Ch. 142We Welcome His Majesty the Emperor

Ning Rongrong prepared for her Coming of Age Ceremony while Zhang Yang got ready, and Xue Beng reluctantly attended at Prince Xue Xing’s urging. Xue Ye arrived at Seven Treasure Glazed Fortress with Xue Qinghe, Xue Beng, and Dugu Bo, and the gathering entered together as Xue Qinghe eyed Zhang Yang.

  • Ning Rongrong realized the banquet was about to begin and hurried to change, while Zhang Yang went to get a haircut and chose to keep his formal suit.
  • Prince Xue Xing persuaded Xue Beng to attend the ceremony and try to build a relationship with Ning Rongrong despite their past conflict.
  • Xue Ye’s imperial convoy arrived at Seven Treasure Glazed Fortress, where Ning Fengzhi and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect welcomed the guests.
  • Xue Ye greeted Ning Fengzhi and explained that he had brought Xue Qinghe and Xue Beng so the princes could spend more time with Ning Rongrong.
  • Ning Fengzhi led Xue Ye, the princes, Dugu Bo, Zhang Yang, and the others into the fortress, while Xue Qinghe discreetly examined Zhang Yang.

Ch. 143The Intoxicating Allure of Power

Qian Renxue and Zhang Yang assessed each other’s power as Ning Fengzhi led the group through the Seven Treasure Glazed Fortress. The chapter ended with Ning Fengzhi bringing Xue Ye to the banquet hall.

  • Qian Renxue reviewed Zhang Yang’s history and wondered at the imposing aura he had gained since winning the Elite Competition.
  • Zhang Yang used Kenbunshoku Haki to sense that Xue Qinghe’s Soul Power was around Rank 64, while his own had reached Rank 67.
  • Xue Beng regretted driving Shrek Academy out of Heaven Dou Royal Academy and considered how he might have built alliances against Qian Renxue.
  • Ning Rongrong turned toward Zhang Yang after hearing him sigh, but he had already refocused on walking.
  • Ning Fengzhi led Xue Ye around the Seven Treasure Glazed Fortress and arrived with him at the banquet hall.

Ch. 144My Dear Subject, Stop Eating—Your Emperor Has Questions

At Ning Rongrong’s Coming of Age banquet, Zhang Yang focused on eating until Xue Ye asked about his year in the navy and warned him to prioritize cultivation. The banquet continued with Zhang Yang agreeing to heed the emperor’s advice.

  • Xue Ye and Ning Fengzhi hosted a grand banquet, while Zhang Yang sat at the far end of the table and ate ravenously after his long fast.
  • Xue Beng watched Zhang Yang eat, but Zhang Yang ignored him and concentrated on his meal.
  • Xue Ye praised Ning Rongrong’s Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, then asked Zhang Yang how he had fared in the navy.
  • Zhang Yang told Xue Ye that his Soul Power and strength had increased during the past year.
  • Xue Ye urged Zhang Yang to focus on reaching the Soul Emperor rank before turning twenty, and Zhang Yang sincerely promised to remember his words.

Ch. 145Exposed His Hand

At a banquet, Zhang Yang revealed that he had reached Soul Power Level 62 at eighteen, and several guests sensed a burst of killing intent toward him. After the gathering, Xue Ye began to suspect that Xue Qinghe might be connected to the deaths of his sons.

  • Xue Beng praised Zhang Yang’s past tournament success and pressed him to reveal his current Soul Power Level, so Zhang Yang disclosed that he was level 62 at eighteen.
  • Zhang Yang sensed a brief burst of killing intent and changed his mocking smile to a warm one as he offered to answer more questions.
  • Xue Ye discussed Zhang Yang and Ning Rongrong’s wedding with Ning Fengzhi while Ning Rongrong blushed and Zhang Yang continued eating.
  • After the Imperial Family’s convoy departed, Ning Fengzhi told Zhang Yang to move into the Sect Master’s Private Residence.
  • In the carriage, Dugu Bo and Xue Ye discussed the killing intent toward Zhang Yang, and Xue Ye considered Xue Qinghe alongside the deaths of Xue Luochuan and Xue Haicang.

