[The host's current family belongs to the Spirit Pagoda faction. Profiles of the faction's leading powerhouses follow.]
Four profiles flashed through Jiang Yan's mind, each bringing a different figure into focus—
[Character Profile · Qiangu Dieting] [Martial Soul: Coiling Dragon Staff. Level 99 Limit Douluo, Quasi-God. Soul Rings: nine red. One of the three Quasi-Gods in the mortal world. Has spent years in seclusion.] [Talent traits: Battles Heaven and Earth (red), Outstanding Talent (red), Young Achiever (red), Towering Family Tree (red), Family Discord (gray), Ill-Fated Old Age (gray)...] [—] [Character Profile · Qian Gu Qingfeng] [Martial Soul: Purgatory Halberd. Level 99 Limit Douluo, Demigod. Soul Rings: four black, five red. Qian Gu Dongfeng's older brother and stronger than him. Currently traveling the continent.] [Talent traits: Top-Tier Martial Soul (red), Exceptional Talent (red), Ancestral Blessings (black), Martial Soul Mutation (purple), Stubborn (yellow), Long-Lived (purple), Devoted in Love (purple)...] [—] [Character Profile · Qian Gu Dongfeng] [Martial Soul: Coiling Dragon Staff. Level 99 Limit Douluo, Demigod. Soul Rings: four black, five red. Current Pagoda Master of the Spirit Pagoda. About to emerge from seclusion.] [Life traits: Extraordinary Talent (red), Top-Tier Martial Soul (red), Ancestral Blessings (black), Wealthy (purple), Ambitious (purple), Handsome (yellow), Unrequited Love (gray), Attracted to Beauty (white)...] [Character Profile · Leng Yaozhu] [Martial Soul: Heavenly Fire Phoenix. Level 98 Super Douluo. Heir to the Phoenix lineage's Martial Soul. Oversees the four cities of the Skysea Alliance.] [Life traits: Stunning Beauty (red), Exceptional Talent (red), Top-Tier Martial Soul (red), Mechanical Genius (black), Distinguished Family (purple), Destined Disciple (gold), Career-Driven (purple), Attracted to Beauty (white)...]
"The Spirit Pagoda really has no shortage of powerhouses in this era."
"The Qian Gu Clan has three Limit Douluos in one family..."
"Even the Angel Clan from twenty thousand years ago wasn't this impressive."
Jiang Yan marveled inwardly. His gaze passed over the elder Qiangu Dieting and Qian Gu Qingfeng. One was in seclusion, the other traveling. Even if he had a chance to seek a teacher...
Only Qian Gu Dongfeng and Leng Yaozhu were suitable candidates.
One was a Limit Douluo, the other a Super Douluo. There was already a gap between them in cultivation. The choice could hardly be simpler.
The former had the backing of the Qian Gu Clan, the foremost family of this era. Three Limit Douluos across two generations—how glorious...
If he truly had to choose a teacher between the two, then without a doubt, his choice was obvious—
Tianfeng, Leng Yaozhu.
He would pass on the Qian Gu Clan.
The Qian Gu Clan's close ties to the Holy Spirit Cult were impossible to overlook. As for why he chose Leng Yaozhu...
For one thing, he wasn't that obsessed with looks. With two genuine goddesses watching over him, he certainly wasn't about to let childish desires go to his head.
Looks mattered least of all. But...
Jiang Yan glanced at Qian Gu Dongfeng's smiling portrait and sighed inwardly.
Pagoda Master Qian Gu, you really are a little ugly.
"Oh, right, Yan'er. There's one more thing."
Jiang Luochuan seemed to remember something, and his expression turned serious.
"You don't need to go to Mang Tian anymore. I've told him about your talent. Forging requires training, experience, and luck; not one of them can be lacking. That secondary profession isn't right for a prodigy like you."
Jiang Luochuan grew more resolute. He couldn't let Yan'er go off to hammer metal.
Of all secondary professions, forging was the one he thought least promising.
