Chapter 30: Ginseng Soup

Mu Ye nearly bit his tongue—he was a clever man and instantly grasped Han Tianyi’s meaning!

The boy before him possessed the very Divine Body Martial Soul the Body Sect had long dreamed of: True Self!

“Uncle, I knew you were in the Spirit Transmission Tower but your heart was with the Body Sect! Any good news, you think of the sect first!”

Mu Ye silently gave Han Tianyi a huge thumbs-up, then eagerly seized Zhao Xuanzhen’s shoulders with both hands, staring unblinkingly at his handsome face:

“Come, let me see your Martial Soul.”

Seeing Mu Ye’s reaction, Zhao Xuanzhen guessed the letter’s contents—he activated True Self, and three jet-black ten-thousand-year soul rings rose from beneath his feet, circling his body in rhythmic pulses.

His life force surged outward without restraint, causing Shen Jiang’s pupils to widen involuntarily. Under the Douluo Continent’s Soul Master system, life force equaled physical strength—Zhao Xuanzhen’s life force was even stronger than that of most aggressive-type five-ring Soul Kings!

“Perfect! True Self should have this kind of life force!”

Mu Ye clenched his fist tightly, his aged face glowing with uncontainable excitement—among all Body Martial Souls he’d ever seen, none at the same level could match Zhao Xuanzhen!

“Hum—”

The next instant, a spiritual sea-level mental wave swept through the room; black-and-white yin-yang currents spiraled like wind, illuminating the three ten-thousand-year soul rings. A spectral human silhouette coalesced behind Zhao Xuanzhen, his gaze distant and godlike, overlooking the mortal world.

“A body rivaling the Golden Dragon King, a spirit rivaling the Silver Dragon King… it’s no mistake, it’s definitely no mistake!”

Mu Ye whispered softly, gazing at the enlarged spectral image of Zhao Xuanzhen.

The Body Sect believed humanity was the pinnacle of creation, possessing infinite potential—thus, a Divine Body Martial Soul awakened naturally by a human must exist, combining an indestructible body with boundless spirit.

The two Dragon Kings split from the Dragon God matched this description perfectly, so the Body Sect equated the Divine Body Martial Soul with the Dragon God and named it True Self.

In truth, True Self existed only in the Body Sect’s imagination; many Body disciples thought their ancestors were delusional—the strongest Martial Souls in human history were the Sea God and the Six-Winged Angel, both still far from the Dragon God.

Only a few Body disciples firmly believed True Self would one day descend upon the continent and rule over humanity!

After calming himself slightly, Mu Ye asked: “What’s your name?”

“Zhao Xuanzhen.”

“Perfect name—perfectly suited to True Self!”

At this moment, even if the boy were named “Dog Egg,” Mu Ye would have forced himself to praise his “lucky name for easy raising.” He tore off the chef’s hat crowning his head, straightened his chest, lifted his chin, and declared in a loud, resonant voice:

“I am Mu Ye, current head of the Body Sect, the Body Douluo.”

Frankly speaking, I am the most suitable Titled Douluo on the Douluo Continent to be your teacher—even the Sky-Pillar Douluo Yun Ming or the Oceanic Douluo Chen Xinjie, those near-gods, understand Body Martial Souls no better than one-third as well as I do!

Xuanzhen, you and I are fated, and you are fated to the Body Sect!

Become my disciple, and I shall transmit to you the sect’s secret techniques, unlocking the full power of your True Self Martial Soul and making you the strongest Body Douluo in history!”

Hearing this, Shen Jiang couldn’t help smiling—it seemed today was a blessed day: he had found Jiutian, worthy of inheriting his Divine Artisan legacy, and Mu Ye had encountered Zhao Xuanzhen, the possessor of the Divine Body Martial Soul; the two should raise a great toast!

Nearby, Gu Yue still knew little of Zhao Xuanzhen; she turned her head to study him, curious whether he would abandon the Spirit Transmission Tower and join the Body Sect to become Mu Ye’s disciple.

Jiutian remained cold and silent—the Eight Deceitful Gods cared nothing for the Master of the Odd Gate’s background; they only sought to follow him beyond the limits of worldly rules, honoring the divine name.

As for Na’er… she was already sweating profusely!

Having lived in the Spirit Transmission Tower for four years, Na’er knew too well how much Leng Yaoju cherished Zhao Xuanzhen—she was immensely grateful he wasn’t here, for if Mu Ye had just uttered the word “teacher,” Leng Yaoju would have exploded instantly!

Both Titled Douluo were Four-Character Armor Masters—their armors canceled each other out; it came down to soul power alone. The vast gap between 99th and 94th levels meant Leng Yaoju would have devoured Mu Ye alive on the spot!

Mu Ye was utterly oblivious—his world had shrunk to Zhao Xuanzhen alone; his eyes overflowed with fervor, his expressive face seeming to speak volumes.

Come straight to my bowl!

“Forgive me, Elder Mu Ye, my master’s title is Heavenly Phoenix.” Zhao Xuanzhen apologized.

“Heavenly Phoenix Douluo Leng Yaoju?!”

