Chapter 94: Enrollment

After returning to their residence, Zhang Shouzhen brewed a pot of tea and stood on the balcony, gazing into the distance. Meanwhile, Jiu’er cradled a bag of blood, taking a gentle bite and savoring it with her eyes half-closed in pure enjoyment.

Jiang Litian had only managed to procure some animal blood, but to Zhang’s surprise, Li Tagu’s subordinates maintained a private hospital with an extensive blood bank. No wonder they dared to keep zombie slaves. Having such a supply of blood was a tremendous boon for Jiu’er, as zombies relied on fresh blood to cultivate their powers. Only advanced zombies could afford to be indifferent to the craving for blood.

“Senior Brother, you need to be careful. I sense murderous intent from Zhong Zimo, and it’s directed at you. Have you provoked him?” Jiu’er asked softly from her seat on the hanging chair, having just taken a deep sip of blood.

Zhang Shouzhen shook his head. How could he have provoked anyone without cause? Sighing, he said, “It’s all because of you, little beauty Jiu’er. That fellow has taken a fancy to you, and since you and I are so close, naturally he targets me. But do you think I fear him?”

Jiu’er’s body trembled slightly; her eyes fixed resolutely on Zhang Shouzhen as she spoke with grave seriousness: “Senior Brother Shouzhen, rest assured, Jiu’er will not suffer losses. If that bastard dares to harm even a single hair on me, I won’t hesitate to see him wiped out to the last descendant.”

“You little rascal!” Zhang Shouzhen grinned broadly, then sat opposite her. Kongkong climbed onto his shoulder, eyeing his hair with some displeasure, scratching twice before giving up and curling up in his arms to sleep.

“Jiu’er, school starts tomorrow. If you find yourself alone anywhere on campus, do not wander about recklessly. There’s a deadly soul-seizing formation—the Nine Directions Ghost Array—set up by evil disciples. We can’t dismantle it yet because, as Tieniu informed me, the array’s core isn’t in the living world but in the ghost realm. Moreover, there might be three powerful vengeful spirits guarding it at the Yin Manifestation level. They disdain harming ordinary people, so as long as you stay among regular students, you should avoid being caught in the array.”

Zhang Shouzhen clicked his tongue softly. Jiang Litian was unaware of these things, but Tieniu had gathered this critical information. Zhang dared not reveal it widely; if the evil disciples learned of it, they would certainly change their tactics. Hence, he only confided in Jiu’er.

“I’m actually looking forward to entering the Nine Directions Ghost Array. Those evil disciples? I could burst their heads with just one finger,” Jiu’er said with a mischievous smile.

Zhang Shouzhen was speechless. Since becoming a zombie, Jiu’er’s demeanor had changed in many ways. He wondered what she might become in the future. Seeming to sense his doubts, Jiu’er tapped the tea table and smiled, “Senior Brother Shouzhen, rest assured, no matter what I become, I will never harm you.”

Early the next morning, Tieniu was already waiting respectfully outside with breakfast. Jiang Litian was startled when he opened the door.

“Kongkong can’t go to school with me. Senior Brother, please take him to the company,” Zhang Shouzhen said as he carried Kongkong out, looking refreshed from a good night’s sleep.

“To help the Protector Spirit Monkey grow better, I suggest leaving him with his master. After all, you visit your master every Saturday and Sunday. This is the outfit the tailor made for you, per your request. Try it on and see if it fits,” Tieniu said, handing Zhang a paper bag.

Since Kongkong was the Li family’s guardian spirit monkey, entrusting him to Li Tagu was a wise choice. Li knew how to nurture Kongkong properly. It was said that upon reaching maturity, the spirit monkey could transform into human form. After handing over Kongkong to Tieniu, Zhang happily changed clothes.

Kongkong cast a faint glance at Tieniu, his eyes glowing with a soft golden light. Tieniu turned pale and trembled, holding Kongkong reverently as if he were an ancestor.

Shortly after, Zhang emerged wearing a garment covered with numerous pockets—remarkably capacious—and a long, lightweight casual coat over it. The coat was thin, mainly to conceal the bulky inner outfit where most items were stored.

His trousers fit snugly and were elastic, with a special belt adorned with many small pouches for storage. Most notably, there was a short sword sheath for carrying a broken sword, and the coat’s overlay prevented any bulkiness.

Zhang was pleased. The right pockets were perfect for offensive talismans, while the left held auxiliary ones.

“Master, the enrollment procedures for you and Miss Jiu’er have been completed. Let’s depart now,” Tieniu said respectfully, gazing at Zhang.

“Shouzhen, remember, among the new students, besides disciples from the orthodox sect, there are also those from the evil faction. Be extra cautious,” Jiang Litian warned from the doorway, his heart troubled over sending his junior brother into danger.

“Don’t worry, Senior Brother,” Zhang Shouzhen waved him off and stepped into the elevator. Tieniu then drove the SUV toward the school.

Imperial Dragon High was a prestigious school located not in the city but in the suburbs, built atop a fully developed mountain. The area was safe, mostly occupied by private enterprises, with a clean, wide asphalt road leading straight to the school.

Zhang pressed his face against the car window, watching as streetlights appeared at intervals. Surprisingly, there was even a bus stop on the mountain.

The car sped along swiftly. The school entrance was less congested than expected. Vehicles were parked neatly, and several security guards directed traffic. Zhang even noticed armed paramilitary police stationed at the gate.

Imperial Dragon High’s students were either wealthy or noble, so the school arranged for such a security detail.

After parking, students began emerging one after another, heading toward the gate. Tieniu handed Zhang a folder and said, “Here is the school information. You’re in Class 1401 for freshmen, and Jiu’er is in Class 1405.”

“Why aren’t we in the same class?” Zhang asked, puzzled.

“I know you don’t like Zhong Zimo, so they placed Miss Jiu’er in another building. Zhong Zimo is in Class 01. I hope my master won’t mind,” Tieniu replied, wiping his brow nervously.

“It’s fine. Jiu’er, let’s go,” Zhang waved and entered the school with her, muttering, “Are they really that dense? Couldn't they put me in Class 05 too?”

But just as he stepped inside, he froze, suddenly looking up into the school grounds. His eyes gleamed with a faint blue light. Not far away, a dark green aura of resentment surged powerfully, almost staining the sky above that area a sickly green.

“What a potent vengeful energy. That must be the Nine Directions Ghost Array.”