Douluo: The Ultimate Self

After two full days of deliberation, both Zhao Wuji and Oscar finally made their decision—they would leave the Tian Dou Imperial Academy with Yang Xiong. 

In truth, the choice wasn't a difficult one. Yang Xiong regarded them as close friends and had offered them the best possible option—not just in terms of benefits but also concerning their future prospects and how much they were valued. 

As Yang Xiong had anticipated, at the Tian Dou Imperial Academy, they were merely teachers or students, with no special treatment or dedicated cultivation plans. However, by leaving with Yang Xiong, their path forward became clearer. This was especially true for Zhao Wuji, whose final two soul rings would be incredibly difficult to obtain. 

Flander didn't dwell too much on their plans. He and Zhao Wuji had been friends for decades. Coming to the Tian Dou Imperial Academy was part of Flander's plan to secure a future for all the teachers. Leaving with Yang Xiong might very well be the best choice. 

As for Oscar, a food-based soul master, neither Flander nor Yu Xiaogang had experience cultivating someone like him into a powerhouse. Following Yang Xiong could allow Oscar to unlock his full potential. 

With this, the original Shrek Academy team had essentially disbanded. Tang San and Xiao Wu had already left. Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing planned to train outside. Yang Xiong took Oscar, Ning Rongrong, and Zhao Wuji with him, leaving only Ma Hongjun behind. 

Ma Hongjun was still only a Soul Elder and hadn't resolved to venture out for training yet. He planned to continue studying at the Tian Dou Imperial Academy and remained Flander's sole student. 

Additionally, Yu Tianheng and Dugu Yan, who joined the Shrek Team later, also decided to leave. Both were over twenty years old and wouldn't have the chance to participate in the next soul master tournament. They planned to return to the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. 

The Shi brothers had also departed. Now Soul Ancestors and over twenty years old, staying at the Tian Dou Imperial Academy was no longer necessary for them. 

In the end, among all the team members, only Ye Lingling and Ma Hongjun remained at the academy. Both were eligible to participate in the next tournament and were highly valued by Yu Xiaogang, who planned to rebuild a team around them. 

On this day, under Yang Xiong's leadership, Oscar, Zhao Wuji, and Qin Shuang returned to the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. Qin Shuang, originally sent by Yang Xiong to the Tian Dou Imperial Academy, naturally followed Yang Xiong and Ning Rongrong back. 

Upon their arrival, Ning Fengzhi personally greeted Zhao Wuji and Oscar, showing great respect despite the fact that they weren't joining the sect. Ning Fengzhi arranged for the highest level of hospitality, assigning them a small villa within the inner sect, close to Yang Xiong's residence. 

Yang Xiong brought them home to meet his parents and older brother, Yang Wei. Going forward, Yang Wei would be Zhao Wuji's primary focus for combat training—a prospect that made Yang Wei's scalp tingle. 

Yang Xiong's father, Yang Lin, and mother, Sun Yu, though somewhat puzzled by Yang Xiong's decisions, didn't question him further. Yang Xiong had always been independent and decisive. As a soul master, having Zhao Wuji, a Soul Sage, as a mentor would make many things far more efficient. 

After settling everything, Yang Xiong went alone to meet Ning Fengzhi at the sect's core area. 

Ning Fengzhi and the Sword and Bone Douluos were present, seemingly expecting Yang Xiong's report. 

After seating Yang Xiong, Ning Fengzhi smiled and began: "Little Xiong, you've grown quite a bit during your two years at Shrek. You're much more composed than before and have brought significant benefits to the sect. Rongrong has also grown tremendously—this is all thanks to your efforts." 

Yang Xiong quickly replied: "Sect Leader, this is all part of my duty. However, Zhao Wuji and Oscar prefer a life without constraints and may not join the sect." 

Ning Fengzhi chuckled: "That's fine. Their willingness to stay with you shows they trust you. Even if they don't join, they'll always be our friends." 

"By the way, what are your plans for them? Will they cultivate within the sect, or do you have other arrangements?" 

Yang Xiong thought carefully before answering: "Sect Leader, I plan to first acquire my fourth soul ring before finalizing their plans. However, Zhao Wuji will likely stay within the sect, mainly focusing on combat training for me and my brother. After all, I invited him to be my private combat coach." 

"As for Oscar and Qin Shuang, I plan to send them out for training. The sect lacks sufficient danger to truly challenge their potential. Only through real trials can they grow. However, they'll need covert protection from the sect." 

Ning Fengzhi nodded: "I trust Qin Shuang. She does indeed need experience. When they go out, I'll arrange for someone to discreetly follow and protect them." 

"By the way, Little Xiong, what are your thoughts on the Spirit Hall after your visit there?" 

Yang Xiong, who had appeared relaxed until now, suddenly grew extremely serious: "Sect Leader, the Spirit Hall's strength exceeds everyone's expectations. During their battle with Tang Hao, they deployed seven Title Douluos. Their ambitions are vast, and we must prepare accordingly." 

