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Tang San and the others gradually regained consciousness, but each person felt an overwhelming soreness throughout their bodies. Most had only managed to endure for about one or two hours—even Tang San, who had trained under waterfalls, hadn't lasted more than three hours.
After waking up, the numbness began to fade, and every inch of their skin felt as though it had been pierced by countless needles. This pain even seeped into their bones, leaving them in a state of unbearable torment—unable to live fully yet unwilling to succumb to death.
And this torment was unrelenting. They would be subjected to such extreme suffering for a long time to come, making them appear utterly wretched.
In contrast, while they had already fainted for several hours, Yang Xiong was still standing alone on his Sunken Silver Pillar, enduring the relentless pounding of the waves.
By now, ten hours had passed since everyone began training. Seeing Yang Xiong's condition, everyone was utterly astonished.
Tang San couldn't help but ask: "Senior Bo Saixi, how long has Yang Xiong been undergoing Tidal Training? Has he not rested at all?"
Bo Saixi glanced at Yang Xiong indifferently before replying: "So far, Yang Xiong has been undergoing Tidal Training for ten hours. Not only is this his first time, but even the legendary Sea Dragon Douluo could only last this long during his final trials. Yang Xiong's physical conditioning is truly remarkable."
Even Bo Saixi couldn't help but feel admiration. She understood the agony of Tidal Training, and for Yang Xiong to endure for so long during his first attempt was extraordinary.
Tang San seemed to recall something: "Senior, does Yang Xiong's exceptional physical conditioning have anything to do with his martial soul being tied to his own body?"
Bo Saixi nodded: "It does play a role, but it's not the most crucial factor. I'm certain that Yang Xiong must have undergone incredibly brutal training, pushing his body to its limits countless times, which is why he's so strong."
"Judging solely by physical conditioning, Yang Xiong's strength rivals that of a Title Douluo around Level 95, if not higher. In my lifetime, I've never seen anyone so dedicated to refining their body."
Tang San asked, puzzled: "Senior, how did Yang Xiong achieve such terrifying physical conditioning? Why can't ordinary soul masters reach this level no matter how hard they train?"
Bo Saixi shook her head: "I'm not sure. But judging from Yang Xiong's current body and martial soul, he must have encountered many fortuitous opportunities. His martial soul has likely evolved multiple times. Based purely on its strength, it may already rival the most top-tier martial souls in existence."
Upon hearing this, Tang San was shocked and immediately recalled what Ju Douluo had said in the Star Dou Forest about the Chrysanthemum Ascension Pill. If he had consumed it, perhaps he too could have cultivated the Eight Meridians and achieved an indestructible body like the Vajra.
Hearing this, everyone instinctively turned to Ning Rongrong. Having grown up alongside Yang Xiong, she knew more about his cultivation journey and the changes in his martial soul over the years.
After some thought, Ning Rongrong spoke: "I'm not entirely sure, but Xiao Xiong's martial soul definitely seems to have changed. Do you remember when he first joined Shrek Academy? His martial soul was silver, but now it's blood-red."
"And I remember when he first started school, his martial soul had no color. Summoning his martial soul and soul rings didn't alter his appearance. However, by the time he entered Shrek Academy, it had turned silver."
"Moreover, he's Bone Grandpa's disciple. Bone Grandpa seemed to pay attention to his body refinement early on. He never let me touch the poisons used during his training sessions."
Bo Saixi nodded beside her: "It's likely that Yang Xiong uses poisons and rare treasures to temper his body, strengthening his organs and flesh. Perhaps his future potential is limitless."
…
On the Sunken Silver Pillar, Yang Xiong's body had reached its limit. Every part of him was in excruciating pain, as if every cell was being battered by the waves. The torment even seeped into his very bones, akin to iron being repeatedly tempered in flames amidst the endless waves.
Yang Xiong was well aware that Tidal Training was the greatest opportunity on the Sea God Island and the best way to refine his body. Under such extreme pain, he could push his body to become even stronger.
Especially since his body itself was his martial soul, the waves battering his body were also refining his martial soul. Perhaps this would allow him to undergo a true transformation.
Tidal Training differed from regular body refinement. The waves carried traces of the Sea God's divine power, which stimulated even his soul bones, much like the Blood River in Slaughter City.
Time seemed to stretch endlessly. Yang Xiong's soul power and stamina were completely depleted, and his entire body felt as though it had been hammered countless times. Even his bones throbbed with pain, and the soul bones he had absorbed began to slightly backlash, amplifying their original attributes under the relentless pounding of the waves.
The external soul bone armor, Xuanming Armor, bore the brunt of the impact. Stimulated by divine power, its years seemed to increase rapidly.
After an indeterminate amount of time, Yang Xiong's willpower reached its peak, but the waves showed no signs of stopping. Eventually, his consciousness faded, and he collapsed into unconsciousness.
When Yang Xiong awoke again, Ning Rongrong held him tightly in her arms, clearly afraid he might sustain further injury.
At this moment, Yang Xiong felt as though his entire body had lost sensation. It was completely numb, as if thousands of needles were piercing every cell, leaving him feeling as though he were trapped in hell.
