Douluo: The Ultimate Self

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After leaving Ning Fengzhi and the others, Yang Xiong headed directly to Lin Gong's residence. As far as Yang Xiong knew, Lin Gong had stayed at home since returning and hadn't stepped outside even once.

When Lin Gong saw Yang Xiong, a teasing glint appeared in his eyes: "Little Xiong, it seems you couldn't wait any longer. You've come straight to me."

Yang Xiong sat down without hesitation, a faint smile on his face: "Teacher Lin, I trust your character completely. Otherwise, you wouldn't have protected me all this time or taken such special care of me."

Lin Gong let out a bitter laugh: "Stop trying to provoke me. I've been walking on eggshells this whole journey, terrified something might go wrong."

"Teacher Lin, with your strength, what could possibly go wrong in this world?"

"Don't flatter me. I'm just a mere Soul Sage who doesn't even dare set foot in Spirit City. If I did, I wouldn't be in this sorry state now."

After exchanging pleasantries, Lin Gong retrieved a lead box from his soul tool. It was about one and a half meters long and looked extremely heavy.

Upon seeing it, Yang Xiong began trembling slightly. For soul masters, this was undoubtedly a rare treasure of the highest order—a supreme artifact.

Lin Gong forced a bitter smile: "Hurry up and take this thing away. It's too valuable. If it weren't for you, I'd fear I might succumb to temptation and absorb it myself."

Yang Xiong opened a tiny gap in the sealed lead box. Even through the smallest crack, an overwhelming surge of life energy filled the room, making him feel as though he were submerged in an ocean of vitality.

In an instant, Yang Xiong confirmed the contents of the lead box. Without another word, he stored it in his soul tool: "Thank you, Teacher Lin. This has been quite the trouble for you, but as I promised, there will be a generous reward."

Lin Gong snorted coldly: "You're always so mysterious, but what reward could surpass the value of what you're holding? You know I'm a plant-based soul master—what's inside that lead box is fatally attractive to me. If I weren't so old and experienced, I might not have been able to resist."

Yang Xiong's heart sank upon hearing this. Asking Lin Gong for help had indeed carried some risk, but at the time, he had no other options. Tang Hao's appearance had been the only opportunity, and among those around him, Lin Gong was the most reliable.

After much deliberation, Yang Xiong finally smiled: "Isn't it just a top-tier soul bone? Though rare in this world, it's not entirely unique. Besides, doesn't Teacher Lin already possess a top-tier head soul bone?"

Lin Gong replied: "It's precisely because of that head soul bone that I've ruined my life. That's why I didn't dare touch your lead box."

"But how did you find out such a treasure was hidden in that place? Who would normally hide something like that there?"

Yang Xiong answered: "There are always some overly confident people in this world. However, this matter is of great importance, Teacher Lin. It's best not to reveal it lightly—it might bring immense trouble. Even the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect might not withstand the consequences."

Lin Gong fell silent for a moment: "Do you really think I'm so reckless? No one else will know about this except you and me."

Yang Xiong seemed to recall something: "By the way, Teacher Lin, did you notice anything unusual when you went to that place?"

Lin Gong shook his head: "The place was a bit strange, but I followed your instructions, disguising myself as a member of the Spirit Hall. I even concealed my appearance and didn't use my martial soul at all during the entire trip. I doubt anyone could trace me."

Yang Xiong finally relaxed. There were simply too many kinds of martial souls and techniques in this world. Only someone as seasoned as Lin Gong could ensure absolute secrecy.

After hesitating for a moment, Yang Xiong spoke: "Teacher Lin, I've just become the disciple of both the Sword and Bone Douluos. They've decided to jointly take me as their apprentice."

Lin Gong's expression shifted slightly, eventually settling into a self-deprecating smile: "Why are you telling me this? The Sword and Bone Douluos hold an exalted position in the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. Becoming their disciple is your own fortune. You must seize this opportunity."

Yang Xiong replied: "No matter what, Teacher Lin, you remain my mentor and the elder I respect most."

Yang Xiong had always understood Lin Gong's thoughts—he had treated him like a disciple all along. Unfortunately, neither of them had ever acknowledged it outright. Perhaps from now on, they would no longer share a teacher-student bond.

Without hesitation, Yang Xiong retrieved a large jade box from his personal soul tool. The box was over a meter long, and at a glance, it was clear that its contents were extraordinary.

Lin Gong frowned in confusion: "What are you up to, boy? Are you really planning to give me some kind of treasure?"

Yang Xiong handed the jade box to Lin Gong with an enigmatic smile, gesturing for him to open it himself.

Lin Gong opened the jade box with curiosity, only to find a massive bamboo shoot inside. The shoot was a deep ink-green color, complete with roots still attached, and even some soil clinging to them.

As soon as Lin Gong opened the box, he felt an intense pull toward its contents. It even resonated deeply with his own martial soul, causing his Purple Emperor Bamboo martial soul to react uncontrollably.

The item inside the jade box was none other than the Ink Jade Divine Bamboo, one of the supreme immortal herbs. For someone like Lin Gong, whose martial soul was based on bamboo, this was truly a divine-grade treasure.

Lin Gong swallowed hard as he gazed at the Ink Jade Divine Bamboo: "Little Xiong, where did you find this thing? It feels strangely complementary to my martial soul."

Yang Xiong chuckled: "This is called the Ink Jade Divine Bamboo. It's an extremely rare immortal herb in this world, offering tremendous benefits to all bamboo-based martial souls. Consuming it might even lead to the evolution of one's martial soul. It's a top-tier wood-attribute immortal herb."

