Stewed Beef and the One-Second Three-Stick Strike, a Letter for Muye

Canned Beef and the One-Second Three-Stick Strike, a Letter for Muye (4,000 Words)

The Darkgold Fearclaw Bear and the Evil Eye Tyrant had both died, leaving behind three External Soul Bones that could be called Blood River Treasures.

In the current Legend of the Dragon King Era, the Soul Beast Clan stood on the brink of extinction, and Soul Bones had become increasingly rare. External Soul Bones, meanwhile, were national treasures in any era. Especially when they fell into the hands of a Monster Soul Master, it was practically equivalent to absorbing a Fierce Beast Soul Bone!

Na'er held the Evil Eye and flashed to Zhao Xuanzhen's side. She sighed, "Three External Soul Bones. That Evil Eye Tyrant was probably an Evil Emperor Descendant, and that Darkgold Fearclaw Bear dropped two palm bones. There was a very high chance it was Bear Monarch's descendant.

"The strongest race, the finest body parts, the most compatible attributes... Aunt Leng really made the Spirit Pagoda bleed this time!"

"More than that. Teacher clearly exploited a loophole in the rules. She transferred those two Soul Beasts into the Eastsea City Spirit Ascension Platform in advance and sent us here to kill them," Zhao Xuanzhen added.

"After the Pagoda Master finds out, she won't be able to do anything to Teacher. But having learned from this, the Spirit Pagoda will prevent Soul Masters from absorbing External Soul Bones after killing Spirit Ascension Platform guardians."

The value of an External Soul Bone was no lower than that of a Hundred Thousand Year Soul Bone. Having lived in the Spirit Pagoda for ten years, Zhao Xuanzhen understood the rules and the price involved.

Tang Wulin had safely absorbed the hundred-year Darkgold Fearclaw Right Palm Bone without the Spirit Pagoda settling accounts after the autumn. There was a ninety-eight percent chance Gu Yue had secretly intervened, perhaps using Leng Yaozhu's authority to forcibly suppress the troubles left behind by that Soul Bone.

"Absorb the Soul Bones, then let's go shopping in Eastsea City and eat some local specialties!" Na'er said impatiently.

"You go first. I'll stand guard for you."

They were in the Riot Period Spirit Ascension Platform, so they had to guard against Soul Beasts interfering. Only by taking turns absorbing the Soul Bones could they ensure absolute safety.

Na'er sat cross-legged and used her Soul Power to draw the External Soul Bone Evil Eye into herself.

Soul Bones could enhance a Soul Master's physical abilities while also granting Soul Skills connected to the Soul Bone. As a Mental Attribute Soul Beast, the Evil Eye Tyrant would greatly improve Na'er's Mental strength. The Soul Skill contained within the Evil Eye would also be related to the mind, and she might even gain Spatial Power.

Leng Yaozhu had not chosen the Soul Bones at random. She had analyzed the two of their abilities and found powerful Soul Beast types suited to them.

Na'er's Mental strength far surpassed that of Soul Masters at her level, while the Silver Dragon Spear followed the path of space. An Evil Eye Tyrant that had comprehended spatial attributes was the best choice.

Zhao Xuanzhen's Original Martial Soul True Self encompassed both body and spirit. His Taijiquan could dominate close combat, and the Darkgold Fearclaw was recognized throughout the Soul Master Realm as the number one palm bone. The boost it gave his hands was immense, and the power of his fists and palms would undoubtedly surge once more.

After a while, Na'er slowly woke up without encountering any trouble. Before a Silver Dragon King Half Body, a Thousand-Year Evil Eye Tyrant truly could not stir up much of a fuss.

After fusing with the External Soul Bone Evil Eye, Na'er's silver-white pupils seemed somewhat brighter and more radiant. They carried a clear, lively gleam as halos flowed within them, her pupils like exquisite, sparkling crystals that could steal one's breath away.

The Darkgold Fearclaw left and right palm bones floated into the air, trailing two streams of dark gold light. Specks of light emerged one after another and pressed close to Zhao Xuanzhen's palms.

"What a pity. It would have been perfect if the Darkgold Fearclaw came with an elbow bone."

Even a second before fusion, Zhao Xuanzhen still could not forget the Super Elbow Strike.

The energy released by the two External Soul Bones poured into his palms like a hundred rivers flowing into the sea. A layer of dark gold radiance immediately rippled over his skin. The light leaped and twisted, constantly shifting between brightness and darkness, as the Darkgold Fearclaw struggled fiercely and resisted merging with a Human Soul Master.

Whether it wanted to or not was not up to the Darkgold Fearclaw. Zhao Xuanzhen defied the wishes of the two External Soul Bones and forcibly absorbed all their energy with his formidable physical fitness.

