Stewed Beef and Three Strikes Per Second, A Letter to Muye

Chapter 19: Stewed Beef and One Second Three Strikes, A Letter for Muye (4K)

The Darkgold Fearclaw Bear and Evil Eye Tyrant both died, leaving behind three External Soul Bones worthy of being called Blood River Treasures.

In the current era of the Legend of the Dragon King, the Soul Beast Clan is on the verge of extinction, making Soul Bones increasingly rare. External Soul Bones, in any era, are national treasures. Falling into the hands of a Monster Soul Master is practically equivalent to absorbing a Fierce Beast Soul Bone!

Na'er held the Evil Eye as she flashed to Zhao Xuanzhen's side, sighing with emotion: "Three External Soul Bones. The Evil Eye Tyrant was likely an Evil Emperor Descendant, and that Darkgold Fearclaw Bear dropped two palm bones, almost certainly a descendant of Bear Monarch.

The strongest race, the most premium 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, transferring both soul beasts into the Eastsea City Spirit Ascension Platform ahead of time and sending us here to kill them," Zhao Xuanzhen added.

"Once the Tower Master finds out, even if he can't do anything to Teacher, he'll learn from this mistake. From now on, if a soul master kills a Spirit Ascension Platform guardian again, the Spirit Pagoda will prevent them from absorbing the External Soul Bones."

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

Tang Wulin absorbing the hundred-year Darkgold Fearclaw right palm bone safely, without the Spirit Pagoda settling accounts after the autumn, was ninety-eight percent due to Gu Yue's behind-the-scenes influence. She likely used Leng Yaozhu's authority to forcefully suppress the lingering issues behind 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 guard you."

Being in the Riot Period Spirit Ascension Platform meant they had to prevent soul beasts from interrupting. Absorbing the Soul Bones one after the other was the only way to be safe.

Na'er sat cross-legged, using her soul power to guide the External Soul Bone, the Evil Eye, to fuse with her.

Soul Bones can enhance a soul master's physical abilities while granting them a soul skill connected to the bone. As a Mental Attribute Soul Beast, the Evil Eye Tyrant would greatly boost Na'er's Mental strength. The soul skill contained in the Evil Eye was also related to the mind, and she might even gain Spatial Power.

Leng Yaozhu hadn't chosen the Soul Bones randomly. She had analyzed the ability characteristics of the two and found suitable, powerful soul beast types.

Na'er's Mental strength far surpassed that of soul masters at her level. Her Silver Dragon Spear followed the path of space, so the Evil Eye Tyrant, which had comprehended the spatial attribute, was the first choice.

Zhao Xuanzhen's Original Martial Soul True Self encompassed both body and mind. His Taijiquan dominated in close combat. The Darkgold Fearclaw was recognized in the Soul Master Realm as the number one palm bone. The boost to his hands was immense, and his fist and palm strength would undoubtedly skyrocket.

After a while, Na'er slowly woke up without encountering any trouble. Facing the Silver Dragon King Half Body, a thousand-year Evil Eye Tyrant was truly nothing to worry about.

After fusing with the External Soul Bone Evil Eye, Na'er's silver eyes seemed a bit brighter and more radiant, revealing a clear and lively color. Light rippled within them, and her pupils were like exquisite, sparkling crystals, captivating the heart.

The left and right Darkgold Fearclaw palm bones floated up, dragging two trails of dark gold light. Dots of light emerged and pressed close to Zhao Xuanzhen's palms.

"Too bad. It would have been perfect if the Darkgold Fearclaw came with an elbow bone."

Even a second before the fusion, Zhao Xuanzhen still couldn't forget the Super Elbow Strike.

The energy released by the two External Soul Bones surged into his palms like a hundred rivers flowing into the sea. A layer of dark golden light immediately rippled across his skin. The light leaped and twisted, its brightness constantly shifting. The Darkgold Fearclaw struggled violently, resisting fusion with a human soul master.

This matter wasn't up to the Darkgold Fearclaw. Zhao Xuanzhen went against the will of the two External Soul Bones, using his fierce Physical Fitness to forcibly absorb all the Soul Bone energy.