Ch. 146We’re All Old Tricksters by Now

Qian Renxue planned to undermine Xue Beng while preserving her cover, and Zhang Yang, Ning Fengzhi, Sword Douluo, and Bone Douluo analyzed why she had shown hostility toward Zhang Yang. The chapter ended with Zhang Yang asking how the Second Prince and Third Prince had died, prompting Ning Fengzhi to fall into thought.

  • Qian Renxue worried that Zhang Yang’s talent threatened Spirit Hall’s plans and decided to focus on destroying Xue Beng’s reputation with Xue Ye.
  • Ning Fengzhi, Sword Douluo, Bone Douluo, and Zhang Yang discussed how Zhang Yang’s cultivation and connection to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect might have provoked Xue Qinghe.
  • Zhang Yang proposed either sacrificing himself, reaching the Titled Douluo rank within ten years, or backing Xue Beng if Xue Qinghe tried to kill him.
  • Ning Fengzhi regarded Zhang Yang’s plan to become a Titled Douluo as a ruthless but viable response and decided to keep assessing him.
  • Zhang Yang asked how the Second Prince and Third Prince had died, and Ning Fengzhi paused in deep thought.

Ch. 147It Has That Japanese-Media Feel

Zhang Yang shared breakfast with Ning Fengzhi and Ning Rongrong, then explained that he would pursue the Sun God's inheritance and more God-Bestowed Soul Rings while balancing work and cultivation. He planned to return to Vast Sea City after lunch, leaving Ning Rongzhi amused and Ning Fengzhi with barely any breakfast.

  • Zhang Yang ate a lavish breakfast with Ning Fengzhi and Ning Rongrong, and Ning Rongrong fondly recalled their meals during their travels.
  • Ning Fengzhi asked Zhang Yang about his plans, and Zhang Yang named the Sun God's inheritance and three more God-Bestowed Soul Rings as his priorities.
  • Zhang Yang teased Ning Rongrong about missing him and said the Yata Mirror let him travel between Vast Sea City and Seven Treasure City.
  • Ning Rongrong challenged Zhang Yang's decision to leave after lunch, and Zhang Yang defended it as a need for balance between work and rest.
  • Ning Rongrong left the dining hall after losing the argument, while Zhang Yang ate nearly all the food and Ning Fengzhi was left with only porridge and scraps.

Ch. 148Keep Laying Low—That’s the Way to Do It

After Emperor Xue Ye questioned Prince Xue Xing about the deaths of his sons, Xue Xing urged him to reconsider Xue Beng’s abilities while warning Xue Beng to keep lying low. Still seeking to learn what had happened at Ning Rongrong’s Coming of Age Ceremony, Xue Xing set out for Shrek Academy to question Dugu Bo.

  • Emperor Xue Ye questioned Prince Xue Xing about the deaths of Xue Luochuan and Xue Haicang, and Xue Xing indirectly warned him that Xue Beng might be a better successor than he appeared.
  • Xue Xing visited Xue Beng and explained that Emperor Xue Ye seemed to suspect Xue Qinghe, but cautioned Xue Beng not to act rashly or reveal himself.
  • Xue Beng said he understood and saw Xue Xing off from his princely residence.
  • Xue Xing told his attendant to take him to Shrek Academy so he could ask Dugu Bo what had happened at the Coming of Age Ceremony.

Ch. 149News of a Sudden Tragedy

After returning to the Vast Sea City Naval Base, Zhang Yang learned that pirate retaliation had devastated the Navy and felt responsible for the losses. He mourned his fallen comrades and returned to duty, preparing to help destroy the Purple Pearl Pirate Group.

  • Zhang Yang returned to the Naval Base and reported to the Base Chief, who told him the 23rd Fleet had lost more than half its strength and the 15th Fleet had been wiped out.
  • The Base Chief explained that the Furious Pirate Group had retaliated after Zhang Yang eliminated its squad, prompting Zi Zhenzhu and the Purple Pearl Pirate Group to attack Navy and merchant vessels.
  • Zhang Yang blamed himself and demanded an immediate strike, but the Base Chief said the Navy needed intelligence and a careful plan to avoid harming ordinary fishermen on the pirates’ island.
  • The Base Chief ordered Zhang Yang to resume duty and said patrols were suspended while the Navy prepared to destroy the Purple Pearl Pirate Group.
  • Zhang Yang mourned the fallen at the Memorial Hall, then told his family he would remain at the base until the pirates were wiped out; Ning Rongrong embraced him and wished him well.

