"In terms of soul power cultivation, I have little left to teach you. You are already exceptional—more talented than I was at your age."
Mu En looked at Zhu Ziyang with admiration and pride, and continued, "Right now, what you need to focus on is increasing your soul power and spiritual strength. When you reach the fourth ring, or your spiritual power achieves a formless yet substantial state, I will begin teaching you my ultimate techniques."
"Understood, Teacher!" Zhu Ziyang nodded firmly at Mu En's words.
"Here, take this notebook. It contains some of my insights into the Light attribute. Although Ultimate Light differs from ordinary Light, they share the same core. This may be helpful to you." Mu En handed over a worn little notebook.
"Got it. Thank you, Teacher!" Zhu Ziyang received the notebook with great reverence. Its black cover was clean and faintly glowing with a light aura—it was likely the most advanced Light-attribute manual in all of the Douluo Continent.
Even someone as self-confident as Zhu Ziyang felt a surge of excitement upon receiving it.
Once Electrolux awakened in the future and added his own insights into Light, Zhu Ziyang believed his understanding of the attribute would eventually surpass all others across the continent.
"Starting today, you'll live on Sea God Island. Your senior brother will handle all your affairs in the outer court," said Mu En.
"Teacher, I'd prefer to wait until I reach the fourth ring before moving to the island," Zhu Ziyang replied without hesitation. "With my talent, I'm sure I'll reach four rings by my second year. It'll also make my entrance to the inner court more justifiable."
"Hahaha! This old man didn't consider that. You're right—and quite ambitious. I like it!" Mu En burst into laughter. "Very well. I'm also happy to stay under your dorm building—we'll get to see each other more often."
"Definitely!" Zhu Ziyang replied with a cheerful nod.
"Teacher, the little junior brother's room is ready," came Yan Shaozhe's voice from outside.
"Go on, see if your senior brother picked a room to your liking," Mu En said, closing his eyes.
"Yes, Teacher. I'll be going now," Zhu Ziyang said with a bow and left Sea God Pavilion.
"A world of great contention lies ahead…" Mu En murmured.
Outside, Zhu Ziyang saw Yan Shaozhe waiting at the entrance.
"Senior Brother," he greeted.
"Come on, little junior brother. Let me show you your room." Yan Shaozhe stepped forward with a smile, resting his hand on Zhu Ziyang's shoulder.
"Alright," Zhu Ziyang said with a smile.
Yan Shaozhe led Zhu Ziyang down a path and quickly brought him to a row of treehouses.
"Little junior brother, you probably know this already," Yan Shaozhe began, "but we're standing on top of a massive tree."
"Yes," Zhu Ziyang nodded. "The Golden Ancient Tree—it's the symbol of Shrek Academy."
"Exactly," Yan Shaozhe said. "Sea God Island was originally created to house the Golden Tree. As it grew taller and larger, the Sea God Pavilion and the inner court were built around it.
According to legend, this tree was transplanted to Shrek by Lord Tang San, the Sea God himself and a founding member of the original Seven Shrek Monsters. Every Headmaster of Shrek has sworn their oath beneath it."
"All of Shrek Academy's core facilities are located on this tree. Sea God Pavilion sits at the top. The elders' rooms are on the second floor. The inner court teachers and core disciples live on the first floor. Ordinary inner court disciples stay at the base."
"For us Light-attribute martial soul users, this Golden Tree is an ideal cultivation place—as you've probably felt."
Zhu Ziyang nodded frequently as he listened. While he knew most of this from reading, a few details surprised him—like the tree's connection to Tang San. The Sea God's legacy truly was everywhere!
Especially Yan Shaozhe's final comment—Zhu Ziyang deeply agreed. The Light element on Sea God Island was far richer than outside, especially near the Pavilion. In fact, not just Light—Wood, Water, Life energy, and basic Heaven and Earth essence were all extremely abundant here.
Clearly, this was the Golden Ancient Tree's effect.
He recalled the description from Rare Heavenly Flora—the Golden Ancient Tree had the ability to gather qi and spiritual energy!
"Here we are, little junior brother. This is your room." Yan Shaozhe led him to the deepest treehouse in the row. "This room has the highest concentration of Light elements—perfect for your cultivation. The surrounding rooms belong to Elder Xuan, Elder Lin, Elder Zhuang, and Elder Song. My room and your senior sister's are at the far end—if you need anything, just come to us."
He handed Zhu Ziyang a specially crafted key.
"Understood!" Zhu Ziyang took the key, his eyes drifting to his new home.
"Go ahead and check it out. Afterward, meet me at the base of the tree. I'll show you around the island," Yan Shaozhe said, then turned and left.
Zhu Ziyang entered his new room.
It was about 30 square meters—larger than his dorm in the outer court. There was one door and one window, with the window facing the door. Very good layout.
The furnishings were simple. A solid, ancient-looking bed sat against the inner wall, seemingly carved from one of the Golden Tree's branches. At the foot of the bed was a large wardrobe of similar make. Next to the bed was a desk and a small three-tier bookshelf. A single soul tool lamp rested on the desk—the only non-wooden item. In the center of the room stood a round table with three wooden chairs.
Everything appeared natural and unforced—like it had grown there. The room was saturated with spiritual energy, perfect for cultivation.
"Not bad!" Zhu Ziyang muttered with raised eyebrows.
After familiarizing himself with the room's layout, he stepped outside again.
He observed his neighbors. On the left, several pots of spirit herbs rested on the windowsill—clearly Elder Zhuang's room. On the right, soul beast meat was hung out to dry—surely Elder Xuan's room.
The two outermost rooms belonged to Yan Shaozhe and Cai Meier, and to Qian Duoduo and Xian Lin'er, positioned across from each other about five or six meters apart—more than the standard three meters between the other rooms.
Zhu Ziyang found this curious. Why did those two pairs have such a larger gap? Could there be tension between those two couples?
When he arrived at the tree's base, Yan Shaozhe was already waiting.
"All set?" Yan Shaozhe asked with a smile. "Like the room?"
"Yes! I like it very much," Zhu Ziyang replied truthfully.
"Good!" Yan Shaozhe nodded with a relaxed expression. "Now, let me show you around Sea God Island."
"Yes, Senior Brother."
Zhu Ziyang followed him closely.
Sea God Island had a clear layout, divided into three main areas.
The northern area was the residential zone for inner court teachers and students. It contained the dining hall, Sea God Square, and dormitories. Many of the inner court's major events, like the Sea God Fate Festival, were held in Sea God Square or on the adjacent lake. As the most frequently visited zone, it was lively and full of people.
Zhu Ziyang's white new-student uniform and Yan Shaozhe's prestigious presence drew considerable attention.
The central area housed the towering Golden Ancient Tree, with Sea God Pavilion atop it. Below the tree was a vast underground network of roots—ideal for meditation. Zhu Ziyang wasn't planning to enter the underground yet, so he didn't ask Yan Shaozhe to take him there.
The southern area was the functional zone. Opposite the Golden Tree stood the Dueling Field, where inner court disciples sparred.
To its left was the Library Pavilion, a six-story wooden tower and one of the continent's richest collections of knowledge.
To the right was the Treasure Pavilion, Shrek's inner court treasury, filled with rare and powerful items. It had drawn the attention of many foolish thieves—none of whom ever left alive.
Behind the Dueling Field were the offices, archives, and the Internal Affairs Department headquarters.
"Come, little junior brother, let's head to the Treasure Pavilion," Yan Shaozhe said after the tour. "I've already received instructions from Teacher."
"Alright! Thank you, Senior Brother!" Zhu Ziyang's eyes lit up in anticipation.