Chapter 21: The Communication of Qian Gu Dongfeng, the Arrival of Teng She, Burning Heaven and Boiling Seas

The beach lounger still held the sun’s warmth as Zhao Xuanzhen unscrewed the lid of the sunscreen, the sweet scent mingling with sea salt dissolving between his fingers.

A strange sensation of coolness blending with warmth crept along his spine; Leng Yaoju’s long eyelashes trembled slightly, and under the heat of her body, the sunscreen seemed to steam with caramel notes, mingling with the rose-like natural fragrance of this Heavenly Phoenix Douluo—rich, enchanting, soothing to the soul.

As a master of technique, Zhao Xuanzhen’s application of sunscreen was unparalleled—pressure neither too light nor too heavy, evenly distributed; under the sunlight, Leng Yaoju’s skin shimmered with a pearly luster.

Zhao Xuanzhen exhaled softly, gazing at his work, a sense of accomplishment rising in his chest—yet such a flawless, snow-white back was a shame not to apply cupping.

Throughout the entire process, Leng Yaoju remained silent, her crimson phoenix eyes closed, her expression unreadable, as if quietly savoring her disciple’s exquisite technique.

“Ding ling ling—”

The soul tool communicator’s ring shattered the warm, tender atmosphere; Leng Yaoju opened her eyes, glanced at the caller’s label, and a flicker of annoyance passed through her gaze.

Qian Gu Dongfeng.

Annoyance aside, Qian Gu Dongfeng was still the Master of the Spirit Hall; by protocol, Deputy Master Leng Yaoju could not ignore his communication.

Her finger pressed the answer key; since Leng Yaoju made no effort to have Zhao Xuanzhen leave or seal the sound with soul power, he clearly heard the vigorous, enthusiastic male voice.

“Yaoju, it’s me.”

“What do you want?” Leng Yaoju said coolly.

“I heard you’re vacationing in Haicheng. Haicheng’s scenery is breathtaking, and its beach is unmatched—I took Zhangting there when he was little.” Qian Gu Dongfeng chuckled.

“Since Yulai left the Spirit Hall, you’ve never let up. This time, I hope you enjoy yourself.”

“Thank you. Is there anything else? If not, I’m hanging up.”

At these words, the other side paused for a second; Qian Gu Dongfeng’s tone grew heavier: “Yaoju, what happened at the Haicheng Spirit Hall? Two newly assigned Ascension Platform guardians are dead, and all three external soul bones have vanished.”

External soul bones differ from ordinary soul bones—they are precious assets nearly impossible to reuse, especially since those three were stored in the Spirit Hall’s ten-thousand-year accumulated treasury as among the highest-tier treasures.

The Evil Eye Tyrant is a blood descendant of the Evil Emperor, and its thousand-year cultivation produced an extremely rare ancestral form; had it not fallen into the Spirit Hall’s hands, it might have awakened spatial-temporal power and become the next Evil Eye Tyrant Sovereign.

The Dark Gold Grizzly Bear carries the bloodline of Xiong Jun, the only super soul beast in history to produce two external soul bones. According to Spirit Hall records, when this Dark Gold Grizzly was captured, Xiong Jun himself went berserk and tore apart two Titled Douluo with his Dark Gold Claws.

Yaoju, this time… you’ve truly gone too far!”

The mask fell—the friendly greetings were merely cover; Qian Gu Dongfeng was clearly accusing Leng Yaoju of the three external soul bones.

As conflict erupted between the Spirit Hall’s Deputy Master and its Master, Zhao Xuanzhen instinctively halted his massage; Leng Yaoju remained unruffled:

“Qian Gu Dongfeng, everything I’ve done complies with Spirit Hall regulations.”

The Haicheng Tower Master Lu Ming reported that the Haicheng Ascension Platform had suddenly malfunctioned, its entire primary platform on the verge of collapse; the original guardians were insufficient to stabilize the energy, requiring immediate reinforcement from headquarters.

I judged the Dark Gold Grizzly Bear and the Evil Eye Tyrant most suitable, and decided to transfer them to Haicheng. The primary platform has since been fully restored thanks to the two soul beasts—the matter is resolved.

