Douluo: The Ultimate Self

Thank you to our new Patrons: Tai Super Nerd Guy and I_Don't_Believe_It!

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

Upon hearing Yu Xiaogang's words, Flender barked in anger, "Xiaogang, do you even realize what you're saying? We're just teachers at a soul master academy. Students have their own cultivation methods. Coveting someone else's self-created soul skill is a major taboo in the world of soul masters—especially when that student comes from the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect."

Yu Xiaogang's face revealed a bitter smile. "Flender, are you rejecting me too? Back when I published my theories, even though my family didn't support me and the entire soul master world misunderstood me, you always stood by my side."

Flender shook his head. "This is completely different. Your theories back then, though unaccepted—even rejected by sects—were genuinely beneficial to commoner soul masters. Time has proven many of your theories correct."

"But Yang Xiong's situation is entirely different. He's merely a student at Shrek Academy. He has no obligation to let you study his martial soul, let alone share his self-created soul skills. Don't forget, behind Yang Xiong stands the entire Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. His teacher is Bone Douluo. You should understand what the bond between a master and disciple means. In terms of background, he's no weaker than Tang San."

Yu Xiaogang said, "The issue is that both Yang Xiong's cultivation method and his self-created soul skills could revolutionize the soul master world. They might even leave him immortalized in history. Can't you see the significance of that?"

Flender replied, "Xiaogang, I don't know what's going through your mind. Are you doing this for the sake of the soul master world, or for Xiao San? You should understand better than anyone how ruthless the soul master world can be. Take your own family, for instance. Would they ever share their cultivation methods or self-created soul skills?"

"On the contrary, anyone who covets their secrets would be mercilessly eliminated, regardless of their background. That's the true nature of the soul master world."

After sighing deeply, Yu Xiaogang left, feeling helpless. In his eyes, Tang San was everything. He had two life goals: one was to cultivate Tang San, and the other was to prove his theories and gain recognition from the soul master world and his own family.

---

Meanwhile, Yang Xiong arrived at the cafeteria, where he was the only one present. The others were likely still unconscious after today's grueling training.

However, after Yang Xiong finished his meal, Ning Rongrong was the first to arrive. Compared to the others, her energy consumption today had been relatively low, especially since Yang Xiong had carried her during the final few laps.

Seeing Yang Xiong, Ning Rongrong's face flushed slightly with embarrassment. "Little Bear, you performed well today. I'm the first among the three girls to wake up."

Yang Xiong sighed inwardly. "Rongrong, I can help you once or twice, but eventually, you'll need to learn to adapt and finish these runs on your own. It will benefit your training."

Ning Rongrong looked puzzled. "Little Bear, what do you mean? Are we going to go through this kind of training every day?"

Yang Xiong shook his head. "It won't be so simple. Besides carrying stones and running, we'll likely face even harsher training in the future. Today's session was just an appetizer."

"You've participated in a few soul battles with me. You should understand the brutality of the arena. Everyone attacks the support role mercilessly once they step onto the battlefield. Especially in real combat, targeting the support is often the enemy's first priority."

"Moreover, only if you have enough stamina and speed can you truly survive on the battlefield. Real combat is infinitely more brutal than soul battles."

After some thought, Ning Rongrong spoke. "I understand. Thank you for reminding me, Little Bear. Tomorrow, I'll try to run the entire distance on my own."

"By the way, here's some good news—I'm now level twenty-nine, still two levels above you. Don't worry, big sister will protect you. You'll see how powerful my support abilities are."

The two laughed and joked, quickly easing the awkwardness from the previous day.

Others gradually arrived at the cafeteria. After the medicinal bath, everyone seemed refreshed. However, when they saw Yang Xiong and Ning Rongrong eating together, their eyes gleamed with gossip, though they tactfully kept their distance.

After the meal, Yang Xiong, as usual, sought out Zhao Wuji for a combat training session before returning to his dormitory to meditate. According to Yang Xiong's plan, he should soon complete his Yin-Yang Meditation Technique.

Meanwhile, Tang San's eyes darkened as he went to find Yu Xiaogang.

Yu Xiaogang was puzzled. "Xiao San, shouldn't you be meditating now? This is the best time for it, and it will help accelerate your soul power recovery."

Tang San lowered his head. "Teacher, I disappointed you today. I lost to Yang Xiong in battle."

In truth, Tang San had always been extremely proud. He had never lost to anyone at the same level, especially since he possessed the techniques of the Tang Sect. He considered himself the most outstanding soul master in his tier. Otherwise, he wouldn't have boldly revealed his Hao Tian Hammer in the soul master tournament.

Tang San was well aware of the enmity between the Hao Tian Sect and the Spirit Hall. By openly displaying the Hao Tian Hammer, how could he not expect retaliation from the Spirit Hall?

Yu Xiaogang sighed deeply. "Xiao San, don't overthink it. Yang Xiong has undergone medicinal baths since childhood and possesses a unique martial soul. It's normal for his physical conditioning to surpass yours. Moreover, he's Bone Douluo's disciple. I'm sure Bone Douluo has given him special treatment."

