In truth, Yang Xiong wasn't particularly interested in mechanical hidden weapons.
Ever since arriving in the Douluo Continent, Yang Xiong had been focused solely on cultivating himself and growing stronger independently. He had never considered developing hidden weapons or, for that matter, any kind of weaponry.
After all, this world had soul tools, real deadly weapons far across the sea. If hidden weapons are something from a martial arts world, then soul tools are more like a product of a fantasy world; the two aren't even on the same level.
If Yang Xiong truly wanted to study weapons, he would've gone into firearms. Given the technological level of the Douluo world, developing guns and artillery wouldn't be difficult. And compared to hidden weapons, guns and soul tools are on a whole different level and can easily overpower them.
In the world of soul masters, spirit power and martial souls are the foundation. Yang Xiong didn't want to waste too much effort on other areas. Even his research on herbs was shallow, he was more interested in familiarizing himself with the various types of immortal herbs rather than becoming a full-fledged alchemist.
After returning to Soul Hunting Town, the group took a few days to rest and recover. After all, the journey into the Star Dou Forest had been incredibly dangerous, but it had also yielded massive rewards.
Among the eight students from Shrek Academy, three successfully obtained their desired spirit rings and advanced to the rank of Spirit Elders. Notably, Tang San had also acquired an external spirit bone.
At Zhao Wuji's instruction, the matter of Tang San's external spirit bone was to be kept absolutely secret. Having spent many years in the world of soul masters, Zhao Wuji knew just how valuable external spirit bones were. Even with Tang San's powerful backer, this kind of treasure could still bring disaster.
After absorbing the Hurricane Mantis's spirit ring, Tang San's spirit power rose to level 31. Xiao Wu and Oscar also reached level 31.
Xiao Wu's third soul skill was also teleportation, which Yang Xiong found odd. Normally, a Soft-Boned Rabbit wouldn't have teleportation, it was a skill with spatial attributes, after all.
Tang San was quite satisfied with his third soul skill, named Blue Silver Hurricane Formation. When he activated it, the tips of all Blue Silver Grass would take on the characteristics of the Hurricane Mantis's forelegs, gaining powerful attacking and slicing abilities. With this skill, the offensive strength of the Blue Silver Grass increased significantly, no longer limited to just entangling or trapping enemies.
Compared to Tang San and the others, Yang Xiong was feeling a bit conflicted.
He had a 2,300-year-old Man-Faced Demon Spider stored within him, but he didn't know what to do with it. Given his current level of spirit power, he still couldn't absorb a third spirit ring. Moreover, the poison attribute of the Man-Faced Demon Spider didn't suit him.
Lately, Yang Xiong had been feeling that his offensive power wasn't enough. He wanted his third spirit ring to be either fire- or metal-elemental, which would elevate both his attack and burst capabilities to a new level.
Especially since he had developed the Rasengan, he had been thinking about how to inject elemental energy into it. That would mark the true second development of the Rasengan and significantly boost its power.
His first soul ring had spatial attributes, and his second had wood attributes, both of which felt too weak, as they were only hundred-year rings.
In particular, his first soul ring, although it gave him the teleportation ability, contained spatial energy, which is one of the most mysterious and difficult elements to master. It wasn't something he could easily control.
As for the wood element, although he could inject it into the Rasengan, it didn't seem to enhance its destructive power, likely due to the nature of wood itself.
After researching for a long time, Yang Xiong concluded that absorbing a spirit ring doesn't grant all the attributes of the spirit beast. You only gain what the ring and soul skill provide.
For example, when he absorbed the first soul ring from the Black Tortoise, the beast itself had dual water and earth attributes, and even hid a spatial attribute. But because the soul skill manifested as spatial, the energy in the ring was also spatial. It didn't give him any water or earth power.
Strength, on the other hand, was more ambiguous. It didn't show up directly but rather enhanced his vitality and physical constitution. After absorbing two strength-type spirit rings, his body, strength, and the power in his strikes all improved significantly.
This made Yang Xiong think about the Strength Clan. They pursued pure power-type spirit rings, but looking deeper, most power-type spirit beasts also had strong earth attributes. For example, the Titan Giant Ape and the Thousand-Jin Ant-representatives of power-type soul beasts, primarily demonstrated earth elements. "Strength" seemed to represent toughness or vitality rather than being its own elemental attribute.
In fact, the Douluo world didn't explicitly have a "strength" element, and descriptions of it were always vague.
There were also a few unresolved questions regarding the Man-Faced Demon Spider. According to soul master history, external spirit bones were usually obtained during the process of absorbing spirit rings. There were very few cases of absorbing spirit bones separately. Also, when absorbing spirit rings, the soul master doesn't make direct contact with the beast. It's more about spirit ring energy flooding into the body and transforming it.
Yang Xiong certainly wanted the Eight Spider Bone. For a soul master, it was like a cheat code, especially since he had a body-type martial soul. If he also had a devouring ability, the Eight Spider Bone would act like eight extra weapons. Combined with his ability to split his focus in battle, it would reduce the damage he sustained and improve his combat capability.
But Yang Xiong already had the Black Tortoise Armor, an external spirit bone that was also attached to his spine. Could he absorb another one that also attaches to the spine?
