Chapter 24: Na

At noon, the East Sea City Transmission Tower.

Eyelashes fluttered slightly; a gray-white haze surfaced in his vision, like the moon veiled in thick fog. A faint, fragrant scent drifted into his nostrils, and for a moment, Zhao Xuanzhen thought he was lost in a dream—he raised a finger and touched something warm and soft.

“Idiot Zhao Xuanzhen, you poke me the moment you wake up!”

A melodious voice brushed past his ear; Zhao Xuanzhen shook off his daze, and the blurred outline gradually resolved into the face of a stunning silver-haired girl. A beam of sunlight poured in, golden specks glittering in her hair, and beneath the falling bangs, her silver irises reflected a pale image.

“I’ve been here all morning, sitting on this little stool beside your bed, cheeks propped on my hands, grinning with my little white teeth—I sent you messages all morning and you didn’t reply a single one, so I came in to check if you were dead!”

“You slept until noon? What happened? Did last night’s spicy stir-fried crab kill you?”

Zhao Xuanzhen silently retracted his finger from her face and replied dryly, “I don’t like spicy food, sure, but getting one-shot by a ten-year-old Blue-armored Crab is ridiculous—Blue-armored Crabs don’t even rise to the level of sitting at the same table as Wind Baboons…”

“Wasn’t it crab?”

Na’er wrinkled her brow like a kitten, serious as ever. “Your face looks awful. Should I call Aunt Leng or a healing Soul Master to examine you?”

“It’s nothing. A few days’ rest and I’ll be fine. Don’t tell the teacher—she’ll worry.” Zhao Xuanzhen waved it off.

The truth was the aftereffect of fusing the Tengshe. As a quasi-divine entity of heaven and earth, Tengshe’s essence was far beyond Zhao Xuanzhen’s Soul Elder realm—he forcibly merged with it, and such a massive surge in soul power inevitably came at a cost.

Tengshe was deceitful, cunning, and venomous in heart; its backlash manifested as phantom fears, strange hallucinations, and dreamlike disorientation. Zhao Xuanzhen had occasionally felt mentally hazy and confused, the first week worst of all, and it would take about a month to fully recover.

As Zhao Xuanzhen’s strength gradually rose, the backlash faded, until it vanished entirely—allowing him to wield the Eight Deceitful Gods’ power without any side effects.

With the threat from Tang San and Tang Hao temporarily gone, Tengshe alone was already among the top combat forces in the Douluo Continent. There were currently no enemies demanding Zhao Xuanzhen’s fusion of the Eight Gods’ power, and more of the Eight Deceitful Gods would awaken in the future.

Looking at this month-long sickly version of him, Na’er traced her chin with a slender finger and suddenly blurted, “With you like this, am I stronger than you now?”

“Why do you care about such weird things?” Zhao Xuanzhen shot her an annoyed glare.

He was weak, not useless!

Even if a Three-Body person slashed him once, he’d still be overpowered!

“It’s fine, I’m super loyal—I’ll take care of you even if I’m stronger! Zhao Xuanzhen, you haven’t eaten all morning—wait up!”

Na’er bounced out, her silver hair rising and falling; Zhao Xuanzhen watched her lively back and sighed helplessly.

A month vanished in the blink of an eye; compared to resolving the Tang father-son threat and obtaining the Golden Dragon King’s divine core, being a sickly invalid for a month was nothing.

Zhao Xuanzhen fell into thought: Tang San had only lost a sliver of his divine consciousness; his true body was currently gaming with other gods in the Divine Realm, preparing to create the Great Divine Circle.

Knowing Tang San’s vengeful nature, Zhao Xuanzhen refused to believe he wouldn’t bring all twelve Divine Kings to bear against him.

Twelve Divine Kings fighting together—even the Emperor Xuanzhen would get a headache. In the era of the Dragon Kings, one could only ascend to godhood by forging one’s own divine position; there were almost no shortcuts to inherit a predecessor’s divine seat.

“The Golden Dragon King’s divine core… is far from enough…”

Even a peak Golden Dragon King couldn’t match the combined power of the five Divine Kings of the Douluo Divine Realm. Even if Zhao Xuanzhen drained every last drop of energy from the divine core, the gap remained immense.

Zhao Xuanzhen refused to walk Tang Wulin’s old path and become the next Golden Dragon King. The Golden Dragon King’s divine core sealed by the Eight Gates of the Human Plate must be merely one foundation stone beneath his future divine position!

“I’m back!”

Before she entered, her voice arrived—Na’er burst through the door just as Zhao Xuanzhen was pondering how to acquire an endless energy source surpassing the Golden Dragon King’s divine position.

Hearing the noise, Zhao Xuanzhen had just propped himself halfway up when the girl already glided to the bedside, gripping a massive thermos.

The thermos slowly unscrewed, releasing a thick white mist. Cuttlefish tentacles curled in amber broth; the sea of porridge floated with ruby shrimp like moored crescent boats, delicate abalone threads woven into golden gauze dyed crimson by crab roe—utterly irresistible at a glance.

