Soul Land: Full Body Martial Soul

In truth, Yang Xiong held little interest in projectile-based hidden weapons.

Since arriving on the Douluo Continent, Yang Xiong had focused entirely on personal cultivation and strengthening himself. He had never considered developing skills with hidden weapons or even conventional weapons.

After all, this world possessed soul tools. The soul tools developed overseas represented true offensive weaponry. If hidden weapons belonged to the martial arts world, then soul tools were products of a fantasy realm—the two existed on completely different levels.

Furthermore, if Yang Xiong truly wished to study weapons, he would have already begun researching firearms and artillery. With Douluo World's technology, developing machine guns and cannons wouldn't prove difficult. Compared to hidden weapons, guns, cannons, and soul tools would utterly dominate in terms of effectiveness.

In the Douluo World, soul power and martial souls remained fundamental. Yang Xiong refused to waste effort on peripheral matters, which explained why he'd never pursued these areas. Even his herb research remained superficial—he never intended to become an alchemist but merely wanted to familiarize himself with various immortal herbs' properties.

After returning to Soul Hunting Town, everyone rested properly for several days. Though their trip to the Star Dou Great Forest had proven extremely dangerous, the rewards justified the risks.

Among Shrek Academy's eight students, three had obtained satisfactory spirit rings and advanced to Soul Elder. Tang San had even acquired an external spirit bone.

Following Zhao Wuji's strict instructions, Tang San's possession of an external spirit bone must remain absolutely secret. Having traveled the soul master world for years, Zhao Wuji understood the immense value of external spirit bones. Even with Tang San's powerful backing, revealing this information would attract bloodshed and chaos.

After absorbing the Hurricane Mantis's spirit ring, Tang San's soul power reached level thirty-one. Xiao Wu and Oscar had similarly advanced to level thirty-one.

Xiao Wu's third spirit skill was also teleportation. Yang Xiong had always wondered how an ordinary Soft Bone Rabbit could possess such an ability with spatial attributes.

Tang San expressed great satisfaction with his third spirit skill, named Blue Silver Hurricane Array. When activated, all the Blue Silver Grass tips transformed to resemble the Hurricane Mantis's forelegs, possessing formidable attack and cutting capabilities. This spirit skill dramatically increased Blue Silver Grass's offensive power, unlike before when it could only entangle or trap enemies.

Compared to Tang San and the others, Yang Xiong faced an internal conflict.

He carried a twenty-three-hundred-year-old Man-Faced Demon Spider, but remained deeply conflicted about its disposal.

Given Yang Xiong's current soul power level, he couldn't yet absorb a third spirit ring. Moreover, the Man-Faced Demon Spider's poison attribute didn't suit his needs.

Recently, Yang Xiong had grown increasingly aware of his insufficient attack power. He wanted his third spirit ring to possess fire or metal attributes, elevating his offensive capabilities and explosive power to new heights.

Ever since developing the Rasengan, he'd contemplated injecting elemental energy into it. This would enable true redevelopment of the technique, granting it genuinely formidable power.

Additionally, both his first spirit ring's spatial attribute and his second ring's wood attribute proved relatively weak—they were merely hundred-year spirit rings after all.

The first spirit ring particularly frustrated him. Though he'd developed teleportation through spirit skill advancement, spatial attributes remained the most mysterious of all elements—an energy beyond his current mastery.

As for wood attribute energy, while Yang Xiong could inject it into the Rasengan, it failed to increase destructive power. This limitation likely stemmed from the wood attribute's inherent nature.

Through extensive research, Yang Xiong discovered that absorbing a spirit ring didn't grant all the soul beast's attributes. One only gained the specific attributes manifested by the spirit ring and its skills.

For instance, when absorbing his first spirit ring from the Black Tortoise, the creature possessed both water and earth attributes along with spatial properties. However, because the spirit skill displayed spatial attributes and the ring's energy was spatial in nature, he gained neither water nor earth attributes.

The power attribute seemed somewhat ambiguous—less fully displayed and more like an enhancement to vitality and physical constitution. After absorbing two power-type spirit rings, his body, strength, and even the force behind his strikes had improved dramatically.

This reminded Yang Xiong of the Strength Clan. They pursued pure power-type spirit rings, yet from another perspective, normal power-type soul beasts typically possessed strong earth attributes. The Titan Giant Ape and Thousand Jun Ant exemplified power-type soul beasts, but they primarily embodied earth attributes. Power seemed to represent strength itself—or rather, vitality and vigor.

Throughout all Douluo World attributes, no distinct "power attribute" existed. Descriptions of power attributes remained notably vague.

Regarding the Man-Faced Demon Spider, several questions persisted. According to soul master history, external spirit bones were typically obtained during spirit ring absorption, with no recorded cases of absorbing spirit bones separately. During absorption, no physical contact occurred between humans and soul beasts—instead, the body transformed as spirit ring energy flowed inward.

Yang Xiong desperately wanted the Eight Spider Lances Spirit Bone. For soul masters, especially those with body martial souls, it represented an incredible advantage. Combined with devouring abilities, the Eight Spider Lances would function as eight weapons. In combat, they would prove invaluable while reducing bodily damage.

However, Yang Xiong already possessed the Black Tortoise Armor external spirit bone, centered on his spine. Could he absorb a second spine-based external spirit bone?

Yang Xiong refused to waste a spirit ring slot carelessly or squander this priceless spirit bone. From his perspective, the Man-Faced Demon Spider's spirit ring held little appeal—both its age and attributes proved inadequate.

