Soul Land: Full Body Martial Soul

Upon hearing Yu Xiaogang's words, Flender roared with obvious anger and disbelief. "Xiaogang, do you even understand what you're saying? We are merely teachers at a Spirit Master Academy. Students have their own cultivation methods and techniques. Coveting other people's self-created soul skills is considered a major taboo in the Spirit Master world, especially when that student comes from the prestigious Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School."

Yu Xiaogang's face revealed a bitter and pained smile. "Flender, even you don't approve of my approach? Just like when I published my research knowledge years ago, even when my own family didn't support me, even when the entire Spirit Master world misunderstood and criticized my work, you still stood by my side and supported me through everything."

Flender shook his head firmly. "This situation is completely different from what happened before. Although your theories weren't accepted back then and were even ostracized by various sects, they genuinely contributed to the advancement of civilian Spirit Masters. Time has proven that many of your theories were indeed correct and valuable."

"But Yang Xiong's situation is fundamentally different," Flender continued with emphasis. "He is simply a student at our Shrek Academy. He has absolutely no obligation to allow you to study his spirit or hand over his self-created soul skills to you. Don't forget that Yang Xiong has the entire Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School standing behind him. His teacher is none other than Bone Douluo. You should understand the sacred meaning of the master-disciple relationship in our world. In terms of background and support, Yang Xiong is not much weaker than Tang San himself."

Yu Xiaogang pressed his point stubbornly. "The real problem is that both Yang Xiong's cultivation methods and his self-created soul skills have the potential to completely change the landscape of the Spirit Master world. They may even make him historically famous in the future. Haven't you considered the tremendous significance of that possibility?"

Flender responded with growing frustration. "Xiaogang, I honestly don't know what you're really thinking. Are you doing this for the so-called benefit of the Spirit Master world, or are you doing this specifically for Tang San's advantage? You should be more aware than I am of the brutal cruelty that exists in the Spirit Master world. Consider your own family as an example—would they willingly contribute their cultivation methods and self-created soul skills to others?"

"On the contrary," Flender continued pointedly, "anyone who dares to covet their cultivation secrets will be mercilessly eliminated, regardless of how strong their background might be. This is the harsh reality of the true Spirit Master world we live in."

Yu Xiaogang sighed deeply and left the conversation helplessly. In his mind and heart, Tang San was more important than anything else in existence. He had dedicated his entire life to two primary goals: one was to successfully cultivate Tang San into a powerful Spirit Master, and the other was to prove his theoretical research and gain proper recognition from both the Spirit Master world and his own family.

Meanwhile, Yang Xiong arrived at the academy cafeteria, finding himself as the only person there. The other students probably hadn't awakened yet after the day's intense training regimen.

However, after Yang Xiong had enjoyed a substantial and satisfying meal, the first person to arrive at the cafeteria was actually Ning Rongrong. Compared to the others, Ning Rongrong's physical exertion for the day had been relatively minimal, since Yang Xiong had carried her during the final portions of the punishment run.

Ning Rongrong looked at Yang Xiong with a slight hint of blush coloring her cheeks. "Little Xiongzi, you performed really well today. This young lady was the first among the three girls to wake up and recover."

Yang Xiong's face showed a trace of helplessness. "Rongrong, I can help you once or twice when absolutely necessary, but you really need to learn to adapt and complete the runs yourself. This kind of training is ultimately beneficial for your own development."

Ning Rongrong's expression became puzzled and concerned. "Little Xiongzi, what exactly do you mean by that? Do we really have to endure this kind of brutal training every single day in the future?"

Yang Xiong shook his head with certainty. "It definitely won't be that simple or remain the same. In the future, in addition to basic stone-carrying and endurance running training, we should expect to face much more brutal and challenging exercises. Today's punishment was merely an appetizer compared to what's coming."

"You have participated in several Soul Fight matches alongside me," Yang Xiong continued seriously, "so you should be well aware of the genuine cruelty that exists in the Soul Arena. Every opponent will not hesitate to target you, the support Spirit Master, as soon as they enter the arena. This is especially true on real battlefields, where attacking the support is always the opponent's primary strategic goal."

"Moreover, only if you possess sufficient stamina and speed can you truly protect yourself effectively on the battlefield. Actual battlefield conditions are countless times more cruel and unforgiving than even the most intense Soul Fight matches."

Ning Rongrong considered his words carefully before responding. "I understand your point completely. Thank you for the reminder, Little Xiongzi. Tomorrow, I will definitely try my absolute best to run the entire distance by myself."

"By the way," she added with renewed confidence, "let me share some good news with you. I've already reached level twenty-nine, which means I'm still two full levels of soul power higher than you. Don't worry about anything—your sister will take proper care of you in the future. When the time comes, you'll truly understand just how powerful my support abilities can be."

The two friends talked and laughed together, quickly reducing much of the awkwardness that had lingered from the previous day's events.

