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Mid-journey
"Big brother," Tianmeng Ice Silkworm asked shamelessly from atop the Dragon of Time's spine, "what's my future sister-in-law's current cultivation level? When do I get to sacrifice myself?"
At that moment, Tianmeng couldn't help but hope his "sister-in-law" was already a Level 90 quasi-Title Douluo. Once she ascended to godhood and resurrected him, he—the Great Tianmeng—could live lavishly, strutting across the continent with impunity.
What if she can't become a god?
Impossible! His big brother was too extraordinary—every soul ring 100,000+ years, with two million-year rings to boot. A prodigy of such caliber would never settle for an ordinary girlfriend. She had to possess godhood potential!
"A while back, she just advanced to eight rings."
"Ah…" Tianmeng sighed dejectedly.
Eight rings → nine rings → godhood…
Looks like it'll be ages before the Great Tianmeng can swagger across the continent!
Chu Chengzhou shook his head.
"Not long—just five or six years."
If Tianmeng sacrificed himself to Hu Liena, resurrection might come even sooner—not necessarily waiting for her godhood.
Currently, Xiao Qing's Grand Resurrection Technique couldn't revive a million-year beast like Tianmeng. But once Chu Chengzhou ascended to Chaos Godhood, his soul rings would evolve into divine rings, and Xiao Qing—becoming a Beast God-tier spirit—would gain the power to resurrect Tianmeng directly. No need to wait for Hu Liena's divine intervention.
(Of course, if Hu Liena achieved godhood before Chu Chengzhou's ascension, Tianmeng's revival would come even earlier.)
"Five or six years just to break through to Level 90…" Tianmeng hesitated. "Big brother, is my sister-in-law's talent kinda… mediocre?"
Sure, advancing from early eight rings to Level 90 in 5–6 years was fast by normal standards—but in Tianmeng's eyes, such "average" talent was unworthy of his legendary big brother!
Chu Chengzhou: "…."
Did you just insult me?
Five or six years to Level 90—who are you calling mediocre?!
But he couldn't be bothered to explain. He just shot Tianmeng a glance and looked away.
---
An hour later, outside the eastern gate of Spirit City, a white-gold dragon descended from the skies.
Last time, Chu Chengzhou had caused quite a stir in the city—kidnapping a Spirit Hall Elder—so he felt a bit awkward returning.
Thus, he dismissed Xiao Guang before entering, keeping a low profile.
"Big brother," Tianmeng gestured toward the "Spirit City" sign atop the gate, "I heard the Spirit Hall is the strongest soul master organization on the continent. Are you… with them?"
"No," Chu Chengzhou replied, "but my girlfriend is."
"Oh~! Then my sister-in-law must be stunningly beautiful—the Spirit Hall's most brilliant prodigy!"
Tianmeng slipped in a subtle flattery.
Ignoring the brown-nosing, Chu Chengzhou entered the city, extended his spiritual sense, and located his future brother-in-law, Xie Yue.
In a courtyard's spacious training ground, Xie Yue practiced his self-created soul skill, twin Moon Blades in hand.
"Crescent Moon!"
He spun violently, soul power surging—his body and spirit merging into a blinding white disc that slashed toward an iron training post.
Suddenly, spatial ripples flickered—two figures materialized right in front of the post.
Xie Yue: "???"
What the—?
"Tsk~"
Chu Chengzhou clicked his tongue, watching the white disc rapidly expand in his vision. He flicked a finger—a thread of spatial energy lashed out, freezing the spinning disc midair.
The next second, he released the energy. The disc warped, reverting to Xie Yue—twin Moon Blades in hand, utterly bewildered.
"You're still as strong as ever," Xie Yue sighed, sheathing his blades.
Back at the Soul Master Tournament, he'd been nowhere near Chu Chengzhou's level. Now, two or three years later, the gap had only yawned wider—so vast he couldn't even fathom its depth.
Truly, the continent's #1 genius soul master… no one can compare.
"Of course!" Chu Chengzhou grinned. "But you're not bad either. Last time we met, you were a five-ring Soul King—now you're a Level 66 Soul Emperor!"
"Thanks to the soul bone you gave me." Xie Yue waved it off, then eyed the golden-haired, golden-eyed youth beside Chu Chengzhou. "Who's this?"
"A friend~" Chu Chengzhou offered no elaboration.
Sensing his reticence, Xie Yue didn't press further. "What brings you here?"
"Take me to see Father and Mother-in-law."
Chu Chengzhou knew Hu Liena's parents were buried in Spirit City's cemetery—but he'd never visited.
Moreover, for the resurrection, Xie Yue—their son—had to be present.
Otherwise, if Mom and Dad suddenly popped out of the grave unannounced?
That'd be horror, not a welcome surprise.
Xie Yue sighed. "Wait a moment."
He turned and entered the house.
Moments later, he emerged with a basket of joss sticks, ritual wine, paper money, rice, and pastries.
Chu Chengzhou: "…."
One last feast before resurrection?
---
In the northeast corner of Spirit City, the marble-paved cemetery sprawled across the land.
This vast burial ground held the remains of Spirit Hall soul masters who'd died within the past century.
On major memorial days, the current Supreme Pontiff and Elders would pay their respects.
Not all Spirit Hall affiliates were buried here, though. Many with living relatives chose local graves for easier visitation.
And after 100 years, remains were moved to the cemetery hills outside the city—otherwise, Spirit City would've become a city of graves over millennia.
Xie Yue led Chu Chengzhou and Tianmeng to a shared tomb.
"Dad, Mom," Xie Yue knelt, plucking weeds from the brick seams. His voice trembled as he arranged the offerings. "Your son brought… Na Na's boyfriend to see you."
Seeing his brother-in-law's grief, Chu Chengzhou patted his shoulder—then extended his right hand.
Spatial ripples surged—and two decayed coffins rose from the grave, landing before them.
"!!!"
Xie Yue's eyes bulged. He stared at Chu Chengzhou in utter disbelief.
ARE YOU HERE TO DIG UP GRAVES?!
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