Chapter 56: The Crown Prince's Malice, Qian Qian Zhangting; Final Make-up Exam; Life and Death

Afternoon sunlight lazily leaned against the wooden house, dappled tree shadows scattered across the ground; a girl in plain white martial attire stood alone, her silver spear swirling like a dragon in her hand.

The spear tip pierced the air, refracting fine silver glints under the intense light; the girl's figure rose and fell with the spear's momentum, her sleeves fluttering like swirling wind, every movement of extension and retraction accompanied by a clear dragon's roar.

The spear point suddenly withdrew; the girl spun and swept horizontally, instantly transforming into a thousand silver dragon shadows. Sweat beads rolled down her snow-white chin from her temples, dampening the pale green bamboo patterns on her collar.

A hundred meters away, a tall figure had stood for who knew how long; his robe hem was lifted and then dropped by the wind, a smile lingering on his lips, his eyebrows dusted with the brilliant Jin Guang filtered through the tree shadows, highlighting his clear, handsome, and superior features.

The girl suddenly turned her head; that familiar silhouette caught her eye. The knuckles of her spear-gripping hand tightened unconsciously. The wind ruffled the silver hair at her temples, brushing over that flawless, breathtakingly beautiful face, yet she seemed not to care, merely staring blankly.

"Zhao, Zhao Xuan, Zhen!"

Xiang Xiang Naer's expression shifted from dazed to delighted; she let out a super-decibel scream, casually tossed aside the silver dragon spear, and her slender body lunged fiercely toward Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen.

Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen's deep, warm eyes brimmed with smiles; he opened his arms in advance. Childhood sweethearts reuniting after a long separation naturally called for a warm embrace.

However, when the two were only one meter apart, Xiang Xiang Naer suddenly lowered her head, using her legs to drive her waist and exerting full body strength, delivering a rocket-headbutt straight to Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen's chest!

"Boom—"

A dull, massive impact sound echoed loudly; caught completely off guard, Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen was nearly knocked to the ground by Xiang Xiang Naer.

"Attacking on the very first meeting, huh?"

Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen smiled with his eyebrows and eyes, letting the small silver head burrow constantly into his chest.

"If the Phoenix Pendant hadn't failed to activate, and if the Sky-Supporting Limit Douluo hadn't repeatedly assured us, both Aunt Leng and I thought you were buried by Shi Shi Laike!"

Xiang Xiang Naer looked up, her eye circles red, looking exactly like a little resentful wife; she had intended to severely reprimand Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen, but after their eyes met, her gaze could no longer be torn away.

That gentle, refined face, always wearing a faint smile, instantly occupied her entire field of vision; the blame, before it could be spoken, involuntarily changed its form.

"When you're not by my side, I can't even eat well!"

A slight tremor hid in the girl's heart-touching voice; eating had previously been what she considered the most important thing of the day, until Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen entered seclusion for cultivation. Xiang Xiang Naer wandered alone through the vast Shi Shi Laike Academy like a lonely child.

Since Xiang Xiang Naer entered the Spirit Tower, Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen and she had never been separated for more than a day. Having grown accustomed to each other's presence, a sudden separation caused great discomfort; during these days, Xiang Xiang Naer couldn't even finish ten bowls of rice in one meal, waiting every day for Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen to break through his seclusion.

"Deep meditation; the time was a bit long."

Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen gently embraced the girl; he seemed able to hear that trembling heartbeat. The silver hair strands blown up by the breeze brushed against his nose, a wisp of fragrance lingering, making one utterly intoxicated.

Xiang Xiang Naer greedily inhaled the reassuring scent only she could smell; after a long while, she reluctantly let go, her silver eyes shining as she said, "Let's hurry back to the Spirit Tower. Aunt Leng misses you just as much as I do; her temper has become much more irritable this year.

I remember once, when the Qian Gu Tower Master came to discuss official business, Aunt Leng directly blasted him out."

"Hmm, let's go see the teacher; we'll have a big meal together tonight."

"Yay!"

Hearing this, Xiang Xiang Naer was instantly full of energy; as long as Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen was by her side, she could even eat three hundred bowls of rice a day!

