Ginseng Soup Arrives, Muye Sneaks Around, Jie Jie Jie

# Chapter 30: Ginseng Soup Arrives, Muye Skulking Suspiciously, Jie Jie Jie (4K)

Muye nearly bit his tongue. He was a clever man, and in an instant he grasped Han Tianyi's meaning!

The youth before him possessed a martial soul that was exactly what the Ben Ti Sect dreamed of—a God-level Original Martial Soul, True Self!

"Uncle, I knew your heart was with the Ben Ti Sect even while your body was at the Spirit Pagoda! Whenever something good comes up, the sect is the first thing on your mind!"

Muye gave Han Tianyi a massive mental thumbs-up, then grabbed Zhao Xuanzhen's shoulders with both hands, staring unblinkingly at that handsome face:

"Come, let me see your martial soul."

Seeing Muye's state, Zhao Xuanzhen could roughly guess the contents of the secret letter. Martial Soul True Self manifested on his body, and three pitch-black Ten-Thousand-Year Soul Rings rose from beneath his feet, pulsing rhythmically around his form.

His blood essence energy spread without reservation. Godly Craftsman Zhen Hua's pupils unconsciously dilated. Under the Douluo Continent's soul master system, blood essence was nearly equivalent to physical strength, and Zhao Xuanzhen's blood essence was so formidable it surpassed even the vast majority of Strong Attack Type Fifth Ring Soul Kings!

"That's right, True Self should have this kind of blood essence!"

Muye clenched his fist fiercely, his old face excited beyond measure. Among all the Ben Ti martial souls he had ever seen, none at the same level could contend with Zhao Xuanzhen!

"Buzz—"

The next moment, a Spirit Sea Realm mental fluctuation swept through the entire room. Black and white Yin Yang Airflow swirled like wind, reflecting off the three Ten-Thousand-Year Soul Rings. Behind Zhao Xuanzhen, a humanoid phantom condensed, its gaze profound and distant, overlooking the mortal world.

"A physique comparable to the Golden Dragon King, a spirit like the Silver Dragon King... No mistake, there's absolutely no mistake!"

Muye stared at the enlarged phantom of Zhao Xuanzhen, murmuring softly.

The Ben Ti Sect believed that humans were the foremost of all beings, possessing infinite potential. Therefore, there must exist in this world a God-level Original Martial Soul awakened autonomously by humanity, combining an indestructible body with a boundless spirit.

The two great Dragon Kings split from the Dragon God happened to match this description, so the Ben Ti Sect had benchmarked the God-level Original Martial Soul against the Dragon God and named it True Self.

In reality, True Self had only ever existed in the Ben Ti Sect's imagination. Some Ben Ti Sect disciples felt their ancestors had been overly fanciful—the most powerful martial souls in human history were the Sea God and the Six-Winged Angel, still far from the Dragon God's level.

Only a minority of Ben Ti Sect disciples firmly believed that True Self would one day descend upon the continent and rule over humanity!

Calming himself slightly, Muye asked, "What's your name?"

"Zhao Xuanzhen."

"Excellent name, a perfect match for True Self!"

Even if it had been Zhang Goudan, Muye would have had to grit his teeth and praise the crude name as easy to raise. He reached up, removed the chef's hat that ruined his imposing image, puffed out his chest, and spoke in a loud, passionate voice:

"I am Muye, the current Ben Ti Sect Master, Ben Ti Douluo.

To put it bluntly, I am the Title Douluo on the Douluo Continent most suited to be your teacher. Even Qingtian Douluo Yun Ming or Han Hai Douluo Chen Xinjie, quasi-gods though they are, don't understand Ben Ti martial souls a third as well as I do!

Xuanzhen, you have a connection with me, a connection with the Ben Ti Sect!

Take me as your teacher, and I will pass on the Ben Ti Sect's secret techniques to you, allowing you to unleash the full power of your True Self martial soul and become the greatest Ben Ti Douluo in history!"

Hearing this, Zhen Hua couldn't help but show a smile. Today seemed like a good day—he had found Jiu Tian, worthy of inheriting the Godly Craftsman's legacy, and Muye had encountered Zhao Xuanzhen, possessor of a God-level Original Martial Soul. They should drink to that!

