Ye Xinglan: For Na'er, calling you Brother isn't impossible

"Liujing, you and Na'er are rarely here in Heaven Dou City, so stay for a few days. I'll talk to your uncle."

After finishing their meal at the grilled fish shop, the four walked into the serene villa. Ye Changming said with a smile to Nan Liujing.

Nan Liujing smiled faintly, "Then I won't stand on ceremony."

"Na'er, you sleep with me."

Ye Xinglan was very excited. She really liked Na'er, who was as cute as a porcelain doll.

Na'er also liked this older sister very much and naturally wouldn't refuse.

Ring ring.

The urgent mobile phone ring echoed in the living room. Nan Liujing thought it was his phone, but saw Uncle Ye take it out of his pocket first and then answer.

He didn't know who was on the other end or what was said, but the composure on Ye Changming's face immediately vanished. It seemed he had received good news. "No problem, I'll be there the day after tomorrow."

Ye Xinglan asked curiously, "Dad, who is it?"

Ye Changming smiled, "It's your Uncle Zhen."

"Uncle Zhen?" Ye Xinglan's eyes lit up. "Could it be that he's asking Dad to go to the Blacksmith Association to receive the last piece of the Three-word Battle Armor?"

Ye Changming chuckled, "If it weren't for the fact that your Uncle Sun and I happened to meet him when he was attacked by an Evil Soul Master and chose to help, thus forging a good relationship, with his current status as a Divine Craftsman, most of the orders he receives are Heavenly Forgings. It wouldn't be my turn for a Three-word Battle Armor."

Nan Liujing listened from the side, pondering slightly.

In the original timeline, Zhen Hua seemed to have become a Divine Craftsman at the age of thirty-seven. Eight years had passed when Tang Wulin met him. Doesn't that mean he just became a Divine Craftsman now?

Ye Changming checked the time, "It's getting late. You three children should wash up and go to bed early. I'll take you to the Blacksmith Association in a couple of days."

Ye Xinglan, acting like the big sister, led Na'er to the second floor of the villa.

Nan Liujing chose another room for himself.

He filled the bathtub with hot water and stepped in, comfortably soaking himself.

Having successfully completed his first Heavenly Thunder Baptism, he closed his eyes and had something he wanted to ask the Thunder God:

"Senior?"

No response.

Nan Liujing opened his eyes, a little confused. But when he looked at the wall in front of him, through the blurry reflection on the tiles, he saw a dark blue lightning mark on his brow that he didn't know when it had appeared.

He frowned and subconsciously reached out to touch his forehead.

The moment he touched it, the space in the bathroom suddenly distorted, taking his consciousness to the Sea of Consciousness.

A phantom figure stood before Nan Liujing.

"Senior." Nan Liujing quickly bowed.

The Thunder God's Remnant Consciousness spoke, "I promised you that if you completed the Heavenly Thunder Baptism, I would tell you everything about the Heavenly Tribulation Pearl. Listen carefully."

Nan Liujing's expression turned solemn, and he listened attentively.

"The Heavenly Tribulation Pearl is a primordial divine artifact of the universe. If we must classify it, it is a being that surpasses Super Divine Artifacts. Before I obtained it, it had several owners. Without exception, they all stepped into the realm of God King."

Surpasses Super Divine Artifacts?

Nan Liujing was stunned.

"The characteristics of the Heavenly Tribulation Pearl include its ability to automatically sense opportunities. Any person it targets, their certain abilities or bloodlines can be directly plundered or replicated. I imagine you have already experienced this with that Candy Martial Soul."

Nan Liujing deeply understood this. The experience brought by the Golden Dragon Body was extremely surprising. Without using his First Soul Skill, he could easily kill a Thousand-Year Green Bush Wolf.

The Thunder God's Remnant Consciousness continued, "Every time you plunder or replicate, you will face a Heavenly Thunder Baptism. If you experience ten opportunities, you will face ten Heavenly Thunder Baptisms. However, except for the first Heavenly Thunder Baptism, which is special and must be faced within three days, the remaining Heavenly Thunder Baptisms can be temporarily stored with the Heavenly Tribulation Pearl. Before becoming a god, you can face them whenever you wish, simply by calling out to the Heavenly Tribulation Pearl."

