Chapter 43: Heavenly Phoenix True Fire Burns the Silver Moon, Fourth on the Young Genius List, Heaven

The Earth Burrow Spider, one of the kings of spider soul beasts, excels in traps, ambushes, and assassinations!

This ten-thousand-year Earth Burrow Spider had intended to strike from beneath the ground, but unexpectedly, Zhao Xuanzhen and Na’er’s combat power exploded—its body was forcibly shaken out, its eight tiny eyes filled with utter horror as it stared at the two.

Compared to the evil, murderous Face Spider, the Earth Burrow Spider’s greatest weakness is its lack of direct offensive power and its absence of the Face Spider’s neurotoxic venom that kills on contact; yet its control abilities far surpass those of the Face Spider!

Crystal-yellow silk emerged, the sticky fluid drying instantly in the air, forming a vast net that blotted out the sky and descended upon the two like a tidal wave.

Claw-blades tore through the air, ten dark-gold talons like falling stars slicing the web into a storm of dust. The Earth Burrow Spider’s true killing technique followed immediately—the web coalesced into spines, erupting from the ground!

The Web Prison, the Earth Burrow Spider’s most prideful innate soul skill—silent, invisible, and capable of group control!

Qi stirs mountains and rivers—Zhen.

One second before the Web Prison closed, Zhao Xuanzhen murmured softly, his first soul ring flaring—black and white qi surged, forming a swirling Taiji array; the web shattered into powder upon contact with the yin-yang currents.

On Na’er’s side, her first soul ring ignited—she tapped the ground and leapt into the air, the Silver Dragon Spear carving a full-moon silver arc. Silver-white spatial power erupted, effortlessly shredding the annoying webs, then surged onward—the spear tip, trailing a yard of freezing light, stabbed straight at the Earth Burrow Spider.

Qi stirs mountains and rivers—Ding.

The Taiji diagram surged violently in midair, yin and yang qi swirling in a continuous loop—the Earth Burrow Spider’s body, attempting to burrow underground and flee, froze abruptly, sinking into dizziness.

Na’er did not miss the opportunity—her second soul skill, Silver Dragon Fury, unleashed. The silver dragon roared, her entire aura exploding—the Silver Dragon Spear, wielding thunderous might, pierced through the spider’s abdomen, the blade rotating, slicing through space!

A shrill, mournful cry echoed as yellow-green blood sprayed—on the Earth Burrow Spider’s bloated, millstone-like belly, a massive gash opened. Na’er withdrew her bloodied Silver Dragon Spear, calmly watching the blood seep into the sand as the spider writhed in agonizing death throes.

“Kong—”

Moments later, the Earth Burrow Spider ceased moving, its body dissolving into specks of light and vanishing.

Faced with Zhao Xuanzhen and Na’er’s combined assault, even a ten-thousand-year Earth Burrow Spider could not stir up much chaos—had it been a ten-thousand-year Face Spider, it might have held out for a while; the two spiders’ offensive capabilities were not on the same level.

“Second test, Beast Combat: ten points.”

Shengling Douluo Luo Yali’s gentle, melodious voice sounded just in time. In truth, the second test did not require killing the soul beast—students merely gave their best, and examiners naturally assessed accordingly. Their slaying of the ten-thousand-year Earth Burrow Spider left no doubt—the score was maximized.

“Candidates, note: the third test, Blade Gate, is now open. Pass within thirty seconds for six points; subtract one point for every three seconds over, add one point for every three seconds under.”

The environment shifted—the sand vanished. The two returned to the real world, standing before a corridor hung with dozens of guillotines.

Guillotines sliced through the air, emitting wails like tormented ghosts; their blades glowed cold, grayish-blue, serrated edges like fangs, stirring icy currents that shredded floating dust.

“That’s it?”

Na’er studied the intersecting falling blades, sheathed her Silver Dragon Spear, and grinned: “Your turn!”

Before Zhao Xuanzhen could reply, Na’er crossed her arms behind her back, skipping toward the blades, her silver hair bobbing with each lively step, humming a cheerful tune.

The guillotines seemed unable to tolerate such an arrogant girl—two blades, blazing with blinding sharpness, slashed down. Zhao Xuanzhen sighed helplessly, flashed forward behind Na’er, and spread his fingers—left and right, he intercepted the blades.

“Clang—”

The blades struck his skin, ringing like metal on stone; fine cracks spread rapidly along the edges—the iron alloy guillotines instantly shattered into iron sand.

Zhao Xuanzhen shook his wrist; iron filings drifted from his fingers, bursting into flames upon hitting the ground. Then his palm swept upward, flinging three more intersecting blades—blades twisted into knots under the immense force.

“Show some respect for the test— Zhishaobabaiyinlongqiangnachulai 。”

“You’re here!”

Hearing Zhao Xuanzhen’s reminder, Na’er paid no mind—she never doubted his ability to protect her.

“Besides, avoiding them is easy.”

The girl leapt toward the finish line, her waist twisting into a breathtaking arc; her silver-butterfly-embroidered skirt brushed past the final guillotine.

Time ended: ten seconds.

