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While Yang Xiong was undergoing body tempering in the Ice-Fire Yin Yang Well, the outside world was already abuzz with commotion.
In a magnificent golden hall within the Spirit Hall, countless individuals exuding immense power were gathered. The tension in the room was palpable.
Seated on the enormous throne at the center was an exceedingly noble-looking woman—none other than Pope Bibi Dong.
Below her sat the Elders of the Spirit Hall, while the standing figures were the Platinum Bishops, all of whom possessed strength at or above the Soul Douluo level.
A striking man clad in golden armor bowed before Pope Bibi Dong and reported: "Your Eminence, according to the latest findings, we discovered the remains of several disciples from the Elephant Armor Sect in Sunset Forest. Due to the harsh environment, only fragments of their bodies remain, making it impossible to determine the exact cause of death."
Bibi Dong's expression grew serious: "What about Huyan Zhen? He faked his departure last time, so no one should have deliberately targeted him. Moreover, with his soul power level of 89, only a Title Douluo could pose a threat to him. Even in Sunset Forest, it's unlikely there's a soul beast strong enough to kill him."
The striking man was none other than Ju (Chrysanthemum) Douluo Yue Guan, one of Bibi Dong's most loyal followers.
Ju Douluo continued: "After our investigation, neither Yu Yuan Zhen, Sword Douluo, nor Bone Douluo left their sects during this period. It's unlikely they attacked Huyan Zhen."
"However, the Elephant Armor Sect has been extremely unlucky in recent years. They were previously ambushed by two hundred-thousand-year soul beasts in the Star Dou Great Forest, and now Huyan Zhen has vanished without a trace in Sunset Forest. It's probable he fell victim to a soul beast attack."
Upon hearing this, everyone present twitched their lips in disbelief. The Elephant Armor Sect seemed cursed—these top-tier soul beasts appeared to target them specifically. Last time, multiple Soul Douluos were lost, and this time, even their sect leader had disappeared.
Ju Douluo continued: "Currently, the Elephant Armor Sect's upper echelons have lost 80% of their strength. This will undoubtedly impact their support for us and might even jeopardize their status. With their current remaining strength, they can no longer maintain their position as one of the lower four sects."
Bibi Dong's face darkened: "Regardless, we must find proof of life or death. Elder Ju, you personally investigate Sunset Forest. Is there anything else to report?"
Ju Douluo hesitated before reluctantly speaking: "Your Eminence, over the past few years, the lower four sects have faced significant setbacks. The Elephant Armor Sect has suffered heavy casualties, while the Black Tiger Sect, Sacred Dragon Sect, and Wind Sword Sect have been under suspicion and suppression by the Star Luo Empire's royal family. Even some mid-sized sects that secretly aligned with us have faced similar pressures."
"Based on the current situation, the strength of the lower four sects has been compromised to varying degrees. It's possible the Star Luo royal family has uncovered our intentions in rallying them."
Bibi Dong's expression turned furious: "So this is how the Star Luo Emperor behaves! I haven't even confronted them yet, and they dare obstruct the Spirit Hall's development—it's practically a declaration of war!"
Ju Douluo asked: "Your Eminence, given the circumstances, the lower four sects' support for us will be severely limited. Should we continue with our plans?"
Bibi Dong's face radiated cold determination: "Of course we continue. If we don't remove these thorns in our path, our subsequent plans will be hindered."
"With the Spirit Hall's strength, even without the support of the lower four sects, completing our plans should be effortless."
…
The entire world of soul masters was in an uproar, as many sought to confirm the details surrounding the Elephant Armor Sect.
Both Huyan Zhen and the Elephant Armor Sect had always acted arrogantly, offending countless people. Now that Huyan Zhen was dead and the Elephant Armor Sect's strength greatly diminished, many prepared to take advantage of their downfall.
…
Yang Xiong's days in the Ice-Fire Yin Yang Well were exceptionally pleasant. He either immersed himself in the spring to cultivate or tested his combat abilities by sparring with Dugu Bo and Yang Wudi.
Yang Wudi was a battle fanatic, with only two passions in life: fighting and alchemy. He possessed unparalleled insight into offensive techniques, and his *Soul-Breaking Spear* was a top-tier weapon-type martial spirit, brimming with power.
Every time Yang Xiong sparred with Yang Wudi, he gained deeper mastery over offensive techniques.
Previously focused on boxing and swordsmanship, Yang Xiong now developed a keen interest in spear techniques.
If swordsmanship emphasized agility and sharpness, spear techniques were far more aggressive and unstoppable, often packing even greater destructive force.
In terms of combat strength, Yang Xiong still lagged behind Dugu Bo and Yang Wudi.
Yang Wudi's attacks were ferocious, employing a reckless, all-or-nothing style. Even Yang Xiong, despite his pride in defense, found himself repeatedly outmatched.
As for Dugu Bo, though his poisons were ineffective against Yang Xiong, Dugu Bo excelled in both offense and control. Yang Xiong, being a close-combat-focused soul master, was at a severe disadvantage. Each battle left him battered and humiliated, often followed by mockery.
Dugu Bo's eccentric personality made him particularly irked by Yang Xiong. After every battle, he would launch into complaints, leading to heated arguments between the two—almost like bickering children.
