Chapter 32

The sky was clear, the clouds light, time peaceful; Zhao Xuanzhen lay flat on the bed while Gu Yue meticulously applied ointment.

“Mm?”

Zhao Xuanzhen suddenly let out a soft groan.

“Don’t tense up—I’m just helping you relax.”

With a slender hand pressing down on his shoulder trying to rise, Gu Yue spoke casually; the medicinal scent seeping from his wound wove with the faint fragrance drifting from her robe, weaving a net he could not escape.

“Ding-ding-ding—”

The soul tool communicator rang at an inopportune moment, interrupting Zhao Xuanzhen’s thoughts; Gu Yue reached over and handed it to him, the screen clearly displaying the word “Teacher.”

“Xuanzhen.”

He pressed the answer key, and immediately, Leng Yaoju’s gentle, mature voice came through; hearing it, Zhao Xuanzhen couldn’t help but smile.

“Are you adjusting well in Heaven Dou City?”

“Heaven Dou City is a ten-thousand-year-old metropolis with advanced soul tool technology; Teacher need not worry.”

“That’s good…”

Leng Yaoju paused a second, then asked softly the question she cared most about: “When will you return to the Spirit Transmission Tower?”

Zhao Xuanzhen calculated the time and replied: “We plan to stay longer in Heaven Dou City; we’ll return later—probably two months.”

The second awakening of the Body Martial Soul lasts at most forty-nine days; adding time to learn the Body Sect’s secret techniques, Zhao Xuanzhen extended it to two months, leaving ample room for maneuver.

“Mm, take care of yourself… I’ll hang up now. Remember to report your safety daily.”

“Understood, Teacher, rest well.”

“Diiii—”

The busy tone of the soul tool communicator echoed in his ear; Leng Yaoju propped her chin on her hand and sighed deeply, like an empty-nester whose child had left home, clinging to the sound of her voice for comfort.

Ten years had passed; Zhao Xuanzhen had never left her side. One day apart felt like three autumns—she missed him fiercely every single day.

“Xuanzhen was raised in silk and jade, cherished by me and Da Bai, Xiao Bai since childhood…” Leng Yaoju murmured to herself.

“Suddenly thrust into Heaven Dou City, a foreign land, with Naer and Gu Yue both young girls—no one to care for him—how could he possibly adapt?”

“He must be miserable, but he’s just comforting me with words…”

In the Heaven Dou City Forge Master’s Association, Zhao Xuanzhen lay on a warm, soft leg pillow, enjoying the ultimate luxury that would make any homebody drool.

Gu Yue massaged the sides of Zhao Xuanzhen’s temples, looking down to admire his full face—clear, refined, sharply defined, more beautiful the longer she gazed, harder to tear her eyes away.

Starlike spiritual light scattered from the girl’s dark pupils; her clear gaze rippled slightly, then gradually stilled, as if chatting casually: “Let me ask you a question—between my leg pillow and Naer’s shoulder pillow, which do you prefer?”

“Leg pillow emphasizes touch, shoulder pillow emphasizes sensation—both are fine.”

Zhao Xuanzhen, with years of Tai Chi experience, answered with perfect yin-yang balance.

Gu Yue gave a light hum, not displeased; since Zhao Xuanzhen hadn’t declared Naer superior, this was already a victory.

She only needed to slowly imprint herself deeply in his heart, surpass Naer in every way, then choose the right moment to make Naer realize Zhao Xuanzhen had now embraced Gu Yue the Queen—and no longer needed her.

By securing both Naer and Zhao Xuanzhen, Gu Yue would achieve perfection, transform into the complete Silver Dragon King, and gain Zhao Xuanzhen’s full support—and his faction’s backing—making her control of the Spirit Transmission Tower imminent!

To revive the soul beast race, Gu Yue had no qualms about using her beauty—even granting Zhao Xuanzhen extra favors was worth it, and she even had a phantom realm as her ultimate weapon!

“Ssshh—”

Lost in the comfort of the girl’s leg pillow, a sudden breeze signaled someone approaching swiftly; Zhao Xuanzhen instantly assumed the carp-leap readiness stance.

Gu Yue reacted with astonishing speed, deducing the reason for his movement, and used all her strength to pin him back down, crushing his delusion of escape.

“Zhao Xuanzhen~ I’m coming in!”

Naer’s energetic voice rang through the door; with a cheerful “Hey!” she flung it open, catching Zhao Xuanzhen’s head resting on Gu Yue’s thighs, the two locked in a gaze so intimate it was unmistakable.

“You… you… this… this!”

The shock and fury in her silver eyes nearly took physical form; she wanted nothing more than to bite a handkerchief and burst into tears.

“He’s still a child!”

Naer pointed accusingly at the delicate blossom, silver light flickering in her eyes like blades, ready to pierce Gu Yue’s chest.

I didn’t even dare eat the grass by my own nest—how dare you, after knowing him only a few days, take and consume everything?

