Douluo: The Ultimate Self

For someone like Yang Wudi, once he made a decision and committed to a choice, there was no room for regret. Otherwise, the Breaking Clan would not have been reduced to just over a hundred members during the Spirit Hall's siege—it had suffered the greatest losses among the four single-attribute clans.

Yang Wudi didn't hesitate further. He retrieved a very thick book from his person and quickly floated it toward Yang Xiong using his soul power.

At this moment, Yang Xiong suppressed his inner excitement. He had obtained immortal herbs long ago but had never fully understood their true varieties or properties. This was the real purpose of his visit to the Breaking Clan.

Now that he had acquired Yang Wudi's knowledge of immortal herbs, and given that there wouldn't be any immediate conflict with the Spirit Hall, he could focus on improving himself and building his own forces. He could also start planning for the future.

Compared to Yang Xiong's excitement, Yang Wudi, having made his decision, seemed to have entered an almost frenzied state. In his left hand, he clutched the Nine Treasure Purple Zoysia, and in his right, the Aromatic Silk Beauty. He cradled them as if they were two peerless beauties, stroking the herbs tenderly.

His expression underwent dramatic changes. The previously stern and resolute Yang Wudi now resembled a child—sometimes crying and throwing tantrums, sometimes filled with longing, and at other times bursting into wild laughter. He looked every bit like a madman.

Lin Gong watched in stunned silence. He had never expected someone as serious as Yang Wudi to behave this way. It seemed he had underestimated the value of immortal herbs.

At this moment, Lin Gong remarked pointedly: "Little Xiong, are these immortal herbs really that effective? Right now, they don't seem like immortal herbs—they seem more like a love potion."

Before Yang Xiong could respond, Yang Wudi interjected: "What do you know, old man Lin Gong? You call yourself a plant soul master, yet you're completely ignorant about spiritual herbs. immortal herbs are formed by gathering the essence of heaven and earth, the energy of the sun and moon—they're treasures of the soul master world, rare even once in ten thousand years!"

"Especially the Aromatic Silk Beauty. While it may not be the most valuable immortal herb in history, it can neutralize a hundred poisons. With this herb, the Breaking Clan will face no restrictions in alchemy or poison-making in the future. We might even create unprecedented toxins."

"As for the Nine Treasure Purple Zoysia, it's perfect for me. It has the effect of stabilizing one's foundation, nurturing vitality, and enhancing cultivation. It can compensate for the deficiencies in my body caused by years of alchemical practice. After consuming it, I'm confident I'll break through to the Title Douluo level within ten years—or perhaps even sooner. At that point, I'll become the first Title Douluo in the history of the Soul Breaking Spear."

Lin Gong was astonished. He hadn't expected the two immortal herbs Yang Xiong casually produced to have such effects. If that were the case, wasn't Yang Xiong losing out too much? After all, the Breaking Clan hadn't fully pledged allegiance to Yang Xiong—they still retained significant autonomy.

At this moment, Lin Gong seemed to recall something and quickly asked: "Yang Wudi, coincidentally, I have a question. What are the effects of the Ink Jade Divine Bamboo, and how should it be consumed?"

Yang Wudi scrutinized Lin Gong carefully and couldn't help but comment: "You, Lin Gong, I noticed earlier that something was off about your body. Given your age, your blood and qi shouldn't be this strong—it should have long since stagnated."

"But judging by your current condition, not only have you not stagnated, but your complexion is rosy, and even your hair contains traces of dark green. Clearly, you've consumed the Ink Jade Divine Bamboo. No wonder you're in such good shape."

Lin Gong quickly interjected: "Never mind all that—just tell me how to consume the Ink Jade Divine Bamboo!"

Yang Wudi sneered: "You've already eaten it, haven't you? Normally, the essence of the Ink Jade Divine Bamboo lies in the liquid within its joints. That liquid strengthens the toughness of plant-type soul masters like you. It's especially well-suited to your martial soul, the Purple Emperor Bamboo. As for the bamboo itself and its outer shell, they're as hard as iron and inedible."

Upon hearing this, Lin Gong's face turned dark, and he looked visibly embarrassed.

