After the coup orchestrated by Qian Renxue in the Tian Dou Palace, the Tian Dou Imperial Family suffered immense devastation. Their strength was severely impacted, and even the future of the nation was affected to some extent.
However, under Ning Fengzhi's assurance, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect pledged full support for the reconstruction of the Tian Dou Imperial Family, which brought slight relief to Emperor Xue Ye.
Despite the tragic circumstances faced by Emperor Xue Ye after the coup, rewards were still distributed accordingly.
This time, successfully repelling the impostor Crown Prince Xue Qinghe and preserving the last hope of the Tian Dou Imperial Family was a monumental achievement, with the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect playing a pivotal role.
Yang Wudi not only saved Emperor Xue Ye's life but also, along with Bone Douluo, drove back the enemy forces. Both were richly rewarded by Emperor Xue Ye and granted noble titles within the empire.
Even Yang Xiong and Ning Fengzhi received noble titles from the Tian Dou Empire. Particularly Yang Xiong, who was not only ennobled as a marquis but also granted a fief.
However, when Yang Xiong proposed the scope of his fief, Emperor Xue Ye was taken aback. Unfortunately, given Yang Xiong's demonstrated strength, extraordinary talent, and significant background, Emperor Xue Ye had no choice but to comply.
Ning Fengzhi, on the other hand, appeared more rational than ever. While outwardly pledging full support for the Tian Dou Imperial Family, he was actually reluctant to invest more manpower or resources beyond financial aid.
Tang San, Tang Hao, Yu Xiaogang, and others were also generously rewarded by Emperor Xue Ye. However, these rewards were far from enough to compensate for their losses and disappointments.
Tang San initially intended to discuss the matter of hidden weapons trade with Emperor Xue Ye. However, Emperor Xue Ye claimed to have never heard any reports about hidden weapons from the former Crown Prince. This meant that all previous dealings regarding hidden weapons were orchestrated solely by Qian Renxue, who deliberately concealed them from Emperor Xue Ye.
Nevertheless, after some communication with Emperor Xue Ye, Tang San managed to establish a connection with the Tian Dou Imperial Family.
…
When Yu Xiaogang and the others returned to Shrek Academy, they found it reduced to ruins. Many students and teachers had been killed, while the rest had scattered.
Upon seeing the state of Shrek Academy, Flender was overwhelmed with grief and disappointment.
This was the culmination of Flender's lifelong efforts. Now, all that remained were broken walls and scattered debris. Even the old companions from years past had gone their separate ways.
Yu Xiaogang, who had spent years teaching at Shrek Academy, was now devastated by its complete destruction. He felt utterly hopeless, believing there was no chance of avenging his losses.
As for Tang San, his situation was even more dire.
When Tang San, Xiao Wu, Tang Hao, and Tai Tan returned to the Tang Sect, they were dumbfounded, thinking they had arrived at the wrong place.
The Tang Sect had been completely razed to the ground, and countless members of the Power Clan had been killed or injured.
Upon witnessing this scene, Tai Tan's eyes burned with rage. Not only had the entire Power Clan been reduced to ashes, but every single clan member had been slaughtered. Even his son, Tai Nuo, and grandson, Tai Long, had been killed.
Tai Tan let out a furious roar: "Spirit Hall, I will never forgive you!"
Meanwhile, Tang San was utterly disheartened. He had worked so hard to establish the Tang Sect, and just as it was beginning to take shape, it was suddenly obliterated. Could he ever rebuild the Tang Sect?
In the end, Tang San and the others had no choice but to return to Shrek Academy, where they could discuss future plans with Yu Xiaogang.
After hearing about each other's misfortunes, Tang San and Yu Xiaogang were stunned. They hadn't expected both of their situations to be so tragic.
Tang San suddenly recalled something: "Teacher, do you know how Yang Xiong managed his soul ring configuration? Although I've been studying it recently, I can't figure out how he achieved a ten-thousand-year fourth soul ring and a hundred-thousand-year sixth soul ring."
Yu Xiaogang shook his head: "I don't know either. His soul ring configuration seems to defy logic entirely—it doesn't align with the soul ring year chart I developed. Perhaps it has something to do with his unique martial soul."
Tang San quickly interjected: "Is having the body as a martial soul really that powerful? I remember there have been similar martial souls in the world of soul masters, but no one else has ever been this strong."
Yu Xiaogang sighed bitterly: "I'm not sure. Although he spent several years at Shrek Academy, we didn't interfere with his training. However, if I could find someone with a similar martial soul and cultivate them carefully, perhaps I could uncover the secret."
The surrounding group fell silent. There were indeed a few rare soul masters in the world with their bodies as martial souls, but such cases were exceedingly rare, and cultivation was extraordinarily difficult.
After careful thought, Tang San finally spoke: "Teacher, I closely observed Yang Xiong's battle with Qian Renxue. I feel there's something strange about him. At the end, he seemed to use my Purple Extreme Demon Eye technique, but it was somewhat different."
Yu Xiaogang pondered deeply before responding: "I remember when Yang Xiong fought Qian Renxue, he used a technique that emitted red light from his eyes. It did resemble the Purple Extreme Demon Eye, but it seemed far more powerful and murderous than when you use it."
Tang San nodded: "Teacher, my Purple Extreme Demon Eye has never truly broken through. Could it be that Yang Xiong discovered a method to do so?"
Upon hearing this, Yu Xiaogang fell silent. The Purple Extreme Demon Eye was Tang San's self-created soul skill, which he had practiced since childhood.
Yet, now this self-created soul skill had manifested greater power in someone else's hands, which felt fundamentally wrong.
