[{"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-20":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},2308588,4511,"Chapter 20: Sunlight, Sand, Sunscreen, Cuteness Before Sexiness","douluo-the-dragon-king-s-taiji-xuanzhen-chapter-20",20,"\u003Cp>The next day, afternoon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sun blazed overhead, draping Donghai City in a golden gauze; seagulls streaked across the sky like white phantoms—today was perfect for travel, as if even the seagulls’ pupils held ease and laziness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the Donghai City Spirit Tower, the elevator doors opened, and Na’er tugged Zhao Xuanzhen out, bouncing with longing for the sun, the sea, and the sand. Leng Yaoju followed behind the two children, a faint smile curving her rosy lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A seaside vacation meant the ocean was essential; originally, Na’er planned to join the crowds at Donghai City’s busiest beach, but Leng Yaoju disliked crowds and wanted to avoid the endless advances from men on the shore, so they switched to a private beach under the Spirit Tower’s control—open only to the three of them today.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fine white sand, waves shattering against rocks into countless droplets, feet sinking into sand warmed by the sun; distant flocks of gulls skimmed the wave crests, wings gilded with golden halos.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The smell of the sea!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Na’er gazed at the horizon where sea met sky, inhaling deeply the salty air, silver hair fluttering in the breeze, her skirt dancing freely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zhao Xuanzhen, do you like the sea?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She turned her head slightly toward Zhao Xuanzhen, who nodded seriously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Happy, you can watch it; sad, you can jump into it; broke, you can dive into it—who doesn’t love an all-powerful ocean?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hm?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Na’er and Leng Yaoju both fixed him with identical stares—young man, your thoughts are dangerous!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ignore this guy, Aunt Leng, let’s go change into swimsuits!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Na’er dragged Leng Yaoju into the changing room; Zhao Xuanzhen, being male, needed no such fuss—he shed his outer clothes to reveal the swimsuit he’d already changed into, adorned on both sides with silver dragons and golden phoenixes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This swimsuit was bought yesterday after eating the braised beef, when Zhao Xuanzhen and Na’er went to Donghai Shopping City; carved with dragons and phoenixes, Zhao Xuanzhen thought it garish, but Na’er spotted it at once, paid with cash, and walked out without giving him time to refuse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xuanzhen faced the sea, salt-laced wind striking his face; waves shimmered under brilliant sunlight. Foam surged to the shore, dragging fine sand over his ankles, then receded, leaving shattered bubbles trailing down his skin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Sea God? No. But the sea? Absolutely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Dang dang dang dang!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bamboo curtain of the changing room parted, seashell wind chimes shattering the sound of waves—the radiant debut of a youthful, vibrant girl!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Na’er wore a backless bikini: strapless round neckline with clasps, a pink bow tied at her waist, her silver hair pulled into a high ponytail.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fine sand cradled her delicate, jade-like toes; her snow-white skin reflected sunlight, her curves graceful and elegant—every inch of her radiated youth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The first thing Na’er did upon stepping out was to observe Zhao Xuanzhen’s reaction; she noticed he was indeed staring at her—with an expression she’d never seen before: one part surprise, two parts affirmation, three parts admiration, four parts awe…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the Douluo Continent, everyone developed at hyper-speed; Na’er’s figure was already beginning to take shape, her exquisite face flushed with a faint blush. She was about to rush over and tease him, when she saw Zhao Xuanzhen’s gaze shift sideways.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leng Yaoju parted the bamboo curtain like a mermaid emerging from the deep sea, her fiery red hair cascading naturally over her shoulders, golden specks of light dancing in the hollow of her collarbone, making her skin resemble porcelain glazed with coconut milk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her wine-red bikini was cut dangerously slim; two slender golden chains crossed at the nape of her neck, trailing down her spine to her waist, her slender hips adorned with glittering diamond-studded straps that shimmered with dazzling allure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Na’er glanced at Leng Yaoju’s mature, voluptuous figure—exquisitely sensual—then down at her own, which paled in comparison to a sprout; her lips puckered, tears nearly spilling over!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cuteness means nothing before sensuality!