The evening after another calm and eventful day at Shrek Academy was quiet. Outside the academic buildings, the sunset slowly faded, painting the sky in soft hues of orange and pink. Inside, however, in the spacious common room, tired from training but pleased with Fu Huang's first successes in alchemical endeavors, the academy's young "monsters" gathered. Each enjoyed their well-deserved rest after a hearty dinner spent discussing past events and future plans. Lazy sighs and muffled voices filled the air; everyone was engrossed in their own thoughts or a leisurely conversation with a close comrade.
Unexpectedly, the door swung open, letting in the evening coolness and the figure of Director Flender. His usually stern face was now spread in a wide smile, and his eyes radiated genuine pride, like two bright lanterns in the room's twilight. In his hands, he carefully carried a thick leather coin pouch, which looked suspiciously heavy and made a quiet, teasing rustle with his every movement.
"My dear students!" he announced solemnly, attracting all eyes. His voice, usually sounding like a strict reprimand, was now filled with warmth and triumph. "I have excellent news for you! Thanks to your tireless efforts, your growing mastery, and the glory that you, like bright stars, bring to our humble but resilient academy, our long-standing and, I must admit, very modest investments in worldly affairs... oh, a miracle of miracles! – have brought simply fantastic income! Over the past ten months, we have not only maintained our position in this changing world, like the roots of an old tree, but also, imagine, have become the happy owners of three more very profitable hotels located in the picturesque surroundings of our beloved Shrek!"
He proudly shook the coin pouch, and golden coins peeked out from its slightly open top, casting faint but promising glints into the twilight of the room.
"Now, as a wise and responsible director, I consider it my duty to share this success with you, my dear students! Know that Shrek Academy is thriving, and your needs will always be my priority! We will direct these funds towards improving learning conditions, acquiring new training equipment, and, of course... supporting your personal projects and initiatives!"
Fu Huang, who until this moment had been quietly conversing with the dreamy Yue, whose ruby eyes often wandered into the world of her own fantasies, took advantage of the general excitement. She carefully took a rolled parchment from the inner pocket of her travel bag; its edges were slightly yellowed with time, and addressed the still beaming Flender:
"Master, since the academy now has such good financial opportunities... I would like to ask you to allocate funds for one project."
Flender, still radiating joy from the unexpected financial success, looked curiously at the parchment in her hands, his eyebrows slightly raised in anticipation.
"A project? What project, Fu Huang? What is stirring in your inquisitive mind this time?"
Fu Huang unrolled the blueprint, displaying a complex scheme dotted with many fine details, thin lines, and technical symbols understandable only to initiates.
"This is my father's development," she explained in an even voice that held quiet pride. "He called it a spiritual catcher. According to his design, this device could concentrate spiritual energy in a specific area, creating a more favorable environment for our training and spiritual development, similar to how a lens focuses sunlight. Unfortunately, he did not manage to complete his work and bring this idea to life, and only this blueprint remained after him."
Flender carefully studied the scheme, frowning, trying to make sense of the abundance of unfamiliar details and intricate connections.
"Hmm... looks quite complex," he muttered, stroking his neat beard. "And what will you need to create it, young alchemist? What materials and tools will be necessary for this blueprint to gain flesh and blood?"
"I will need various materials, some of which might be quite rare and, accordingly, expensive, as well as certain specialized mechanisms and tools for the precise assembly of all components," Fu Huang explained, trying to speak clearly and to the point. "I believe this could significantly improve the academy's training conditions in the long term, repeatedly increasing the effectiveness of our training and accelerating our spiritual development."
Flender thought, stroking his beard; his gaze darted between the promising coin pouch and the complex blueprint in Fu Huang's hands. His love for money clearly wrestled with his desire to support a talented student and his vision for the academy's prosperity.
"A spiritual catcher, you say... Concentration of spiritual energy... Hmm... Are you sure it will definitely work? That it's not just a beautiful, but unattainable idea? And what is the approximate cost of this ambitious project? I fear our suddenly acquired wealth might evaporate like morning fog under the sun's rays."
"I will be able to name the exact cost after a more detailed study of the blueprint and determining the availability and market price of the necessary materials," Fu Huang replied, maintaining her calm and confidence. "But I am convinced, Master, that this is a worthwhile investment in the academy's future. You yourself said that the students' prosperity is your priority."
