[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-douluo-the-dragon-king-s-taiji-xuanzhen":3,"chapter-douluo-the-dragon-king-s-taiji-xuanzhen-douluo-the-dragon-king-s-taiji-xuanzhen-chapter-19":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Douluo: The Dragon King's Taiji Xuanzhen",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2308587,4511,"Chapter 19: Braised Beef and Three Strokes per Second: A Letter to Mu Ye","douluo-the-dragon-king-s-taiji-xuanzhen-chapter-19",19,"\u003Cp>The Dark Gold Terrorclaw Bear and the Evil Eye Tyrant both died, leaving behind three outer-attached soul bones Kancheng  Blood River treasures.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In today’s era of the Long Wang legends, soul beasts are on the brink of extinction, and soul bones have become increasingly rare—let alone outer-attached soul bones, which in any era are national treasures, especially when seized by monstrous Soul Masters, equivalent to absorbing a ferocious beast’s soul bone!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Na’er clutched the Evil Eye and flashed to Zhao Xuanzhen’s side, sighing, “Three outer-attached soul bones? The Evil Eye Tyrant was almost certainly a bloodline descendant of the Evil Emperor, and that Dark Gold Terrorclaw Bear dropped two palm bones—extremely likely a descendant of Xiong Jun.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The strongest species, the most elite body parts, the most compatible attributes—Cold Aunt has made the Spirit Transmission Tower bleed heavily this time!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not just that—our teacher clearly exploited a loophole, moving both soul beasts into the East Sea City Ascension Platform ahead of time and sending us here to kill them,” Zhao Xuanzhen replied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“After the Tower Master finds out, he can’t punish our teacher directly, but he’ll learn from this: any Soul Master who kills an Ascension Platform guardian will henceforth be barred from absorbing outer-attached soul bones.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The value of outer-attached soul bones rivals that of hundred-thousand-year soul bones; Zhao Xuanzhen had lived in the Spirit Transmission Tower for ten years and understood its rules and costs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Wulin absorbed the hundred-year Dark Gold Terrorclaw right palm bone without being punished by the Spirit Transmission Tower—ninety-eight percent of the reason was Gu Yue’s covert intervention, likely leveraging Cold Yaoju’s authority to suppress the lingering issues tied to that soul bone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Absorb the soul bones, then we go shopping in East Sea City and eat local delicacies!” Na’er exclaimed eagerly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You go first—I’ll guard you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since this was an unstable Ascension Platform, we must prevent soul beast interference; only by absorbing the soul bones separately could we ensure absolute safety.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Na’er sat cross-legged, using her soul power to guide the outer-attached soul bone—the Evil Eye—to fuse with herself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soul bones enhance a Soul Master’s physical abilities and grant soul skills aligned with the soul bone’s nature. As a spirit-attribute soul beast, the Evil Eye Tyrant would significantly boost Na’er’s mental power, and its soul skill would also relate to spirit—possibly even granting spatial power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cold Yaoju didn’t pick soul bones randomly; she analyzed both their abilities and chose soul beasts that matched their strengths.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Na’er’s mental power far surpassed that of Soul Masters at her level, and her Silver Dragon Spear followed the path of space—making the Evil Eye Tyrant, with its spatial affinity, the top choice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xuanzhen’s primary martial soul, True Self, encompasses both body and spirit; his Taiji Fist dominates close combat. The Dark Gold Terrorclaw is universally recognized as the best palm bone in the Soul Master world—its enhancement to his hands would be immense, drastically increasing his punching and gripping power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a while, Na’er slowly awoke, encountering no difficulties; the thousand-year Evil Eye Tyrant was no match for the half-body of the Silver Dragon King.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After fusing the outer-attached soul bone—the Evil Eye—Na’er’s silver irises seemed brighter, more radiant, exuding clarity and liveliness, with shimmering halos swirling around pupils like exquisite, sparkling crystals, breathtaking to behold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The left and right Dark Gold Terrorclaw palm bones floated upward, trailing two streams of dark gold light; countless glowing dots emerged, drawing close to Zhao Xuanzhen’s palms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Too bad—the Dark Gold Terrorclaw should’ve dropped an elbow bone too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One second before fusion, Zhao Xuanzhen still couldn’t stop thinking about the Super Elbow Strike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The energy released by the two outer-attached soul bones surged into his palms like a hundred rivers flowing into the sea; his skin instantly rippled with dark gold luminescence, the light flickering, twisting, brightening and dimming continuously, as the Dark Gold Terrorclaw fiercely resisted fusion with the human Soul Master.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no choice for the Dark Gold Terrorclaw; Zhao Xuanzhen, defying the soul bones’ will, forcibly absorbed all their energy through his brutal physical constitution.