Seeing Yang Xiong regain consciousness, Ning Rongrong quickly spoke: "Little Bear, you're finally awake! I was so worried about you earlier. Your condition was terrifying."
Yang Xiong forced himself to sit up: "Rongrong, how are you feeling now? How did everyone fare during the Tidal Training?"
Ning Rongrong and the others exchanged glances, their eyes reflecting a sense of resignation: "Everyone is gradually recovering, but we only managed to last about two hours on average. Things are going to be very difficult moving forward."
Only now did everyone begin to grasp the difficulty of Tidal Training. This trial was undoubtedly the most challenging and painful among all the tests.
Consider this: the lowest-ranked participants were undergoing Black-Level Four Trials, while the highest were tackling Red-Level Seven Trials. Yet none of them could even manage half of their required times. At this rate, completing the trials seemed impossible.
Among everyone present, only Yang Xiong had barely reached the fourteen-hour mark, meeting the minimum standard for Tidal Training. However, the road ahead was still long—this trial would span an entire year.
After a moment of silence, Yang Xiong spoke: "Oscar, how are you feeling now? Have you begun recovering your soul power?"
Oscar, standing nearby, nodded: "I've just recovered a bit of my soul power. If I want to fully recover, it'll probably take another six or seven hours."
Thanks to absorbing the hundred-thousand-year Thousand-Pound Ant Emperor Torso Soul Bone, Oscar's recovery abilities had greatly improved. The high-quality strength-type soul bone, especially the torso bone, protected his entire body.
Yang Xiong pulled out numerous medicinal herbs from his belongings, all obtained from the Ice-Fire Yin Yang Well or the Tian Dou Palace.
"Oscar, recover your soul power as quickly as possible. Once you have enough, prioritize making as many Super Recovery Sausages as you can. During the next round of Tidal Training, everyone should carry a few sausages with them. This might help restore their soul power and allow them to endure longer."
Without hesitation, Oscar replied: "Alright, Brother Xiong. I'll do my best to make plenty of Super Recovery Sausages."
Now a Soul Sage, Oscar's consumption of soul power for his first soul skill was minimal, allowing him to produce large quantities of sausages at once.
Yang Xiong then turned to the group: "I know everyone is in great pain, but based on my past experience with body refinement, this is precisely when the effects of training are the best. Tidal Training has no side effects—it's superior to any rare treasure in the world. It can even promote greater physical strength, surpassing the benefits of simply increasing soul power."
Ning Rongrong and the others nodded. They trusted Yang Xiong completely.
Yang Xiong then addressed Oscar: "Oscar, your martial soul is unique. You may not last as long in the early stages, but after each session of body refinement, using more soul power will benefit both your body and your martial soul."
Oscar smiled: "Thank you for the reminder, Brother Xiong. From now on, I'll do my best to make more sausages every day. I'll ensure everyone's logistical support."
After the Tidal Training, Bo Saixi arranged for food to be delivered, and everyone replenished their energy through eating.
Meanwhile, Yang Xiong's recovery speed was astonishing. After just a few hours, the pain subsided, and he could move freely again.
Yang Xiong called Shui Bing'er and Huo Wu to meet him privately. These two were the most challenged among his group of eight, but for them, this trial was also the greatest opportunity.
Yang Xiong first turned to Shui Bing'er: "Sister Bing'er, how are you feeling? Is there any discomfort in your body?"
Shui Bing'er appeared much stronger than before: "Yang Xiong, it's strange. After undergoing Tidal Training, my recovery speed seems much faster than the others'. I think I can adapt to the trial's demands soon."
Yang Xiong nodded: "Your martial soul is the Ice Phoenix, possessing formidable ice attributes. In a sense, it shares a common origin with water attributes. The waves in Tidal Training aren't just simple ocean waves—they also carry traces of the Sea God's divine power. As someone undergoing a Red-Level Seven Trial, this is likely related to your innate attributes."
"This is an excellent opportunity for you. It might perfect your Ice Phoenix and elevate your foundation to unprecedented heights."
Shui Bing'er pondered this: "Thank you for the guidance. I'll give it my all in training."
After Shui Bing'er left, Yang Xiong turned to Huo Wu: "Huo Wu, how did you feel about today's Tidal Training?"
Huo Wu didn't hesitate: "Teacher, it was my first time undergoing Tidal Training, and I'm still getting used to it. Next time, I'll definitely last longer and meet the trial's requirements."
Yang Xiong's expression turned serious: "Your standard isn't just a mere eight hours a day. My requirement is that by the later stages, you must endure at least twelve hours daily, with an average trial time of ten hours."
Hearing this, Huo Wu was startled but quickly became resolute: "Teacher, I'll do my best to endure and meet your expectations."
Yang Xiong smiled: "Given your talent and martial soul, an average of ten hours is nothing. Remember what I told you about secondary awakening for Body Martial Souls?"
"After years of research, I've concluded that for a Body Martial Soul to undergo secondary awakening, one must face life-and-death situations. Tidal Training is the perfect place for this. Through this trial, your strength and even your innate talent might undergo a qualitative transformation, potentially rivaling the most top-tier martial souls in history."
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