He had agreed to let the boy learn it before partly because Jiang Yan hadn't wanted to sit idle and had hoped to develop several skills at once.
The other reason was that, if Jiang Yan's Martial Soul talent proved poor, a secondary profession would give him a future. Even if Jiang Luochuan's health failed later, he could still make arrangements for the boy.
But things were different now. With Innate Full Soul Power and the supreme standing of the Dragon Clan, Yan'er's future would hardly require his help. The whole Douluo Continent might someday need Yan'er to defend it.
Forging could not be allowed to hold him back.
"No need, Grandpa. That's a separate matter."
Jiang Yan paused, then smiled and shook his head.
"I don't need forging as a fallback now, but it's still my choice. As I grow stronger, I should have a secondary profession too."
"I was born with extraordinary strength. Becoming a Divine Blacksmith should be easy enough... And one day, I can make you a set of Four-Word Battle Armor to wear."
He smiled, but his words were earnest.
Giving up on a secondary profession was out of the question. He intended to forge his own Four-Word Battle Armor in the future.
Besides, just moments ago...
His Perfect Growth System had triggered again—
[The host has shown an interest in forging. Growth mission unlocked: Star of Forging.] [Star of Forging 01: Become a first-level novice blacksmith and earn the recognition of at least one Seventh-Level Blacksmith. Mission rewards: increased metal affinity, one million Federation Coins, and a random spiritual treasure.]
Another basic mission with generous rewards.
He could never have too many Federation Coins. The value of increased metal affinity went without saying, and a spiritual treasure would be useful too.
Steady progress, one step at a time. The system still makes it hard to say no.
Jiang Yan thought this to himself. Across from him, Jiang Luochuan was the one left at a loss by his grandson's earnest declaration.
"You little rascal..."
He stood dazed for a moment, a trace of emotion crossing his aged eyes, then stepped forward and rubbed Jiang Yan's head.
"What would an old man like me need you to make Battle Armor for? These old bones still have to keep you safe."
Jiang Luochuan shot him a look and chuckled.
"That won't be necessary."
Jiang Yan blinked and smiled.
Ding-dong!
Just then, the doorbell rang. Jiang Luochuan's face immediately lit up.
"Come on, Yan'er."
"That must be your Uncle Li."
He took the little boy by the hand and hurried out. In a few quick strides, they reached the front door, a broad smile on his face.
"Xiao Li, you're here..."
"Hm?"
Jiang Luochuan's smile froze the moment he opened the door.
Standing at the front was his nephew Jiang Lingli, sturdy and upright as ever. Jiang Luochuan knew him all too well.
But the woman beside him, with hair like fire and beauty beyond compare, was the last person he had expected.
The Spirit Pagoda's vice pagoda master, ranked near the top of the Continental Wind and Cloud Rankings, a Four-Word Battle Armor Master—Tianfeng, Leng Yaozhu!
"Jiang Luochuan of the Aolai City branch pays his respects, Pagoda Master Leng."
He cupped his hands and bowed respectfully.
"..."
"Greetings, Pagoda Master."
Even Jiang Yan was stunned by her arrival.
He had expected the two pagoda masters to value a prodigy, but...
Hadn't the Heavenly Phoenix Douluo come a little too quickly?
Leng Yaozhu's profile had not even faded from Jiang Yan's mind. This Heavenly Phoenix Pagoda Master truly did cherish talent!
"No need for such formality, Mr. Jiang."
"And this must be little Jiang Yan."
Leng Yaozhu smiled warmly. From the moment she entered, her gaze had rested on the tiny Jiang Yan.
There was something special about this child, even at first sight.
He's even cuter than in the photo.
"..."
P.S. Does anyone have pictures of Leng Yaozhu? You can post images in the comments. I'd love to see what you've got.
As for why Old Bai can't post pictures...
This newbie author doesn't have permission! (Sobs.)
As always, please send recommendation votes and monthly votes. This is a new book, and I need all your support. A Bai thanks you!
Before you continue