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The shadow of the Dark Gold Terrorclaw Bear coalesced; under Zhao Xuanzhen’s cold pressure, its massive, majestic form suddenly appeared small, pitiful, helpless—and finally surrendered with a low, reluctant growl, acknowledging this monstrous host.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All went smoothly. Zhao Xuanzhen opened his eyes to see Na’er’s exquisite face and her blinking, wide eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Na’er stared at Zhao Xuanzhen’s hands, which showed almost no change, and a flicker of surprise crossed her eyes. “Zhao Xuanzhen, I just realized something.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Earlier, in the headquarters’ library, I found a book detailing primary martial souls. It says primary martial soul awakeners differ drastically from ordinary people because their body cells undergo radical transformation,” Na’er said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“For example, if your primary martial soul is your arm, your arm becomes abnormally thick even without martial soul manifestation; if your primary martial soul is your head, your brain becomes enormous.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But what’s your situation? True Self hasn’t changed your body at all—even absorbing the Dark Gold Terrorclaw left your palms looking exactly the same.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Zhao Xuanzhen chuckled. “The primary martial soul is part of a Soul Master’s body; each primary martial soul is a different version of oneself. I can alter my body at will—expand or shrink it—but such changes have no practical effect.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Power lies in every strong muscle, every resilient meridian, every drop of flowing blood—not in size.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Expand or shrink your body at will?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Na’er ignored the latter part, instead fixating on the former, her small face stern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Anywhere?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why would I lie to you? Full-body coverage… wait!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xuanzhen suddenly realized, glaring at Na’er’s flushed face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You little brat!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After laughing and play-fighting for a while, they exited the unstable Ascension Platform and returned to the East Sea City Spirit Transmission Tower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the observation room, Cold Yaoju watched her two prideful children rise and smiled. “Congratulations—you’ve passed the trial and earned your rightful rewards.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Cold Aunt, you’re the best!” Na’er immediately showered her with praise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cold Yaoju gently stroked Na’er’s silvery hair, her crimson phoenix eyes turning to Zhao Xuanzhen. “I’ve arranged to meet Gu Yue’s mother, the Purple Dragon Douluo, to discuss Gu Yue’s entry into the Spirit Transmission Tower—and to probe this reclusive family’s secrets.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You two run free—I’ll assign two squads of East Sea City Spirit Transmission Tower enforcers to protect you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, Teacher\u002FCold Aunt.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The damp evening breeze brushed their cheeks; the sky blazed with twilight, breathtakingly beautiful. Their shadows danced in the sunset like flowing gold, the girl’s white skirt fluttering, the red cord tied at her waist jingling with tiny bells.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What should we eat?” Zhao Xuanzhen pulled out his soul tool communicator to check food guides. “East Sea City is famous for seafood—I’ll pick a restaurant online and reserve a seafood feast?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Na’er shook her head like a rattle drum, standing on tiptoes to look down at Zhao Xuanzhen. “Who travels to restaurants recommended by the Soul Net? Those are scams for outsiders!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We go to hidden local eateries—to taste the true local flavor!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That makes sense… but where are these hidden local spots?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Na’er had been waiting for this exact question; her tail instantly shot up. “On the way here, I posted on the Soul Net, specifically looking for a restaurant that looked obviously delicious—with a caption: ‘East Sea City is mediocre, nothing compared to neighboring Tianhai City—a total food desert!’”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The locals got mad, scolded me for being clueless, then recommended their favorite hidden eateries—even some offered to treat me to East Sea City’s real cuisine!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh my…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xuanzhen stared in shock. Dammit—I’ve become a total foreigner!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Na’er linked arms with Zhao Xuanzhen, speaking with mock gravity. “When it comes to finding food, ten of you can’t match one me. Follow the wise King Na’er, and you’ll be satisfied tonight!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xuanzhen and Na’er wandered through East Sea City toward their target restaurant, two squads of Spirit Transmission Tower enforcers trailing far behind—neither interfering with the two little masters nor failing to provide instant protection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They arrived at a bustling old street lined with shops, the air thick with mingling aromas that stirred the hunger in their stomachs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Braised Beef in Pot…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xuanzhen looked up at the faded, weathered signboard and hesitated. “The locals recommended this to you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Na’er beamed. “They said this braised beef is incredible. Today we’re doing exactly what the Soul Net influencers do—Zhao Xuanzhen, come up with two slogans!