Leaving the city at the fastest speed, the two headed straight for the Spirit Tower headquarters outside Shi Shi Laike City; they did not send a soul tool communication to Leng Yaoju in advance. The little troublemakers were preparing a surprise for the Lady Lady Tianfeng Crown.

The two had just stepped onto the first floor of the Spirit Tower when they unexpectedly ran into someone.

The youth was tall and handsome; upon seeing Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen and Xiang Xiang Naer, he froze for two seconds, then strode forward with long steps, revealing a hearty smile:

"Zhao Xuanzhen, Xiang Xiang Naer, this foolish elder brother heard long ago that you enrolled in Shi Shi Laike Academy. Lately, we've had no chance to meet, so I haven't had the opportunity to congratulate you!"

"Many days have passed; Brother Qian Qian Zhangting's elegance remains unchanged."

Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen exchanged pleasantries with the visitor, while Xiang Xiang Naer subtly pouted. The youth's name was Qian Gu Qian Zhangting, the direct grandson of the current Spirit Tower Master, Qian Gu Dongfeng.

At the age of six, Qian Gu Qian Zhangting awakened the Qian Gu clan's inherited martial soul, the Panlong Staff. His innate full soul power talent stood at the peak of the continent. Qian Gu Dongfeng was overjoyed and declared on the spot that his grandson was the perfect successor to the Spirit Tower Master position.

Therefore, Qian Gu Qian Zhangting circulated within the Spirit Tower circles under the nickname, Crown Prince.

As the direct disciple of the Spirit Tower Vice Master, the Lady Lady Tianfeng Limit Douluo Leng Yaoju, Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen's status was transcendent; Spirit Tower members, including the heads of various branch towers, had to respect him by three points. Qian Gu Qian Zhangting, representing the future of the Qian Gu lineage, was the only young generation member within the Spirit Tower whose status surpassed Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen's.

At large banquets held by the Spirit Tower's core circle, the two young representatives of the Phoenix family and the Qian Gu family inevitably met. Xiang Xiang Naer had followed Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen since she was six, so naturally she knew Qian Gu Qian Zhangting; she simply did not like this Spirit Tower Crown Prince.

Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen knew the filth of the Qian Gu family and had absolutely no interest in developing a relationship with Qian Gu Qian Zhangting. The two were, in daily life, at most nodding acquaintances; unless they bumped into each other as they did today, they would not speak a single extra word in private.

After a brief chat, Qian Gu Qian Zhangting's gaze shifted to the silver-haired girl beside Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen; a flash of stunning admiration swept through his eyes as he sighed:

"Sister Xiang Xiang Naer... you are becoming even more beautiful; in the future, you will surely be a divine maiden who could topple nations and cities."

Upon hearing this, Xiang Xiang Naer felt so disgusted that goosebumps rose; she angrily retorted, "Call me by my name! Who is your sister? If you want a sister, go to the brothel; there are plenty of women who will call you brother!"

The moment these words were spoken, Qian Gu Qian Zhangting's face instantly turned black as a pot bottom; the muscles on his cheeks twitched uncontrollably, and his fists unconsciously clenched tight.

Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen stepped forward, his body subtly blocking Xiang Xiang Naer, and said lightly, "The young Miss doesn't understand; childish words are harmless fun. Brother Qian Qian Zhangting, please don't take it to heart."

"Heh, it's not Xiang Xiang Naer's fault; I was too rash."

Qian Gu Qian Zhangting said with a smile that didn't reach his eyes, silently reminding himself that he was the next Spirit Tower Master. His grandfather, Qian Gu Dongfeng, had once said that although Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen and Xiang Xiang Naer possessed extraordinary talents, their future was destined to be his subordinates, so the relationship should not be made too tense.

"The teacher has something to discuss with us. Brother Qian Qian Zhangting, we must take our leave first."

Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen casually found a reason to leave.

"Please, go ahead."

Qian Gu Qian Zhangting watched the two ascend the high-floor elevator. Recalling Xiang Xiang Naer's merciless words, he finally stopped concealing the malice in his heart and said hatefully:

"Not even old enough, yet her temper is so explosive!

If it weren't for Grandfather's instruction to best separate the two of you, and because you possess a bit of beauty, making you barely worthy of me, do you think this Young Master would..."