Watching Naer’s furious, broken expression, Gu Yue felt even more certain she’d chosen the right path; she adopted a triumphant posture and sneered: “I’m just applying ointment and giving him a massage… that’s all!”

“Get out of the way—do you even know how to massage properly? I’ll do it!”

Naer rolled up her sleeves and charged onto the bed, determined to rescue the innocent, pure Zhao Xuanzhen from the wicked woman!

“Wait your turn!”

Gu Yue refused to yield; the two girls wrestled over him, Zhao Xuanzhen’s head spinning, every second bringing a different sensation.

To avoid being caught in the crossfire, he quickly sat aside, the two silver dragon heiresses’ faces less than a centimeter apart, eyes locked, black and silver auras blazing skyward.

Two girls fighting over one thing—this scene, Zhao Xuanzhen felt he’d seen it before…

Mysterious number, activate!

After a fierce struggle, neither could fully defeat the other; they agreed to cease hostilities and return to peaceful coexistence.

Naer wrapped her arm around Zhao Xuanzhen’s, glared at Gu Yue on the other side, and declared: “Zhao Xiaodeng, I’m going shopping in Heaven Dou City today—give me some coins!”

“What? That’s your attitude when asking for money?” Zhao Xuanzhen was stunned.

“You get three million a month—I get three thousand!”

Naer felt like a top employee trapped by an exploitative contract, resentful: “Three thousand a month, food and lodging included—four years ago you tricked me into joining the Spirit Transmission Tower!”

“Three thousand a month, plus millions in miscellaneous bonuses every year—you’ve taken more than I have.”

Zhao Xuanzhen ruthlessly exposed the truth: “You’ve forgotten your roots. Who, at age seven, sneaked to Shi Laike City, found the Chicken Bone Boss, bought one pound for fifteen, got half a pound free, spent twenty million federation coins just to make him fry two million pounds?”

“When Teacher and I arrived, the boss was crying while frying chicken bones—you were laughing heartlessly beside him, gorging yourself, then lost your right to manage your own pocket money.”

Gu Yue glanced at Naer, suddenly feeling it was deeply shameful to share bloodline with a glutton.

Seeing she wouldn’t get pocket money, Naer’s eyes darted, tears welling: “Zhao Xuanzhen, you stingy miser!”

“…Never mind. Zhao Xuanzhen, live to be a hundred.”

The next instant, a palm strike landed on Naer’s head—just enough to stun, not harm.

Zhao Xuanzhen stared straight ahead, radiating righteous energy.

No one would be moved to think Naer was kind-hearted, selflessly devoted!

In a fantasy world, at one hundred years old, you’re still beating around the bush to curse someone?

Naer rubbed the bump on her head, grimacing: “Medical fees! You must pay medical fees!”

Zhao Xuanzhen tossed her a black card irritably: “Go out with some guards.”

“Got it!” Naer beamed. “Oh, by the way, I saw Master Mu Ye in the kitchen—he said he didn’t want to intrude in your room, so he told me to call you for meals.”

Zhao Xuanzhen clicked his tongue; Mu Ye had clearly misunderstood his noble character—he was ten, not twenty, and didn’t have some uncontainable lustful flaw!

Once Zhao Xuanzhen vanished from view, only the two girls remained; Naer struck first, glaring at Gu Yue, teeth grinding:

“Despicable, shameless, immoral!”

“Your intentions are obvious to everyone!”

Gu Yue raised an eyebrow, voice dripping with disdain: “What are you talking about? I don’t understand. I only know a sacred saying passed down among dragonkind!”

Opportunity favors the prepared dragon!

Whoever you can’t hold, I will hold!”

“You… you broke the agreement!” Naer’s silver eyes flashed, her tone fierce but hollow.

Gu Yue replied without hesitation: “Our agreement was: I won’t harm Zhao Xuanzhen or anyone you cherish, and I won’t forcibly consume you until before the Ultimate Douluo—on the condition you never interfere with anything I do in the Spirit Transmission Tower.

Where did I break it? Have I harmed Zhao Xuanzhen?”

“….”

Naer’s body trembled with rage, yet had no rebuttal.

“Instead of bothering me, reflect on your own flaws,” Gu Yue said calmly.

“Humans are greedy and fickle—worthless for soul beasts to invest emotion in. Your best choice is to merge with me, become the Silver Dragon King again.”

“I won’t become the Silver Dragon King. This time, you’ve won.”

Naer’s eyes ignited two flames; she slowly leaned toward Gu Yue’s face, their exquisite features glowing side by side; she stared into those cold, indifferent black eyes and whispered:

“But I think I know what you’re trying to do—undermine my humanity, right?”

“I’m proving to you that human emotion is fragile, that the Silver Dragon King’s humanity has no place in this world.”

Gu Yue didn’t flinch; as she grew closer to Zhao Xuanzhen, Naer would inevitably notice.

