Douluo: The Ultimate Self

At this moment, on the desk in front of Yu Xiaogang and Flender lay quite a bit of information detailing the members of an opposing team.

Imperial Battle Team, all seven members were Silver Soul Fighter Medal holders.

- Captain: Yu Tianheng, Martial Soul: Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon, Level 39 Power-Type Battle Soul Master. Soul Rings: Two Yellow, One Purple.

- Vice Captain: Dugu Yan, Martial Soul: Jade Phosphorus Serpent, Level 38 Control-Type Battle Soul Master. Soul Rings: Two Yellow, One Purple.

- Ye Lingling, Martial Soul: Nine-Heart Begonia, Level 35 Support-Type Soul Tool Master. Soul Rings: Two Yellow, One Purple.

- Shi Mo, Martial Soul: Black Tortoise Turtle, Level 38 Defense-Type Battle Soul Master. Soul Rings: Two Yellow, One Purple.

- Shi Mo, Yu Feng, Ao Si Luo (other team members).

Flender said, "Xiaogang, you should understand the significance of their martial Souls and soul rings, especially the captain with the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon martial Soul. He likely comes from your family."

Yu Xiaogang angrily snapped, "Enough, Flender. I didn't sign them up for this match because of the captain. The children have performed well recently, but you must realize they haven't faced any strong opponents yet. This team will be a good test of their abilities."

Flender responded, "Have you considered that the children might lose or even get discouraged? This team is clearly professionally trained, almost reaching the standards of high-level soul master competitions."

"And look closely at their martial Souls—Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon, Jade Phosphorus Serpent, Black Tortoise Turtle. None of their martial Souls are weak, and their backgrounds are also quite deep."

Yu Xiaogang fell silent for a moment before replying, "Let's see what the children think. Perhaps they want to fight against opponents of this level."

Flender thought for a moment. "That's fine. It's time for these kids to broaden their horizons. Let's hear what they have to say."

Yu Xiaogang nodded, though his eyes betrayed a hint of unwillingness.

---

The next morning, Yu Xiaogang addressed the group: "A very powerful soul master team has arrived in Suotuo City. Their strength far surpasses the Berserker Team you've faced before. I've already signed you up. If anyone is afraid of losing or danger, speak up now."

After seeing the opponent's information, everyone's expressions turned serious.

Dai Mubai was the first to speak. "It's just the Imperial Battle Team. Though they're strong, we're confident we can win."

Yu Xiaogang nodded. "Among your opponents, pay special attention to this student named Dugu Yan. Her martial Soul is the Jade Phosphorus Serpent, a top-tier beast-type martial Soul, and she's a rare poison-type soul master."

Tang San looked at the information, puzzled. "Teacher, can a beast-type martial Soul be used as a control-type soul master?"

Yu Xiaogang replied, "Yes, but Dugu Yan uses her poison attribute to control. When fighting a poison-type soul master, safety is crucial. A single misstep could lead to treachery, and many toxins in the soul master world are incurable."

The lineup was decided by a draw, and ultimately Zhu Zhuqing was chosen not to participate.

Dai Mubai quickly spoke up. "Master, Xiao San, our opponents are very strong. I suggest Zhuqing stays on the field. We might be able to form a spirit fusion technique."

After numerous battles, Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing had grown increasingly in sync, and their martial Souls resonated with each other. Forming a spirit fusion technique seemed inevitable.

Unfortunately, even though Yu Xiaogang hesitated, the draw couldn't be changed arbitrarily.

At this moment, Ning Rongrong suddenly spoke. "Master, Xiao San, I think we should focus on this soul master with the Nine-Heart Begonia martial Soul. The Nine-Heart Begonia is unique among martial Souls. No matter how many soul rings it absorbs or what kind of soul rings, it always has only one soul skill—healing."

"Especially the terrifying healing ability of the Nine-Heart Begonia. Legend has it that as long as the Nine-Heart Begonia soul master isn't eliminated, their powerful healing can restore someone in an instant."

Yu Xiaogang, Tang San, and others were shocked. They had never heard of the Nine-Heart Begonia martial Soul, but Ning Rongrong's explanation seemed plausible.

---

The next evening, after revising their tactics, Yang Xiong followed the other six onto the stage.

According to the plan, Tang San would control, Xiao Wu and Dai Mubai would handle power attacks, Oscar and Ning Rongrong would provide support, Ma Hongjun would counter the opposing flying soul master, and Yang Xiong would handle both power attacks and agile strikes to eliminate opponents.

Once both teams were on stage, the match began.

Yang Xiong wasn't particularly concerned about the so-called Imperial Battle Team, but this spirit battle would serve as the catalyst for Shrek Academy's next move.

On the stage, Tang San stood in the center, with Yang Xiong, Dai Mubai, and Xiao Wu at the forefront. Yang Xiong positioned himself directly in the middle.

