Qian Gu Qingfeng and Leng Yaozhu

The next morning.

The Soul Guidance Vehicle returned to the coastal highway, and the cool sea breeze poured into the car.

"Wow." Her hair danced across her forehead as Na'er widened her eyes, staring blankly at the sea dyed by the first rays of sunlight. Along the shore, waves crashed against the reefs, kicking up white spray.

After just one night, she seemed like a completely different person, becoming much more outgoing.

After dinner last night, Nan Liujing had taken her to play on the beach. The little girl had even gathered the courage to greet some aunties who praised her for being cute.

Nan Liujing sat beside her with his phone, confirmed that the flight was not full, and successfully booked a seat next to his.

The night had passed without anyone coming to take Na'er away, so Nan Liujing fulfilled the promise known only to himself and took Na'er with him when he left.

An hour later, clusters of skyscrapers appeared in the distance. Nan Liujing had Uncle Bai, the driver, first visit the most reputable winery in the city and purchase several bottles of top-quality red wine.

Only then did they head to the Eastsea City Spirit Pagoda to visit its master, Leng Yi.

Although this trip had been cut short by an accident, Nan Liujing was genuinely grateful for the conveniences Leng Yi had provided.

Leng Yi was more curious than anything about Nan Liujing, a six-year-old who already understood such tricks as giving gifts and who possessed a powerful background. Since there was still plenty of time before boarding, they chatted for a while.

As the master of a branch of a Pillar-level Spirit Pagoda, Leng Yi naturally possessed exceptional talent. At merely thirty-six, he was already a Soul Saint. Backed by the Spirit Pagoda, it was even possible that he was also a Battle Armor Master. In Eastsea City, a remote wasteland for Soul Masters, his strength was enough to rank among the top three.

Their exchange ended at the right point. When the time was about right, Nan Liujing bade Leng Yi farewell.

After seeing him out, Leng Yi shook his head with troubles hidden in his heart, closed the office door, and sat quietly in his chair.

A moment later, beams of soft light spread from the surrounding walls and swiftly formed four projected screens before his desk.

Looking at the colleagues of varying ages within the screens, Leng Yi's expression became solemn. Like him, these people were all masters of Spirit Pagoda branches, merely stationed in different cities.

But they shared one identity: all of them belonged to the Direct Faction of the Phoenix Family, one of the Spirit Pagoda's ruling families.

At that moment, a forceful mature woman's voice rang out. "Begin."

At her words, Leng Yi and the four people within the projected screens all straightened up.

"Family Head." The first to speak was the master of the Mingdu Spirit Pagoda. He appeared to be around Leng Yi's age, with square features and neatly combed short black hair swept back, making him look capable and dignified.

"After screening, I have identified fifteen suitable geniuses. Please review them."

The surroundings immediately fell silent.

Leng Yi's expression stiffened. As expected of Mingdu—geniuses were born there in batches.

The basic requirement for recruits to this secret plan was Innate Soul Power of no less than rank nine, with a martial soul that was at least top-tier. The standards could be relaxed for special types, but they still had to be among the finest high-grade martial souls.

A moment later, the voice sounded again. It belonged to the unseen woman concealed in the darkness. "I have marked three. Contact their families. If they are interested, we can discuss the details."

The Mingdu Spirit Pagoda Master quickly received the feedback. When he saw that none of those selected were the ones he had especially recommended, he hurriedly asked, "Family Head, may I ask why this genius named Xu Yucheng was not chosen?"

The woman replied indifferently, "The Dark Demon Scythe will backlash against its wielder. Those who awaken this type of martial soul possess extremely poor physical strength. They may be powerful before reaching Soul Saint, but once they do, they will immediately be surpassed by geniuses of the same level. They may still become top experts in the future, but the resources they consume will be several times those required by geniuses of the same level. It is not worth it."

The Mingdu Spirit Pagoda Master suddenly understood. He had focused only on selecting top geniuses and had forgotten that point.

"Next," the woman said.

Soon, the Spirit Pagoda Masters from Spirit Dou City, Flame Ash City, and Dragon City successively submitted the geniuses they had selected through numerous rounds of screening.

The further it went, the more Leng Yi felt as if he were sitting on pins and needles.

"Leng Yi."

At last, the woman called his name.

Leng Yi's expression stiffened as he said in a deep voice, "Please punish me, Family Head. On the Eastsea City side, I have not found any suitable geniuses. Even ordinary talents for delivery to headquarters are relatively scarce."

The other four Pagoda Masters frowned.

Eastsea City was widely acknowledged as a desert for Soul Masters. Its output was indeed frighteningly low. If not for its coastal location and developed economy, how could it have obtained a Pillar-level Spirit Pagoda?

"You were originally supposed to take up a post in Skysea City." The woman's tone turned icy. Even through the projection, the Pagoda Masters felt a chill sweep over them.

"For now, halt the Phoenix Project on your end. Just recruit ordinary talents as normal. Strive to break through to Soul Douluo before the age of forty. I will apply to make you a Reserve Spirit Messenger, then transfer you out of Eastsea City," the woman said calmly.

"Yes, ma'am." Leng Yi's expression was grave.