Ning Fengzhi smiled: "You think far ahead, but you must understand that whether it's the number of soul masters or top-tier experts, we're far behind the Spirit Hall. That's one reason I've maintained good relations with the Hao Tian Sect and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan." 

Yang Xiong shook his head: "Sect Leader, the Hao Tian Sect has been in seclusion for over a decade—we can't rely on them. The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan is struggling to survive. Perhaps we need new allies." 

Ning Fengzhi's interest was piqued: "New allies? Who dares oppose the Spirit Hall these days? You should know the Spirit Hall has been courting smaller and medium-sized factions, infiltrating the soul master world far beyond your imagination." 

Yang Xiong replied: "Though the Spirit Hall is powerful, there are still forces in the soul master world willing to oppose them. During my upcoming soul ring hunt, I plan to visit the Star Luo Empire to handle some matters." 

Ning Fengzhi nodded: "That's fine. The Star Luo Empire's imperial family is overly dominant, but there are plenty of ordinary sects. Perhaps we can find some assistance there." 

… 

After everything was settled, Yang Xiong prepared to leave, but Bone Douluo suddenly spoke up: "Yang Xiong, come with me for a moment." 

Yang Xiong found this odd but followed the Bone Douluo. Ning Fengzhi and the Sword Douluo exchanged knowing smiles. 

The four soon arrived at the training grounds. The Bone Douluo looked exceptionally stern: "Yang Xiong, I hear you've been claiming to be my disciple outside. However, I've never taken any disciples. Do you know your crime?" 

Before Yang Xiong could respond, Bone Douluo unleashed a terrifying aura. Yang Xiong felt immense pressure, as if his entire body might collapse under the weight. 

Yang Xiong gritted his teeth, summoning his martial soul and soul rings. His body turned silver, and his armor materialized. 

However, Bone Douluo was a top-tier Title Douluo. Even his mere presence was overwhelming for Yang Xiong at his current stage. 

Yang Xiong felt as if his bones were being crushed, as though an enormous force was pressing him into submission. 

At this moment, Yang Xiong's resolve hardened. Though he had previously used Bone Douluo's name as a sect disciple borrowing the reputation of a senior, he had never considered the consequences. 

As the pressure increased, Yang Xiong's body began to twist. What started as Soul Ancestor-level pressure escalated to Soul King-level. Even the Bone Douluo was slightly surprised. 

Ordinarily, a soul master couldn't withstand pressure beyond their soul power level. Only exceptional battle soul masters could endure such strain. 

Yang Xiong was only at Level 40, yet the pressure from the Bone Douluo had reached Level 50—an unimaginable feat for most soul masters. 

But Yang Xiong wasn't one to surrender easily or be trampled upon. His face tensed, and his eyes turned purple. A beam of purple light shot from his eyes directly toward the Bone Douluo's head—it was the Purple Extreme Demon Eye. 

In terms of mastery, Yang Xiong's Purple Extreme Demon Eye rivaled Tang San's. Moreover, since Yang Xiong's entire body was his spirit, his mental strength surpassed Tang San's. 

Bone Douluo was startled but emitted a radiant glow that halted Yang Xiong's beam, causing it to dissipate. 

"Young man, your refusal to yield is commendable, but your strength is still lacking." 

As Bone Douluo spoke, the pressure on Yang Xiong intensified. Eventually, he knelt on one knee, relying on Tai Chi principles to withstand the force. By now, the pressure had reached Level 56. 

Even Ning Fengzhi and the Sword Douluo were astonished. Though they had seen Yang Xiong fight at full strength against Yao Mei, his current display seemed even stronger. 

Yang Xiong felt his bones straining under the immense pressure. His hands began to tremble involuntarily, and it seemed his Dragon Claw soul bone would soon be exposed. 

At this critical moment, Yang Xiong underwent a sudden transformation. His right hand turned red, and his left turned blue. With all his strength, he unleashed the soul bone skill Explosive Dragon Claw. 

Even the mighty Bone Douluo was caught off guard by Yang Xiong's sudden attack. The power of his Dragon Claw was formidable—his right hand burned like fire, while his left froze like ice. These opposing forces combined to create an overwhelmingly swift and powerful strike. 

However, the Bone Douluo was a top-tier Title Douluo, with physical prowess at the pinnacle of his rank and unfathomable strength. 

Though Yang Xiong's ambush startled him momentarily, Bone Douluo simply tapped his attack lightly. Yang Xiong felt a terrifying force slam into him, sending him flying. 

At this point, the pressure emanating from Bone Douluo vanished. 

Meanwhile, Ning Fengzhi and the Sword Douluo were utterly astonished, their eyes fixed on Yang Xiong's hands. They had seen him fight Yao Mei at full strength in the Spirit City but never imagined he had held back. His hands bore two external attack-type soul bones. 

The power of Yang Xiong's earlier attack was extraordinary—it had forced Bone Douluo to retaliate. This was no ordinary strike. The Bone Douluo was renowned for his unparalleled defense, and his decision to counterattack indicated his acknowledgment of Yang Xiong's attack's potency.

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

40+ Chapters Ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow

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