Apprenticeship to Zhen Hua, Evil Eye External Soul Bone!

The two elders walked ahead, discussing matters within their understanding.

"Hey."

Ye Xinglan nudged Nan Liujing with her shoulder.

Nan Liujing looked at her. "What's up?"

Ye Xinglan asked in a low voice, "I estimate there were over a thousand people just now. Were you nervous on stage?"

"Felt alright," Nan Liujing said.

Ye Xinglan glanced at Na'er, who was licking a lollipop with her small, tender tongue, and said, "After we finish eating, I have something to tell you."

Nan Liujing looked confused. "Can't I hear it now?"

"No," Ye Xinglan shook her head like a rattle, her fair ears turning slightly red. "It's a secret. Not too many people should know."

"Whatever you say," Nan Liujing was hungry now. He reached out to Na'er. "Na'er, give brother a candy."

"Mmm!"

Na'er, with the lollipop in her mouth, quickly searched her pockets with both hands. After fumbling around, she took out a strawberry-flavored lollipop and handed it to her brother.

"This is the one I bought for Na'er," Ye Xinglan's eyes widened.

Nan Liujing elegantly tore open the wrapper, tossed it into the trash can, and said calmly, "I'll spar with you tonight."

Ye Xinglan paused. "I still have candy on me. If you don't have enough, just ask me."

"Okay."

As a Divine Craftsman, Zhen Hua was qualified to have a private dining room.

The place wasn't large, only about thirty square meters, and looked extremely simple.

As soon as they stepped inside, a rich aroma wafted towards them. Na'er instantly felt the lollipop in her mouth tasted bland.

"Old Mu, we have quite a few guests today, make a few extra dishes," Zhen Hua called out casually.

"Who did you invite?"

At this moment, a figure emerged from the kitchen.

Thin and gaunt, wearing a white chef's hat, his appearance wasn't striking. The only thing worth mentioning was his hands, which were as smooth and lustrous as jade, no less than Zhen Hua's.

He was the current Sect Master of the Body Sect, Mu Ye, a Four-word Battle Armor Master, and a God-tier Mech Master. Unfortunately, he was single-minded and obsessed with mechs, making it difficult for him to break through to level ninety-five.

Nan Liujing observed him secretly.

"Yo." Mu Ye noticed Ye Changming and said with a faint smile, "A rare visitor. Why did you decide to bring a few kids today?"

Zhen Hua chuckled. "I invited them. Just make a few dishes, nothing too nourishing. These three children can't handle it yet."

"Alright, you guys sit. I'll make some home-style dishes." Mu Ye nodded to Ye Changming, then returned to the kitchen.

"I'm going to make a call. You guys sit first," Zhen Hua turned and left the small dining room.

Outside, he projected his divine power, sealing off the surroundings, then took out his phone and dialed a friend with whom he shared life-and-death bonds.

"Hello." A tired voice came from the other end of the phone.

Zhen Hua spoke directly, "Sun Kong, are we brothers who've been through thick and thin?"

Sun Kong, far away in Ming Du, was stunned. "What's wrong?"

Zhen Hua smiled faintly. "You have a nephew, right?"

Sun Kong didn't stand on ceremony. "Just say what you want to say."

Zhen Hua stated his intention. "I want to take your nephew as my disciple."

The pen in Sun Kong's hand stopped.

Zhen Hua said in a deep voice, "You've seen me during Heavenly Forging, and you know how much damage it does to me. Ever since then, I've wanted to find a suitable successor to train. Your nephew, he can directly communicate with the instinctual spirituality of metal. You're a seventh-rank Saint Craftsman, you should know what that means."

"He can communicate with metal?" It was Sun Kong's turn to be unable to sit still.

Zhen Hua said, "I only discovered this talent of his by chance. He's with me now, and I'm calling you to ask for your wishes. As long as you agree, I'll arrange a set of Four-word Battle Armor for you, whether you use it or someone else does, it's fine. I'll cover the material costs."

The Four-word Battle Armor popular on the market today is generally made of pseudo-Heavenly Forging metal, crafted by the cooperation of six Saint Craftsmen, or nurtured through special methods.

Apart from Zhen Hua himself, no one possessed a complete Heavenly Forging Four-word Battle Armor crafted by a Divine Craftsman.

Sun Kong on the other end fell into a brief silence.

His original plan was to wait for Nan Liujing to return to Ming Du, and then he would personally teach him forging. Even if he didn't like forging, he could arrange for him to learn other professions and build a foundation in advance.

But he hadn't expected that first the boss would summon Heavenly Phoenix Douluo Leng Yaozhu, and then Zhen Hua, a Divine Craftsman, would get involved.

Sun Kong completely ignored the reward Zhen Hua offered. Four-word Battle Armor was indeed alluring, but it was nowhere as important as a child's future. After thinking for a moment, he replied, "I won't hide it from you. Heavenly Phoenix Douluo just came to find me. Her target is also my nephew. If you want to take him as a disciple, you might run into her."

"Heavenly Phoenix Douluo?" Zhen Hua frowned and pondered. "If she comes, that's another matter. I won't take him as a disciple unless you agree."