As for the deaths of the two guardians and the disappearance of the external soul bones—I never anticipated that, under the restriction of a third-ring primary platform, they could slay thousand-year super soul beasts.

By the way, the Ascension Platform guardians of the Eighteen Pillars are made from soul bones, with no absorption restrictions—this was originally the Spirit Hall’s reward for powerful Soul Masters, merely unachieved in ten thousand years.”

As her words ended, Zhao Xuanzhen heard Qian Gu Dongfeng’s breath grow heavy—he fully understood Leng Yaoju’s maneuver. No wonder she hadn’t simply handed over the three external soul bones; she’d been waiting for Qian Gu Dongfeng!

Follow the rules, follow the process, avoid blame—he knew this tactic all too well!

“Don’t stop. Continue.”

After scolding Qian Gu Dongfeng, Leng Yaoju turned her head, glaring at Zhao Xuanzhen.

The master’s command could not be disobeyed; Zhao Xuanzhen immediately resumed his work, once again becoming the diligent sunscreen technician.

“Yaoju, you…”

On the other end, Qian Gu Dongfeng’s voice betrayed utter disbelief—was this even a vacation? Where had she vacationed to!?

“That’s the situation. If you have objections, you can ask me at the next Spirit Hall meeting. Oh, by the way—the Haicheng primary platform needs a new guardian. Send back the original hundred-year Dark Gold Grizzly Bear.”

With that, Leng Yaoju calmly ended the soul tool communication.

“Teacher, will the three external soul bones affect your position as Deputy Master?” Zhao Xuanzhen asked softly.

“Of course not,” Leng Yaoju smiled faintly. “The Phoenix family has operated for a thousand years; every generation has held the position of Spirit Hall Deputy Master, with deep-rooted influence. Qian Gu Dongfeng dares not easily tear open the facade.”

For the past few centuries, the Qian family has firmly held the Master’s seat, enriching themselves and opening backdoors for their kin countless times. I’ve merely used proper means to take three external soul bones—nowhere near the Qian family’s autocratic greed.”

Qian Gu Dongfeng knows full well: exposing dirty secrets benefits no one. This call isn’t about reclaiming the soul bones—he’s subtly telling me to stop. Three external soul bones are the limit; I cannot take more.”

“I see…”

The Spirit Hall headquarters, one hundred and seventh floor, Master’s residence.

Behind the desk stood a middle-aged man, tall and handsome, radiating immense pressure; his soul tool communicator trembled with a creaking sound, as if about to shatter.

Qian Gu Dongfeng’s face was as dark as water. The Spirit Hall was the Qian family’s Spirit Hall; Leng Yaoju quietly swindling three external soul bones was already outrageous—but what enraged him most was her clearly directed remark to someone else!

In the past, he pursued Leng Yaoju for years without success, forced to marry and bear children to continue his family line.

Now that his wife has passed, Qian Gu Dongfeng has once again entertained thoughts of pursuing Leng Yaoju—only to find fate unkind: she seems to have awakened, and now enjoys her happiness!

“Grandfather, calm down…”

A tall, upright figure spoke cautiously.

“I’m fine, Zhangting.”

Seeing his grandson Qian Zhangting, Qian Gu Dongfeng’s mood eased slightly.

Qian Zhangting was the most outstanding young scion of the Qian family, and the one Qian Gu Dongfeng was grooming as the next Spirit Hall Master.

Patting his grandson’s shoulder, Qian Gu Dongfeng said: “Since becoming Deputy Master, Leng Yaoju has never overstepped. She adopted two children—those three external soul bones were surely for them.”

Qian Zhangting frowned: “Grandfather, I’ve seen them a few times at the Spirit Hall—they look like children, no real threat.”

“Not so.”

Qian Gu Dongfeng shook his head, his gaze sharp as a hawk’s: “After Leng Yaoju adopted the two children, I once wanted to observe their abilities—but she used her Deputy Master authority to erase all their Ascension Platform battle videos. Even the True Illusion Realm—Hantian Yi, the Illusion Brain Douluo, stood with her.”