Beside them, Gu Yue didn't yet have a deep understanding of Zhao Xuanzhen. She turned her head to look at him, curious whether he would switch allegiances, leave the Spirit Pagoda, and join the Ben Ti Sect as Muye's disciple.

Jiu Tian remained cold and silent. The Eight Deceitful Gods never cared about the Master of Qimen's background; they only wanted to follow him beyond the limits of the world's rules and live up to their divine prestige.

As for Na'er... she had already started sweating profusely!

Having lived at the Spirit Pagoda for four years, Na'er knew too well how much Leng Yaozhu treasured Zhao Xuanzhen. She was immensely grateful the woman wasn't here, because the moment Muye spat out the word "teacher," Leng Yaozhu would instantly go berserk!

Both Title Douluo were Four-Word Battle Armor Masters. Their battle armor would cancel each other out, leaving only soul power to decide the fight. With the massive gap between rank ninety-nine and rank ninety-four, Leng Yaozhu would tear Muye apart on the spot!

Muye was completely oblivious. His world had narrowed to Zhao Xuanzhen alone, the eagerness in his eyes overflowing, his vivid expression as if it could speak.

Get in my bowl!

"Apologies, Senior Muye. My teacher's title is Sky Phoenix." Zhao Xuanzhen said apologetically.

"Sky Phoenix Douluo Leng Yaozhu!?"

Hearing that title, Muye immediately sucked in a breath of cold air.

Sky Phoenix Douluo's reputation shook the world—Extreme Douluo, Four-Word Battle Armor Master, Spirit Pagoda Deputy Tower Master, head of the Phoenix Clan, the Ruling Family of the Spirit Pagoda for generations... Leng Yaozhu was not someone the dilapidated Ben Ti Sect could afford to provoke.

He suddenly realized that with Zhao Xuanzhen's monstrous talent, how could he possibly not be valued by the Spirit Pagoda's high-level members? It was perfectly normal for Leng Yaozhu to take him as a disciple.

Even though Sky Phoenix and True Self had nothing to do with each other, master-disciple relationships had never been about matching martial souls. The two most famous master-disciple pairs on the Douluo Continent—Tang San and Yu Xiaogang, Huo Yuhao and Dragon God Douluo Mu En—their martial souls had almost no connection whatsoever.

"Too late!"

Muye's heart ached. Missing the God-level Original Martial Soul True Self today meant the ancestors of the Ben Ti Sect throughout the ages would crawl out of their graves tonight, and even his great-grandmother would slap him twice!

Zhao Xuanzhen's expression was calm as still water, without a trace of reluctance. Sects and academies were two different things. Graduating from an academy meant everyone went their separate ways, but a sect carried responsibility—you couldn't leave freely.

For example, the Tang Sect required disciples to return the techniques learned within the sect before leaving. The Ben Ti Sect required an oath on one's Ben Ti martial soul not to privately teach outsiders the sect's secrets.

The Ben Ti Sect had been passed down for ten thousand years, recording countless precious treasures left by Ben Ti Soul Masters throughout that time. Zhao Xuanzhen naturally hoped to borrow and study them, gaining insights into Ben Ti martial souls and perhaps a second awakening.

But if becoming a disciple was mandatory, Zhao Xuanzhen would have to regretfully decline. He could undergo extreme training for his second awakening, or follow Huo Yuhao's example and consume a Immortal-grade herb.

In another timeline, an auction had once featured the Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass's juvenile predecessor, the Mysterious Ice Grass. With the Spirit Pagoda's vast resources scouring the entire Douluo Continent, there was a chance to obtain an Immortal-grade herb.

Leng Yaozhu regarded him as her only disciple, and Zhao Xuanzhen didn't want anyone else standing alongside her in his heart.

I, Zhao Xuanzhen, am loyal!

Seeing the situation at an impasse, Zhen Hua, Muye's good friend, quickly stepped in to mediate: "Xuanzhen, since you've come all this way to deliver a letter, why not join us for a meal and try Muye's cooking?"

"This is my newly accepted disciple, Jiu Tian. He should be around the same age as you all. Get to know your peers and exchange cultivation insights—it'll be beneficial."

