Douluo: The Ultimate Self

From a distance, Lin Gong and Yang Xiong watched the violent scene unfold, their lips twitching slightly. The Elephant Armor Sect had suffered significant losses.

Initially, they had mobilized three Soul Douluo and nine Soul Sages. Two of the Soul Sages were likely in the process of absorbing soul rings—it was clear they had planned a large-scale hunt for soul rings.

However, under the fierce attacks of the Titan Giant Ape and the Sky Azure Bull Python, one Soul Sage was instantly crushed by the Sky Azure Bull Python, while another was obliterated by the Titan Giant Ape while covering their retreat.

Of the nine Soul Sages, seven were killed outright, including the soon-to-be Soul Sage who was in the midst of absorbing a soul ring.

Only Hu Yan Zhen and two Soul Kings managed to escape, though all three were severely injured.

Yang Xiong was somewhat surprised by Hu Yan Zhen's combat strength. As expected of the leader of the Elephant Armor Sect and the so-called "Strongest Defense," his power was comparable to a newly titled Douluo. His defense was especially formidable—he withstood several blows from both the Titan Giant Ape and the Sky Azure Bull Python without dying. Truly impressive.

It was unclear how long it would take for the Elephant Armor Sect to recover after this battle. At the very least, they wouldn't be as arrogant in the near future.

After communicating with Xiao Wu, Yang Xiong left directly.

Lin Gong was puzzled: "Little Xiong, are we heading back now?"

Yang Xiong shook his head: "Not yet. I have something to take care of in the Star Luo Empire."

Lin Gong frowned: "The Star Luo Empire? Where exactly do you plan to go?"

Yang Xiong replied: "I'm going to the territory of the Breaking Clan. There's something only they can help me with."

Lin Gong grew serious: "What do you want with the Breaking Clan? They're not easy to provoke. Their clan's combat prowess is extremely strong, and their martial soul, the Soul Breaking Spear, is among the top-tier weapon martial souls. Their patriarch, Yang Wudi, is a formidable Soul Douluo, and they have no real ties with our Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect."

Yang Xiong smiled: "Don't worry, Teacher Lin. I won't come into conflict with them. We might even gain some unexpected benefits."

…

The two didn't dwell on the matter further and instead began heading toward the Star Luo Empire along the edge of the Great Star Dou Forest.

The Great Star Dou Forest spanned both the Tian Dou Empire and the Star Luo Empire, so there was no need to cross any borders—they could travel directly from the Tian Dou Empire to the Star Luo Empire.

The journey was uneventful, and after exiting the forest, they rented a carriage to travel to the territory of the Breaking Clan.

More than ten days later, Yang Xiong and his group arrived at a unique small city. This city was primarily known for its medicine trade, particularly the sale of medicinal products refined by the Breaking Clan.

Though the Breaking Clan numbered only a few hundred people, every single one of them was skilled in alchemy. They were the largest alchemical family on the entire Douluo Continent, producing high-quality medicinal products.

Upon arriving at the Breaking Clan, Lin Gong immediately revealed his identity: "Tell your clan leader that Lin Gong and Yang Xiong of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect request an audience."

Although the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect wasn't as renowned in the Star Luo Empire, it was still a top-tier sect. Sure enough, they were quickly ushered into the inner chambers of the Breaking Clan and brought directly to their main hall.

Once inside the Breaking Clan's grounds, Yang Xiong noticed an unusually dense aura of medicinal herbs everywhere. Even the people seemed to radiate killing intent—no wonder they were called the "Clan of Battle."

When they entered the main hall, they saw a tall, gaunt elder seated in the center. His body was lean but muscular, his expression cold and his gaze piercing like lightning. He exuded an intimidating ferocity.

This man was none other than Yang Wudi, the patriarch of the Breaking Clan and a rare Pure-Attack-type Soul Douluo. In terms of combat strength alone, he could rival even a Title Douluo.

Yang Wudi seemed familiar with Lin Gong and spoke directly: "Lin Gong, weren't you hiding in the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect all these years? How did you manage to leave?"

Lin Gong chuckled: "Even old men like to take walks sometimes. Is Patriarch Yang unwilling to welcome us?"

"Besides, my past misfortunes pale in comparison to what you've endured, Patriarch Yang."

Yang Wudi sneered: "The Spirit Hall? Back then, we weren't afraid of them—even if it meant dying in battle. But you, Lin Gong, weren't you the one who feared the Spirit Hall?"

Lin Gong sighed: "Back then, the Spirit Hall was just bullying others with their power. Now that I'm with the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, what can the Spirit Hall do to me?"

"However, Patriarch Yang, your clan owes us a small favor from the past. Surely you're not being unreasonable about this."

Lin Gong had already explained this to Yang Xiong. When the four single-attribute clans were abandoned by the Hao Tian Sect and besieged by the Spirit Hall, it was only thanks to reinforcements from the Blue Lightning Dragon Clan and the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect—and even the Tian Dou Empire's army—that the single-attribute clans managed to escape.

Yang Wudi fell silent for a moment: "I, Yang Wudi, am not an unreasonable man. Speak your mind—if your request isn't too excessive, I'll do my best to accommodate it."

Lin Gong smiled: "This matter isn't for the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, nor is it about repaying that old favor. It's this young man beside me who has something to discuss with you."

Yang Wudi turned his sharp, piercing gaze toward Yang Xiong. His eyes seemed filled with aggressive intent.

