Leng Yaozhu lightly tapped Tang Qingye's shoulder, her expression shifting from tenderness to a master's sternness. "Empty talk is useless. Today, I'm taking you to the Battle Armor Workshop for some hands-on practice."
She turned to Nu Jiao. "Nu Jiao, you're coming too. You two will be working together to make battle armor someday, so you need to become familiar with the techniques. After all, united strength can cleave gold..."
Techniques?
A thought stirred in Tang Qingye's mind. I'll show you the prowess of the Emperor of Technique.
Leng Nu Jiao nodded lightly. Her morning shyness had faded, and she simply stood beside them, her gaze calm.
The three set off for their master's private battle armor room on the Spirit Pagoda's seventh floor.
The room was spacious and bright, with a massive alloy workbench in the center and shelves on either side piled with all kinds of rare forging materials.
Leng Yaozhu approached the workbench, her red hair falling over the shoulders of her plain white dress. She pressed a fair hand lightly against its surface. "You're studying design, manufacturing, and forging together. Impatience is your greatest enemy. Today, start by practicing with a level-one energy-gathering core array. Learn to distinguish the materials, engraving knives, and the principles of coordinating them with soul power."
She pointed to the piece of silvery-white, soft base material on the workbench. "This is called heavy silver. It's an entry-level rare metal on the continent, with good malleability and stable soul power conductivity. It's ideal for beginners practicing engraving."
Tang Qingye bowed and committed her words to memory. His fingertips brushed the Night Phoenix Ring on his left wrist, sending a thread of soul power into its soul guidance array. It spread along the patterns as he reached into the storage space with his mind. At a thought, a short blade floated out of the space and landed in his palm.
The blade was half a foot long, covered in pale-blue frost patterns. At the touch of his fingertips, fine white frost spread across their pads. It was none other than the Nine Nether Cold Blade.
Leng Yaozhu offered gentle guidance. "This knife has built-in Ice Seal runes. Feed soul power into it at a steady rate as you cut. Its cold energy can stabilize the blank and reduce vibrations and deviations. When engraving arrays, spiritual power is the foundation, and physical control supports it. Better to cut slowly than rush."
"I'll demonstrate once first. Watch carefully." As Leng Yaozhu finished speaking, a scarlet engraving knife appeared in her palm out of thin air.
Soul power flowed slowly into the engraving knife. A dazzling scarlet radiance rose from the heavy silver's surface, and a foot-long pillar of light shot straight upward. The engraved lines were luminous white and translucent.
Tang Qingye sat upright before the workbench, his left hand steadily supporting the heavy silver blank. A light coating of soul power spread across its surface in rings of silvery-white ripples. His right hand gripped the Nine Nether Cold Blade's Jiao Tendon Knife Handle as he focused his mind and steadied his breathing.
"Keep your mind steady and your soul power flowing evenly. Every cut must follow the lines you've worked out in your mind."
He lowered the knife as instructed, his rhythm slow and steady. His formidable physique kept his arm steady as a rock. An invisible barrier spread around him, isolating the recoil and protecting his meridians; primordial power from heaven and earth quietly gathered, seeping into the heavy silver to strip away impurities; his spiritual power, far surpassing that of his peers, worked out the complete array in his mind, unfolding it in sequence, one cut and one line at a time.
Fine metal shavings drifted down amid icy white mist, and the outline of the level-one energy-gathering core array gradually became clear on the heavy silver.
Leng Nu Jiao stood quietly to one side, silently watching the entire engraving process, a measure of amazement hidden in her eyes.
Leng Yaozhu leaned forward slightly, her gaze fixed firmly on the heavy silver, a glimmer of approval rising in her eyes.
Tang Qingye remained upright and utterly still throughout. Soul power continued pouring into the engraving knife, frost gleaming and shifting along its blade, and his finishing movements remained steady and smooth.
Shing.