Zhangting, they’re not ordinary. You must work twice as hard—the next Spirit Hall Master cannot fall behind others.”

“Yes, Grandfather!”

His grandson’s reply rang strong; Qian Gu Dongfeng nodded in satisfaction: “It’s not too late to mend the fold. Leng Yaoju has effectively warned me: from now on, soul bones used as Ascension Platform guardians will be strictly forbidden for absorption by Soul Masters!”

Come, Grandfather will accompany you to the top of the Ascension Platform—to endure the soul beast’s will strike.”

The Divine Warrior will refine your staff intent…”

…

The sun set, the sea dyed orange-gold by twilight; the waves grew fiercer. Zhao Xuanzhen and Leng Yaoju lay side by side on the beach lounger, their gaze fixed far away as a dark dot slowly enlarged.

“Hahaha, Zhao Xuanzhen, if you’re useless, don’t blame the road! The sea’s where you catch crabs!”

Na’er returned from her wilderness hunt, excitement radiating; her silver-white spear rested on her shoulder, its tip hanging four large, bluish-black crabs the size of washbasins.

Ten-year soul beast: Green-armored Crab—big, delicious!

“With the Silver Dragon Spear following you, your life is worth it.”

Zhao Xuanzhen gave a thumbs-up, indulging in pure malice: could the divine weapon, endowed with spirit, possibly abandon Na’er and return of its own will to Gu Yue’s embrace?

“Don’t talk nonsense!”

Na’er glared at Zhao Xuanzhen, shaking the Silver Dragon Spear to display her loot: “You just lie there basking in the sun, lazy as ever—I swim and still catch seafood!”

These crabs are huge—we’ll have a feast tonight!”

You get one, I get one!”

Teacher Leng gets one, I get one!”

Joy for some, sorrow for others: on the beach, the three laughed together; at the Haicheng Spirit Hall, the Baton Brothers of the Enforcement Team conversed with a burly man.

The man stood over two meters tall, bald-headed, with a thick beard; he clenched his fists tightly, forcing a gentle tone: “Gentlemen, the Spirit Hall Enforcement Team and Haicheng’s Mechanized Corps have collaborated many times—each mission completed successfully.”

My younger brother Guanglong acted on impulse and accidentally offended a high-ranking Spirit Hall disciple. I apologize on his behalf and am willing to compensate—please show mercy and release him.”

The Baton Brothers exchanged glances; one spoke: “Guang Biao, you’re a big man in Haicheng. Given our past cooperation, we’ll be frank with you.”

Guanglong offended someone he shouldn’t have. You should be grateful you’re still wearing your Mechanized Corps uniform—if those two ancestors had so much as a scratch yesterday, your entire family could’ve slit their throats.”

The Lord behind them—even Tower Master Lu would bow before them. So many in Haicheng Spirit Hall crave promotion, yet for these two ancestors, it’s just a word. Guanglong isn’t a thug anymore—he’s a stepping stone for everyone climbing the ladder.”

“No room for compromise?” Guang Biao refused to accept.

“Lord”—a title reserved exclusively for Titled Douluo, beings beyond the clouds—he realized his brother’s fate was dire.

The Baton Brothers coldly replied: “Using your position as Haicheng Mechanized Corps Commander, Guanglong has terrorized the city—but he didn’t realize that against greater power and authority, he’s no different than meat on a chopping block.”

Great figures may not care about a thug’s life—but those desperate to climb the ladder do. If Guanglong’s death makes those two ancestors smile, then his life was worth it.”

Go home. Pray Guanglong is reborn into a good family—next life, don’t run into iron plates.”

Guang Biao didn’t remember how he left the Spirit Hall. Earlier, he’d led his Mechanized Corps to surround Haicheng Academy—but dared not do the same to the Spirit Hall.

Haicheng Mechanized Corps Commander, Soul Elder, Mechanic—these three titles meant nothing before the Spirit Hall; his Mechanized Corps would only die uselessly.