The phantom of a Darkgold Fearclaw Bear condensed. Under Zhao Xuanzhen's cold pressure, its enormous and majestic beast body somehow seemed small, pitiful, and helpless. In the end, it let out a low growl of surrender, acknowledging this absurdly powerful host.

Everything went smoothly. Zhao Xuanzhen opened his eyes to find Na'er's breathtaking face and her large, blinking eyes before him.

Na'er stared at Zhao Xuanzhen's hands, which had barely changed at all. A trace of surprise flashed through her eyes as she asked curiously, "Zhao Xuanzhen, I suddenly noticed something."

"Oh?"

"I found a book in the Library Pavilion at headquarters before. It recorded information about Original Martial Souls. It said that Original Martial Soul Awakened were vastly different from ordinary people, because Original Martial Souls caused dramatic changes in the body's cells," Na'er said.

"For example, if someone's Original Martial Soul is their arm, then even without Martial Soul Possession, that Soul Master's arm will be exceptionally thick. A Soul Master whose Martial Soul is their brain will have an enormous head.

"So what's going on with you? True Self hasn't caused any physical changes, and even after absorbing the Darkgold Fearclaw, your palms look exactly the same as before."

Hearing that, Zhao Xuanzhen could not help but smile. "An Original Martial Soul is part of a Soul Master's body. Every Original Martial Soul is a different self. I can change my body, enlarging or shrinking it at will, but that sort of thing has no practical effect.

"Strength lies in every powerful muscle, every resilient meridian, every drop of flowing blood. It has nothing to do with size."

"You can enlarge and shrink your body at will?"

Na'er did not pay attention to the latter half. Instead, she pondered the first half, put on a serious little face, and asked:

"Anywhere?"

"Why would I lie to you? My whole body has no blind spots covered... Wait, no!"

Zhao Xuanzhen suddenly realized what she meant. Looking at Na'er's pretty face, now flushed crimson, he shot her an annoyed glare.

Good lord, this little yellow-haired menace!

The two laughed and played around for a while before leaving the Riot Period Spirit Ascension Platform together and returning to the Eastsea City Spirit Pagoda.

Inside the observation room, Leng Yaozhu watched her two proud children rise and smiled. "Congratulations on passing the test and receiving the rewards you deserved."

"Aunt Leng, you're the best!" Na'er immediately showered her with praise.

Leng Yaozhu gently stroked Na'er's smooth silver long hair, then turned her crimson phoenix eyes toward Zhao Xuanzhen. "Gu Yue's mother, Purple Dragon Douluo, and I will meet shortly to discuss Gu Yue joining the Spirit Pagoda. We'll also take the opportunity to probe the background of this Hidden Family.

"You two can move around freely. I'll send two teams of Eastsea Spirit Pagoda Enforcers to protect you."

"Okay, Teacher/Aunt Leng."

The damp evening breeze brushed against their faces. Sunset glow filled the sky, breathtakingly beautiful. Their shadows swayed beneath the setting sun like flowing fragments of gold, while the girl's white skirt hem fluttered and the bell hanging from the red cord around her waist chimed softly.

"What should we eat?" Zhao Xuanzhen took out his Soul Guide Communicator and searched for food recommendations. "Eastsea City is known for seafood. Should I pick a restaurant from the Soul Net and reserve us a seafood feast?"

"No!"

Na'er shook her head like a rattle drum. Standing on her toes, she looked down at Zhao Xuanzhen with lofty disdain. "Who goes to restaurants recommended on the Soul Net when traveling? Those places are all meant to fool outsiders!

"We're going to a hidden local small restaurant and experience the local flavor!"

"That does sound reasonable... But where are these local Small Restaurants hidden?"

Na'er had been waiting for him to say that. Her tail practically shot into the sky as she said smugly, "On the way to Eastsea City, I made a post on the Soul Net. I specifically picked a restaurant that didn't look too terrible, then wrote that Eastsea City was just average, worse than neighboring Tianhai City, a complete food desert!

"The Eastsea locals didn't like that. They berated me for not recognizing quality, then recommended the Small Restaurants they often visited. Some even offered to treat me and let me taste Eastsea City's real food!"

"Oh, come on..."

Zhao Xuanzhen was dumbfounded. Damn it, I was the dumb foreigner after all!

Na'er linked arms with Zhao Xuanzhen and said earnestly, "When it comes to finding food, ten of you can't compare to one of me. Follow the clever King Na'er, and I guarantee you'll eat to your heart's content tonight!"

Zhao Xuanzhen and Na'er traveled through Eastsea City toward their target restaurant. Two teams of Spirit Pagoda Enforcers followed far behind them, neither interfering with the two Little Ancestors' shopping nor failing to ensure they could provide protection at any moment.