He finished the last cut cleanly, then raised his hand to brush away the metal shavings on the surface. A trace of fatigue flashed through his eyes.
He looked up at Leng Yaozhu, his expression relaxing, and called softly, "Master."
Tang Qingye fed soul power into the heavy silver. A translucent silvery-white glow spread over the entire base material, and a pillar of light shot straight up from the array's core. The radiance was concentrated and stable, the lines clear and translucent. The engraving was flawless.
Leng Yaozhu looked at the completed heavy silver blank, sincere approval in her expression. "A perfectly engraved level-one energy-gathering core array. Qingye, you now qualify as a prospective level-one Mecha Manufacturer.
"The barriers between the three major mecha auxiliary professions are strict. Below level three, you have no chance of touching advanced battle armor forging techniques. That's why initial rank assessments uniformly follow the grading standards for soul tools.
"I specialize in design and manufacturing. Drawing blueprints takes years of accumulated experience. Only engraving can demonstrate your abilities on the spot.
"You achieved perfection on your very first practical attempt. Such talent is truly rare. Don't tell me you were born with some heaven-defying insight system that lets you grasp anything with a single hint?"
Leng Yaozhu cupped Tang Qingye's cheeks in both hands, looking as though she had seen right through him, leaving him unsure whether to laugh or cry.
"Master, you should read fewer brainless novels online," Tang Qingye said helplessly.
"If I don't read those, should I read My Disciple Is a Defiant Wretch Who Makes Advances on His Master instead?" Leng Yaozhu asked with a smile that was not quite a smile.
Still silent. Still not answering the question.
"All right, I'll stop teasing you."
She turned toward Leng Nu Jiao, a faint smile rippling across her lips.
"Nu Jiao, from now on, each of you will handle your own duties, complementing each other like yin and yang. I'm looking forward to seeing you work together."
Leng Nu Jiao's cheeks reddened. She nodded gently, her voice soft but firm. "Rest assured, Master. I won't hold the young master back."
Leng Yaozhu looked back at Tang Qingye and lightly tapped the heavy silver. "Your martial soul's abilities have broadened even my horizons. Your domain isolates recoil, cold energy protects your body, and the power of heaven and earth helps purify the metal. Add your mental calculations and physical control, and with all three combined, you practically have an innate engraving saint physique."
Ordinary soul masters mostly failed at engraving because of uneven force, fluctuations in soul power, or deviations in the lines. A single slip anywhere would ruin the entire blank.
Tang Qingye raised his arm and gently encircled Leng Yaozhu's slender waist, his tone obedient. "It's all thanks to your guidance, Master. Without you breaking down the principles for me, how could it have gone so smoothly?"
Leng Yaozhu let him hold her, her phoenix eyes curving as she lightly brushed his cheek with a fingertip. His words and actions clearly pleased her, and an intimate atmosphere spread between them.
Leng Nu Jiao stood quietly to one side, watching them with eyes full of gentleness.
The little losing heroine neither fought nor competed, laying the groundwork for a two-in-one combo.
"Master, I'm going home for a visit."
Tang Qingye's hand restlessly stroked Leng Yaozhu's waist, earning a reproachful glance from the beauty.
"All right, as you wish. Take Nu Jiao with you. She's already been there anyway."
"She has?"
"Yes. After all, you two... it's only a matter of time. Hehe."
Leng Yaozhu smiled, her words carrying a pointed implication.
"Teacher! You're teasing me again!"
A private apartment high above Phoenix Street.
The heavy alloy sensor doors gave a soft sound along their tracks, then slid silently apart.
The moment the door opened, warm light and the aroma of food washed over them.
The living room was spacious and bright. A holographic projection was playing Soul Beast Adventures, its vivid, flashy images accompanied by childish voice acting. Onscreen were actually a God-Slaying One Wind Baboon and a blue-haired boy.
