Douluo: The Ultimate Self

Yu Xiaogang and Flender were astonished by Yang Xiong's performance. After completing the entire run, only Ning Rongrong and Yang Xiong remained fully alert. Given Yang Xiong's load, it far exceeded the limits of a Soul Elder.

Flender was curious. "Xiaogang, what do you think Yang Xiong's limit is? It feels like these stones are completely unable to weigh him down."

Yu Xiaogang's expression turned serious. "I'm not sure either. You know I gave Yang Xiong a full 220 kilograms this time. I didn't expect him to handle it so easily, even helping Oscar and Ning Rongrong. I suspect his body-type martial soul isn't ordinary—it might resemble a powerful beast-type martial soul. But Dai Mubai's White Tiger is already considered the pinnacle of beast-type martial souls. Yet Yang Xiong's strength and stamina are simply outrageous."

Flender pondered for a moment. "Xiaogang, could it be that the issue isn't with his martial soul but with Yang Xiong himself? He's been carrying weights and undergoing medicinal baths since childhood, and his teacher is Bone Douluo. Perhaps his body has been tempered to surpass that of ordinary people."

Yu Xiaogang nodded. "That's the only possibility. It seems I underestimated Bone Douluo's training. Maybe he can truly reach the limits of his martial soul's cultivation."

---

Over the next few days, the house sponsored by Yang Xiong was finally completed. Each person had their own private room, making it convenient for personal privacy.

Everyone loved the new house. Though funded by Yang Xiong, teenagers around twelve or thirteen naturally valued their privacy. Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun were especially delighted, and even Tang San thanked Yang Xiong. This way, they no longer had to sneak out in the mornings.

In fact, Yang Xiong and Tang San often left at the same time each morning. However, Tang San practiced the Purple Extreme Demon Eye, while Yang Xiong focused on practicing basic moves and Tai Chi outside. In the fresh morning air, Tai Chi felt particularly profound.

For the next three months, Yu Xiaogang's training regimen remained similar. Besides carrying stones and running, there were also cross-country exercises in the mountains and soul battles between team members. All of these activities aimed to strengthen the body.

Yu Xiaogang adjusted the format of individual battles. Besides one-on-one and two-on-two matches, there were other variations.

However, during each battle, Yang Xiong usually faced multiple opponents. Yu Xiaogang clearly understood that no one could challenge Yang Xiong in a one-on-one fight, so he arranged group battles.

For example, Yang Xiong once fought Tang San and Xiao Wu simultaneously, another time against Zhu Zhuqing and Dai Mubai, and even once against both Tang San and Dai Mubai.

These soul battles often boiled down to endurance contests. Even Yang Xiong, with his formidable combat abilities, struggled when facing Tang San and Dai Mubai together. Eventually, he was worn down by their combined efforts, nearly collapsing from exhaustion.

Because of Yang Xiong's exceptional combat prowess, support-type soul masters like Ning Rongrong and Oscar were rarely included in his battles. Their slower speeds made them easy targets, often defeated in the opening moments.

Based on Zhao Wuji and Flender's analysis, Yang Xiong's physical conditioning was outstanding in all aspects—strength, speed, and defense showed no weaknesses. His only drawback was a lack of ranged attacks, but his mastery of teleportation made up for it. This single ability caused endless frustration for his opponents, leaving them no room to evade.

Yang Xiong's daily medicinal baths were overseen by Zhao Wuji. Additionally, Yang Xiong frequently sought Zhao Wuji for combat training. Over time, their relationship grew closer. Zhao Wuji even shared some of his past experiences, including embarrassing stories of being hunted by the Spirit Hall.

Yang Xiong enjoyed these exchanges. As a Soul Sage, Zhao Wuji's insights went beyond what books could teach. Yang Xiong listened intently, sometimes sharing his own thoughts on cultivation. His deep knowledge of martial souls also inspired Zhao Wuji.

After three months of relentless training, the Shrek Eight had grown more familiar with each other. They were teammates who endured hardships together daily.

However, the Shrek Eight subtly formed three smaller groups. Yang Xiong, Oscar, and Ning Rongrong often stayed together. Both Oscar and Ning Rongrong were support-type soul masters, and being near Yang Xiong gave them a sense of security.

Tang San remained focused on Xiao Wu. Though trusted by others, it was clear to everyone that the two were a pair. Others respected their bond and avoided intruding.

Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun seemed to share a camaraderie, though Dai Mubai was also courting Zhu Zhuqing. Even the icy Zhu Zhuqing seemed to soften under his persistence.

One day, Yang Xiong soaked alone in his bathtub. The liquid inside was divided into red and blue halves, resembling two distinct sections. These were herbs prepared by Yang Xiong, suitable for both medicinal baths and body tempering, and highly absorbable for soul masters.

Yang Xiong entered a deep meditation. In his mind, he visualized changes in his body, even seeing a silver giant in his consciousness. This giant gazed at the heavens and earth, exuding immense pride and disdain for worldly beings, as if it held dominion over the universe.