The Darkgold Fearclaw Bear's silhouette condensed. Under Zhao Xuanzhen's cold pressure, its massive, imposing Beast Body seemed inexplicably small, pitiful, and helpless. Finally, it let out a low, resigned roar, acknowledging this freakishly capable host.

Everything went smoothly. Zhao Xuanzhen opened his eyes, and the first thing he saw was Na'er's peerless face and her big, sparkling eyes.

Na'er stared at Zhao Xuanzhen's hands, which had barely changed, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes. She asked curiously, "Zhao Xuanzhen, I suddenly realized something."

"Oh?"

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

"For example, if the Original Martial Soul is an arm, the soul master's arm will be exceptionally thick even without Martial Soul Possession. If it's the brain, the soul master's head will be very large.

What's your deal? Not only does your True Self have no physical changes, but even absorbing the Darkgold Fearclaw is the same. Your palms look exactly the same as before."

Hearing this, Zhao Xuanzhen couldn't help but laugh: "The Original Martial Soul is a part of the soul master's body. Every Original Martial Soul is a different version of oneself. I can change my body, expand and shrink it At will, but that kind of thing has no practical effect.

Power lies in every strong muscle, every tough meridian, every drop of flowing blood. It has nothing to do with size."

"Expand and shrink your body At will?"

Na'er didn't pay attention to the latter part of the sentence. Instead, she pondered the first part, her small face turning serious as she said sternly: "Anywhere?"

"Why would I lie to you? It covers the whole body without any blind spots... Wait!"

Zhao Xuanzhen suddenly reacted, looking at Na'er's flushed pretty face and glaring at her in exasperation.

What a cheeky little girl!

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

In the observation room, Leng Yaozhu watched her two proud children stand up and smiled: "Congratulations on passing the trial and receiving your well-deserved rewards."

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

Leng Yaozhu gently stroked Na'er's smooth Silver Long Hair, her Crimson Phoenix Eyes turning to Zhao Xuanzhen. "I'm meeting with Gu Yue's mother, Purple Dragon Douluo, in a little while to discuss Gu Yue joining the Spirit Pagoda and to probe the background of this Hidden Family.

You two little ones are free to do as you please. I'll send two teams of Eastsea Spirit Pagoda Enforcers to protect you."

"Okay, Teacher / Aunt Leng."

The moist evening breeze brushed against their cheeks. Rosy clouds filled the sky, incredibly beautiful. Their shadows swayed like flowing gold dust under the setting sun. The young girl's white Skirt Hem fluttered, and the bell tied to the red rope at her waist chimed crisply.

"What do you want to eat?" Zhao Xuanzhen pulled out his Soul Guide Communicator to look up food guides. "Eastsea City is famous for its seafood. Should I pick a restaurant on the Soul Net and book a seafood feast?"

"No!"

Na'er shook her head like a Rattle Drum, stood on her Toes, and looked down at Zhao Xuanzhen with disdain: "Who goes to a restaurant recommended by the Soul Net when traveling? Those are all tourist traps!"

"We're going to a hidden local small restaurant to taste the true local flavor!"

"That actually makes sense... but where's this hidden local small restaurant?"

Na'er had been waiting for Zhao Xuanzhen to say that. Her tail shot straight up in triumph as she said smugly, "On the way to Eastsea City, I posted on the Soul Net looking for a restaurant that didn't look terrible. I captioned it 'Eastsea City is average, not as good as neighboring Tianhai City—a total food desert!'

The locals here got upset, called me clueless, and recommended their usual small restaurants. Some even offered to treat me so I could taste Eastsea City's real food!"

"Oh my..."

Zhao Xuanzhen was dumbfounded. Damn, I'm the clueless foreigner here!

Na'er linked her arm through his and said earnestly, "When it comes to finding good food, ten of you can't match one of me. Follow clever King Na'er, and I guarantee you'll eat well tonight!"

Zhao Xuanzhen and Na'er wound through Eastsea City toward their target restaurant. Two teams of Spirit Pagoda Enforcers trailed far behind, neither interfering with the two little ancestors' shopping trip nor failing to provide protection at a moment's notice.