The blue-haired boy shouted "Mother's Entanglement!" and instantly wrapped up the Wind Baboon. His bizarre expression paired with childish language: "You dare provoke me, King Tangtang? You've found your path to death."
Six-year-old Tang Wulin lay sprawled on the carpet, clutching a half-eaten apple, his eyes glued unblinkingly to the screen as he occasionally let out a goofy giggle.
On the nearby sofa, Tang Ziran wore loose loungewear as he watched the Federation's political news intently.
The sizzle of cooking came from the kitchen, the savory scent of oil mingling with the warmth of the food and filling the entire home.
"Ziran, do you think Little Ye is eating all right with Her Excellency Leng? She's a Limit Douluo. She must have strict rules, and our boy is so quiet. What if he's being mistreated..."
Lang Yue's worried murmurs came from the kitchen. Holding her spatula, she muttered quietly as she stir-fried.
"You're worrying over nothing. Little Ye has been steadier than other children since he was small, and Her Excellency Leng thinks very highly of him. How could he be mistreated?"
Tang Ziran shook his head helplessly, about to reassure his wife.
Before his voice had faded, a calm voice came from the doorway. "Mom, I'm home."
Every sound in the living room abruptly stopped, as though someone had pressed pause.
Tang Wulin stiffened on the carpet, forgetting to chew the apple in his mouth as he whipped his head around.
Tang Ziran immediately rose from the sofa, undisguised delight surging in his eyes.
Lang Yue hurried out of the kitchen in her slippers, without even putting down her spatula.
At the sight of the black-haired boy standing in the doorway, the gentle mother's eyes instantly reddened.
"My darling boy, you're finally back! I've missed you so much!"
Lang Yue casually shoved the spatula at Tang Ziran behind her, rushed forward in a few strides, and pulled Tang Qingye tightly into her arms.
They had only been apart a few days, yet it felt like several years. Her warm tears rubbed straight onto the boy's clothes.
Her fingertips trembled as she touched her son's face, her heart full of tender concern. "You look thinner. Have you not been eating well out there? I'll make your favorite braised pork tonight and build you back up."
The unreserved warmth of her embrace softened Tang Qingye's habitually cold, hard heart all at once.
He let his mother hold him, a gentle smile touching his lips. "Mom, I haven't lost weight. Master treats me very well. You, on the other hand, have been worrying about me in the kitchen again."
Tang Wulin tossed aside his apple and charged over like a little cannonball. He hugged Tang Qingye around the waist, burying his face against his stomach and nuzzling him. His muffled voice brimmed with attachment. "Big Brother, I missed you so much. No matter how big this house is, it's no fun without you here."
Tang Qingye raised a hand and tousled his younger brother's soft hair until the little fellow scrunched up his face. Only then did he chuckle. "Look how big you are, and you're still clinging to me like a little tail."
"It's good to have you back. Come in and sit down."
Tang Ziran approached and gave his eldest son's shoulder a firm pat, his eyes full of pride and relief.
Only after the family's excitement had settled somewhat did Lang Yue notice Leng Nu Jiao standing behind her son.
The girl wore a simple pale-green dress, her long burgundy hair tied into a high ponytail behind her head. Standing beside Tang Qingye, she had shed her usual chill and greeted them properly. "Uncle, Auntie, little Wulin."
"Oh, Nu Jiao is here too! Come in. Don't stand in the doorway."
"Hello, Big Sister."
Tang Wulin greeted her sweetly. This big sister had brought lots of food on her last visit. She had said she was his brother's personal bodyguard. Tang Wulin knew what a bodyguard was. As for "personal," that probably meant she was his brother's little bride raised from childhood.
A warm smile filled Lang Yue's face as she took Leng Nu Jiao's hand and welcomed her into the home.
Tang Qingye led Leng Nu Jiao to sit on the cream-colored sofa. Tang Wulin sat pressed close against his brother like a clingy piece of soft candy.
