"Oh?"
"I never expected Teacher Wu to actually be Elder Zhu's disciple."
Upon hearing Wu Zhangkong's words, Mu Chen beside him revealed a look of surprise.
He had only known that the other party came from Shrek Academy, but he hadn't realized that his teacher was actually the other half of the Twin Holy Dragons—the Crimson Dragon Douluo, Zhu Shi.
"Yes."
"After all, I left Shrek Academy..."
Wu Zhangkong shook his head lightly, his gaze filled with contemplation. It was unclear whether he was reminiscing about the past, but his eyes momentarily lost focus.
If only he could return to those days...
How wonderful that would be.
"Teacher Wu seems to have quite the story behind him."
Nearby, Zhang Yangzi couldn't help but murmur as he watched Wu Zhangkong lost in memories.
"Yeah, yeah."
Wang Jinxi agreed without hesitation.
"Instead of gossiping, you should meditate."
Hearing his students' words, Wu Zhangkong snapped back to reality, his cool gaze sweeping over the two as he spoke softly.
"Yes, Teacher Wu."
The two froze for a moment before responding with a smile.
"We'll be arriving at Shrek Academy soon. I wonder if life there will be any different..."
Xie Xie couldn't help but voice his anticipation.
Shrek Academy—it was undoubtedly the paradise every young Soul Master dreamed of. Of course, he was no exception. He hoped that both he and everyone else would thrive there.
"I wonder how Ye Xinglan and Na'er are doing with their training. Both of them are students of the inner court, after all. The pressure there must be much greater than in the outer court."
Xu Xiaoyan also murmured thoughtfully. Three years ago, when they had met Na'er and Ye Xinglan, the two had already displayed remarkable talent.
Now, after three years...
They could only be even stronger.
"Ye Xinglan..."
"She must be quite powerful by now."
Hearing the name, Gu Yue also fell into contemplation. She could roughly guess the girl's strength—certainly not surpassing her own.
But she had heard from Na'er that the girl often talked about surpassing Luo Chuan...
Whether she could surpass Luo Chuan or not was uncertain, but Gu Yue doubted that such frequent mentions of a boy stemmed from purely innocent thoughts.
"Honestly, compared to that, I'm more worried about how I'll face my sister..."
"Just one holiday with her was enough to make me despair. Now I'll have to endure who knows how many years—ah!"
Nearby, Wei Xiaofeng wanted to join the conversation but could only shake his head with a bitter expression.
"Hahaha."
"Is there really a need to be that scared of your sister?"
Tang Luochuan couldn't help but ask with a smile.
"Boss, you don't understand."
"That's pure bloodline suppression."
Wei Xiaofeng sighed and shook his head.
Only those with older sisters could truly comprehend the feeling!
"Boss."
"When I get the chance, I'll definitely make my sister fight you. As long as you don't kill her..."
"Can you beat her to within an inch of her life?"
Wei Xiaofeng blinked and couldn't resist asking.
"Eh... huh?"
Tang Luochuan's eyes widened slightly, while Mu Chen and Wu Zhangkong beside him were left speechless. Just how deep was this grudge?!
Definitely siblings by blood!
...
Eight hours later.
That afternoon, at the Soul Guidance Train Station in Heaven Dou City.
Eastsea City was, after all, not a very large city, and there were no direct routes to Shrek Academy. The group had no choice but to stop in the direction of Heaven Dou City to wait for their next transfer.
"The rest of the journey is up to you now."
Mu Chen wore a gentle smile as he looked at the youngsters who had disembarked with him, speaking warmly.
Heaven Dou City was precisely his destination for this trip.
He wasn't heading to Shrek Academy—this time, he had come to Heaven Dou City to meet his senior brother, the president of the Blacksmith Association and the number one Forging Master, Zhen Hua.
"Goodbye, Uncle."
Both Tang Luochuan and Tang Wulin smiled slightly as they bid farewell.
"Xiao Xi, junior brother, you've arrived."
At that moment, a tall figure appeared in their line of sight—a burly middle-aged man with large hands, even larger than his own face.
Though he was greeting Mu Chen and his daughter, his gaze lingered beside them before finally locking directly onto Tang Luochuan.
"This is…"
Seeing this scene, Gu Yue instinctively frowned and stepped forward, shielding Tang Luochuan.
Was this man some kind of pervert? She couldn't stand the thought of anyone harming Luo Chuan—no one but her was allowed to lay a finger on him!
"Gu Yue, don't be afraid…"
"This is my uncle. He's not a bad person."
Noticing Gu Yue's reaction, Mu Xi was momentarily stunned, thinking something had happened. But when she saw Zhen Hua's expression, she couldn't help but fall into thought.
Uncle, this look of yours…
Does it have even a shred of the dignity befitting a Divine Blacksmith?!
"Senior brother, tone it down a little. You're scaring Xiao Xi's friends."