The two arrived on an old street full of everyday life. Shops lined both sides, and all kinds of aromas drifted together through the air, stirring up the appetite.

"Stewed beef..."

Zhao Xuanzhen looked up at the faded old sign and hesitated slightly. "This is what the Eastsea locals recommended to you?"

Na'er answered with complete confidence, "They said this stewed beef is incredibly delicious. Today, we'll imitate those ordinary people on the Soul Net doing restaurant reviews. Zhao Xuanzhen, hurry up and think of two slogans!"

Zhao Xuanzhen smiled helplessly. Slogans were easy enough.

"Restaurant reviews cost a fortune, but Na'er tells the truth!"

"Xuanzhen investigates, and the truth appears!"

The stewed beef shop was not large. Its stove stood beside the street, with nearly a hundred burners on top. Copper-yellow clay pots of beef stew sat upon them, and the fragrance of beef rose in steam, making the pot lids buzz-- as the aroma tempted passing pedestrians.

The middle-aged owner wore a somewhat grease-stained apron around his waist. With a broad smile, he invited the two to sit down, then brought over beef, Small Dishes, rice, and drinks one after another.

Zhao Xuanzhen and Na'er lifted the pot lids, revealing beef floating in amber-colored broth. The meat had soaked up the sauce and gleamed with a honey-like sheen. Zhao Xuanzhen picked up a trembling piece of beef. Golden strands of broth stretched out before falling into his bowl, and he placed it in his mouth for a careful taste.

AUV, it was the real deal!

Zhao Xuanzhen had to admit that the stewed beef was something else. No wonder the locals recommended it!

Na'er ate with immense enjoyment. One pot of beef with rice disappeared into her stomach in two or three minutes. Her eyes rolled slyly as her chopsticks secretly reached toward Zhao Xuanzhen's pot.

"Clink--"

Their chopsticks met inside the pot. Zhao Xuanzhen asked with an amused smile, "What are you up to?"

"Just one piece! Just one piece!"

Na'er's bright silver-white pupils had turned into sparkling puppy-dog eyes.

"If it's not enough, we can order more."

"You don't understand. Meat stolen from someone else's bowl tastes better!"

Zhao Xuanzhen withdrew his chopsticks, and Na'er got her wish. The beef, saturated with broth, burst between her teeth. Fine sweat appeared on the tip of her delicate nose as Zhao Xuanzhen pushed the chilled sour plum soup toward her. Condensation on the cup wall trickled over his long fingers.

"Boss, ten more pots of beef and fifty salt baked shrimp."

"Coming right up!"

For Na'er, stewed beef had only barely served as an appetizer. She chewed on salt baked shrimp while chatting idly with Zhao Xuanzhen. "Did you hear? Tomorrow night is the Night of the Shining Stars, an event that only happens once in a thousand years on the continent."

"I saw it." Zhao Xuanzhen's eyes flickered. "On the Night of the Shining Stars, All the Stars in the Sky will erupt with boundless star power. That night, Star-related Martial Souls will see a huge increase in combat strength and cultivation speed. One night of meditation will be equivalent to half a month of hard cultivation."

Na'er propped up her little face with one hand. "The Night of the Shining Stars only occurs once in a thousand years. Otherwise, Star-related Martial Souls would become the number one Martial Souls on the continent."

"Not necessarily. Star-related Martial Souls have plenty of flaws too..."

"Old Li, it's time to pay this month's protection fee!"

At that moment, a rough voice shattered the warm atmosphere of the stewed beef shop. Boss Li's face turned deathly pale, and every customer in the shop changed expression. They were all regulars on this Food Street and naturally knew who had come.

Five burly men stormed into the shop. Their leader was a Bald Strong Man, bare-chested, with vicious dragon-shaped tattoos covering both arms in lifelike detail.

The fixed-spawn NPC of the stewed beef shop: Iron Armor Dragon Soul Grandmaster Guang Long!

"Guang Long, my wife is seriously ill. What little money this stewed beef shop earns isn't even enough for her treatment. Could you give me a little more time?" Boss Li pleaded carefully.

"You keep making excuses every day. Do you think I, Guang Long, am begging for food?"

Guang Long kicked over the stove. The clay pots crashed to the ground and shattered, spilling beef broth everywhere and leaving the place in complete disarray.

Ordinary people had no way to resist when bullied by Soul Masters. Boss Li said bitterly, "Guang Long, have you forgotten how Guang Biao provoked three students and was defeated by an Eastsea Academy teacher in front of everyone? You still dare collect protection fees!"

"You dare bring that up..."

A vicious light flashed in Guang Long's eyes. Just as he was about to teach Boss Li a lesson, he suddenly noticed Zhao Xuanzhen and Na'er eating nearby.

