Douluo: The Ultimate Self

Before Yang Xiong and his parents could say anything, Ning Rongrong had already rushed to Yang Xiong's home, looking exceptionally excited.

Before Yang Xiong could react, Ning Rongrong planted a kiss on his cheek and then threw herself into his arms.

"Little Bear, you've been so good to me. Do you know what the Aromatic Silk Beauty means for me?"

Yang Xiong smiled: "Rongrong, your martial soul must have evolved, right?"

Ning Rongrong beamed with joy: "Of course! My martial soul has now become nine layers—it's called the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda. My soul power has also reached level forty, and if it weren't for the restriction of soul rings, my soul power level would probably be even higher."

When Ning Rongrong summoned her martial soul, it was indeed the fully evolved Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda. Her soul power felt incredibly dense, likely surpassing level forty. Based on Yang Xiong's estimation, Ning Rongrong might have reached level forty-one or forty-two, with her soul power increasing by about six levels.

Yang Lin, Sun Yu, and the others looked at Ning Rongrong awkwardly, but none dared disturb this young lady.

Ning Rongrong suddenly remembered something and pulled Yang Xiong to leave: "Little Bear, Father wants to see you now. Come quickly."

After bidding farewell to his parents and older brother, Yang Xiong followed Ning Rongrong to Ning Fengzhi's residence.

At this moment, Ning Fengzhi appeared particularly spirited. If he had previously seemed more refined and composed, now he exuded an imposing presence, as if his entire being had undergone a fundamental transformation.

Even Sword Bone Douluo beside him seemed pleasantly surprised. It appeared that after consuming the immortal herbs, both of them had experienced some advancement.

"Sect Leader, I'm curious why you've called me here so early?"

Ning Fengzhi smiled: "Little Xiong, I owe you a great deal of gratitude. After consuming the immortal herbs you provided, I finally broke through my limitations. The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda has now evolved into the Eight Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda, and my soul power has reached level eighty."

Yang Xiong immediately congratulated him: "Congratulations, Sect Leader. You are now the second sect leader in the history of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect to achieve such a breakthrough. In the future, you will surely lead our sect to new heights of glory."

Ning Fengzhi beamed with satisfaction: "All of this is thanks to your contributions to the sect. I called you here to discuss some measures moving forward."

"Thanks to your immortal herbs, both Uncle Sword and Uncle Gu have advanced by one soul power level. Uncle Sword is now at level ninety-seven, and Uncle Gu is at level ninety-six. With my support, our Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect is now stronger than ever."

Yang Xiong was somewhat surprised. He hadn't expected these immortal herbs to be so effective, even allowing the elderly Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo to advance so quickly.

Yang Xiong himself found it strange that such major sect affairs were being discussed with someone like him, given how little he knew about the sect overall.

Seeing Yang Xiong's expression, Ning Fengzhi couldn't help but laugh: "Little Xiong, don't overthink it. You've made such significant contributions to the sect. Normally, we'd promote you to an elder position, but considering your young age and relatively low soul power level, it's better to keep things low-key for now. After all, the sect isn't a monolithic entity, and if you became too prominent, you might attract enemies."

"For now, we'll remember your contributions. Once you break through to the Soul Sage level, you'll officially become an inner elder of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, and from now on, you'll have access to all the sect's resources."

Yang Xiong felt deeply honored: "Thank you, Sect Leader, for your guidance and trust. Having already taken Elder Sword and Elder Bone as my teachers, I understand the importance of respecting my elders and upholding tradition."

Ning Fengzhi nodded: "Since we're all family, tell us your thoughts on the sect's next steps."

After careful consideration, Yang Xiong spoke: "Sect Leader, I believe our sect should remain low-key for now. While our strength has improved somewhat, the gap between us and the Spirit Hall remains enormous. During the Soul Master Tournament, the Spirit Hall deployed seven Title Douluo just to deal with Tang Hao—this shows their strength is far beyond what we imagined."

"Especially considering that Pope Bibi Dong possesses twin martial souls. No one truly knows her exact capabilities. Therefore, I think we should focus on developing quietly. Something about the current state of the soul master world feels off to me."

Everyone fell silent upon hearing Yang Xiong's words. Finally, Ning Fengzhi nodded: "Little Xiong, you're thinking far ahead, as always. This aligns with my plans."

"If I, Uncle Sword, and Uncle Gu focus on cultivation, we might be able to advance further soon. We all feel that the immortal herbs you provided do more than just increase our soul power by one level—they might improve our future cultivation prospects significantly."

Yang Xiong naturally understood the full potential of the immortal herbs he provided. It was possible that Sword Bone Douluo could advance again within ten years, as immortal herbs could enhance a person's innate talent.

At this moment, Sword Douluo suddenly spoke: "Little Xiong, the Clear Heart Three Leaf Clover you gave me is excellent. I feel that my understanding of the Seven Kill Sword martial soul has deepened. Perhaps in the future, I can reach an unprecedented peak for the Seven Kill Sword."

Yang Xiong replied: "Congratulations, Master. I hope you break through to level ninety-eight soon."

Hearing this, Sword Douluo smiled and nodded. Beside him, Bone Douluo chimed in without hesitation: "Little Xiong, the Earth Dragon Golden Gourd you gave me is fantastic. Perhaps in the future, my soul power can catch up to Old Sword's."

After happily discussing for a while, Ning Fengzhi suddenly spoke:

"Little Xiong, since I need to obtain my eighth soul ring and Rongrong needs her fourth soul ring, Rongrong, Uncle Sword, and I plan to visit the Great Star Dou Forest soon. Would you like to join us?"

