Chapter 21: Qian Gu Qian Zhangting's Call, the Descending Teng Snake, Burning the Sky and Boiling the Sea

The beach chair held the lingering warmth of the sun; Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen unscrewed the cap of the sunscreen, its sweet scent mingling with the sea salt aroma as it spread between his fingers.

A wonderful sensation of cold blending with heat wound its way along the spine; Leng Yaoju's long lashes trembled slightly. Under the baking warmth of her body temperature, the sunscreen seemed to steam with a caramel-like aroma, mixing with the rose-like natural fragrance of this Sky Phoenix Limit Douluo, rich and enchanting, refreshing to the soul.

As a master of technique, Zhao Xuanzhen's skill in applying sunscreen was unparalleled; the pressure was neither too light nor too heavy, the sunscreen distributed evenly. As sunlight poured down, Leng Yaoju's skin shone with a luster like mother-of-pearl.

Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen gently exhaled, gazing at his masterpiece, a sense of accomplishment swelling in his heart; yet such a snow-white, jade-like back, without even a cupping therapy session, seemed truly a pity.

Throughout the entire process, Leng Yaoju remained silent, her crimson phoenix eyes tightly closed, her expression revealing no emotional change, as if quietly savoring her disciple's exquisite technique.

"Ding-ling-ling—"

The ringtone of the soul tool communicator shattered the warm, harmonious atmosphere between master and disciple; Leng Yaoju opened her eyes, glanced at the caller's note, and a flicker of annoyance flashed in her gaze.

Qian Gu Qian Zhangting.

Annoyed as she was, Qian Gu Zhangting was after all the Tower Master of the Spirit Pagoda; by protocol, the Deputy Tower Master Leng Yaoju could not ignore his call.

Her finger pressed the answer key; since Leng Yaoju had not asked Zhao Xuanzhen to step aside, nor used soul power to block sound transmission, Zhao Xuanzhen clearly heard the hearty, enthusiastic male voice.

"Yaoju, it's me."

"Is there something you need?" Leng Yaoju said coolly.

"I heard you're vacationing in Haicheng; the scenery there is picturesque, and the beach is superb. When Qian Zhangting was a child, I took him there," Qian Gu Qian Zhangting said with a chuckle.

"Ever since Leng Yulai left the Spirit Pagoda, you've never relaxed; I hope you enjoy this trip thoroughly."

"Thank you. Anything else? If not, I'll hang up."

Upon hearing this, the other side paused slightly; Qiangu Zhangting spoke with a somewhat heavy tone: "Yaoju, what is going on with the Spirit Pagoda in Haicheng? Two newly assigned Spirit Ascension Platform guardians have died, and all three external soul bones have vanished."

External soul bones differ from ordinary soul bones; they are precious assets that are almost impossible to reuse. Moreover, those three external soul bones, placed in the Spirit Pagoda's treasury accumulated over ten thousand years, belong to the very top tier.

The Evil Eye Tyrant is a descendant of the Evil Emperor; with a thousand years of cultivation, it manifested an extremely rare atavistic form. Had it not fallen into the Spirit Pagoda's hands, it would have had the opportunity to comprehend the power of time and space, becoming the next Evil Eye Tyrant Sovereign.

The Dark Gold Frightening Claw Bear carried the bloodline of Xiong Jun; it was the only super soul beast in history to drop two external soul bones. According to Spirit Pagoda historical records, when this Dark Gold Frightening Claw Bear was captured, Xiong Jun went mad on the spot, its dark gold claws tearing apart two Title Limit Douluo.

"Yaoju, this time... it really has gone too far!"

The dagger revealed when the map unfolded; the so-called friendly inquiries were merely a disguise. Qiangu Zhangting was clearly questioning Leng Yaoju regarding the three external soul bones.

A conflict erupted between the Deputy Tower Master and the Tower Master of the Spirit Pagoda; Zhao Xuanzhen instinctively stopped applying the oil, while Leng Yaoju remained unmoved, saying:

"Qian Gu Qian Zhangting, everything I have done complies with the Spirit Pagoda's rules."

"Lu Ming, the Tower Master of Haicheng, reported an abnormality at the Haicheng Spirit Ascension Platform; the entire primary Spirit Ascension Platform was on the verge of collapse. The original guardians were insufficient to stabilize the energy, urgently requiring the headquarters to dispatch multiple guardians to defend it."