Flender sighed, casting another glance at the thick coin pouch, then looked back at Fu Huang's determined face.
"Alright, Fu Huang," he finally said, yielding to the pressure of his fatherly feeling for his students and anticipating the academy's potential glory. "Provide me with a detailed list of all necessary materials and a detailed cost estimate. If you can convince me of the feasibility of this... invention, I am willing to allocate funds. But remember, no extravagance! Every coin spent must be justified and bring benefit to the academy!"
Fu Huang nodded gratefully.
"Thank you, Master. I will prepare a detailed report shortly. Tang San," she addressed the young man sitting nearby, "could you take a look at this blueprint? Your experience with mechanisms and hidden devices could be very useful for understanding some technical aspects."
Tang San took the extended parchment with interest, and the evening smoothly transitioned into a lively discussion of the ambitious and mysterious spiritual catcher project.
A month later, Shrek Academy's laboratory was transformed beyond recognition. The spacious room, previously used for general alchemy classes, now resembled more a mad inventor's workshop or a secret abode of an ancient mage. Everywhere were piles of wires, shiny crystals of various shapes and sizes, strange flasks filled with bubbling liquids of unnatural colors, and metallic parts covered with complex engravings. The air was saturated with thick, mixed aromas of herbs, minerals, and a faint smell of ozone, arising from working with concentrated spiritual energy. The rhythmic clang of a hammer, coming from the far corner where Tang San, with a focused look, tinkered over another mechanical node, interspersed with the quiet rustle of parchment scrolls covered with neat rows of formulas and detailed blueprints, which Fu Huang constantly studied, bending over them in the light of a flickering alchemical burner. Next to her, on a small table, Yue carefully sorted rare minerals, her ruby eyes attentively watching every movement of her older sister, ready at any moment to hand over the needed ingredient or tool.
Fu Huang spent most of her time in the laboratory, often staying late when the whole academy was plunged into silence. She tirelessly experimented, trying to unravel the mystery of the "hearts of ether" and find alchemical compounds capable of providing equally effective conductivity and stability of spiritual energy. She scrupulously mixed the rarest herbs, ground exotic minerals into fine powder, trying to capture that elusive resonant frequency or create an alloy possessing the necessary properties. The results of her work were varied: some compositions glowed faintly, others caused short-term energy surges, but none possessed the stability and power that, according to her father's notes, were inherent in the original components. A pensive expression appeared more and more often on her usually calm face, and her brow furrowed with tension and fatigue.
In another corner of the laboratory, bending over a massive wooden workbench, Tang San, like a skilled craftsman creating a masterpiece, concentratedly worked on the mechanical nodes of the future spiritual catcher. He carefully selected and processed various metals, tested the strength of connections and the precision of moving parts. His deep knowledge in forging and creating hidden weapons helped him find unconventional solutions, adapting his skills to a completely new task – creating a mechanism capable of interacting with invisible streams of spiritual energy. The rhythmic clang of his hammer echoed through the laboratory, and complex details, resembling parts of an ancient clock mechanism but intended for completely different purposes, gradually emerged from under his skilled hands.
Yue, whose connection to the world of spiritual energy was almost intuitive, often offered unexpected ideas based on her deep understanding of nature and its mysterious forces. She spent a lot of time studying the energy meridians of rare spiritual plants growing on the academy grounds, trying to understand the principles of their interaction with the surrounding energy, and looked for analogies in the structure of the bodies of powerful spirit beasts capable of easily controlling energy flows. Her insights, although not always supported by strict scientific reasoning, often illuminated their work with new, promising directions that they had not paid attention to before.
Despite their diligence and devoted labor, a month of painstaking work did not bring the desired breakthrough in finding ideal substitutes for the key components. It became increasingly obvious that the "hearts of ether" possessed unique, possibly even magical properties, and replacing them would require either incredibly rare materials, which possibly resided in the most remote and dangerous corners of the continent, or knowledge lost in the depths of centuries and accessible only in ancient, forgotten treatises. Disappointment began to creep up on them, like an unwelcome guest, but their common goal and unwavering support for each other did not allow them to give up and surrender.
Seeing their growing despondency and realizing that without access to rare materials, their progress had stalled, Flender, after much thought and internal hesitation, finally decided to allocate a significant sum from the academy's treasury for a trip to a large auction that was to take place in the prosperous trading city of Suoto. He reasoned that it was there, in this bustling atmosphere of trade, among rich collectors, influential merchants, and adventurers from all over the continent, that the artifact or rare ingredient they needed might accidentally appear, capable of moving their research from a standstill.