"Why are there two more kids here?"

PTSD flared up instantly. Guang Long crossed his arms and walked over to the two of them.

"I want to ask you something!

"Are you two students from Eastsea Academy? Do you know a Soul Emperor whose Martial Soul is an Ice-attribute Longsword?"

"Get lost."

Na'er's tone was icy. Guang Long had ruined her mood and wasted so much delicious stewed beef. The Silver Dragon Spear was already poised to strike!

Guang Long flew into a rage. Having learned from his previous beating, he had become smarter this time and immediately activated Martial Soul Possession with his Iron Armor Dragon!

His exposed skin turned iron-gray, while raised iron-gray scales grew along his neck. One white and one yellow Soul Ring rose as twenty-seventh-level Soul Power erupted!

"Zhao Xuanzhen, he's asking to die," Na'er said softly.

"Mm. Keep eating. I've got this."

Zhao Xuanzhen rose to his feet and flashed in front of Guang Long at almost the speed of Instant Transmission. His right hand formed a fist as he unleashed a standard Advancing Blocking Punch!

At the moment of impact, Guang Long felt as though a Mecha had slammed into him. Overwhelming brute force crashed into his body, and the Iron Armor Dragon's thick scales seemed as fragile as paper. The flesh of his abdomen caved in, while every organ inside him shook and twisted!

"Boom--"

Guang Long was launched into the air. A mouthful of sour fluid surged from his stomach, his ears rang, and his vision turned bloodshot. The world seemed to spin until the back of his head struck the ground, and only then did he realize that a single punch had shattered his Martial Soul Possession!

The power granted by the Darkgold Fearclaw was clear for all to see. Zhao Xuanzhen recalled, "Who was it that said beating people without using your Martial Soul feels really good?"

"Bold!"

A dark mass of people flooded into the stewed beef shop. At their head stood two Sixth Ring Soul Emperors!

"Iron Armor Dragon Soul Grandmaster Guang Long, you attacked Spirit Pagoda Core Disciples in public. Your crimes are unforgivable!"

The pair of twin Soul Emperors had lightning-attribute Martial Souls in the form of short sticks. Guang Long relied on his older brother, Guang Biao, the captain of a Mecha Brigade, and had interacted with some Spirit Pagoda personnel in the past. He immediately recognized the Stick Brothers and said in shock:

"Spirit Pagoda Enforcer captains!?

"It's a misunderstanding, a misunderstanding! I never attacked your Core Disciples!"

Only evil can defeat evil. Spirit Pagoda Enforcers had always favored solving problems with violence and did not listen to Guang Long's excuses at all. An elbow strike opened the airway, and lightning restored your heartbeat!

The first stick struck the legs to prevent escape, the second struck the mouth to prevent begging, and the third struck the head to prevent resistance!

Guang Long endured all three sticks without making a sound. It was not because he was tough; he had passed out after the first strike!

"Sir, mission accomplished!"

The Stick Brothers snapped their legs together and saluted Zhao Xuanzhen and Na'er.

The One-Second Three-Stick Strike was not their limit. It was simply their way of showing Zhao Xuanzhen their attitude!

"Your sticks have power, your raised hands have height, and your punches have angle. Well done."

"Thank you for your praise, sir!"

The Stick Brothers and the others withdrew from the shop to guard them in secret. Several Enforcers dragged away Guang Long and the hooligans, who had all fallen unconscious, and brought them back to the Eastsea City Spirit Pagoda.

That night, Guang Long would prove the law of conservation of electricity. With the selfless spirit of if I do not enter hell, who will, he bravely launched a charge against the Spirit Pagoda!

Once the minor disturbance ended, the owner thanked them profusely and sent over quite a few Small Dishes for free.

"Ding-dong--"

Zhao Xuanzhen's Soul Guide Communicator suddenly rang. Illusion Brain Douluo had sent him a message.

"Xuanzhen, Tianfeng told me you broke through to become a Third Ring Soul Elder.

"The Mecha repair examination ended two days ago, and I gave you a letter. Go to the Forging Association in Heaven Dou City on my behalf and give it to someone named Muye. Give him my regards.

"If possible, it's best to stay out of Tianfeng's sight. She cares about you too much, and I'm worried a conflict may erupt."

At the Spirit Transmission Tower Headquarters, Illusion Brain Douluo Han Tianyi saw Zhao Xuanzhen's reply of "Okay." He put away his Soul Guide Communicator, clasped his hands behind his back, and looked calmly at the dark sea of clouds beyond the window.

"Muye, this uncle-master can only help you this much. Whether the Body Sect can seize this opportunity will ultimately depend on you..."