Mu Xi's Thoughts

"Um... hello, big sister. May I ask what you need?"

Su Chen chose the address that women liked best.

He had actually already guessed the other party's identity, and he felt quite surprised in his heart.

The reason he hadn't hidden too much was precisely to attract the attention of the Spirit Pagoda. He hadn't expected the Spirit Pagoda to react so quickly, nor that it would draw the attention of such a titan, who had even come in person.

For an ordinary person, even catching a glimpse of her would be a luxury.

Yet, she was here to see him in person at this very moment.

This caught Su Chen a little off guard.

Leng Yaozhu glanced at Su Chen, the corners of her lips curving upward almost imperceptibly, her eyes growing increasingly gentle; clearly, she was very fond of Su Chen's form of address.

"Hello. Let me introduce myself: I am the current Vice Pagoda Master of the Spirit Pagoda, Leng Yaozhu."

The moment the name "Leng Yaozhu" left her lips, Mu Xi's body trembled visibly.

The Vice Pagoda Master of the Spirit Pagoda!

That was a figure who only existed in legends.

Even if her father were to meet her, he would have to be respectful, so she was naturally extremely nervous.

Ouyang Zixin knew her as well, having seen her in the news, but she never expected to see her in reality.

"Your talent is the most terrifying I have ever seen, bar none."

Leng Yaozhu's tone carried deep appreciation. "Therefore, on behalf of the Spirit Pagoda, I formally invite you to join us. As long as you are willing to join the Spirit Pagoda, I can take you as my personal disciple. The resources of the entire Spirit Pagoda will be tilted in your favor; the Spirit Pagoda will exhaust all its means to cultivate you and help you reach the pinnacle of this world at the fastest possible speed."

Leng Yaozhu spoke very straightforwardly and sincerely.

Of course, the fact that she had come in person to take on a disciple already represented her sincerity and attitude.

It was only because the other party was just a child and might not fully understand that she explained a few extra points.

After all, any soul master with a bit of maturity would know exactly what her promise represented.

He fell into a slight silence, not responding immediately. He appeared to be deep in thought, but in reality, he was playing hard to get.

After all, agreeing too readily would only make her look down on him.

Leng Yaozhu waited quietly, not urging him.

Her gaze rested on Su Chen...

In a trance, another young figure seemed to overlap with the boy before her.

Time seemed to flow backward, returning to when she was young...

That man...

He was just as dazzling and brilliant in his youth.

His radiance seemed capable of scorching anyone who looked upon him.

That confidence, that demeanor as if he were born to stand at the pinnacle, made her miss him so much.

Although Su Chen did not possess that temperament at this moment, the invincible posture Su Chen displayed within the Spirit Ascension Platform made her feel as if she were seeing the shadow of that man.

Thinking of that man...

A flash of extremely complex emotion crossed Leng Yaozhu's eyes—reminiscence, regret, but more than anything, unwillingness...

She had failed to obtain that man.

That was the greatest regret of her life, and her greatest unwillingness.

Over the years, it had instead become a kind of obsession that she still could not let go of to this day.

But...

If she could cultivate a peerless powerhouse to defeat that man...

Well, just thinking about it was quite thrilling.

"Alright, I agree to join the Spirit Pagoda."

Su Chen finished his deliberation and nodded in agreement, then shifted the subject. "However, I already have a master. As for becoming your personal disciple, I will have to go back and ask him first."

"I have no objections."

Just then, a tall figure burst into the room—it was Mu Chen.

Upon seeing Leng Yaozhu, Mu Chen hurriedly bowed in salute. "Mu Chen pays his respects to the Heavenly Phoenix Douluo."

Although Mu Chen was an eight-star Saint Craftsman and even Title Douluo had to give him face, the gap in status between him and Leng Yaozhu was still immense.

It wasn't just status and position; the gap in strength was what mattered most.

One was a super powerhouse standing at the pinnacle of the world.

And he was merely a Soul Douluo.

In this era where strength is respected, the strong are meant to receive more reverence; this was the education every soul master received from a young age.

Those who do not know how to respect the strong have mostly already been reincarnated.

Mu Chen has been able to live this long and sit in this position not just because of his background and talent, but because his understanding of worldly wisdom is also very important.

"Master Mu, there is no need for such formalities."

Leng Yaozhu nodded slightly toward Mu Chen, appearing very easygoing and not putting on airs in the slightest.

Although Mu Chen's status was lower than hers, he was still a top-tier Saint Craftsman on the continent, so she had to give him some face.

"Xiao Chen, this is one of the world's top powerhouses, the Heavenly Phoenix Douluo. I couldn't be happier that you are taking her as your master; this is your greatest opportunity and honor."

Mu Chen looked at Su Chen and hurriedly explained, fearing that Su Chen might miss out on such a great opportunity by not understanding the stakes involved.

"Alright, then I will join the Spirit Pagoda. Disciple greets Teacher."

Su Chen stood up and bowed to Leng Yaozhu, appearing very sincere.

"Mm, that's a good boy~"

Seeing this, Leng Yaozhu immediately beamed, reached out to gently pat Su Chen's head, and looked at him with great satisfaction.

Who wouldn't like such an obedient disciple who speaks so sweetly and possesses such outrageously strong talent?

"Alright, you're tired today, so go back and rest first. This is your identity token. Come find me at the Spirit Pagoda tomorrow; I will give you a physical examination and arrange your subsequent cultivation plan."

As Leng Yaozhu spoke, she handed Su Chen a golden identity token, then turned and left, leaving behind a trail of fragrant wind.

"Hiss, a golden identity token—she is truly generous!"

Seeing this token, Mu Chen gasped, clearly extremely shocked.

"Master, what is this?"

Su Chen knew nothing about it and asked curiously.

"A golden identity token carries a status equivalent to a branch pagoda master and grants immense authority. I'm not entirely sure of the specific permissions, but with this token, you will certainly have free access to the Spirit Ascension Platform in the future."

Mu Chen patted Su Chen on the shoulder, sighing with emotion.

In terms of status, Su Chen was now in no way inferior to him.

"So that's how it is. It seems joining the Spirit Pagoda really has great benefits."

Su Chen nodded, feigning sudden realization.

"Alright, go back now. You kid just had your spirit soul evolve, so go back and properly adapt to it."

Mu Chen waved his hand.

When he arrived, he had already heard of Su Chen's exploits.

At first, he didn't believe it, but seeing the Heavenly Phoenix Douluo personally take him as a disciple, he realized he had severely underestimated Su Chen's talent.

Su Chen was not only terrifying in terms of blacksmithing.

His cultivation was equally heaven-defying.

Not only was his cultivation speed fast, but his combat power was also this terrifying; he would surely become the continent's strongest in the future.

"Alright."

Su Chen nodded.

The group returned to the Blacksmith Association.

Ouyang Zixin was the first to take her leave; after all, she had overeaten and needed to cultivate properly to relieve the pressure.

Mu Chen gave a few simple instructions before leaving the space to Su Chen and Mu Xi.

However, Su Chen noticed that Mu Xi's expression seemed a bit off.

"Sister Mu Xi, what's wrong? Why do you look so unhappy?" Su Chen asked with concern.

"Xiao Chen, are you going to leave Eastsea City..."

Mu Xi subconsciously grabbed Su Chen's arm, her tone revealing deep reluctance.

"Uh... Sister Mu Xi, what are you talking about? When did I ever say I was leaving Eastsea City..." Su Chen scratched his head, feeling somewhat bewildered.