Douluo: The Ultimate Self

During the rest period, a small incident occurred. One night, Ma Hongjun returned from outside, his face battered to the point of being unrecognizable.

Though Yang Xiong didn't hold Ma Hongjun in high regard, he still joined the others in going to Suotuo City to teach that so-called "Bu Le" a lesson. After all, the man was incredibly lecherous, and beating him up was a good way to stretch their limbs.

On the sixth day of rest, Tang San gathered everyone in his room. On the table lay various hidden weapons.

After Tang San's introduction, these included Silent Sleeve Dart, foot-triggered crossbows, Tense Back Flower Adornment Crossbow, Powder Shooting Shadow, Flying God Claw, and Zhuge Divine Crossbows.

Everyone looked at the hidden weapons with delight—they had witnessed their power before. Especially the Zhuge Divine Crossbow, whether against Zhao Wuji or in killing soul beasts, its effectiveness was impressive.

Under Tang San's guidance, everyone quickly familiarized themselves with the operation of the hidden weapons and even equipped them immediately.

Yang Xiong, however, played around with the hidden weapons. These were mostly mechanical devices, meticulously crafted with considerable power. The metals used for their construction were far from ordinary—it was clear Tang San had put a lot of thought into them.

After carefully examining and testing them for a while, Yang Xiong packed them all away.

Tang San asked in confusion, "Yang Xiong, are you not satisfied with these hidden weapons? Why haven't you equipped them yet?"

Yang Xiong smiled. "Tang San, thank you. I really like these hidden weapons—they're excellent in terms of attack capabilities. However, equipping them would interfere with my body tempering, so I'll store them for now and use them later."

Tang San seemed to care deeply about how others viewed his hidden weapons, so he sighed in relief. "Yang Xiong, you undergo daily body tempering and medicinal baths. These hidden weapons could indeed be damaged by toxins, so it's right to store them."

---

The seven-day break passed quickly. Under Yu Xiaogang and Flender's organization, the second phase of training began. The location was the Suotuo City Grand Spirit Arena.

However, according to Yu Xiaogang's requirements, everyone needed to simultaneously earn both individual Silver Soul Fighter Medals and team Silver Soul Fighter Medals.

This posed a problem: a normal team registration consisted of seven members, but Shrek Academy had eight people—meaning one person couldn't participate in each match.

As Yu Xiaogang explained, since Tang San was the only control-type soul master in the team, the other seven members would take turns resting while Tang San directed tactics.

Yang Xiong couldn't help but roll his eyes at Yu Xiaogang. It was obvious that Yu Xiaogang wanted to elevate Tang San's status within the team.

However, Yang Xiong didn't care. According to his plan, he would definitely participate in one individual soul battle and two doubles battles per day. Seven-person team battles held little interest for him.

Moreover, Yang Xiong didn't place much importance on these seven-person team battles. He cared more about his own improvement. Such team battles were only relevant in soul master tournaments. Once one reached the Soul King or even Soul Emperor level, there wouldn't be many large-scale team battles—personal strength would ultimately matter most.

Yu Xiaogang appeared confident. "Though the second phase of training may not seem as physically demanding, I require everyone to obtain their Silver Soul Fighter Medals as quickly as possible, especially your team. This might actually be the hardest part."

"And for your safety, I've imposed certain restrictions: first, no one is allowed to reveal their true identity—you must wear masks and codenames during matches. Second, no one is allowed to use hidden weapons. Third, I require you to participate in at least two soul battles per day."

Oscar was puzzled. "Master, both Rongrong and I are support-type soul masters. It won't be easy for us to earn Silver Soul Fighter Medals."

Yu Xiaogang remained calm. "That's simple enough. You can continue the first phase of training until everyone earns their Silver Soul Fighter Medals—that will count as completing the training."

Upon hearing this, Oscar and Ning Rongrong visibly deflated. Clearly, they were intimidated by the difficulty of the first phase of training.

However, Oscar leaned on Yang Xiong's shoulder. "Brother Xiong, I'll have to rely on you. I can only earn points by participating in doubles and team battles."

Yang Xiong immediately pushed Oscar away. "Don't get so close to me. Don't worry—I'll help you earn the Silver Soul Fighter Medal without much trouble."

"But you'll need to put in some effort too. Don't get eliminated right away. Remember, when we're paired together, I'll be facing two Soul Elders."

As Yang Xiong said, obtaining the Silver Soul Fighter Medal wasn't a challenge for him.

According to the arena rules, individual battles awarded points, doubles battles also awarded individual points, and even in seven-person team battles, besides the team points, there were individual points. Even support-type soul masters could earn points in doubles and team battles.

However, to obtain the Silver Soul Fighter Medal quickly, one had to participate in more matches.

According to Yang Xiong's plan, participating in three to four soul battles per night—including one team battle—was sufficient. More than that would be unnecessary.

Dai Mubai immediately teamed up with Zhu Zhuqing to form the White Tiger Duo. However, they'd be facing two Soul Elders, which placed significant pressure on Zhu Zhuqing, given her current level of twenty-seven.

Still, Zhu Zhuqing showed no fear and seemed to trust Dai Mubai more and more.