The steam brushed his chin; Zhao Xuanzhen exclaimed, “Not bad. Looks appetizing. You made this?”

“Of course! Na’er the Great is cultured and martial, capable in the hall and the kitchen!” the girl declared proudly.

“Pop quiz: no tasting—how do you tell salt from sugar?”

“Eh⊙⊙!”

Na’er froze, then mumbled after a long pause: “Fine, I admit it—the kitchen staff made this seafood porridge. It looked delicious, so I just brought it over.”

“But!” she added sharply, “I was the one who brought it to you! No credit, but plenty of hard work!”

“Alright, you’ve worked hard.”

Zhao Xuanzhen smiled in praise—Na’er hadn’t set foot in the kitchen in four years; she didn’t cook, she only transported food!

“Hehe!”

Na’er beamed, ladling a heaping bowl of seafood porridge, dodging his hand as he reached for it, and volunteered: “Seeing how seriously injured and barely clinging to life you are, I’ll feed you!”

“Seriously injured? Barely clinging to life? Am I really that bad off?”

Zhao Xuanzhen squinted in protest, yet his body obediently opened his mouth.

Na’er sat beside the bed, lifting a spoonful of thick porridge—crab meat wrapped in translucent rice slurry, tender red shrimp peeking through green celery bits. Her lips curved into a mischievous smile as she cooed in a baby-talking tone:

“Baby, Mama’s feeding you—ah—”

“You—”

Zhao Xuanzhen’s eyes widened in shock—he knew Na’er had ulterior motives!

But Na’er swiftly shoved the porcelain spoon into his mouth, physically silencing his complaint.

“Don’t let it get cold—eat, eat!”

After three rapid mouthfuls from Na’er, Zhao Xuanzhen strongly suspected she wanted to choke him.

After the initial laughter and playfulness, Na’er grew serious, feeding him slowly, spoon by spoon, her smile as pure as frost and snow, murmuring:

“The chef said the crabs and shrimp were caught this morning—still smelling of seawater, incredibly fresh. The porridge oil was simmered with East Sea City’s specialty seafood—it smells amazing, perfect for someone like you recovering from injury!”

Zhao Xuanzhen sipped the porridge, his gaze drifting to Na’er. Sunlight cast a translucent glow over her; as she blew on the porridge, her nose twitched slightly, as if inhaling the seafood’s fragrance.

He could clearly see the hunger on her face, and the tongue that repeatedly darted toward the spoon, only to be forcibly restrained at the last moment.

“Na’er, you don’t have to suffer so much. If you want to eat, we can share—I can feed myself…”

Zhao Xuanzhen’s expression was complicated, afraid she’d drool.

“I won’t eat—it’s for you, you idiot!” Na’er held firm.

“Self-interest is worse than collective benefit. Solo joy is inferior to shared joy.”

“Hmm… I’ll taste it after I finish feeding you!”

Na’er’s boundaries were made to be broken!

“Sss∽ Your spoon keeps clacking against my teeth…” Zhao Xuanzhen finally blurted out the truth.

“No talking while eating!”

Na’er glared fiercely, but her earlobes flushed the same crimson as the shrimp.

Protests were useless. Zhao Xuanzhen endured her feeding, the clinking of porcelain spoons, the tiny beads of sweat on her nose more distinct than the glistening rice grains in the bowl.

“It’s my first time caring for someone—I’m inexperienced. Don’t treat me like a serving girl…” Na’er whispered in protest.

Zhao Xuanzhen smiled silently—he’d never truly blamed her; it was always playful teasing.

Honestly, Zhao Xuanzhen had always been grateful for the choice he made four years ago that night—to invite Na’er into the Transmission Tower.

She was a flame, making his life bright and colorful.

After two bowls, Zhao Xuanzhen signaled he was full. Na’er clutched the nearly full thermos and devoured the leftovers with glee.

Na’er had spotted the rich, premium seafood porridge in the kitchen that morning—but when Zhao Xuanzhen suddenly fell ill, she brought all of it, hoping to help him recover quickly.

“Ding-ding-ding—”

The sound suddenly rang; the soul tool communicator screen displayed “Teacher.”

“Xuanzhen.”

Zhao Xuanzhen pressed answer; Leng Yaoju’s gentle voice came through.

“I heard from Na’er you slept until noon. Are you unwell? Or did you overexert yourself by the sea?”

“Nothing. Just tired yesterday—took a lazy day off.” Zhao Xuanzhen replied casually.

“Mm. Resting one day on vacation is fine.”

Leng Yaoju’s communicator rested against her ear; Zhao Xuanzhen had always been diligent, never slacking in cultivation. Memories of him on the beach chair suddenly flashed in her mind—was he tired because…

She sighed inwardly—children grow up. She shifted to business: “Gu Yue has arrived at the Transmission Tower for her evaluation. Assign this task to you—according to yesterday’s position.”

“Understood, Teacher.”

