Douluo: The Ultimate Self

Yang Xiong glanced at Tang San. "Sorry about this, it's my medicinal bath time. Please sit and wait for a moment."

Tang San sat down nearby while Yang Xiong stepped out of the medicinal bath tub, cleaned himself in the bathroom, and changed into fresh clothes.

Since practicing Tai Chi, Yang Xiong had developed a preference for a quieter lifestyle alongside intense physical activity. He had also grown fond of tea brewing.

When investing in the dormitory construction, each room was designed to be spacious, with a one-bedroom, one-living-room layout. The facilities were fully equipped. Besides the medicinal bath tub, the living room included tea tables, chairs, and even a desk for reading during moments of tranquility.

Yang Xiong brewed a cup of tea for Tang San before speaking. "Tang San, why did you suddenly come to see me today? Didn't we just get a week off? Shouldn't everyone be out having fun?"

Tang San sipped his tea and smiled. "Xiao Wu was too tired and has been sleeping since returning to the dorm. I figured I'd take some time to rest as well."

"On the other hand, it seems like you never stop. Your dedication to cultivation is admirable."

Yang Xiong chuckled. "I've been used to it since childhood. It feels uncomfortable if I don't cultivate or take medicinal baths."

After a moment of thought, Tang San spoke. "By the way, Yang Xiong, the materials in your medicinal bath seem extraordinary. Many of the toxic herbs are highly potent. Normally, even a Soul Elder might struggle, let alone a Soul King."

Yang Xiong replied, "It's likely due to my body's increased tolerance. I've been tempering my body since childhood, gradually adapting to various toxins. Besides the toxins, my medicinal ingredients also include rare herbs that complement each other, aiding in both physical conditioning and soul power absorption."

"Speaking of which, what brings you here today?"

Tang San finally revealed his purpose. "Yang Xiong, I plan to spend this week crafting some hidden weapons. You've seen the Zhuge Divine Crossbow, right? I'm still missing some poisons. I noticed you have quite a few. If possible, I'd like to buy some from you."

Yang Xiong smiled. "That's no big deal. Just tell me which herbs you need. I'm not sure if I have all of them, though."

Tang San shook his head. "You should still accept payment. I know some of these herbs are valuable. I'll pay the market price."

Yang Xiong sighed. "That's a bit awkward. I honestly don't know their prices. These herbs were provided by my sect without any cost on my part."

"Besides, the hidden weapons you're crafting are for everyone's benefit. It wouldn't be fair for you to bear the entire expense. Materials cost money, and you're also investing a lot of time and effort."

As Yang Xiong said, Ning Fengzhi seemed to have granted him significant privileges within the sect. All medicinal materials were prepared in advance, including those required for the later stages of The Way of Defense. Supplies were delivered without Yang Xiong even needing to ask. The herbs appeared to have aged significantly—perhaps prepared by Bone Douluo or leftover from his own use.

As for the countless toxic herbs obtained from the Ice-Fire Yin Yang Well, Yang Xiong had never encountered any pricing issues and had no intention of using them.

In short, within the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, Yang Xiong had never needed to spend money. Whatever he desired was swiftly provided by the sect's administrative departments.

After some discussion, Tang San wrote down the names of several herbs on a piece of paper. Yang Xiong carefully examined the list, thought for a moment, and then crossed out a few names.

"I currently have the ones listed here. I'll fetch them for you now. As for the crossed-out ones, I don't have them. If I return to the sect, I might find them, but it won't happen anytime soon while we're at Shrek Academy."

Tang San smiled. "I'll figure out the rest myself. No need to trouble you with returning to the sect."

With that, Yang Xiong returned to his bedroom, rummaged around, and brought out several wooden boxes to hand to Tang San.

The herbs Yang Xiong provided were relatively common, valuable but purchasable on the market. None of the rarer herbs or those obtained from the Ice-Fire Yin Yang Well were included.

In Yang Xiong's view, Tang San was providing him and Ning Rongrong with a set of hidden weapons. Offering some herbs in return wasn't a loss. Moreover, Yang Xiong disliked taking advantage of small favors, especially among classmates.

Tang San carefully inspected the wooden boxes and was delighted. "Thank you so much. With these, I should be able to complete crafting the hidden weapons during the break. I'll prepare a set for you in advance."

Yang Xiong smiled. "It's nothing major. I happened to have these herbs on hand."

Tang San teased, "Yang Xiong, sometimes I envy you for being from a prestigious sect and having a Title Douluo as your teacher."

Yang Xiong shook his head. "It's not that simple. While others may envy my privileged position in the sect, I envy your freedom. The sect can feel like an unbreakable shackle for its disciples. Besides, you have a teacher who genuinely cares for you and plans for your future."

Tang San nodded. "My teacher has indeed been very kind to me over the years, teaching me diligently. Without him, I wouldn't have achieved what I have today."

After exchanging a few casual words, Yang Xiong noticed Tang San's conflicted expression and decided to speak up.