Ch. 150Track him down, find him, take him out

Five months after the 23rd Fleet was dismantled, Zhang Yang served at Vast Sea City Naval Base without troops or authority. After the Base Chief obtained a secret report revealing the Purple Pearl Pirate Group’s strength, he ordered Zhang Yang to lead the mission to destroy them, and a crystal Soul Tool boat set out that night.

  • Zhang Yang hired Sun Shanfu, a veteran Level 18 Soul Master, as his personal guard after Yue Yun was reassigned.
  • Two brothers sailed from Purple Pearl Island to fish, and the younger brother lost his fishing rod when a powerful fish dragged it underwater.
  • The younger brother found fifteen Gold Soul Coins inside the fish he prepared.
  • A middle-aged man delivered a fishing rod concealing a waterproofed report to the Base Chief, who studied the information on the Purple Pearl Pirate Group.
  • The Base Chief ordered Zhang Yang to lead the operation against the Purple Pearl Pirate Group, and Zhang Yang pledged to complete the mission.
  • A small crystal Soul Tool boat departed from the naval docks under cover of darkness and vanished beneath the sea.

Ch. 151Do You All Have to Be So Ruthless?

Zhang Yang led thirteen Navy Soul Masters in a covert raid on Purple Pearl Island, planning to destroy the pirate ships, assassinate support-type Soul Masters, and then launch a full assault. After the team killed the harbor guards, they began smashing the ships, leaving the noise of their raid echoing through the night.

  • Zhang Yang landed with the Navy team on an unguarded beach and reviewed their three-stage plan to destroy the Purple Pearl Pirate Group.
  • The team accepted Zhang Yang's command, and he led them covertly toward the harbor.
  • Zhang Yang assigned each Navy member a harbor guard, and they killed the guards simultaneously, though the killings were gruesome.
  • Zhang Yang told the Fleet Commanders to clean off any blood and avoid unnecessary complications before continuing the mission.
  • Zhang Yang's team began destroying the pirate ships, making loud noise while his Kenbunshoku Haki confirmed no pirates were nearby.

Ch. 152The Grim Reaper Has Come to Collect

Zhang Yang led the Navy in a nighttime raid on Purple Pearl Island, using his Haki to locate and assassinate dozens of likely Support System and Control System Soul Masters. After sparing two ordinary women found among the targets, Zhang Yang declared that the operation had entered its third phase.

  • Zhang Yang and twelve Fleet Commanders entered Purple Pearl Island under cover of a moonless night to eliminate the pirate group's support fighters.
  • Zhang Yang identified a likely Support System Soul Master by sensing his breathing, and a Soul King killed him despite a loud, creaking door waking him.
  • The Navy continued under Zhang Yang's guidance and quietly killed dozens of Soul Masters suspected of being Support System or Control System Soul Masters.
  • Zhang Yang personally killed four Soul Masters in a room where two ordinary women had also been sleeping, but he spared the women because their identities were uncertain.
  • After the suspected support fighters had been eliminated, Zhang Yang announced that the operation's third phase had begun and said, "Death God has come to collect souls."

Ch. 153Die

Zhang Yang and the Navy Squad launched coordinated ambushes against the Purple Pearl Pirate Group, with Zhang Yang targeting Soul Emperor Le Er himself. Zhang Yang breached Le Er’s home and confronted him, ending the chapter with a command to die.

  • Zhang Yang assigned two teams to ambush a Soul Emperor and a Soul King while he went alone after another Soul Emperor.
  • The Navy Squad set out, and Zhang Yang waited until the planned attacks began around five in the morning.
  • Zhang Yang activated Spirit Infusion and approached Le Er, the Purple Pearl Pirate Group’s second-in-command.
  • Le Er woke to the battle’s Soul Power Fluctuations, summoned his Soul Chasing Thorn, and prepared to fight.
  • Zhang Yang blasted a hole through Le Er’s house, revealed his towering form and powerful Soul Rings, and told Le Er to die.

