When Xu Zihuang used his golden-level body martial soul second awakening, the Heavenly Dream Ice Silkworm was actually startled awake.
However, with Elder Xuan present, it remained silent throughout to avoid being detected residing in Xu Zihuang's mental sea.
Later, when Xu Zihuang fell unconscious and consumed the pill condensed from the life essence of a 100,000-year plant-type soul beast, it observed everything. Knowing that Xu Zihuang's body not only suffered no loss but would also gain significant benefits from the pill, it relaxed and happily drifted back to sleep.
It couldn't help but feel fortunate once again for encountering Xu Zihuang, whose talent and character were astonishing.
It didn't need to worry about anything; every time it woke, Xu Zihuang's strength had noticeably improved. Even though it knew this had little to do with itself, it didn't stop it from feeling a sense of accomplishment.
It was winning just by lying low.
Immersed in his mental sea, Xu Zihuang carefully sensed the abilities of the golden-level body martial soul's second awakening.
Compared to black iron, bronze, and silver-level body martial soul second awakenings, the golden-level awakening not only provided a greater boost to a soul master's combat strength but also came with a unique ability.
This unique ability was somewhat akin to an innate talent granted by a martial soul but far more powerful. It likely could only be unlocked by achieving a golden-level body martial soul second awakening.
He had used this unique ability to defeat Xiao Hongchen.
He was certain that this additional ability was likely the primary reason the golden-level body martial soul's second awakening surpassed other levels.
With his current cultivation, he couldn't fully unleash his power. To gain a deeper understanding, he would need to wait until his cultivation improved and experiment further.
However, there was another shortcut: direct contact with the Body Sect.
The Body Sect had studied body martial souls for millennia, and its sect master, Du Bushi, also possessed the golden-level body martial soul second awakening.
He believed Du Bushi could certainly resolve the doubts in his mind.
Xu Zihuang wasn't worried about contacting the Body Sect. In this All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Academy Soul Dueling Tournament, he had displayed sufficiently dazzling talent and strength. It was only a matter of time before the Body Sect approached him.
He wasn't opposed to engaging with the Body Sect.
As long as the Body Sect could offer him enough benefits, what harm was there in joining them?
Amid these peculiar sensations, time in the outside world passed swiftly.
It was late at night.
The cool moonlight and starlight streamed through the transparent crystal floor-to-ceiling window, illuminating the spacious bedroom. The room was unlit, but the moonlight and starlight made it exceptionally bright.
Through the window, the night view of Star Luo City was clearly visible.
Xu Zihuang remained in a deep sleep, or so it appeared to the outside world.
He was covered by a warm, soft quilt made of ice silkworm silk, revealing only his pale, refined face.
His medium-length black hair was neatly arranged on a pillow also woven from ice silkworm silk, clearly combed by someone. His flawless features showed no imperfections, and from the side, his facial lines were slightly sharp, exuding an innate air of nobility.
Ning Tian sat quietly by the bed, gazing out the window, her water-blue eyes reflecting the starlight and moonlight outside, tinged with a gentle warmth.
Unbeknownst to her, Xu Zihuang opened his eyes at that moment, regaining control of his body.
To his surprise, Xu Zihuang found that not only did his body feel no discomfort, but it also had an indescribable sense of clarity and comfort.
The life force depleted by using the golden-level body martial soul second awakening had been fully restored. His physical condition had improved to some extent, and even his soul power had broken through, nearing level forty-four.
Overjoyed, he guessed that he must have consumed an extremely precious pill while unconscious.
Regardless, he had gained a significant advantage. A pill capable of restoring life force was undoubtedly priceless.
As his thoughts raced, Xu Zihuang glanced at Ning Tian by his bedside. The scene gave him a fleeting sense of déjà vu.
Memories flooded his mind. The nights in the southern part of the Sun Moon Empire were similarly radiant with stars and moonlight. But back then, the one often by his side was someone else.