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today was a rare holiday; Leng Yaoju’s stunning face glowed with smiles as she took sunglasses from her storage soul tool, strode gracefully to the row of beach chairs, and reclined to luxuriate in the sun and sand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Na’er, struck silently by Leng Yaoju’s superiority, crouched down, drawing circles in the sand with her finger, when suddenly a shadow loomed over her head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The girl’s silver eyes sparkled, thinking her childhood friend had come to comfort her—until she saw the boy’s gentle, refined face, smiling as he uttered five words:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You needn’t feel inferior.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zhao—Xuan—Zhen!!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Na’er shot up, her face blazing crimson, leaping at Zhao Xuanzhen with a piercing shriek:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If I don’t kick your underwear off, I’ll hug you tighter!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xuanzhen, sensing danger, bolted; Na’er chased him furiously, eyes red, leaving scattered footprints on the sand, two shadows stretching forward, sometimes overlapping, sometimes separating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching them, Leng Yaoju lifted her sunglasses slightly and sighed sincerely: “Those two kids have such a good relationship.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After playing awhile, Zhao Xuanzhen deliberately slowed; Na’er caught up, puffing angrily, and bit a perfect circular imprint into his left shoulder like a puppy. They made peace, then leapt together into the sea to swim.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Splash—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two figures broke through the waves, sunlight pouring over them; Na’er giggled, her bare belly beneath the swimsuit pure and beautiful, her voice clear:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I swam faster than you by one second!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fine, you’re impressive.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m just impressive!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching Na’er make a face, Zhao Xuanzhen couldn’t help smiling; with his monstrous physical condition, he could crush her in any swimming race—but life isn’t a competition, no need to win every single thing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, Zhao Xuanzhen mainly feared Na’er would throw a tantrum—his left shoulder had already been bitten without reason by a puppy; he must protect his right shoulder carefully!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hehe…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Na’er’s eyes darted mischievously; she slipped silently beneath the water. Zhao Xuanzhen sensed her creeping toward him—just as he wondered what trick she was planning—the sea exploded from below!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A spray of seawater shot upward, crystallizing midair into a string of beads, then shattered against Zhao Xuanzhen’s face, drenching his black hair in saltwater.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fell for it, dumb Zhao Xuanzhen!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the beach chair, Leng Yaoju relaxed under the sun, her butterfly bones rising and falling with each breath, her long legs sun-kissed, fair and plump—unbearable to look away from.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why did you come ashore alone? Na’er’s swimming deeper and deeper.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leng Yaoju asked, and the next second, a clear voice answered:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“She’s catching crabs—wants to catch century crabs for stir-fried spicy crab tonight…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xuanzhen looked exasperated; Na’er firmly believed the ocean was rich with resources and decided to catch crabs herself. But this private beach belonged to the Spirit Tower—if any century-old soul beasts lived nearby, they’d have been dragged back long ago to become soul spirits, not left for them to scavenge!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s a holiday—do as you please.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leng Yaoju didn’t mind; Na’er herself was highly combat-capable, and with this Sky Phoenix Douluo’s Spirit Realm-level spiritual power monitoring the entire sea, no accident could occur.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xuanzhen finished swimming and, imitating Leng Yaoju, basked in the sun; master and disciple reclined comfortably on the beach chairs, utterly at ease.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Teacher hasn’t enjoyed life in a long time, has she?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm. Since Yu Lai… went missing, I haven’t. If not for rewarding you and Na’er’s four years of hard cultivation, and evaluating Gu Yue’s entry into the Spirit Tower, I wouldn’t have come to Donghai City for a vacation.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leng Yaoju’s tone grew somber—that was an indelible wound in her heart; Zhao Xuanzhen knew everything, understood Yu Lai’s place in Leng Yaoju’s soul.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking of Yu Lai driving the Demon God Sword into Leng Yaoju’s body, tormenting her soul forever, Zhao Xuanzhen refused to dwell on Yu Lai; he shifted the topic as if by accident:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yesterday, I spoke face-to-face with the Purple Dragon Douluo—what did you think of her?