Sun Kong rubbed his temples. "What else can I say?"

"You are a Divine Craftsman. If this child also likes forging, wouldn't it be better to pass it on to you? Moreover, with your current status, all sorts of resources will fly to you like paper. I believe you won't be stingy with what you use for your own disciple."

"What else is there to say?" Zhen Hua smiled confidently. "Who will get the Four-word Battle Armor? Give me a definite answer later, I need to prepare suitable materials. There's no going back on my word."

"Okay." Sun Kong didn't stand on ceremony with him. "The child is with you, you can arrange the rest."

The two didn't chat much. After settling the important matters, Zhen Hua hung up the phone and returned to the small cafeteria.

Everything was as usual.

Dinner officially began.

Mu Ye's cooking skills undoubtedly amazed everyone. It was hard to imagine that if he had focused his energy on cultivation, he would have at least reached level ninety-seven. Unfortunately, he was too engrossed in the Red Divine Mech, which led to his stagnation.

There were a total of seven dishes on the table, and by the end, all of them were wiped clean.

Na'er kept praising the Chef Uncle. Seeing her exquisite and adorable appearance, Mu Ye laughed heartily and even made several desserts.

As a chef, seeing someone savoring delicious food with the utmost enjoyment was the greatest compliment.

Originally, Tang Wulin's serious demeanor while eating the food had moved him, otherwise, he wouldn't have taken out the precious Red Jade Shrimp.

This Red Jade Shrimp was different from the ones at the Aolai City seafood restaurant. It was a top-tier ingredient that greatly nourished blood essence.

After the meal, Na'er and Ye Xinglan leaned back in their chairs, satisfied. Ye Changming pulled Mu Ye aside to discuss cooking techniques.

Only Nan Liujing was brought to Zhen Hua's office.

Zhen Hua got straight to the point. "I want to take you as my disciple."

Nan Liujing calmly asked, "Is it because I heard the sound of metal?"

Zhen Hua nodded. "You might not understand what hearing the sound of metal represents yet, but I can tell you clearly, if you are willing to learn forging from me, I am confident I can make you a new generation Divine Craftsman before you turn twenty-five."

"I've already spoken with your uncle. He said it's up to your decision."

After speaking, Zhen Hua waited expectantly for Nan Liujing's choice.

"Teacher." Knowing when to yield is wisdom. Nan Liujing immediately declared his stance.

"Good!"

Zhen Hua laughed heartily. In his mind, he had planned to tie Nan Liujing up and lock him in a dark room until he agreed if he dared to refuse. He hadn't expected the process to go so smoothly.

He patted Nan Liujing's shoulder. "Regarding taking you as a disciple, remember not to spread the word."

Nan Liujing recalled the assassination attempt Zhen Hua faced in the original timeline and said gravely, "Are you afraid I'll be targeted and assassinated?"

Zhen Hua showed a look of surprise. Nan Liujing's maturity exceeded his expectations. He sighed, "From the moment I became a Divine Craftsman, the balance of the Soul Master world has been broken. If the news of me taking a disciple gets out, those who see me as a thorn in their side will surely act. They can't assassinate me easily, but you are different. You haven't grown yet and your self-preservation ability is far from sufficient."

Nan Liujing said solemnly, "Teacher, please rest assured, I understand."

Zhen Hua's tone softened. "Because of your teacher, you've been passively put in danger, so you naturally deserve some compensation."

"There's a deal in Ming Du. The exchange item is a piece of the purest Evil Eye External Soul Bone, only a thousand years old. Once I get it, I'll give it to you."

Evil Eye External Soul Bone?

Nan Liujing's heart stirred.

Now, the Star Dou Great Forest only had its core area left. The Demonic Forest was even worse off, long since turned into a happy hunting ground for the Earthwood Brothers.

"By the way, Teacher, do you have any high-level metals here?" Nan Liujing hadn't forgotten the trance he experienced when sensing the spirituality of Deep Silver. He wanted to test it.

Zhen Hua asked doubtfully, "Of course, I'm not lacking. Do you want some?"

Nan Liujing explained, "When I saw the Deep Silver, its spirituality actively sought me out, causing me to momentarily daze. Other metals didn't. Considering my mid-stage Spirit Connection Realm divine power, I'm wondering if the higher the level of the metal, the higher the divine power required to communicate with its spirituality."

"You have mid-stage Spirit Connection Realm divine power?"

Zhen Hua became interested and casually took out a piece of Brilliant Gold metal from his storage ring.

"Try sensing it with your divine power."

Nan Liujing calmed his mind. His divine power quickly enveloped the Brilliant Gold metal. He could feel a special presence but couldn't communicate with it.

He opened his eyes again and shook his head. "I can feel the existence of spirituality, but my divine power isn't enough to communicate with it."

Zhen Hua understood and then took out a piece of reddish-brown metal.

Nan Liujing sensed it again. This time, he felt something.

The spirituality within the metal, upon sensing his divine power, became incredibly active, like a child encountering a toy. It constantly sent friendly signals to him. Although it was more like a mental exchange, it was very harmonious, with a clear sense of closeness.

