Douluo: The Ultimate Self

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At this moment, Yang Xiong didn't hesitate. He picked up the hundred-thousand-year Blue Silver Emperor right leg soul bone and placed it on his right leg to begin absorption.

He felt a gentle yet overwhelmingly powerful surge of vitality emanating from his right leg. The blue soul bone gradually dissolved and melted, transforming into countless wisps of blue energy that slowly seeped into his leg.

The Tai Chi soul power in his body began to undergo a transformation. The meridians in his right leg seemed to change, filling with an abundance of life force. This energy gradually spread throughout his entire body, causing his meridians to expand exponentially and his soul power to evolve as well.

As time passed, the life force spread from his right leg to his entire body, turning what was once a small stream into a vast, surging river. His internal soul power surged ceaselessly, and his meridians became incredibly resilient.

Yang Xiong felt he could now observe his meridians with greater detail. Although his Tai Chi meditation method had already unified his body into a cohesive whole, it seemed that many previously unknown meridians had now been opened. His soul power surged like turbulent waves, immersing him in an ocean of vitality.

It took a full two days for Yang Xiong to finally calm down as the absorption of the hundred-thousand-year Blue Silver Emperor right leg soul bone completed.

Only then did Yang Xiong understand why soul bones were called Blood River Treasures—they not only enhanced a soul master's soul power but also increased cultivation speed and fundamentally improved one's aptitude for cultivation.

Especially for Yang Xiong, this Blue Silver Emperor right leg soul bone was an impeccable match. Not only did his body undergo a transformation, but his martial soul also seemed to become more complete, evolving toward an even stronger state.

Yang Xiong still wasn't sure how much his soul power had increased after absorbing the soul bone, but the physical transformation was undeniably powerful. His recovery ability, in particular, felt extraordinarily robust, as if his life attribute had become invincible.

This hundred-thousand-year Blue Silver Emperor right leg soul bone granted Yang Xiong two skills: one for healing and another for flight.

Though these skills might seem ordinary, they were invaluable for Yang Xiong at his current stage. With the healing ability, he no longer feared injury—his healing prowess likely surpassed even that of a Soul Sage specialized in healing.

As for the flight ability, it was even more practical. In the entire Douluo Continent, only Title Douluos and flying-type soul masters could achieve flight. With this newfound ability, Yang Xiong found himself far more versatile in his future endeavors.

At this moment, Yang Xiong felt his strength had reached unprecedented heights. Even if he were to face Yao Mei again, he believed he could withstand her attacks with his formidable recovery ability. His soul power felt significantly deeper and more profound.

Feeling his newfound strength, Yang Xiong eagerly sought out Zhao Wuji for combat training. Predictably, he was thoroughly beaten by Zhao Wuji, while Oscar and Yang Wei looked on with expressions akin to watching a fool. Who would willingly seek out a beating in this era?

However, Zhao Wuji found it strange. This time, Yang Xiong seemed to endure far longer than before, and his resilience appeared to have greatly improved.

Before Yang Xiong could seek out Lin Gong again, the old man seemed to have undergone a transformation. His previously white hair now bore streaks of ink-green, making it appear as if he had both black and white hair.

Yang Xiong was astonished: "Teacher Lin, it seems you've experienced some kind of rejuvenation. Could it be that you've already absorbed the Ink Jade Divine Bamboo?"

Lin Gong burst into laughter: "Hahaha, it's worth all the effort I put into protecting you. This Ink Jade Divine Bamboo you gave me is truly a supreme treasure. Not only has my soul power increased by a level, but my Purple Emperor Bamboo martial soul has also grown stronger and more resilient, significantly enhancing its combat power."

"I originally thought there was no room for improvement in my life, but now I feel that both my body and martial soul have untapped potential. At this rate, I'll likely break through to the Title Douluo level within two years."

Yang Xiong quickly urged: "Teacher Lin, check if your martial soul has any changes."

Lin Gong summoned his Purple Emperor Bamboo martial soul. The originally purple bamboo now carried a hint of ink-green. Upon seeing this, Yang Xiong couldn't help but sigh.

Lin Gong was puzzled: "Little Xiong, is there something wrong with my martial soul?"

Yang Xiong shook his head: "It's a bit of a pity. If you had consumed the Ink Jade Divine Bamboo before the age of twenty, your martial soul might have evolved into an Ink Jade Divine Bamboo. Now, it seems there's no hope for your martial soul's evolution."

Lin Gong's expression darkened, and he flicked his finger, delivering a sharp rap on Yang Xiong's forehead: "You little brat, are you mocking my age? When I was twenty, your grandfather might not even have been born yet. Where was I supposed to find this Ink Jade Divine Bamboo?"

Yang Xiong muttered under his breath: "I never expected you to become so fiery-tempered after absorbing the Ink Jade Divine Bamboo. Can immortal herbs really alter someone's personality?"

A day later, Yang Xiong and Lin Gong left the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect to obtain Yang Xiong's fourth soul ring.

Yang Xiong had long planned for his fourth soul ring. He had already absorbed three soul rings—space attribute, wood attribute, and metal attribute—and this time, he intended to choose an earth attribute soul ring. As for water and fire attributes, he had other plans for the future.

Of course, if he encountered an extraordinary water or fire attribute spirit beast, he would reconsider.

The two traveled onward and soon arrived at the Great Star Dou Forest.

Since his time in Suotuo City, this was Yang Xiong's first return to the Great Star Dou Forest.

Yang Xiong had always been fascinated by the Great Star Dou Forest. It not only boasted the richest variety of spirit beasts on the continent but also contained countless treasures that were abundant here yet rare elsewhere. Many spiritual herbs that were difficult to find outside were relatively common in the Great Star Dou Forest.