The surrounding space resembled a vast ocean, split into red and blue halves. The two colors collided and merged, like opposing forces vying for dominance.

Upon closer inspection, the giant's torso and head appeared brighter, while its limbs were dimmer. Silver lines covered the limbs, gradually growing brighter, resembling meridians.

Through three months of training and personal research, Yang Xiong had gained basic control over circulating soul power in his limbs. Only the final step remained.

After an indeterminate amount of time, the silver lines on his limbs grew denser, eventually forming a cohesive network. Yang Xiong felt his limbs and torso reaching completion, with the circulating soul power fusing into a unified whole.

At this moment, Yang Xiong suddenly opened his eyes, golden light flashing from them. His limbs lit up, and his body-type martial soul reached perfection in an instant. His entire body glowed silver, appearing as a seamless entity.

"It's done!"

In this moment, Yang Xiong felt the perfection of Tai Chi. His soul power surged like an unstoppable tide, feeling completely natural. He felt lighter, as if breaking through a long-standing barrier. His understanding of the surrounding space and the universe deepened.

At this moment, Yang Xiong's Yin-Yang (Tai Chi) Meditation Technique reached its peak. His soul power flowed ceaselessly, like an eternal river.

The silver giant in his mind completed its transformation. The red and blue space merged into a massive Yin-Yang symbol.

Simultaneously, Yang Xiong broke through to level twenty-eight. Now, among the Shrek Eight, he was no longer at the bottom.

Yang Xiong realized his Yin-Yang Meditation Technique could now operate autonomously throughout his body. With his future soul power growth, its effectiveness would only improve, potentially surpassing Tang San's Xuan Tian Technique. After all, Tai Chi's revolving yin and yang represented the ultimate Daoist principle—endless vitality.

---

This marked the final day of the three-month training period. Over these months, everyone had pushed themselves to their limits, and their physical conditioning improved dramatically. Tang San and Dai Mubai looked much stronger, Ma Hongjun had slimmed down, and even Oscar could now complete the weighted runs.

The three girls became slimmer and less reserved, improving their relationships with the boys. Especially Ning Rongrong, who shed her former spoiled demeanor, gaining a hint of resilience. Her temperament became more subdued, though she still teased Yang Xiong relentlessly, showing no distance between them.

During the final weighted run, Ning Rongrong insisted on running independently, even after Yang Xiong took all her stones. Clenching her teeth, she persevered and completed the course.

Though exhausted, the mischievous girl radiated joy, regaining her former commanding presence.

Over the three months, everyone's soul power saw minimal improvement. Only Ma Hongjun advanced by one level, reaching level twenty-eight. Ning Rongrong reached level twenty-nine during this time.

When the group learned that Yang Xiong had reached level twenty-eight, they were stunned. At enrollment, he was only level twenty-six. Advancing two levels in such a short time was extraordinary.

Ordinary soul masters progressed gradually, typically gaining only two to three levels per year, even with intense training and high talent. Yang Xiong's progress exceeded everyone's expectations. Zhu Zhuqing, still at level twenty-seven—the lowest among them—looked somewhat disheartened.

Ning Rongrong seemed dissatisfied. "Xiao Xiong (Little Bear), did you do this on purpose? I used to be two levels above you, and now I'm only one level higher."

Yang Xiong smiled. "Rongrong, you'd better work harder. If you don't, I might surpass you in the future."

Ning Rongrong's expression changed. "Don't even think about it! My talent far exceeds yours. Your soul power will never surpass mine."

Yang Xiong chuckled silently, knowing a little motivation wouldn't hurt her.

Through three months of constant interaction, Yang Xiong and Ning Rongrong's relationship grew closer. During the final laps of each weighted run, Yang Xiong often carried Ning Rongrong. Initially, she blushed and resisted, but now she seemed accustomed to it.

However, Ning Rongrong's vanity and pride remained strong. She loved flaunting her status by calling him "Little Bear," prompting Xiao Wu to follow suit, much to Yang Xiong's embarrassment.

When Yu Xiaogang announced the completion of the first phase of training and a seven-day break before the next phase, everyone cheered. Even Yang Xiong felt relieved.

It wasn't that the training was ineffective—it just suited him less as time went on. The initial benefits diminished as his body approached its limits. He preferred sparring with Zhao Wuji instead.

As Yang Xiong soaked in his medicinal bath, someone knocked on the door. Tang San's voice came from outside.

"Yang Xiong, are you there? I have something to discuss with you."

Yang Xiong replied, "The door isn't locked. Come in. I can't open the door right now."

When Tang San entered the room, he sensed an unusual aura. This was his first visit to Yang Xiong since they separated dorms.

Yang Xiong, soaking in the tub with his eyes half-closed, seemed lost in meditation or deep thought.

Tang San approached him. "Yang Xiong, why does your medicinal bath feel different from ours? It seems… poisonous."

Yang Xiong opened his eyes. "Indeed. The materials for my medicinal bath were prepared by my master. Besides the bath, they're mainly for body tempering."

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