Taking a Master

Along the way, Leng Yaozhu told them quite a bit about the Spirit Pagoda, from its history and membership structure to its economic and political standing. At times, she even shared a few interesting anecdotes.

The Spirit Pagoda headquarters was located in Shrek City. As the tallest building on the entire continent, its towering spire could already be faintly seen through the train windows before the train had even entered Shrek City's boundaries.

As the train entered Shrek City, the hazy tower gradually came into focus. The majestic structure gleamed with a faint silver radiance. "Towering into the clouds" was not merely a figure of speech—the upper section of the tower truly pierced the mist like a sharp sword.

"Dear passengers, Shrek Station has arrived. Passengers disembarking, please take your luggage and leave the train in an orderly manner."

As the announcement sounded, the train slowly pulled into Shrek City Train Station.

Holding one of each child's hands, Leng Yaozhu led them out of the platform. Spirit Pagoda personnel had already been waiting outside to receive them. The three got into a Soul Guiding Automobile prepared by the Spirit Pagoda and left the station for the Spirit Pagoda.

Shrek City truly deserved its title as the continent's largest city. Soul Guiding Automobiles and Soul Tool Buses flowed endlessly along the streets, while pedestrians packed the roads shoulder to shoulder. Commercial buildings stood in dense rows on both sides of the streets, far beyond anything Eastsea City could compare to.

The Soul Guiding Automobile was fast, and before long, they arrived at the Spirit Pagoda parking lot. Only when they stood beneath the Spirit Pagoda could they truly appreciate the grandeur of the building before them.

Under Leng Yaozhu's guidance, An Ping and Gu Yuena headed toward the Spirit Pagoda headquarters. When they passed the identity verification area, Leng Yaozhu said something to the staff, then led the two of them inside.

As they walked, Leng Yaozhu said, "You've been on the train for so long. You must both be tired. I'll arrange accommodations for you first, so you can get a good night's rest. We'll discuss everything else tomorrow."

She took them by elevator to one of the floors and arranged rooms for An Ping and Gu Yuena. After telling them not to wander around, Leng Yaozhu left.

After such a long train ride, An Ping and Gu Yuena did not talk much. They wished each other good night, then each went to their own room to wash up and rest.

Early the next morning, Leng Yaozhu took them to breakfast, then gave them a brief tour of some of the Spirit Pagoda's facilities. Every staff member they encountered along the way treated her with great respect.

After touring the Spirit Pagoda, Leng Yaozhu brought them to her office. The three sat facing one another. After spending this time together, Leng Yaozhu had gained a general understanding of An Ping and Gu Yuena.

Looking at the two across from her, Leng Yaozhu said gently, "I already told you about the general situation of the Spirit Pagoda on the train. Today, I also showed you around the Spirit Pagoda headquarters, so I believe you now have a basic understanding of it. I am now formally inviting you to join the Spirit Pagoda. What do you think?"

An Ping asked somewhat puzzledly, "Didn't we already sign an agreement back in Eastsea City?"

Hearing An Ping's question, Leng Yaozhu smiled. "You mean that? That agreement only applied to the Eastsea City branch of the Spirit Pagoda. What I'm talking about is the entire Spirit Pagoda organization."

"So that's how it is? I don't have any objections." An Ping nodded.

Seeing An Ping agree, Leng Yaozhu looked at Gu Yuena. "What about you, little girl?"

Gu Yuena said, "I don't have any objections either."

"Since neither of you objects, sign these." As she spoke, she took out two contracts and flicked her wrist. They landed squarely in front of the two of them. "I'll handle the remaining procedures for you. From now on, you'll be Junior Spirit Receivers of the Spirit Pagoda. If you want to advance in rank, you'll need to make contributions to the Spirit Pagoda."

The new contracts were much thicker than the ones they had signed in Eastsea City. An Ping picked one up and flipped through it. The general contents still concerned benefits and obligations. The benefits were far more generous, while the obligations had not increased much compared with before.

An Ping did not think too much about it. He picked up a pen and signed his name. Gu Yuena also casually flipped through hers before signing her name.

Seeing them sign, Leng Yaozhu said, "Because of your age, you won't have any mandatory assignments before you come of age. Your main priority right now is improving your own strength. Training related to being Spirit Receivers will only take place during your holidays, and it won't take up too much of your time."

After pausing for a moment, she added, "For the time being, you can stay with me and cultivate. I'll help you become familiar with the Spirit Pagoda as quickly as possible. This afternoon, I'll take you for physical tests so that we can formulate cultivation plans."

"Thank you, Your Excellency Heavenly Phoenix," An Ping and Gu Yuena said in unison.

Soon, it was afternoon. Leng Yaozhu brought them to a room filled with instruments. Even from their outward appearance, the various machines were clearly far more advanced than those at Eastsea Academy.

After testing their Body Strength and Spiritual Power, Leng Yaozhu looked at the final data and could not help marveling at their talent. "You are the most talented children your age that I have ever seen. Based on the data, you can each withstand two two-thousand-year Soul Rings right now. I'll arrange for someone to take you into the Spirit Ascension Platform later to elevate your spirits."

Hearing Leng Yaozhu's words, both of them nodded.

The days that followed became much simpler. Every day, apart from entering the Spirit Ascension Platform, they underwent a series of studies arranged by Leng Yaozhu.

Among them, An Ping and Gu Yuena were most interested in Artificial Spirit Soul technology and knowledge related to the Spirit Ascension Platform. Seeing that they were more interested in those subjects, Leng Yaozhu was happy to encourage it.

More than twenty days passed quickly. Aside from raising both Soul Rings to the two-thousand-year level, An Ping and Gu Yuena had also gained a deeper understanding of Artificial Spirit Souls and the Spirit Ascension Platform.

One day, Leng Yaozhu summoned the two of them to her office. "You've been here for nearly a month now. I've seen all of your hard work. Would you be willing to take me as your master?"

Take her as their master? Hearing that Leng Yaozhu wanted to accept them as disciples, An Ping and Gu Yuena exchanged a glance, then both nodded. At the same time, they bowed and said, "We are willing. Greetings, Master."

"Good, good, good. From now on, you are disciples of me, Leng Yaozhu." Leng Yaozhu nodded in satisfaction. "The start of school is not far away. Remember to pack your things when you return today. Tomorrow, I'll send you back to Eastsea City."

Gu Yuena asked, "Master, what about our future studies related to the Spirit Pagoda?"

Leng Yaozhu said, "Originally, I hoped you could properly enjoy academy life. After all, at your age, campus life is the most wonderful time. Since you brought it up, I'll instruct the person in charge of the East Sea Spirit Receiving Pagoda to grant you the necessary access for your studies related to the Spirit Pagoda."