The days passed, one after another.
Chu Yan's routine had long since settled into place.
Every morning, he got up before dawn and went to the Martial Arts Arena to practice the basic movements of the Hunyuan Staff Technique, repeating each one a hundred times. He didn't stop until his arms were sore and sweat had soaked through his clothes.
Then came an hour of Soul Power cultivation. He returned to the cultivation room the Chu Clan had built especially for him, closed his eyes, and guided the Soul Power within his body slowly along his meridians.
The Soul Power within him had grown much more substantial since he had first awakened. He was still some distance from reaching level twelve, but with every passing day, that feeling of fullness grew stronger.
After lunch came free time. Sometimes, he would leaf through his grandfather's copy of Soul Guidance Array Notes. Though the contents of the booklet were profound, they were clearly organized and progressed step by step, from the most basic energy circuits to the complex principles behind stacking Soul Guidance Arrays. He read with great interest.
As a result, he was also extremely interested in making Soul Tools, and had begun studying how to make them.
Only at night did he set aside time for the Yan Divine Weapon.
After closing his door, he would sit cross-legged on his bed and summon the dark golden staff. Holding it in his hand, he would sink his spiritual power into it and establish a connection with the five little golden swords.
For the past few days, he had been trying to control the sixth little sword, but he was still just short of success. It was as though an invisible barrier blocked his spiritual power, and no matter what he did, he couldn't break through.
But he wasn't in a hurry.
Cultivating spiritual power was just like cultivating Soul Power: it required things to run their natural course. There was no use rushing.
These days, he would also occasionally visit the Xu Clan.
Ever since Xu Xiaoyan's awakening, she had seemed full of boundless energy. Every day, she pestered Xu Xiaoyu with questions about this and that, asking how to cultivate Soul Power... She gave Xu Xiaoyu such a headache that he could barely take it.
Once, when Chu Yan visited the Xu Clan, he happened to catch Xu Xiaoyu being chased by his little sister, who kept asking, "Brother, how exactly do you use your second Soul Skill? I want to learn about it in advance." Xu Xiaoyu rolled his eyes at her. She hadn't even obtained her First Soul Ring yet, and already she was asking about her second Soul Skill. When he saw Chu Yan, it was as if he'd been granted a pardon. He tossed out, "Go ask your Brother Yan," and ran off without a trace.
Xu Xiaoyan turned and pounced in front of Chu Yan, her little face tilted up as she said, "Brother Yan, Brother Yan, teach me!"
Chu Yan could only smile helplessly. He sat down and patiently explained some of the basics of Soul Power cultivation to her.
Though the Xu Clan had its own system of inheritance, Xu Xiaoyan seemed to especially enjoy listening to him. Every time he finished explaining something, she would tilt her head and mull it over for a long while, then nod earnestly and say, "I've got it."
The days passed at an unhurried pace, and before long, August twenty-eighth arrived.
That afternoon, Chu Yan was in his room leafing through his grandfather's copy of Soul Guidance Array Notes when familiar footsteps sounded outside the door.
Chu Yuntian knocked and asked, "Yan'er, are you there?"
"Father, come in," Chu Yan replied.
Chu Yuntian entered, carrying a gold-embossed invitation.
"Yan'er, there's something I want to talk to you about."
At that, Chu Yan closed the book and looked up at his father.
Chu Yuntian walked over to the desk, set the invitation down, and said, "On the morning of the thirtieth, come with me to the Spirit Pagoda."
"The Spirit Pagoda?" Chu Yan raised an eyebrow slightly. He already made his own Soul Rings, so what was he supposed to do there?
"Our family has worked with the Spirit Pagoda for many years, and we've always had a good relationship. They're holding an internal event on the thirtieth. It's not especially large, but the invitees are all prominent figures from Eastsea City and the surrounding areas, along with their younger generations," Chu Yuntian explained. He paused, lowered his voice slightly, and continued,
"The important thing is that a vice tower master from the Heavenly Spirit Pagoda will be coming in person."
"A vice tower master?"
Chu Yan's brows shifted slightly.
