Chapter 13: The Crouching Dragon and the Hidden Phoenix

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Upon hearing that he had an apprentice, Guang Ling hurried back without pause. Since his eldest brother had found this apprentice for him, she must be unparalleled in the world. Once he officially accepted her as his disciple, he intended to proudly show her off to his brothers.

Look!

Big Brother has always been the best to me—he found me an apprentice unmatched across the land! (Rumor had it.)

Before even returning to the Martial Soul Hall, Guang Ling had already imagined how things would unfold.

Stepping into the Hall of Devotion, his posture instantly straightened. Though usually carefree in speech, upon seeing Qian Daoliu, he immediately showed respect.

“Big Brother.”

He saluted, then caught sight of the little girl beside Qian Daoliu.

So young?

Guang Ling was momentarily stunned, then sneered.

What kind of “unparalleled” is this?

Why spread false rumors?

“This is Lao Wu, this is Nian Nian. From today on, she is your apprentice,” Qian Daoliu introduced. “Nian Nian has twin martial souls, innate spirit power at level 20. Her two martial souls are the Yata Binding Spirit Mirror and Blue Silver Grass. The Yata Binding Spirit Mirror is a top-tier light attribute spirit, known as the Sun God’s Mirror, carrying the power of the sun. It perfectly complements your ice-light attribute martial soul. You are the most suitable to mentor her.”

Twin martial souls? Innate spirit power at level 20?

Guang Ling was slightly surprised.

But something about Big Brother’s words felt odd.

A light attribute martial soul with solar power—that’s practically the Six-Winged Angel martial soul, isn’t it?

How did it become supposedly more compatible with him?

“Come on, Nian Nian, call me Master.”

Before Guang Ling could react, Qian Daoliu had already urged Tang Nian Nian to pay her respects.

Tang Nian Nian respectfully bowed and said, “Master above, please accept your apprentice’s bow!”

Thus, the apprenticeship was settled. Qian Daoliu instructed Guang Ling to take Tang Nian Nian back to his hall and to treat her well.

Guang Ling assured him he understood. Once back, he began formulating a plan for Nian Nian’s spirit rings.

Upon hearing the news, the Seventh Devotee hurried over, feeling quite unsettled.

Why did Lao Wu get an apprentice with twin martial souls and innate spirit power at level 20, while he did not?

It wouldn’t have been a problem for him to have her as an apprentice either.

Most importantly, his brother brought the girl back, yet he wasn’t the first to know?!

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Truly, the favors only go outward. No one thought to share the news with him; he had to hear it from others.

*

In Guang Ling’s hall, he was explaining martial souls and spirit rings to Tang Nian Nian. She listened attentively until a sudden shout interrupted their rhythm.

“Fifth Brother!”

The newcomer was the Demon-Slaying Douluo, the twin brother of Qian Jun. Wearing a similarly styled devotee robe, but red instead of the usual color, his forehead was free of binding ribbons, and he carried a roguish air that contrasted with the more composed Qian Jun.

Wolong and Fengchu.

This was Tang Nian Nian’s impression of the pairing of Demon-Slaying and Guang Ling.

“So this is the little apprentice you just took? Quickly, call me Uncle! I’m your Master’s colleague!”

“…”

“What do you mean ‘Uncle’? Call me Grandfather, that’s more fitting! Old Seven!”

“What nonsense about generations? She’s your apprentice, not your granddaughter. ‘Uncle’ is correct!”

“She even calls Big Brother ‘Grandfather.’ What, do you want to be Big Brother’s nephew?”

“…”

Although Guang Ling’s words were rough, their logic was sound.

Demon-Slaying was momentarily speechless and chose to skip the topic. He looked at Tang Nian Nian. “I heard she has twin martial souls and innate spirit power at level 20. Is that true?”

“Of course it is!” Guang Ling said. “Big Brother personally tested her spirit power. Could it be fake? Big Brother said the Yata Binding Spirit Mirror martial soul has a connection with the Six-Winged Angel martial soul. It’s divine bestowal, nothing surprising.”

“Oh, I see.” Upon hearing it was certified by Qian Daoliu, Demon-Slaying was no longer skeptical.

If it’s officially certified, what’s there to doubt?

But this left Tang Nian Nian confused.

The Yata Binding Spirit Mirror is also divine bestowal like the Six-Winged Angel? Connected somehow?

How did she not know this?

At that moment, the system explained: “I told you from the start—it’s a god-level martial soul.”

“…”

Tang Nian Nian thought: Fine, fine, my perspective was narrow—I thought it was just a rank, but it’s literal meaning.

Afterward, Guang Ling and Demon-Slaying discussed ideas about how Tang Nian Nian should acquire her spirit rings. Both agreed she must prioritize cultivating the Yata Binding Spirit Mirror. As for Blue Silver Grass, they found it strange. The Yata Binding Spirit Mirror is of exceptionally high quality; Blue Silver Grass is a worthless martial soul. How could they appear together?

There must be some mystery.

However, they knew little about cultivating twin martial souls, an area they rarely touched upon. Perhaps they needed to go to the Pope’s Hall and have that woman Bibi Dong teach Nian Nian.

At this thought, their expressions grew solemn.

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“I finally understand why Big Brother entrusted Nian Nian to me.”

“Why?”

Guang Ling said earnestly, “Because we have to go to the Pope’s Hall to find that woman. Big Brother doesn’t want to go himself!”

Demon-Slaying: “…”

Tang Nian Nian: “…”

*

At this moment, inside the Pope’s Hall.

Yue Guan returned to report, but did not bring anyone back.

Seated on the high throne was a woman clad in a radiant golden gown. She rested her head on her hand, wearing a nine-bend purple gold crown atop her head. In her other hand, she held a two-meter-long scepter encrusted with countless jewels. Her pale skin and nearly flawless beauty made her appear extraordinarily distinguished.

She was the current Pope of the Martial Soul Hall, Bibi Dong.

“Your Majesty, the child… was taken away by the Sixth Devotee…”

Yue Guan must have done considerable mental preparation before entering the Pope’s Hall, for as he spoke, his head bowed low. Having lost the person right at his doorstep, his failure was an undeniable fact with no room for explanation.

Yet, the storm he expected did not come. Bibi Dong remained silent for a long time.

Yue Guan did not rise, sweating nervously, fearing sudden punishment.

Indeed, the calm before the storm is the most terrifying.

“Sixth Devotee, huh…”

After a moment, Bibi Dong spoke lightly.

“Understood. Rise. Why do you keep your head bowed so low?”

“…”

Yue Guan was taken aback.

Bibi Dong’s attitude was unexpected.

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

As he stood, he wiped his brow, somewhat relieved.

Bibi Dong rested on the throne, her thoughts unknown, but her mood did not seem particularly bad.

“Have you ascertained the child’s situation?” she asked.

Yue Guan hurriedly replied, “Yes, fully understood. Her name is Nian Nian, born in Notting City, with twin martial souls and innate spirit power at level twenty.”