Suppressing his emotions, Xu Zihuang returned to his usual gentle demeanor. He sat up slightly, leaning against the headboard, and reached out with his right hand to grasp Ning Tian's hand resting on the bed, feeling its warm, smooth texture in his palm.
Ning Tian turned to look at Xu Zihuang, a refined smile gracing her beautiful face.
"Tianhuang, you're awake?"
Xu Zihuang smiled. "How long was I unconscious?"
"About seven hours," Ning Tian replied softly, using her free hand to turn on the soul tool lamp in the bedroom and pour Xu Zihuang a cup of still-warm tea.
The warm glow of the soul tool lamp was gentle, reflecting off the translucent amber tea.
Xu Zihuang took the delicate porcelain teacup, sipped lightly, and asked Ning Tian about what had happened while he was unconscious.
Ning Tian recounted everything clearly.
From He Caitou carrying him back to the room, to the Body Sect's Lang Ya giving him the pill condensed from the life essence of a 100,000-year plant-type soul beast, to Emperor Xu Jiawei of the Star Luo Empire bringing Immortal Doctor Douluo Wang Xian'er to treat him, she explained it all in detail.
"Senior Wang, the Immortal Doctor Douluo, was right. I've fully absorbed the pill's effects. My soul power has improved significantly," Xu Zihuang said, getting out of bed and leading Ning Tian to the open balcony on the south side of the bedroom, where the distant silhouette of Star Luo City stretched endlessly.
It was the latter half of the night, yet the city remained brightly lit. The All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Academy Soul Dueling Tournament had just concluded that day, and while the first half of the night had been lively, it had quieted down somewhat by now.
Given Star Luo City's scale, this "quiet" was only relative. On distant streets, groups of two or three still walked together, their conversations all centered on the tournament.
For most ordinary people, witnessing the finals of the All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Academy Soul Dueling Tournament was something to boast about for a lifetime.
"After this, it seems that Shrek Academy, the Body Sect, and even the Star Luo Empire will spare no effort to recruit you," Ning Tian said, following Xu Zihuang's gaze into the distance, her beautiful eyes glowing with pride.
A gentle breeze brushed past, lifting her shoulder-length platinum blonde hair and the hem of her white dress.
The late spring night had lost the chill of early spring, replaced by a refreshing coolness.
As Ning Tian turned her gaze back to Xu Zihuang, she found him staring intently at her, a faint blush spreading across her delicate face.
"What's wrong?"
"I was thinking, if you, representing the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, invited me to join right now, I might actually agree," Xu Zihuang said.
Noticing the amusement in his eyes, Ning Tian knew he was teasing her. Still, she played along, replying, "If you're willing to join our Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, we'd even give you the sect master position."
Xu Zihuang froze for a moment, then gently pulled Ning Tian into his arms. At nearly 1.7 meters tall, Ning Tian's figure was tall and slender, but she had only just reached past his shoulders.
He didn't use much force, giving her time to react.
Yet, Ning Tian seemed stunned from start to finish, only relaxing when her cheek rested against Xu Zihuang's shoulder. Her face felt warm, a mix of shyness and joy swirling in her heart.
Xu Zihuang gently stroked Ning Tian's smooth, slightly curly platinum blonde hair, its faint, refreshing fragrance lingering in his senses. With a playful, teasing tone, he countered, "Isn't the sect master right here? Are you sure you want to give the sect master to me?"
His warm breath brushed against Ning Tian's ear, making her stiff body soften considerably.
She realized the ambiguity in her earlier words.
As the designated future sect master of the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, giving the sect master to Yu Tianhuang meant giving herself to him.
Though her beautiful eyes still shimmered with shyness, Ning Tian forced herself to calm down, wrapping her arms around Xu Zihuang's back.
"Are you sure you want to join our Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect?" she asked.
Her words were an indirect confession of her feelings. In this context, it was practically an open declaration.
Having chosen Yu Tianhuang, with her genuine feelings for him, what was there to hesitate about? Raised as the sect's heir, decisiveness was the foremost trait ingrained in her.
