Douluo: The Ultimate Self

Shrek Team's victory over the Star Luo Imperial Academy Team was considered a minor upset. After all, the Star Luo Imperial Academy team consisted entirely of Soul Ancestors, and they even possessed a spirit fusion technique. Their average soul power level was five levels higher than Shrek's.

Anyone with discerning eyes could see that Yang Xiong's external soul bone had been the decisive factor in turning the tide. Without it, Shrek would have been powerless against Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhuyun's Netherworld White Tiger.

The crowd's attention was now fixated on Yang Xiong's external soul bone. In terms of value, it far surpassed the three soul bones offered as rewards in the Soul Master Competition.

On the Pope's dais, Bibi Dong smiled and said: "Lord Ning, your Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect has truly produced a remarkable talent. His combat prowess is extraordinary, and to possess such an exceptional external soul bone—this treasure even makes me envious."

Ning Fengzhi appeared unusually calm: "Your Holiness flatters me. Yang Xiong is still young, and his martial soul is unique. He has only just reached the Soul Ancestor level, so his future remains uncertain."

"However, this soul bone is his personal fortune, and he has already fully absorbed it. Even outsiders cannot take it from him. I believe no one would dare harm him for it."

Though their voices were not loud, the arena was filled with soul masters, and given the high status of both speakers, they naturally became the center of attention.

Bibi Dong nodded: "That's true. At least within Spirit City, no one would dare harm him. Still, such a genius must remain vigilant in the future. There will always be those who covet such treasures."

Ning Fengzhi chuckled: "Thank you for your concern, Your Holiness. My sect's Bone Elder has already taken Yang Xiong as a disciple. I trust there will be no reckless individuals foolish enough to target him."

The two exchanged glances and fell silent. Their words seemed casual, but there was an underlying depth to them.

The Sword Douluo, who had previously appeared calm, swept his gaze across the crowd like a sharp blade.

The audience immediately quieted down. Known as the continent's strongest attack-type Douluo, no one dared to underestimate him.

Still, from the earlier exchange between Bibi Dong and Ning Fengzhi, everyone understood that Yang Xiong had fully absorbed the external soul bone. Even in death, it could not be taken from him. Beyond envy, there was nothing else anyone could do.

Yang Xiong and the other team members left the stage. The battle was finally over. After this fight, Dai Mubai had emerged victorious in his confrontation with Dai Weisi, ensuring he would face no immediate threat to his life.

As for what came next, Yang Xiong couldn't care less. Helping Dai Mubai once was already fulfilling his duty as a classmate and longtime acquaintance. Whatever happened afterward was something Dai Mubai had to face on his own.

Their relationship wasn't close enough for Yang Xiong to gift him an immortal herb. Besides, Yang Xiong had no intention of revealing the herbs, especially to outsiders. And helping Dai Mubai would require sacrificing two precious herbs.

After the crowd dispersed from the stage, Tian Dou Imperial Academy swiftly arranged for soul masters to treat the injured. Even Crown Prince Xue Qinghe personally arrived. This battle had been incredibly taxing, and aside from Yang Xiong, everyone else was seriously wounded. The Spirit Hall Team had essentially conserved their strength while waiting for the opportune moment.

Xue Qinghe spoke earnestly: "Little Xiong, I never expected you to hide such a top-tier external soul bone. It seems I underestimated you."

Yang Xiong replied with a faint smile: "Brother Qinghe flatters me. It's just a soul bone. With your status, acquiring one should be effortless. How many soul bones do you currently possess?"

Originally, Xue Qinghe had intended to tease Yang Xiong, as the two had exchanged subtle jabs over the years. But upon hearing this, his expression shifted slightly, betraying a hint of nervousness.

"Soul bones are know as 'Blood River Treasures'. Though I am the crown prince, I've seen many soul bones, yet none have suited me well. Thus, I currently possess no soul bones."

Yang Xiong sighed: "That's unfortunate. But with your discerning eye, Brother Qinghe, I imagine only top-tier soul bones would meet your standards. What kind of soul bone would suit you?"

"I hear the three soul bones awarded in this competition are quite impressive. Given your status, obtaining one of this caliber shouldn't be too difficult, right?"

Ning Fengzhi, who had initially been indifferent to the exchange between Yang Xiong and Xue Qinghe, suddenly became interested.

"Qinghe, your cultivation is commendable. You should consider this carefully. Our Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect has several excellent soul bones that might suit you. When you have time, come visit us—it would be my gesture as your teacher."

Xue Qinghe quickly responded: "Teacher, my current strength is still lacking. I wish to focus on improving through training and haven't considered absorbing soul bones."

Ning Fengzhi replied: "Qinghe, we are master and disciple, and I must consider your future. Absorbing a soul bone won't hinder your cultivation; on the contrary, it will greatly benefit you. I know you are indifferent to fame and material aid, but sometimes you must think more carefully."

Xue Qinghe: …

Internally, Xue Qinghe was speechless. Why had he brought up soul bones with Yang Xiong? He had almost trapped himself. After all, he couldn't absorb ordinary soul bones.