Upon hearing the title, Mu Ye sucked in a sharp breath.

The Heavenly Phoenix Douluo’s name echoed across the land—she was a Limit Douluo, a Four-Character Armor Master, Deputy Head of the Spirit Transmission Tower, and matriarch of the Phoenix Clan, the ruling family of the Spirit Transmission Tower… Leng Yaoju was utterly beyond the reach of the decaying Body Sect.

He suddenly realized: with Zhao Xuanzhen’s extraordinary talent, how could he not be cherished by the upper echelons of the Spirit Transmission Tower? It was only natural for Leng Yaoju to take him as a disciple.

Though Heavenly Phoenix and True Self had nothing to do with each other, master-disciple relationships never depended on Martial Souls. The two most famous master-disciple pairs on the Douluo Continent—Tang San/Yu Xiaogang and Huo Yuhao/Dragon God Douluo Mu En—had Martial Souls with virtually no connection.

“Too late!”

Mu Ye was heartbroken—today he had missed the Divine Body Martial Soul True Self; his ancestors would rise from their graves at night, and even his great-grandmother would slap him hard across the face!

Zhao Xuanzhen’s expression remained calm as still water, showing no hesitation—sect and academy were two different things; graduates returned to their families, but a sect meant responsibility, impossible to abandon lightly.

For example, the Tang Sect required disciples to return all techniques learned before leaving; the Body Sect demanded a vow sworn by the Body Martial Soul: never secretly teach outsiders its secrets.

The Body Sect had endured ten thousand years, preserving countless precious secrets left by Body Soul Masters throughout history—Zhao Xuanzhen naturally hoped to study them, seeking inspiration for his Martial Soul and a second awakening.

But if he must become a disciple, Zhao Xuanzhen could only regretfully decline, relying on extreme training for his second awakening, or following Huo Yuhao’s path and consuming an immortal herb.

In another timeline, the auction had once featured the juvenile form of the Eight-Angled Ice Crystal Herb—the Ice Crystal Herb—and with the Spirit Transmission Tower’s vast resources, they might find one across the entire Douluo Continent.

Leng Yaoju regarded him as her only disciple; Zhao Xuanzhen himself did not wish for anyone to share her attention.

I, Zhao Xuanzhen, am loyal!

Seeing the stalemate, Shen Jiang, Mu Ye’s close friend, stepped forward to defuse the tension: “Xuanzhen, you’ve traveled far to deliver the letter—why not stay for a meal? Taste Mu Ye’s cooking.”

“This is my new disciple, Jiutian—about your age. Get to know each other, exchange cultivation insights—it’ll do you good.”

“Yes, yes, yes!”

Mu Ye caught Shen Jiang’s signal—he must keep the boy here at all costs.

“Ten thousand years ago, Body Martial Souls were automatically considered Body disciples. Today is different—we are all kin, bound by blood!”

Since you’ve come, stay and have lunch!”

“Then… I apologize for the intrusion.”

Zhao Xuanzhen nodded—Chinese people could never resist the four-word mantra. Besides, this was a perfect chance to establish a connection with Jiutian, laying groundwork for future armor metal forging.

Shen Jiang seated the four youths; the five chatted freely, the atmosphere warming rapidly. Mu Ye dashed into the kitchen, activated his soul tool communicator, dialed Han Tianyi’s number, and sealed the area with soul power to prevent eavesdropping.

“Mu Ye…”

Soon, Han Tianyi’s cheerful voice came through the communicator.

“What’s going on, Uncle!”

Mu Ye had no patience for roundaboutness—he cut straight to the point: “I read your letter—Zhao Xuanzhen’s Martial Soul is definitely True Self!

I thought you sent him to me so he’d become my disciple and revive the Body Sect, but why does he already have a teacher—Heavenly Phoenix Douluo Leng Yaoju?!”

“Calm down.”

“Am I excited?” Mu Ye glared. “Fine, I admit I am excited… but it’s True Self—who wouldn’t be?”

“Breathe. Listen.” Han Tianyi said. “Xuanzhen’s mother came from the Ling Feng branch of the Phoenix Clan. Shortly after his birth, his parents died in battle.

With the Phoenix Clan’s descendants dwindling and the main line of the Leng family extinct, Leng Yaoju adopted him and raised him as a precious treasure. Uncle, give up the idea of taking him as a disciple—today’s private meeting is already me bending my dignity for your sake.”

“Uncle, you know the Body Sect has declined. After you and Hu Jie left, only I and A Ru Heng remain. I’ll never break through to Super Douluo; A Ru Heng has excellent talent but a dull mind—he can’t shoulder the burden of reviving the sect!

If I don’t take Zhao Xuanzhen in, I’ll betray my ancestors!”

A trace of despair darkened Mu Ye’s face. Since the Four Kingdoms War ten thousand years ago, the Body Sect had rapidly declined, falling from the top tier of power and never recovering. He believed Zhao Xuanzhen was heaven-sent—the next leader of the Body Sect.