The other students gradually arrived at the cafeteria one by one. It seemed that everyone was in remarkably good spirits after experiencing the restorative effects of the medicinal baths. However, when they observed Yang Xiong and Ning Rongrong eating together in such a comfortable manner, although their eyes clearly showed bursts of curiosity and gossip, they were very considerate and chose to sit at tables farther away.

After finishing their meal, Yang Xiong engaged in his usual battle training session with Zhao Wuji, then returned to his dormitory to continue his meditation practice. According to Yang Xiong's current progress and plans, he believed he should be able to create a complete and functional Yin-Yang Meditation Method very soon.

Tang San, on the other hand, showed a distinct trace of gloom and frustration in his eyes before going to seek out Yu Xiaogang for private consultation.

Yu Xiaogang appeared somewhat surprised by the visit. "Tang San, shouldn't you be meditating right now? The effectiveness of meditation at this particular time is optimal, and it should significantly accelerate the improvement of your soul power."

Tang San lowered his head with obvious shame. "Teacher, I deeply disappointed you today. I actually lost to Yang Xiong in direct combat."

Tang San had always possessed tremendous personal pride and confidence. He had never lost to anyone among Spirit Masters of the same level, especially considering that he also possessed the advanced techniques of the Tang Sect. He genuinely considered himself to be the most outstanding and capable Spirit Master among peers of his level. Otherwise, he would never have revealed his Clear Sky Hammer spirit during the Spirit Master Competition.

It was important to note that Tang San was fully aware of the deep-seated hatred and conflict between the Clear Sky Sect and Spirit Hall, yet he had blatantly revealed the Clear Sky Hammer. How could such an action not attract Spirit Hall's relentless pursuit and attention?

Yu Xiaogang also sighed as he looked at his troubled disciple. "Tang San, don't overthink this situation. Yang Xiong has been taking specialized medicinal baths since childhood, and his spirit possesses unique characteristics, so it's perfectly natural that his physical fitness surpasses yours. Moreover, he is also Bone Douluo's personal disciple. I'm confident that Bone Douluo has provided him with extensive special training and guidance."

"You are actually not inferior to Yang Xiong in terms of technique and skill," Yu Xiaogang continued reassuringly, "and you even possess certain advantages in terms of control abilities. What you currently lack is Yang Xiong's capability to deliver a decisive killing blow. By the way, what are your thoughts regarding Yang Xiong's self-created soul skill that he used at the end of your battle?"

Tang San thought carefully for several moments before responding. "I've only witnessed Yang Xiong's self-created soul skill twice so far. Once was during his battle against Zhao Wuji, and the other time was today during our confrontation. I believe its power is tremendously strong—probably more powerful than the third soul skills of ordinary Spirit Masters, and definitely much stronger than Dai Mubai's comparable soul skills."

Only then did Yu Xiaogang speak with calculated interest. "You and Yang Xiong share the same dormitory room. You should spend more time communicating and interacting with him. Perhaps you will gain some valuable insights through observation and conversation. You should understand that self-created soul skills represent the most closely guarded secrets of Spirit Masters. I cannot say too much about this matter directly. Some things require you to understand and discover on your own."

Tang San nodded with renewed determination. "Teacher, I understand completely. I remain very confident in my combat abilities. Today's loss occurred primarily because I was injured, which made the subsequent running exercise more problematic. I will definitely work much harder in the future and refuse to lose to others in terms of physical conditioning."

Yu Xiaogang nodded approvingly. "Tang San, you have consistently made me very proud and satisfied since you were a child, but you don't need to be excessively harsh on yourself. Every person's martial soul is different, and their natural physique varies accordingly. You also possess your own unique advantages and strengths. In every team composition, control-type Spirit Masters serve as the fundamental core. Even if Yang Xiong's individual combat power appears stronger, he cannot compare with your strategic value at all."

The following morning, Yu Xiaogang conducted another training session for the entire group.

Yu Xiaogang observed everyone with a stern, cold expression for several moments before nodding with approval. "Very good. You are more punctual today than you were yesterday, and at least you didn't delay breakfast time with tardiness."

"Regarding your performance yesterday," he continued, "according to my original arrangements and expectations, normally not all of you would have been able to complete the assigned task successfully. However, you all managed to pass yesterday's training through mutual cooperation and assistance."

"I want to emphasize one crucial point to all of you," Yu Xiaogang said with emphasis. "Teammates must develop complete trust in each other. Only through this foundation can you confidently turn your back to your teammates during critical moments of battle. Today's training course will follow the same basic structure as yesterday's, but it will be significantly more strict and demanding, with much heavier task requirements. I sincerely hope that you will continue to help each other and successfully complete the assigned tasks."

Yang Xiong couldn't shake the feeling that Yu Xiaogang seemed to be looking at him intentionally or unintentionally while delivering these instructions, and he sensed that something felt fundamentally wrong about the situation.