Tang San and Xiao Wu had already formed an unstoppable duo of Soul Elders.

Ma Hongjun, on the other hand, was in a sorry state. He couldn't find anyone to pair with for doubles battles. Ning Rongrong clearly despised him, and Zhu Zhuqing needed to fight in doubles battles against Soul Elders and participate in team battles. Given his strength, Ma Hongjun couldn't possibly participate in three soul battles per day. The other four were all Soul Elders, making it difficult for them to team up with him, a Soul Grandmaster.

Finally, Ma Hongjun looked pleadingly at Yang Xiong. "Brother Xiong, why don't we team up? We don't have to compete every day."

Yang Xiong thought for a moment before responding. "No problem. But if we team up, we'll have to participate in soul battles every day until this training phase ends."

Ma Hongjun was puzzled. "Brother Xiong, can you handle that? If you do, you'll be participating in five soul battles per day, including two against Soul Elder-level opponents."

Yang Xiong grabbed Ma Hongjun's shoulders. "Little Fatty, that's not something you need to worry about. It's just a Soul Grandmaster-level battle. Just don't mess things up for me."

Soon, everyone began registering. Yang Xiong signed up for four matches: one individual battle and three doubles battles. As for the seven-person team battle, luck was on his side—he wasn't scheduled to participate today.

When everyone saw Yang Xiong's Bronze Soul Fighter Medal, they were astonished. Even Dai Mubai, who had participated in numerous matches, still held an Iron Soul Fighter Medal. Back when he first became a Soul Elder, he had lost too many matches, and at the time, no one at the academy had partnered with him for doubles battles.

However, when Yang Xiong saw his opponent for the first match, he was surprised. His first battle was against Zhu Zhuqing.

Dai Mubai hurried over to Yang Xiong. "Brother, please go easy on her. I beg you."

Yang Xiong chuckled. "We're classmates. I won't go too hard on her."

Zhu Zhuqing shot Dai Mubai a glare, clearly disapproving of his words.

As the two stepped onto the stage, Zhu Zhuqing appeared unusually serious and cold.

The usually aloof Zhu Zhuqing suddenly spoke. "Yang Xiong, can I see your full strength?"

Yang Xiong frowned. "Are you sure? I might seriously injure you."

In the past three months, Yang Xiong had fought everyone. However, Yu Xiaogang always arranged multiple opponents for him, never allowing Zhu Zhuqing to face him alone due to the vast difference in their combat abilities. This was their first one-on-one battle.

Zhu Zhuqing nodded. "I'm sure. We're the same age, and our soul power levels are similar. I want to know the real gap between us. Please use your full strength."

Yang Xiong nodded. "Alright, but I hope you're prepared for the outcome."

Following the arena rules, both revealed their martial souls and soul rings. At the referee's signal, the match began.

Both moved with incredible speed, instantly charging at each other. Their movements blurred into two black streaks on the stage.

Zhu Zhuqing didn't underestimate Yang Xiong and immediately unleashed her second soul skill: Netherworld Hundred Claws.

Her body spun rapidly, her claws becoming razor-sharp, resembling a spectral cat. In an instant, countless claw strikes erupted, each with piercing force.

But Yang Xiong's speed matched hers—if not surpassed it. In the blink of an eye, his hands transformed into silver claws, intercepting the countless claw shadows aimed at him.

With a single motion, Yang Xiong shattered the barrage of attacks.

Zhu Zhuqing reacted swiftly, seeing Yang Xiong's silver claws advancing like a storm. She turned into a black blur, attempting to retreat.

But Yang Xiong's speed increased further, surpassing Zhu Zhuqing's. He closed the distance and struck again.

Zhu Zhuqing gritted her teeth and activated her first soul skill: Hell Rush Stab. Her claws extended instantly, doubling her speed as she lunged toward Yang Xiong's chest, clearly intending to force him back.

But Yang Xiong showed no fear. His hands moved in a circular motion, blocking Zhu Zhuqing's first soul skill with raw strength.

Before Zhu Zhuqing could react, she felt as though she had lost all sense of gravity. Her arms were involuntarily redirected by Yang Xiong's hands—a move from Tai Chi called Grasping the Sparrow's Tail, a technique capable of redirecting any attack with minimal force.

Before Zhu Zhuqing could recover, Yang Xiong's palms struck with lightning speed, landing squarely on her claws. Zhu Zhuqing was forced back.

Before she could react, Yang Xiong pressed forward, delivering a powerful punch. Even with her quick reflexes, Zhu Zhuqing couldn't dodge and could only block with her claws.

Zhu Zhuqing felt a sharp pain in her hands. Despite biting down on her teeth and trying to continue fighting, Yang Xiong delivered a powerful roundhouse kick to her left shoulder. The force of the kick sent her flying.

By the time she regained her senses, she had crashed heavily off the stage, her trembling hands barely able to steady herself.

The audience erupted in shock. This wasn't a battle between peers—it was a one-sided crushing defeat. Zhu Zhuqing had unleashed two soul skills but failed to withstand even two of Yang Xiong's moves before being knocked off the stage.

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