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Purple Dragon Douluo… has something strange about her…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leng Yaoju turned her head; her delicate profile glowed in the sunlight. “The Purple Dragon Douluo is indeed a Supreme Douluo; her words subtly revealed Gu Yue’s hidden family possesses extraordinary power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But her aura is unstable, her bloodline turbulent—clearly still recovering from severe injuries.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Purple Dragon Douluo is wounded?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xuanzhen was startled; the Purple Dragon Douluo was almost certainly Zi Ji, the Demon Dragon King—how could she be wounded at this time?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yue… Tang Wulin… Golden Dragon King… Sea God…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thoughts flashed; Zhao Xuanzhen gradually constructed a logical chain. From Gu Yue’s behavior during the Riot Period’s Ascension Platform, it was clear she and the other four Zero Class members weren’t aligned—others fought, she watched, utterly out of place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In this timeline, Gu Yue never lost her memory or lived with Tang Wulin for three years; the two Silver Dragon King halves felt nothing for him. Gu Yue came to Donghai City solely to seize the Golden Dragon King’s divine core.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Given Gu Yue’s direct nature, upon meeting Tang Wulin, she’d immediately summon the Star Dou beasts—and inevitably trigger the Divine Kings’ awareness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, Zi Ji was likely severely wounded by a Divine King, and even Di Tian, Xiong Jun, and the Ten Thousand Demons King suffered unexpected losses; even Bi Ji’s healing power as the Jade Swan couldn’t restore the beasts to peak condition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, Gu Yue remains in Donghai City—meaning the Golden Dragon King’s divine core still resides within Tang Wulin; the Star Dou beasts were utterly defeated. Score: 3.0.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So the Divine King has only two uses left.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xuanzhen mused silently; during the Riot Period’s Ascension Platform, the Divine King possessed Tang Wulin’s body to activate the Trident’s spiritual imprint—similar to the Phosphorus Soul Refining incident, using minimal energy, not consuming one of the three uses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But facing the Star Dou Great Forest beasts, the Divine King would expend massive energy—reducing one of the three life-saving hairs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So the Star Dou beasts aren’t total freeloaders… score slightly increased…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What about Gu Yue? How will you arrange her?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Gu Yue’s talent is exceptional—she will enter the Spirit Tower,” Leng Yaoju said. “But where to place her—I’m still considering.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not as a core disciple?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leng Yaoju shook her head: “Before meeting the Purple Dragon Douluo, she was slated to be a core disciple. After meeting her, I hesitated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Purple Dragon Douluo wants Gu Yue to become my disciple. I told her I already had a direct disciple—and then she offered a hundred-thousand-year soul bone, just to ask me to take Gu Yue.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Such a grand gesture—did you accept?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Xuanzhen, remember my words: the greater the benefit, the more you must stay calm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leng Yaoju spoke coolly: “From their demeanor, they seem desperate to enter the Spirit Tower’s inner circle—likely with ulterior motives…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, you crushed Gu Yue nearly effortlessly, giving the Spirit Tower legitimate grounds to deny her core disciple status.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I give you a task: Gu Yue will enter the Spirit Tower as a provisional core disciple. You are her sole evaluator, with the authority to decide whether she earns full status and enters the top tier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter what goals Gu Yue and her hidden family harbor, her talent and background are undeniable. If you bring her under your control, it will be a tremendous advantage for the future.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Understood.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xuanzhen marveled—old ginger is still the spiciest. His becoming Leng Yaoju’s direct disciple triggered a chain reaction; Gu Yue, once on a smooth path, now couldn’t enter the Spirit Tower’s core. Zhao Xuanzhen held the power to decide her fate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Teacher, one more thing—I’m going to Tiandingcheng in two days.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm, I’ll go with you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xuanzhen bit his lip softly: “Teacher, I’ll take Na’er alone.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment he spoke, time seemed to freeze; the temperature spiked violently. The Sky Phoenix Douluo rose from her chair, her crimson phoenix eyes fixed on her disciple, her stunning face suddenly fractured, cold as ice:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Xuanzhen, you mean to abandon me? You and Na’er go to Tiandingcheng alone, with no safety, who knows if you’ll be kidnapped…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xuanzhen shuddered—Leng Yaoju’s demeanor was terrifying; it felt like the next second they’d be locked in some secret chamber!