Ch. 154Have You Started? Is It Already Over?

Zhang Yang fought Le Er, a pirate on Purple Pearl Island, and killed him despite Le Er's mental attack. When Zi Zhenzhu arrived, Zhang Yang struck her with a laser, leaving her slowed as the confrontation continued.

  • Zhang Yang sensed Zi Zhenzhu approaching and vanished before Le Er could react, kicking him through a wall and knocking him down.
  • Le Er tried to rise, but Zhang Yang slammed his head into the ground with a War Stomp.
  • Le Er used his Soul Chasing Thorn's mental attack, but Zhang Yang's Head Soul Bone resisted it.
  • Zhang Yang summoned a light sword and beheaded Le Er, then sensed Zi Zhenzhu nearing.
  • Zhang Yang fired a laser at Zi Zhenzhu, and the hit slowed her movements.

Ch. 155Battle Against Purple Pearl

Zhang Yang confronted Zi Zhenzhu after killing Le Er and revealed that he was a Navy officer targeting the Purple Pearl Pirate Group. Zi Zhenzhu chose to fight despite her injured arm, but her close-range attack seemed to pass through Zhang Yang, leaving her realizing she had been tricked.

  • Zi Zhenzhu arrived and confronted Zhang Yang over Le Er's death, then recoiled at the sight of his Ten-Thousand-Year Soul Ring.
  • Zhang Yang identified himself as a Navy vice captain and declared his intention to kill Zi Zhenzhu.
  • Zi Zhenzhu considered fleeing but stayed, released her sea snake Martial Soul, and prepared to fight Zhang Yang.
  • Zhang Yang manifested his Flash Weapon: Bow as Zi Zhenzhu rushed toward him to force close combat.
  • Zi Zhenzhu struck at Zhang Yang's abdomen with Poisonous Snake Probing Hand, but her attack passed through him and she realized she had been fooled.

Ch. 156Uphold the Law

Zhang Yang defeated Zi Zhenzhu, froze her remaining limbs, and decided to keep her alive for a public execution before the Navy Squad. With the other battles still raging against dozens of Pirates, he unleashed an overwhelming aura across the island, but the chapter ended before its effect was shown.

  • Zhang Yang froze Zi Zhenzhu's right leg and hit her with an explosive Light Arrow, leaving her gravely wounded and missing the leg.
  • Zhang Yang approached Zi Zhenzhu, then stopped himself from killing her because he intended to publicly execute the Pirate leader before the Navy Squad.
  • Zhang Yang froze Zi Zhenzhu's arms and remaining leg to prevent her escape.
  • Zhang Yang saw that the Navy Squad was struggling against dozens of Pirates and spread a powerful aura across a one-kilometer radius, covering both battlefields.

Ch. 157The Bandit Chief Brought to Justice

Zhang Yang’s Navy Squad defeated the pirates surrounding them on Purple Pearl Island, and Zhang Yang revealed the power of his abilities and Ten-Thousand-Year Soul Ring. He rejected a proposal to kill the island’s commoners indiscriminately, then executed Purple Pearl and discussed the pirates still unaccounted for.

  • Zhang Yang’s ability incapacitated nearly all the pirate Soul Masters, allowing the Navy Squad to defeat the remaining fighters.
  • The Navy Squad reported that nearly twenty pirate Soul Masters were missing, and Zhang Yang suspected they might be at sea while warning that ordinary pirates could be hiding among the islanders.
  • Zhang Yang stopped an officer from proposing the execution of all the island’s residents, arguing that the commoners were not to be killed without cause.
  • Zhang Yang showed the squad the captured Purple Pearl, who was still barely alive.
  • Zhang Yang used his Light Sword to behead Purple Pearl.

Ch. 158Fighting for Those Who Cannot Fight

After Zhang Yang and the navy destroyed the Purple Pearl Pirate Group, they secured Purple Pearl Island, rescued the abducted hostages, and returned to Vast Sea City. At a memorial ceremony and victory banquet, Zhang Yang honored the dead and explained who the navy fought to protect.

