Soul Land: Full Body Martial Soul

Yang Xiong stood frozen in disbelief at the scene unfolding before him.

The entire Shrek Academy group had gathered on one side, while the Dragon Duke, Snake Lady, and Meng Yiran faced them from the other. The two parties appeared to be locked in yet another dispute over a soul beast.

The creature in question measured only one meter in length, its entire body shimmering emerald green beneath layers of chitinous armor. A pair of translucent wings adorned its back.

Yang Xiong studied it carefully—this was an enormous mantis, but not just any ordinary specimen. Its most striking features were its forelimbs, which resembled massive scythes and accounted for more than a third of its total body length.

This was a Hurricane Mantis, one of the forest's apex predators. Though classified as an insect and incapable of sustained flight, its serrated forelimbs possessed extraordinary sharpness. Moreover, mantis-type soul beasts could achieve incredible bursts of speed, typically killing their prey instantaneously.

However, this particular Hurricane Mantis bore severe injuries. Its carapace lay shattered in multiple places, its wings hung in tatters, and one eye had been completely destroyed. Green ichor leaked from numerous wounds across its body.

Tang San spotted Yang Xiong and rushed forward urgently. "Yang Xiong! What happened to Xiao Wu?"

Yang Xiong shook his head grimly. "I can't say for certain. I encountered Teacher Lin along the way and asked him to help with the pursuit. Xiao Wu should still be relatively safe, though."

Tang San's shock was palpable. "How is that possible? Why did you abandon the chase halfway? She was captured by the Titan Giant Ape—one of the most ferocious soul beasts in existence!"

Yang Xiong sighed deeply. "Teacher Lin nearly caught up with them, but at the crucial moment, we encountered someone else. This person appears to be connected to one of our classmates—a senior of sorts. Although we never saw him directly, his presence should ensure Xiao Wu's safety. He was the one who warned us against continuing our pursuit."

Everyone turned their attention to Yang Xiong as Tang San pressed further. "Who was it exactly? What's Xiao Wu's current condition?"

Yang Xiong glanced meaningfully at Zhao Wuji. "We didn't meet this person face-to-face, but Teacher Zhao has encountered him before—the same individual who fought with Teacher Zhao on the night of our enrollment."

Tang San whirled toward Zhao Wuji. "Teacher Zhao, who is this person? Can he truly protect Xiao Wu?"

Though initially puzzled, understanding dawned on Zhao Wuji's face. "Xiao San, try not to worry. This is an extraordinarily powerful senior whose strength far surpasses my own. With his capabilities, Xiao Wu's safety is virtually guaranteed."

Relief washed over Tang San's features. "Teacher Zhao, who is he exactly? What level of power does he possess?"

Zhao Wuji glanced around at the gathered students before shaking his head. "I don't know all the specifics, but he seems to be someone connected to your family."

Confusion clouded Tang San's expression. "My family? That's impossible. My father is just an ordinary blacksmith, and I've never met any other relatives."

Something seemed to occur to Tang San, and he fell into contemplative silence. Regardless of whether this person was truly related to him, at least he possessed the strength to protect Xiao Wu.

The Dragon Duke's angry voice suddenly cut through the air. "Lin Gong! You again? Have you no shame?"

Yang Xiong and Lin Gong exchanged puzzled looks, clearly unaware of what had transpired in their absence.

Zhao Wuji spoke with obvious discomfort. "Senior Dragon Duke, we sincerely apologize. We had no idea you were pursuing this Hurricane Mantis. Tang San killed it before we realized the situation."

The Dragon Duke's fury intensified. "You've repeatedly stolen our soul beasts! Do you think we're pushovers?"

The group exchanged uncertain glances, unsure how to respond. After all, the Dragon Duke stood as the most powerful individual present, having reached the Spirit Douluo level.

Lin Gong's voice dripped with disdain. "Old Dragon Head, that's hardly fair. This soul beast doesn't have your name written on it. Besides, a dignified Spirit Douluo who can't handle a thousand-year soul beast? The embarrassment speaks for itself."

The Dragon Duke's face flushed with rage. "Broken Bamboo! We haven't crossed paths in decades. Let's see if hiding in the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect has improved your skills at all!"

Lin Gong dismissed the threat with a wave. "You want to fight here, in the Star Dou Great Forest? Also, perhaps you should examine this Hurricane Mantis more carefully. I told you about your ignorance earlier—here's more proof that you're misleading your students."

The Dragon Duke scrutinized the Hurricane Mantis again, his expression darkening before finally showing reluctant acceptance. "Broken Bamboo, we'll settle this properly outside the Star Dou Great Forest next time."

Lin Gong smiled confidently. "I'll be waiting. I just hope you won't still be so blind by then, Old Dragon Head."

With a cold snort, the Dragon Duke led his companions away from the scene.

Once they departed, Zhao Wuji turned to Yang Xiong with curiosity. "Why did Senior Dragon Duke give up on this Hurricane Mantis so easily?"

Yang Xiong gestured toward the fallen creature. "Mantis-type soul beasts' ages are determined by examining the carapace patterns on their backs. This Hurricane Mantis has exceeded nineteen hundred years—dangerously close to two thousand. If his granddaughter Meng Yiran had attempted to absorb it, the result would have been fatal."

He surveyed the scene with confusion. "Haven't we already completed our spirit ring hunting? What's happening here? How did we end up in conflict with the Dragon Duke's group?"