His angry words cut off abruptly. Qian Gu Qian Zhangting could not deceive his own heart; he had to admit that the silver-haired girl had officially entered a rapid development phase, becoming strikingly beautiful as if by magic, more beautiful day by day, perfectly hitting his XP from head to toe.

In Qian Gu Qian Zhangting's mind, Xiang Xiang Naer was as beautiful as a fairy, while Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen was merely beginning to take human form. The Spirit Tower belonged to the Qian Gu clan; Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen should obediently serve as the Qian Gu family's lackey, dedicating himself, while Xiang Xiang Naer should quietly become the Qian Gu family's canary, at their beck and call.

"Enough; no need to rush."

Qian Gu Qian Zhangting's gaze grew deep: "Better to listen to Grandfather; do not speak of romantic feelings. Focus on refining the intent of the Panlong Staff, and try to gain the recognition of that monster at the very top..."

The high-floor elevator led to the hundredth floor of the Spirit Tower. Xiang Xiang Naer crossed her arms and rubbed her body vigorously, speaking with righteous indignation: "Qian Gu Qian Zhangting is truly too disgusting! Wait until I cultivate for a few more years; I will definitely beat him up!

He really was born into a good family; since childhood, he was secretly designated as the first in line to inherit the Spirit Tower Master position, with the entire Qian Gu family providing him protection!

Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen, you have too many bad tricks; think of a way quickly. I don't want to work under a Tower Master like that in the future..."

"Explain that, what do you mean by 'too many bad tricks'?" Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen was speechless. "The Crown Prince is just the Crown Prince; the one who ascends to the throne isn't necessarily the Crown Prince. Or even if he is the emperor, what then? History has many stories of assassinating kings and killing emperors."

Chinese historical books are vast as the sea and mist; Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen never recognized any order of succession. The strong follow the Xuanwu Gate succession system!

"Right, pull Qian Gu Qian Zhangting down. You become the Tower Master, and Gu Yue and I become Vice Masters. Then the two of us go out to play, dumping all the troublesome official duties on Gu Yue. The Trident each performs its own duties!"

Xiang Xiang Naer raised her arm and shouted, deciding the future structure of the Spirit Pagoda in a few words; Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen listened and thought, Don't say it, you really shouldn't say it!

Perfect!

Moments later, the high-speed elevator arrived at the hundredth floor; Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen signaled Xiang Xiang Naer to step forward and knock, while he followed silently.

"Knock, knock, knock, Aunt Leng, it's me!"

Xiang Xiang Naer's cheerful voice entered the room; Leng Yaoju sat on the sofa handling official business, and without raising her head, shot out a wisp of soul power, causing the great door to suddenly swing open.

In the lavishly decorated hundredth floor, Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen looked at his longed-for teacher; a year had passed, yet Leng Yaoju's appearance had changed almost not at all, her figure still so mature and graceful, a fiery red long dress outlining a bewitching curve, unforgettable to behold.

At the same time, Leng Yaoju's aura grew increasingly cold and elegant, emitting the presence of a superior, like a phoenix descending from the nine heavens, commanding awe without anger.

"Hmm?"

Two footsteps sounded by her ear; Leng Yaoju turned her head to look back, her phoenix eyes reflecting Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen's tall and slender figure, ripples swirling in her crimson pupils like a quiet lake.

"Teacher."

"Zhao Xuan... Zhao Xuanzhen..."

Leng Yaoju's red lips trembled slightly; the two months of separation during the Huang Jinshu's enlightenment and Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen's second awakening were vastly different.

Because Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen could not send a soul tool communication to reassure her, Leng Yaoju sank into worry every day, fearing Shi Shi Laike Academy might harm her precious disciple, so her emotions gradually became restless, making even Qian Gu Dongfeng keep his distance.

Now that Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen appeared intact and unharmed, the stifled anger coiled in Leng Yaoju's chest seemed to vanish into nothingness, restoring the grace of a Limit Limit Douluo of her generation.

Suppressing the impulse to pull her disciple into her arms for a careful check, Leng Yaoju asked with concern, "Zhao Xuanzhen, you have been in seclusion for a year; is there anything amiss?"

"Teacher need not worry; the life energy of the Huang Jinshu has been nourishing my body all along."