Tang San also saw a hidden opportunity in this trip. His own research in the field of creating more perfect and deadly hidden weapons had encountered the problem of lacking suitable alloys and metals with special properties capable of withstanding high loads and maintaining the sharpness of blades for a long time. He hoped that at the auction he could find not only the necessary materials for Fu Huang's ambitious project but also, perhaps, inspiration or new ideas for his own developments, which he had temporarily put aside due to working on the spiritual catcher.
A few days later, a small group of travelers, trying not to attract unnecessary attention in an unfamiliar city, arrived in the noisy and crowded Suoto. Fu Huang, Tang San, and the young Yue, accompanied by the vigilant Xiao Wu, whose dark eyes examined the unfamiliar streets, bright shop signs, and motley crowd of townspeople with lively curiosity, mingled with the bustling flow of people heading towards a large, majestic building adorned with many banners and signs – the Suoto Auction House. The atmosphere in the city buzzed with anticipation of the upcoming auctions, like a huge boiling cauldron filled with rumors of the rarest artifacts, fabulous treasures, and profitable deals that were about to take place.
At the massive, iron-bound doors of the auction house, they were stopped by an imposing guard in shining armor, whose eyes, like sharp blades, scanned their modest travel clothes, showing neither wealth nor high status.
"Your invitations, esteemed guests?" he asked with a hint of doubt and slight disdain in his voice, which sounded like the creak of an old, rusty door.
"We have come to acquire some rare components," Fu Huang replied calmly, her voice even and confident, betraying neither nervousness nor irritation.
The guard looked them over carefully again from head to toe, noticing neither the gleam of jewels nor family crests on their simple clothes. His skepticism only increased.
"The entry fee for those who do not have a personal invitation from the respected organizers of the auction is fifty thousand gold coins," he declared unceremoniously, crossing his arms over his chest. "Our auction is not a place for casual passersby and paupers. If you do not possess such an impressive sum, I strongly urge you to leave this esteemed establishment and not delay other visitors."
Fu Huang silently took out several small, but elegant bank cards from her belt; their surface shimmered with fine gold embossing, testifying to their high denomination. Each of these cards guaranteed a substantial sum – a million gold coins – in its account. Seeing the impressive glint of gold and realizing the true wealth of these modestly dressed visitors, the guard's face instantly changed. His stern expression was replaced by a subservient smile, and with a deep bow, he let them inside, mumbling apologies like learned prayers and wishing them successful purchases.
Moving to a less crowded spot in the spacious hall of the auction house, Fu Huang took out four skillfully carved masks made of dark, smooth leather from a small purse and handed them to Yue, Tang San, and Xiao Wu.
"In such a whirlwind of passions and greed, it's better to remain unnoticed," she explained quietly, as if sharing an ancient secret. "Too many curious and greedy eyes are watching every movement, every potential buyer. Our main goal is to obtain certain materials for creating a cascade lens, primarily rare crystals capable of effectively absorbing and reliably storing spiritual energy, like precious pearls in the shells of the sea depths, as well as a special conductor for this concentrated force, like a riverbed guiding a powerful flow of water. Let's not forget about strong materials for reinforcing the entire structure of the catcher, so it can withstand a powerful energy flow, like an impregnable rock resisting a storm, and, perhaps most importantly, a reliable protective shell capable of absorbing excess, uncontrolled energy, like a bottomless abyss, preventing possible destruction."
Gradually, the huge auction hall filled with people. Rich merchants in luxurious clothes, arrogant heirs of noble families, avid gamblers craving rare acquisitions, and simply curious onlookers mingled in a noisy, motley crowd. Using masks was common here, allowing bidders to hide their faces and true intentions.
But, unfortunately, the first few hours of the auction proved to be practically useless for them. Most of the lots presented were nothing more than expensive trinkets unrelated to their search. Only occasionally among this glittering junk were items that could be of even remote interest for their research.