In the New Student Examination Observation Room, examiners sat in a row—centered among them was Shengling Douluo Luo Yali, flanked on either side by Li Lao, the guardian of the first test, and an elderly woman with a withered face.

“Shattering iron alloy guillotines with bare hands—is this even possible for a Soul Elder’s flesh?” Li Lao exclaimed.

The old woman sneered: “Old Li, haven’t you seen the battle footage of that boy from the Tianhai Alliance Tournament? He’s a Gold-Rank Physical Martial Soul.”

The Sea God Pavilion preserves the secrets of the Ice-Spirit Douluo, which detail the hidden truths of the Physical Sect. At his age and soul power level, his martial soul could not have evolved from a Silver-Rank triple awakening—it must be a rare, second-awakened Gold-Rank, breaking the Physical Sect’s history. Such flesh is not surprising.”

In physical attributes, no Soul Master of his level—or even one rank higher—can match him.

Leng Yaoju… hmph. She really does have an outstanding disciple.”

The sarcastic tone made Luo Yali’s dark brows furrow. She spoke: “Yue’er, the fourth test is Specialization. They will come to demonstrate.

Do not act rashly—don’t provoke Yaoju’s misunderstanding. The academy must not strain relations with the Spirit Transmission Tower right now.”

“Sister Yali, rest assured—I know my place. Every action I take is for the academy’s ten-thousand-year glory.”

Cai Yue’er swore solemnly, yet a faint, calculating glint of malice flickered in her eyes.

Soon after, the door opened. Zhao Xuanzhen and Na’er stepped out side by side. Cai Yue’er’s eyes brightened slightly; she cleared her throat: “You’ve achieved a perfect thirty points in the first three tests. The fourth test is called Specialization. You have three minutes to decide how to demonstrate your strengths.

Martial soul, soul skills, spiritual power, combat techniques… anything.”

“I’ll go first.”

Na’er stepped forward willingly. Unlike Zhao Xuanzhen, whose abilities were complex, her Silver Dragon Spear—solely attuned to the Way of Space—required no overthinking. Moreover, she wanted to test the waters for Zhao Xuanzhen, to see what this Specialization test truly entailed!

A clear, soaring dragon cry rang out. Na’er ignited brilliant silver flames, her body flashing seven times in midair, leaving seven silver dots in the air. Space was torn open by the spear tip—then the seven points merged into one, forming a pitch-black spatial rift that greedily devoured everything around it.

“Na’er, spatial-attribute weapon martial soul: Silver Dragon Spear, top-tier dragon bloodline, suspected Silver Dragon lineage. Exceptional attack and speed. Understood spear intent at age ten. Fourth test Specialization: ten points.”

After giving her evaluation, Cai Yue’er turned her gaze to Zhao Xuanzhen—her true target. She asked casually, as if by accident: “You’re Leng Yaoju’s disciple?”

“Yes.”

“You’re Zhao Xuanzhen, right? I’ve watched the footage of your match against Shi Laike Academy. Physical martial soul, Gold-Rank second awakening, yin-yang attribute—the only one in the last twenty thousand years.”

Despite Luo Yali’s warning glare, Cai Yue’er rose unhesitatingly, her voice echoing through the room:

“I am the Titled Douluo Silver Moon, a member of Shi Laike Academy’s Sea God Pavilion. I believe your martial soul is extraordinary—and Leng Yaoju is unfit to teach you.

Shi Laike Academy has an elder of the highest generation, Titled Light-Darkness, who wields twin martial souls: the Holy Light Dragon and the Holy Darkness Dragon.

The Light-Darkness Douluo controls both light and darkness, which share fundamental similarities with yin-yang. He created the peerless technique, Two Poles Explode the World.

Boy, a Soul Master’s teacher is vital—it determines their entire life’s achievement. I intend to recommend you to the Light-Darkness Douluo as her final disciple. This is the greatest honor of your life…”

“Cai Yue’er!”

Luo Yali’s beautiful face flushed with fury. Thanks to her position at Shi Laike and her formidable strength, few dared to discipline Cai Yue’er—she had grown accustomed to doing as she pleased. Now, openly poaching Leng Yaoju’s disciple—even the ever-patient Luo Yali could no longer tolerate it!

“Zhao Xuanzhen, what do you say?”

Ignoring Luo Yali’s rage, Cai Yue’er stared intently at Zhao Xuanzhen. Her nature was unchangeable—she had long resented Leng Yaoju, and with her Silver Moon Douluo’s capricious temperament, how could she not stir up trouble?

“I…”

Zhao Xuanzhen silently pulled out his soul tool communicator. The screen showed an active call.

“Teacher, Silver Moon Douluo is urging me to become Light-Darkness Douluo’s final disciple. Do you approve?”

Zhao Xuanzhen wore an expression of hesitation, asking Leng Yaoju with exaggerated caution and an utterly fake tone. Beside him, Na’er couldn’t help bursting into laughter.

He had anticipated the exam wouldn’t pass smoothly—upon passing the Blade Gate, he immediately called Leng Yaoju. Every punctuation mark Cai Yue’er uttered had been perfectly heard by her!