In Shrek City, a towering structure stood upon the earth like the peak of a colossal god, its summit already hidden within the clouds. Under the sunlight, it gleamed with silver radiance.

This was the Spirit Pagoda Headquarters, the Heavenly Spirit Tower.

It had a total of one hundred and eight floors, making it the greatest building on the Douluo Continent.

After closing the private communication screen, Leng Yaozhu rose from the soft sofa and poured herself a glass of red wine.

She tilted her head back and took a light sip. Her fiery red hair cascaded down her back, lit by the sunlight until it resembled rising flames, creating a striking contrast with her snowy white, slender neck.

Though she was already over ninety years old, her figure remained voluptuous and exquisite. Beneath her simple black dress, even the slightest movement outlined the graceful curves of her body. Her height of one meter seventy-eight made her appear even more tall and slender.

Her wine-red eyes carried a faint amber sheen as they gazed into the glass. Her delicate, beautiful face was reflected in the deep red liquid, and the beauty mark at the corner of her eye lent a colder, more seductive air to what should have been gentle elegance.

"The higher one stands, the harder one often falls."

Leng Yaozhu murmured to her wineglass, "The balance the Spirit Pagoda has maintained for two thousand years is beginning to break. A new reshuffling has already begun, yet it has come in this worst possible era. Should I preserve the Phoenix Family, or gamble everything on one desperate move?"

Buzz—

Suddenly, the phone resting on the sofa lit up.

Leng Yaozhu drained the wine in one gulp and said coldly, "Answer it."

The phone screen stopped flashing, and a steady voice came through. "Tianfeng."

Leng Yaozhu's expression froze. Surprised, she said, "We've known each other for decades, yet this is the first time you've called me."

Qian Gu Qingfeng explained, "My family..."

"Enough, enough. I know you love your wife." Leng Yaozhu cut him off.

Qian Gu Qingfeng paused, then gave a dry cough. "I would like to ask you for a favor."

Leng Yaozhu said indifferently, "Your father and second brother have done everything they can to suppress my Phoenix Family, yet you, a member of the Qian Gu Family's Direct Faction, have come to ask me for a favor?"

"What my father and second brother do has never had anything to do with me," Qian Gu Qingfeng said. "I am asking for your help in a private capacity. Once this is done, I will owe you a favor."

"How great a favor?" Leng Yaozhu asked.

Qian Gu Qingfeng said, "For as long as I do not fall, I will secretly help the Phoenix Family maintain its current status."

A trace of surprise flashed through Leng Yaozhu's eyes, and she smiled. "Interesting. What do you want to ask of me?"

Qian Gu Qingfeng said, "Be someone's teacher."

Leng Yaozhu's gaze narrowed slightly as she turned to look at the phone on the sofa.

"She agreed?"

Within the Spirit Pagoda Public Cemetery, Xia Zheng Leng's jade-like hand gently brushed over her grandniece's tombstone. Not a speck of dust remained on it.

"She did not refuse, but she did not agree either." Qian Gu Qingfeng stood behind her.

"Then she agreed."

Xia Zheng Leng rose to her feet and faced Qian Gu Qingfeng. "Your second brother only thinks about completely controlling the Spirit Pagoda. Over the years, he has continuously suppressed the other ruling families and even assassinated geniuses outside the Qian Gu Family line. He has never considered just how large a prize the Spirit Pagoda will become if internal chaos erupts at this time."

"The Federation does not merely despise Shrek Academy and the Tang Sect. They also want to dismantle the Spirit Pagoda, which is similarly difficult to control. If the Spirit Pagoda weakens first, the Federation's blade will be the first to stab in."

"Qingfeng, you must think carefully about what role you intend to play in this. The Abyss is watching us hungrily. Humanity cannot fall into disorder again."

Listening to his wife's earnest words, Qian Gu Qingfeng's expression grew solemn.

Not wanting to put her husband in a difficult position, Xia Zheng Leng changed the subject. "Is it appropriate to have Leng Yaozhu teach Liujing?"

Qian Gu Qingfeng naturally continued, "Divine Craftsman Zhen Hua has already announced publicly that he will stop performing Heavenly Refinement in twenty years. If no new Divine Craftsman emerges by then, one of the three methods for creating Four-word Battle Armor will disappear."

"Leng Yaozhu possesses a method that allows Battle Armor to evolve naturally. Letting Liujing come into contact with her is feasible. Even if she does not teach him, Liujing can still gain a great deal from it."

Xia Zheng Leng suddenly understood. "So that is why you wanted her to become Liujing's teacher. Then, through our connection, Dongfeng will not dare act recklessly. Once Liujing grows up, he can naturally become the key to maintaining the balance between the two great families. That would be enough to guarantee the Spirit Pagoda's stability."

"No one understands a husband better than his wife." The happiest thing in Qian Gu Qingfeng's life was not becoming a Four-word Battle Armor Master, nor was it becoming a Limit Douluo. It was finding a wife whose heart was in harmony with his own.

"Stop flattering me. Has there been an explanation for the Evil Soul Masters appearing in that Lesser World?" Her grandniece's death would forever remain a thorn Xia Zheng Leng could not pull from her heart.