"I deemed the Dark Gold Frightening Claw Bear and the Evil Eye Tyrant most suitable, and decided to transport them to Haicheng. The Haicheng primary Spirit Ascension Platform has now returned to normal thanks to the two soul beasts; the matter has been resolved satisfactorily."

"As for the deaths of the two guardians and the external soul bones, I did not anticipate that they could be slain under the restriction of a three-ring peak on a primary Spirit Ascension Platform."

"Furthermore, the guardians of the Eighteen Pillar Spirit Ascension Platforms are crafted from soul bones and have no absorption restrictions; this was originally the Spirit Pagoda's reward for powerful soul masters, only that no one has achieved it in ten thousand years."

As her words fell, Zhao Xuanzhen heard Qiangu Zhangting's breathing instantly intensify; at the same time, he fully understood Leng Yaoju's tactic. No wonder she didn't directly hand over the three external soul bones; she was waiting for Qiangu Zhangting!

Following the rules, going through the proper channels, keeping one's hands clean; Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen was all too familiar with this!

"Don't stop, continue."

After confronting Qiangu Zhangting, Leng Yaoju turned her head, looking at Zhao Xuanzhen with displeasure.

A master's command is hard to disobey; Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen immediately resumed his work, once again transforming into a diligent oil-applier.

"Yaoju, you..."

On the other end, Qian Gu Qian Zhangting's voice revealed deep disbelief; is this really a proper vacation? Where exactly did you go!?

"That is the situation. If you have any objections, you may ask me at the next Spirit Pagoda meeting. Oh, by the way, the Haicheng primary Spirit Ascension Platform lacks one guardian; transfer the original hundred-year Dark Gold Frightening Claw Bear back."

Having spoken, Leng Yaoju casually hung up the soul tool communicator.

"Teacher, will those three external soul bones affect your position as Deputy Tower Master?" Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen asked softly.

"Of course not," Leng Yaoju smiled faintly. "The Phoenix Family has operated for a thousand years; successive generations have served as Deputy Tower Masters of the Spirit Pagoda, their power deeply entrenched. Qiangu Zhangting dares not easily tear off the mask."

"In recent centuries, the Qian Gu family has firmly held the position of Tower Master of the Spirit Pagoda, lining their own pockets and creating backdoors for their clan countless times. I merely used legitimate means to take three external soul bones, far less than the Qian Gu family's arbitrary dominance."

"Qian Gu Qian Zhangting knows this clearly; displaying dirty things openly would make everyone look bad. This call was not to retrieve the soul bones; he was subtly telling me to stop, that the three external soul bones are the bottom line, and I cannot take any more."

"I see..."

The one hundred and seventh floor of the Spirit Pagoda headquarters, the Tower Master's residence.

Behind a desk stood a middle-aged man, tall and handsome, radiating a powerful pressure; the soul tool communicator in his hand vibrated with a creaking sound, as if it would explode at any moment.

Qiangu Zhangting's face was as dark as water; the Spirit Pagoda was the Qiangu family's Spirit Pagoda. Leng Yaoju silently swindling away three external soul bones was already excessive, but what enraged him most was Leng Yaoju's remark clearly directed at someone else!

In the past, he had pursued Leng Yaoju for many years but failed to fulfill his wish, forcing him to marry and have children to continue the family bloodline.

Now that his wife had passed away early, Qiangu Zhangting's desire to pursue Leng Yaoju resurfaced, but heaven would not grant his wish; the other party seemed to have come to terms with it, beginning to enjoy a happy life!

"Grandfather, calm down..."

A tall, upright figure spoke cautiously.

"Grandfather is fine, Qian Zhangting."

Seeing his grandson Qian Gu Qian Zhangting, Qian Gu Qian Zhangting's mood finally improved somewhat.

Qian Gu Qian Zhangting was the most outstanding descendant of the Qian Gu family, and the next Tower Master of the Spirit Pagoda whom Qian Gu Qian Zhangting was vigorously cultivating.

Patting his grandson's shoulder, Qiangu Zhangting spoke: "Since Leng Yaoju became Deputy Tower Master, she has never overstepped. She adopted two children; those three external soul bones were certainly sought for them."

Qian Gu Qian Zhangting frowned: "Grandfather, I have actually seen them a few times in the Spirit Pagoda; they look very young, like children, posing little threat."

"That is not the case."

