Douluo: The Ultimate Self

Hearing Lin Gong's words, Yang Xiong sighed helplessly: "Teacher Lin, I don't think your relationship with Dragon Duke is as strained as you claim. Back then, you were merely influenced by Ju Douluo. If you both break through to the Title Douluo level, wouldn't that give you a chance to exact revenge on Ju Douluo?"

Lin Gong's expression immediately turned extremely serious: "Little Xiong, tell me honestly—do you truly intend to challenge the Spirit Hall's dominance in the future? From what I see, whether it's you or the three single-attribute families you've gathered, all of you are enemies of the Spirit Hall."

After some thought, Yang Xiong replied: "Teacher Lin, it's not that I want to challenge the Spirit Hall—it's that the Spirit Hall won't tolerate any of us."

"During the final match of the last Soul Master Tournament, to counter Tang Hao, the Spirit Hall deployed seven Title Douluo. Add to that the forces they've kept hidden, and their strength likely surpasses even the upper three sects."

"Considering the Spirit Hall's development over the years, especially Bibi Dong's immense ambition, sooner or later they'll target the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. The three single-attribute families will also inevitably be targeted. That's why I need to grow stronger as quickly as possible."

Upon hearing this, Lin Gong's face turned pale, and he couldn't help but sigh: "The Spirit Hall holds an extremely high position among soul masters, and their strength far exceeds our imagination. No one can stand against them head-on."

Yang Xiong shook his head: "Teacher Lin, you're wrong. Though the Spirit Hall is powerful, it's not as invincible as you imagine."

"The two empires each have armies numbering in the millions. Clearly, both empires feel threatened by the Spirit Hall. In recent years, there hasn't been any war between the two empires—likely out of fear that the Spirit Hall would benefit from such conflicts."

Lin Gong responded: "There's no need to rush things. At most, within two years, I'll break through to the Title Douluo level. At that point, I'll go speak with Meng Shu. Though that old man values his family greatly, based on your plans for the so-called Body Sect, we should be able to persuade him to join."

"But if you bring them into the fold, your control over the so-called Body Sect will weaken. After all, whether it's Yang Wudi, Niu Gao, or Bai He—they all lead large families, unlike me, who has nothing to my name."

Yang Xiong chuckled: "Teacher Lin, do you really think I'm unaware of why I want people like Dragon Duke to join? Besides, I've long had plans for this sect. Don't forget Zhao Wuji and Oscar."

Lin Gong's face revealed a hint of confusion: "Oscar does indeed have remarkable talent, but it will take him too long to mature. As for Zhao Wuji, given his cultivation speed, there's still a significant gap between him and Yang Wudi and the others in the short term. He likely won't serve as a balancing factor."

"And now, within your so-called Body Sect, the three families have grown too close. They could easily sideline you at any moment. After all, you're only a Soul Ancestor right now. Do you have concerns about this?"

Yang Xiong replied: "My concern isn't with the three single-attribute families. Based on Yang Wudi, Niu Gao, and Bai He's personalities, these three have some foresight. As long as I grow stronger quickly, I'm not worried about whether they'll attempt to undermine me."

"What I'm truly concerned about is the Hao Tian Sect. These three families were once subordinate clans of the Hao Tian Sect. If the Hao Tian Sect reemerges, our Body Sect might face significant turmoil."

Lin Gong was startled: "I hadn't considered that. I know Yang Wudi and Niu Gao despise the Hao Tian Sect, so they shouldn't be swayed by them. However, Bai He—I've heard rumors about his connections with the Hao Tian Sect. No wonder you weren't very enthusiastic earlier today."

Yang Xiong sighed helplessly: "We've come this far now. We'll take it step by step and hope Bai He doesn't disappoint me. Otherwise, I'll make sure to reclaim what I've invested."

Lin Gong seemed to recall something: "By the way, Little Xiong, where exactly is the new sect's base? It feels like you've set your sights on a specific location but are waiting for the right opportunity."

Yang Xiong smiled: "It's a prime location, but the enemy currently occupying it is too strong. Perhaps we'll have a chance to acquire it in the future."

