Douluo:Peerless Tang Sect: Douluo of Peaceful Heaven

As expected, Zhu Ziyang officially became an Inner Court disciple.

Unlike the Outer Court, the Inner Court didn't use class divisions—only academic years mattered. Each student simply had to complete the required annual tasks to advance. The biggest difference was freedom. Except for mandatory academy events, students were free to spend their time however they chose.

"Teacher!"

Zhu Ziyang greeted Mu En respectfully.

"Mm. Now that you're in the Inner Court, just focus on your cultivation."

Mu En looked at him with satisfaction. "Spend every morning training Sovereign's Reign. As for your afternoons—do as you like."

"I understand, Teacher," Zhu Ziyang replied seriously.

"Good. Now go settle into your dorm."

Zhu Ziyang nodded and left to tidy his new room.

He didn't have much luggage—just his bedding, some clothes, and a sizable collection of books. He looked proudly at the full bookshelf by his bed. These books weren't just for reading—they cleverly concealed his Super Library, and most of them were modern works that hadn't yet been added to the archive. In that sense, they acted as a personal supplement to the vast knowledge already at his disposal.

After unpacking, he descended the Golden Ancient Tree. On the grassy clearing below, he found Xingcai sunbathing contentedly.

"Lord Ziyang, you're back!"

Xingcai perked up and ran to greet him, eyes sparkling with joy.

Zhu Ziyang smiled and reached out to pat her head.

"Looks like Senior Sister has been taking good care of you. You've grown taller again!"

"Really?" Xingcai's eyes lit up. "Mother said that growing taller means my strength is improving too. Hehe! I really like it here—the light element is so rich, even more than in the Star Dou Forest."

"I'm glad to hear that," Zhu Ziyang said warmly.

She had been living here for over two months now and had fully adapted. The aura of the Golden Ancient Tree suited her perfectly. He could sense that her cultivation had risen from 3,000 to 3,050 years—fifty years of progress in just two months. An astonishing pace that would leave most soul beasts envious.

After playing with Xingcai for a while, it was already midday, and Zhu Ziyang headed to the dining hall for lunch.

"Ziyang!"

Just as he reached the cafeteria doors, a familiar voice called out. He turned—and saw Zhang Lexuan approaching.

"Senior Sister! It's been a while!"

Zhu Ziyang smiled in surprise. This was the first time he'd seen her since returning from the Star Dou Forest. Her complexion still looked a bit pale—after all, damage to her life force and martial soul origin wasn't easily healed.

"Still not fully recovered?" he asked, concerned.

"I'm fine," she replied with a soft smile. "Elder Zhuang gave me a vial of Essence of Life. After taking it, my life force has mostly recovered. A little more rest, and my martial soul will be back to normal too."

"That's great news."

Zhu Ziyang was genuinely relieved. And clearly impressed—Shrek Academy's resources ran deeper than he'd imagined. Essence of Life? A miraculous elixir that could heal even the most severe internal damage? That "Elder Zhuang" must not be as simple as he seemed.

"Come on, lunch is on me," Zhang Lexuan offered with a smile.

"Really? I won't hold back then!"

Zhu Ziyang grinned.

The two entered the cafeteria together.

Not long after, a blond youth walked in, glanced around, and immediately lit up when he saw Zhang Lexuan. He walked over quickly.

"Senior Sister Lexuan… do you remember me?"

he asked, cheeks slightly flushed with nervousness.

Zhu Ziyang blinked in surprise.

Wait… this shy, awkward teen is… Dai Yueheng?!

He could hardly believe this bashful boy was the same confident, ferocious Soul King from earlier that morning.

"Ah, Dai Yueheng. Congratulations on passing the Inner Court exam!"

Zhang Lexuan smiled politely. "Want to join us?"

"Y-yes!"

Dai Yueheng blushed and nodded enthusiastically.

"Ziyang, this is Dai Yueheng," Zhang Lexuan introduced him as naturally as if they were strangers—causing a flicker of disappointment to cross Yueheng's face. But it only fueled his determination further.

"I know him," Zhu Ziyang said with a smile. "We took the exam together today."

"Hello, Junior Brother Zhu," Dai Yueheng greeted respectfully. Despite being older and stronger, he truly admired Zhu Ziyang's achievements.

"Hello, Senior Brother Dai," Ziyang replied cordially.

The three chatted as they ate—well, more accurately, Dai Yueheng tried to chat with Zhang Lexuan, while Ziyang watched with quiet amusement. It was fascinating to see such a proud and ferocious soul master turn completely bashful in front of someone he liked.

That afternoon.

Outside the Year Two, Class One classroom in the Outer Court.

Zhu Ziyang's return sparked instant excitement. Students swarmed around him, firing off questions—mostly about the Inner Court.

He smiled but offered no answers.

When news broke that he'd officially passed the Inner Court exam, the class was stunned—but not surprised. After all, this was Zhu Ziyang, the 12-year-old Soul Ancestor. If someone like him couldn't get in, what hope did they have?

After politely escaping his curious classmates, he took Jiang Nannan by the hand and left the building.

"Hey, Zhu Ziyang, you're amazing!"

Tang Ya and Bei Bei caught up with them, grinning.

"Can you at least tell us what's on the Inner Court exam?" Tang Ya asked eagerly. "We want to be ready too!"

"It's combat. What else could it be?"

Ziyang laughed.

"Ha! Told you, Tang Ya!"

Bei Bei turned smugly. "You didn't believe me!"

"Okay, okay, my bad~"

Tang Ya laughed awkwardly.

"Brother, are we going to Shrek City?"

Jiang Nannan asked curiously as she noticed they were heading off-campus.

"Yup," Zhu Ziyang nodded. "Senior Sister Lexuan told me there's a big auction today, hosted by Treasure Pavilion and five major merchant groups. I figured it'd be good for us to check it out—broaden our horizons."

"An auction?"

"Lexuan-jie??"

The two girls had very different reactions. Jiang Nannan was interested in the auction, while Tang Ya latched onto one word: Lexuan.

"You don't mean Bei Bei's Lexuan-jie, do you?" Tang Ya asked, face unreadable.

Bei Bei suddenly looked nervous.

He had no idea why Tang Ya always seemed a little… hostile toward Zhang Lexuan. They'd only met once!

Zhu Ziyang chuckled.

"Yeah, that Lexuan-jie."

But as he glanced at Bei Bei's pale face, a curious thought popped into his head.

Bei Bei and Zhang Lexuan were siblings. Zhang Lexuan was close to Mu En—more like granddaughter than disciple. That meant…

Could Bei Bei have some connection to Mu En too?

His curiosity stirred. He decided to ask Mu En about it later.

That evening, the auction hosted by Treasure Pavilion and the Five Great Merchant Guilds began as scheduled.

Zhu Ziyang, Jiang Nannan, Tang Ya, and Bei Bei entered the venue and immediately felt overwhelmed.

It was like a whole new world.

The bidders were beyond extravagant—throwing around tens or even hundreds of thousands of gold soul coins without blinking. It truly felt like money meant nothing to them.

For Zhu Ziyang and his friends, it was an eye-opening experience.