This was always an open strategy—the solution lies with the one who tied the knot. Naer’s humanity was nurtured by Zhao Xuanzhen—and it would be shattered by him. Gu Yue wanted Naer to watch helplessly as Zhao Xuanzhen slowly drifted away, one day smiling as he embraced another.

In Gu Yue’s ultimate vision, one day Naer would hide behind a wall while she and Zhao Xuanzhen cuddled on the sofa; she would then deliberately ask: “After we got together, what was Naer to you?”

Zhao Xuanzhen’s answer should be: “She’s my sister. The one I’ve always loved is you.”

Seeing the unnatural flush of excitement on Gu Yue’s face, Naer exhaled slowly and said seriously: “Gu Yue, human emotion is like quicksand—once you sink in, you’ll never climb out.”

“I advise you not to be foolish—don’t let yourself fall in love with a human, mistaking performance for truth.”

“Impossible!”

At those words, Zhao Xuanzhen’s clear face flashed suddenly in her mind; Gu Yue shook her head violently, trying to erase it, her expression resolute:

“Love is a childish human game. I am the sovereign of all soul beasts, the supreme Silver Dragon King!”

“I, seal my heart, lock my love—never to betray!”

…

Heaven Dou City Forge Master’s Association, small kitchen.

Zhao Xuanzhen sat quietly at the table as Mu Ye approached with a white porcelain plate.

On the plate curled three large shrimp, shells as thin as cicada wings, glowing with a blood-red luster like glass, golden threads faintly visible; at the tip of each tail, a drop of crimson dew shimmered, releasing an intoxicating aroma of sweetness and sea salt that made one’s mouth water.

"Blood Jade Shrimp—Senior, you've gone to too much trouble..." Zhao Xuanzhen said sincerely.

"You've eaten it?" Mu Ye blinked, then remembered, "I forgot—you're the direct disciple of the Heaven Phoenix Douluo. Blood Jade Shrimp may be rare, but the Deputy Head of the Spirit Transmission Tower still has ways to get it."

Blood Jade Shrimp is the king among Red Jade Shrimp, living in the Blood Sea Trench deeper than three thousand meters; its essence of blood and qi closely resembles that of humans, making it the ultimate supplement for body-cultivation Soul Masters.

Zhao Xuanzhen pinched the shrimp’s body between his fingers; heat exploded along his skin, and his blood and qi vibrated spontaneously, revealing the formidable effect of the Blood Jade Shrimp.

The shrimp meat trembled slightly, oozing pale golden sap; the moment it touched his tongue, it felt as if a deep-sea vortex had seized it—his teeth pierced the springy, glutinous flesh, and suddenly, the roar of tides filled his ears, the rush of his blood surging with every breath, steaming crimson mist into the air!

"Good effect," Mu Ye nodded slightly. "This is top-grade Red Jade Shrimp—its blood and qi energy is so dense, I’d think it a waste to give it to Zhenhua. But it suits you perfectly."

As members of the Body Sect, they were family. After witnessing Zhao Xuanzhen’s combat power firsthand last night, Mu Ye fully recognized his potential and future.

After consuming three Blood Jade Shrimp, Zhao Xuanzhen’s body was saturated with thick blood and qi energy. Mu Ye pulled out a chair and sat across from him, smiling.

"Xuanzhen, let me test you."

"Tell me—what is a Body Soul?"

Zhao Xuanzhen paused, then said, "Our bloodline is different from ordinary Soul Masters."

"The theory of noble birth by bloodline?"

Mu Ye frowned—clearly, this was not a good answer.

"No, I am not a bloodline elitist, nor do I believe bloodline determines worth or status. Bloodline determines power, but power is not the standard by which to judge things," Zhao Xuanzhen shook his head.

"What I mean by bloodline is simple—the blood flowing in our veins."

"It is well known that on the Douluo Continent, Souls are broadly divided into Beast Souls and Artifact Souls. Beast Souls have corresponding originals in the Soul Beast world—if a Soul Master’s Soul is the Holy Light Dragon, then his bloodline is, in essence, the Holy Light Dragon."

Among Artifact Souls, there are beast-artifacts like the Snake Spear and Dragon Staff, and pure weapons like the Clear Sky Hammer and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Tower."

Practitioners of Beast Souls and beast-artifact Souls strengthen themselves by harnessing Soul Beast bloodlines, but they face side effects—when encountering a Soul Master with stronger bloodline, their combat power plummets instantly."

Pure Artifact Soul Masters have no bloodline suppression issues; they must communicate with their Artifact Souls, merging completely with them, achieving perfect spiritual alignment."

The Body Soul is utterly different from both—it carries pure human blood, immune to upper-tier Soul Beast bloodline suppression."

Moreover, the Soul is part of the body; Body Souls have innate compatibility far exceeding all other Souls, making spiritual alignment with their wielders far easier."

Therefore, I believe the Body Soul is humanity’s most fundamental Soul. The path of cultivation varies by individual, yet all paths converge—summed up in three words..."

"Be yourself."

(End of Chapter)