Douluo: The Ultimate Self

Tang Hao continued to bring Tang San to the waterfall for cultivation. However, as soon as they arrived, Tang Hao's expression changed—someone had clearly been here before.

Tang Hao rushed into the hidden chamber behind the waterfall. Everything inside appeared undisturbed, but the item he had hidden was gone.

Tang Hao roared in anger: "Who? Who stole my belongings? I will never forgive you!"

This was the first time Tang San had seen Tang Hao in such a state. He didn't know how to approach him or what to say.

Eventually, Tang Hao knelt before a small patch of grass, tears welling up in his eyes: "Ah Yin, it's all my fault. I can't believe I've even lost the last thing you left behind."

…

Yang Xiong returned with the group to the Tian Dou Imperial Academy. The Shrek Team's second-place finish in the soul master tournament was the academy's best result in years. Everyone seemed elated, and Emperor Xue Ye personally received them.

Yang Xiong immediately sought out the three teaching elders to discuss a leave of absence for himself and Ning Rongrong.

Given their current soul power levels, Yang Xiong and Ning Rongrong had already met the graduation requirements of the Tian Dou Imperial Academy. However, at just fourteen years old, they were still eligible to participate in the next soul master tournament. Neither Xue Qinghe nor Yu Xiaogang would allow them to graduate so easily.

Considering their backgrounds, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect likely had other cultivation plans for them. Therefore, the three teaching elders did not insist on keeping them enrolled and instead granted Yang Xiong and Ning Rongrong a leave of absence, allowing them to return before the next tournament.

Upon returning to the academy, Flender seemed distracted, his heart no longer in teaching. Especially now that the Shrek Team had essentially disbanded, his enthusiasm had waned.

In addition to Yang Xiong and Ning Rongrong, both Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing had also applied for a leave of absence. They planned to train outside the academy, as the training methods at Tian Dou Imperial Academy were insufficient to help Dai Mubai surpass Dai Weisi.

Ning Rongrong had already returned to the sect with Ning Fengzhi. As the successor to the sect leader, her responsibilities extended beyond mere cultivation; she needed to learn how to handle internal sect affairs.

Yang Xiong, however, still had some matters to settle at the Tian Dou Imperial Academy. After spending two years at Shrek, he couldn't leave without gaining something.

First, Yang Xiong sought out Zhao Wuji. Zhao Wuji's life at the Tian Dou Imperial Academy was quite leisurely. He mainly oversaw combat training for the team and spent the rest of his time cultivating. His salary was decent too.

Zhao Wuji was pleased to see Yang Xiong visit him alone: "Little Xiong, I heard you performed admirably in the soul master tournament. It seems all those beatings weren't in vain."

Yang Xiong chuckled: "I owe much of my combat proficiency to your teachings, Teacher Zhao. Without you, I wouldn't have developed such strong fundamentals."

After some casual conversation, they got down to business.

Yang Xiong asked: "Teacher Zhao, do you have any future plans? Are you planning to continue teaching at the Tian Dou Imperial Academy?"

Zhao Wuji frowned: "What do you mean, Little Xiong? Is there something wrong with the academy? I find my current life quite comfortable."

Yang Xiong paused before replying: "During our time in Spirit City, we encountered many things. Principal Flender seems to have been deeply affected, and I doubt he'll remain at the academy for long. Moreover, Teacher Liu Erlong has been urging Principal Flender and Master Yu Xiaogang to move to Lanba Academy."

Zhao Wuji replied: "The Tian Dou Imperial Academy isn't home to prodigies like you. It's understandable that people wouldn't step forward during critical moments. As for me, I'm flexible. If Flender decides to leave, we could all go to Lanba Academy together. We've endured hardships before—it's not about the 3,000 gold spirit coins per month."

Yang Xiong thought for a moment: "Teacher Zhao, you're no longer young. Have you considered your future? Perhaps teaching isn't the only path for you."

Zhao Wuji's expression darkened: "Little Xiong, we've always gotten along well, and you know my personality. I don't want any ties to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect—their rules and restrictions are suffocating. Otherwise, I would've joined a sect long ago."

Yang Xiong shook his head: "It's not about the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. This is my personal request—I'd like you to serve as my private coach."

Zhao Wuji was puzzled: "Private coach? What's a private coach? Are you suggesting I become like those family-raised soul masters? Don't belittle me—if you keep this up, don't blame me for kicking you out."

Yang Xiong explained: "It's different. You'd only be responsible for training me, my brother, and our family members. Your focus would solely be on combat training, with no other responsibilities. Your monthly salary would be 5,000 gold spirit coins, and food and lodging would be fully covered."

Yang Xiong's idea was inspired by the private coaches of athletes from his previous life on Earth. These coaches earned high salaries and enjoyed relatively relaxed arrangements, which suited Zhao Wuji's personality.

Zhao Wuji asked: "Yang Xiong, what are you thinking? The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect doesn't lack people like me."

