Douluo: I am the True Master

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"Impossible… A Soul Ancestor with three thousand-year soul rings?" 

Yu Xiaogang muttered in disbelief. 

Though Bi Bi Dong was well-traveled and knowledgeable, the sight of such an unconventional soul ring configuration left her instinctively asking, 

"How is this possible?" 

Realizing her slip of tongue, Bi Bi Dong blushed slightly, looking embarrassed. However, Ye Wen casually dismissed it and replied, 

"It's simple. Based on my research into soul ring absorption theory, the upper limit of absorbing soul rings is closely tied to a soul master's physical condition. 

After numerous experiments, I've determined that the core strength of the body correlates almost 1:1 with the maximum year limit of a soul ring. 

For example, if someone has 600 jin of strength when they absorb their first soul ring, they can absorb a 600-year soul ring. If their physical strength exceeds 1,000 jin by the time they reach their second soul ring, they'll meet the requirements to absorb a thousand-year soul ring. 

The four soul rings I possess are 400 years, 1,200 years, 5,000 years, and 9,000 years respectively—living proof of my theory. 

Furthermore, based on this theory, I've trained some exceptional disciples. Disciples, reveal your soul rings." 

A flash of yellow and purple illuminated the spacious hall, and among them were two black rings. 

"Ten-thousand-year soul rings!" Both Bi Bi Dong and Yu Xiaogang exclaimed in shock. 

The owners of the ten-thousand-year soul rings were none other than the Huo siblings. 

Under Ye Wen's intense training regimen, Huo Rui had already reached the level of a 42nd-rank Soul Elder, while her younger brother, Huo Quan, was even more terrifying, having reached 45th rank. 

Thanks to the enhancement of their spiritual power through *Purple Qi*, once the siblings' spiritual strength met the required standards, Ye Wen took them to hunt a top-tier spirit beast—a 10,000-year-old *Furious Demon Ape*. 

Their fourth soul skill, *Furious Strength*, granted a temporary 30% boost to all attributes. Unfortunately, Huo Rui's martial soul was slightly inferior, providing only a 25% increase. 

As for the other disciples, they were still young and had only broken through to the Great Soul Master level. With the exception of Su Qiaoqiao, who was physically weaker and had acquired an 800-year soul ring, all the others possessed purple soul rings for their second ring. 

While not as shocking as the Huo siblings' ten-thousand-year soul rings, the sight of five children—barely over ten years old—with over 20 levels of cultivation and purple second soul rings left everyone present utterly astonished. 

"How did you achieve this? Would you mind explaining? If you share this knowledge, I can petition my teacher on your behalf. No matter what you request, the Spirit Hall will comply." 

Though Bi Bi Dong was still a young girl, she was also the Holy Maiden of the Spirit Hall. Though somewhat love-struck, she wasn't foolish. The soul ring absorption theory Ye Wen had just demonstrated was undoubtedly a groundbreaking discovery that would shake the continent. If disseminated within the Spirit Hall immediately, it would bring immense benefits to the organization. 

At this moment, Ye Wen retracted his four disguised soul rings and bowed respectfully. 

"There's nothing I cannot share, Holy Maiden. I've come here precisely to spread this theory across the continent, to prevent soul masters from dying due to ignorance while hunting soul rings. 

Additionally, I have two more theories I'd like to request the Pope's assistance in disseminating throughout the continent. Could you kindly assist me with this?" 

Looking at Ye Wen, who exuded intellect, elegance, and confidence, Bi Bi Dong completely erased any lingering thoughts of Yu Xiaogang from her mind. 

Yu Xiaogang? Who was he again? 

"With pleasure. Follow me," Bi Bi Dong said with a smile. 

"Boy, are you sure about this?" Dugu Bo whispered cautiously. 

Ye Wen shrugged casually. Though the Spirit Hall was often vilified in later accounts, there were no recorded instances of them forcibly recruiting members. At most, they offered gentle persuasion, which was far better than the practices of the upper three sects or lower four clans. 

"Don't worry, Senior Dugu. My dear disciples are in your care. Things might get a little chaotic in Spirit City soon." 

"Tsk! You're aware of how big a stir you've caused, aren't you?" Dugu Bo grumbled irritably. 

As Bi Bi Dong and Ye Wen departed, the majority of the tavern's patrons—who had been silently observing—quickly dispersed. 

A few opportunists approached Dugu Bo, hoping to learn more about the theory. 

However, Dugu Bo brushed them off, stating that everything would be revealed once the Spirit Hall made an official announcement. The Spirit Hall's reputation alone was enough to deter these schemers. 

Yu Xiaogang finally snapped out of his daze, glancing around at the remnants of the meal that confirmed people had indeed been present moments ago. 

Realizing the significance of Ye Wen's theory, Yu Xiaogang hurried back to the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect's headquarters in Spirit City to report to his father. 

"About twenty years old, yet already a Soul Elder with one yellow and three purple soul rings—an extraordinary configuration. He must be ruthless, willing to experiment on himself to pave the way for his students." 

The burly Thunderclap Douluo, Yu Yuanzhen, stroked his stubbly chin thoughtfully, his demeanor starkly contrasting with Yu Xiaogang's. 

Meanwhile, every faction in Spirit City with access to information channels had already learned of the incident. 

They were eager to know more about this theory. After all, the difference between low-year-limit absorption, limit absorption, and exceeding-limit absorption was monumental for soul masters. 

Unfortunately, Ye Wen—the originator of the theory—had already headed to the main hall of the Spirit Hall. No faction dared to interfere on the Spirit Hall's turf. 

Some factions considered targeting Ye Wen's disciples but quickly abandoned the idea upon learning that Dugu Bo was guarding them. Moreover, numerous hidden Spirit Hall experts surrounded the area. Anyone who valued their life wouldn't dare make a move. 

However, the top-tier factions like the upper three sects had superior intelligence networks compared to ordinary forces. By now, they already had detailed information on Ye Wen. 

"Only innate soul power of Level 4, yet he reached Soul Elder before the age of 20 with an auxiliary-type martial soul? This cultivation speed rivals even the direct disciples of the Seven Treasures Glazed Sect." 

"He founded a junior academy but hasn't recruited any students for years. Instead, he's taken in five village children as disciples. These must be the kids he brought along. 

Their average age is around ten, yet they've already reached the Great Soul Master level. Even among major factions, such talent is considered exceptional. How did Ye Wen train them?" 

"He also runs a clinic. It seems Ye Wen has considerable expertise in herbal medicine. This explains how his disciples could match the elite disciples of the upper three sects. Plus, with Dugu Bo by his side, he must be a master herbalist. No wonder he's able to help a group of commoner soul master children cultivate so rapidly."

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