Lin Gong looked puzzled upon hearing this but didn't press further.

Yang Xiong continued: "Oh, Teacher Lin, after some time, I'll ask Sect Leader Ning and Elder Bai He to help find youths whose martial souls are based on their bodies. All of them will be entrusted to you for training and teaching."

Lin Gong asked doubtfully: "Is this really necessary? Though your cultivation methods are impressive, people with body-based martial souls are exceedingly rare and difficult to train. Investing heavily in them might not be worth the effort."

Yang Xiong just smiled: "Teacher Lin, don't overthink this. This is one of the greatest secrets of the Douluo Continent and the foundation for our Body Sect's future strength and rise."

The ability of body martial souls to undergo secondary awakening is indeed one of the greatest secrets of the Douluo Continent. The cultivation methods for body martial souls differ entirely from ordinary martial souls, which explains why no top-tier experts with body-based martial souls have emerged on the continent thus far. The prime location Yang Xiong had in mind was key to everything.

One day, while Yang Xiong was cultivating, two unexpected visitors arrived—Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhuyun.

Though Yang Xiong was somewhat puzzled, after some thought, he decided to meet with the two. Though they were technically adversaries, things weren't so simple.

This was the first time Yang Xiong had seen Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhuyun since the Soul Master Tournament. They appeared unchanged from before.

Yang Xiong poured them both a cup of tea: "Dai Weisi, I never expected the Crown Prince of the Star Luo Empire to visit such a place. It's quite surprising."

Dai Weisi no longer carried the arrogance he had displayed during the Soul Master Tournament. He simply sipped his tea indifferently: "The three single-attribute families wish to leave the Star Luo Empire, involving the departure of over a thousand soul masters. His Majesty sent me to investigate, as these are soul masters of the Star Luo Empire."

Yang Xiong smiled: "That's not how you should phrase it. These families were originally subordinate clans of the Hao Tian Sect, originating from the Tian Dou Empire. Now they're simply returning to the Tian Dou Empire. How can they be considered soul masters of the Star Luo Empire?"

Dai Weisi's expression darkened: "Yang Xiong, you should know the enmity between the Star Luo Empire and the Tian Dou Empire. We cannot allow over a thousand soul masters to go to the Tian Dou Empire so easily, let alone your Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, which has always supported the Tian Dou Empire. Eventually, you may become enemies of the Star Luo Empire."

Yang Xiong shook his head: "Dai Weisi, there's no point in saying this. The Tian Dou Empire and the Star Luo Empire haven't waged war in decades. We both know the reasons. Instead of focusing on me and the three single-attribute families, you'd be better off paying attention to internal matters within your own empire."

Dai Weisi fell silent for a moment before speaking: "Still, over a thousand soul masters are involved. Even if they go to the Tian Dou Empire to collaborate with your Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, your sect must still provide us with an explanation."

Yang Xiong replied: "There's no explanation to give. If Emperor Xing Luo truly demands one, tell him that the three single-attribute families will not interfere in the conflict between the Tian Dou Empire and the Star Luo Empire. On the contrary, they might even assist you against future enemies. You understand what I mean."

Dai Weisi's expression grew serious: "You're talking about the Spirit Hall, aren't you? Why should I allow them to leave? They could resist the Spirit Hall within the Star Luo Empire and perhaps even contribute to the nation."

Yang Xiong laughed: "Dai Weisi, instead of worrying about these thousand soul masters from the three single-attribute families, you should focus on your own backyard."

"I'll give you a tip: aside from the upper three sects, all four lower sects have secretly pledged allegiance to the Spirit Hall. The Black Tiger Sect, Sacred Dragon Sect, and Wind Sword Sect are all within the Star Luo Empire. When the time comes, your Star Luo Empire might face threats from both within and without."

Dai Weisi was shocked: "How is that possible? These three sects have ties with the Star Luo Imperial Family. How could they secretly pledge allegiance to the Spirit Hall?"

Yang Xiong replied: "Believe it or not, send someone to investigate carefully—you'll soon uncover the truth."

Dai Weisi's expression shifted unpredictably. Finally, he spoke: "This information is important. I need to confirm it."