The Spirit Pagoda was one of the most powerful Soul Master organizations on the continent. Its headquarters, the Heavenly Spirit Pagoda, was in Shrek City, and its tower master, Qiangu Dongfeng, was a level-99 Limit Douluo who held sway over the region and commanded the continent's respect.
There were two vice tower masters. One was Nether Flame Douluo Zhang Geyang, who was stationed in the Star Luo Empire year-round. The other was...
"Leng Yaozhu."
Chu Yuntian spoke her name with a trace of respect in his voice, then continued, "Sky Phoenix Douluo Leng Yaozhu is a level-99 Limit Douluo, a Four-Word Battle Armor Master, and vice chairwoman of the Spirit Pagoda Council. She's one of the core leaders of the Heavenly Spirit Pagoda herself, and holds considerable influence in both the Federation and Shrek City."
After a pause, Chu Yuntian looked at Chu Yan and continued, "Vice Tower Master Zhang Geyang is currently handling affairs in the Star Luo Empire and won't be coming to Eastsea City anytime soon. So the one coming this time can only be Sky Phoenix Douluo Leng Yaozhu."
Chu Yan listened quietly. His expression didn't change, but ripples stirred faintly within him.
Leng Yaozhu.
He had been deeply impressed by that name when he read the original story in his previous life.
A level-99 Limit Douluo with the Sky Phoenix Martial Soul, she was a top powerhouse specializing in the Power Attack System, wielding both fire and wind attributes. Her strength on the continent was surpassed only by Qiangu Dongfeng and a few other demigod-level beings.
More importantly, she was one of the few powerful figures within the Spirit Pagoda who took a moderate stance toward Soul Beasts.
Within the Spirit Pagoda, the Qiangu faction advocated obtaining Soul Spirits without restraint and exploiting Soul Beast resources to the greatest possible extent, while Leng Yaozhu had always championed moderate protection and sustainable development. The two had opposed each other politically for years, forming a delicate balance within the council.
Still, Chu Yan had mixed feelings about Leng Yaozhu.
On the one hand, she was indeed a powerhouse of great strength, status, and vision. If he could earn her favor and protection, it would greatly benefit both the Chu Clan's development and his own.
On the other hand, she had one trait he didn't agree with: she was far too sentimental—or, rather, far too love-struck.
In the original story, her feelings for Sky-Prop Douluo Yun Ming lasted throughout her life. Even though Yun Ming had been dead for many years, she still couldn't forget him.
Those feelings had influenced many of her key decisions in the original story, leading her to deliberately grow closer to Shrek Academy.
In Chu Yan's view, when a powerhouse who stood at the peak of the continent became too deeply entangled in their feelings, they often lost their ability to make sound judgments.
Naturally, he wouldn't voice any of these thoughts in front of his father.
"Vice Tower Master Leng's visit to Eastsea City is a rare opportunity," Chu Yan said in an even tone.
Chu Yuntian wasn't surprised by his son's mild reaction. After all, his son had been composed since childhood, and few things could make his emotions show clearly.
He continued, "I want you to come with me. It can only help to meet these important people early. Your talent speaks for itself: Innate Full Soul Power, a special Martial Soul, and spiritual power far beyond your peers. Even if you don't catch Vice Tower Master Leng's eye, it'll be good to make yourself familiar to her."
He paused, and his gaze grew more serious as he looked at Chu Yan.
"Yan'er, you have to understand: talent alone isn't enough in this world. Who stands behind you determines how far you can go. The Chu Clan may be a force to be reckoned with in Eastsea City, but on the continent as a whole, we're no more than a drop in the ocean."
Chu Yan nodded. "I understand, Father."
Seeing his son's serious attitude, Chu Yuntian patted him on the shoulder in satisfaction and smiled.
"Then it's settled. I'll come get you on the morning of the thirtieth. Dress properly."
"Oh, and if you're lucky enough to catch her eye and she's willing to take you as a disciple, then accept. That way, our family can grow closer to her faction."
"Become her disciple?" Chu Yan raised an eyebrow.
"It's only a possibility." Chu Yuntian waved a hand, his tone growing more casual. He didn't think much of it. "Don't overthink it. It's not even certain she'll take an interest in you. Just stand nearby and broaden your horizons. Let everything else take its course."
