Chapter 14

"Zhao Xuanzhen, let's go!"

At dawn, when the sky was just beginning to lighten, Zhao Xuanzhen’s door was pounded on with three sharp knocks; the girl’s clear, bright voice revealed her cheerful mood.

"Coming, coming!"

Zhao Xuanzhen opened the door, and his clear, ink-black eyes reflected the petite figure of Na’er, filled with a hint of resignation.

"It’s a vacation! How can you not be excited?!" Na’er crossed her arms, looking as if she couldn’t believe his lack of enthusiasm.

"We’ve trained hard for four years—rising before dawn and working past dusk, six and a half days of classes a week, learning a second profession, refining our Spirit Platforms, enduring brutal illusions… and now Cold Aunt is finally rewarding us with a vacation to Haicheng. You’ve got to get into it!"

"I spent half the night researching online—Haicheng is truly a seaside resort city, with sunshine, sandy beaches, ocean waves, and tons of local delicacies!"

Na’er, still her old food-obsessed self, couldn’t help swallowing as she thought of food, then turned her large silver eyes toward Zhao Xuanzhen with hopeful anticipation.

"By the way, look at me—do you notice anything different today?"

"Oh?"

Zhao Xuanzhen studied Na’er and easily spotted her changes—likely because of the trip, she had dressed up specially.

A pure white, waist-cinching skirt, white-gold crystal shoes, silver hair adorned with delicate ornaments—even Zhao Xuanzhen, accustomed to Na’er’s beauty, had to admit she looked extraordinarily beautiful today.

The Silver Dragon King’s half-form carried a natural, peerless beauty that no mortal could match; any sentient being seeing this girl would marvel at how biased God must be to create such beauty, rooted deep in her bloodline.

"Pretty, right?"

Na’er caught the surprise in Zhao Xuanzhen’s eyes and grew even more smug.

"Moderately attractive."

"Pfft! o(^｀)o"

Na’er sniffed, feigning aloofness—but a jester could never maintain a cold persona; she couldn’t hold it, and the upward curve of her lips betrayed her inner delight.

"Let’s go, go, go! Destination: Haicheng!"

Giving up the pretense, Na’er wrapped both arms around Zhao Xuanzhen’s and pulled him down to meet Cold Yaoju.

Cold Yaoju had sent them a Soul Tool message to meet at an open area. Zhao Xuanzhen and Na’er took the elevator out of the 108-story Spirit Tower and spotted a graceful, mature figure in the distance.

The Heaven Phoenix Douluo had changed into a black dress—time never fades beauty; her snow-white skin was delicate as if it could be pierced by a breath, her bearing elegant and dignified, her full, slender figure sculpted to perfection, where adding or subtracting even a fraction would ruin the harmony.

"Teacher! Cold Aunt!"

Both waved to Cold Yaoju, whose crimson phoenix eyes instantly brimmed with a smile.

"Cold Aunt, how are we getting to Haicheng? By Soul Train?" Na’er asked eagerly.

"Of course not," Cold Yaoju replied softly. "The Soul Train is too crowded and too slow. We have a better option."

With that, she clapped her hands, and a black streak descended from the sky.

A black phoenix-shaped metallic construct, with a wingspan exceeding thirty meters; Zhao Xuanzhen and Na’er looked up at the towering, majestic modern Soul Tool, and as Fourth-Rank Second Professions, they spoke in unison:

"Black-Class Mech?!"

"Black-Class Mech: Tianhuo Fenghuang," Cold Yaoju smiled faintly. "Get on. This mech is much faster than the Soul Train."

Tianhuo Fenghuang was the Black-Class mech Cold Yaoju had built herself in her youth; as her own power surged, the mech gradually fell behind her growth.

She had never considered upgrading Tianhuo Fenghuang—after all, even the top-tier Red-Class mechs were only equivalent to three-character Doukai, useless against the limits of a Four-Character Doukai Master.

So Cold Yaoju simply modified Tianhuo Fenghuang into a flying vehicle, adding two massive Soul-Forged metal turbines and a striking phoenix shell; for a time, this black mech became a symbol of the Heaven Phoenix Douluo.

The three boarded the Black-Class mech. Cold Yaoju sat alone in the front cockpit, acting as pilot for her two juniors, while Zhao Xuanzhen and Na’er enjoyed the luxurious interior of Tianhuo Fenghuang.

Tianhuo Fenghuang was enormous, a super-large mech, its interior space wider than a living room, with sofas and tea tables piled with snacks and drinks, the metal floor covered in a golden-red Flame Lion King fur rug that made no sound underfoot, warmth rising from the soles of their feet straight to the crown of their heads.

Tianhuo Fenghuang tore through the sky, its thrusters spewing crimson tail flames, carving a lasting furrow through the clouds; its takeoff roar sounded exactly like the cry of a phoenix reborn from fire.

"So comfortable~ I love vacations!"

Na’er lay on the sofa, grabbing a soft pillow and hugging it to her chest.