Yang Wudi burst out laughing: "You, Lin Gong—you didn't actually eat the entire bamboo and its shell, did you? How could you even swallow something as hard as iron?"

Lin Gong's face grew even darker. Finally, in frustration, he turned to Yang Xiong and snapped: "It's all your fault, you little brat! Why couldn't you have given me the Ink Jade Divine Bamboo a few days later? Now I've gone and eaten…that…"

Seeing Lin Gong's reaction, Yang Xiong sighed helplessly: "Teacher Lin, you can't blame me for this. I've only seen fragmented mentions of the Ink Jade Divine Bamboo in ancient texts. Besides, who else besides the Breaking Clan, with their alchemical heritage, would know how to properly use immortal herbs?"

Lin Gong's face turned as black as the bottom of a pot, but he couldn't say anything further.

Yang Wudi then remarked pointedly: "Yang Xiong, you've managed to produce three immortal herbs and now seek this herbal knowledge. It seems your gains are substantial. Where did you obtain these immortal herbs?"

Yang Xiong casually replied: "I went to the Great Star Dou Forest recently and saw them around the Lake of Life. You should know that I have a classmate who's a hundred-thousand-year transformed spirit beast. I encountered these herbs while visiting him."

Yang Wudi couldn't help but grumble: "I've been to the core zone of the Great Star Dou Forest countless times—how come I've never seen any immortal herbs? And here you are, acting like you've stumbled upon a treasure trove of them."

Yang Wudi acted swiftly, arranging accommodations for Yang Xiong and Lin Gong in the Breaking Clan while personally overseeing the relocation of the entire clan. He also needed to communicate with some friends.

After returning to his room, Yang Xiong eagerly opened the book Yang Wudi had given him.

The book appeared extremely ancient, with all its pages made from silkworm silk. It was impervious to water and fire and capable of enduring for centuries.

On the cover, written in archaic characters, were the words: The Breaking Clan's Compendium of Herbal Knowledge.

Yang Xiong opened the book with great excitement. Inside were records of countless immortal herbs, including many Yang Xiong had never heard of, such as Yearning Heartbroken Red and Aromatic Silk Beauty. Virtually all the immortal herbs from the original storyline were documented, along with many unknown ones.

Yang Xiong realized that compared to the immortal herbs Tang San had uncovered, the actual number of immortal herbs obtained from the Ice-Fire Yin-Yang Well was far greater—there were dozens of them. Ordinary spiritual herbs and ten-thousand-year medicinal plants were even more numerous. It seemed Tang San had held back in the original story, giving immortal herbs only to Yu Xiaogang and no one else.

Among all the immortal herbs, Yang Xiong valued three the most: Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum, Beautiful Silk Tulip, and Nine-Leaf Sword Grass. These three herbs were the most useful to him at this stage—both for self-improvement and as a contribution to his sect.

By privately recruiting the Breaking Clan, Yang Xiong had already violated some major taboos of his sect. In stricter sects, no matter how talented one was, any hint of disloyalty would result in immediate elimination.

However, after learning the usage and effects of the Beautiful Silk Tulip, Yang Xiong hoped to strike a balance with the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect—at least proving his loyalty to the sect.

Over the next few days, Yang Xiong stayed in his room, poring over The Breaking Clan's Compendium of Herbal Knowledge. The book was all-encompassing, with vivid illustrations and detailed descriptions of most immortal herbs, likely compiled over countless generations.

As for Lin Gong, perhaps due to his frustration, he secluded himself in his room to cultivate, appearing completely indifferent to everything. However, Yang Xiong suspected that Lin Gong was secretly observing the recent activities of the Breaking Clan—after all, appearances could be deceiving.

Over the years, the Breaking Clan had accumulated modest wealth. Though far less affluent than the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, they were relatively prosperous. Their reputation for high-quality medicinal products ensured excellent sales among soul masters.

Yang Xiong had assured them that the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect would collaborate with the Breaking Clan. They could focus solely on refining medicines without worrying about sales. Furthermore, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect would purchase their products at prices 20–30% higher than market rates.

