Douluo: The Ultimate Self

With Shrek's victory over the new God Wind Team, they finally advanced to the top three. The other two teams were the Spirit Hall Team and the Star Luo Imperial Academy Team—universally acknowledged as the strongest teams in the competition.

Anyone with a discerning eye could see that Shrek's win over God Wind was a tactical triumph. Without such a strategy, it would have been extremely difficult, if not impossible, for Shrek to secure victory based on their overall strength alone.

Outsiders looked at Yu Xiaogang and Qin Ming with a mix of admiration, respect, and puzzlement. After all, this late in the finals, no team would willingly overhaul their lineup. Yet here were Shrek's leaders, boldly replacing two Soul Ancestors with Ye Lingling, who had never appeared before.

Yu Xiaogang seemed to bask in the attention, but Yang Xiong remained indifferent. As he had said earlier, a God Wind Team that abandoned its strengths was no real threat. The true challenge lay ahead with the final two formidable teams. Whether Yu Xiaogang could devise effective tactics against them remained to be seen.

Throughout the tournament, Yu Xiaogang had never mentioned anything about the seven-in-one spirit fusion technique—a highlight from the original storyline. It seemed that moment of brilliance wouldn't be replicated this time.

While others were tense, Yang Xiong spent an entire night drinking with Feng Xiaotian, the simp. Even Huo Wushuang and Huo Wu, who had been hovering nearby, didn't show up.

The two men formed an unexpected camaraderie. Feng Xiaotian, in his pursuit of love, acted recklessly, disregarding any external judgment. In contrast, Yang Xiong calculated every move, treading cautiously through life, always weighing the pros and cons.

Yang Xiong envied Feng Xiaotian's carefree nature and his boldness to love and hate fearlessly, pursuing his goals without reservation.

As the alcohol flowed, barriers seemed to dissolve. Yang Xiong teased Feng Xiaotian for losing himself in his role as a "simp," while Feng Xiaotian mocked Yang Xiong for overthinking at such a young age, lacking the vibrancy of youth.

They exchanged barbs and praise, their laughter filling the air.

Time flew by, and three days later, the grand finals were finally set to begin. Many were visibly excited, as this was considered the most sacred event in the world of soul masters. However, Yu Xiaogang's bloodshot eyes suggested sleepless nights spent strategizing against the two powerhouse teams.

Among the three finalists, the Spirit Hall Team exuded confidence and excitement, clearly assured of their dominance and fueled by unwavering faith in the Pope's authority.

The Star Luo Imperial Academy Team, on the other hand, carried an air of solemnity. Each member appeared proud and defiant, especially Dai Weisi, who seemed like a challenger ready to take on the world.

Yang Xiong observed closely. Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhuyun bore striking resemblances to Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing. Dai Weisi, with his golden hair and handsome features, shared Dai Mubai's arrogance but carried an added layer of maturity and depth. Zhu Zhuyun, with her more voluptuous figure, lacked Zhu Zhuqing's youthful innocence, appearing far more mature.

The expressions of Shrek Team's members varied. Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing looked tense, Yu Tianheng carried a hint of defiance, Tang San appeared calm, and the others radiated a fiery determination.

The three finalist teams stood silently at the entrance of the Pope's Hall, the venue for the finals.

The atmosphere was profoundly solemn, even the senior soul masters maintaining an unusual quiet.

At this moment, the doors of the Pope's Hall opened. Eight red-robed bishops walked out, led by one who announced loudly: "Her Holiness the Pope has arrived!"

All personnel of the Spirit Hall erupted in unison: "Long live Her Holiness the Pope!"

The sound roared like crashing waves, echoing throughout Spirit City. It was clear everyone held immense respect—and fervent devotion—for the Pope. Yang Xiong felt a sinking sensation, reminded of the fanatical zealotry he'd seen on Earth.

From the hall emerged several figures, led by a woman holding a scepter and wearing a golden crown—none other than Pope Bibi Dong.

Pope Bibi Dong was breathtakingly beautiful, but her presence was even more commanding. She exuded an aura of absolute authority.

Behind her followed four individuals: Sword Douluo, Ning Fengzhi, Ju Douluo, and Gui Douluo.

Yang Xiong observed Ju and Gui Douluo with great interest. Ju Douluo's martial soul, the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum, was a rare plant-type Title Douluo manifestation, while Gui Douluo, shrouded in black mist, appeared enigmatic and mysterious.

Upon seeing these five figures, everyone affiliated with the Spirit Hall—soul masters, temple knights, even the bishops—all knelt on one knee and shouted in unison: "Hail Her Holiness the Pope!"

Even the Spirit Hall Team knelt down.

However, neither the Star Luo Imperial Academy Team nor the Tian Dou Imperial Academy's Shrek Team followed suit. These two teams represented their respective empires and had no allegiance to the Spirit Hall.

Bibi Dong, who had exuded stern authority moments ago, now appeared unusually gentle.

"Rise," she commanded softly.

Instantly, everyone from the Spirit Hall rose in perfect unison, their movements synchronized and disciplined.

Yang Xiong stared intently at Bibi Dong. There were countless evaluations of her, both in his past life and this one: brilliant talent, overwhelming strength, ruthless methods, visionary leadership…

But now, Yang Xiong could think of none of that. He only felt immense pressure emanating from her, like a venomous snake or a poisonous flower—beautiful yet deadly.

Bibi Dong, however, appeared calm, smiling serenely at the gathered crowd.

"In you, I see the hope of soul masters. I expect you to display your talents and strength. The ultimate victor will claim all the rewards."

