he said, slipping the card away. "Let's see what else is here."
As they moved eastward, they spotted several familiar faces gathered around a display case—Wang Dong, in particular, had his face nearly glued to the glass.
"Yuhao, Wang Dong, Xiaofeng," Junting called as they approached.
Huo Yuhao and Wu Feng turned at once. Wang Dong didn't move, still fixated on the treasure inside.
"Brother Junting! Sister Xiaotian!"
"Sword Guy. Ning Tian."
Junting glanced toward the display.
Inside was a golden-red soul bone, pulsing with faint firelight.
"A left arm bone," Junting muttered. "Looks like it came from a ten-thousand-year Golden Earth Dragon King. Strong dragon bloodline. Might even carry the Light attribute. It's perfect for…"
He turned to Wu Feng—but she didn't seem particularly impressed.
"She's not interested," Ning Tian whispered, leaning close with a smile. "Grandpa Wu gave her a 70,000-year Blazing Dragon left arm bone over the holiday."
Junting nodded, understanding immediately. A true dragon species would suit her better anyway.
Then he turned to Wang Dong.
"Something wrong? Can't afford it?"
"No, I've got the funds," Wang Dong said quickly. "Just… not enough on hand. I was thinking of buying it on credit, securing it before someone else snatches it."
"Better not."
Junting handed him a black-gold card.
"Take this. Buy it now. Pay me back later. It's tough getting credit approval through the Academy, and you don't want to lose a treasure over paperwork."
Wang Dong hesitated, eyes flickering.
"But will you be okay—?"
Before he could finish, a snide voice piped up behind them.
"Wang Dong, you can't be serious. Are you actually worried Brother Chen can't afford it?"
---
(End of Chapter)
---