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xuanzhen sighed. Slogans were easy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Soul Net reviews are full of lies—Na’er tells the truth!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zhao Xuanzhen investigates—truth is revealed!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The braised beef shop was small, its stove facing the street, holding nearly a hundred fire pits, each holding copper-colored earthenware pots simmering beef. The aroma rose thickly, making the lids rattle, luring passersby.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The middle-aged owner, wearing a greasy apron, smiled warmly and invited them to sit. Beef, side dishes, rice, and drinks arrived one after another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xuanzhen and Na’er lifted the lids, revealing beef floating in amber broth, each piece soaked in sauce, glistening with honeyed sheen. Zhao Xuanzhen picked up a trembling piece; golden threads of broth stretched as it fell into the bowl. He tasted it slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>AUV, this was authentic!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xuanzhen admitted—the braised beef had something special. No wonder the locals recommended it!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Na’er devoured her portion with glee, finishing a pot of beef with rice in three minutes. Her eyes darted mischievously as she stealthily reached her chopsticks toward Zhao Xuanzhen’s pot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ding—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their chopsticks met inside the pot. Zhao Xuanzhen chuckled. “What are you doing?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Just one piece! Just one piece!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Na’er’s silver-white pupils now sparkled like a puppy’s.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Order more if you want.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You don’t understand—meat stolen from someone else’s bowl tastes better!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xuanzhen withdrew his chopsticks. Na’er triumphed; the beef, saturated with broth, burst between her teeth. A fine sheen of sweat glistened on her delicate nose. Zhao Xuanzhen pushed a chilled sour plum drink toward her; condensation trailed down the glass’s long stem, over his slender fingers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Boss, ten more pots of braised beef, fifty salt-grilled prawns.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Got it!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Braised beef was barely a snack for Na’er. As she chewed salt-grilled prawns, she chatted aimlessly with Zhao Xuanzhen: “Have you heard? Tomorrow night is the once-in-a-thousand-years Starlight Shower Night.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I know,” Zhao Xuanzhen’s eyes gleamed. “On Starlight Shower Night, the celestial stars unleash boundless stellar power. That night, combat strength of star-phase martial souls surges, cultivation speed skyrockets—one night of meditation equals half a month of hard training.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Na’er propped her chin on her hand. “Starlight Shower Night is so rare, or else star-phase martial souls would be the top martial soul on the continent.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not quite—they have their own flaws too…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Old Li, your protection fee’s due this month!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, a rough voice shattered the cozy atmosphere of the braised beef shop. Old Li’s face turned pale; the customers all changed expression—they were regulars here and knew exactly who had arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Five burly men stormed in. The leader was a bald giant, bare-armed, his grotesque dragon tattoo vividly lifelike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Braised Beef Shop Fixed NPC: Ironclad Dragon Great Soul Master Guang Long!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Guang Long, my wife is gravely ill. The money from this shop doesn’t even cover her medicine—can you give me more time?” Old Li pleaded carefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Always making excuses—you think I’m begging for alms?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guang Long kicked over the stove. The earthenware pots shattered on the ground, broth spilled everywhere, chaos ensued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ordinary people couldn’t resist a Soul Master’s bullying. Old Li cried bitterly: “Guang Long, haven’t you forgotten how Guang Biao was publicly defeated by East Sea Academy teachers because he provoked three students? And you still dare collect protection fees!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You dare bring that up…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guang Long’s eyes turned vicious, ready to teach Old Li a lesson—when he suddenly noticed Zhao Xuanzhen and Na’er eating nearby.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What? Two more kids?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>PTSD flared. Guang Long crossed his arms and walked toward them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ve got a question for you two!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are you students of East Sea Academy? Do you know a Soul Emperor whose martial soul is an ice-element sword?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Get lost.