Soon, a masterfully crafted combat mechanism was brought onto the platform, made of gleaming blued steel and adorned with complex, almost imperceptible engravings which, nonetheless, testified to the blacksmith's highest level of skill. Its design was striking in its ingenuity and hidden lethal potential. Various cleverly placed levers, miniature gears, and barely visible slits concealing sharp blades indicated that this was not merely a weapon, but a true work of art. Tang San, observing the presented lot, could not suppress a barely noticeable, but prideful sigh. His eyes, usually hidden behind the mask, gleamed for a moment with professional interest and secret satisfaction, as it was his own invention, the fruit of long nights spent over blueprints and in the workshop. He watched with particular attention the audience's reaction to his creation, observing how connoisseurs and experts of weapons examined it with genuine interest.
Ning Fengzhi, watching the auction from the VIP box, also showed noticeable interest in this lot. His usually calm face expressed a clear desire to acquire this unique specimen of engineering thought, striking in its originality and potential combat power. After lively bidding, in which several rich collectors, representatives of influential military clans, and even secret agents of various organizations participated, Ning Fengzhi, demonstrating his financial power and resolve, outbid everyone and acquired the desired combat mechanism for a very impressive sum, causing slight disappointment among other contenders.
"And now, ladies and gentlemen," the auctioneer once again drew attention, his voice filled with special enthusiasm, anticipating interest in the next lot, "we present to you truly unique decorative, yet at the same time unusually captivating crystals, mined in the deep, legend-shrouded caves of the mysterious Star Dou Forest!" He solemnly demonstrated several shimmering stones that radiated a soft, mesmerizing inner glow, as if tiny stars burned in their depths. "Their unique feature is a gentle, but persistent luminescence in the night! There are over thirty specimens of these wonderful crystals available, each possessing its own unique shape and hue!"
This time, the eyes of Fu Huang and Yue lit up with genuine interest. They already had similar crystals, collected during their numerous journeys across the continent, but these differed in their particular purity of color and unusual intensity of internal light, as if they were filled with the very soul of the night. After lively bidding, in which many lovers of beauty, collectors of rare minerals, and even some mages who felt a hidden power in these crystals participated, all thirty crystals were hammered down at an average price of two thousand five hundred gold coins per piece. Several of these beautiful stones went to Fu Huang and Yue, replenishing their collection of valuable materials for future research.
Thus, their visit to the auction had already brought certain results. They acquired valuable meteor iron, which could become the basis for creating an effective energy conductor in the spiritual catcher, and several glowing crystals that could be useful in their future alchemical experiments and magical developments. Moreover, Tang San felt a sense of satisfaction from selling his invention to such an influential person as Ning Fengzhi.
But the next lot caused a wave of icy revulsion in Fu Huang, Tang San, and Yue, sharply contrasting with the excited whispers of the nobility and merchants anticipating profitable deals. A group of young slaves was brought onto the platform. Their emaciated bodies bore clear signs of cruel treatment and inhumane labor, and their dull eyes expressed only deep hopelessness and resignation to their terrible fate. A heavy atmosphere of injustice and human cruelty thickened in the air, resonating with painful echo in the sensitive hearts of the young heroes.
When the auctioneer began calling for bids on the unfortunate ones, offering them like ordinary goods, Ning Fengzhi, observing what was happening from the VIP box, unexpectedly raised his hand, interrupting the excitement that filled the hall and causing puzzled glances from many present.
"Fifty thousand gold!"
His unexpected bid momentarily silenced the hall. The slave trader standing next to the slaves looked up in surprise, not expecting such a generous offer from such a respected and influential man.
"Lord Ning?" his uncertain voice sounded.
"Sixty thousand!" Ning said commandingly, not taking his eyes off the exhausted slaves. "Seventy-five! One hundred thousand!"
He continued methodically increasing the price, outbidding the rare and hesitant bids of other participants, until the remaining buyers, looking at each other in bewilderment and shrugging, gave up the fight, not understanding the true motives of such a generous expenditure on such a large lot of slaves. When the last unfortunate one was sold for an exorbitant sum, Ning Fengzhi rose from his seat and headed to the platform.
Approaching the slaves bound in chains, he cast a watchful gaze upon them, filled with sincere sympathy and compassion, and said loudly enough for Fu Huang and her friends to hear:
"Do not fear, unfortunates. I have bought you out not for you to continue suffering and tormenting yourselves. I will find you decent work, where your labor will be valued appropriately, and after some time, if you prove yourselves diligent and honest, you will gain long-awaited freedom and be able to start a new life. No one will harm you again."
