The Riotous Spirit Ascension Platform, Dark Gold Terrorclaw

"How could I ever lie to you, Boss? Loyalty is my middle name!"

The silence in the room lasted only a fleeting moment before Na'er replied, her lively purple eyes filled with sincerity.

"Fine, I believe you."

Jiang Xiu's lips curled upward as he picked up an Amethyst Shrimp and placed it on Na'er's plate.

Over these past four years, he had spent almost every day with her, and he could see through many things. Compared to Gu Yue, Na'er was more witty and vivacious. Although she remained fixated on a certain matter in her heart, she wasn't malicious. Hmm... she's a good dragon.

"You eat too; this large abalone is tender and juicy."

Following the principle of give-and-take, Na'er picked up an abalone and handed it to Jiang Xiu.

Watching Jiang Xiu continue his meal, seemingly having only asked the previous question in passing, Na'er slowly let out a sigh of relief.

Boss, it's not that I want to lie to you, but my identity is just too shocking. If you knew I was a dragon, you might start to feel confused or harbor misunderstandings about me.

For the sake of our enduring revolutionary friendship, I'll lie to you this one time, but I absolutely won't do it again.

Looking at the youth beside her, Na'er whispered inwardly.

"Eat up, Na'er. If you don't eat it now, it'll be gone."

Seeing Na'er lost in thought, Jiang Xiu reminded her softly.

"Oh, oh!"

"Waiter, bring us another round of everything we just had—one for each of us!"

With her mind cleared, Na'er waved her small hand and announced loudly, feeling instantly that she could eat even more.

Beep, beep, beep!

Just then, both Na'er's Soul Guidance Communicator and Jiang Xiu's rang simultaneously.

"Hmm? Tomorrow is the biannual riot period for the East Sea Spirit Pagoda's Primary Spirit Ascension Platform. Master is asking if we want to go for spirit ascension?"

After browsing the message, Na'er looked up at Jiang Xiu.

"We're going. Why wouldn't we?"

Jiang Xiu's gaze shifted as he replied softly.

The Spirit Ascension Platform riot was originally a loophole in the platform's mechanism. Every so often, the soul power within the platform would surge, which in turn increased the quantity and age of the Soul Beasts inside.

Later, after a series of decisions, the Spirit Pagoda chose not to fix this loophole but instead limited the riot to a specific timeframe, hence calling it the "riot period."

The riot period was the time most soul masters preferred to enter the platform for spirit ascension, as the increased number of Soul Beasts meant more opportunities and the potential to raise their soul rings' age significantly.

"If I recall correctly, there should be a thousand-year-level Dark Gold Terrorclaw Bear in this East Sea Primary Spirit Ascension Platform, and it possesses an External Soul Bone."

Jiang Xiu pondered silently. The soul bone within that Dark Gold Terrorclaw Bear was the Dark Gold Terrorclaw, the most lethal weapon of the Dark Gold Terrorclaw Bear clan.

In this era, due to the decline of the Soul Beast clan, the value of soul bones was constantly rising. Even a thousand-year-level soul bone was a rare commodity that money couldn't easily buy.

Moreover, External Soul Bones were recognized in the soul master world as the rarest type of soul bone, second only to certain hundred-thousand-year soul bones in value, because they were capable of growth and were not fixed in age like the six major soul bones within the body.

"This item is destined for me."

Before long, Jiang Xiu decided to claim it for himself. The Dark Gold Terrorclaw was powerful enough, and since he hadn't yet begun to attach a soul ring to his second martial soul, having it would patch up his weakness in close-quarters combat.

With the Dark Gold Terrorclaw, paired with his first soul skill, Time Stop, he would even dare to clash with a Soul King two major ranks above him.

Of course, if that Soul King happened to be the strongest Soul King from ten thousand years ago, he would probably have to think about it for a moment.

"Alright, then we'll go tomorrow."

Seeing Jiang Xiu agree, Na'er immediately accepted as well.

