Seeing that it was Gu Qingnian asking, the girl's expression shifted slightly, and she began explaining in detail:
"This must be your first time attending the Treasure Appraisal Fair. Here is how it works: the Treasure Gathering Pavilion sets different credit limits according to each honored guest's individual circumstances.
"Our assessment takes into account your current cultivation, age, Soul Master rank, and other factors. Please rest assured that the Treasure Gathering Pavilion will strictly protect your confidentiality and never disclose your private information. Nor will we inquire into your family backgrounds or origins. We assess only your own abilities.
"We have a comprehensive set of confidentiality measures. Since this
"is your first visit, I suggest you undergo an assessment first. That will establish your credit limits, so you will know where you stand when purchasing items at our Treasure Appraisal Fair. If you wish, I can take you there now."
Gu Qingnian and the other two exchanged glances. He nodded and said, "All right. Sorry for the trouble, but please take us for an assessment first." ...
Meanwhile, on the mysterious island at the very center of Shrek Academy, an extraordinary scene unfolded.
A group had gathered before an old man. Most were middle-aged, and there were ten of them in all, standing respectfully to one side. Only the old man rested lightly against the towering tree.
The group stood in two camps, each taking the same position as at the previous meeting. This time, however, they were outdoors and had no chairs.
Somewhat puzzled, Xuan Zi asked the old man, "Mu En, did you call us back so urgently because there is some pressing matter to discuss?"
As he asked, Yan Shaozhe and the others also looked curiously at Mu En.
Mu En coughed once and said evenly, "I