"Xiao San, I think we've overlooked something. Yang Xiong's martial soul is his own body, meaning his eyes are also part of his martial soul. As you once said, practicing the Purple Extreme Demon Eye enhances both vision and mental strength."
"But Yang Xiong is completely different. His Purple Extreme Demon Eye is emitted through his martial soul, and he can even amplify the skill's power to the extreme using his own martial soul. This might be the true secret of having the body as a martial soul."
Tang San was puzzled: "What's the difference?"
Yu Xiaogang's eyes lit up as if discovering a new continent: "It's completely different. As one trains, physical fitness improves, especially after practicing the Purple Extreme Demon Eye, both mental strength and vision improve significantly."
"Doesn't that mean that during this process, Yang Xiong's martial soul itself becomes stronger?"
Hearing this, Tang San was shocked: "That's impossible! Evolving a martial soul is extremely difficult. I've absorbed many toxin-attributed soul rings, yet my martial soul has only gained toxicity—it hasn't truly evolved."
Yu Xiaogang shook his head: "It's not the same. Yang Xiong awakened at six years old when his body was extremely weak. But after years of rigorous training, his body grew from 1.2 meters at age six to nearly two meters now. This isn't just physical growth—it's also the growth of his martial soul."
"Perhaps we've all underestimated the strength of having the body as a martial soul. Such a martial soul inherently possesses growth potential, breaking the conventional mindset of the soul master world. After all, martial soul evolution is the dream of every soul master, and having the body as a martial soul inherently possesses this advantage—it's nothing short of a miracle in the soul master world."
"And have you noticed? Yang Xiong's martial soul now is completely different from what it was during the soul master tournament."
Tang San was shocked again: "Teacher, if what you're saying is true, couldn't this type of Body martial soul grow indefinitely? Not only would it enhance the quality of the martial soul, but it could even increase innate soul power levels."
Yu Xiaogang chuckled bitterly: "Indeed, as you say. When Yang Xiong first joined Shrek Academy, his soul power level was the lowest among all of you, and his innate soul power was also the weakest."
"But in just a few short years, Yang Xiong has grown to an incredibly terrifying level. His training speed has only accelerated, surpassing even you and Xiao Wu, who possess full innate soul power."
"All these years, Yang Xiong has trained his body rigorously, likely because he guessed how his martial soul was evolving. Moreover, the soul master world lacks methods for cultivating the spirit. Your Purple Extreme Demon Eye may have filled his greatest weakness. As a result, Yang Xiong's mental strength and physical fitness far exceed those of soul masters at the same level, allowing him to fight at higher levels and even possess Title Douluo-level combat strength as a Soul Sage."
"And as he continues to push his limits, I can't even imagine how powerful he'll become when he reaches the level of a Title Douluo. Especially considering Yang Xiong's personality—his final two soul rings will undoubtedly be hundred-thousand-year soul rings."
Tang San fell silent for a long time before gritting his teeth and speaking: "Teacher, I will not lose to Yang Xiong. Though his martial soul is powerful, my second martial soul, the Hao Tian Hammer, can also accommodate multiple hundred-thousand-year soul rings. I will definitely surpass Yang Xiong."
Yu Xiaogang finally looked somewhat reassured: "Xiao San, your talent is unparalleled. Especially with your Hao Tian Hammer, the number one weapon-type martial soul in the world. Once you reach the level of a Title Douluo, your true strength will begin to shine."
…
After their conversation, their despondent moods gradually lifted.
"Xiao San, what are your father's plans for your training? At your current soul power level, I can't offer much advice anymore."
Tang San quickly responded: "Teacher, according to my father's instructions, I will return to the Hao Tian Sect soon. My eldest uncle will personally train me, which will enhance the power of my Hao Tian Hammer."
Yu Xiaogang nodded: "Xiao Tian Douluo? That's a good idea. Only within the Hao Tian Sect can you receive the most comprehensive training for your Hao Tian Hammer."
However, Yu Xiaogang's face revealed hesitation and inner conflict.
Tang San quickly urged him: "Teacher, speak your mind. What can't we say to each other?"
Yu Xiaogang shook his head: "The Hao Tian Sect can indeed make your Hao Tian Hammer more powerful, but at this stage, what you need to improve is your soul power level. You must quickly train your Blue Silver Grass to the level of a Title Douluo."
"I know of a place perfect for your cultivation, but it's extremely dangerous. Even with your talent, it could prove fatal."
"Unfortunately, the Spirit Hall's ambitions have been exposed, and they won't give you time to grow slowly."
Tang San was overjoyed: "Teacher, is there really such a place? I want to quickly improve my soul power."
Yu Xiaogang nodded: "You should understand that the Spirit Hall currently holds overwhelming dominance in the soul master world. Even the Hao Tian Sect suffered greatly at their hands."
"But there is one force in this world that does not fear the Spirit Hall. In fact, the Spirit Hall suffered a major defeat at their hands."
Tang San's face lit up. He knew about the events involving the Hao Tian Sect years ago and his mother's story. Unfortunately, the Spirit Hall was simply too vast for him to challenge.
"Teacher, I'm not afraid of danger or pain. Just tell me where this place is."
Yu Xiaogang replied: "Years ago, I spent some time at the Spirit Hall and accompanied thousands of their soul masters on an expedition to attack a certain place."
"That place is called the Sea God Island—an unusual force located overseas. Their cultivation methods differ from ours, and even their martial souls are vastly different. Most of their martial souls are based on sea spirit beasts or marine creatures."
"Back then, the Spirit Hall sought to dominate the island and sent thousands of soul masters, including several Title Douluos. However, upon landing, they faced fierce resistance. Not only was their soul master legion decimated, but they also lost two Title Douluos—a devastating failure for the Spirit Hall, the worst in nearly a century."
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