Making such a gesture and saying those words took immense courage.
But the effect was clear, instantly turning the tables.
She was too clever.
Sometimes, one had to admit that certain abilities were innate. Others might have been flustered, but Ning Tian instinctively acted to shift the situation in her favor, a rare talent.
Xu Zihuang's heart stirred, his deep purple eyes gleaming with an unusual light. In his past interactions with Ning Tian, he had always held the upper hand.
He had intended to draw her in further.
He hadn't expected her response today to put him in a passive position for the first time.
A thousand thoughts flashed through his mind, even considering the possibility that he was the one being reeled in.
But he quickly dismissed the idea. His Golden Eyes martial soul allowed him to keenly observe the subtlest emotions in others' eyes, and he didn't believe twelve-year-old Ning Tian could possess such deep cunning.
Continuing to stroke her hair, he said with firm conviction, "Of course."
This wasn't about truly joining the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect but a direct response to Ning Tian's feelings.
Hearing this affirmative answer, Ning Tian relaxed as if a weight had been lifted, her glossy eyes filled with blissful affection.
Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineering Academy, Mingde Hall.
This was a spacious hall, its decor entirely metallic. Not luxurious, but brimming with the texture of metal panels. A plaque hung above the main entrance, its three dark golden characters exuding an air of commanding authority: Mingde Hall.
In the center of the hall, seated on a chair, was a man who appeared to be in his forties. Short in stature but broad, he could be described simply as short and stout.
His stocky frame was ill-suited for long hair, yet he wore his reddish-brown hair long, cascading down his back, nearly obscuring his thick neck.
At that moment, crisp footsteps echoed from afar, sounding particularly clear and abrupt in the empty hall.
Meng Hongchen, with her wine-red hair and clad in the platinum-colored uniform of the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineering Academy, approached.
"Grandfather, you called for me?"
Her address revealed the stout man as Jing Hongchen, the renowned master of Mingde Hall and the grandfather of Xiao Hongchen and Meng Hongchen.
Jing Hongchen slowly stood. Barely 1.5 meters tall, his waistline easily exceeded that measurement. With his hands behind his back, his black robe, embroidered with golden threads, concealed his round belly.
His gaze toward Meng Hongchen was exceptionally warm and kind, though their height difference her towering nearly a head taller, made them an odd pair.
"Meng, tell me about that Yu Tianhuang from Shrek Academy."
Meng Hongchen's mind involuntarily recalled Xu Zihuang's appearance before she asked in surprise, "Grandfather, didn't you already ask Brother?"
"Don't mention him. A little setback, and he's completely lost his spirit. He's disgraced our Hongchen family," Jing Hongchen snorted coldly, a terrifying energy fluctuation reverberating through the hall. The metal walls shimmered with an eerie glow.
Though Meng Hongchen knew her grandfather was upset, she couldn't help defending Xiao Hongchen. "Grandfather, it's not entirely Brother's fault. Yu Tianhuang's talent is exceptional, likely unmatched in the history of the Douluo Continent. Brother might just need time to come to terms with it."
As she spoke, her ice-blue eyes unconsciously revealed a hint of something different.
Jing Hongchen's small eyes narrowed as he studied his granddaughter. Having lived so long and held such a high position, he was astute. Meng Hongchen's subtle feelings couldn't escape his notice.
"Putting Xiao aside for now, Meng, tell me about the match between Yu Tianhuang and Xiao, from start to finish, leaving nothing out."
Though Elder Ma, the Sun Moon team's leader, had already given a full account, Xiao Hongchen had been unconscious at the time, and Elder Ma might have embellished to deflect responsibility.
It wasn't that Elder Ma sought to shirk blame for himself, but to protect his family, especially his talented grandson, Ma Rulong.
Jing Hongchen knew the character of the Mingde Hall master all too well. When Xiao Hongchen was unconscious, Elder Ma had already prepared to face the consequences alongside him.
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