Douluo: The Ultimate Self

Yang Xiong and Tang San stepped forward, standing about six meters apart, preparing for their first duel.

Tang San spoke up. "Yang Xiong, be careful. Though your combat abilities are impressive, my Blue Silver Grass is much faster than before."

Yang Xiong smiled. "I've always wanted to fight you too. I'm curious to see how much this third soul ring has improved you."

Both were wary of each other. Tang San was a Soul Elder, a full realm above Yang Xiong, and his combat prowess was undeniable—he had defeated Dai Mubai, who possessed a beast-type martial soul.

However, Yang Xiong's exceptional fighting skills had already astonished many. He had previously fought against Ning Rongrong and Oscar simultaneously in a soul battle without even using his soul skills.

As the match began, both displayed their martial souls and soul rings. A faint silver shadow enveloped Yang Xiong's body.

Countless strands of Blue Silver Grass shot out from Tang San, swiftly surging toward Yang Xiong. True to form, they were significantly faster than during his Soul Grandmaster days.

But Yang Xiong moved with incredible speed, leaping out of the way just as his original position was engulfed by the grass.

Yang Xiong darted around with remarkable agility and speed. Though the Blue Silver Grass was unpredictable, it couldn't keep up with him. Skillfully evading its pursuit, he gradually closed the distance to Tang San. As Yu Xiaogang had said, control-type soul masters held an early advantage, especially with ranged attacks—but only if they could restrict their opponent. Otherwise, it was merely a waste of soul power.

Realizing his Blue Silver Grass couldn't catch Yang Xiong, Tang San himself moved with blinding speed, his movements ghostly and elusive—his Ghost Shadow Perplexing Steps.

Seeing Tang San approach, Yang Xiong smirked. If Tang San had enough soul power, his Blue Silver Grass could indeed trap enemies at range. But Yang Xiong lacked long-range attack capabilities.

Even though Tang San's Ghost Shadow Perplexing Steps were incredibly fast, Yang Xiong was no slouch either. The two quickly engaged in close combat.

Their fists and palms collided, sending both staggering back several meters. In terms of strength and physical prowess, Yang Xiong clearly had the upper hand.

But Tang San remained enigmatic. His hands, like white jade, appeared impossibly hard.

The techniques of the Tang Sect were indeed like cheat codes in the early stages of soul master cultivation. The Douluo world had no comparable methods, especially since ordinary soul masters rarely developed their own soul skills.

Tang San, too, was astonished. When his Xuan Yu Hand (Mysterious Jade Hand) struck Yang Xiong's fist, he found it harder than expected—and Yang Xiong's strength far exceeded his imagination.

In an instant, their exchange devolved into a flurry of punches and kicks. What began as a soul battle had turned into a straightforward martial arts contest.

If Tang San was mysterious and unpredictable, Yang Xiong was bold and direct, resembling a clash between traditional Chinese martial arts and free-style fighting. Compared to Tang San's systematic foundation from the wuxia world, Yang Xiong's style was simpler and more brutal.

After several exchanges, Yang Xiong suddenly extended his fingers like claws, aiming for Tang San. Despite Tang San's quick reflexes, his jade-like right hand was caught.

However, Tang San's Xuan Yu Hand proved tougher than Yang Xiong anticipated, leaving only faint claw marks. Even so, Tang San was shocked. His Xuan Yu Hand had never been damaged by an opponent of the same level.

Just as Yang Xiong unleashed several dragon-claw-like attacks, he suddenly felt his center of gravity destabilize, as if grasping at cotton. His hands involuntarily shifted, and Tang San's hands seemed to create a vortex-like suction force. Before Yang Xiong could react, he began to topple over, and Tang San seized the opportunity to deliver a swift kick.

Yang Xiong took the full force of the kick to his abdomen, flying back several meters. This was Tang San's Controlling Crane, Capturing Dragon, a technique that achieved great results with minimal effort.

But Yang Xiong's physical conditioning rendered such attacks ineffective. In an instant, he flipped mid-air like a sparrow and charged back at Tang San.

At this moment, Tang San reacted with incredible speed, unleashing countless strands of Blue Silver Grass to envelop Yang Xiong.

Yang Xiong showed no fear. His right hand transformed into what resembled a blade, shimmering silver and razor-sharp. With all his might, he slashed through the encroaching Blue Silver Grass.

Though Tang San's Blue Silver Grass was exceptionally fast, its resilience was limited. Even Tang San was surprised—Yang Xiong's hand strike seemed akin to a sharp martial soul, almost unimaginable.

Before Tang San could react, Yang Xiong closed in again. Tang San responded swiftly, his Xuan Yu Hand meeting Yang Xiong's attacks head-on.