There was no concept of immortal herbs in this world, and Yang Xiong didn't feel the need to explain further.

Though Lin Gong's eyes burned with desire as he stared at the Ink Jade Divine Bamboo, he still harbored doubts: "Little Xiong, don't tell me this thing came from Dugu Bo's lair."

Yang Xiong smirked: "Teacher Lin, that's exactly right. Are you afraid Dugu Bo might come after you for it?"

Lin Gong scoffed angrily: "Dugu Bo? He's nothing but a bottom-tier Title Douluo. I couldn't care less about him."

However, after staring at the Ink Jade Divine Bamboo for a long while, Lin Gong hesitated before asking: "Little Xiong, you've given me this Ink Jade Divine Bamboo, but how exactly am I supposed to consume it?"

The Ink Jade Divine Bamboo was a massive bamboo shoot, over a meter long, pitch-black in color, and appeared incredibly hard. Its roots were still caked with mud. When Yang Xiong had dug up the immortal herbs, he had done so hastily, taking the roots and soil along with them.

Yang Xiong's expression darkened slightly before he reluctantly admitted: "Teacher Lin, I've only found scattered references to the Ink Jade Divine Bamboo in ancient texts. I don't actually know how to consume it."

"However, I suggest you ingest the entire bamboo shoot. I'm not sure which part contains the active properties, so wasting any of it would be a pity."

Lin Gong shot Yang Xiong a look as if he were questioning his sanity: "Do I look like a fool to you? Do you really think I can swallow this entire thing?"

Yang Xiong continued: "Teacher Lin, it's best to consume the Ink Jade Divine Bamboo as soon as possible. I'll be heading to the Great Star Dou Forest to obtain a soul ring in a day or two, and I'll need your company then."

Lin Gong waved dismissively: "It's just a soul ring. How high could the age of your fourth soul ring possibly be? Compared to figuring out how to consume this Divine Bamboo is the real headache."

Yang Xiong prepared to leave, but Lin Gong hesitated and asked: "Little Xiong, though I haven't opened the lead box, I can sense that the soul bone you obtained this time is extraordinary—of the highest quality and plant-based. Are you sure you want to absorb it?"

Yang Xiong fell silent for a moment before replying: "Teacher Lin, you know I've been focusing on body cultivation. But physical training has its limits and can cause damage to the body. Humans can only endure so much. This plant-based soul bone might fundamentally improve my physique."

Lin Gong pondered for a moment before sighing resignedly: "Very well. You've always had your own approach to cultivation, and I shouldn't interfere. But are you really planning to stay in the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect forever?"

Yang Xiong countered: "Teacher Lin, do you plan to spend your entire life in the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect?"

Lin Gong sighed: "I'm already old, with no more ambitions. But you, my boy, are cunning and ambitious. I doubt you'll settle for being a mere guardian Douluo of the sect."

Yang Xiong thought carefully before responding: "I was born into the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, and I consider it my home. But every child must eventually leave home to forge their own path. One cannot rely on their family forever."

Lin Gong mocked himself: "Fine, these old bones still have some strength left. I'll follow you out into the world. Perhaps I'll witness the rise of a powerful individual."

After saying this, Lin Gong turned his gaze back to the Ink Jade Divine Bamboo. Watching Lin Gong struggle with the dilemma of how to consume it, Yang Xiong suppressed a chuckle and left. Let Lin Gong figure this troublesome matter out himself—perhaps he could gradually study it using his Purple Emperor Bamboo Martial Soul.

On his way home, Yang Xiong passed by Zhao Wuji's residence. There, he saw Zhao Wuji earnestly instructing three individuals in their training—Qin Shuang, Oscar, and Yang Wei. It appeared that Yang Wei had been thoroughly disciplined by Zhao Wuji.

But Yang Xiong wasn't thinking about such things now. His mind was entirely focused on the treasures in his possession.

Upon returning home, Yang Xiong couldn't wait to open the lead box. Inside was a sapphire-blue right leg soul bone—the hundred-thousand-year Blue Silver Emperor Right Leg Soul Bone.

As soon as the box was opened, the entire room was instantly flooded with life energy, as if submerged in an ocean of vitality. Yang Xiong felt an indescribable sense of comfort wash over him.

Gazing at the soul bone, Yang Xiong's face lit up with excitement, even tinged with a hint of ferocity.

This soul bone had been prepared by Tang Hao for Tang San and originally belonged to Tang San's mother. However, since Tang Hao had left such a precious soul bone in an obscure cave, Yang Xiong felt no guilt in taking it for himself.

Yang Xiong had once been conflicted about this decision. But the hundred-thousand-year Blue Silver Emperor Right Leg Soul Bone was simply too perfect for him. Not only did it possess the Ultimate Life attribute, but it also granted flight capabilities.

As for whether this would lead to enmity with Tang San in the future, Yang Xiong couldn't afford to dwell on such concerns. He couldn't pass up a treasure of this caliber for the sake of mere camaraderie. Besides, Yang Xiong had already made preparations. Even if Tang Hao and Tang San suspected something, their suspicions would likely point toward the Spirit Hall.

Moreover, after absorbing the soul bone, as long as he didn't use it recklessly, no one—not even Tang Hao—would be able to detect it.

The only person who might discover it was the Blue Silver Emperor, Ah Yin, herself. But without the Yin Yang Well, Ah Yin would never recover, no matter how long she waited.

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