"Heavenly Tribulation can be stored?" Nan Liujing's eyes widened. This completely refreshed his understanding.

The Thunder God ignored his shock. "The reason the first Heavenly Thunder Baptism must arrive within three days is due to another powerful ability of the Heavenly Tribulation Pearl: the Plane Imprint. The so-called Plane Imprint refers to a form of identity certification born from forcefully accepting the mark of the Cosmic Will, bypassing the recognition of the Plane Lord of this plane."

"Once you have this imprint, you will be like a person favored by the plane in the future, receiving the support of all the origin laws of the plane. Even if the Plane Lord knows that an anomaly has appeared, he will be powerless."

If storing Heavenly Tribulation was a great surprise, then ignoring the Plane Lord was like a volcanic eruption. Nan Liujing's heart suddenly burned with excitement.

During the Dou San period, there was no God Realm, nor would Tang San be monitoring remotely. The biggest threat was Tang Hao. Being able to avoid his surveillance would definitely make his cultivation path much more stable.

Moreover, he knew how powerful the status of a person favored by the plane was.

The Nether Emperor, relying on this favor, became a Titled Douluo at nineteen.

Tang Wulin, with the support of his grandparents, gained the blessing of the Child of Nature. When performing Heavenly Forging, his success rate was terrifyingly high due to his elemental affinity.

This was something even Zhen Hua dared not imagine.

Even though he was already a Divine Craftsman, he couldn't guarantee that every forging would be a Heavenly Forging. Furthermore, Heavenly Forging was extremely damaging to the body, completely different from Tang Wulin's situation where there were almost no occupational injuries.

"But these are not the most powerful abilities of the Heavenly Tribulation Pearl," the Thunder God's Remnant Consciousness shifted the topic.

Nan Liujing immediately set aside his thoughts and listened attentively again.

The Thunder God's Remnant Consciousness smiled, "Do you know how many levels of gods there are?"

According to historical records, there seem to be three levels of deities: Second-level Deities, First-level Deities, and the most powerful God Kings.

"It seems your world has had multiple deities, otherwise you wouldn't know such detailed levels," Thunder God nodded. "But there's one point where your records are inaccurate."

"Above God Kings, there exists another level: Cosmic God Kings. Their spiritual sense is enough to sweep across several vast star systems, and their divine power can tear space even from a great distance between star systems, forcibly eliminating or suppressing enemies."

"However, the difference between a Cosmic God King and a God King, just two words, is worlds apart. Crossing that threshold is more difficult than you becoming a God King from a mortal. Even I have only heard legends of a Creation God before the God Realm was born, but whether it's true or not, I cannot confirm."

"But the Heavenly Tribulation Pearl is an anomaly. It can absorb the origin of the universe into itself and transform it into innate energy. If you reach the peak of God King and believe the time is right, you can use this innate energy to break through."

"However, if you fail to break through, the Heavenly Tribulation Pearl will suffer a backlash from the cosmic will, thus leaving you. It will only condense and descend into the world again after countless eons, and by then, who knows which lucky person will obtain it."

Nan Liujing hurriedly asked, "Have there been any successful cases among the previous owners of the Heavenly Tribulation Pearl?"

Thunder God shook his head. "The highest they reached was God King. This was told to me by a senior who was the previous inheritor of the Heavenly Tribulation Pearl."

Nan Liujing's expression sank. It seemed the difficulty of breaking through from God King to Cosmic God King was even greater than he had imagined.

If he couldn't possess strength exceeding that of a God King, in ten thousand years, he would have to face a group of peak God Kings led by Tang San.

Given Tang San's personality, he would surely turn crimson-eyed, pant like an ox, and roar, "How dare you disrupt my ten-thousand-year grand plan! You have sealed your own doom!" before charging with the Sea God's Trident.