Yang Xiong smiled faintly: "I wouldn't fabricate such information. However, I've also learned that the Fire Leopard Sect, Hornet Sect, Steenbok Sect, and Elephant Armor Sect have secretly pledged allegiance to the Spirit Hall. There are also more medium and small sects. Your Star Luo Empire will need to investigate thoroughly."

Dai Weisi's face darkened: "What does the Spirit Hall intend to do? They've secretly recruited so many sects—could they be plotting something?"

Yang Xiong replied: "I'm not sure. I don't care much about power and politics. I only care about whether the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect remains safe and prosperous."

At this moment, Yang Xiong seemed to understand Dai Weisi's purpose. The departure of a thousand soul masters to an enemy nation was indeed a significant matter.

This was five years earlier than in the original storyline. In the original story, since Dai Mubai was the Crown Prince of the Star Luo Empire, Tang San managed to bring the three single-attribute families to the Tian Dou Empire so easily, and only after the Spirit Hall launched its Soul Hunt operation.

After some discussion, Dai Weisi reluctantly spoke: "Fine. Since the hearts of the three single-attribute families no longer belong to the Star Luo Empire, it's understandable for you to take them away. But I hope you remember—one day, these three families must not appear on the battlefield between the Tian Dou Empire and the Star Luo Empire."

Yang Xiong smiled: "Of course. I'm not bringing them away to participate in wars. At the very least, they won't oppose the Star Luo Empire."

…

After hesitating for a moment, Dai Weisi finally spoke: "How are Mubai and Zhuqing doing? Are they still studying at the Tian Dou Royal Academy?"

Yang Xiong carefully observed Dai Weisi. His eyes no longer held the ferocity they had during the Soul Master Tournament—he didn't seem to view them as enemies anymore.

"Dai Weisi, you've miscalculated here. Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing have already left the Tian Dou Imperial Academy to gain experience abroad. After their training, they should improve significantly. Are you and Zhu Zhuyun afraid they'll return to compete with you for the position of Crown Prince?"

Dai Weisi's expression turned grim: "You should know the method our Star Luo Imperial Family uses to select successors. Even Zhu Zhuyun and I are powerless against it."

Yang Xiong couldn't help but shake his head: "Your family is quite interesting. Dai Weisi, you suppress Dai Mubai so harshly. With your strength and status, wouldn't it be easy for you to eliminate him completely?"

"As for Zhu Zhuyun, I heard you sent people to hunt down Zhu Zhuqing back then. But she was only an ordinary Soul Grandmaster at the time, yet she managed to escape your arranged pursuit. Was it because your people were incompetent, or was Zhu Zhuqing simply too strong?"

Both Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhuyun exchanged glances, their expressions turning bitter.

Yang Xiong ultimately sighed helplessly: "I don't know your plans, but I hope neither side pushes things to the point of mutual destruction. After all, the situation of the Star Luo Empire isn't as favorable as you imagine. Having one more person means having one more source of strength."

Dai Weisi nodded: "I understand. Next time I see Mubai and Zhuqing, I'll tell them not to return to the Star Luo Empire. Let them live ordinary lives elsewhere."

…

After the two left, Yang Xiong couldn't help but reflect on the situation of the four lower sects. In the original storyline, during the Spirit Hall's Soul Hunt operation, they mobilized ten thousand soul masters to target the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, including a thousand from the four lower sects.

Now that he had revealed to Dai Weisi that the four lower sects had secretly pledged allegiance to the Spirit Hall, Yang Xiong wondered if the Star Luo Empire's formidable strength could mitigate the impending crisis.

Perhaps he needed to act preemptively against the four lower sects to eliminate future threats.

However, the four lower sects weren't easy targets. Each major sect had at least five Soul Sages, with over a thousand soul masters. They also had deep histories. For example, the Elephant Armor Sect was renowned as the strongest defensive sect, the Wind Sword Sect's leader, Feng Bailong, was known as the second-best swordsman in the world, and the Holy Dragon Sect's leader was an elder of the Spirit Hall—the only Title Douluo among the four lower sects.

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

40+ Chapters Ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow

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