Douluo: The Ultimate Self

Even though the Bone Douluo had stopped exerting pressure, Yang Xiong's forehead was drenched in sweat as he knelt on one knee. It was clear that the pressure the Bone Douluo had applied earlier had been immense.

Ning Fengzhi stared at Yang Xiong's hands and said, "Little Xiong, I didn't expect you to still be holding back in Spirit City. It seems you don't want anyone to know your true strength."

Yang Xiong shook his head: "Sect Leader, in Spirit City, I was fully aware of the gap between myself and Yao Mei. Even if I gave it my all, I might not have been able to win. Rather than exhausting myself completely, it was better to hold something back."

Ning Fengzhi sighed: "I understand. I suspect you've always kept a precaution against the Spirit Hall. If you had revealed the two soul bones on your hands, the Spirit Hall would have gone all out to eliminate you."

At this moment, Bone Douluo spoke: "Yang Xiong, what exactly are you pursuing? Your strength surpasses even my expectations. I doubt there's anyone at your level who could match you."

Yang Xiong gritted his teeth: "I want to become the strongest person in the world. I want to reach the pinnacle of the soul master world."

The Bone Douluo looked puzzled: "Do you know what it means to be the strongest in the world? Do you know what the pinnacle of soul masters is? You're exceptionally suited for defensive cultivation. Have you never considered taking defense to its extreme? Perhaps no one in the world could break through your defenses."

Yang Xiong replied: "It's not just about defense. I want to achieve the strongest attack, the strongest defense, the greatest strength, the fastest speed, and the toughest physique. With all these combined, I'll undoubtedly become the strongest person in the world."

The Sword Douluo, who had been listening intently, suddenly became interested: "Yang Xiong, do you know what constitutes the strongest attack?"

Yang Xiong thought for a moment: "Senior Sword Douluo, I believe combining ultimate strength with ultimate speed, along with attributes that can pierce through any defense, makes for the strongest attack."

The Sword Douluo chuckled: "Interesting. But do you realize that ordinary soul masters can only focus on one of these aspects? Even the top experts of our time can manage at most two. Achieving all three simultaneously is practically impossible."

A look of determination appeared on Yang Xiong's face: "It may be impossible for others, but I have hope. My body is my martial soul. Speed, strength, defense, and physique—all of these can reach their peak through continuous training, allowing me to break through limits repeatedly until I ultimately reach the pinnacle of soul mastery."

The Sword Douluo's expression turned serious before breaking into a smile: "Fascinating. Truly fascinating. A body as a martial soul, and breaking through limits—what a concept."

"I am Sword Dao Chen Xin, whose attacks are unmatched under heaven. But do you know who the true strongest person in this world is?"

Yang Xiong responded: "In the past century, the strongest has been Qian Daoliu, the Great Elder of the Spirit Hall, known as 'Invincible in the Sky.' Then there's Tang Chen, the Elder Ancestor of the Hao Tian Sect, known as 'Invincible on Land.' And finally, Bo Saixi, the Great Elder of the Sea God Island, known as 'Invincible in the Ocean.' These three individuals are the strongest people of the past century and the only three 99th-level Limit Douluos to have appeared in this era."

The Sword Douluo nodded: "These three represent the insurmountable peaks of the soul master world in the past century. Do you truly believe you can surpass them?"

A resolute look crossed Yang Xiong's face: "Of course. If I can't surpass the limits, wouldn't all my efforts be wasted?"

The Sword Douluo fell silent for a moment before speaking: "Very well. Over the years, I haven't taken on any disciples. You seem interesting enough, so I'm willing to take you as my apprentice. Perhaps you can truly climb to the highest peak."

Yang Xiong, Ning Fengzhi, and the Bone Douluo were all startled. Never had they expected the usually aloof Sword Douluo to consider taking Yang Xiong as a disciple.

Especially the Bone Douluo, whose face darkened: "Old Sword Freak, what do you mean by this? I never expected someone like you to be so shameless."

"Yang Xiong, I see how diligently you've cultivated defense. You and I share a connection. I've been observing you for a long time. Are you willing to become my disciple? I will pass on everything I know to you."

The Sword Douluo sneered: "You cowardly old fool, what nonsense is this about defense? Do you really think I couldn't break through your defenses with a single sword strike?"

The Bone Douluo retorted: "You wretched Sword Freak, stop parading your weak and pitiful attacks around—it's embarrassing."

Yang Xiong: …

Seeing the two on the verge of arguing, Ning Fengzhi quickly interjected: "Uncle Sword, Uncle Bone, please wait a moment. There might be a better solution."

The Sword Douluo responded: "Fine, Fengzhi, I'll give you face today. Otherwise, I'd have taught this coward a lesson."

The Bone Douluo glared: "Fengzhi, don't blame me for not giving you face. Otherwise, I'd really love to beat this Sword Freak senseless."

Ning Fengzhi said: "Uncle Sword, Uncle Bone, since both of you recognize Yang Xiong's potential, and he seeks to master both the strongest defense and the strongest attack, why don't you both take him as your disciple? Perhaps he can combine your respective strengths and truly reach the pinnacle of soul mastery."

The Sword and Bone Douluos exchanged glances but felt something off about Ning Fengzhi's suggestion.

The Bone Douluo asked: "If Yang Xiong trains under me to master defense, it will require a significant amount of time. Will he even have time to learn offense from this Sword Freak?"