Oh, wait. Huo Yuhao has been successfully trained by now. Tang San should let him go first.

"I have told you everything I know about the Heavenly Tribulation Pearl," Thunder God gazed at Nan Liujing. "Do you know my identity?"

Nan Liujing didn't pretend ignorance. "You should be the legendary Thunder God. It is said that the soul spirit I obtained, the Thunderclap Nether Vine, was born relying on your bloodline power."

"Thunderclap Nether Vine, that's a nice name. They were immortal herbs I cultivated in the God Realm, originally intended to be refined into divine artifacts. Unfortunately, they weren't fully grown before I fell. They also ended up in your plane. Without the nourishment of immortal spirit qi, they must have gradually assimilated into soul beasts."

Thunder God sighed, then his expression turned serious.

"I've told you so much because I intend to pass on my god position to you. Are you willing?"

"This junior is willing." Nan Liujing didn't hesitate at all. He had already guessed what the method to become a god was, and even guessed why Thunder God deliberately mentioned knowing the method to tempt him.

Nan Liujing's straightforward acceptance made Thunder God sigh and mock himself. "With the Heavenly Tribulation Pearl, even if you don't inherit my god position, you can form your own. But my selfish desire is to find a junior to help me elevate the Thunder God position to the God King level and fulfill my long-cherished wish."

"Having been upright my entire life, this is the first time I've beaten around the bush with a junior. I find it rather embarrassing."

Nan Liujing's expression turned serious. "Senior, you are mistaken. If not for your help, I would have already died from soul fragmentation. I promise you, if I can truly become a god one day, I will appear under the name of Thunder God."

Thunder God was also a straightforward person. He immediately said, "Since you've said so, it would be improper for me to be hesitant. I have condensed my spiritual sense into a God Position Inheritance Mark and hidden it within your sea of consciousness. When your strength is sufficient, you can use the inheritance mark to go to the place where I fell and receive the true inheritance."

He paused and said in a deep voice, "If one day you can reach the final step, change your divine name and take Heavenly Tribulation as your name. That would be a fitting tribute to the help of the Heavenly Tribulation Pearl."

"Alright," Nan Liujing said decisively. Since he intended to reach the pinnacle, he would inevitably encounter Tang Hao and Ah Yin, and in the future, he would definitely encounter Tang San.

Succeed or die trying.

A mortal undergoing tribulation and ascending to godhood, named after it, was not an unreasonable path.

Emerging from the sea of consciousness, Nan Liujing looked at the misty bathroom and remained silent for a long time.

Thunder God was gone, at least from his sea of consciousness.

This scene was quite like Huo Yuhao meeting Electrolux.

"If I have the chance, I will resurrect you, and we will admire the scenery above the God King level together."

Nan Liujing got out of the bathtub. His soul power emanated, and the water droplets instantly evaporated. Looking at the inheritance divine seal gradually hiding on his brow in the mirror, his expression was calm.

Two days passed quickly.

As the sky just began to show a hint of dawn, Nan Liujing came alone to the courtyard and sat down cross-legged.

The small courtyard of the villa had many rare plants whose auras had a calming effect, greatly beneficial for cultivation.

At this moment, a gentle breeze caressed his face, making his hair sway. A serene expression graced his handsome and clean face.

"Hoo."

Inhaling, exhaling. Nothing seemed special, yet a force seemed to pull Nan Liujing into nature. His consciousness became flowers, grass, wind, and earth. His entire aura seemed to become formless, yet also omnipresent, appearing extremely profound.

Pure elemental energy circulated through his meridians, with his dantian as the core, completing cycle after cycle.

In the living room downstairs, a slightly surprised gaze, tinged with purple, had been fixed on Nan Liujing. It was Ye Changming.

As a Soul Douluo whose spiritual power had reached the intermediate level of the Spirit Abyss Realm, he keenly sensed that Nan Liujing's current state was very unusual.

It was as if he had entered a state of unity between man and nature.