"In terms of techniques, you're not inferior to Yang Xiong. In fact, you even have an advantage in control. What you lack is Yang Xiong's ability to deliver a decisive blow. By the way, what did you think of Yang Xiong's self-created soul skill at the end?"

After some thought, Tang San replied, "I've only seen Yang Xiong's self-created soul skill twice—once during his battle with Zhao Wuji and once today. Its power is incredibly formidable. It likely surpasses the third soul skill of an ordinary soul master, and it's much stronger than Dai Mubai's soul skills."

Yu Xiaogang nodded. "You share a dormitory with Yang Xiong. If you have the chance, exchange ideas with him. You might gain some insights. As you know, self-created soul skills are a soul master's secret. I can't say much about it. Some things require you to figure them out yourself."

Tang San nodded. "Teacher, I understand. I'm confident in my combat abilities. Today's injuries made running difficult, but I'll double my efforts in training. I won't lose to anyone physically."

Yu Xiaogang smiled. "Xiao San, you've always made me proud, but don't be too hard on yourself. Every soul master's martial soul and physique are different. You have your own strengths. In any team, control-type soul masters are usually the core. Even with Yang Xiong's superior combat abilities, he can't compare to you in that regard."

---

The next morning, Yu Xiaogang once again took charge of the class.

With a stern expression, he nodded approvingly. "Good. You're punctual today and didn't miss breakfast. Yesterday's task, according to my calculations, wasn't something all of you could complete individually. But through teamwork, you all succeeded.

"I want to emphasize one thing: trust your teammates. Only then can you rely on them in critical moments. Today's lesson will be similar to yesterday's, but stricter, with heavier tasks. I hope you'll continue to support each other and complete the mission."

Yang Xiong couldn't shake the feeling that Yu Xiaogang's gaze lingered on him intentionally or unintentionally. Something felt off.

However, Yang Xiong hadn't expected that Yu Xiaogang would covet his self-created soul skill on their very first meeting. For Yang Xiong, there was no way he would share such a technique, especially since he had already communicated with Ning Fengzhi beforehand.

When everyone arrived at the entrance of Shrek Academy, they were stunned. Each person's load had increased significantly. Particularly Yang Xiong's enormous bamboo basket, piled high with stones, weighed over two hundred kilograms.

Oscar smirked mischievously. "Yang Xiong, serves you right for carrying Ning Rongrong yesterday. Looks like Master added her weight to your load. Now you won't be able to carry her today."

Yang Xiong flicked Oscar's forehead. "Oscar, stop talking nonsense. Don't forget your sorry state yesterday. If I can't carry the load later, I won't be able to help you with your stones either."

Oscar's face darkened. As a support-type soul master, he couldn't handle such a heavy load. Without Yang Xiong's help yesterday, he wouldn't have completed the task.

Everyone laughed at Oscar's expense. Compared to others, the physical conditioning of support-type soul masters like Oscar and Ning Rongrong was indeed weaker. Even Ma Hongjun, who had struggled immensely yesterday, now wore a smug look.

Ning Rongrong, however, proudly declared, "Little Bear, I'll run the entire distance myself today. I'm now level twenty-nine, and my body has improved significantly."

Yang Xiong sighed inwardly. "Rongrong, don't be so confident. I'm worried—not just for you, but even the stones in your basket might end up on my back."

Ning Rongrong blushed. "That won't happen. I'll prove myself today. Even without you, I'll complete the test."

Yang Xiong was exasperated. Nevertheless, amid laughter, everyone began running with their baskets, less tense than the previous day.

After yesterday's trial, everyone understood the purpose of the test and approached it with confidence.

As expected, halfway through the run, Ning Rongrong and Oscar began to falter. Most of the stones from their baskets ended up in Yang Xiong's.

Even though Oscar and Ning Rongrong pushed themselves to the limit, support-type soul masters were inherently physically weaker. Oscar, without additional weight, managed to complete the run, but Ning Rongrong collapsed during the eighth lap despite her best efforts.

Without hesitation, Yang Xiong picked her up and carried her through the final two laps.

Ning Rongrong initially tried to resist, but Yang Xiong's basket today was even fuller than yesterday's, nearly overflowing. If not for his excellent control, the stones would have scattered everywhere.

Ultimately, Ning Rongrong had no choice but to blush and allow Yang Xiong to carry her through the final two laps.

Watching Yang Xiong, everyone was astonished. Even Oscar admired him wholeheartedly. "Yang Xiong, Brother Xiong, I envy you. Despite carrying so much weight, you can still carry someone. Your strength seems endless."

"And judging by how things are going, it looks like good news is on the horizon. Consider my blessings in advance."

Yang Xiong flicked Oscar's forehead again. "Can you stop talking nonsense? Instead of wasting time chatting, why don't you train more to ease my burden?"

Oscar complained helplessly. "Yang Xiong, I can't help it. I'm a support-type soul master. No matter how much I train, I'll never match beast-type soul masters."

At this point, Yang Xiong's basket weighed nearly three hundred kilograms, and he was also carrying Ning Rongrong. He could only move forward slowly.

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

40+ Chapters Ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow

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