Chapter 52: The Cunning Shadow and the Eastward Path
Iks was a master of deception. He reached the 100,000-year milestone. But he did not flaunt his power. He retracted ten of his twelve tentacles. Only two remained. They hung limp and weak. He looked frail and sickly. He looked like a creature that anyone could kick to death. Zhangting watched this with a speechless expression. He did not know whether to call Iks sneaky or brilliant. But a cunning soul spirit was a blessing. He called to the "sickly" Iks. They continued walking through the forest.
Zhangting did not leave the platform yet. He decided to push further. He wanted to push his rings to the 200,000-year mark. This was an unheard-of goal. He knew his breakthrough to Spirit Emperor was close. It was better to do the work now. Zhangting felt relaxed in the dense forest. He had achieved what others only dreamed of. He talked to Iks as they walked. He was curious about Iks's human form.
Iks said he could transform but chose not to. A human form would make enemies more guarded. A weak beast form was better for sneak attacks. Iks began to tease Zhangting. He suggested many human forms. He could be a beautiful woman. He could be a little boy. Zhangting's forehead grew dark with lines. He tied Iks's tentacles into a tight knot. "I'm not that perverted," he muttered.
Another week passed in the simulation. Zhangting spent half a month on the platform. He explored every single corner. The system began to groan under the strain. The refresh rate could not keep up with his killing. The entire platform was overloaded by his presence. If he were an outsider, the Pagoda would have kicked him out. But Zhangting was the young master. When he finally stepped out, he was a different man.
His five rings were now nearly 200,000 years old. His spirit power was at Level 58. He was a monster in a boy's body. Qiangu Dongfeng rushed to meet him. He dropped all his business to see his grandson. He was overflowing with pride. He called Zhangting a future god. Zhangting interrupted him quickly. Public glory was dangerous. He did not want to be a target for soul cannons. He asked for his next assignment.
The meeting moved to the Tower Master's office. Only Han Tianyi and Makino were present. Dongfeng explained the path of power. A leader must rise from the provinces. A general must emerge from the soldiers. Dongfeng had started in a remote western city. He had built his legacy with the Western Legion. He wanted Zhangting to have the same foundation. He wanted his grandson to be perfect.
Dongfeng offered three directions for the internship. North, South, or East. Each path held a major federal legion. But he remembered the elders' advice. Zhangting must decide his own destiny. He told his grandson these were only suggestions. He would support any choice Zhangting made. Zhangting did not refuse the plan. He knew his status magnified his flaws. He had to be strong in all directions.
Zhangting looked toward the East. He thought of Aolai City. He thought of the hidden dragon, Tang Wulin. He thought of the silver-haired girl, Gu Yuena. The East was where the new era would begin. It was where the tides of fate would turn. By choosing the East, Zhangting moved to the center of the storm.
"I choose the East," Zhangting said. His voice was calm and firm. The East Sea was calling to him. It was a place of secrets and ancient blood. He was no longer just an heir. He was a player on the board of history. He would forge his own iron. He would build his own legion.
Qiangu Dongfeng nodded with approval. He did not know Zhangting's secrets. He only saw his grandson's wisdom. The arrangements were made fast. Zhangting would be a manager in the East. He would build his name from the ground up. The abyss had finished its gaze. The journey to the coast had begun. The butterfly had flapped its wings. The storm was moving toward the sea.