"This child is not simple," Ye Changming mused. "Should I take him into my sect? No, Old Sun's identity is special, and he'll likely have this child join the Spirit Pagoda. If I were to proactively recruit him, it would put him in a difficult position."

After thinking for a moment, he turned and went to the kitchen.

The Ye family's ancestral home was not here, but in Nine Treasures City near Heaven Dou City. The Ye family's ancestor was once a guardian elder of the Nine Treasures Glazed Sect. They had since separated, but the two families maintained friendly relations for generations, so they didn't move away.

After an unknown amount of time.

A ticklish sensation touched his nose. Nan Liujing said dotingly, "Na'er, Brother is cultivating."

"I'm not Na'er," a clear and pleasant voice replied.

Nan Liujing opened his eyes and saw a delicate, snow-white oval face. The girl's skin was extremely smooth and lustrous, like jade, with a healthy blush. A mischievous smile played on her rosy lips. She held a blade of grass in her hand, likely having used it to tickle him.

Ye Xinglan smiled faintly. "It's time for breakfast. We have to go to the Blacksmith Association later."

"Coming right up."

Nan Liujing finally noticed that the sky around them had brightened.

Looking at the high ponytail behind Ye Xinglan that swayed with her movements, he mused to himself:

"This Plane Imprint is truly extraordinary. That special cultivation state just now nearly quadrupled my progress."

He stood up from the ground, Soul Power surging around his body, scattering the dust.

Over the past two days, he and Ye Xinglan had taken Na'er to various places in Heaven Dou City during the day, and sparred in the underground training ground of the villa at night.

Na'er, meanwhile, would bring out chips and drinks to act as the audience.

"I wonder what Martial Soul you'll awaken, Na'er," Ye Xinglan said indistinctly, a piece of fragrant bread in her mouth.

Nan Liujing overheard this as he approached. In his memory, he recalled that Na'er had not awakened a Martial Soul. She only gained the Silver Dragon Spear Martial Soul after being taken away by Di Tian and the others.

The development of this life had already been altered by him, and he wasn't sure if this would cause any changes.

Na'er took a small sip of hot milk and chimed in, "Sister Xinglan, if I awaken a Martial Soul, can I spar with you like Brother can?"

Ye Xinglan nodded, her face full of confidence. "That's right. But I've been cultivating for a long time before you, so you won't be able to beat me."

This darn competitive spirit.

Na'er stopped drinking her milk, looking confused. "Why do I have to beat Sister?"

Ye Xinglan was taken aback. "Because we're Soul Masters! Soul Masters should determine a winner."

Na'er became even more confused and turned to her brother. "Brother, do Soul Masters have to determine a winner? I don't want to fight Sister. I want to protect Sister like you protect me."

You!

Ye Xinglan's heart was instantly struck. Her azure eyes widened as she looked at Na'er, who spoke with such seriousness in her childish voice. Without hesitation, she directly proposed a trade to Nan Liujing: "Nan Liujing, how about we make a deal?"

That man, I've taken a liking to his sister.

"No," Nan Liujing refused coldly.

Ye Xinglan raised an eyebrow.

"But you can acknowledge me as your brother, then you and Na'er would be real sisters, wouldn't you?" Nan Liujing revealed his true intentions. He expected Ye Xinglan to give him a glare, but to his surprise, Ye Xinglan suddenly fell silent and just kept eating.

It felt like punching cotton, leaving Nan Liujing somewhat powerless. This wasn't right; why didn't this girl retort?

"Eat up." Ye Changming walked over with fried eggs, forcefully interrupting the debate over who was a sister and who was a brother.

Nan Liujing was already hungry, and Na'er, the ultimate foodie, immediately forgot about the brother-sister dispute she had caused and happily ate.

Ye Xinglan, however, fell into a dilemma, the delicious food in her mouth losing its taste.

Acknowledge him as brother?

Ew, too embarrassing.

But Na'er was so well-behaved, she couldn't bear to refuse.

Staring at Nan Liujing, Ye Xinglan clenched her fists tightly.

But for Na'er's sake, maybe I should try?