The Sword Douluo frowned: "That's because your teaching methods are terrible. Cultivating offense isn't about time—it's about insight and talent, as well as the teacher's ability."

The Bone Douluo roared in anger: "You arrogant Sword Freak! Are you saying my teaching methods are inferior? I'd like to see you prove it!"

Seeing the two on the verge of another argument, Ning Fengzhi quickly intervened: "Uncle Sword, Uncle Bone, Little Xiong has many pursuits and his own cultivation plan. Let him decide how to allocate his time. Your role is to guide him, helping him avoid unnecessary detours."

After Ning Fengzhi finished speaking, he subtly signaled to Yang Xiong, who immediately understood. He bowed deeply to the Sword and Bone Douluos: "Senior Sword Douluo, Senior Bone Douluo, this junior, Yang Xiong, humbly requests to become your disciple. I will work hard to cultivate and live up to your reputations."

The Sword and Bone Douluos held esteemed positions within the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect and were among the top experts of the era. Across the entire Douluo Continent, Yang Xiong admired and respected the Sword Douluo the most, while the Bone Douluo was no less impressive. The fact that both were now willing to take him as a disciple was an unexpected and joyful surprise.

The initially irritated Sword and Bone Douluos nodded in approval.

The Sword Douluo said: "Yang Xiong, from today onward, you are my disciple, as well as Old Bone's. Work hard in your cultivation and don't disappoint the hopes we three have for you."

"You're already at Level 40. What are your plans next? Will you go to Sunset Forest to obtain your fourth soul ring?"

Yang Xiong quickly replied: "Teacher, I've explored Sunset Forest multiple times. There aren't any suitable spirit beasts for me there. I plan to accompany Teacher Lin Gong to the Great Star Dou Forest to obtain a soul ring."

The Sword Douluo nodded: "That's fine. Though Lin Gong's strength is average, his knowledge of spirit beasts and martial souls is commendable. Since you already have a cultivation plan, go ahead and obtain your soul ring first. Once you return to the sect, we'll arrange your lessons."

Yang Xiong said: "Thank you, Teachers. I will return as soon as possible."

The Sword Douluo seemed to remember something and took out a token. It was simple in design, featuring a Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda on the front and a Seven Kill Sword on the back.

"Yang Xiong, this token represents my identity. From now on, don't tarnish my reputation."

Without hesitation, the Bone Douluo also took out a token. On its front was a Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda, while the back depicted a fierce-looking bone dragon.

Yang Xiong accepted the tokens with both hands and bowed again: "Thank you, Masters. I will not let you down."

After Yang Xiong left, only the Sword and Bone Douluos and Ning Fengzhi remained. However, the three of them appeared quite pleased, clearly recognizing Yang Xiong's current strength.

After some thought, Ning Fengzhi spoke: "Uncle Sword, Uncle Bone, do you think Yang Xiong has the potential to reach the level of those three Limit Douluos?"

The Sword Douluo shook his head: "It's hard to say. In terms of temperament, Yang Xiong is exceptional. His cultivation plan is solid, and his opportunities are excellent. However, I'm uncertain how powerful his martial soul can truly become."

The Bone Douluo glared at the Sword Douluo: "Fengzhi, I believe Yang Xiong has great potential. As he said, soul masters must break through limits, and his body being his martial soul makes it easier for him to transcend boundaries."

"Have you noticed? Yang Xiong's martial soul has changed. When he was in school, it seemed rather ordinary, with dull colors. But now, when he uses his martial soul, his entire body turns silver. I suspect his martial soul might have mutated during his cultivation."

"Especially after secretly observing him, his strength seems to have significantly increased since his last trip to Sunset Forest. It's as if his martial soul itself underwent a transformation."

Ning Fengzhi was surprised: "Uncle Bone, could this be related to Yang Xiong secretly entering Dugu Bo's medicinal garden?"

The Bone Douluo nodded: "I just observed Yang Xiong discreetly. All three of his external soul bones are fully fused, especially the two on his hands, which likely come from the same spirit beast but possess different attributes. This strikes me as odd."

"However, the attack power of those two external soul bones is remarkable. Even ordinary Soul Kings would struggle to withstand them."

The Sword Douluo added: "Indeed. I believe Yang Xiong's two external soul bones are extremely sharp. Even against the Spirit Hall's Yao Mei, he might stand a chance. It's rare for someone so young to know how to conceal his abilities and avoid showing off."

"You should all be aware of the Spirit Hall's methods over the years. How many young geniuses have perished because they were too ostentatious?"

Ning Fengzhi nodded with satisfaction: "I hope I haven't misjudged him. If Rongrong and Yang Xiong can develop further, perhaps our Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect can reach unprecedented heights."

Yang Xiong's face was filled with joy. He knew the standards of the Sword and Bone Douluos were incredibly high, yet they had both agreed to take him as their disciple. Now, he wouldn't need to grope blindly in his cultivation journey.

In the world of soul masters, advanced practitioners had their own cultivation methods. Even the simplest guidance from them could save ordinary soul masters from countless detours.

The Sword and Bone Douluos represented the pinnacles of attack and defense, respectively. Their achievements were limited primarily by their lack of opportunity—for instance, neither possessed ten-thousand-year soul rings or soul bones, which caused their progress to slow drastically after reaching Level 95.

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