Yang Xiong quickly clarified: "Teacher Zhao, I assure you this has nothing to do with the sect. My older brother graduated this year, and I plan to return to the sect for cultivation. If we need combat training, finding someone else might be difficult. After sparring with you so many times, I've grown accustomed to your teaching style."

"Besides, though my parents aren't young, their combat experience is relatively lacking. They could use some refinement as well."

Yang Wei, Yang Xiong's older brother, was twenty years old and had reached Soul Ancestor Level 35. With no hope of participating in the next soul master tournament, he would likely return to the sect to take on a minor administrative role.

Zhao Wuji responded: "You should know I dislike being constrained. The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect is too complicated. I'm afraid problems might arise, and given my temperament, I might end up wanting to beat up some of those spoiled sect disciples."

Yang Xiong smiled: "Precisely because I understand the nature of those sect disciples that I want you to teach me and my brother. If any issues arise, you won't need to intervene, and you're free to leave anytime."

Zhao Wuji let out a bitter laugh: "You little prodigy really know how to put me on the spot. I've known Flender for years and consider him a brother. It's hard to part ways."

Yang Xiong remained silent for a moment before speaking: "Teacher Zhao, if you agree to become my private coach, I guarantee you'll break through to Title Douluo within ten years."

Zhao Wuji was stunned: "Little Xiong, do you know what you're saying? Breaking through to Title Douluo isn't easy. I know my limits—I'll probably only reach Soul Sage level in my lifetime."

Yang Xiong's expression turned serious: "Have I ever made a promise I didn't keep? If I'm making this guarantee, I have a solid plan. I can even arrange for your last two soul rings—they'll be top-tier."

Zhao Wuji's expression darkened: "Yang Xiong, what are you trying to do? The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect won't allow you to act recklessly."

Yang Xiong laughed: "There's no recklessness involved. I'm simply considering my own future. The sect's waters run deep—I fear drowning. That's why I'm confiding in you, Teacher Zhao. I'm grateful for your guidance over the past two years."

Zhao Wuji thought for a long while before responding: "I need some time to consider."

Yang Xiong nodded: "I understand, Teacher Zhao. This decision might be difficult for you, but it's truly the best choice for your future."

…

After leaving Zhao Wuji, Yang Xiong headed straight to Oscar's small villa. During the soul master tournament, Oscar had only participated in one match, and it ended in a crushing defeat. He seemed understandably disheartened.

After offering some words of comfort, Yang Xiong got straight to the point: "Oscar, do you want to come with me? Staying at the Tian Dou Imperial Academy is a waste of your talent."

Oscar hesitated: "Big Brother Xiong, are you asking me to join the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect? I don't want to be bound by sect rules."

Yang Xiong smiled: "I'm not representing the sect—I'm speaking for myself. I've always regarded you as one of the best brothers and friends in Shrek. You need to get out there and experience the world. Only through battle can one truly grow stronger."

Oscar looked puzzled: "I want to grow stronger through battle, but I'm just a food-based soul master. Can I really fight?"

Yang Xiong nodded: "Do you trust me? While food-based soul masters may seem weak, don't forget the Rasengan I created. Plus, I have other ways to turn you into a true Battle soul master."

"Also, think about your relationship with Qin Shuang. If you truly want to be with her, you either come with me or join the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. You know the difference between the two paths."

"Moreover, I plan to give you two gifts that might help you transform. After all, you're a rare case—a food-based soul master with innate full soul power."

Oscar thought for a long time: "Big Brother Xiong, are you saying you won't teach me the Rasengan or give me those gifts if I don't go with you?"

Yang Xiong shook his head: "No matter what you choose, I respect you. We're brothers—you're not my subordinate. I'll still share these things with you. But I hope you'll consider your future carefully. I have long-term plans."

"Besides, you'll graduate eventually, and you need to think about your future. As an independent food-based soul master, life will be tough, and others won't take you seriously."

"Only I truly recognize your talent and your aspirations. You might become the first-ever food-based Title Douluo, or even a top-tier powerhouse revered across the continent."

Without further ado, Yang Xiong handed Oscar the instructions for practicing the Rasengan.

Oscar didn't accept them immediately. Instead, he asked: "Big Brother Xiong, do you really believe I can reach Title Douluo? Do you truly acknowledge my talent?"

Yang Xiong didn't answer directly: "In the Far North, there's a spirit beast called the Mirror Shadow Beast—a rare species. If a food-based soul master uses a ten-thousand-year Mirror Shadow Beast as a soul ring, your sausages could gain the ability to replicate. That way, you could copy certain battle soul skills and gain combat capabilities."

"Of course, if your body becomes strong enough, mastering the Rasengan alone will give you some combat prowess. I'm still refining it, and it might become even more powerful in the future."

"In terms of cultivation talent, you're the best among everyone in Shrek. You're disciplined, but you've lacked opportunities."

After saying this, Yang Xiong left. Oscar was a smart person—he would figure out the right choice. Besides, Yang Xiong hadn't yet revealed the key immortal herb.

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