Douluo: The Ultimate Self

As Yang Xiong was blasted out of the red mist by Yao Mei, he collapsed to the ground, clearly struggling to stay upright. His eyes, once glowing purple with the Purple Extreme Demon Eye, had returned to their normal state. The Xuanming Armor covering his body was riddled with countless terrifying scratches, yet despite the damage, it remained unbroken—its defense was nothing short of extraordinary.

Yang Xiong's hands, however, were in far worse condition. Covered in countless cuts and oozing blood, they bore testament to the ferocity of the battle.

The audience couldn't help but swallow nervously. Yang Xiong's combat prowess was astonishing—he had managed to hold his own against Yao Mei for such an extended period. After all, Yao Mei possessed the strength of a top-tier Soul Emperor, while Yang Xiong was still only a quasi-Soul Ancestor.

Yao Mei moved with incredible speed, swiftly returning to the battlefield. Without Yang Xiong's restraint, the red mist rapidly enveloped the rest of Shrek's team. Their senses dulled, as if they were trapped in a swamp, unable to perceive or react effectively.

Yang Xiong gritted his teeth and forced himself back to his feet. However, his mental strength was nearly depleted, leaving him unable to resist Yao Mei further. At best, he could only protect himself from the relentless assault of the red mist.

The Shrek team, which had initially held a slight numerical advantage, now found themselves completely overwhelmed. The red mist suppressed their movements and disrupted their coordination, rendering them helpless.

From within the mist came several cries of pain—evidence that Yao Mei's attacks were landing without resistance. The mental interference from the red mist left Shrek's members unable to defend themselves.

At this moment, Tang San, who had been struggling under the pressure, suddenly surged forward. His eyes glowed with a piercing blue light as he unleashed the full force of the Purple Extreme Demon Eye directly at Yao Mei's head.

Yao Mei reacted with blinding speed, twisting its head to avoid the brunt of the attack. Still, the purple beam struck its cheek, eliciting a sharp cry of pain.

However, the injury wasn't severe enough to stop Yao Mei. Gripping its crescent blades, it launched a furious assault on Tang San. Even with the mighty Hao Tian Hammer in hand, Tang San couldn't withstand the barrage. Within moments, the hammer was knocked from his grasp, and the twin crescent blades pierced deep into his chest—a brutal strike that sent him crashing to the ground.

Tang San lay there, his face etched with frustration. Both his mental strength and physical stamina were utterly depleted.

Yang Xiong clenched his teeth and rushed to Ning Rongrong's side. Ignoring the others' plight, he scooped her up and sprinted toward the edge of the arena.

Yao Mei's voice rang out, filled with hatred: "Bold Yang Xiong, do you think you can escape? I won't let you off so easily!"

With lightning speed, Yao Mei closed the distance, wielding its crescent blades in a rapid spinning motion. This was Xie Yue's most powerful self-created soul skill: Full Moon.

The two crescent blades spun like gears, creating an unstoppable whirlwind of destruction.

Yang Xiong's Xuanming Armor emitted a silvery glow as his soul bone skill activated: Impenetrable Fortress. (In a previous chapter I think I called it Impregnable Defense or something)

But even this formidable defense couldn't withstand Yao Mei's relentless assault. The sound of the crescent blades slicing through the protective barrier grew increasingly shrill. With a sharp crack, the armor's protection shattered under the force of Xie Yue's ultimate attack.

Yang Xiong's expression hardened. A massive golden Rasengan appeared in his right hand, which he hurled with all his might toward Yao Mei. Meanwhile, Yao Mei charged forward, its blades poised to strike.

The collision between the two attacks unleashed a terrifying explosion of energy. Both combatants were sent flying by the force of the impact.

As the red mist began to dissipate, Yang Xiong was left kneeling on one knee, utterly spent. His mental strength and soul power were completely drained.

Hu Liena and Xie Yue separated, both visibly injured and kneeling on the ground.

