Morning.
Notting Academy, back mountain.
The so-called back mountain wasn't within Notting Academy itself but was a small hill outside the academy, in a very secluded location, perfect for Zhou Chen to hide.
Ever since the Spirit Hall and Xingluo Empire started hunting him, Zhou Chen and Old Jack had been living in seclusion on the back mountain.
Returning to their old residence was out of the question since all the major powers had thoroughly searched it. Zhou Chen initially thought of leaving Notting City for another city, but being unfamiliar with other places would make him even more exposed.
Staying in Notting City was safer since the academy's principal, Max, was his ally. With Max's cover, it was surprisingly secure.
Moreover, as the saying goes, "The greatest hiding is in the city," Spirit Hall would never expect Zhou Chen to still dare to stay in Notting City!
At this moment, on the mountaintop of the back mountain.
Inside a newly built wooden house, Zhou Chen opened a large black box.
Inside the box were thirty thousand gold soul coins.
These coins came from Zhou Chen's subordinates, Max and Xiao Chenyu.
Max contributed nine thousand gold soul coins, while Xiao Chenyu, being the only son of the Notting City lord, brought in twenty-one thousand gold soul coins.
"System, it's up to you."
Before he finished speaking, a bright light surged from Zhou Chen's palm, instantly absorbing the thirty thousand gold soul coins.
"Ding... Received thirty thousand gold soul coins, converted to thirty thousand gold yuan points. Please check."
"Let's draw the lottery, two times."
"Ding... Processing."
"Ding... Deducting twenty thousand gold yuan points for two draws."
In an instant, a colorful wheel appeared in Zhou Chen's mind, with only the "Pill" section lit, while the other categories were dim, spinning continuously...
"Ding... Extracted [Pill] category reward, Three-patterned Pure Spirit Pill—This pill is from the world of 'Battle Through the Heavens,' a fourth-grade pill. When consumed by a Dou Grandmaster, it can temporarily boost strength by three stars!"
"Ding... Extracted [Pill] category reward, Weather Pill—This pill is from the 'Battle Through the Heavens' world, a fourth-grade pill. When consumed by a Dou Fighter, it can quickly enhance strength and improve the user's cultivation talent."
"Something from the 'Battle Through the Heavens' world..."
After pondering for a moment, Zhou Chen asked, "System, what are the corresponding levels for Dou Fighters and Dou Grandmasters in the Douluo world?"
"Ding... Dou Fighters correspond to level 10-20 soul masters, and Dou Grandmasters correspond to level 40-50 soul elders," the system, pleased after receiving payment, promptly explained.
"Oh, I see."
Zhou Chen raised an eyebrow.
These two pills were of no use to him. Firstly, the levels didn't match; secondly, Zhou Chen didn't need to boost his soul power right now; he needed soul rings!
Therefore, these pills would be better used on his subordinates to cultivate the soul master force of Ziwei Palace.
Currently, Zhou Chen's Ziwei Palace consisted of four people: Yu Xiaogang, Max, Xiao Chenyu, and himself.
Max was a level 42 soul elder, just right for the Three-patterned Pure Spirit Pill.
Xiao Chenyu was an 11th-level soul master, only twelve years old, making the Weather Pill perfect for enhancing his strength and refining his cultivation talent.
Historically, to govern subordinates, one must wield both sticks and carrots.
While Max and Xiao Chenyu had felt Zhou Chen's power and authority, they hadn't yet received his benevolence. Granting these two pills should earn their gratitude and loyalty.
Moreover, the gold soul coins for the lottery came from them.
With these thoughts, Zhou Chen left the wooden house and went to the neighboring room where Old Jack lived.
"Chen, come have some food."
Seeing Zhou Chen enter, Old Jack waved him over.
Old Jack and Tang San were sitting around a table, eating hotpot with fragrant sesame paste.
Seeing this, Zhou Chen's mouth twitched, and he said helplessly, "Hotpot for breakfast? Grandpa Jack, Little San, this will increase cholesterol and is unhealthy."
"What cholesterol? I don't understand. Chen, you're too cautious. With meat and vegetables, how can it be unhealthy?" Old Jack laughed, unconcerned.
Tang San, on the other hand, was too busy eating to even talk to Zhou Chen.
Watching them eat so heartily, Zhou Chen couldn't resist and joined them, grabbing a bowl and chopsticks to fish for meat in the hotpot.
Mmm, delicious!
After they finished eating, Zhou Chen wiped his mouth with a handkerchief and addressed his purpose for coming: "Grandpa Jack, please help me invite Principal Max; Tang San, go find Xiao Chenyu. I have something for them."
"Okay."
Old Jack nodded, and Tang San immediately left to find Xiao Chenyu.
Being cautious, Zhou Chen had been staying on the back mountain, avoiding leaving for fear of being discovered by Spirit Hall or Xingluo Empire spies.
Thus, he relied on Old Jack and Tang San for external communication...
Half an hour later, Xiao Chenyu and Max arrived, one after the other.
"Boss, just give the word, and I'll get it done."
Xiao Chenyu patted his chest, looking righteous and loyal.
Max also nodded and said, "I'll handle the affairs within the academy."
"It's good news."
Zhou Chen smiled and said, "As you know, Master Yu Xiaogang broke through level 30 because our family provided a precious pill. Since you are also under the Ziwei Palace and have helped me a lot, I won't favor one over the other."
"These are two different pills."
Zhou Chen extended his hands, and with a flash of light, two jade bottles appeared in his palms.
"Principal Max, this is the Three-patterned Pure Spirit Pill, made with countless precious resources by our family. After taking it, your soul power should increase by about three levels."
Hearing this, Max felt that his decision to join Zhou Chen was correct!
In just a month of joining Ziwei Palace, he received such a precious pill; it was worth the risk of offending Spirit Hall to cover for Zhou Chen.
Beside him, Xiao Chenyu, hearing that Max received such a great benefit, was also excited.
After all, there was another pill!
Sure enough, Zhou Chen turned to Xiao Chenyu and said warmly, "Yours is called the Weather Pill. It not only increases soul power but also improves your cultivation talent!"
"This..."
Hearing Zhou Chen's description, Xiao Chenyu's eyes lit up.
A pill that could improve cultivation talent was invaluable!
His decision to join Zhou Chen was indeed the right move! The Xiao family would undoubtedly prosper in the future!
Overwhelmed with excitement, Xiao Chenyu suddenly knelt on one knee and declared, "I am willing to go through fire and water for the Palace Master, without hesitation!"