"However, the Great Star Dou Forest hasn't been very peaceful lately. You've met Huyan Zhen of the Elephant Armor Sect, right? Recently, it's rumored that the Elephant Armor Sect suffered heavy losses in the Great Star Dou Forest, and many people are now afraid to go there. As you know, the Elephant Armor Sect has always relied on the Spirit Hall and opposed our Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect."

Yang Xiong's expression turned slightly odd upon hearing this. A small operation he had orchestrated had unintentionally caused many people to avoid the Great Star Dou Forest.

Ning Fengzhi noticed Yang Xiong's expression and asked curiously: "Little Xiong, aren't you surprised by what happened to the Elephant Armor Sect?"

Yang Xiong smiled: "The Elephant Armor Sect suffered heavy losses this time. They sent three Soul Douluos and ten Soul Sages into the Great Star Dou Forest, only to be attacked by the Titan Giant Ape and Sky Azure Bull Python. Two Soul Douluos and eight Soul Sages were lost, including one Soul Sage who had reached level eighty. Huyan Zhen also seems to have been severely injured."

Ning Rongrong was puzzled: "Little Bear, how do you know so much about this?"

Yang Xiong explained: "Rongrong, I also went to the Great Star Dou Forest recently to hunt for my fourth soul ring. Coincidentally, Teacher Lin Gong and I saw the Elephant Armor Sect's Soul Sages. Realizing something was amiss, we observed them secretly and discovered they were helping someone hunt for an eighth soul ring."

"At the time, I felt the Elephant Armor Sect wasn't friendly toward us, so Teacher Lin Gong and I went to the Lake of Life and asked Xiao Wu to intervene. Xiao Wu summoned the Titan Giant Ape and Sky Azure Bull Python to attack the Elephant Armor Sect group. You should remember the enmity between Xiao Wu and Bibi Dong. Since the Elephant Armor Sect is Bibi Dong's top lackey, they naturally faced the full pursuit of two hundred-thousand-year soul beasts, resulting in their heavy losses."

Ning Rongrong's face lit up with delight: "Little Bear, you actually met Xiao Wu! How is she doing?"

Yang Xiong smiled: "Xiao Wu is doing well. She's protected by two hundred-thousand-year soul beasts, and the Lake of Life is rich in spiritual energy, making it perfect for her cultivation."

Ning Fengzhi nodded: "That's good. It serves as a lesson for the Elephant Armor Sect. Unfortunately, they have the Spirit Hall backing them, or I'd consider wiping them out. But at least I can now travel to the Great Star Dou Forest with peace of mind."

Yang Xiong thought carefully before speaking: "Sect Leader, Oscar, Qin Shuang, and my older brother Yang Wei have all reached level forty. Why not take everyone to the Great Star Dou Forest to obtain their soul rings?"

Ning Fengzhi and Sword Bone Douluo twitched slightly at the corners of their mouths. Just how many immortal herbs did Yang Xiong acquire to distribute so generously? It seemed he had thoroughly drained Dugu Bo during their last encounter.

The three now looked down on Dugu Bo, who had been hoarding such treasures alone without realizing their value—it was a waste. Thankfully, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect had benefited from it in the end.

After some thought, Ning Fengzhi finally replied: "Alright. With Uncle Sword and I leading these youngsters, we can guide them along the way. There shouldn't be any issues."

Yang Xiong had great confidence in Ning Fengzhi's knowledge of martial souls. At the very least, theoretically, Ning Fengzhi was no weaker than Yu Xiaogang, and in practice, he was even stronger. After all, every sect leader of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect had devoted themselves to researching the evolution of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda.

Just as Yang Xiong was about to leave, Bone Douluo suddenly spoke:

"Yang Xiong, since you've already taken me as your teacher, starting tomorrow morning, I'll begin training you personally. Once Old Sword returns from hunting for soul rings in the Great Star Dou Forest, we'll alternate training you. If you dare slack off, neither of us will show mercy."

Yang Xiong immediately bowed: "Thank you, Masters. I'll complete all your training requirements."

When Yang Xiong arrived at where Oscar and the others were staying, he found Oscar, Qin Shuang, and Zhao Wuji together.

As Yang Xiong had anticipated, both Oscar and Qin Shuang had reached level forty. Their actual soul power levels would only be confirmed after obtaining their soul rings. Meanwhile, Zhao Wuji had advanced to level seventy-eight, matching Flender's soul power level.

Given Zhao Wuji's current progress, he would likely surpass Flender soon, potentially breaking through to the Soul Douluo level within two years.

By that time, when Yang Xiong went out on his own journey, having Zhao Wuji at home would ensure the safety of his parents no matter what happened.

After helping Oscar and Qin Shuang analyze their options, Yang Xiong helped them confirm the direction for selecting their fourth soul rings. Zhao Wuji also expressed concern about Oscar's adjustment to life at the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect and decided to accompany Oscar and Qin Shuang to the Great Star Dou Forest, along with Yang Wei.

As for Yang Xiong himself, he had just returned from the Great Star Dou Forest recently. Since Ning Fengzhi was personally leading the group, Yang Xiong didn't plan to join them again.

According to Yang Xiong's training plan, after Oscar and Qin Shuang obtained their soul rings, they would immediately leave the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect to embark on their own journeys.

Two Soul Ancestors traveling together, with Qin Shuang being an inner disciple of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect and additional protection arranged by Ning Fengzhi, should ensure their safety.

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