Zhu Ziyang and the others returned to the front courtyard of the Marquis's Residence and met up with Elder Song, Elder Zhu, and the rest.
"Ziyang, Lexuan, Nannan, how did it go?" Elder Song saw the joyful expressions on all three faces and immediately relaxed, asking without worry.
"It went well. Great Grand-Aunt took us to worship the faith long upheld by the Moon Lineage and the Yin clan," Zhang Lexuan said with a smile. "Elder Song, Elder Zhu, let's return to the hotel."
"Alright," Elder Song nodded in agreement.
"Lexuan, Nannan, I'll wait for you two at the Marquis's Residence tomorrow morning!" Xu Jianwei reminded them quickly as she saw they were about to leave. "Don't forget!"
"Mm-hmm, we won't forget!" Zhang Lexuan responded.
After returning to the hotel, Zhu Ziyang gathered all the disciples. According to their joint plan, their next step was to take complete control over the Moon South Archipelago — something that would clearly require Shrek Academy's involvement. Elder Song and Elder Zhu then delegated tasks to Wu Ming and the other seven Inner Court disciples.
These matters had little to do with Zhu Ziyang, so while Zhang Lexuan and the others convened their meeting, he had already returned to his room to discuss the day's events with his three soul spirits: Electrolux, Xue'er, Bing'er and Er Shuang.
"Tsk tsk tsk! Who would've thought — another divine inheritance!" Electrolux clicked his tongue in awe. "The Goddess of Moonlight, a deity who controls the power of the lunar force — this world truly is full of surprises!"
"So jealous of you humans!" Er Shuang also sighed. "You obtain divine inheritances so effortlessly, unlike us soul beasts — who must suffer and endure tribulations just to gain strength, yet we still aren't even qualified to become gods!"
"Mhm! Exactly!" the Ice Empress agreed with a pout. "That stingy sky is so unfair!"
"Bing'er, Shuang, don't be bitter," the Snow Empress said gently, calming them down. "We're no longer soul beasts, remember? We're soul spirits. When Papa becomes a god one day, we will naturally ascend with him. Compared to others, we're already incredibly fortunate!"
"She's right," Zhu Ziyang said with a chuckle. "You all have surpassed the soul beast race ever since becoming my soul spirits."
"Hehe, I suppose that's true!" Er Shuang grinned. "Ziyang, you better hustle and finish your fourth Death God trial! No more delays!"
"Alright, alright! I will!" Zhu Ziyang smiled helplessly at her nagging. "Once Lexuan and Nannan start their first lunar trials, I'll head back and continue mine."
——
The next morning, Zhu Ziyang, Zhang Lexuan, and Jiang Nannan met up with Xu Jianwei at the Marquis's Residence. After a brief explanation of their next destination, the four set off.
Xu Jianwei led them southward across April Island. Beyond a dense forest, they arrived at a cliff. It was crescent-shaped, nearly a kilometer wide, and appeared completely smooth, shimmering faintly in silver. Waves relentlessly crashed against its surface, each spray easily ten meters high.
What astonished the three was that there wasn't even a hint of wind nearby, yet the sea below roared ceaselessly, hurling waves against the cliffs nonstop. Since arriving, the waves hadn't stopped for even a moment.
"This is the Moon-Tide trial site," Xu Jianwei smiled as she saw their surprise. "It's called Moon Arc Cliff. It's said to have been blessed by the Moon Goddess. Waves constantly crash against the cliff's surface. Look closely — there's a row of raised stone platforms where the trial-takers must sit, enduring the waves."
Following her gesture, they saw a series of stone pedestals — each just big enough for one person to sit cross-legged. Every wave washed over them precisely.
"These waves really don't stop?" Jiang Nannan asked in amazement.
"Indeed. At least during my trial, they never ceased," Xu Jianwei replied. "Don't be fooled — each wave is heavy as lead. When they hit your body, the tempering effect is unparalleled."
"Understood. Nannan, let's begin," Zhang Lexuan nodded and turned to Jiang Nannan.
"Mm!" Jiang Nannan nodded back. The two women leapt simultaneously, landing squarely on separate platforms just before a wave rolled in. They sat cross-legged, ready for the trial to begin.
Zhu Ziyang watched the two women below. A sudden impulse made him ask, "Can I go down and experience it myself?"
"No," Xu Jianwei immediately shook her head. "This Moon Arc Cliff is prepared solely for trial-takers. Without approval, you can't land on those platforms."
"I see?" Zhu Ziyang rubbed his chin, deep in thought. Though he trusted her words, his curiosity got the better of him. Then, to Xu Jianwei's alarm, he made a sudden move.
He timed it perfectly and leapt toward an empty platform next to Jiang Nannan. But just as he was about to land, an overwhelming force descended on him. Caught off guard, Zhu Ziyang was slammed straight into the sea.
Zhang Lexuan and Jiang Nannan stood up in panic, watching the sea anxiously. When Zhu Ziyang finally surfaced, they both relaxed. Just as they were about to sit again, a huge wave crashed down, soaking them completely and nearly knocking them over. Thankfully, they stabilized just in time.
They quickly resumed their positions, focusing fully as the next wave approached.
Meanwhile, Zhu Ziyang swam out of the cliff's range. The pressure immediately vanished, and he soared out of the water, circling wide before returning to the cliff edge — where Xu Jianwei gave him a knowing, amused look.
Zhu Ziyang grinned awkwardly and said nothing.
Time passed. Jiang Nannan and Zhang Lexuan sat below, enduring the crashing waves. Zhu Ziyang remained seated above in quiet meditation. With Xu Jianwei watching over them, there was no need to worry — even if either of them reached their limits, she would ensure their safety.
——
Star Luo Empire. Chichen Mountain.
At the foot of the mountain, in a small town called Chijia Town, Ma Xiaotao, who had been traveling for over a year, stepped out and headed into the deeper mountains.
"Huan'er, hurry up! Stop dawdling!" Ma Xiaotao turned around, calling with a mix of exasperation and affection.
"Coming, coming, Sister Xiaotao!" a red-haired girl replied sweetly.
She was tall, about the same height as twenty-year-old Ma Xiaotao. Her flowing red hair cascaded down her back like waves, and her chest was just as prominent. If judged by physique alone, she looked twenty.
Yet her face remained youthful and innocent — large eyes, small mouth, cute nose, and tiny tiger teeth. Her expression carried a natural purity that stirred protective instincts in others.
"You! All you think about is food!" Ma Xiaotao teased as the girl caught up, pinching her soft cheeks.
"Hehe, but it's so tasty!" the girl giggled and offered an untouched snack. "Here, Sister Xiaotao! Try this — it's super good!"
"You little foodie," Ma Xiaotao laughed as she took the treat, her eyes glancing at the girl's chest. She sighed, "You're only sixteen, yet already the same level as me."
"Huh? What do you mean by the same level?" the girl blinked innocently.
"Nothing…" Ma Xiaotao's mouth twitched slightly as she changed the subject. "Come on. Let's see if there's a soul beast suitable for your sixth ring on Chichen Mountain."
"Hehe, I hope so! Isn't Chichen Mountain a volcano, Sister Xiaotao?" the girl replied with innocent excitement.
(End of Chapter)
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