Zhao Wuji explained, "During the battle with the Titan Giant Ape, Tang San achieved a breakthrough in his soul power. He needs a spirit ring now too. After following you in pursuit of the Titan Giant Ape, he encountered this Hurricane Mantis. Tang San decided he should absorb a spirit ring first to gain more strength for rescuing Xiao Wu."

Yang Xiong nodded thoughtfully. "Tang San has always been decisive. It seems he believes this Hurricane Mantis suits his needs perfectly."

Zhao Wuji addressed Tang San with unusual concern. "Tang San, now that we know Xiao Wu is relatively safe, there's no need to rush into absorbing a spirit ring. We can search the Star Dou Great Forest more thoroughly and find a soul beast that truly complements your Blue Silver Grass."

He continued cautiously, "While the Hurricane Mantis is rare and possesses formidable offensive capabilities, it may not be the ideal match for your Blue Silver Grass."

Tang San's expression showed no hesitation. "Teacher Zhao, I believe this Hurricane Mantis is perfect for me. According to my teacher's analysis, absorbing its spirit ring should enhance my Blue Silver Grass's speed, attack power, and explosive capabilities significantly."

"But this Hurricane Mantis exceeds nineteen hundred years," Zhao Wuji warned, "far beyond the normal limits for a third spirit ring. Your body might not withstand the strain."

Tang San's determination remained unwavering. "Teacher Zhao, I have complete confidence in my physical condition. I can definitely absorb this spirit ring successfully."

Despite everyone's repeated warnings about the risks, Tang San insisted on proceeding with the Hurricane Mantis's spirit ring.

The group naturally looked to Yang Xiong, whose theoretical knowledge rivaled Tang San's, hoping he might dissuade his classmate.

But Yang Xiong merely shook his head. "Teacher Zhao, Tang San—absorbing a spirit ring is an intensely personal decision. I cannot advise on such matters, nor would I accept responsibility for the outcome. I can only remind you to carefully consider the risks involved."

Tang San nodded once, then used his Zhuge Divine Crossbow to deliver the killing blow to the Hurricane Mantis. He immediately sat down to begin the absorption process while Zhao Wuji stood guard. The others formed a protective circle around them.

Ning Rongrong approached Yang Xiong and Lin Gong during the wait. "Hello, Teacher Lin! Xiao Xiongzi, how did you two meet in the Star Dou Great Forest?"

Lin Gong appeared slightly embarrassed and coughed delicately. "Rongrong, I had business to attend to in the Star Dou Great Forest. I happened to see Xiao Xiongzi—I mean, Yang Xiong—in danger and intervened."

Ning Rongrong's curiosity persisted. "Teacher Lin, I remember you're only a Spirit King. How could you dare pursue the Titan Giant Ape?"

Lin Gong looked somewhat helpless but couldn't reveal his true Spirit Douluo status while maintaining his cover. "I excel at tracking and forest survival. Don't forget, I possess a plant martial soul."

The Star Dou Great Forest represented a natural mimetic environment for plant martial souls. Not only did it accelerate cultivation speed, but it also significantly enhanced perception abilities.

Everyone's attention returned to Tang San, whose face had turned ghastly pale and contorted with pain. Beads of blood seeped through his skin, forming a crimson mist upon contact with the air—an eerily disturbing sight.

Tang San's brows furrowed deeply as he gritted his teeth against the agony. Strange cracking sounds emanated from his bones, suggesting pain that penetrated to the very marrow.

Having already absorbed half the spirit ring, no one could intervene without causing severe injury or death. Before the concept of spirit ring absorption limits became widely known, many civilian soul masters had perished attempting to absorb rings beyond their capacity due to insufficient theoretical knowledge.

In this regard, Yu Xiaogang had indeed contributed significantly to civilian soul masters' welfare. Unfortunately, the knowledge he compiled belonged privately to the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and Spirit Hall—or rather, to major forces and prestigious sects—which naturally led to rejection by the broader soul master community.

Civilian soul masters held no influence in the soul master world. Only a tiny minority could approach the theoretical absorption limits. Most civilian soul masters considered themselves fortunate to obtain any spirit ring at all. Even powerful individuals like the Dragon Duke and Lin Gong possessed only thousand-year fifth spirit rings, demonstrating that absorption limits held little practical relevance for civilian soul masters.

The Hurricane Mantis situation proved this point—even the Dragon Duke and Zhao Wuji had nearly misjudged its age.

Everyone watched Tang San with worried expressions. Lin Gong quietly asked Yang Xiong, "Do you think this boy can successfully absorb a spirit ring beyond his level?"

Yang Xiong remained remarkably calm. "I can't speak for others, but Tang San should manage. His physical conditioning surpasses all the other Shrek Devils—possibly the best among soul masters of his level."

A hint of mockery crossed Lin Gong's features. "When you say 'soul masters of his level,' surely you're not including yourself? You've already reached level twenty-six. Your second spirit ring must have been quite formidable."

Yang Xiong smiled slightly. "Actually, I'm level twenty-seven now—I broke through in the past few days. The third spirit ring remains distant for me, so I haven't given it much thought yet."

Though they spoke quietly, the others heard every word. Surprise rippled through the group. Despite starting with the lowest innate soul power among them, Yang Xiong had already caught up with Ma Hongjun and Zhu Zhuqing—a remarkable achievement given that level seven innate soul power represented a significant threshold.

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

You can read advanced chapters here: patreon.com/GregariousLion