"Um... hello, big sis. May I ask what you need?"
Su Chen chose the form of address women liked best.
He had actually already guessed who she was, and was quite surprised.
He had deliberately not hidden too much, hoping to attract the Spirit Pagoda's attention. He hadn't expected them to react so quickly—or to catch the eye of such a towering figure, who had even come in person.
For most people, meeting her would have been nothing but a pipe dream.
Yet she had come to see him herself.
Su Chen was a little surprised.
Leng Yaozhu glanced at Su Chen. The corner of her lips curled almost imperceptibly, and her eyes grew even warmer. She clearly liked the way he'd addressed her.
"Hello. Let me introduce myself. I'm Leng Yaozhu, the current Vice Pagoda Master of the Spirit Pagoda."
At the words "Leng Yaozhu," Mu Xi's body visibly trembled.
The Spirit Pagoda's Vice Pagoda Master!
She was a figure who existed only in legends.
Even her father had to treat Leng Yaozhu with the utmost respect. Naturally, Mu Xi was extremely nervous.
Ouyang Zixin knew who she was, too. She'd seen her in the news, but hadn't expected to see her in person.
"Your talent is the most terrifying I've ever seen. There's no one else who comes close."
Leng Yaozhu's voice brimmed with admiration. "So, on behalf of the Spirit Pagoda, I formally invite you to join us. If you're willing, I can take you as my personal disciple. The entire Spirit Pagoda's resources will be at your disposal. We'll spare nothing to cultivate you and help you reach the pinnacle of this world as quickly as possible."
Leng Yaozhu spoke plainly and sincerely.
Of course, the fact that she had come in person to take him as her disciple already showed her sincerity and resolve.
But since he was only a child and might not understand, she'd added a few words of explanation.
After all, any Soul Master with a little experience knew what her promise meant.
He fell silent for a moment without answering. He looked as if he were thinking it over, but in reality, he was playing hard to get.
If he agreed too readily, they might look down on him.
Leng Yaozhu waited quietly, without urging him.
Her gaze rested on Su Chen...
For a moment, another young man seemed to overlap with the boy before her.
Time seemed to flow backward, carrying her to her youth...
That man...
He, too, had been so dazzling in his youth, so astonishingly gifted.
His radiance had seemed capable of burning anyone who looked at him.
His confidence, his bearing—as if he'd been born to stand at the summit—were things she missed so dearly.
Su Chen didn't have that air about him, but the invincible bearing he'd shown on the Spirit Ascension Platform made her feel as if she were seeing a shadow of that man.
Thinking of him...
A deeply complicated look flashed through Leng Yaozhu's eyes: remembrance, regret, but above all, unwillingness to accept it...
She hadn't been able to win that man's heart.
It was the greatest regret of her life, and the thing she resented most.
As the years passed, it had become a kind of obsession, one she still couldn't let go of.
But...
If she could cultivate an unparalleled powerhouse and have him defeat that man...
Well, just thinking about it was pretty exciting.
"Fine. I'll join the Spirit Pagoda."
Su Chen finished thinking and nodded. Then he changed the subject. "But I already have a master, so I'll have to ask him before I can become your personal disciple."
"I have no objections."
Just then, a tall figure strode into the room. It was Mu Chen.
When Mu Chen saw Leng Yaozhu, he hurriedly bowed. "Mu Chen pays his respects to Your Excellency, Heavenly Phoenix Douluo."
Although Mu Chen was an eight-star Saint Craftsman, even Titled Douluo had to show him respect.
But the gap between his standing and Leng Yaozhu's was still enormous.
It wasn't just their status. The difference in strength mattered most.
She was a super powerhouse standing at the peak of the world.
He was only a Soul Douluo.
In this era, where strength reigned supreme, the strong deserved greater respect. It was something every Soul Master was taught from childhood.
Most people who didn't know how to respect the strong had already been reincarnated.
Mu Chen had lived this long and reached his position not only because of his background and talent, but also because he knew how to deal with people.
"Master Mu, there's no need for such formalities."
Leng Yaozhu gave Mu Chen a slight nod, acting quite amiably without putting on airs.
Mu Chen might have been beneath her in status, but he was still one of the continent's top Saint Craftsmen. She had to show him some respect.
"Little Chen, this is Her Excellency Heavenly Phoenix, one of the most powerful people in the world today. I'd be overjoyed to have you take her as your master. This is your greatest opportunity and honor."
Mu Chen turned to Su Chen and quickly explained, afraid Su Chen might not understand what was at stake and let such an incredible opportunity slip away.
"Fine. I'll join the Spirit Pagoda. This disciple pays his respects to Teacher."
Su Chen stood and bowed to Leng Yaozhu, looking utterly sincere.
"Mm, what a good boy~"
Seeing this, Leng Yaozhu beamed. She reached out and gently ruffled Su Chen's hair, looking very pleased.
Who wouldn't like such an obedient disciple, with a way with words and talent so absurdly strong?
"All right, you must be tired today. Go back and rest. Here's your identity token. Come find me at the Spirit Pagoda tomorrow. I'll give you a physical examination and arrange your training plan."
As she spoke, Leng Yaozhu handed Su Chen a golden identity token. Then she turned and left, trailing a waft of fragrance.
"Gasp! A gold identity token. She really went all out!"
At the sight of it, Mu Chen drew in a sharp breath, clearly stunned.
"Master, what's this?"
Su Chen had no idea and asked curiously.
"A gold identity token should carry a status equivalent to that of a branch tower master, with extensive privileges. I'm not sure exactly what they are, but with this token, you'll definitely get into the Spirit Ascension Platform for free from now on."
Mu Chen patted Su Chen on the shoulder, his face full of emotion.
In terms of status, Su Chen was already in no way inferior to him.
"I see. Looks like joining the Spirit Pagoda has some pretty big benefits."
Su Chen nodded, pretending to understand.
"All right, let's head back. You've just undergone Spirit Soul Evolution, so take some time to adjust."
Mu Chen waved his hand.
He'd heard about Su Chen's achievements on his way over.
At first, he hadn't believed them. But after seeing Heavenly Phoenix Douluo take Su Chen as her personal disciple in person, he realized he'd vastly underestimated Su Chen's talent.
Su Chen was terrifyingly talented not only at blacksmithing.
He was just as monstrous in cultivation.
His cultivation advanced rapidly, and his combat strength was even more astonishing. He was sure to become the strongest person on the continent someday.
"Okay."
Su Chen nodded.
The group returned to the Blacksmith Association.
Ouyang Zixin was the first to take her leave. She'd eaten too much this time and needed to train to work off the pressure.
Mu Chen gave them a few brief instructions, then left Su Chen and Mu Xi alone.
But Su Chen noticed that Mu Xi seemed a little off.
"Mu Xi, what's wrong? You don't look too happy," Su Chen asked with concern.
"Little Chen, are you going to leave Eastsea City...?"
Mu Xi instinctively grabbed Su Chen's arm, her voice filled with reluctance.
"Uh... Mu Xi, what are you talking about? When did I ever say I was leaving Eastsea City...?" Su Chen scratched his head, completely bewildered.
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