However, the opposing Imperial Battle Team didn't seem to take them seriously.

At the referee's signal, Yang Xiong, Dai Mubai, and Xiao Wu charged forward aggressively toward the opposing team.

Surprisingly, the opposing team met them head-on, with their captain, Yu Tianheng, directly clashing with Yang Xiong.

After exchanging a single punch, both retreated two steps. This was the first time Yang Xiong had been forced back during a direct confrontation on the stage.

Yu Tianheng was equally astonished. A mere Level 28 Soul Grandmaster forcing back a Level 39 Soul Elder was somewhat embarrassing.

The battlefield seemed divided, with each person finding their opponent.

After exchanging several blows, Yang Xiong and Yu Tianheng were evenly matched.

Yu Tianheng's Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon martial Soul lived up to its reputation as a top-tier beast-type martial Soul with lightning attributes. Each collision with Yang Xiong transmitted an extremely violent force. The lightning attribute was exceptionally strong, not only explosive but also capable of paralyzing.

While Yang Xiong and Yu Tianheng fought evenly, the other twelve participants' battles were more chaotic.

Dugu Yan's second soul ring flashed, releasing a red mist that enveloped the Imperial Battle Team. Stimulated by the mist, their attack power and speed significantly increased—it was her second soul skill, Jade Phosphorus Red Poison.

But Yang Xiong remained unfazed. With his current physical conditioning, neither poison nor lightning attacks posed a threat.

The battle quickly reached a stalemate. In terms of strength, the Imperial Battle Team was at least five levels higher on average than Shrek Academy.

Just as Dugu Yan was about to release another poison, Tang San unleashed a large amount of realgar and alcohol. Under his direction, Ma Hongjun's Phoenix Flame incinerated all the toxins into ashes.

Dugu Yan was astonished. She hadn't expected Tang San's unknown liquid to neutralize her poison.

Initially, the battle was nearly even, but the soul power gap was too significant. Within minutes, Shrek Academy showed signs of collapse.

However, Shrek Academy had been waiting for this opportunity. Yang Xiong and Dai Mubai moved swiftly. Dai Mubai blocked Yu Tianheng's attack, while Yang Xiong faced Shi Mo, a Level 38 defense-type soul master with the Black Tortoise Turtle martial Soul.

After Yang Xiong landed several consecutive punches, Shi Mo felt his body being repeatedly struck, and even the Black Tortoise Turtle struggled to withstand the assault.

The Imperial Battle Team's Ye Lingling summoned a massive Nine-Heart Begonia flower, and a blue aura rapidly infused the team's members, accelerating their recovery.

At this moment, Yang Xiong forced Shi Mo back and suddenly appeared in front of Ye Lingling. Before she could react, he unleashed a massive glowing sphere at her.

Ye Lingling, caught off guard, was visibly shaken. Shi Mo desperately blocked the attack, and even the flying soul master rushed over.

Meanwhile, Tang San's Blue Silver Grass transformed abruptly, entangling the others and launching rapid attacks while harassing those attempting to rescue Ye Lingling.

Shi Mo, standing beside Ye Lingling, stepped in front of Yang Xiong and activated his third soul skill: Black Tortoise Shield. A massive turtle shell covered with ancient patterns materialized before him, appearing extremely formidable.

But Yang Xiong unleashed his Rasengan, smashing it directly into the Black Tortoise Shield. Even a thousand-year soul skill shattered instantly.

Shi Mo spat out blood, clearly injured.

However, Yang Xiong paid no heed and accelerated, charging directly at Ye Lingling.

As a plant-type soul master, Ye Lingling's defense and speed were severely lacking.

Just then, a sonic boom echoed behind Yang Xiong. A blue figure streaked toward him, brimming with lightning energy. His right hand resembled a massive dragon claw, and his entire right arm had thickened significantly—it was Yu Tianheng's third soul skill: Thunder Fury, having broken free from Dai Mubai.

But Yang Xiong ignored it and delivered a palm strike directly to Ye Lingling.

Before she could react, she was sent flying. Yang Xiong immediately closed in, grabbing her arm and delivering a powerful kick, sending her off the stage.

Feeling the approaching sonic boom, Yang Xiong unleashed a knife-hand strike at the incoming blue figure.

This was Yu Tianheng's offensive soul skill, and his strength far surpassed the others.

Yang Xiong's knife-hand collided with the soul skill, forcing him back six or seven meters.

But Yang Xiong quickly steadied himself, his silver claws clashing repeatedly with Yu Tianheng's azure claws. In the blink of an eye, they exchanged countless blows, neither gaining a clear advantage.

The loss of Ye Lingling, their support member, made the battle more challenging for the Imperial Battle Team.

------------------------------------------------------

40+ Chapters Ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow

There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)