With a wave of her hand, three objects appeared before her. Though small, they resembled human bones and emitted an alluring glow.

Everyone's eyes widened, even the top-tier experts present brimming with anticipation.

These were soul bones—the three top-tier soul bones awarded to the winner of the Soul Master Competition. In that instant, the entire venue erupted in excitement.

Behind Bibi Dong, Gui Douluo's deep voice rang out: "These three soul bones are the Mind Condensing Wisdom Skull Bone, the Immolation Flame Right Arm Bone, and the Wind Chasing Left Leg Bone. All three originate from ten-thousand-year soul beasts and are among the finest soul bones in existence. Especially the skull, which is truly extraordinary."

Yang Xiong's gaze darkened as he studied the soul bones. It wasn't that he disliked treasures—it was just that these soul bones weren't easily attainable. Clearly, they were intended for the Golden Generation of the Spirit Hall.

Throughout the finals, the Spirit Hall's Golden Generation had displayed their prowess effortlessly, crushing opponents with ease. Their strength was on another level entirely.

Particularly fearsome was the spirit fusion technique Yao Mei, wielded by Xie Yue and Hu Liena. This technique combined spiritual attacks with devastating combat power, capable of challenging even low-level Soul Emperors.

Over the years, Yang Xiong had scoured countless books but never found any mention of what the Full Moon Wearing Autumn Dew might look like. Even after cultivating the Purple Extreme Demon Eye, his spiritual power had only reached the level of a Soul King. Keep in mind, Yang Xiong was still only a Level 39 Soul Elder.

As for Tang San, Yang Xiong estimated their Purple Extreme Demon Eye levels were similar. But since Yang Xiong's innate martial soul gave him an edge in spiritual power, he likely surpassed Tang San slightly. Even so, breaking through the red mist remained impossible for him—and even more so for others. The only possible contender in the arena might be Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhuyun's Netherworld White Tiger.

Just as Yang Xiong was lost in thought, Bibi Dong spoke again.

"There can only be one champion. These three soul bones will be the reward for the ultimate victor. I hope all three teams give their all and strive for final victory."

"This morning, each of your teams will field seven members for individual elimination matches. The last one standing will gain an advantage, securing a spot in tomorrow's final round. This afternoon, the losers will compete. Now, let the matches begin."

Everyone was already familiar with the rules. Each team sent a representative to draw lots. Shrek dispatched Shi Mo.

For the morning's individual matches, everyone had their considerations.

The Spirit Hall Team was the strongest; they were almost certain to dominate the individual matches, given their three Soul Kings and other members all above Level 45.

The Star Luo Imperial Academy, though formidable, relied heavily on Dai Weisi, who was Level 49. Beyond him and Zhu Zhuyun, the rest of the team was only around Level 42 or 43—a significant gap.

As for the Tian Dou Imperial Academy's Shrek Team, the disparity was even greater. Their highest-ranked member, Yu Tianheng, was only Level 43, with others around Level 41 or 42. On average, their soul power lagged behind by nearly nine levels—a seemingly insurmountable chasm.

Just as Shi Mo finished drawing lots and prepared to step onto the stage, Yu Xiaogang suddenly spoke.

"Please wait a moment. Shi Mo, come back."

Bibi Dong raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean? Please explain your reasoning."

Yu Xiaogang smiled coldly. "I have no ulterior motives. The Tian Dou Imperial Academy's Shrek Team voluntarily forfeits this morning's individual matches and will enter the loser bracket this afternoon. Forfeiting is our right, isn't it?"

His tone was calm but carried an air of mystery.

However, after this statement, the high-ranking officials of the Tian Dou Empire, led by Crown Prince Xue Qinghe, looked utterly dismayed. Shrek represented the Tian Dou Imperial Academy, which in turn represented the Tian Dou Empire. Surrendering without a fight brought shame to the entire empire.

In contrast, the Star Luo Imperial Academy Team's members turned pale with anger. With Shrek Team's forfeiture, they would have to face the Spirit Hall Team alone. Even Dai Weisi, arrogant as he was, understood the vast gap between them—three ten-thousand-year soul rings separated them.

Bibi Dong, initially surprised, nodded. "You're correct. Forfeiting is indeed your right. My apologies, Elder Yu."

This revelation shocked the crowd. The leader of the Tian Dou Imperial Academy Team was an elder of the Spirit Hall? That was ironic.

After all, most Spirit Hall elders were Title Douluos. The only non-Title Douluo elder was Ning Fengzhi, who was not only the head of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect but also the continent's premier auxiliary soul master.

The crowd eyed Yu Xiaogang strangely. To the experts present, it was obvious he was merely a Level 29 Soul Grandmaster. Though he had once been somewhat renowned in the soul master world, his reputation was far from stellar—he was largely disdained by the major powers.

Bibi Dong continued: "Since the Tian Dou Imperial Academy's Shrek Team has forfeited, the matches will proceed."

All eyes turned to Dai Weisi. Shrek had clearly chosen to conserve their strength, but as representatives of the continent's foremost empire, the Star Luo Imperial Academy couldn't afford to surrender lightly. A loss without resistance would make it difficult for Dai Weisi to justify upon returning home.

Dai Weisi's face turned ashen. He sent a Soul Elder onto the stage, who suffered a predictable and crushing defeat.

After sending two Soul Elders in succession, Dai Weisi decisively forfeited. This move served two purposes: acknowledging the gap in strength and preserving his team's energy, at least maintaining some semblance of national pride.

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