Chu Yan nodded without saying anything more.
But he knew Leng Yaozhu well. He had learned quite a bit about her while reading the original story in his previous life.
Sky Phoenix Douluo, the Spirit Pagoda's most beautiful woman, famed above all others for her beauty. Her temperament was passionate and noble, and though she was immensely powerful, she had a gentle nature.
If he truly could become her disciple, her connections and resources among the Federation's upper ranks would be a huge boost, both to his growth and to his future plans.
August thirtieth, morning
Chu Yan changed into a moon-white brocade robe, with a silver-gray woven sash around his waist. The fabric was a cloud-patterned brocade specially made for the Chu Clan, light and breathable. Its hem fluttered softly as he walked, giving him a clear, refined air.
He stood before the mirror and straightened his collar, making sure every detail was neat and proper.
The Ice Heart Jade Marrow pendant his mother had given him hung around his neck, its pale blue crystal glowing with a gentle luster in the morning light. On his left forearm, he wore the Portable Basic Soul Guidance Array Recorder. The silver-gray bracer hugged his arm and, at a glance, looked like an ordinary accessory.
Chu Yuntian was already waiting outside the residence.
He wore a formal, deep-purple robe, with the Chu Clan's crest embroidered on the cuffs and collar. He looked imposing and dignified, with the bearing of a clan head long accustomed to high status.
When he saw Chu Yan come out, he looked him up and down and nodded in satisfaction.
"Not bad. That outfit makes you look sharp."
Father and son climbed into the Chu Clan's Soul Guidance Car. It drove smoothly out of the residence and merged into the morning traffic of Eastsea City.
The East Sea Spirit Pagoda branch stood at the far end of Central Avenue, right in the heart of the city. It was one of Eastsea City's most conspicuous landmarks.
As one of the Spirit Pagoda organization's eighteen major branches, these eighteen towering pagodas were also known as the "Eighteen Heavenly Pillars." Each one symbolized the Spirit Pagoda's absolute authority across the continent.
As the car turned around the final bend, Chu Yan saw the towering structure through the window.
The Spirit Pagoda's base was octagonal and covered a vast area. Even from afar, its majestic scale was plain to see.
The entire tower was built from a special stone that shimmered with a faint golden luster. Every ten stories, it narrowed inward, each level rising above the last until it reached the spire at the top.
The tower stood over a hundred stories high and more than four hundred meters tall. Even amid the forest of skyscrapers in Eastsea City, it stood head and shoulders above the rest.
Chu Yan watched the view outside in silence, feeling no particular stir of emotion.
The Spirit Pagoda was impressive, but not enough to leave him awestruck.
The Soul Guidance Car stopped in the plaza before the Spirit Pagoda.
Quite a few cars were already parked in the plaza. Soul Guidance Cars of all models stood in neat rows, their bodies marked with the crests of different clans and factions.
Chu Yan's gaze swept over them and lingered for a moment on one of the cars.
A pale blue emblem hung by its door. It was the Xu Clan's crest.
"Looks like the Xu Clan's already here," Chu Yuntian said casually, following his son's gaze.
Father and son got out and walked toward the Spirit Pagoda's main entrance.
The closer they came, the more they could feel the building's towering grandeur.
The main entrance stood over ten meters tall. Its two heavy, bronze-gold doors stood open, and the doorframe was engraved with countless Soul Guidance Array patterns that gave off faint ripples of energy.
Two rows of Spirit Pagoda staff in black uniforms stood before the entrance, their posture both respectful and efficient.
Chu Yuntian presented the invitation. After verifying it, the staff respectfully stepped aside to let them pass.
The moment Chu Yan stepped into the first-floor lobby of the Spirit Pagoda, the scene before him caught his attention.
The interior was even more magnificent than it looked from outside. The floor was paved with dark golden stone, its surface marked by brilliant natural patterns that glowed warmly under the Soul Guidance Lamps.
Huge stone pillars rose from the floor, supporting a dome dozens of meters overhead. The pillars were also engraved with intricate patterns, which appeared and disappeared beneath the lights, slowly rippling as if they were alive.