However, Yang Xiong never suspected that he and Yu Xiaogang had only met for the first time the previous day, yet Yu Xiaogang had already begun to covet his self-created soul skill techniques. For Yang Xiong, these particular self-created soul skills were absolutely impossible to share or hand over, especially since he had already communicated extensively with Ning Fengzhi about maintaining secrecy.

When everyone gathered at the main gate of Shrek Academy, they were collectively stunned by what they saw. Each person's assigned load was dramatically heavier than the previous day's burden. This was especially apparent with the enormous bamboo basket bearing Yang Xiong's name, which was completely filled with stones and appeared to weigh more than two hundred pounds.

Oscar couldn't resist gloating slightly. "Yang Xiong, who told you to run while carrying Ning Rongrong on your back yesterday? I think Master has calculated and included Rongrong's body weight into your load, so you definitely won't be able to carry Ning Rongrong again today."

Yang Xiong directly flicked Oscar on the forehead with his finger. "Oscar, are you looking for trouble? Why are you talking so much nonsense? Don't forget your own miserable condition yesterday. If I can't manage to carry my load in the end, then I won't be able to help you carry your stones either."

Oscar's expression darkened considerably when he heard this reminder. As an auxiliary-type Spirit Master, he genuinely couldn't carry such enormous weight on his own. It was important to remember that without Yang Xiong's assistance the previous day, Oscar probably wouldn't have been able to complete the task at all.

Everyone couldn't help but laugh when they witnessed Oscar's sudden change in attitude. For both Oscar and Ning Rongrong, these two auxiliary Spirit Masters, their physical fitness was indeed much inferior compared to the others. Even Ma Hongjun, who had been extremely exhausted the previous day, was gloating slightly at this moment.

Ning Rongrong displayed a confident and proud expression. "Little Xiongzi, I will definitely complete the entire run by myself today. You should know that I've already reached level twenty-nine, and my physical body has improved tremendously."

Yang Xiong wore a speechless expression. "Rongrong, don't be overly confident about this. That attitude actually makes me a little worried. At this rate, not only will you need help, but even the stones from your basket will probably end up being carried by me."

Ning Rongrong's face turned slightly red with indignation. "That absolutely won't happen! I must prove myself today. Even without your assistance, I can definitely complete this assessment successfully."

Yang Xiong felt somewhat helpless about her determination, but everyone shouldered their bamboo baskets and began running amid a atmosphere of laughter and camaraderie. At least the group wasn't as serious and tense as they had been the previous day.

After experiencing yesterday's trial, everyone understood the true purpose behind this type of testing, and they all felt filled with confidence about their abilities.

However, as Yang Xiong had predicted, both Ning Rongrong and Oscar couldn't endure the strain when they reached the halfway point of the course. Most of the stones from their bamboo baskets ended up transferred to Yang Xiong's already enormous load.

Even when Oscar and Ning Rongrong were exerting maximum effort, auxiliary Spirit Masters remained relatively weak in terms of physical endurance. Oscar was barely able to complete the entire journey without carrying any additional weight, while Ning Rongrong, despite a period of determined persistence, finally collapsed during the eighth lap.

Yang Xiong didn't hesitate for even a moment. This time, he directly carried Ning Rongrong in his arms to complete the final two laps of the course.

Originally, Ning Rongrong had wanted to refuse his assistance, but Yang Xiong's bamboo basket that day was even more heavily loaded than it had been the previous day. The stones filling the entire basket were practically piled to overflowing. If Yang Xiong didn't possess exceptional control and balance abilities, the stones would have spilled all over the ground long ago.

In the end, Ning Rongrong felt somewhat helpless and had to complete the last two laps while being carried in Yang Xiong's arms, her face blushing with embarrassment.

The other students were amazed when they observed Yang Xiong's incredible performance. Even Oscar was filled with genuine admiration. "Yang Xiong, Brother Xiong, I'm so envious of your abilities! I never expected that you could still carry another person while already bearing such tremendous weight. Your strength seems absolutely endless."

"And judging by how comfortable you two look together," Oscar continued with a mischievous grin, "I suspect something good is going to happen soon between you. Brother, let me congratulate you in advance."

Yang Xiong flicked Oscar on the forehead once again. "Can't you just talk less nonsense? Instead of making jokes, you should focus on exercising your body more consistently, so you can reduce the pressure on me during these exercises."

Oscar responded helplessly, "Yang Xiong, I really can't help my limitations. Who told me to be an auxiliary Spirit Master? No matter how much I exercise and train, I'll never be as physically capable as those beast-type Spirit Masters."

At this particular moment, Yang Xiong's bamboo basket weighed nearly three hundred pounds in total, and he was also carrying Ning Rongrong, so he could only advance at a slow, steady pace while maintaining perfect balance and control.

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