Tang Ziran poured warm water for the two of them, then settled into the armchair nearby.
"Have you adjusted to living with Her Excellency Leng? Are there too many rules?"
Tang Qingye sipped his warm water and answered with a composed smile. "Don't worry, Dad. Master treats me very well. Ordinary Titled Douluos aren't even qualified to enter where I live. Master has arranged everything for both my cultivation and daily life. Sister Nu Jiao also looks after me in every way."
"That's good. That's good."
Tang Ziran breathed a sigh of relief and nodded feelingly. "Receiving personal guidance from Her Excellency is an enormous blessing. You must study hard and never slack off."
"Yes, I understand."
Beside them, Lang Yue got up to wash a plate of fresh fruit, then brought it over and set it on the coffee table.
She pushed the fruit plate toward the two young people, smiling as she encouraged them to eat more, then gently asked about their everyday lives.
Blushing, Leng Nu Jiao answered each question in a soft voice.
As they chatted about family matters, the atmosphere was relaxed and warm. In the gaps between her bustling about, Lang Yue quietly studied the two youngsters.
She noticed that whenever Tang Qingye discussed cultivation or his experiences in Shrek City, Leng Nu Jiao, who had been reserved before her elders, would relax completely.
Her emerald eyes clung almost uncontrollably to the boy's profile.
Her gaze shone with burning brightness, without the slightest distant politeness toward a junior fellow disciple.
The shyness filling her eyes, her undisguised admiration, and her joy, as though she wished to offer him every bit of tenderness in her heart-as a fellow woman, Lang Yue saw through it all at a glance.
Although Tang Qingye was speaking with his father, whenever Leng Nu Jiao struggled to join the conversation and grew uneasy, he would naturally speak up to smooth things over for her.
That bone-deep understanding and protectiveness could not be hidden in the slightest.
Lang Yue took it all in, pressed her lips together in a soft smile, then turned to exchange a glance with Tang Ziran.
Their gazes met, and each saw understanding and relief in the other's eyes.
Their own child was already dazzlingly outstanding. Leng Nu Jiao was talented, gentle in temperament, and utterly sincere toward Little Ye.
A slight smile quietly curled Tang Ziran's lips. Playing along with his wife, neither of them pierced that thin paper window.
"Keep chatting. Dinner will be ready soon. Everyone should eat plenty tonight."
Lang Yue patted her apron and returned to the kitchen with a face full of smiles, her spatula moving even more briskly.
Before long, a whole table was filled with steaming home-cooked dishes.
"Nu Jiao, don't be shy. Try my cooking and see if it suits your taste."
At the table, Lang Yue picked up her chopsticks and deftly lifted a glossy, reddish piece of braised pork, rich but not greasy, placing it neatly in Leng Nu Jiao's bowl.
Overwhelmed by the attention, Leng Nu Jiao held up her bowl with both hands to receive it. She shyly took a bite, and her eyes immediately lit up. She nodded repeatedly. "It's delicious. Even tastier than the food at the Spirit Pagoda."
"Then have more. Don't stand on ceremony."
Lang Yue's eyes curved with her smile. She placed another bite of food in Tang Qingye's bowl. Seeing the two youngsters sitting side by side, looking so well matched, with even their exchanged glances carrying a hint of sweetness, she could not have been happier. "Come home with Little Ye more often. I'll make you something different and delicious every day."
Leng Nu Jiao lowered her head shyly and obediently agreed, a faint blush spreading over the back of her fair neck.
Beside them, Tang Ziran smiled and added some refreshing vegetables to Leng Nu Jiao's bowl.
Nearby, Tang Wulin held his large bowl and shoveled braised pork into his mouth. Though he could not understand what the adults were smiling about, seeing his brother and Sister Nu Jiao there made him break into a goofy grin too.
The sunset's rosy light streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, spreading across the dining table and lending a peaceful stillness to the room's everyday bustle and familial warmth.
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