At this, Qian Gu Qingfeng narrowed his eyes. "I personally made a trip to the Star Luo Continent. Near the place where the Lesser World fissure appeared, I encountered the Nether Emperor, Ha Luosa."

Xia Zheng Leng's pupils contracted. "The Nether Emperor?"

"That's right." Qian Gu Qingfeng's gaze swept over the tranquil cemetery as he said in a deep voice, "He had most likely come for that Lesser World as well. Unfortunately, after the Spatial Node shifted, the fissure had long since vanished. After confronting him for a while, we each departed."

"The Holy Spirit Cult must have discovered that Lesser World long ago and sent an advance team inside. When Sun Kong and the others entered, they alerted the Evil Soul Masters searching within. That was why, after they split up, Nan Tian and Yue'er were ambushed."

"The Nether Emperor." Xia Zheng Leng showed a wary expression, but there was more hatred than wariness in it. "What exactly is in that Lesser World that the Holy Spirit Cult desires so badly?"

"I don't know." Qian Gu Qingfeng shook his head, though a strange glint flashed through his eyes. "But whatever they wanted, the Lesser World has already closed."

"I have already applied to convene an internal Spirit Pagoda meeting and submitted a proposal to purge the Evil Soul Masters. The Star Luo Continent is too far away. Forget you and me—even if Yun Ming went, he would not gain any advantage. Since that is the case, we will purge the Evil Soul Masters within the Douluo Continent."

Xia Zheng Leng turned back toward the photo on the tombstone. "Thank you."

"We are husband and wife. Why thank me?" Qian Gu Qingfeng wrapped his arms around her from behind and comforted her. "I know you are eager for revenge, but our task is to protect Liujing until he grows up. If you really run off to the Star Luo Continent alone, what if something happens to you?"

"Wait a little longer. Once the time is right, it will not be too late for revenge."

"Alright." Icy light churned in Xia Zheng Leng's eyes.

Inside the Heaven Dou Airport terminal, Nan Liujing held Na'er's little hand as they passed through the crowd. His gaze settled on a handsome middle-aged man dressed in white.

When it came to looks, Ye Changming was undoubtedly the most handsome among the brothers. His features were as sharply defined as if carved, and his sword-like brows gave him an air of piercing sharpness.

For some young women, that temperament and appearance were absolute killers. Quite a few stole glances at him, though none dared approach and strike up a conversation.

Seeing Nan Liujing walking toward him, Ye Changming's lips curved into a smile. But when he noticed the exquisitely adorable little girl at Nan Liujing's side, his eyes revealed a hint of confusion.

"Uncle Ye."

Nan Liujing greeted him with a smile and did not forget to introduce Na'er.

"Hello, Uncle Ye." Na'er called out sweetly.

Seeing how well-behaved Na'er was, Ye Changming's eyes brightened. With a flick of his hand, a green-gold crystal half the length of a thumb appeared in his palm.

"When an elder gives, do not refuse. Take it."

Na'er was drawn in, her big eyes shining, but she still glanced at her brother.

Nan Liujing nodded.

Na'er happily accepted it. "Thank you, Uncle Ye."

Ye Changming said to Nan Liujing, "This crystal is the right size to be made into a pendant or bracelet. Take it back and have your eldest uncle forge it."

"Eldest Uncle can forge?" Nan Liujing had never expected that.

Ye Changming looked somewhat surprised. "He hasn't told you yet?"

"No." Nan Liujing shook his head.

Ye Changming smiled. "Your eldest uncle can do more than forge. His rank is not low either... Alright, let's go to the Heaven Dou Spirit Pagoda first, so Xinglan doesn't start making a fuss after waiting too long."

Xinglan?

Nan Liujing's heart stirred. He had actually guessed correctly—Uncle Ye's daughter really was Ye Xinglan.

Her personality in the original timeline had been somewhat arrogant, and after being influenced by Shrek Academy, she had become even more disdainful of others.

Tang Wulin had merely shared a meal with Xu Lizhi, yet she had treated him as someone trying to curry favor with Xu Lizhi, believing he had ulterior motives.

He wondered how Uncle Ye had raised her.

As he thought this, the three quickly departed. Once they entered the Soul Guidance Vehicle, the driver naturally headed toward their destination.

Na'er loved looking at the scenery and was immediately drawn in by the sights along Heaven Dou City. Ancient-style buildings stood everywhere, completely unlike the towering skyscrapers of Eastsea City.

"Liujing, Uncle Ye will entrust you with something later." Ye Changming spoke earnestly.

Nan Liujing said, "Please tell me."

The gentleness on Ye Changming's face turned into the helplessness of an old father. "You will be teaming up with my daughter later. She is proud by nature. She was supposed to go to the Spirit Ascension Platform yesterday, but she delayed for a day to wait for you, so she is most likely unhappy about it."

"If she makes sarcastic remarks, don't pay attention to her. Just treat her like air and ignore her."

Nan Liujing revealed a kindly smile. "I understand."

I am not sure exactly how old Leng Yaozhu is. I estimated it by comparing her with Ya Li.