Yang Xiong, on the other hand, inwardly rejoiced. Serves you right for engaging in verbal sparring with me, you fake prince. Now you're caught in my trap.

But before Yang Xiong could revel in his triumph, a sharp pain shot through his waist—it was Ning Rongrong's mischievous hand.

Ning Rongrong frowned: "Little Bear, you've been hiding quite a secret. I never expected you to conceal an external soul bone with such incredible defense."

Enduring the pain, Yang Xiong quickly explained: "Rongrong, soul bones are a serious matter. I never intended to reveal mine. If today's battle hadn't been so critical, do you think I would have exposed it?"

Ning Rongrong pouted: "I can't believe you revealed your soul bone for that tiger Dai and Zhuqing. Do they mean more to you than me? And you didn't even tell me about it!"

Yang Xiong replied: "There's no question of importance here. If you were in danger, I would have revealed it without hesitation. Besides, this soul bone is already fully absorbed. No one can take it from me."

Ning Rongrong softened slightly: "Little Bear, tell me honestly—what other secrets are you hiding from me?"

Yang Xiong chuckled: "Rongrong, you know me well. How could I hide anything from you? Even if I did, it would only be for your own good."

Ning Rongrong's eyes narrowed suspiciously: "Is that so? I feel like I'm starting to understand you less and less. It seems your secrets are multiplying. Regardless, I don't care—I demand to be the first to know any of your secrets."

Yang Xiong assured her: "You little girl, if I have any secrets, I'll tell you immediately. I'd never let you suffer for it."

Internally, Yang Xiong scoffed: My secrets are endless—this is just the tip of the iceberg.

Watching Yang Xiong and Ning Rongrong bicker, Ning Fengzhi merely smiled silently. Even the Sword Douluo, who usually disapproved of Yang Xiong, showed no change in expression.

Compared to Yang Xiong and Ning Rongrong, the healing members of Shrek Team felt utterly speechless. Yang Xiong seemed completely unfazed by the soul bone revelation. Truly, comparing oneself to others could only lead to frustration.

At this moment, Yu Xiaogang, Flender, and Liu Erlong approached Yang Xiong. Their expressions were solemn.

Yu Xiaogang spoke first: "Yang Xiong, did you break through to Level 40 on the stage?"

Yang Xiong was puzzled: "Yes, I just broke through to Level 40. Is there a problem?"

Yu Xiaogang continued: "This is crucial. If you absorb your fourth soul ring, your strength will increase significantly, greatly improving our chances in the finals."

Yang Xiong was exasperated: "Master, you seem to underestimate the difficulty of obtaining a fourth soul ring. We're in Spirit City—where can we find suitable spirit beasts nearby?"

Yu Xiaogang quickly replied: "Flender and Erlong can take you to a nearby spirit beast forest. It's not impossible to hunt a spirit beast in one night. Once you become a Soul Ancestor, our chances of winning will improve considerably."

Yang Xiong shook his head: "Master, you misunderstand. I have extremely high standards for each soul ring. There are no advanced spirit beast forests near Spirit City. Even in the Sunset Forest, I haven't encountered a spirit beast suitable for my fourth soul ring. I'd need to go to the Great Star Dou Forest, but with only ten hours left until the finals, it's impossible for me to make the trip, let alone find a suitable spirit beast."

Yang Xiong already had plans for his fourth soul ring. Ordinary spirit beasts wouldn't suffice—he required a top-tier spirit beast perfectly aligned with his attributes. He wouldn't waste his future potential on a guaranteed loss.

Yu Xiaogang now looked dejected: "Yang Xiong, you are the strongest fighter among us. Only your growth can allow us to compete with the multiple Soul Kings of the Spirit Hall Team. Otherwise, our chances in the finals are slim."

Yang Xiong replied: "Master, I understand your desire to win, but some things simply cannot be forced. So far, we haven't seen the true strength of the Spirit Hall Team. They have three Soul Kings—I can't possibly face multiple opponents at once."

"Besides, this is their home turf. They won't let me easily obtain a suitable soul ring. I'm certain that if I leave Spirit City, I won't make it back in time for tomorrow's finals."

"This final match involves three top-tier soul bones. You know the lengths the Spirit Hall will go to—they won't let me grow stronger or allow any surprises in the finals."

Yu Xiaogang glanced at Ning Fengzhi and the Sword Douluo, but neither intervened. Clearly, they saw no point in risking everything for a losing battle.

In truth, if the Sword Douluo personally escorted Yang Xiong, he might be able to obtain a soul ring. But within such a short timeframe, finding a high-quality soul ring would be impossible, and Yang Xiong's standards for soul rings were exceptionally high.

Finally, Yu Xiaogang's face turned bitter: "Yang Xiong, I understand. Perhaps I've become too obsessed with victory."

Flender and Liu Erlong could only offer soft words of comfort. At this point, there was nothing they could do—the disparity in strength was simply too great.

Yang Xiong said nothing further and left the scene. Ning Fengzhi and the others also departed after a brief discussion.

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