He didn't want to waste a spirit ring slot, or such a priceless spirit bone. From his perspective, the Man-Faced Demon Spider's ring wasn't worth it; the attributes and age just weren't good enough.
Since entering Soul Hunting Town, Lin Gong had vanished, likely switching to protecting him from the shadows.
After two days of rest, everyone returned to Shrek Academy. On the way back, Xiao Wu seemed anxious, and even Tang San's attempts at comforting her didn't work.
When they arrived, the academy was undergoing major renovations. A building was being constructed next to the boys' and girls' dorms, and it was progressing rapidly, it looked like it would be finished in just a few days.
Before entering the Sunset Forest, Yang Xiong had removed his weighted gear. After returning, he put it back on.
As Yang Xiong expected, Ning Rongrong had approached Tang San to discuss buying hidden weapons. Tang San agreed to make a set but said the specific transaction would have to be discussed later with the higher-ups of her clan.
When Zhao Wuji was explaining everything from the Star Dou Forest to Flender, there was another middle-aged man present besides Flender.
After listening to Zhao Wuji, the man spoke: "That bull-like roar you heard likely came from the legendary Sky Azure Bull Python, the so-called emperor of the forest. As for Tang San and Xiao Wu's safety, I suspect Tang San's father intervened."
Zhao Wuji was shocked. "He's Tang San's father? But how could Tang San have the Blue Silver Grass as a martial soul then? Still, only someone like that could rescue Xiao Wu. No wonder he told Lin Gong not to get involved, he was probably worried Lin Gong would hurt Xiao Wu in a fight with the Titan Giant Ape."
The man smiled. "Tang San's martial soul isn't just simple Blue Silver Grass. He has twin spirits, and his second one is among the most powerful in the world."
Flender thought deeply before speaking solemnly: "Next time the students go to hunt spirit rings, I'll go myself. Maybe all the teachers should go together. It's the only way to ensure their safety."
The next morning, the students were pleasantly surprised to find that the cafeteria food had improved dramatically. In addition to vegetarian options, there was now an abundance of meat dishes.
Yang Xiong felt a bit helpless. It seemed the person he had been dreading had finally arrived. Hopefully, he wouldn't interfere too much with his training.
Sure enough, during the morning class, a new middle-aged man appeared alongside Flender.
The man looked a bit thin, even a little melancholic and worn-down, but his hands were behind his back, giving him a proud and slightly arrogant air, like an inspector.
Flender introduced him: "This is my good friend Yu Xiaogang. He's an expert in martial souls and cultivation. From now on, he'll be responsible for your training. You can call him 'Master.'"
Yu Xiaogang gave a small nod, his face expressionless. "From today onward, I expect you all to get up early. Breakfast will be nutritious enough to support your daily training. But if you can't even wake up early, then you don't need to eat."
"I've already studied each of your profiles. You may all be geniuses, but that's far from enough. Starting now, you'll undergo harsh training to build a solid foundation and become true powerhouses."
The students were all somewhat stunned by his words. Yang Xiong, on the other hand, felt rather speechless. Something about Yu Xiaogang's speech just felt off.
Yu Xiaogang continued: "Today is your first class. Beyond the profiles I've read, I also need to test your combat ability."
"Dai Mubai, step forward. Your task is to face attacks from every other student, one by one. You must defeat them all."
Dai Mubai's face darkened. He wasn't sure whether to step out. He glanced at Yang Xiong and Tang San, he knew their strength wasn't below his own.
Yu Xiaogang looked slightly puzzled. "You're level 37. The highest among them is only level 31, and four of them are still Grandmasters. Can't you handle this?"
Only then did Dai Mubai resolutely step forward.
Yu Xiaogang continued: "Tang San, you'll go first. But you're not allowed to use your third soul skill or hidden weapons."
The battle began quickly. Though Dai Mubai was strong, after a fierce fight, he was defeated by Tang San. Tang San even ended up using his third soul skill and various Tang Sect techniques during the process.
Yu Xiaogang, clearly displeased, finally spoke: "Remember this: among soul masters of the same rank, control-type soul masters are the strongest. Their attacks may not be powerful, but they can effectively restrict their opponents. Especially below level 60, control-type soul masters have a clear advantage."
The group was visibly stirred by this statement. Yang Xiong couldn't help but grumble to himself. While Yu Xiaogang's words made sense, he seemed to forget that there had never been a titled Douluo with a control-type martial soul. Besides, if Tang San didn't have his Tang Sect skills, how could Blue Silver Grass alone beat Dai Mubai?
Yu Xiaogang looked over everyone and then turned to Yang Xiong. "Since Tang San used his third skill, he'll help you fight one less opponent."
"Yang Xiong, you're only level 27, but I've heard your combat strength is formidable. You'll fight Tang San, but Tang San still isn't allowed to use his third soul skill."
Yang Xiong stepped forward without hesitation. "I'm level 27 now, so there's no need to restrict his third soul skill. Otherwise, it won't be a fair fight."
Yu Xiaogang was clearly surprised. He had assumed Yang Xiong had the worst potential, given his initial spirit power was only level 6 and his martial soul was considered trash. Yet he had reached level 27 at age 12, putting him on par with the others.
Yu Xiaogang seemed to sense Yang Xiong's confidence and casual demeanor and nodded. "Very well. Then Tang San may use his third soul skill."
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