After four years of cultivation and spirit ascension, Jiang Xiu's first and second soul rings had both reached over nine thousand years. By his estimation, this ascension would allow them to break through to the ten-thousand-year threshold.

Although Na'er was slightly behind, her first two soul rings had also reached the six-thousand-year mark.

"By the way, Na'er, what is your mental power at now?"

"Hmm... I'm not sure. The last time I tested my mental power was... well, the last time."

Hearing Jiang Xiu's question, Na'er thought for a moment, shook her head slightly, and went back to devouring her food.

"Fair enough."

Jiang Xiu's eye twitched. Feeling full, he prepared to return and cultivate. These meals were meticulously prepared for them by the Spirit Pagoda, each one containing substantial soul power and vitality.

After practicing the Flawless Golden Body, what he needed most was vitality, as most of the Body Sect's combat techniques did not require soul power to execute; instead, they utilized the energy of heaven and earth, channeled through one's own vitality.

The Flawless Golden Body had four levels: Body Infusion, Marrow Cleansing, Remolding, and Golden Body. He was currently at the first level, Body Infusion, which simply meant nourishing his own vitality to ensure his energy never ran dry and his body remained strong.

The highest level, the Golden Body, was said to allow one to achieve godhood through the flesh.

"Boss, why don't you come out for a stroll with me tonight? It's not often we get to come out like this; let's go experience the beautiful scenery of the East Sea."

Just as Jiang Xiu was about to walk out of the room, Na'er asked with a pitiful tone, her beautiful eyes sparkling with anticipation.

"Are you really looking for scenery? I'm almost embarrassed to call you out on it."

Jiang Xiu paused his steps and said with a meaningful look.

Compared to the scenery, food was truly Na'er's one and only love.

"As expected of the boss, your insight is truly sharp. So, can we go..."

Na'er chuckled, continuing her inquiry.

"Fine. Six o'clock this evening, meet at the Spirit Pagoda."

Jiang Xiu shrugged, finding no reason to refuse. Cultivation requires a balance of tension and relaxation; since he was heading to the Spirit Ascension Platform tomorrow, a day of rest was perfectly acceptable.

"Great!"

Na'er replied briskly. She had heard back in Shrek City that the East Sea boasted plenty of delicacies, and she was determined to see for herself just how authentic they really were.

Evening.

A gentle breeze blew, gradually dissipating the day's heat. A streak of sunset glow still lingered on the western horizon, and the world had reached that most beautiful moment when it was neither fully light nor yet dark.

"Jiang Xiu! Jiang Xiu! I'm here!"

The girl's ethereal voice rang out, drawing closer from afar. Na'er appeared, dressed in a white sundress with her silver-white hair tied into a high ponytail. She moved with a light, nimble gait, arriving gracefully behind Jiang Xiu.

Jiang Xiu, meanwhile, was clad in a luxurious black robe adorned with intricate gold patterns. His handsome face carried an air of authority, yet it was still brimming with the spirited vigor of youth.

As the two stood together, those around them were instantly struck by the feeling of childhood sweethearts.

"You've been waiting a while, haven't you? I've already picked out the places. We'll go for beef first, then seafood, and finally... we'll hit everything you want to eat, one by one."

Na'er walked by Jiang Xiu's side, her pink lips chattering incessantly; it was clear she had planned this outing well in advance.

"Fine, whatever you say."

Feeling the evening breeze and sensing Na'er circling around him, ripples of emotion stirred within Jiang Xiu's heart.

"Youth is truly a wonderful thing."

High up in the Spirit Pagoda, Leng Yaozhu watched the two figures gradually receding through the floor-to-ceiling window, a faint smile touching her red lips.

"I hope you don't end up like your teacher, Na'er. I hope you find the right person at the right time."

Leng Yaozhu sighed softly and took a small sip of the red wine in her hand.

Had she known then what she knew now, she wouldn't have been so reckless, a choice that led to a falling out with her sister and drove her into the embrace of evil forces.