Then, turning to Fu Huang, Tang San, and Yue, who were observing this unusual scene with interest and surprise, Ning Fengzhi approached their table and, removing his skillfully crafted mask, bowed courteously.
"Allow me to introduce myself. Ning Fengzhi."
"Patriarch of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect," Fu Huang nodded reservedly, a subtle respect for this noble act appearing in her eyes.
Ning Fengzhi surveyed their faces, carefully studying their reaction to his words and actions.
"Today we witnessed... an act of true mercy and a shameful, disgusting trade in human lives, did we not? Your aversion to the latter was quite eloquent. This is worthy of deep respect. There is already too much darkness and injustice in the world, and only by uniting our efforts, only by reaching out to help each other, can we hope to dispel at least part of this grim veil. If you ever feel that your ideals resonate with our modest endeavors... the doors of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect are always open to talented and compassionate people like you. We sincerely value kindness, justice, and the unwavering desire to help those who are weak and defenseless."
He paused slightly, his gaze lingering for a moment on Tang San's right hand, where the outline of skillfully hidden weapons was discernible beneath the simple sleeve. A fleeting understanding and approval of the young man's mastery flickered in the patriarch's eyes.
"Especially for those whose unique skills can bring tangible benefit not only to themselves but also to those who desperately need protection and some form of justice. Your talents, young man, can become a true blessing for many."
Then his gaze returned to Fu Huang. In his perceptive eyes, there seemed to be an unspoken question, an attempt to understand the true motives of this young but so determined girl and the purpose of her interest in rare and valuable materials.
"Young lady," he said with a slight, barely noticeable smile, "your persistence in acquiring that rare meteor iron was quite remarkable. Such a valuable material is surely intended for some important purpose. If you ever need assistance in processing or using it, do not hesitate to reach out to us. The masters of our sect possess extensive knowledge and experience in blacksmithing and working with rare metals. We will be happy if we can be useful to you in your endeavors."
Fu Huang, maintaining a polite but reserved expression on her face, slightly inclined her head in gratitude. No particular enthusiasm was reflected in her eyes, but she understood the importance of maintaining good relations with such an influential person.
"Thank you for such a generous offer, Patriarch Ning. We will definitely take it into consideration if such a need arises. Your willingness to help is quite valuable."
Yue, standing next to Fu Huang, looked at Ning Fengzhi with open curiosity. Unlike her reserved and sensible older sister, her large ruby eyes showed genuine admiration for his noble act at the auction. She felt the aura of strength and kindness emanating from him, which evoked a sense of respect and sympathy in her young heart.
Tang San remained silent, his gaze focused on the Patriarch of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. His sharp mind, accustomed to analyzing every detail, tried to unravel the hidden motives of this influential person. The offer of help seemed very tempting, but Tang San was always cautious and distrustful, preferring to carefully weigh all possible consequences before accepting anyone's help or forming an alliance.
Ning Fengzhi seemed to sense their reserve and caution. He nodded understandingly; his smile became slightly warmer and more sincere.
"I do not insist, young friends. I merely wanted to express my readiness to help if such a need arises. Just know that the doors of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect are always open to those who strive for justice and kindness. And now, please excuse me, those who have gained long-awaited hope for a new life today are waiting for me."
With these words, he courteously bowed to them and headed towards the group of freed slaves, surrounding them with care and attention, calming their agitated hearts and promising them a better future.
Fu Huang, Tang San, and Yue watched this scene in silence for some time, each lost in their thoughts and impressions from the meeting with the patriarch of an influential sect. Ning Fengzhi's action at the auction and his subsequent words gave them food for thought and sowed the seeds of possible future interaction.
After Ning Fengzhi had departed, Fu Huang, Tang San, and Yue exchanged meaningful glances. The meeting with the patriarch of the influential Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect left each of them with their own thoughts and impressions. Ning Fengzhi's action at the auction, his sincere sympathy for the slaves, and the unexpected offer of help made them ponder his true intentions and whether their paths might cross in the future.
Despite the fatigue after a tense day filled with bidding and unexpected encounters, hope settled in their hearts. They had acquired valuable meteor iron and useful crystals, which was an important step towards creating the spiritual catcher. Returning to Shrek Academy now seemed even more promising, as they held the keys to new research and experiments.
With these thoughts, they left the noisy auction hall, carrying with them not only valuable acquisitions but also food for thought about the complex and multifaceted world in which they were destined to live and fight for their ideals.