Nan Liujing immediately informed Zhen Hua of this.

Zhen Hua didn't speak and took out another piece of metal, very similar to Deep Silver.

This time, Nan Liujing's communication was more difficult, but it was much better than with the Brilliant Gold metal. The spirituality at least reacted. Unfortunately, it was like a poor internet connection, with very choppy communication between them.

The results of the three tests were all different.

"The Brilliant Gold metal is called Dragon Pattern Gold, a top-tier metal. The reddish-brown metal is called Crimson Copper, similar in grade to Deep Silver. The third metal is called Deep Sea Deep Silver, two grades higher than ordinary Deep Silver," Zhen Hua said thoughtfully.

"It seems your guess is correct. Although you have a strong affinity for metals, and they even actively seek you out, your insufficient divine power prevents you from better communicating with their spirituality."

Just as Nan Liujing was about to say something, Zhen Hua suddenly smiled. "In that case, this Evil Eye External Soul Bone has indeed come at the right time. With its help, it won't take you too long to reach the Spirit Sea Realm."

"From now on, you'll come to your teacher's place for meals on Saturdays and Sundays. I'll have Uncle Mu prepare more ingredients that enhance divine power."

Food supplements are popular on Douluo Continent. Almost every major Soul Grand Master family engages in similar practices. However, supplements for young Soul Masters must be able to substantively transform into their own power. Otherwise, over-supplementing can actually be harmful.

Nan Liujing did not refuse. "Thank you, teacher."

Zhen Hua smiled. "Between master and disciple, why the thanks? What is your Martial Soul?"

Nan Liujing grabbed with his right hand, and a dark green Dragon Subduing Staff materialized. Dazzling lightning flowed like thin snakes along the staff.

Zhen Hua raised an eyebrow. "What is your Dragon Soul?"

"Thunder Dragon Soul," Nan Liujing replied.

"A top-tier True Dragon Soul." Zhen Hua suddenly understood why Heavenly Phoenix Douluo had sought him out. However, since he was a Dragon Subduing Staff Soul Master, why wasn't someone from the Qian Gu Family taking him as a disciple?

"Actually, I have another Martial Soul." Nan Liujing did not hide his abilities. Under Zhen Hua's somewhat surprised gaze, a golden Soul Ring rose. In his left palm, a dreamlike brilliant gold light emerged, and strands of heaven and earth power flowed into it. Half a minute later, a candy with dragon scale patterns appeared in his hand.

"You have a Food System Martial Soul too?"

Zhen Hua was truly shocked this time.

"Would you like to try?" Nan Liujing offered.

Zhen Hua did not stand on ceremony. He took it and popped it into his mouth.

As soon as it went down his throat, his expression changed slightly. As a Titled Douluo, the "Golden Dragon Candy" Nan Liujing provided could not offer him much of an enhancement. This was evident from the faint dragon scales that did not appear on Zhen Hua's body.

But the dense energy that flowed into his body, the comfort of nourishing every inch of flesh and blood, was real. It felt like a full body massage, leaving him feeling refreshed.

Moreover, there was the hidden passive effect of increased mental concentration. This was truly top-tier, capable of turning the tide at critical moments.

Zhen Hua asked, "What is your current Soul Power level?"

"Level thirteen," Nan Liujing replied.

Zhen Hua's expression turned solemn. "Although it's a bit rude, as your teacher, I still want to ask, how many of these candies can you produce daily, and how long do they last?"

Nan Liujing felt the Golden Dragon King bloodline activated within his Candy Martial Soul. He estimated, "It's best not to produce more than ten per day, and they only last for one day."

In reality, the effects of the Golden Dragon Candy were vastly different when Nan Liujing used it himself versus when others used it.

It was like the difference between Da Gu using the Divine Light Stick and his son using the Divine Light Stick.

"A top-grade Food System Martial Soul." Zhen Hua praised. He did not press further about the golden Soul Ring. "Now I can guarantee that the time for you to become a Divine Craftsman will be advanced by at least two years."

As he spoke, he took out a thick book and handed it to Nan Liujing, instructing him:

"This is the Encyclopedia of Metals. It records all types of metals on the market. Memorize them first. As a blacksmith, you must understand these, just as Soul Masters in ancient and primeval times had to memorize the types of Soul Beasts."

"Yes!"

Nan Liujing took it and placed it into his storage ring.

The Divine Craftsman system was revised in the original work. It was initially stated that there were three Nine-Star Divine Craftsmen, but later it was changed to only Zhen Hua.

I've decided to set it up so that currently on Douluo Continent, no one has a Four-word Battle Armor made of purely Heavenly Forged metal. Instead, it's a pseudo-Heavenly Forged Four-word Battle Armor jointly crafted by six Saint Craftsmen, and Four-word Battle Armor promoted through nurturing methods.

After Zhen Hua's appearance, there was genuine Heavenly Forging. This is precisely why the Holy Spirit Cult has always wanted to eliminate him, which also corresponds to the assassination in the original work.

After all, everyone else has Four-word Battle Armor of the same level, with similar improvements. Only you, Zhen Hua, have produced something that exceeds the standards. Who else would they kill if not you?