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Spirit Pagoda, Leng Yaozhu's Office
Gu Yuena and Bai Xu arrived together. Their recommendation letters had already been prepared, and once they received them, they would set off to join the military for training.
"Teacher!" Gu Yuena pushed the door open, her voice brimming with excitement.
"Nana, you're here." Leng Yaozhu looked at the two of them with warmth in her eyes. Unlike others, she believed Bai Xu was worthy of her disciple. There was an indescribable, unique aura about him.
And perhaps it was just her imagination, but over the past few years, Bai Xu's appearance had grown increasingly handsome, exuding a heroic air. His body seemed purer, flawless, his skin even fairer and smoother than a woman's.
Cultivation really does come with beauty enhancement effects!
"Greetings, Heavenly Phoenix Douluo," Bai Xu said, as composed as ever.
"Mm. Here are the recommendation letters for you and Nana. You're already aware of the situation regarding the Abyss, right?" Leng Yaozhu asked.
"Yes, I've already discussed it with Bai Xu. The Douluo Continent is facing a catastrophe," Gu Yuena replied.
"Good. Knowing the dangers ahead yet still choosing to go—that already sets you apart from those cowardly, self-serving soul masters who only chase profit. To become true powerhouses, tempering yourselves through life-and-death trials is essential. Both of you have the potential to reach the pinnacle of this continent. This journey will transform that potential into real strength."
Gu Yuena smiled faintly, her bright eyes softening as she quietly took Bai Xu's hand. In her heart, she knew… this would be their final journey together. After this, they would no longer be just obscure Spirit Masters of the Spirit Pagoda. In the future, they would bear many different identities—the Sovereign of Soul Beasts, the Otherworldly Demon—and face countless troubles.
"We will definitely carve out a perfect ending. And then… I'll marry you, okay?" she whispered.
Bai Xu understood the deeper meaning behind her words and chuckled. "Okay."
Leng Yaozhu watched the pair before her, feeling not only contentment and satisfaction but also a trace of regret. Still, seeing her disciple find such a good partner was a consolation in itself. Perhaps it was time for her to let go.
"By the way, Nana, how is the progress on the ten-thousand-year spirit soul project at the Spirit Soul Research Institute? Will they let you leave?" Leng Yaozhu asked.
"It's almost complete. Only some finishing touches remain. The ten-thousand-year spirit soul is about to be successfully developed!"
"Good. Don't worry. Even if you're not there, no one can take credit for your work. I'll ensure the Spirit Pagoda recognizes your contribution."
"Thank you, Teacher. Then, Bai Xu and I will take our leave now."
———
Nightfall.
Gu Yuena asked, "Today is our last day at the Spirit Pagoda. Tomorrow, we'll set off for the Blazing Basin. Do you have any plans?"
"Plans? Of course—to prepare as many contingencies as possible for the final battle. Countermeasures against the Plane Lord, against Tang San's divine sense, against the Golden Dragon King…"
Bai Xu glanced at Gu Yuena teasingly and added, "And against you. And against the unknown. In short, I don't want to be outmaneuvered and killed. The path of cultivation is treacherous—it's best to be cautious."
Gu Yuena glared at him, grumbling inwardly, "Even now, you're still scheming against me…" But his words also reassured her. "Is there anything I can do to help?"
"Just act according to the situation. If I end up in a mutually destructive clash with them, you might just reap the benefits."
And it was true. If Bai Xu and Tang San truly fought to a stalemate, the soul beasts might indeed seize the opportunity. At that time…
Gu Yuena huffed, "I would never harm you."
Bai Xu paused, giving her a strange look. "You wouldn't lock me up in a secret room, would you?"
"What nonsense are you spouting?!"
"Haha, just joking."
"But… what did you mean when you said you'd face persecution from the entire plane?" Gu Yuena asked.
"The title 'Otherworldly Demon' isn't given without reason. In fact, the Sea God Tang San, who ascended to godhood twenty thousand years ago—his soul was also that of a transmigrator from another world," Bai Xu explained.
"What?!" Gu Yuena was stunned. That legendary figure was actually an outsider? Considering Tang San's control over the Douluo Continent, she could guess the rest—an Otherworldly Demon would never allow another to encroach on his territory.
Unless they were from the same homeland.
But Bai Xu and Tang San were anything but kin.
"So, does that mean no native of the Douluo Continent could ever surpass you Otherworldly Demons? No wonder things have turned out like this," Gu Yuena muttered.
"Blame the Plane Spirit for that. He just has terrible taste in people," Bai Xu shrugged.
Gu Yuena sighed bitterly. "I can't accept how scheming you all are. Tang San even manipulated the Dragon God's divine throne into his grandson's hands…"
Bai Xu stroked her tail and said, "Actually… it's just that your minds are too simple. Tang San's schemes aren't particularly sophisticated, but for Douluo Continent, they're more than enough. The Abyss is proof of that."
"Are you mocking me for being stupid?" Gu Yuena frowned.
Bai Xu chuckled. "Ah—don't misunderstand. I'm not targeting you. I mean everyone."
"But it is a little strange. You spent tens of thousands of years recuperating under the Lake of Life. Logically, your mind should be as sharp as a demon's by now. Why, then, did you infiltrate human society and come up with such a half-baked plan to overthrow them?"
"I was in hibernation for most of those years! I only woke when absolutely necessary!" Gu Yuena bristled, her voice defensive.
"Oh, really? Well, lucky for me. Otherwise, I might not have tricked you so easily. Who knows? You might've stabbed me in the back. Now that would've been terrifying."
Gu Yuena turned away, resolving to improve herself. Compared to Tang San and Bai Xu, her schemes were indeed child's play.
Tang San's ten-thousand-year plan had reshaped the Douluo Continent's destiny. He had even implanted a mental imprint on her and left Tang Hao as the Plane Lord—proof that everything was under his control.
Even Bai Xu had prepared contingencies against all possible threats. Both of them planned far ahead, while her own strategies paled in comparison.
Meanwhile, Bai Xu had his own concerns. His other self had warned him—the will of this universe would not allow him to grow unhindered. The final outcome might be far different than expected.
But his other self had also left a backup plan. The only thing Bai Xu needed to master now was that one, crucial divine ability…
"It seems I can't neglect my soul power cultivation either. After the seventh ring, the Plane Spirit bestows the laws of Fate, Karma, Space, and Time. In any other world, mastering even one of these would make one a hegemon, capable of ruling over all. Yet now… I don't even have a clue where to start."
This made Bai Xu frown. But there was no choice—he had to take it step by step.
Time was running out.
"Ow—why'd you pinch me?!"
"Tell me the truth—were you planning to imitate Tang San, turning Douluo Continent into your personal domain and controlling everything? You scheming types all have the same rotten hearts," Gu Yuena accused.
Bai Xu's lips twitched. "Not everyone is obsessed with this place. And I'm pretty sure a normal person wouldn't split their daughter into pieces just to manipulate the Child of Destiny. Yes, I'm an Otherworldly Demon, but don't lump me in with that level of scum."