The Guang brothers came from an ordinary family, orphaned young, raised in poverty. Only one could afford a quality soul spirit to unlock their martial soul potential—so Guang Biao had always felt guilty toward Guanglong, indulging his brother’s evil deeds until disaster struck.

“Brother, we’ve survived together—no matter what, I’ll kill for you!”

Guang Biao’s eyes burned red; from crowd descriptions along the old street, he memorized the two men’s features.

Deep night, moonlight soaked through the clouds, the entire starry sky glittering brilliantly—with Nine Stars Weishou , silver frost-like radiance flowed with the wind; the Haicheng sea surged, light shattered into ten thousand silver shards, then coalesced into whole luminous patches as the waves calmed.

A night of brilliant stars—star power surged, the perfect celestial moment for a Star Phase Soul Master, rare in a thousand years.

In a room of the Haicheng Spirit Hall, Zhao Xuanzhen’s eyes glowed golden.

“Teng She, the Soul of Deception.”

“I obey my master’s command.”

Dark mist coalesced into Zhao Xuanzhen’s form, seated on the bed; simultaneously, part of the mist clung to his body and face, obscuring his true appearance and physique.

The Eight Deceptive Gods Teng She is the Fire of the South, its authority over deception and illusion, skilled in disrupting the spirit.

Using a deceptive soul to bypass Leng Yaoju’s perception, Zhao Xuanzhen left the Spirit Hall; with Teng She’s quasi-divine power and the brilliance of the starry night, tonight he would resolve a lingering threat.

“First, deal with the tail.”

Guang Biao’s violent, bloodthirsty emotions caught Teng She’s attention; the bald head was unmistakable—Zhao Xuanzhen knew at once it was connected to Guanglong.

The next instant, Guang Biao, lying in wait, blinked—others were deceived by the illusion, but only he saw Zhao Xuanzhen exit the Spirit Hall.

“Blood for blood!”

Guang Biao sneered cruelly—the genius was alone, the opportunity had come! To avoid alerting the Spirit Tower experts, he trailed Zhao Xuanzhen from afar, planning to strike in a secluded spot.

But to Guang Biao’s surprise, Zhao Xuanzhen headed straight for the sea, each step spawning ice beneath his feet, slowly walking toward the deep ocean. This suited him perfectly—he immediately deployed his mech to follow.

Stars hung across the night sky, light and shadow rippled across the waves, night-flying seabirds skimmed the surface, their wings dusted with starlight and sea-glow.

“The distance is sufficient now. You must be tired too.”

A clear, ringing voice carried across the water. The black-class mech surged through the waves, its metallic cockpit wall rising. Guang Biao’s face twisted with fury: “Boy, pay for my brother’s life!”

Two yellow, four purple soul rings materialized. His martial soul, Iron Armor Dragon, fused with his body, encasing him in iron-gray scales like a heavy suit of armor. He drove the mech toward Zhao Xuanzhen.

“Boom—”

Beneath Zhao Xuanzhen’s feet, the Eight Trigrams Mystic Gate Divine Disc erupted. Starlight shattered across the sea surface; a wall of water hundreds of meters high roared upward. Two crimson vertical pupils pierced the ocean, their irises swirling with nebula-like lava patterns.

The giant serpent’s head rose. The air screamed in agony. Its black scales crushed the light of stars and moon, as if condensing all darkness in the world into an unbreakable armor. Its raised upper body blotted out the heavens!

“Ping—”

The black-class mech, piloted by a six-ring Soul Emperor, slammed into the serpent’s scales—sparks flew, then the mech was flung backward at greater speed. Guang Biao heard his own blood roaring in his eardrums!

He stared in terror at the colossal beast before him—the black-class mech wasn’t even as large as the serpent’s single head!

The serpent stretched its neck, tilting its head back into a crescent arc. Without sound, it opened its abyssal maw. The first wisp of black flame dripped from its fangs, warping the air with extreme heat. Clouds spun into a swirling vortex. The flame traced its entire spine, becoming a torrent that pierced heaven and sea!

Teng She descended—scorching heaven, boiling the sea!

(End of Chapter)