The flight from the Spirit Tower headquarters to Haicheng took several hours. Since this was a rare vacation, neither planned to cultivate during the journey; instead, they each opened their Soul Tool communicators and logged onto the Soul Net.

Zhao Xuanzhen usually only browsed news on the Soul Net, but Na’er dabbled in everything; she spotted a trending post and excitedly said:

"Zhao Xuanzhen, I found a new novel—come check it out!"

"You switched books again?"

Zhao Xuanzhen had already calmed all emotional fluctuations from last night and sat beside Na’er, his demeanor as still as a lake. "I remember your last one was The Comeback of the Useless Sanpao: Sacred Dragon Awakening."

"In my past life, I was Luo Sanpao, forever stuck below Soul Elder, despised by friends, mocked by enemies, and abandoned by my betrothed."

"I was reborn—this life, Luo Sanpao awakens as the Holy Light Dragon. I’ll reclaim everything I lost!"

Feeling as if her personal bio had just been read aloud, Na’er glared at Zhao Xuanzhen. "Useless-rebirth-revenge stories are outdated—this one’s a dual-strong sweet romance!"

Na’er held up her Soul Tool communicator and dramatically recited: "He is the Angelic God-King who controls heaven and earth—but he falls instantly in love with the Emperor Auspicious Beast!"

"That night, dark and stormy, he pinned her against the wall, smirked wickedly, and whispered in her ear: 'Be with me—I’ll give you my life!'"

"The Domineering Angel Falls for Me…"

Zhao Xuanzhen suddenly choked. Unlike Na’er, he couldn’t handle such earth-shattering plotlines!

Though his body looked like a child, his mental age was that of a seventeen-year-old genius high schooler!

"Don’t insult my taste!"

Na’er sensed the deep mockery in those seven words, angrily nudged Zhao Xuanzhen, then gazed dreamily: "Love is so beautiful. When I fall for someone, I’ll give them my life too!"

"Huh? Is your life that valuable?"

"…Never mind, Zhao Xuanzhen, your verbal attack power is too strong—I’m broken."

Na’er fell silent for a long while, staring at Zhao Xuanzhen with a complicated expression. This guy woke up every day with a sharp tongue—he never dared to even purse his lips, afraid he’d poison himself.

Na’er wasn’t the only one broken. Hearing Zhao Xuanzhen’s remark, Cold Yaoju in the front cockpit suffered a spiritual blow, secretly reflecting on her own painful past, and decisively decided that after the vacation, Zhao Xuanzhen’s cultivation tasks would be doubled.

Zhao Xuanzhen remained oblivious to having stabbed two lung lobes, continuing calmly: "I think you should keep your life and give him a hundred-thousand-year soul bone instead—doesn’t matter the attribute; modern Soul Masters aren’t picky."

"A hundred-thousand-year soul bone?!" Na’er leaned back. "Forget it—I can’t afford that. My monthly allowance is only three thousand Federal Coins."

"Hey, I found the most beautiful beach in Haicheng—let’s go swimming tomorrow morning!"

"Fine."

"Cold Aunt, come with us to the beach!"

The two enthusiastically discussed how to spend their vacation, then begged Cold Yaoju to join them. She initially declined politely, but after Zhao Xuanzhen persuaded her, she finally relented and agreed to accompany them.

Tianhuo Fenghuang flew through the clouds toward Haicheng. Due to Cold Yaoju’s exceptionally high clearance in the Dayue Federation, all city defense systems along the route granted them direct passage; they encountered no obstacles or attacks from Evil Soul Masters.

"Xuanzhen, Na’er, we’re entering Haicheng airspace," Cold Yaoju warned.

The two glanced out the window—Haicheng was drizzling, rain tracing winding trails, the metallic wings of Tianhuo Fenghuang misted with moisture.

Haicheng was one of the Eighteen Pillar Cities. Though far less prosperous than Shrek City, it was one of Dayue Federation’s key eastern cities, its streets spreading like veins across every corner.

"Look below—the Haicheng Spirit Tower seems to have laid out a red carpet for us," Zhao Xuanzhen chuckled.

Tianhuo Fenghuang dove through the sky toward the open ground beside the Haicheng Spirit Tower. The Spirit Tower staff had clearly been alerted—elite executives lined both sides, a stern-faced middle-aged man standing at the front to greet the noble figures aboard the black phoenix.

Like a true phoenix stretching its wings, Tianhuo Fenghuang’s tail-mounted thrusters spat fire, violently tearing through the rain clouds, its shadow engulfing the earth.

"Lord Tianfeng has arrived! Stay sharp, don’t embarrass us!"

The middle-aged man barked lowly—he was the Tower Master of Haicheng Spirit Tower, a former subordinate personally promoted by Cold Yaoju, now leading a formation of high-ranking executives to welcome her.

As Tianhuo Fenghuang landed, its reverse thrusters blasted searing light downward, drawing every eye of the Spirit Tower personnel. Given Cold Yaoju’s status and wealth, even her personal Black-Class mech was nearly the most expensive ever built below Red-Class; the cabin door opened, steam swirling, and three figures slowly stepped out.