  • Zhang Yang announced the navy’s orders to Purple Pearl Island’s commoners, and reinforcements arrived to take control of the island.
  • Zhang Yang used Kenbunshoku Haki to locate twenty pirate Soul Masters returning from a raid, and navy soldiers captured and executed them.
  • The navy spent a week investigating the island, executing more than a thousand pirates, and rescuing the hostages before returning to Vast Sea City.
  • Zhang Yang placed Purple Pearl’s head before the memorial monument, and more than a thousand pirate heads were presented to honor the fallen.
  • At the victory banquet, the Base Chief recounted the operation and introduced Zhang Yang to deliver the mission report.
  • Zhang Yang said the navy fought for fallen and wounded comrades and abducted commoners, then led the soldiers in proclaiming their loyalty to the navy, the King, and the Heaven Dou Empire.

Ch. 159Death’s Third Consecutive Threat?

After defeating the Purple Pearl Pirate Group, Zhang Yang returned to Seven Treasure City for a week of leave and reunited with Ning Rongrong and Ning Fengzhi. He discussed his pending promotion and Sun God's trial, and planned to ask Fusang whether delaying its reward would help him advance the next stage.

  • Zhang Yang requested leave from the Base Chief, who approved a week off and told him to prepare for greater responsibilities.
  • Zhang Yang returned to Seven Treasure City and slept after arriving home at dawn.
  • Ning Rongrong woke Zhang Yang and teased him about dreaming of her and Xiao Wu.
  • At breakfast, Zhang Yang told Ning Fengzhi and Ning Rongrong that he had killed Zi Zhenzhu and Le Er and that all 1,532 members of the Purple Pearl Pirate Group had been beheaded.
  • Ning Fengzhi reminded Zhang Yang to complete the First Stage Trial, but Zhang Yang said he wanted to reach level sixty-nine first and planned to ask Fusang about the trial's rewards.

Ch. 160Your Marriage to Rongrong

Zhang Yang visited Fusang to confirm that claiming the First Stage Trial reward at level sixty-nine would not cost him a God-Bestowed Soul Ring, and learned the Second Stage Trial would test his agility against hundreds of thousands of willow branches. At dinner, he agreed to leave his marriage to Ning Rongrong to Ning Fengzhi, who planned to bring Zhang Yang's parents to Seven Treasure City for both families to discuss it.

  • Ning Rongrong kept Zhang Yang shopping in Tanggu until late in the day, then he visited Fusang to ask about his trials.
  • Fusang assured Zhang Yang he could claim the First Stage reward and still receive a God-Bestowed Soul Ring in the Second Stage Trial.
  • Fusang revealed that Zhang Yang would have to endure attacks from hundreds of thousands of willow branches for half an hour, so Zhang Yang decided to arrange special training.
  • Zhang Yang told Ning Fengzhi about Fusang's answers during dinner, and Ning Fengzhi raised the matter of Zhang Yang and Ning Rongrong's marriage.
  • Zhang Yang agreed to leave the arrangements to Ning Fengzhi, who planned to invite Zhang Yang's parents to Seven Treasure City.
  • Zhang Yang and Ning Rongrong shared a tender evening together before he returned to his room.

Ch. 161The Eldest Grandson Takes the Surname Zhang

After returning from leave, Zhang Yang became a navy vice admiral and settled into a regular life with Ning Rongrong. Six months later, their families agreed on marriage terms, including that their first son would bear the Zhang surname.

  • Zhang Yang accepted promotion to vice admiral, received a Military Medal, and learned that people had started calling him the Navy Hero.
  • Zhang Yang and Ning Rongrong established a steady routine between Seven Treasure City and Vast Sea City, and another half year passed.
  • Ning Fengzhi arranged for Zhang Yang's parents to move to Seven Treasure City, where they gradually became comfortable with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
  • Zhang's father and Ning Fengzhi agreed that Zhang Yang and Ning Rongrong would hold wedding ceremonies at Seven Treasure Fortress and Saint Soul Village, and that their first son would take the Zhang surname.
  • Zhang's father eagerly discussed living in Seven Treasure City and helping raise the couple's future children, leaving Zhang Yang sweating over how quickly the conversation had turned to grandchildren.
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