Mu Chen also wore a helpless expression. His senior brother was like this—if he wasn't interested in someone, he paid them no mind, but if he was, his expression could be downright terrifying.
"..."
Indeed, as Tang Luochuan stared back at the towering Zhen Hua, who was fixated on him, he couldn't help but ponder.
This number one Forging Master, this Divine Blacksmith…
Was just a tiny bit different from what he had imagined!
"It's fine, Gu Yue."
Tang Luochuan gently took hold of Gu Yue's arm, pulling her behind him instead, and spoke softly.
"Even though I'm stronger than you."
"You still want to protect me, huh?"
He said with a smile.
Gu Yue let out a light hum but didn't respond, simply standing quietly by his side. Even if she was slightly weaker, she would do everything in her power to protect Luo Chuan.
"Hahaha, my apologies, everyone. I got a little too excited. But these two youngsters…"
"Are you Luo Chuan and Wu Lin?"
On the other side, Zhen Hua finally realized his impropriety and shook his head with a laugh, turning his gaze toward Tang Luochuan and Tang Wulin, his eyes filled with warmth.
"That's right."
Tang Luochuan responded, and Tang Wulin quickly followed suit, nodding in agreement.
"I am Zhen Hua, president of the Heaven Dou City Blacksmith Association."
"I've long heard of your extraordinary talents. Seeing you today, you truly are two remarkable young men."
Zhen Hua's face was alight with unconcealed delight as he spoke frankly.
"Divine Blacksmith Zhen Hua?"
"Master Zhen Hua!"
Hearing his name, everyone was stunned, shocked by the weight it carried—even Wu Zhangkong's expression shifted.
The only Divine Blacksmith on the continent, the sole existence capable of crafting Four-Word Battle Armor—his status even surpassed that of a Federal Councilor.
Even though he had long known this man was Mu Chen's senior brother, Tang Luochuan couldn't help but shudder when he finally laid eyes on him.
This man's stature was simply too immense!
The only person capable of creating Four-Word Battle Armor—this fact alone placed him far above the vast majority of people on the continent.
"Luo Chuan and Wu Lin, I've long heard of your talents. To be Forging Grandmasters, even Saint Craftsmen, at such a young age…"
"Truly remarkable."
Zhen Hua sighed with admiration, his gaze lingering on the two of them, filled with appreciation and praise. Level six—that was something he hadn't achieved until he was at least in his twenties.
In them, he saw boundless potential.
"And already a Soul King at such a young age…"
Especially sensing the aura emanating from Tang Luochuan, Zhen Hua grew more and more satisfied, though a pang of regret soon followed.
A twelve-year-old Soul King, a Level Seven Saint Craftsman!
Such an outstanding seedling—what a shame he wasn't his disciple!
At least he wasn't his junior brother Mu Chen's disciple, or that wretched old man Feng Wuyu's. Otherwise, those two would have had bragging rights for life.
"Since you've all come to Heaven Dou City as guests, why not stop by my place for a visit?"
Zhen Hua quickly snapped out of his thoughts, looking at the group of young boys and girls before him with a warm smile.
Such bright and spirited youngsters—this was the essence of youth!
"Uncle,"
"We'll be transferring soon, so we won't be able to visit," Mu Xi shook her head and spoke up immediately. They wouldn't be staying in Heaven Dou City for long—just waiting for their connecting ride—so there was no need for such hospitality.
For a moment, everyone else nodded in agreement.
"Senior brother,"
"We'll take you up on that offer next time we have the chance," Mu Chen also smiled faintly as he spoke.
"Fair enough, time is indeed tight right now."
"Whenever you're free, feel free to visit the Heaven Dou City Forging Master Association. Xiao Xi, remember to bring your friends along for a visit!"
Zhen Hua nodded with a chuckle.
"Xiao Xi, your uncle and I will take our leave now. Wishing all of you a wonderful academy life at Shrek!"
Standing beside Zhen Hua, Mu Chen bid farewell before the two of them departed from the group, heading in the direction of the Forging Master Association.
"Mu Xi-jie,"
"Has Councilor Zhen Hua always been this approachable? He even invited us over as guests," Xie Xie, who had been wide-eyed the entire time, couldn't help but ask, his face full of awe.
Even Tang Wulin blinked in surprise, feeling that the association president was indeed a very kind person.
"Well…"
"That much is true," Mu Xi sighed helplessly. Approachable, yes—but was his invitation really just for hospitality? His eyes had practically been glued to Luo Chuan the whole time!
"..."
Meanwhile, back at the Heaven Dou City Forging Master Association, Mu Chen looked at his senior brother, unable to hold back his amusement any longer.
"Senior brother, it seems you think very highly of Luo Chuan," he couldn't help but tease.
He had seen it all too clearly—Zhen Hua's invitation to the youngsters was genuine, but so was his fixation on Luo Chuan. The ulterior motive was just too obvious.
"Of course."