At this point, everyone on Shrek's team except Ning Rongrong—who had merely exhausted her soul power—lay gravely wounded. Tang San's injuries were particularly severe. In contrast, the Spirit Hall Team fared better. Yan still retained considerable strength, and several other Soul Ancestors remained standing.

Yang Xiong clenched his teeth and declared, "We concede this match."

Hu Liena glared at Yang Xiong, her voice dripping with disdain: "I never expected someone at your level to possess such combat ability. It's a pity you encountered us."

Yang Xiong snorted: "You're only powerful because of your two-person spirit fusion technique. Next time, you won't be so lucky."

Seeing Yang Xiong concede, Yu Xiaogang and the others looked utterly dejected. The three teaching elders from the Tian Dou Empire shared their disappointment. They had placed immense hope in Shrek's team, but the disparity in strength was simply too great. The fact that the match had lasted this long was largely due to Yang Xiong's overwhelming combat prowess.

The referee's voice rang out, filled with excitement: "The winner of the final match of the Continental Advanced Soul Master Elite Tournament is… the Spirit Hall Team!"

The announcement ignited a frenzy among the spectators. Cheers erupted throughout the arena: "Long live the Spirit Hall! Long live Her Holiness the Pope!"

The cheers reverberated across Spirit City, reaching a crescendo. In that moment, the Spirit Hall's prestige seemed to reach its peak. Meanwhile, Ning Fengzhi, Sword Douluo, Dugu Bo, and others wore expressions of dismay. Even representatives from the Star Luo Empire looked troubled.

The Spirit Hall had intentionally offered such valuable rewards to maximize their influence. This victory would significantly boost their reputation and solidify their dominance.

Yang Xiong's lips curled into a bitter smile. He wasn't sure if his decision had been the right one, but it was clear that history had been altered, even if only slightly.

Next came the awards ceremony. Everyone had to rise from the ground—even those who were severely injured. At this moment, a Soul Sage from the Spirit Hall stepped forward, holding a radiant golden scepter.

The seventh soul ring around him glowed as he unleashed the True Body of the Golden Scepter. A beam of light enveloped everyone, healing their wounds and restoring their soul power at an astonishing rate. Even Yang Xiong felt his mental strength slowly returning. Truly, this was a top-tier auxiliary martial soul.

However, at this moment, Yang Xiong noticed something strange. Many of the spectators' gazes shifted—not to him, but to Xiao Wu. Even Sword Douluo leaned over to whisper something to Ning Fengzhi.

Yang Xiong's expression darkened as he turned to look at Xiao Wu. She had already begun to recover, but a blood-red blade of grass floated above her.

One glance was all it took for Yang Xiong to recognize it: Dragon Saliva Grass. This rare herb was said to possess draconic properties, capable of masking any presence. When worn by a soul master, even a Title Douluo wouldn't be able to sense their soul power level.

Yang Xiong frowned in confusion. How did Xiao Wu come to possess Dragon Saliva Grass? Who had given it to her? No wonder this little rabbit dared to set foot in Spirit City.

He sighed deeply. Even without the Yearning Heartbroken Red, she had something just as effective. Whether Ning Fengzhi intervened or not, Xiao Wu's identity was bound to be exposed sooner or later.

Xiao Wu's face paled as she noticed the intense gazes directed at her. Trembling slightly, she quickly retracted the Dragon Saliva Grass.

The Golden Scepter lived up to its reputation as a top-tier auxiliary tool martial soul. One by one, the others began to recover. Tang San, seeing Xiao Wu's frightened expression, rushed to her side.

"Xiao Wu, what's wrong? Is there something unusual about your body?"

Though Xiao Wu heard Tang San's words, she could feel the hostile gazes piercing her. Fear gripped her heart.

"Brother San, you promised to protect me. Can you really do that now?"

Tang San immediately reassured her: "Don't worry, Xiao Wu. Anyone who wants to harm you will have to step over my dead body."

At this moment, Pope Bibi Dong spoke: "Everyone performed admirably in this soul master tournament. Now, let us invite our champions to receive their rewards."