Recently, Yang Xiong discovered something alarming in the Ice-Fire Yin Yang Well: his cultivation speed had drastically slowed down.
Since absorbing the hundred-thousand-year soul ring and soul bones, Yang Xiong felt his strength surge. Every movement seemed imbued with boundless power, which had emboldened him to face Huyan Zhen head-on.
His self-developed Yin-Yang Meditation Technique had grown increasingly refined, its circulation faster and more continuous, allowing for constant improvement.
However, paradoxically, the growth of his soul power had slowed significantly. Based on Yang Xiong's usual cultivation rate, advancing four to five levels per year should have been achievable, especially in the dual ice-fire environment of the Ice-Fire Yin Yang Well, where cultivation speed should have been accelerated.
Yet Yang Xiong felt his soul power progression crawl along like a turtle, barely improving even after a month. Gone was the rapid advancement he experienced after his second awakening.
On the flip side, Yang Xiong noticed his physical strength growing at an extraordinary rate. In terms of raw power, he had even surpassed Dugu Bo—a Title Douluo who typically dominated those below his level.
This left Dugu Bo grumbling after every battle, complaining that Yang Xiong's body was a monster—he had never seen such a disproportionate relationship between strength and soul power.
Moreover, Yang Xiong discovered another peculiar phenomenon: the Ice-Fire Yin Yang Well exerted a unique attraction on him. However, no matter how hard he tried to dive deeper into its core, an invisible force seemed to block his progress.
After numerous attempts, Yang Xiong reluctantly gave up, concluding that his soul power level might not be sufficient to break through to the true core of the Ice-Fire Yin Yang Well.
After spending a full month and a half in the Ice-Fire Yin Yang Well, Yang Xiong and Yang Wudi finally departed. Yang Wudi needed to return to Yunwu Mountain to handle matters related to the Breaking Family.
Through careful study of his body and reflection on various events from the original storyline, Yang Xiong arrived at a conclusion.
After continuously absorbing power-oriented soul rings—each surpassing his body's limits and taken at increasingly advanced levels—his body had likely reached the pinnacle of strength attributes.
This explained why his cultivation speed had slowed recently, while the growth of his physical strength had accelerated.
After leaving the Ice-Fire Yin Yang Well, Yang Xiong parted ways with Yang Wudi. He entrusted the handling of sect-related matters to Yang Wudi, while he planned to continue training independently, as there were still some personal issues to resolve.
Yang Xiong first headed to Tian Dou City. With less than a year until the so-called Spirit Hunt Operation, there were many preparations to make and arrangements to finalize. If not handled in advance, the operation's onset would leave little room for maneuvering.
Upon arriving in Tian Dou City, Yang Xiong went straight to Crown Prince Xue Qinghe's residence.
The Crown Prince's residence was heavily guarded, but this posed no challenge for Yang Xiong. Having accompanied Ning Fengzhi and Ning Rongrong here many times, he was quite familiar with the layout.
Yang Xiong presented the token of Crown Prince Xue Qinghe and was promptly ushered inside.
In the reception hall, Crown Prince Xue Qinghe appeared as calm and composed as ever, seemingly unaffected by external affairs.
Xue Qinghe smiled: "Young Brother Yang Xiong, what brings you to my humble abode today? I believe it's been three years since your last visit."
Yang Xiong chuckled: "Brother Qinghe, my apologies for the long absence. I've been incredibly busy lately. I just returned from training and came straight here to see you."
Xue Qinghe replied: "It seems you still think fondly of me. You're not here on behalf of our teacher, are you? Otherwise, you wouldn't have come alone."
Yang Xiong shook his head: "This visit has nothing to do with the sect leader. It's a personal matter I need your help with."
Xue Qinghe raised an eyebrow: "That's strange. What could possibly be difficult for you? Speak freely, Brother Yang Xiong—we're brothers."
Yang Xiong paused for a moment before speaking: "Brother Qinghe, I'd like to borrow something from you. Given your position, it should be an easy task."
Xue Qinghe responded: "Speak freely. My teacher has nurtured me greatly, and you are among his closest confidants. Anything within my power, I'll do my best to assist with."
Yang Xiong didn't hesitate: "I've heard of the mysterious Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud of the Tian Dou Empire. Could I borrow it for a look?"
Xue Qinghe's expression instantly changed: "You want to borrow the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud, the imperial treasure of the Tian Dou Empire? That's unlikely. The Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud is extremely special and personally guarded by my father. Even I, as Crown Prince, cannot access it."
Yang Xiong smirked: "Brother Qinghe, you're being too modest. In the Tian Dou Empire, you're second only to the emperor. As the esteemed Crown Prince, what couldn't you reach?"
Xue Qinghe shook his head: "Young Brother Yang Xiong, you flatter me. I'm merely the Crown Prince, and I'm well aware of how delicate my position is. Even before my father, I wouldn't dare make such a request."
"Furthermore, the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud is of great importance. If you truly wish to borrow it, it would be best to have our teacher intervene. Given the relationship between the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect and the Tian Dou Imperial Family, my father would likely agree."
Yang Xiong inwardly scoffed at this impostor Crown Prince Xue Qinghe. Did this guy really see himself as the Crown Prince? He was still so protective of the Tian Dou royal family.
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