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s not that serious…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xuanzhen finally understood why Han Tianyi advised him to leave Leng Yaoju’s sight before meeting Mu Ye in Tiandingcheng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he went to Tiandingcheng with Leng Yaoju, imagine the scene: Zhao Xuanzhen’s true aura unmasked, Mu Ye overjoyed, enthusiastically inviting him into the Body Sect—then…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No “then.” Leng Yaoju slaps Mu Ye dead, sends someone to drag out A Ru Heng, and the ten-thousand-year-old Body Sect is erased from history.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Federation is still safer; this trip to Tiandingcheng is truly necessary—for me, and for our future.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides, one must grow up and learn to face hardship alone; one cannot live forever under the shelter of elders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xuanzhen spoke with sincere earnestness; informing Leng Yaoju in advance was essential—he did not want to slip away secretly and hurt his teacher, who had always cherished him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, Leng Yaoju had too many ways to track him; it was better to speak plainly from the start than to exhaust themselves in futile struggles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This journey to Tiandingcheng was not just to meet Mu Ye; Zhao Xuanzhen had other plans. He could hide them from Xiang Naer, but not from Leng Yaoju—she had raised him, and sudden changes could not be explained away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a long silence, Leng Yaoju gazed at her steadfast disciple and sighed softly, choosing to yield.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’ve grown too much to hold back. You may go to Tiandingcheng, but you must promise me three things.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“First, report your safety twice daily via the soul-tool communicator.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Second, never agree to any unreasonable demands—such as leaving me or switching allegiances.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Third, wear this—it will keep you safe.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She handed Zhao Xuanzhen a crimson pendant; it warmed at his touch, and around it echoed the cry of a phoenix.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Phoenix Pendant contained the True Fire of the Heavenly Phoenix—its strike could obliterate a Soul Douluo of level ninety-five. Should it shatter, Leng Yaoju would sense it instantly and arrive at once to aid him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you, Teacher, for your understanding.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xuanzhen fastened the Phoenix Pendant. Though he had the Tengshe to guard him, the pendant would ease Leng Yaoju’s mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Protect yourself. If the Phoenix Pendant breaks, return straight to the Spirit Transmission Tower.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leng Yaoju tried to sound stern, but her composure cracked quickly; she spoke with deep meaning:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Xuanzhen, when you reach Tiandingcheng, never be deceived by empty promises…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Trust me—I can give you more than anyone else ever could.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm. I never doubt it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You nearly ruined my vacation mood. Come here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leng Yaoju beckoned Zhao Xuanzhen, pressed a bottle into his palm, then reclined on the beach chair, propping her chin, brushing her long crimson hair with slender fingers, her entire snowy back exposed to the sun, the hollow of her waist catching dancing specks of light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Help me apply the sunscreen.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xuanzhen froze. The Heavenly Phoenix Douluo—afraid of the sun!?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leng Yaoju’s dark brows furrowed slightly, as if puzzled why he hadn’t moved yet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah… this… I…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Xuanzhen was honest, reliable, and deeply respectful—he could only obey his teacher’s command. He undertook this task, harder by ten thousandfold than battling a Dark Gold Terrorclaw Bear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The curves of her waist and hips glistened with dewy beads; her skin, polished as if ground by jade. The faint sound of sunscreen seeping in was magnified a thousandfold; his fingertips traced the hollow along her spine. Sunlight fractured into seven-colored specks, like liquid rainbows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xuanzhen said nothing—only applied the oil.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2611,"2026-06-20T10:43:43.510Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","f69730b7a74eb7313e13796f3d836ef9550efb377c143951be55854a508ff95b","douluo-the-dragon-king-s-taiji-xuanzhen-chapter-21","douluo-the-dragon-king-s-taiji-xuanzhen-chapter-19",92,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fdouluo-the-dragon-king-s-taiji-xuanzhen-cover.jpg"]