The middle-aged man took a deep breath and bowed deeply: "Your servant, Lu Ming, Tower Master of Haicheng Spirit Tower, greets Lord Tianfeng!"

"It’s been a long time, Lu Ming," Cold Yaoju nodded slightly.

The Eighteen Pillar Tower Masters were effectively feudal lords within the Spirit Tower system. Lu Ming, personally appointed by her as Haicheng’s Tower Master, was one of the Phoenix Clan’s key supporters.

Under Lu Ming’s leadership, the Haicheng Spirit Tower not only provided standard services like Soul Spirits and Spirit Platforms, but also recruited talent for the Spirit Tower—or rather, the Phoenix Clan. The Elemental Master Gu Yue was one of his recommendations.

"I’m bringing my disciples to Haicheng for vacation, and I’ll also be evaluating that girl, Gu Yue," Cold Yaoju said bluntly. "Where is Gu Yue now?"

"Reporting to Lord Tianfeng, Gu Yue is a student in Class Zero of Haicheng Academy. Today, the Haicheng Spirit Platform has entered its Riot Period, so the academy sent Gu Yue and other students inside for training."

What? Gu Yue?

Na’er was stunned. Cold Yaoju had only mentioned a vacation—she hadn’t said a word about Gu Yue.

Could the world really be this small? They’d barely left the Spirit Tower headquarters, and already they were running into Gu Yue?

Hearing "Riot Period Spirit Platform," Zhao Xuanzhen’s eyes flashed—he locked onto a specific timeline: Tang Wulin had been enrolled for half a year, Class Zero had formed three months ago, final exams were approaching, and the Haicheng F4 were about to meet for the first time.

"Riot Period Spirit Platform…" Cold Yaoju murmured.

The Spirit Platform entered Riot Period twice a year, originally due to unstable energy. With technological advancement, it was now controlled and transformed into a special mechanism.

Once the Spirit Platform entered Riot Period, the number of Soul Beasts surged dramatically, becoming extremely active. Danger levels skyrocketed, but Soul Masters could kill more Soul Beasts to advance their Soul Rings.

"Xuanzhen, Na’er, enter the Riot Period Spirit Platform and test Gu Yue’s abilities. I’ll observe your actions from the monitoring room," Cold Yaoju said.

"Cold Aunt, we’re here on vacation… can’t we skip it?"

Na’er’s face twisted in distress.

It wasn’t fear. Having lived four years in the human world, Na’er had fully developed her humanity.

Back then, the Ten Thousand Demons King had failed to forcibly fuse with her due to the overwhelming strength in Shrek City. Now, as long as Na’er resisted, Gu Yue could never perfectly absorb the remaining three-tenths of her power.

Na’er wasn’t afraid of Gu Yue—but she didn’t want to see her again. Humanity and beast nature were inherently opposed.

"No."

Cold Yaoju’s tone was firm, leaving no room for argument. "Testing Gu Yue is only one task. You have a more important second task: kill the Level-One Spirit Platform Guardian of Haicheng."

"If you fail, tomorrow I’ll assign you deep-sea training."

Na’er instantly fell silent and obediently walked into the Haicheng Spirit Tower. Zhao Xuanzhen remained silent throughout—he understood Cold Yaoju well, and he sensed her hidden agenda.

Killing the Level-One Spirit Platform Guardian was more important… that hundred-year Dark Gold Terror Claw Bear?

Zhao Xuanzhen carefully weighed the possibilities. Then, under the personal guidance of Tower Master Lu Ming, they lay down inside a metal chamber.

Before entering, Lu Ming said gravely: "Unlike normal periods, the Riot Period allows teams to enter—you two will be teleported together."

"Beware the agitated Soul Beasts, and be alert for other Soul Masters entering the platform. Killing Riot Period Soul Beasts extends your Spirit Power absorption time by a hundredfold. Once you exit, any remaining Spirit Power will be siphoned off by nearby Soul Masters."

At this moment, humans are even more dangerous than soul beasts; plainly put, everyone outside your group are enemies to each other.

The light gradually faded, the scanner activated, and Zhao Xuanzhen and Naer were teleported to the Spirit Ascension Platform, leaving only Leng Yaoju and Lu Ming in the room.

“Lu Ming,” Leng Yaoju said coolly.

“Your servant is here.”

“Have you completed the task I entrusted to you?”

Hearing this, Lu Ming’s heart trembled as if it would shatter—those few treasures were exceedingly rare; to produce multiple at once would require even the Deputy Director of the Spirit Transmission Tower, the Heavenly Phoenix Douluo, to use indirect methods. He quickly bowed deeply and replied:

“Your servant strictly follows your command—the two soul beasts have been successfully deployed, replacing the hundred-year Dark Gold Claw Bear as the new guardians of the Eastern Sea City’s Level-One Spirit Ascension Platform.”

(End of Chapter)