"Tang San, if there's something on your mind, just say it. There's nothing we can't discuss as classmates."

---

After a moment of hesitation, Tang San finally spoke. "Forgive me if this comes across as presumptuous. I noticed the self-created soul skill you used last time was excellent. You know my Blue Silver Grass lacks explosive power. Could I learn from you? Of course, I won't take it for free—you can make any requests you'd like."

Yang Xiong picked up his teacup and thoughtfully replied, "Tang San, as classmates, we need to be cautious about certain things. My Rasengan could indeed compensate for your shortcomings, but it was created under my master's guidance and is now a closely guarded secret of our sect. Only the sect leader's successors and direct disciples are permitted to learn it."

"Moreover, you understand how important self-created soul skills are to their creators. After all our battles, I know you possess several self-created techniques. Would you willingly share them, even for compensation?"

Tang San fell silent for a moment before gritting his teeth. "What if I offered to trade one of my self-created soul skills? Surely that wouldn't leave you at a disadvantage."

Yang Xiong chuckled. "Tang San, we've fought numerous times. You should know I'm also researching self-created soul skills. Though our methods differ, I'm not completely helpless against your attacks. Among your many self-created techniques, the one I truly can't comprehend is your ability to turn your eyes purple and attack enemies. You know what I mean."

Tang San was silent for a moment before replying, "I understand. I'll need to think about it."

---

After Tang San left the room, Yang Xiong couldn't help but shake his head. Tang San really couldn't hold back—just as expected, he wanted Yang Xiong's self-created soul skill. Based on his character in the original story, Tang San probably wouldn't give up easily.

Though Tang San was once an outer disciple of the Tang Sect in his previous life, the so-called Tang Sect techniques he possessed were stolen from the inner sect. While he claimed it was to prove himself, the methods weren't exactly honorable.

Most of Tang San's abilities stemmed from the Mysterious Heaven Records, which included Xuan Tian Technique, Purple Extreme Demon Eye, Ghost Shadow Perplexing Steps, Controlling Crane, Capturing Dragon, Xuan Yu Hand, and knowledge of various immortal herbs.

Among these, Yang Xiong was most interested in the Purple Extreme Demon Eye and the knowledge of immortal herbs.

Though Yang Xiong possessed various immortal herbs—only carrying those necessary for survival—he would never mention them to anyone, especially someone as sharp as Tang San. If Tang San learned about them, it could lead to complications.

The Purple Extreme Demon Eye was the only known method in Douluo I to train spiritual power. Trading an undeveloped Rasengan for it wouldn't be a loss.

As for the other techniques, Yang Xiong had gradually adapted to them through his deep study of Tai Chi.

The Ghost Shadow Perplexing Steps was merely a particularly agile footwork technique with special evasion and positioning methods. Against overwhelming speed, it held little advantage.

The Xuan Yu Hand hardened the palms—a useless skill for Yang Xiong, given his body-type martial soul.

As for Controlling Crane, Capturing Dragon, Yang Xiong had nearly perfected the art of Tai Chi. His mastery of the four-ounce deflecting a thousand pounds technique surpassed even Tang San's.

And Xuan Tian Technique was out of the question—it was Tang San's greatest secret and would never be shared with anyone.

Looking at all of Tang San's Tang Sect techniques, the only truly valuable one was the Purple Extreme Demon Eye. Even at the Title Douluo level, it remained effective and was one of the foundations of Tang San's strength, as it significantly enhanced his spiritual power compared to soul masters of the same level.

Yang Xiong had considered researching a method to train spiritual power, but he had yet to find a starting point. Even the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect's library lacked similar references.

However, knowing Tang San, Yang Xiong doubted he would trade the Purple Extreme Demon Eye for the Rasengan. Tang San likely believed his intelligence could replicate it, as the Rasengan didn't appear overly complex.

Only Yang Xiong understood the true difficulty of the Rasengan. Though it seemed simple, it required immense soul power and control. Mastering the subtle manipulation of soul power between the palms took prolonged practice and countless repetitions to form the sphere. Not to mention, Yang Xiong planned further development of the technique.

As Yang Xiong expected, Tang San never brought up the topic again after this day. However, Yang Xiong noticed Tang San's palms seemed slightly injured—likely from experimenting with the Rasengan.

---

Over the next few days, everyone relaxed immensely. Oscar slept for days straight, unwilling to get out of bed.

Zhu Zhuqing continued her rigorous training as usual, with Dai Mubai following her closely, seemingly repentant.

Tang San secluded himself to craft hidden weapons, spending less time with Xiao Wu.

After a few days of rest, Xiao Wu and Ning Rongrong became lively again, dragging Yang Xiong and Tang San along for shopping sprees in Suotuo City. The two girls acted like close friends, enjoying themselves immensely.

Yang Xiong found the shopping spree more exhausting than training. Tang San, however, had already slipped away to the blacksmith's shop.

As for Ma Hongjun, according to Dai Mubai, he had become infatuated with the entertainment district, earning disdainful looks from the girls.

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