“Cai Yue’er, you’re asking for death!”

A sharp, piercing scream erupted from the communicator. A resounding phoenix cry filled the entire room—the phoenix pendant beneath Zhao Xuanzhen’s robes blazed with radiant light!

The phoenix pendant contained a fragment of Leng Yaoju’s spiritual energy, originally for tracking—now it became the trigger for her to detonate the pendant!

A phantom phoenix spread its wings, letting out a long cry, its feathers flowing with searing flames that warped the air. This was Leng Yaoju’s Heavenly Phoenix True Fire, condensed from her martial soul’s origin—its power could instantly obliterate a Level 95 Titled Douluo!

Cai Yue’er’s face turned pale—silver armor materialized, its moonlight-patterned runes swirling endlessly; glyphs burst from the armor seams, weaving into a crescent-shaped shield.

Three-Character Battle Armor: Silver Moon Ming!

The two forces collided violently—the phoenix flames erupted in a thousand waves of fire. The Silver Moon shield cracked under unbearable strain, runes exploding one after another, the armor turning from silver to crimson!

“Boom—”

The phoenix’s eyes glinted with ruthlessness. Heavenly Phoenix True Fire clung to the Silver Moon shield and detonated. Cai Yue’er was blasted backward, her battle armor torn, exposed skin charred black, her hair curled and smoking.

“Cough, cough, cough!”

Cai Yue’er struggled to rise, spitting out rings of black smoke. Her cultivation was only Level 96—had she not worn the Three-Character Battle Armor, the Heavenly Phoenix True Fire’s single strike would have taken half her life!

“Leng Yaoju!” Cai Yue’er shrieked, her hair disheveled.

“I’m standing at the entrance of Shi Laike Academy. If you dare, come fight me.” Leng Yaoju’s voice was icy. “Yali, you broke your promise. Clearly, Zhao Xuanzhen and Na’er have no need to become exchange students. The Spirit Transmission Tower should now cooperate with the Dayue Federation.”

“Wait!”

Luo Yali cried out urgently, her emerald eyes blazing at Cai Yue’er. “Leave. From now on, you will no longer supervise new student exams.

I will inform Ming-ge to strip you of all positions. The Outer Academy deanship will be given to Zhuo Shi. You will return to the Sea God Pavilion and meditate until your heart is tempered!”

“Sister Yali…”

The usually gentle Shengling Douluo’s sudden fury startled Cai Yue’er. She stammered helplessly, then reluctantly left the room, accepting Luo Yali’s punishment.

“I’m sorry, Yaoju. I never expected Yue’er to be this reckless. I’ve already punished her. Zhao Xuanzhen will always be your disciple—this will never happen again.” Luo Yali apologized.

“You’d better make sure of it.”

Leng Yaoju ended the call, no longer mentioning Zhao Xuanzhen and Na’er leaving Shi Laike.

Luo Yali exhaled in relief. Shi Laike desperately needed to restore its reputation—Zhao Xuanzhen and Na’er’s enrollment was the best choice. And Cai Yue’er truly needed discipline—letting her go unchecked would eventually cause a catastrophe.

“Aunt Leng is terrifying! I thought Silver Moon Douluo was so powerful—yet she was still blown away.” Na’er said, eyes sparkling.

Zhao Xuanzhen smiled faintly. Cai Yue’er’s behavior was predictable, but Shengling Douluo Luo Yali had acted with surprising decisiveness.

With Cai Yue’er no longer interfering, Shi Laike Academy would be half as chaotic.

“A minor incident—ignore it. The exam continues.” Luo Yali said gently. “Xuanzhen, what do you consider your strength?”

“Combat.”

At this answer, all examiners—including Luo Yali—paused slightly. Zhao Xuanzhen was the first student they had ever seen who listed “combat” as his specialty. But upon reflection, the answer made perfect sense—after all, all specialties ultimately served combat.

“Initiate the eighth test early.”

As Luo Yali spoke, a wall rose with a thunderous crash, revealing ten young men and women in Shi Laike’s dark green uniforms, each with distinct expressions.

“Eighth test: Comprehensive Combat. These are last year’s Shi Laike students.” Luo Yali smiled. “Since your specialty is combat, prove it with a battle.

Xuanzhen, you may challenge any one of them. This fight determines your scores for both the fourth and eighth tests—take it seriously.

Hint: One among them is ranked higher than you on the Young Genius List.”

On the way to Shrek Academy, Zhao Xuanzhen memorized the faces of the top four on the Young Genius List, his gaze locking onto a black-haired woman with a slender figure, sweet features, and eyes as dark as ink radiating coldness.

Fourth on the Young Genius List: Mo Jue of the Swan.

Their eyes met; as Mo Jue expected him to challenge her without hesitation, Zhao Xuanzhen spoke slowly:

“One-on-one isn’t my strength. You…”

“Come at me all at once.”

Tomorrow’s update is live! Thank you all for your support over the past month—for every tip, every monthly vote, every recommendation vote! Tomorrow’s update is 8K: one chapter at noon, another later.

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(End of chapter)