"Yes, yes!"

Muye picked up on Zhen Hua's signal; no matter what, they had to keep the person here.

"Ten thousand years ago, Original Martial Souls were defaulted as Ben Ti Sect disciples. Times aren't what they used to be, but we're still kin by blood! Since you're here, stay for lunch!"

"Well... I'll trouble both seniors, then."

Zhao Xuanzhen nodded. A Huaxia person couldn't resist the four-word mantra. Beyond that, this gave him a natural opportunity to connect with Jiu Tian, laying the groundwork for Jiu Tian to help forge their Battle Armor metals in the future.

Zhen Hua led the four youths to their seats. The five of them chatted about everything under the sun, the atmosphere growing increasingly lively. Muye dashed into the kitchen, opened his Soul Guide Communicator, and dialed Han Tianyi's number, sealing off the surroundings with his soul power to prevent any leaks.

"Muye..."

Before long, Han Tianyi's cheerful voice came through the communicator.

"What's going on, Uncle-Master!"

Muye had no patience for beating around the bush and cut straight to the point: "I saw your letter. Zhao Xuanzhen's Martial Soul is True Self, no mistake! I thought you sent him to me so he could become my disciple and lead the Ben Ti Sect to revival, but how does he already have a teacher, and it's Sky Phoenix Douluo Leng Yaozhu!"

"Don't get worked up."

"Am I worked up?" Muye's eyes bulged. "Fine, I admit I am worked up... It's True Self! Which Ben Ti Sect Master wouldn't be worked up!"

"Calm down and listen to me." Han Tianyi said, "Xuanzhen's mother came from the Spirit Phoenix branch of the Phoenix Family. Shortly after he was born, his parents died in battle. With the Phoenix Family's descendants dwindling and the main Leng Family line extinct, the Sky Phoenix adopted him and raised him like a treasure. Uncle-Master, I advise you to give up any thoughts of taking him as a disciple. The fact that you got to see him alone today is already me swallowing my old pride and harboring selfish intentions."

"Uncle-Master, you know the Ben Ti Sect has declined. After you and Uncle Hu Jie left, only A Ruheng and I remain. I'll never break through to Super Douluo in this lifetime, and A Ruheng has good cultivation talent but isn't too sharp—he can't shoulder the burden of revitalizing the sect! If I don't take Zhao Xuanzhen into the sect, I... I'll have failed our ancestors!"

A trace of dejection surfaced on Muye's face. Ever since the Four-Nation War ten thousand years ago, the Ben Ti Sect had rapidly declined, falling from the continent's top powers and never recovering. He felt Zhao Xuanzhen was a heaven-sent man, the next leader of the Ben Ti Sect.

"Broaden your horizons. Who says revitalizing the Ben Ti Sect requires you to take Zhao Xuanzhen as a disciple?" Han Tianyi chuckled. "That child has peerless talent and a calm, rational temperament. With Leng Yaozhu and the Spirit Pagoda backing him, he'll be the next Yun Ming to dominate an era. As a former member of the Ben Ti Sect, I remember the sect's nurturing grace and am giving you a chance to get on board. Besides, Xuanzhen staying at the Spirit Pagoda might help the Ben Ti Sect even more than if he joined directly."

"I don't understand. Please enlighten me in detail, Uncle-Master." Muye looked puzzled.

"Idiot!"

Han Tianyi laughed and scolded: "Why has the Ben Ti Sect declined? First, fewer and fewer sect disciples—Ben Ti Soul Masters are being snapped up early by major powers like Shrek, the Spirit Pagoda, and the War God Hall. Second, there's no top-tier combat power to hold things down; even you, the Sect Master, aren't a Super Douluo. To solve the first point, the Spirit Pagoda can help immensely. Every soul master needs to fuse with a spirit soul. The Spirit Pagoda has an absolute monopoly on spirit souls, and in the information domain, it's number one on the continent. Imagine if Zhao Xuanzhen agrees in the future to prioritize introducing Ben Ti Soul Masters to the sect. Then the sect's population will flourish, and you'll have face to meet your ancestors. The second point is just as easy. So what if he doesn't join the Ben Ti Sect? You can just teach him directly. Second Awakening, sect secret techniques—take turns. I remember you're a ninth-rank Mecha Manufacturer, stronger than the Sky Phoenix in that regard. You may not have the name of a teacher, but you have the reality. Wait twenty or thirty years, let Xuanzhen fully grow, and then invite him to be the Ben Ti Sect's guest elder or honorary deputy sect master. Just a nominal position, but it will make the sect famous across the world. Do I need to teach you this little trick?"