After several minutes of intense combat, Yang Xiong had been hit multiple times by Tang San. Yet, despite Tang San's considerable strength, he inflicted no significant damage on Yang Xiong.

The spectators were puzzled. The battle between these two soul masters felt more like a clash between ordinary people, dominated by physical collisions.

Yu Xiaogang, in particular, looked displeased. Tang San wasn't relying on his Blue Silver Grass but instead focusing on physical prowess and combat techniques, completely unlike a control-type soul master.

Tang San's Controlling Crane, Capturing Dragon was indeed a pinnacle technique of the Tang Sect, embodying the principle of using softness to overcome hardness. Yet, even Yang Xiong's rigorous training in physical combat paled in comparison, as if his strength couldn't fully manifest.

After countless strikes, Yang Xiong launched another claw-like attack at Tang San, only to feel as if he were punching cotton once again.

This time, however, Yang Xiong was prepared. His hands came together palm-to-palm, halting his aggressive momentum. His movements slowed dramatically, forming a circular motion.

Tang San intended to use Controlling Crane, Capturing Dragon to redirect Yang Xiong's force, but Yang Xiong's attack defied his expectations. It was as if Tang San himself was caught in a vortex.

Even when Tang San's Xuan Yu Hand struck with full force, it felt like hitting cotton. It was as though Yang Xiong had mastered Controlling Crane, Capturing Dragon himself.

Before Tang San could react, his hands were drawn in uncontrollably. Yang Xiong's slow yet circular motion completed a full rotation, delivering a seemingly light push. Tang San was sent flying—a first in this match.

This was Yang Xiong's Tai Chi Push Hands. While less intricate than Controlling Crane, Capturing Dragon, it represented the culmination of Tai Chi principles. Yang Xiong had practiced it on Earth, and most Tai Chi practitioners were familiar with it.

Tang San's expression darkened. He had always been confident in the techniques of the Tang Sect, especially Controlling Crane, Capturing Dragon, which allowed him to defeat stronger opponents.

Though struck by Tai Chi Push Hands, Tang San refused to yield. Rising where he fell, he swiftly counterattacked.

Now, Tang San's movements were ghostly, combining Xuan Yu Hand, Controlling Crane, Capturing Dragon, and Ghost Shadow Perplexing Steps. Yang Xiong stood firm, his fists, palms, and claws shifting fluidly to meet Tang San's assault.

This battle was no longer a typical soul duel—it resembled a martial arts contest from the wuxia world.

Tang San repeatedly used Controlling Crane, Capturing Dragon, determined to prove that his earlier setback was an anomaly. In terms of combat techniques, he believed he far surpassed Yang Xiong.

Though Yang Xiong's Tai Chi appeared rudimentary, his formidable physique provided a solid foundation. His endurance surpassed Tang San's by a wide margin.

After countless exchanges, Yang Xiong was knocked back more often than Tang San. However, Yang Xiong occasionally used Tai Chi to send Tang San flying.

This wasn't a typical soul master battle—it was a test of physical stamina and endurance.

After nearly ten minutes, sweat began to bead on Tang San's forehead, while Yang Xiong showed no signs of fatigue. Clearly, Yang Xiong's physical conditioning far exceeded Tang San's.

Tang San realized that continuing this way would only play into Yang Xiong's rhythm. Victory would be elusive, and exhaustion would likely claim him first.

Yang Xiong's physical resilience was greater than Tang San had anticipated. Despite repeated strikes with Xuan Yu Hand and other techniques, Yang Xiong showed no signs of injury.

Though Tang San believed Yang Xiong's Tai Chi Push Hands was cruder and less refined than his Controlling Crane, Capturing Dragon, he gained no advantage. Worse, Yang Xiong seemed to grow more proficient, making it increasingly difficult for Tang San to outmaneuver him.

While Tang San was astonished, Yang Xiong felt more relaxed. Having trained alone, he had never tested the limits of his combat skills. Fighting Tang San felt less like a battle and more like a refining experience.

As the battle progressed, Yang Xiong grew more adept at Tai Chi, gradually understanding its principles.

Tai Chiemphasized softness overcoming hardness and responding to change with stillness. Though it appeared gentle and unimposing, its operation contained profound truths—balancing yin and yang, softness and hardness, and the interplay of movement and stillness.

With deeper comprehension, Yang Xiong's soul power began to circulate unconsciously. His Yin-Yang Meditation Technique seemed to expand, spreading from his torso and head to his limbs and even into every cell.

Through repeated use of Tai Chi, his soul power gradually unified into a cohesive whole, transcending simple circulation. It became a seamless interplay of yin and yang, perfectly natural and harmonious.

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