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Na’er’s voice turned icy. Guang Long ruined her mood and wasted her delicious braised beef—her Silver Dragon Spear was already primed to strike!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guang Long flew into a rage. Having learned from his last beating, this time he was smarter—he immediately manifested his martial soul: Ironclad Dragon!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bare skin turned iron-gray, scales of the same color sprouted along his neck, and two soul rings—one white, one yellow—rose as his soul power surged to level twenty-seven.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zhao Xuanzhen, he’s asking for death,” Naer said softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm, keep eating. I’ve got this.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xuanzhen rose and flashed before the Light Dragon with near-teleport speed, his right fist clenched in a standard advancing punch with barrier strike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the moment of impact, the Light Dragon felt as if struck by a mech—raw force slammed into him, his thick dragon scales crumbling like paper, his belly sinking inward, every organ inside trembling and twisting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Boom—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Light Dragon was flung into the air, a gush of acid rising from his stomach, his ears ringing, his vision flooded with blood, the world spinning—until the back of his head slammed into the ground, and only then did he realize his martial soul had been shattered by a single punch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The power granted by the Dark Gold Dreadclaw was evident. Zhao Xuanzhen recalled: “Who said it again? Hitting someone without using your martial soul? Feels great.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How dare you!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A swarm of figures burst into the braised beef shop, their leader unmistakably two six-ring Soul Emperors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Soul Elder Guang Long of the Ironscale Dragon, you attacked a core disciple of the Spirit Hall on the street—your crime is heinous!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The twin Soul Emperors wielded lightning-element batons. Guang Long, who owed his position to his brother Guang Biao, captain of the Mech Corps, had dealt with Spirit Hall personnel before—he instantly recognized them and gasped:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Spirit Hall Enforcement Captain!?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s a misunderstanding! I didn’t attack your core disciple!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Evil must be crushed by evil—the Spirit Hall Enforcement never listened to excuses. They cracked his elbow to open his airway, then sent lightning through his chest to restart his heartbeat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First strike: leg, to prevent escape. Second strike: mouth, to silence pleas. Third strike: head, to crush resistance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guang Long endured all three blows without a sound—not because he was tough, but because he passed out from the first one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My lord, it’s done.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The baton brothers snapped their legs together and saluted Zhao Xuanzhen and Naer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three strikes per second wasn’t their limit—it was their message to Zhao Xuanzhen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your baton strikes have power, your lifts have height, your swings have angle. Well done.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you, my lord!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The baton brothers and their team withdrew from the shop, secretly guarding it, while several Enforcement members dragged the unconscious Guang Long and the thugs back to the Spirit Hall headquarters in Donghai City.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That night, Guang Long would verify the law of conservation of electrical charge, embracing the spirit of “if not me, then who?” as he bravely charged the Spirit Hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The minor incident ended. The shop owner bowed and thanked them endlessly, adding free side dishes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ding dong—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xuanzhen’s soul tool communicator suddenly rang—a message from the Illusion Brain Douluo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Xuanzhen, I heard from Tian Feng you’ve broken through to the three-ring Soul Elder realm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mechanical repair exam ended two days ago. I left you a letter. Take it to the Blacksmiths’ Association in Tiandingcheng and deliver it to a man named Mu Ye. Greet him for me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If possible, avoid Tian Feng’s sight—she cares too much for you. I fear conflict will erupt.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At Spirit Hall headquarters, the Illusion Brain Douluo Han Tianyi saw Zhao Xuanzhen’s reply—“Good”—and put away his communicator. He clasped his hands behind his back, gazing out at the dark sea of clouds:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mu Ye, your uncle can only help you this far. Whether the Body Sect can seize this chance… ultimately depends on you…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2684,"2026-06-20T10:43:43.510Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","fd45440feedc92be9aa2288b1525d9b9e4d92c808417a1f2d70e66bdef358dc8","douluo-the-dragon-king-s-taiji-xuanzhen-chapter-20","douluo-the-dragon-king-s-taiji-xuanzhen-chapter-18",92,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fdouluo-the-dragon-king-s-taiji-xuanzhen-cover.jpg"]