“Think long-term. Who says reviving the Body Sect requires you to take Zhao Xuanzhen as a disciple?” Han Tianyi chuckled. “That boy is peerlessly gifted, calm and rational. With Leng Yaoju and the Spirit Transmission Tower backing him, he’ll become the next Yun Ming, dominating his era.

As a former member of the Body Sect, I remember the sect’s nurturing and give you a chance to ride this wave.

Moreover, Xuanzhen remaining in the Spirit Transmission Tower helps the Body Sect more than joining it directly.”

“I don’t understand. Please explain, Uncle.” Mu Ye looked puzzled.

“Idiot!”

Han Tianyi scolded with a laugh: “Why did the Body Sect decline? First, its disciples dwindled—Body Soul Masters were snatched up early by major powers like Shrek Academy, the Spirit Transmission Tower, and the War God Hall. Second, it lacked top-tier power—you’re not even a Super Douluo.

To solve the first problem, the Spirit Transmission Tower can help immensely—every Soul Master needs to fuse a Soul Spirit. The Tower holds absolute monopoly over Soul Spirits and leads the continent in information.

Imagine if, in the future, Zhao Xuanzhen agrees to recommend Body Soul Masters exclusively to our sect—your sect will flourish, and you’ll have the face to meet your ancestors.

The second problem is easy too. Even if he doesn’t join the Body Sect, you can still teach him directly. Alternate between second awakenings and secret techniques. I recall you’re a Level Nine Mech Craftsmaster—you’re even better than Heavenly Phoenix at this.

You have no title of master, but you are his master in truth. In twenty or thirty years, when Xuanzhen fully grows, invite him as an honored guest elder or honorary vice-head of the Body Sect. Just a ceremonial title—it’ll bring fame to the sect. Do I need to teach you this trick?”

“Thank you, Uncle, for your guidance!”

Mu Ye nodded frantically like a chicken pecking rice—old artists truly had experience; no wonder his Martial Soul was a brain—he was brilliant!

In the Spirit Transmission Tower’s illusionary realm, Han Tianyi ended the call and smiled: “Juggling both sides—how hard is this for an old man!”

…

In the Blacksmiths’ Association of Heaven Dou City, Shen Jiang’s private kitchen.

“The Ginseng Soup is here!”

Mu Ye swept away his gloom, beaming like a blooming chrysanthemum—the broth shimmered with jade ripples, translucent ginseng slices floating within.

Zhao Xuanzhen leaned back in tactical retreat, seriously suspecting Mu Ye had a hidden alias. Beside him, Na’er had already eagerly lifted her porcelain bowl—the pale green broth glowed softly in her silver pupils.

“Gulps, gulps—”

“It’s delicious! Zhao Xuanzhen, drink up!” Na’er urged.

“Hmm… alright, I’ll try.”

The broth slid down his throat, icy as snow, then exploded into blazing heat in his stomach, burning along his meridians to every limb—faint jade patterns glowed beneath the pale green veins on Zhao Xuanzhen’s forearms.

“Feeling generous today—using Jade Jade Ginseng for soup? You never make this for me!” Shen Jiang teased.

“For the kids!”

Mu Ye snorted. “You’re just basking in their glory.”

Jade Jade Ginseng grew in wild marshes, taking a hundred years to grow one inch, with powerful effects of purifying impurities and nourishing life force. Mu Ye could feel that after one bowl, Zhao Xuanzhen’s life force surged violently.

The copper tray tinkled as dish after dish arrived: Starlight Rice, each grain dusted with star-sand glow, tasting like a flowing galaxy on the tongue; Flame Fruit Pies stacked into pagodas, their crisp crusts etched with flame-dragon patterns. Gu Yue bit through the crust, molten fruit juice flooding her mouth, her ears instantly flushing crimson.

Sss~ Not spicy!

The meal left everyone thoroughly satisfied—Huo Yuhao was Season 2’s top chef on Douluo; Mu Ye was a strong contender for Season 3’s Cooking God!

After eating their fill, Mu Ye warmly gripped Zhao Xuanzhen’s hand: “All Body Soul Masters are family—stay a few more days, let’s get properly close!”

Na’er shuddered violently; Gu Yue’s brows furrowed—this kind of dog-at-a-pile-of-dung enthusiasm was deeply, unmistakably wrong.

At Mu Ye’s enthusiastic invitation, the three agreed to stay for a few days at the Heaven Dou City Forge Master Association.

Divine Artisan Zhen Hua dragged Jiu Tian to learn forging, while Mu Ye told Zhao Xuanzhen about the past glory of the Body Sect.

Na Er and Gu Yue flanked Zhao Xuanzhen on either side; they had been listening intently until Mu Ye bluntly claimed the Body Sect had entered the Star Dou Great Forest and slain seven ten-thousand-year soul beasts. Gu Yue’s gaze instantly shifted, tilting her head to study Mu Ye—as if checking whether his head was round enough…

As night fell, everyone returned to their rooms to rest.

In the silent night, Zhao Xuanzhen’s door opened a sliver; a dark golden figure slipped in with unmistakable stealth, gazing at the boy in meditation, then slowly reaching out with large hands, grinning wickedly:

“Hehehe…”

(End of Chapter)