Especially in the core area of the Great Star Dou Forest, there were numerous excellent resources. This place could be considered the most miraculous location on the entire Douluo Continent.

However, Yang Xiong was also acutely aware of the dangers lurking within. Even an ordinary tree could potentially be a highly dangerous spirit beast, let alone the hidden ones. It was akin to a massive killing field.

Moreover, beyond the surface-level spirit beasts, the core area of the Great Star Dou Forest held even greater terrors. There resided the strongest beings on the Douluo Continent, as well as terrifying spirit beasts such as Di Tian and Xiong Jun, whose strength likely exceeded the Limit Douluo level. Even Title Douluos entering this area would face grave peril.

The Great Star Dou Forest was roughly divided into several regions based on area and spirit beast distribution. These included a 200-kilometer outer zone, a 500-kilometer mixed zone, and a 200-kilometer core zone. The central 50 kilometers of the core zone were known as the Forbidden Zone of Life.

The outer zone generally housed spirit beasts below ten thousand years, the mixed zone contained spirit beasts ranging from hundreds to thousands to ten thousand years (though none exceeding higher levels), and the core zone primarily housed spirit beasts above thirty thousand years. No one had ever explored the Forbidden Zone of Life—it was estimated to be near the central position of the Lake of Life.

The Azure Bull Python and Titan Giant Ape resided in the core zone of the Great Star DouForest and were considered dominant forces there.

Yang Xiong and Lin Gong spent only a day or two wandering the outer zone and saw no ten-thousand-year spirit beasts—only millennium or century-level ones.

However, the variety of spirit beasts was immense. Occasionally, they encountered some rare species, especially at night when they spotted some exceptional spirit beasts.

Humans were accustomed to being active during the day, but spirit beasts were the opposite. Many preferred to come out at night, particularly solitary spirit beasts or those with dark attributes.

In such places, one needed to remain absolutely low-key and avoid reckless actions at night. However, with Lin Gong, a top-tier Soul Sage, by his side, the two moved through the outer zone of the Great Star Dou Forest as if walking on flat ground.

After two full days of wandering, Yang Xiong planned to venture into the mixed zone with Lin Gong.

Lin Gong was puzzled: "Little Xiong, what level of spirit beast do you want for your fourth soul ring? Why does it feel like you're dismissing all the spirit beasts in the outer zone?"

Yang Xiong thought carefully before answering: "Teacher Lin, I want my fourth soul ring to come from a ten-thousand-year spirit beast—a power-type spirit beast, preferably with an excellent earth or fire attribute. Of course, a water attribute spirit beast could also be considered."

Lin Gong's expression changed: "Little Xiong, are you insane? There's a qualitative difference between ten-thousand-year and thousand-year spirit beasts—not only is their energy vastly superior, but ten-thousand-year spirit beasts possess soul oscillations. Only a soul master's fifth soul ring can barely handle them."

Yang Xiong nodded: "Teacher Lin, I understand, but I'm confident I can absorb a ten-thousand-year spirit beast."

Lin Gong shook his head: "No, you don't understand. You don't grasp the gap between ten-thousand-year and thousand-year spirit beasts."

"Many ordinary spirit beasts are restricted by their bloodline and physical limitations, preventing them from breaking through to the ten-thousand-year level. Ten-thousand-year spirit beasts have developed higher intelligence—they can no longer be considered simple beasts."

"Every time a soul master absorbs a soul ring, their body and mental strength gradually increase. Only upon reaching the Soul Ancestor level does a soul master develop significant mental abilities. Therefore, only the fifth soul ring can absorb a ten-thousand-year spirit beast, and only the top-tier Soul Ancestors can withstand the soul oscillations of such beasts."

"You may have read many books, but they won't provide detailed explanations, especially on how to deal with the soul oscillations of ten-thousand-year spirit beasts."

Yang Xiong replied: "Teacher Lin, you should know that I cultivate the Purple Extreme Demon Eye. I've already mastered externalizing my mental strength, and my martial soul is unique. As my cultivation progresses, my mental strength far surpasses that of soul masters at the same level. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to withstand Yao Mei back in Spirit City."

Lin Gong was puzzled: "What do you mean?"

Yang Xiong smiled: "Back in Spirit City, the fusion technique used by Hu Liena and Xie Yue revolved around Hu Liena's Nine-Tailed Fox. Its main attack method relied on charm. My ability to resist them proves that my mental strength isn't weaker than a Soul King's."

"Remember, even ordinary Soul Ancestors couldn't resist the charm of Yao Mei. Dai Mubai and Yu Tianheng were completely helpless because they lacked mastery over mental strength."

Lin Gong pondered deeply. With his extensive knowledge of martial souls, he fully understood the implications of Yang Xiong's words.

In truth, Yang Xiong had been contemplating whether his fourth soul ring should reach the ten-thousand-year level.

However, after the final round of the soul master tournament in Spirit Hall, Yang Xiong concluded that his mental strength wasn't significantly inferior to Hu Liena's. Her mental control had no effect on him, which bolstered his decision to pursue a ten-thousand-year soul ring.

Especially after absorbing the hundred-thousand-year Blue Silver Emperor soul bone, Yang Xiong felt his body beginning to integrate everything seamlessly. While the Blue Silver Emperor enhanced his body, his martial soul also grew stronger.

During this enhancement process, his mental strength also improved. This was the true essence of his Body martial soul—his martial soul would evolve comprehensively alongside his physical capabilities, eventually spreading to his brain.

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