But what truly drew the eye were the colorful murals on the pillars and dome.
The murals were painted against broad expanses of gilding, their colors rich and brilliant. They depicted a series of magnificent historical scenes.
The most striking mural occupied a huge wall directly ahead.
In the painting, a grand city stood in the distance, its walls soaring high and its flags waving in the wind. A figure hovered above the city, his eyes shining like brilliant stars. Several figures surrounded him: a peerlessly beautiful woman in white, a peerlessly beautiful woman in green, a being like a flower of ice, a giant bear, and a huge white worm.
Guarded by them, the young man was surrounded by Soul Rings of dazzling, unusual colors. Their light blazed brilliantly.
Opposite them stretched an endless tide of beasts.
The Soul Beasts took all kinds of shapes. They were huge, hideous, and terrifying, surging toward the distance like an incoming tide. The young man alone stood before the city, facing thousands upon thousands of Soul Beasts.
The mural depicted the story of the Spirit Pagoda's first tower master, the inventor of Soul Spirits, Spirit Ice Douluo Dai Yuhao—or, as he was also known, Huo Yuhao—leading the human Soul Masters against the great tide of Soul Beasts.
The murals in the eighteen Spirit Pagoda branches each recorded a different part of the story. Only when they were pieced together could the complete historical scene be seen.
The Spirit Pagoda Headquarters' Heavenly Spirit Pagoda, meanwhile, recorded the final battle between Spirit Ice Douluo and the strongest Soul Beast, Beast God Di Tian.
Chu Yan stopped before the mural for a moment, his eyes moving across it.
He knew the outcome of that battle, of course. Huo Yuhao had won, leading humanity to victory in the war.
But afterward, he and his wife had disappeared together, never to appear before the world again.
All kinds of theories circulated in the Soul Master World. Some said they had gone to a hidden place, while others said they had broken through to a higher realm.
Because he had read the original story, Chu Yan knew that they had gone to the Divine Realm.
"Yan'er, let's go," Chu Yuntian called from ahead.
Chu Yan pulled his gaze away and followed him.
Deep inside the lobby was a row of private VIP passageways. Several staff members in silver-gray uniforms stood by the entrance. After seeing the invitation Chu Yuntian presented, they respectfully guided the two of them into a private elevator.
The elevator was much more spacious than an ordinary one. Its walls were also engraved with Soul Guidance Array patterns, and there were no numbered buttons for the floors, only a palm-sized sensor panel.
A staff member pressed the panel. The elevator doors slowly closed, and then it began to rise smoothly.
The elevator ride lasted longer than expected. It continued for several minutes before finally slowing to a stop.
The doors opened, revealing a glittering, magnificent hall.
It was an exceptionally spacious banquet hall. A deep red carpet covered the floor, and dozens of exquisitely crafted Soul Guidance chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting warm yellow light throughout the space.
Dozens of round tables stood along both sides of the hall, their surfaces covered with pristine white tablecloths. The tableware was neatly arranged, and there was ample space between each table.
An open space occupied the center of the hall. Several long tables stood there, laden with a dazzling array of food and drinks.
Chu Yan's gaze swept over the tables and paused slightly.
Roasted Soul Beast meat, cured snacks, elaborate fruit platters, all kinds of drinks... The food was incredibly varied, and several dishes had clearly been made with high-quality Soul Beast meat.
He thought he recognized one kind of meat, sliced thin, with pale golden streaks running through it. It should have been the tenderloin of a century-old Earth Dragon-type Soul Beast.
Ingredients of this quality were uncommon even at the upper-class banquets of Eastsea City. It was easy to imagine how long the East Sea Spirit Pagoda had spent preparing for Leng Yaozhu's arrival.
Chu Yan looked farther around the room. Quite a few people had already arrived, standing in groups of two or three and chatting.
Most were middle-aged adults accompanied by young people. They seemed much like the Chu Clan's party: prominent families and factions from Eastsea City and the surrounding areas.
Just then...
"Uncle Chu! Brother Yan!"
Before you continue