Xiang Xiang Naer interjected, "Speaking of which, you have been in seclusion for so long; did you gain any super benefits?"

Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen smiled without speaking, answering Xiang Xiang Naer's question with action; soul power fluctuations spread out, and three black, black, black ten-thousand-year soul rings rose one after another, followed immediately by a brilliant golden soul ring twice the size of the ten-thousand-year soul rings!

"Four-Ring Hun Sect!"

"Golden soul ring?"

Two peerlessly beautiful women, one tall and one small, widened their eyes, waiting for Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen's explanation.

Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen concisely recounted his experience, omitting the Eight Deities, while the rest was essentially the truth; the underground space of the Huang Jinshu, with the yin-yang field formed by stacking two hundred-thousand-year soul beasts, possessed energy several times denser than that of the Sea God Island, allowing him to break through to level forty in one go, and incidentally attracting the attention of the Huang Jinshu Spirit.

The Huang Jinshu Spirit was an old man who loved investing in juniors; he voluntarily gifted thirty percent of his energy, condensing it into a golden soul ring that would gradually unlock its power as Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen grew.

The two women were left speechless; Xiang Xiang Naer inquired, "The fourth soul ring of the Huang Jinshu; wouldn't the soul skill be ridiculously powerful?"

Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen pondered, "It is not a matter of strength or weakness; this soul skill is very special. It is unlike any other soul skill; it has a kind of... charm."

Xiang Xiang Naer looked utterly confused, her small head unable to comprehend such vague words.

Leng Yaoju mused, "A ten-thousand-year soul spirit can provide at most four soul rings; after the Golden Ancient Tree occupies the fourth soul ring, your True Self's fifth soul ring can still be provided by the Spirit Auspicious Capybara; wait until your soul power breaks through level sixty before fusing the second soul spirit."

"Zhao Xuanzhen, this might be a good thing; the Spirit Pagoda has a yin-yang attribute soul spirit extremely suitable for you; a Soul King might not fuse smoothly, but a Soul Emperor would likely have no problem."

"Is that so? Then I must look forward to it," Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen said with a smile.

"I guarantee it will not disappoint you," Leng Yaoju smiled sweetly, "I will notify the small kitchen to prepare dishes; tonight we will celebrate properly."

"I am super hungry right now; I want to eat one hundred bowls!"

Xiang Xiang Naer rubbed her small belly, full of confidence, then turned to look at Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen, "I remembered something; you missed the first-year final exam."

"And then?"

"You have to take a make-up exam."

"How do you take a make-up exam?" Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen guessed blindly, "No money allowed, challenge high-level soul masters in ten cities?"

"That is the final exam for the first-year outer court; we are the noble Class Zero!" Xiang Xiang Naer scoffed.

"Noble...?"

"Oh, you are missing the point!" Xiang Xiang Naer glared at Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen, "The final assessment is similar to the Gate of Glory, except the Gate of Glory simulates the original Shi Shi Laike Seven Devils, while the final exam faces soul beasts as enemies."

"Depending on the students' talents, soul beasts of equivalent cultivation are manifested for a life-or-death battle. For example, Xu Xu Li Zhi, as a food-type soul master, faced a soul beast with slightly weaker bloodline, a Phoenix-Tail Crested Snake."

"Ye Ye Xinglan was much stronger by comparison; her assessment soul beast was the Death Spider Emperor, one of the twin martial souls of the Asura God Bibi Dong from twenty thousand years ago, covered entirely in deadly poison, utterly disgusting."

"What soul beast did you fight?" Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen asked curiously.

"The Ice Snow Maiden."

Xiang Xiang Naer's expression was miserable; Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen could not help but smile; as the leader of the Three Great Kings of the Extreme North, the Snow Emperor's race, likely accompanied by a youth version of the Snow Emperor's Three Ultimate Arts, that battle was clearly not easy for the silver-haired girl.

"No laughing!" Xiang Xiang Naer raised her tender white fist, issuing a severe warning.

"Okay, okay, no laughing," Zhao Zhao Xuanzhen admitted defeat, "I seem not to have heard of the final assessment venue; what is its name?"

"The Arena of Life and Death."

(End of this chapter)