Douluo: The Ultimate Self

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As expected, just like in the original story, the group quickly found a spirit beast perfectly suited for Oscar—a thousand-year-old Phoenix Crested Snake. Its age was excellent, falling within the ideal range.

After analyzing it with Tang San, Yang Xiong estimated that the Phoenix Crested Snake was six to eight meters long and between 1,300 and 1,800 years old. In terms of attributes and overall suitability, it was an excellent match for Oscar.

Tang San, having been educated by Yu Xiaogang since childhood, had extensive knowledge of spirit beasts. Similarly, Yang Xiong, who had read through the entire library of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, was also well-versed in various spirit beasts.

After their analysis, the group moved swiftly, surrounding the Phoenix Crested Snake. It didn't take long for the snake to collapse, on the verge of death, leaving Oscar to deliver the final blow.

During the process, they encountered Snake Grandma Chao Tianxiang and Meng Yiran, who had clearly been tracking this Phoenix Crested Snake for quite some time.

However, there was no conflict this time. Yang Xiong stepped forward to communicate, and after Ning Rongrong displayed her Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda spirit, the two women tactfully withdrew.

Meng Yiran was somewhat resentful, but the might of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect wasn't something to be trifled with lightly, especially since such a large sect tended to fiercely protect its own.

Oscar's absorption of the soul ring took a full three hours, while Tang San and Xiao Wu showed no signs of breakthroughs yet.

Zhao Wuji appeared extremely pleased. "Xiao Ao, your luck is great this time. Judging by your excitement, your new soul skill must be excellent."

Oscar's face lit up with excitement. "Thank you, Teacher Zhao. My new soul skill is amazing—it's called Flying Mushroom Sausage. It grants a soul master the ability to fly for a short period, though only for one minute."

Upon hearing this, everyone was astonished. Although countless types of martial souls and soul skills existed in the soul master world, true flight was achievable only by flying-type soul masters or those at the Title Douluo level.

Yet here was Oscar, achieving flight with his third soul skill. Though the duration was brief, its effects far exceeded everyone's expectations.

Yang Xiong fell silent. This soul skill seemed tailor-made for soul master battles, but it wouldn't be as effective in other situations.

Even at maximum speed, a minute of flight would only cover one or two kilometers—not particularly useful for high-level soul masters.

Just as the group prepared to leave, the ground began to tremble violently, as if an immensely powerful creature were approaching.

Yang Xiong was shocked. Normally, the Titan Giant Ape shouldn't have appeared so soon—so what was going on now?

The Titan Giant Ape resided near Life Lake in the core region of the Great Star Dou Forest, hundreds of kilometers away. To think they had already prepared to leave after spending only five or six hours in the forest—and yet they encountered this unexpected event.

Zhao Wuji reacted quickly, shouting, "Everyone, get behind me! We need to leave immediately!"

Though puzzled, everyone quickly gathered behind Zhao Wuji. Notably, Zhao Wuji summoned his spirit, the Mighty Golden Bear, looking unusually grave.

The trembling grew closer. The towering trees were parted, and many plants were crushed underfoot.

Suddenly, a colossal figure emerged before them—a massive ape.

This ape stood over ten meters tall, and if fully upright, it might have reached fifteen meters. Its body was pitch black, resembling granite, and its eyes glowed like lanterns.

Yang Xiong shouted, "This is the Titan Giant Ape, a true hundred-thousand-year spirit beast! We need to leave immediately!"

At this moment, Zhao Wuji remained eerily calm. He bowed slightly to the Titan Giant Ape. "Respected King of the Forest, we mean no offense. We will leave your territory at once."

Both Zhao Wuji and the others felt a chill. Hundred-thousand-year spirit beasts were legendary in the world of Douluo, their strength surpassing even Title Douluos. They were insurmountable mountains to ordinary soul masters.

The Titan Giant Ape let out a thunderous roar and began striding toward the Shrek group. Its steps were immense, and its speed was astonishing—it closed the distance in an instant.

Zhao Wuji's heart raced. He roared again, "All of you, run! I'll hold him off!"

Multiple soul rings on Zhao Wuji's body lit up as he unleashed several soul skills simultaneously. His Mighty Golden Bear radiated overwhelming power.

Using his combined soul skills, the surrounding space seemed compressed, and immense gravitational pressure bore down on the Titan Giant Ape. Clearly, Zhao Wuji employed gravity manipulation and self-enhancement techniques.

But the Titan Giant Ape roared again, dispelling the gravitational pressure effortlessly. Moreover, a mysterious force surged toward Zhao Wuji, even stronger than his gravity-based soul skills.

Yang Xiong immediately moved to Ning Rongrong's side. "Everyone, prepare to retreat. This Titan Giant Ape is too powerful."

Dai Mubai instantly activated his third soul skill, White Tiger Vajra Transformation, intending to assist Zhao Wuji. However, as soon as he approached, an invisible force sent him flying.

The others wasted no time summoning their spirits. Ning Rongrong's Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda emitted dazzling light, amplifying everyone's abilities.

But at Ning Rongrong's current level, amplifying someone like Zhao Wuji drained her soul power rapidly.

Even with Zhao Wuji's formidable strength, a single swipe from the Titan Giant Ape sent him flying.

Yang Xiong had urged everyone to flee, but Xiao Wu, instead of retreating, leaped closer to the Titan Giant Ape.

The Titan Giant Ape's speed and reaction were extraordinary, exuding boundless pressure. In an instant, everyone was flung back. Xiao Wu, in particular, was caught in the palm of the ape's hand.

The group was horrified, especially Tang San, whose eyes turned purple with rage. Countless hidden weapons shot from his hands toward the Titan Giant Ape. But no matter how sharp they were, they merely scratched the ape's surface, unable to pierce its skin.

Zhao Wuji let out another roar, his largest black soul ring shining brightly as he unleashed his seventh soul skill: Martial Soul True Body.

Zhao Wuji, originally around 1.7 meters tall, grew to over two meters, sprouting golden fur and bulging muscles. His appearance became incredibly imposing.

Roaring, he commanded, "Hurry and leave! No one is to fight!"

But even with his True Body activated, Zhao Wuji was still far weaker than the hundred-thousand-year Titan Giant Ape. After holding out for mere moments, he was struck again and sent flying.

The Titan Giant Ape, clutching Xiao Wu, strode away, heading deeper into the Great Star Dou Forest.

Yang Xiong glanced at the others. "You all recover quickly. I'll chase after the Titan Giant Ape and Xiao Wu."

Before Zhao Wuji could respond, Yang Xiong's figure flashed, and he darted off in pursuit of the Titan Giant Ape.

The others were left in dire straits, especially Tang San, who had suffered injuries from the Titan Giant Ape's retaliatory gravity shockwave during his fierce attack.

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