For Bibi Dong, Yin Zhang—the so-called lucky star—was nothing short of a disaster for her Supreme Pontiff Palace.
Now that an accident seemed to have occurred, it was naturally something she felt pleased about.
"Xiao Zhang, let me introduce you," Qiangu Yunying said with a smile. "This is my brother, Qian Gu Lifan. I've mentioned him to you before. He went to Star Luo long ago to serve as a deacon and gain experience. Because of my sister-in-law, he's returned to Spirit City. This time, he came together with my father and my two grandfathers."
Yin Zhang looked at Qian Gu Lifan. His features were gentle, with a mole beneath his left eye. Rather than making him look effeminate, it lent him a faintly sharp, resolute air.
"Xiao Zhang," Qian Gu Lifan said with a soft laugh, "it's better to meet in person than hear countless stories. When I was in Star Luo, I often heard about your reputation as a genius of Spirit Hall Academy. What I didn't expect was your cultivation speed. Not yet twelve, and already a Spirit King. When I was twelve, I was only a Spirit Grandmaster, barely approaching Spirit Elder. You truly are a genius—I hope you go even further in the future."
Yin Zhang smiled calmly. Taking out a jade box from the golden bead chain around his neck, he handed it over.
"Brother Lifan, it's a pleasure to finally meet you. Since this is our first meeting, I don't have much to offer. Inside is a Dragon Ganoderma Leaf. After consuming it, it can heal injuries and restore spirit power. I have several on hand, so please accept this."
Qian Gu Lifan froze for a moment as he looked at the red-and-green leaf inside the box.
"Then I won't refuse," he said. "When I return to Spirit City, I'll prepare a gift in return."
He put the jade box away into the storage spirit tool at his waist.
"Grandfather Qian Jun, Grandfather Jiang Mo—congratulations on both breaking through to level ninety-seven…"
The group decided to stay in Xuanwu City for one day before returning to Spirit City, as they were not in any hurry.
As for the city lord of Xuanwu City, he naturally did not dare show the slightest negligence. He personally ran about with the people of the City Lord's Mansion, serving Yin Zhang and the others with utmost care.
Golden Crocodile was still refining the medicinal power of the Marvelous Velvet Sky-Reaching Chrysanthemum, which would likely take another hour or two.
Meanwhile, Yin Zhang questioned the city lord about the two brothers, Graphite and Grinding Stone.
"City Lord," Yin Zhang asked, "does Xuanwu City have people named Graphite and Grinding Stone? They're brothers, and their martial spirits are Xuanwu Turtles. Do you know them?"
The city lord frowned slightly, thought for a moment, then suddenly understood.
"I don't know those two by name, but there is a Shi Family in Xuanwu City. They moved here more than ten years ago. The strongest among them is a Spirit Emperor, and they're fairly well-known among the local nobles."
Yin Zhang nodded. "In that case, please trouble yourself to contact the Shi Family. Tell them I wish to take Graphite and Grinding Stone to Spirit Hall for training. If they're interested, have them come to the City Lord's Mansion to see me. Be quick—we leave tomorrow."
Leaving tomorrow!
The city lord nearly wept with relief.
In a single day, he had encountered more great figures than he had seen in his entire life. First, the dean of Spirit Hall Academy—a Spirit Douluo. Then a Spirit Saint. And afterward, three Titled Douluo experts arrived in person. Anyone would be under immense pressure.
"Understood, Your Highness," the city lord said hastily. "I'll contact the Shi Family right away."
After the city lord left, Qiangu Yunying walked over, curiosity written on her face.
"Xiao Zhang, are Graphite and Grinding Stone really that important?"
Yin Zhang nodded, then shook his head.
"Not exactly. I mainly want to confirm a guess of mine. But their aptitude is excellent. As defense-type Spirit Masters—and turtle-type at that—I think Uncle Tang would be very interested in them."
"Their martial spirit is the Xuanwu Turtle. That name alone suggests a deep connection to Xuanwu, one of the Four Divine Beasts. I'm wondering whether their spirits can evolve into true Xuanwu, or whether they possess some kind of martial soul fusion skill."
Qiangu Yunying suddenly understood.
"That would indeed be impressive. If, after arriving at Spirit Hall, their spirits truly evolve into the Divine Beast Xuanwu, they'd become pillar-level figures for Spirit Hall in the future."
She then added, "Also, the little dragon has been bored in the courtyard. Let's go keep it company. This is the center of Xuanwu City—if it suddenly flies up and startles people, that wouldn't be good."
Yin Zhang nodded. "That's fine. Let's take it outside the city for a walk. It's free by nature—being confined like this, even if it doesn't say anything, it'll still feel uncomfortable."
The two walked over to the little dragon. Its massive body nearly filled the entire courtyard.
Yin Zhang stepped forward and clicked his tongue with a grin.
"So you're a Golden-Eyed Black Dragon—Di Tian's child. If Di Tian knew you've recognized me as your father now, wouldn't he be furious?"
The little dragon didn't understand his words, only gently nudging Yin Zhang with its enormous head.
At that moment, Yin Zhang noticed something.
The scales on the dragon's neck were beginning to turn black.
He frowned.
"Why are they turning black? Is it because of the Golden-Eyed Black Dragon bloodline? That doesn't seem right. Back in the Xuanwu Forest, before it emerged, I didn't notice this at all…"
Just then, voices sounded from outside.
Knock, knock—
The city lord's voice rang out at the gate of the City Lord's Mansion.
"Is anyone there? I've brought the people Your Highness wished to see. Please open the door!"
Qian Gu Lifan happened to be nearby. Hearing this, he walked over and opened the gate.
"Oh, it's you. Isn't this your home? Just come in."
The city lord wore a bitter expression as he replied hoarsely, "I've brought the people His Highness wanted. Where is he?"