"Thank you for the guidance, Uncle-Master!"

Muye nodded frantically like a chick pecking at rice. The Old Artist really had rich experience, worthy of a Brain Martial Soul—his head was sharp!

At the Spirit Pagoda's Real Illusion, Han Tianyi hung up the Soul Guide Communicator and said with a smile, "Worrying about both sides, this Old Man has it easy!"

Heaven Dou City, Forging Association, Zhen Hua's exclusive Small Kitchen.

"Ginseng Soup is here!"

Muye swept away his gloom, his face blooming with a chrysanthemum-bright smile. The soup rippled with emerald waves, translucent ginseng slices floating within.

Zhao Xuanzhen leaned back warily, seriously suspecting Muye of hiding a codename. Beside him, Na'er had already eagerly picked up her porcelain cup. The light green broth made her silver-white pupils glisten.

"Gulp, gulp—"

"It's delicious! Zhao Xuanzhen, hurry up and drink!" Na'er urged.

"Mm... alright, I'll have a taste."

The broth slid down his throat, the liquid cool as snow. The moment it hit his stomach, it exploded into a ball of blazing fire, burning through his meridians toward his limbs and bones. Faint emerald patterns showed beneath the pale blue veins on Zhao Xuanzhen's hand.

"Generous today, huh. Using Jadeite Ginseng to make soup—you usually won't even make it for me!" Zhen Hua teased.

"For the kids!"

Muye snorted coldly: "You're just riding on their coattails."

Jadeite Ginseng grew in the Wild Marsh's Great Marsh, growing an inch every hundred years. It had the powerful effect of purifying impurities within the body and nourishing blood essence. Muye could sense that after a bowl of ginseng soup, Zhao Xuanzhen's Blood Essence Fluctuation had become extremely vigorous.

A copper plate clinked softly as dishes arrived one after another. The Starlight Rice was coated in a faint shimmer of star sand, tasting like a flowing Milky Way in the mouth. The Red Flame Fruit Crisps were stacked into a pagoda, their crisp shells branded with Flame Dragon Patterns. Gu Yue's red lips bit through the crisp shell, and lava-like fruit juice surged into her mouth, the tips of her ears flushing crimson.

Sigh—not spicy!

The meal left everyone thoroughly satisfied. If Huo Yuhao was the top chef of Douluo S2 Season, then Muye was a strong contender for God of Cooking in S3 Season!

Full and content, Muye warmly grabbed Zhao Xuanzhen's hand: "All Original Martial Souls are one family. Stay a few more days, and let's get properly acquainted!"

Na'er suddenly shuddered with disgust, while Gu Yue's willow eyebrows furrowed tightly. This enthusiasm, like a dog spotting a pile of shit, was twelve kinds of wrong out of ten!

Under Muye's warm invitation, the three agreed to stay a few days at the Heaven Dou City Forging Association.

Godly Craftsman Zhen Hua dragged Jiu Tian off to learn forging, while Muye regaled Zhao Xuanzhen with tales of the Body Sect's glorious past.

Na'er and Gu Yue flanked Zhao Xuanzhen on either side, listening with interest at first—until Muye bluntly declared that the Body Sect had charged into the Star Dou Great Forest and slain seven Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beasts. Gu Yue's expression shifted instantly. She tilted her head, sizing up Muye as if examining whether his skull was perfectly round...

As night fell, everyone retreated to their rooms to rest.

In the dead silence, Zhao Xuanzhen's door cracked open without a sound. A Dark Gold figure slipped in with an unmistakable air of stealth, fixing its gaze on the youth meditating on the bed. A pair of large hands slowly reached out, and a crooked grin spread across its face:

"Jie Jie Jie..."