Qiangu Zhangting shook his head, his gaze sharp as a hawk: "After Leng Yaoju adopted the two children, I suddenly wanted to see their abilities one day, but Leng Yaoju used her Deputy Tower Master authority to completely destroy all combat videos of their entry into the Spirit Ascension Platform. Including the true Illusionary Realm, the Illusion Brain Limit Douluo Hantianyi and Leng Yaoju stood on the same side."

"Qian Zhangting, they are not simple; you must double your efforts. The future Tower Master of the Spirit Pagoda cannot fall behind others."

"Yes, Grandfather!"

The grandson's reply was resounding and powerful; Qiangu Zhangting nodded in satisfaction, saying: "It is not too late to mend the fold after the sheep are lost. Leng Yaoju is essentially reminding me that from now on, the soul bones of Spirit Ascension Platform guardians will be explicitly forbidden for soul masters to absorb!"

"Let's go; Grandfather will accompany you to the top of the Spirit Ascension Platform to endure the will impact of that soul beast."

"The Martial God will temper your staff intent..."

……

The sun set, dyeing the vast ocean orange-red with its dim yellow light. The waves grew turbulent. Zhao Xuanzhen and Leng Yaoju lay side by side on beach chairs, gazing into the distance where a black dot slowly grew larger.

"Hahaha, Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen, if you're no good, don't blame the road! You can catch crabs in the sea!"

Xiang Xiang Naer returned from hunting, her excitement and agitation plain on her face. She slung the silver-white spear over her shoulder, its tip holding four green-black crabs the size of washbasins.

A ten-year soul beast, the Green-Armored Crab. Big and delicious!

"With the Silver Baiyin Baiyin Longqiang following you, this life is worth it."

Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen gave a thumbs-up, his guess purely malicious: The divine artifact had a spirit. Was it possible the Silver Baiyin Baiyin Longqiang might detach from Xiang Xiang Naer and voluntarily return to Gu Yue's embrace!

"Don't talk nonsense!"

Xiang Xiang Naer glared at Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen, shaking the Silver Baiyin Baiyin Longqiang to show off her spoils: "You only know how to laze in the sun. Unlike me, I don't even forget to catch seafood while swimming!

With crabs this big, we'll have a feast tonight!

One for you, one for me!

One for Aunt Leng, one for me!"

Some rejoiced while others mourned. On the beach, the three were in harmony. At the Spirit Tower in Haicheng, the Enforcer Team's "Cudgel Brothers" were conversing with a burly man.

The burly man stood over two meters tall, bald with a bushy beard. He clenched his fists tightly, speaking as gently as possible: "Gentlemen, the Spirit Tower Enforcer Team and the Haicheng Mecha Battalion have cooperated many times, completing every mission successfully.

My brother, Guang Long, acted on impulse and accidentally offended a high-ranking disciple of the Spirit Tower. I apologize on his behalf and am willing to make compensation. Could you please show some favor and release him?"

The Cudgel Brothers exchanged a glance. One of them said, "Guang Biao, you are a figure in Haicheng. Considering our past cooperation, let me be frank with you.

Guang Long provoked someone he shouldn't have. You should be grateful you can still wear the Mecha Battalion uniform. If even a single scratch had occurred to those two ancestors yesterday, your entire family could have slit their own throats.

The Venerables behind them are so powerful that even the Tower Master Lu would bow and scrape before them. So many people in the Haicheng Spirit Tower crave promotion; it's merely a matter of those two ancestors speaking a word. Guang Long is no longer a thug; he is the stepping stone for everyone to cross class barriers."

"Is there not a single shred of room for negotiation?" Guang Biao asked unwillingly.

Venerable: a title exclusive to Titled Limit Douluo, an existence above the clouds. He realized his brother's fate was likely grim.

The Cudgel Brothers spoke coldly: "Relying on the power and authority of your position as captain of the Haicheng Mecha Battalion, Guang Long has committed crimes everywhere, unaware that he has encountered greater power and authority. He is no different from meat on a chopping block.

Great figures might not care about the life or death of a thug, but those small people striving to climb up do. If Guang Long's death makes those two ancestors laugh once, then his life is worth it.

Go back. Pray that Guang Long is reborn into a good family, and in his next life, do not bump into an iron wall."

Guang Biao did not know how he walked out of the Spirit Tower. Previously, he had led the Mecha Battalion to surround Haicheng Academy, yet he dared not act so boldly against the Spirit Tower.