They arrived at an old street brimming with life. Shops lined both sides, and a medley of aromas drifted and mingled, stirring up cravings deep in their stomachs.

"Stewed Beef..."

Zhao Xuanzhen looked up at the yellowed, timeworn sign and hesitated slightly. "The Eastsea City locals recommended this to you?"

Na'er said confidently, "They said this place's stewed beef is amazing. Today we're doing what ordinary people on the Soul Net do—restaurant reviews. Zhao Xuanzhen, think up a couple of slogans!"

Zhao Xuanzhen gave a helpless smile. Slogans were easy.

Reviewing joints, cash spent—truth or lies, Na'er's judgment!

Xuanzhen takes a bite, truth comes to light!

The stewed beef restaurant was small, with a stove facing the street. On it sat nearly a hundred burners, each holding a copper-yellow clay pot of braised beef. The meat's aroma billowed up, rattling the pot lids with a buzz--, luring in passersby.

The middle-aged owner, wearing an apron stained with grease, smiled warmly and invited them to sit. Beef, small dishes, rice, and drinks came one after another.

Zhao Xuanzhen and Na'er lifted the pot lids, revealing chunks of beef floating in amber broth. The meat had soaked up the sauce, gleaming with a honeyed sheen. Zhao Xuanzhen picked up a trembling piece of beef; golden threads of broth dripped back into the bowl. He brought it to his mouth and savored it carefully.

AUV—now that was authentic!

Zhao Xuanzhen admitted the stewed beef had something special. No wonder the locals recommended it!

Na'er was showing off with gusto. One pot of beef with rice disappeared into her stomach in two or three minutes. Her eyes twinkled slyly, and her chopsticks stealthily reached for Zhao Xuanzhen's pot.

"Ding--"

Their chopstick tips met inside the pot. Zhao Xuanzhen chuckled. "What are you doing?"

"Just one bite! One bite!"

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

"Order more if you want."

"You don't get it—food tastes better when you snatch it from someone else's bowl!"

Zhao Xuanzhen withdrew his chopsticks. Na'er got her wish. The beef, bursting with broth, exploded between her teeth, and fine sweat beaded on her delicate nose. Zhao Xuanzhen pushed the iced sour plum drink toward her; droplets of condensation on the cup wall traced down his long, slender fingers.

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

"Coming right up!"

For Na'er, the stewed beef was barely an appetizer. She chewed on a salt baked shrimp while chatting idly with Zhao Xuanzhen. "Did you hear? Tomorrow night is the Night of the Shining Stars, a once-in-a-millennium event on the continent."

"I saw." Zhao Xuanzhen's eyes flickered. "The Night of the Shining Stars—All the Stars in the Sky will unleash boundless star power. That night, Star-related Martial Souls will see a huge boost in combat power and cultivation speed. Meditating one night equals half a month of hard training."

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

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

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

At that moment, a rough voice shattered the warm atmosphere inside the stewed beef shop. Boss Li's face went pale. The customers' expressions shifted drastically—they were regulars on this Food Street and knew exactly who that was.

Five burly men barged into the shop. The leader was a bald strong man, bare-chested, with a lifelike, ferocious dragon-shaped tattoo.

The stewed beef shop's fixed NPC had spawned: Iron Armor Dragon, Soul Grand Master Guang Long!

"Guang Long, my wife is seriously ill. The little I earn from stewed beef isn't even enough for her treatment. Can you give me a little more time?" Boss Li said carefully.

"Always making excuses. You think I'm a beggar, Guang Long?"

Guang Long kicked over the stove. Clay pots crashed to the floor and shattered, meat broth spilling everywhere in a mess.

Ordinary people bullied by soul masters had no way to fight back. Boss Li said bitterly, "Guang Long, have you forgotten how Guang Biao provoked three students and got beaten in front of everyone by an Eastsea Academy teacher? And you still dare to collect protection fees!"

"You dare bring that up..."

Guang Long's eyes turned vicious. He was about to teach Boss Li a lesson when he noticed Zhao Xuanzhen and Na'er eating nearby.

"Two more kids here?"

PTSD kicked in instantly. Guang Long crossed his arms and walked up to them.

"I've got a question for you two!