After ten full days, Yang Xiong had familiarized himself with nearly all the knowledge of immortal herbs. This would no longer be a bottleneck for him.

On this day, Yang Wudi suddenly summoned Yang Xiong and Lin Gong, saying there was an important matter to discuss.

When Yang Xiong and Lin Gong arrived at the hall, besides Yang Wudi himself, there were two exceptionally formidable-looking men present.

Lin Gong recognized them: "Clan Leader Niu Gao, Clan Leader Bai He—what brings you here? I didn't expect both of you to visit the Breaking Clan."

Niu Gao appeared extremely rugged: "Lin Gong, you old geezer, did you trick Old Goat into going to the Tian Dou Empire with you?"

Lin Gong chuckled: "Niu Gao, don't be ridiculous. This is a normal collaboration."

Yang Xiong was also surprised. He carefully observed the two men. Niu Gao was tall and muscular, with steel-like hair, a broad chest, and an imposing physique. He seemed like a bold and straightforward individual. Judging by his body, Niu Gao was clearly a genius in body refinement.

Bai He, on the other hand, was lean, with snow-white hair and a baby-like face. His demeanor exuded arrogance.

Yang Xiong quickly bowed: "Greetings, Clan Leader Niu Gao, greetings, Clan Leader Bai He."

Niu Gao nodded at Yang Xiong: "So you're Yang Xiong? You're quite an interesting young man. I hear you performed well in the soul master tournament, even convincing Old Goat to follow you willingly. Do you possess some extraordinary qualities?"

In truth, Yang Xiong had already communicated with Yang Wudi. No matter what others said, they would only claim that the Breaking Clan and the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect were collaborating. After all, Yang Xiong's current strength was too weak, and his age too young. He neither wanted to draw too much attention nor reveal his strength prematurely.

If outsiders investigated, they would learn that under Yang Xiong's guidance, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect and the Breaking Clan had strengthened their business ties in medicinal herbs, necessitating the move to the Tian Dou Empire.

After all, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect was known as the wealthiest sect in the world. Whether in business or social dealings, they were willing to spend lavishly—a reputation that made them appear like easy targets. Even purchasing the Breaking Clan's medicinal herbs at inflated prices was plausible.

Yang Xiong smiled: "Clan Leader Niu Gao flatters me. Compared to you, I'm just a child—I can't make any major decisions."

Niu Gao's expression turned cold: "I know Old Goat's personality well. If he didn't truly value you, he wouldn't have followed you to the Tian Dou Empire unconditionally. At least Lin Gong doesn't carry that kind of weight."

Yang Xiong replied: "There's nothing in this world that can't be negotiated—the Breaking Clan, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, and even the former Hao Tian Sect are no exceptions."

Niu Gao laughed: "Well said, Yang Xiong. I'm curious to see how you convinced Old Goat—and even enticed him to bring me to the Tian Dou Empire."

With that, Niu Gao unleashed a terrifying force, pressing down heavily on Yang Xiong. Judging by the strength alone, it reached the Soul Ancestor level.

However, Yang Xiong remained completely unfazed, displaying an air of calmness.

Niu Gao was slightly surprised: "Good lad—it seems you're also proficient in body refinement. Let's see how strong your body truly is and whether you've reached the pinnacle of body refinement."

As the pressure emanating from Niu Gao grew stronger, reaching the peak of the Soul King level, Yang Xiong began to feel uncomfortable. It felt as though a thousand catties of weight were pressing down on him, causing his martial soul, soul rings, and external soul bone—the Xuanming Armor—to manifest involuntarily.

Seeing this, Lin Gong quickly scolded in a low voice: "Niu Gao, testing him is enough. Don't go too far."

Niu Gao shook his head and sighed: "Fine. A mere forty-five-level Soul Ancestor with such physical prowess is unprecedented in my experience. Judging by your physical capabilities, you're nearly at the Soul Emperor level."

Niu Gao's words were no exaggeration. Both men were stunned upon seeing Yang Xiong's ten-thousand-year fourth soul ring. After all, without sufficient physical strength, one couldn't withstand the power of a ten-thousand-year soul ring.

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