Amidst the envious gazes of the crowd, Hu Liena, Xie Yue, and Yan ascended the podium.

Bibi Dong's expression softened with pride: "Hu Liena, Xie Yue, Yan, your performances were outstanding. These three soul bones are your rewards. Furthermore, I hereby announce that starting today, Hu Liena shall serve as the Holy Maiden of the Spirit Hall."

Cheers erupted throughout the arena. As Hu Liena, Xie Yue, and Yan accepted their soul bones from Bibi Dong, they became the most dazzling figures in all of Spirit City.

Yang Xiong watched the scene unfold with a pang of regret. Perhaps he should have fought with everything he had. The Spirit Hall's current unity and arrogance were unprecedented. If things continued like this, the Soul Hunting Operation might begin earlier than expected. He realized his plans needed to accelerate—otherwise, he risked becoming collateral damage.

Just as the Spirit Hall basked in their triumph, Bibi Dong's expression suddenly turned icy. "Guards, seize that girl."

Her gaze locked onto Xiao Wu, burning with intensity.

Ning Fengzhi hurriedly interjected: "Your Holiness, shouldn't we confirm this first?"

Bibi Dong shot him a cold glare: "Sect Leader Ning, mind your place. This is a matter of utmost importance to the Spirit Hall. If the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect dares to interfere, they will be considered enemies of the Spirit Hall."

Shrek's team had already left the arena when these words rang out. Everyone froze in shock, especially Yu Xiaogang, who had rushed to Tang San and Xiao Wu's side.

"What do you intend to do? Even with the Spirit Hall's power, you can't act recklessly!" Yu Xiaogang protested.

Bibi Dong replied coldly: "If that girl is human, we would naturally leave her alone. But if she is a hundred-thousand-year transformed spirit beast, then the Spirit Hall cannot tolerate her existence."

The crowd gasped in astonishment. Greed flickered in their eyes as they stared at Xiao Wu. Everyone knew that hundred-thousand-year spirit beasts were treasures of unimaginable value in the world of soul masters. Their soul rings and soul bones were worth a fortune. And if a hundred-thousand-year transformed spirit beast only possessed the strength of a Soul Ancestor, capturing it would be effortless.

Tang San and Yu Xiaogang exchanged shocked glances, their eyes filled with confusion.

Xiao Wu's face crumpled with despair and fear. "Brother San, I'm sorry. I am indeed a hundred-thousand-year transformed spirit beast. I never meant to deceive you."

The confusion in Tang San's eyes quickly faded. Clenching his teeth, he declared: "Xiao Wu, don't say another word. Whether you're human or a spirit beast, you're the most important person to me. I won't let anyone hurt you."

Liu Erlong rushed to Xiao Wu's side, wrapping her in a protective embrace. "Xiao Wu, you're my goddaughter. No matter what happens, I won't let anyone harm you."

The tension in the air reached a breaking point. The members of Shrek's team exchanged uneasy glances, unsure of what to do next.

Dai Mubai roared, breaking the silence: "Whether Xiao Wu is human or a hundred-thousand-year transformed spirit beast, she's our teammate—a companion who has fought alongside us through thick and thin. We won't let her be taken without a fight!"

His words resonated with everyone. One by one, the other team members gathered around Xiao Wu, forming a protective circle. Yang Xiong sighed inwardly but joined them nonetheless.

Tang San's eyes filled with gratitude as he looked at his teammates. "Thank you all."

At this moment, Flender burst out laughing. "We old folks aren't dead yet. Why are you youngsters taking the lead?"

Flender, Yu Xiaogang, and Liu Erlong stepped forward, ready to fight to the death.

As for the three teaching elders of Tian Dou Imperial Academy and Crown Prince Xue Qinghe, they exchanged awkward glances. Their faces revealed inner conflict—they couldn't afford to oppose the Spirit Hall, especially over a hundred-thousand-year transformed spirit beast.

------------------------------------------------------

40+ Chapters Ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow

There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)