Are you Eastsea Academy students? Do you know a Soul Emperor with an Ice-attribute Longsword Martial Soul?"

"Scram."

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 his lesson from the last beating, he was smarter this time—his martial soul, Iron Armor Dragon, directly manifested!

His exposed skin turned iron-gray, and raised iron-gray scales sprouted from his neck. One white and one yellow soul ring rose as his twenty-seventh rank soul power erupted!

"Zhao Xuanzhen, he's asking for death," Na'er said faintly.

"Mm, you keep eating. I'll handle this."

Zhao Xuanzhen rose and appeared before Guang Long at nearly Instant Transmission speed. He clenched his right fist and threw a textbook Advancing Blocking Punch!

The moment contact was made, Guang Long felt as if he'd been rammed by a mecha. Crushing force slammed into him, the thick dragon scales of his Iron Armor Dragon feeling as fragile as paper. The flesh of his abdomen caved in, and every organ in his body shook and twisted!

"Boom—"

Guang Long was sent flying into the air. A mouthful of sour liquid surged from his stomach. His ears rang, his eyes were bloodshot, and the world seemed to spin. It wasn't until the back of his head slammed into the ground that he realized he'd been knocked out of his martial soul manifestation with a single punch!

The power granted by the Darkgold Fearclaw was evident. Zhao Xuanzhen recalled, "Who was it who said that beating someone without using your martial soul is really satisfying?"

"How dare you!"

A crowd of people surged into the small Stewed Beef shop, darkening the doorway. At their head were two Sixth Ring Soul Emperors!

"Iron Armor Dragon Soul Grand Master Guang Long, committing violent assault on a Core Disciple of the Spirit Transmission Tower in broad daylight—a heinous crime!"

The twin Soul Emperors, whose martial soul was a lightning-attribute stick, recognized Guang Long. He was backed by his older brother, Guang Biao, captain of the Mecha Brigade, and had interacted with some Spirit Transmission Tower personnel before. Shocked, he exclaimed:

"Spirit Transmission Tower Enforcer Captain!?

A misunderstanding, a misunderstanding—I didn't attack your Core Disciple!"

Only evil can defeat evil. The Spirit Transmission Tower Enforcers always favored solving problems with violence. They didn't even listen to Guang Long's excuses. An elbow strike opened his airway, and lightning found his heartbeat!

First strike to the legs, to prevent escape. Second strike to the mouth, to prevent begging for mercy. Third strike to the head, to prevent resistance!

Guang Long took all three strikes without a sound. Not because he could endure them, but because he was knocked out by the first one!

"Sir, all done!"

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

Three strikes in one second wasn't their limit—it was to show Zhao Xuanzhen their attitude!

"The stick has force, the hand has height, the punch has angle. Good work."

"Thank you for the praise, sir!"

The Stick Brothers and their men withdrew from the shop to guard in secret, while a few Enforcer members dragged the unconscious Guang Long and the hooligans back to the Eastsea City Spirit Transmission Tower.

That night, Guang Long would verify the law of conservation of electricity, bravely charging at the Spirit Transmission Tower with the spirit of 'If I don't enter hell, who will?'

The minor incident came to an end. The owner was, of course, endlessly grateful and offered them plenty of free side dishes.

"Ding-dong—"

Zhao Xuanzhen's Soul Guide Communicator suddenly rang. It was a message from Illusion Brain Douluo.

"Xuanzhen, I heard from Tianfeng that you've broken through to Three Rings Soul Elder.

A couple of days ago, after your Mecha Repair exam ended, I gave you a letter. Go to the Heaven Dou City Forging Association on my behalf and give the letter to a man named Muye. Say hello to him for me.

If possible, it's best to get out of Tianfeng's sight. She cares about you too much, and I'm worried conflict will break out."

At the Spirit Transmission Tower Headquarters, Illusion Brain Douluo Han Tianyi put away his Soul Guide Communicator after seeing Zhao Xuanzhen's reply of 'Okay.' He clasped his hands behind his back and gazed levelly at the pitch-black sea of clouds outside the window:

"Muye, your uncle can only help you this far. Whether the Body Sect can seize the opportunity ultimately depends on you..."