"This promising seedling, surely you must like him too."
Zhen Hua nodded without hesitation.
"Unfortunately, he's already a seventh-rank Saint Craftsman. If his forging skills weren't so advanced, I'd have wanted to take him as my disciple. But to reach this level at just twelve years old..."
"Even if he were aiming for Divine Blacksmith, he'd achieve it by forty at the latest on his own."
"Junior Brother, it's truly a shame you didn't take him as your disciple."
Zhen Hua sighed, unable to help muttering to himself.
This couldn't even be called an ordinary genius anymore.
This was a true heaven-blessed prodigy!
"Senior Brother."
"Even if we go back three years, when he was a nine-year-old fifth-rank Forging Master, would you really have the nerve to make him call you 'Master'?"
Mu Chen, however, shook his head and asked with a smile.
"..."
"Fair point."
Zhen Hua nodded, his expression still full of awe. Even three years ago, the talent the boy had displayed was already earth-shattering—simply too overwhelming.
"By the way, you mentioned before that Xiao Xi really likes him. How are the two of them now? Anything come of it?"
The next moment, as if suddenly remembering something, he couldn't help but look at Mu Chen expectantly.
"Not yet. Xiao Xi does like Luo Chuan a lot, but Luo Chuan hasn't shown any interest in that regard..."
Mu Chen shook his head, a trace of helplessness on his face.
How could he not wish for such a son-in-law? But while fantasies were beautiful, reality was brutally harsh...
That girl Gu Yue had far too many advantages over his own daughter.
"It's in the bag."
Zhen Hua, however, immediately chuckled.
"Huh? What do you mean?"
Mu Chen was taken aback, a hint of confusion crossing his face. There wasn't even a hint of progress—how was this "in the bag"?
"Junior Brother, you don't understand."
"As long as a girl likes someone, the matter is already mostly settled."
Zhen Hua shook his head, speaking word by word.
"Uh..."
Mu Chen fell silent. Truthfully, he'd thought the same before. But compared to those two girls, Gu Yue and Xu Xiaoyan, his own daughter stood no chance!
"A woman chasing a man is like tearing through a veil. If Luo Chuan doesn't end up with Xiao Xi, I'll take Master's surname!"
Zhen Hua snorted, speaking with absolute certainty.
Though, come to think of it, if Xiao Xi and Luo Chuan did get together, Luo Chuan would have to call him "Uncle"...
At that thought, his smile widened further.
"Zhen Hua."
"What are you grinning about?"
At that moment, Mu Ye, noticing the two men's incessant smiles, couldn't help but ask, a puzzled look on his face.
"Ah, Mu Ye."
"I shouldn't have sent you to prepare the dishes earlier. Let me tell you, that kid my junior brother brought is truly something else!"
Zhen Hua turned to the man before him, unable to hold back his words.
"Oh?"
"You mean that twelve-year-old Saint Craftsman?"
Hearing this, Mu Ye smiled knowingly.
He naturally knew who they were talking about—the prodigy Forging Master who'd reached Saint Craftsman at twelve.
But speaking of prodigies...
For a moment, the image of a certain boy surfaced in his mind—the one he'd encountered by chance back when he'd accompanied that person to East Sea City.
Their Mecha Designer side had its own remarkable talents too!
"He's not just a top-tier Forging Master. At twelve, his cultivation has already reached Soul King."
"His aura and vitality are exceptionally strong. If there's a chance, I'd love to introduce you to him."
Zhen Hua's face was filled with a smile as he spoke slowly.
"Twelve years old... and already a Soul King..."
"What? A Soul King?"
Upon hearing this, Mu Ye, who had previously maintained an unperturbed expression, froze in shock, his face filled with astonishment.
A twelve-year-old Soul King...
Was this even human?
"Indeed."
"Such talent is enough to overshadow anyone on the continent. Even if he wanted to top the Teenage Genius List, he could easily claim first place."
Zhen Hua's smile deepened, making Mu Chen beside him fall into deep thought. To an outsider, it might seem like he was praising his own disciple!
"Teenage Genius List?"
"That won't be necessary."
Mu Ye snapped out of his daze and quickly shook his head. The Teenage Genius List might sound impressive, but in reality, it would only make him a target for Evil Soul Masters.
"But a twelve-year-old Soul King... truly extraordinary."
"Hmm?"
As he spoke, his gaze subconsciously drifted toward the distant outskirts, his brows furrowing slightly.
"Mu Ye, what's wrong?"
Seeing the expression on his old friend's face, Zhen Hua immediately sensed something amiss and spoke up.
"Two Ultimate Douluo-level powerhouses..."
"It seems they're fighting just outside Heaven Dou City."
Mu Ye shook his head lightly, muttering under his breath.
Two Ultimate Douluo... if he were to face them...
Even one would be a challenge—he hadn't yet broken through to Super Douluo, let alone two.
He could only hope that at least one of them was a friend, not a foe.