Captain of the Haicheng Mecha Battalion, Soul Emperor, Mecha Pilot—these three identities meant nothing before the Spirit Tower. The Mecha Battalion would only be throwing their lives away.

The Guang brothers came from an ordinary family; both parents died when they were young, leaving them in poverty. Only one brother could afford a high-quality soul spirit to realize their martial soul talent. Therefore, Guang Biao always felt guilty toward Guang Long, repeatedly indulging his younger brother's evil deeds until a great disaster occurred.

"Brother, we have relied on each other. Even if I must sacrifice my life, I will avenge you!"

Guang Biao's eyes were bloodshot. Through the descriptions of the crowd around the old street, he memorized the facial features of those two.

Deep night. Moonlight soaked through the clouds. The entire starry sky shone brilliantly. Led by the nine stars, a silver-frost-like luster flowed with the wind. In the Haicheng sea, wave peaks rose, their light shattered into ten thousand silver rays. As the sea surface calmed, they gathered into complete patches of light.

On a night of brilliant stars, star power surged violently. It was an unparalleled auspicious time for a Star-Phase Soul Master, a rare occurrence in a thousand years.

In a certain room of the Haicheng Spirit Tower, golden light swirled in Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen's eyes.

"Teng She, Soul of Deceit."

"I humbly obey my master's command."

Black qi gathered into Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen's form, sitting cross-legged on the bed. At the same time, a portion of the qi adhered to his body and face, making his true appearance and figure impossible to discern.

The Eight Deceit Gods, Teng She, is the Fire of the South. Its authority is deceit and deception; it excels at disrupting the spirit.

Using a Soul of Deceit to bypass Leng Yaoju's perception, Zhao Xuanzhen left the Spirit Tower. With Teng She's quasi-divine power and the night of brilliant stars, he intended to do something tonight to eliminate future troubles.

"Before that, let's deal with a little tail."

Guang Biao's violent and bloodthirsty emotions attracted Teng She's attention. The bald head was too distinctive; Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen knew at a glance it was related to Guang Long.

The next second, Guang Biao, who had been lying in ambush, saw a blur. At that moment, others were deceived by the power of deceit, but only he saw Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen walking out of the Spirit Tower.

"Blood for blood!"

Guang Biao smiled cruelly. A genius alone; the opportunity has arrived! To avoid alerting the Spirit Tower experts, he followed Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen from a distance, planning to strike in a secluded place.

However, contrary to Guang Biao's expectations, Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen headed straight for the seaside. Ice formed with every step beneath his feet as he slowly walked toward the deep sea. This suited Guang Biao perfectly; he hurriedly released his mecha to follow.

Stars hung in the sky curtain. Light and shadow flowed between the waves. Night-flying seabirds swept over the sea surface, their wings stained with starlight and sea light.

"The distance is sufficient. You must be tired from following."

A clear voice carried far away. A black-level mecha, resembling a wild bear, burst through the sea surface. The cockpit's metal wall rose. Guang Biao's expression was ferocious: "Boy, pay with your life for my brother!"

Two yellow and four purple soul rings appeared. The martial soul Iron-Armored Dragon manifested, wrapping his body in iron-gray scales. Guang Biao seemed to don a layer of heavy armor as he controlled the mecha to pounce on Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen.

"Boom—"

Beneath Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen's feet, the Bagua Bagua Qimen Divine Disc bloomed. Starlight on the sea surface shattered. A water wall hundreds of meters high surged up violently. Two scarlet vertical pupils pierced the sea, their irises swirling with nebula-like lava patterns.

The giant serpent's head rose. The air emitted a mournful wail. Black scales crushed the light of stars and moon, as if condensing the darkness of the entire world into an invincible armor. The raised upper body blocked the sky!

"Ding—"

The black-level mecha controlled by the six-ring Soul Emperor collided with the giant serpent's scales, sparking a tiny flash. Immediately, it was knocked back at even greater speed. Guang Biao heard blood roaring in his eardrums!

He looked at the colossal creature before him in terror. The black-level mecha wasn't even as big as one of the giant serpent's heads!

The giant serpent stretched its neck, its head tilting back into a crescent arc. Silently, it opened its abyssal maw. As the first wisp of black flame dripped from its fangs, the air distorted under extreme heat. Clouds formed a swirling airflow funnel. The flames connected along the entire spine, transforming into a torrent connecting heaven and sea!

Teng She descends, burning the sky and boiling the sea!

(End of this chapter)