"Young man, are you from the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect? What business do you have with me?"

Yang Xiong bowed slightly: "Patriarch Yang, my name is Yang Xiong, and I hail from the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. I've come here specifically to propose a small transaction with you."

Yang Wudi burst into laughter: "A mere Soul Ancestor? Judging by your appearance, you're no older than fifteen. Do you know what kind of place the Breaking Clan is? We understand battle—not transactions."

Yang Xiong smiled: "How can you dismiss the idea before hearing the details? Are you judging solely based on age?"

Yang Wudi's expression darkened: "The Breaking Clan lives well in the Star Luo Empire. We don't wish to involve ourselves with your upper-three sects. If you truly want to make a deal, send someone more senior—perhaps then I'd be interested."

At this point, Lin Gong interjected: "Yang Wudi, don't underestimate him. Though Yang Xiong is young, he has apprenticed under Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo. Surely you wouldn't want them to come negotiate with you instead?"

Lin Gong's words were meant to highlight Yang Xiong's status. Otherwise, a mere Soul Ancestor would hold no weight in front of Yang Wudi.

Yang Wudi's face darkened: "Yang Xiong—I've heard of you. You performed decently in the recent soul master tournament, but in the end, you still lost to the Spirit Hall. You've disgraced your masters."

Yang Xiong smiled: "Isn't winning or losing normal in battles between soul masters? At the time, I was only a Level 40 Soul Ancestor facing three Soul Kings. Winning would have been abnormal."

"Besides, just because I lost to them today doesn't mean I won't win next time. After all, I'm much younger than them—I'll always have the chance to surpass them."

Yang Wudi's expression turned icy: "You must remember that you're from the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. You can lose to anyone except the Spirit Hall. As warriors, we fight to the death."

Yang Xiong's expression shifted: "Patriarch Yang, let's not be too hasty. Our team included Tang San of the Hao Tian Sect, Yu Tianheng of the Blue Lightning Dragon Clan, and members of the Jade Phosphorous Clan and the Star Luo Imperial Family. At the very least, my performance surpassed theirs, and my combat strength was superior."

Yang Wudi's expression changed instantly, and an overwhelming killing intent erupted from him. Yang Xiong felt an icy, razor-sharp pressure—as if his body might be pierced at any moment.

"What do you mean? You should know how much the Breaking Clan despises the Hao Tian Sect and the Spirit Hall. Yet you dare mention them in my presence? This is the territory of the Breaking Clan—Lin Gong alone may not be able to protect you."

Yang Xiong smiled: "I represent only myself in this matter. It has nothing to do with the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect or Teacher Lin."

Yang Wudi sneered: "Fine, I'll humor you for the sake of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect and Lin Gong. Speak—what kind of transaction brings you to the Breaking Clan?"

Yang Xiong clearly noticed the disdain in Yang Wudi's eyes. To a master of his caliber, even the most talented youth was far from reaching his level—especially since Yang Xiong was currently only a Soul Ancestor.

Indeed, Yang Xiong lacked standing in front of Yang Wudi, as respect was earned through strength.

Yang Xiong paused before speaking: "Patriarch Yang, I've heard that your clan has been searching for a particular medicinal herb. Perhaps fortune has smiled upon me—I happen to possess it."

Yang Wudi, who had been indifferent, was suddenly startled: "What? What medicinal herb are you talking about?"

Yang Xiong smiled: "Patriarch, don't be alarmed. It's less of a medicinal herb and more of an immortal herb. By sheer luck, I obtained it."

Yang Wudi's eyes widened, and he became visibly excited: "Do you mean to say you've obtained the Aromatic Silk Beauty? Impossible! My clan has searched for generations—it shouldn't exist in this world!"

Before Yang Wudi could continue, Yang Xiong revealed a large, pale pink flower in his hand. It had no leaves, a stem nearly a meter long, and petals over a foot in diameter. Each petal shimmered like crystal, and the stamens were a deep purple, resembling gemstones embedded within the flower.

Yang Wudi was utterly stunned. His gaze flickered as he gazed at the Aromatic Silk Beauty in Yang Xiong's hands. He looked as though he were beholding a priceless treasure—or perhaps a long-yearned-for beauty. He seemed almost entranced.

"How is this possible? It's really the Aromatic Silk Beauty! Where did you find it?"

Without a word, Yang Xiong stored the Aromatic Silk Beauty in his spirit tool, a faint smile playing on his lips.

Yang Wudi's face turned pale with shock and anger: "What are you trying to do? Are you flaunting this divine herb in front of the Breaking Clan?"

Yang Xiong's expression remained calm: "I'm not showing off. I merely wanted to prove that I possess this divine herb. Now, I believe I have the qualifications to negotiate a deal with Patriarch Yang."

Yang Wudi's face darkened: "Do you think I won't detain you and Lin Gong here? This is the territory of the Breaking Clan—I don't allow others to manipulate me."

Seeing the tension rise, Lin Gong quickly intervened: "Patriarch Yang, that's a bit extreme. We're guests here, after all. Moreover, we share a common enemy—the Spirit Hall. In a sense, we're on the same side. Surely we won't come to blows over a single divine herb."

Yang Wudi gradually calmed down and finally relented: "Fine, you've won, kid. What kind of deal do you want to make? But don't expect me to agree to anything outrageous."

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