Since entering Soul Hunting Town, Lin Gong had vanished without trace, likely maintaining secret protection.

After two days' rest, everyone returned to Shrek Academy. Xiao Wu appeared worried throughout the journey, unresponsive to Tang San's attempts at comfort.

Shrek Academy buzzed with activity upon their arrival. Construction proceeded rapidly on a new building beside the existing dormitories, with completion expected within days.

Before entering Sunset Forest, Yang Xiong had removed his weighted training gear. Upon returning to school, he donned it once more.

As Yang Xiong anticipated, Ning Rongrong had already approached Tang San privately, primarily discussing hidden weapon purchases. However, Tang San only agreed to craft one set initially, postponing specific transactions until communication with her sect's decision-makers.

When Zhao Wuji reported the Star Dou Great Forest events to Flender, a middle-aged man attended alongside the dean.

After hearing Zhao Wuji's account, the middle-aged man spoke thoughtfully. "The roar you described likely came from the legendary Azure Bull Python—the Forest Emperor himself. Regarding Tang San and Xiao Wu's safety, I believe Tang San's father must have intervened."

Surprise crossed Zhao Wuji's features. "So it was Tang San's father! But how could Tang San's martial soul be Blue Silver Grass? Only someone of his caliber possesses the strength to rescue Xiao Wu. He probably warned Lin Gong away to prevent their battle from endangering her."

The middle-aged man smiled knowingly. "Tang San's martial soul isn't simple Blue Silver Grass. He possesses twin martial souls—his other martial soul ranks among the world's strongest."

Flender pondered carefully before speaking with unusual gravity. "It seems I must personally accompany the children's future spirit ring hunts. Perhaps all teachers should attend for safety."

The next morning brought pleasant surprises at the cafeteria. Food quality had improved dramatically, with various meats supplementing the usual vegetarian fare.

Yang Xiong observed this development with resignation. The person he'd most dreaded had finally arrived. He hoped this wouldn't interfere with his cultivation.

As expected, morning class brought not only Flender but also a middle-aged man.

The man appeared somewhat thin, even melancholic and worn, yet stood with hands clasped behind his back in an arrogant posture, like an inspecting official.

Flender began the introduction. "This is my good friend, Yu Xiaogang. His knowledge of martial souls and cultivation is extensive. From now on, he'll guide your training. You may address him as Master."

Yu Xiaogang nodded, his expression remaining aloof. "Starting today, I expect you to rise early. Breakfast provides essential nutrition for your daily cultivation. If you cannot even wake early, you forfeit the right to eat."

He continued coldly, "I've reviewed each of your files. Though you're all considered geniuses, it remains insufficient. You'll undergo rigorous training to establish proper foundations for future strength."

The students seemed shocked by Yu Xiaogang's words, while Yang Xiong found them oddly pretentious.

Yu Xiaogang proceeded, "Today's first lesson will verify your combat effectiveness beyond what files reveal."

"Dai Mubai, step forward. Your task today: defeat all your classmates as they attack in turns."

Dai Mubai's expression darkened at this command. He hesitated, glancing toward Yang Xiong and Tang San. He knew their combat prowess matched his own.

Doubt crossed Yu Xiaogang's features. "You're already level thirty-seven. The highest among them is merely thirty-one, with four still Great Soul Masters. Can't you handle this?"

Dai Mubai stood resolutely.

Yu Xiaogang continued, "Tang San attacks first, but you're forbidden from using your third spirit skill or hidden weapons."

Soon, Dai Mubai and Tang San engaged in combat. Despite Dai Mubai's power, Tang San's fierce assault quickly overwhelmed him. However, he forced Tang San to reveal his third spirit skill and employ numerous Tang Sect techniques.

Yu Xiaogang addressed the somewhat dejected Dai Mubai. "Remember this: among soul masters of equal level, control-types reign supreme. Their attacks may lack raw power, but they effectively restrict enemies. Below level sixty, control-type soul masters can dominate peers absolutely."

Everyone absorbed these words thoughtfully, while Yang Xiong inwardly scoffed. Though Yu Xiaogang spoke truth, he'd overlooked one detail: not a single control-type Titled Douluo existed on the entire Douluo Continent. Moreover, without Tang Sect techniques, how could Tang San have defeated Dai Mubai using only Blue Silver Grass control?

Yu Xiaogang surveyed the group, lingering on Yang Xiong before continuing. "Tang San violated my restrictions by using his third spirit skill. He'll help share an opponent as penalty."

"Yang Xiong, though you're only level twenty-six, I've heard of your formidable combat prowess. You'll face Tang San, with Tang San still restricted from using his third spirit skill."

"Dai Mubai will face combinations of Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, and Ning Rongrong, plus Ma Hongjun and Oscar. As a high-level Soul Elder, defeating two Great Soul Masters should pose no challenge."

Yang Xiong stepped forward directly. "Correction—I'm level twenty-seven now. There's no need to restrict spirit skills when fighting Tang San. Otherwise, the match would be too dull."

Yu Xiaogang's surprise was evident. He'd initially considered Yang Xiong the least qualified student, given his level six innate soul power and supposedly worthless martial soul. Yet here stood a twelve-year-old at level twenty-seven, matching others' soul power progression.

Yu Xiaogang noted the casual confidence in Yang Xiong's demeanor before nodding. "Very well. Tang San need not restrict his third spirit skill usage."

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