Zhao Xuanzhen had no objections. He rose, washed up, dressed neatly, and casually asked Na’er—she yelled that Gu Yue was less important than food, still bragging about the seafood porridge.

…

At the main gate of the East Sea City Transmission Tower, the silhouette of a black-haired girl was gilded by the noon light—her features like a meticulously painted artwork. Her white shirt collar fluttered slightly in the wind, outlining the graceful curve of her shoulders and neck; beneath the hanging black skirt, her calves gleamed like carved jade.

“I hope the Transmission Tower’s scheme proceeds smoothly…”

Gu Yue sighed softly. Since entering East Sea Academy, everything seemed to go wrong.

Half a year ago, she tricked Tang Wulin outside East Sea Academy, intending to forcibly extract the Golden Dragon King’s bloodline. But Tang Wulin’s father appeared on the spot, wielding a great halberd that sent the Star Dou beasts howling in pain—Dìtiān, Xiong Jun, and other beasts were severely wounded and still receiving treatment from Bìjī in the Star Dou Great Forest.

She had planned to lie low, observe Tang Wulin, and strike again once the beasts recovered—but an unexpected twist occurred: Tang Wulin’s Golden Dragon King bloodline vanished overnight!

This morning, the Zero Class five clashed with Wu Zhangkong—Tang Wulin’s martial soul suddenly evolved into Golden-veined Blue Silver Grass, yet his bloodline level plummeted drastically. Once the Golden Dragon King, now he was barely a Golden Dragon.

Golden Dragon King and Golden Dragon were worlds apart. That trace of Golden Dragon blood could never support Gu Yue’s transformation into the Dragon God.

Gu Yue clenched her fists. After taking human form, she set two goals: first, devour the Golden Dragon King’s divine core to become the Dragon God; second, join the Transmission Tower and exploit its monopoly on soul spirits to destroy humanity at its root.

Now, the Golden Dragon King’s bloodline vanished. Gu Yue needed time to investigate the cause—she couldn’t afford any more mistakes in her infiltration of the Transmission Tower’s core!

Guided by staff, Gu Yue arrived before a meeting room, knocked lightly, then pushed the door open.

Inside sat one person; sunlight bathed his long hair, fingertips, and dark pupils in a soft golden glow—gentle and beautiful.

“It’s you…”

Gu Yue froze, recognizing Zhao Xuanzhen.

Zhao Xuanzhen’s gaze fell on Gu Yue’s empty hands—she came with nothing.

I told you to wait at home—couldn’t you at least bring a fruit basket?

Soul beasts are so naive—they don’t understand human customs!

“Sit.”

Zhao Xuanzhen gestured to the opposite seat. Gu Yue sat down, her quiet black eyes half hopeful, half tense.

"Next, I announce your examination results on behalf of the Spirit Tower."

Clearing his throat with a light cough, Zhao Xuanzhen said with deliberate formality: “Gu Yue, age ten, soul power level twenty-one, martial soul Elemental Master, controls seven elements: earth, water, wind, fire, light, darkness, and space.”

After deliberation by the higher echelons of the Spirit Transmission Tower, Gu Yue’s talent is exceptional and her martial soul holds immense developmental potential; however, her practical performance before the examiner was inadequate. She is hereby granted the status of Provisional Core Disciple of the Spirit Transmission Tower.”

“Provisional Core Disciple?” Gu Yue asked, puzzled.

“It’s like a provisional core disciple—enjoys the same benefits but holds no corresponding authority. Once the examiner deems her capable, she will be formally promoted to Core Disciple of the Spirit Transmission Tower.”

“By the way, you have only one examiner: me.”

Though Zhao Xuanzhen smiled warmly, Gu Yue inexplicably sensed a hint of scheming in that handsome face, and she furrowed her dark brows.

“If I have only one examiner, does that mean as long as you refuse, I’ll never become a Core Disciple?”

“You may understand it that way,” Zhao Xuanzhen nodded. “So you must strive to earn my approval.”

The Provisional Core Disciple status just barely met the threshold—Gu Yue could barely accept it. With the Golden Dragon King’s Divine Core missing, entering the Spirit Transmission Tower’s core tier had become even more critical. In that case…

Should she, in the face of this man who held life and death over her fate, try a little bribery?

"If you have no objections, proceed to the first floor of the East Sea Spirit Tower to claim your identification and register your information."

"Mm."

Zhao Xuanzhen watched Gu Yue leave; fatigue washed over his spirit. He yawned wearily, propping his chin in his palm as his eyelids slowly grew heavy.

"Just a quick nap..."

Gu Yue followed procedure to register and claim her Spirit Tower identification, when suddenly she saw a figure leaning against the metal wall—one slender, pale leg slightly bent, the toe brushing the surface, silver hair flowing like silk, its ends catching golden sunlight like flecks of gold.

"Gu Yue, there are things Zhao Xuanzhen couldn't say in front of you," Na'er whispered.

"Can we talk?"

(End of Chapter)