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Chapter 145: Subduing Shi Nian
🕑 Added 2025-01-01 14:48:06 +0000 UTCDuring the following period, Yang Podi led the Heaven Dou Second Team in intense training. Other teams were similarly engrossed in their respective rigorous training routines.
Among all the teams, the most unfortunate were undoubtedly the members of the Heaven Dou First Team. They had to endure the merciless training of Liu Erlong. With her explosive temper and exceptionally strong personality, she was unrelenting in her methods. It was no wonder she was known as the Slaughtering Horn of the Golden Iron Triangle.
Meanwhile, Tang San was in seclusion, contemplating his future development.
In this Soul Master Tournament, although Tang San, as the captain of the Heaven Dou First Team, had a decent performance—especially in combat, which earned him respect from many—his Blue Silver Grass Martial Soul had shown increasing limitations as the competition progressed. Its weaknesses were particularly glaring when facing fire-attribute soul masters.
By the later stages of the tournament, nearly every team would deliberately include a fire-attribute soul master, even if their combat prowess was slightly weaker, solely to counter Tang San's Blue Silver Grass. This strategy often disrupted the Heaven Dou First Team's tactics.
As a result, the Heaven Dou First Team no longer had the overwhelming dominance they displayed in the preliminary rounds. In most matches, the outcome was decided in the final stages, relying either on Tang San's Clear Sky Hammer or the formidable strength of his teammates to secure victory. Tang San's control over the battlefield had noticeably diminished.
This was especially evident in their matches against the Divinewind Academy and Blazing Academy. Without the powerful Tang Sect techniques and the sheer dominance of the Clear Sky Hammer, they might have faced defeat.
At this moment, Tang San was cultivating alone within the mimicry environment of the Blue Silver Grass. While he could sense the boundless vitality emanating from the Blue Silver Grass around him, the soul rings he had previously absorbed were mostly from animal-type soul beasts, and Tang San himself was not pursuing a healing path. This resulted in a significant decrease in the benefits from the surrounding vitality and affinity.
Tang San's expression grew increasingly conflicted and pained, hinting at a trace of dissatisfaction.
Tang San's exceptionally determined nature, combined with his willingness to use any means to grow stronger, had always been a defining trait. He considered himself unparalleled among his peers in talent. Yet now, whether facing Feng Xiaotian, Huo Wu, or Shui Bing'er, he found himself at a disadvantage.
It was this unyielding character that had driven him in his previous life to infiltrate the Tang Sect's inner sanctum, violating its rules to steal various techniques, all to prove he was no less capable than anyone else.
At that moment, a shadow appeared in the mimicry environment—it was none other than the ragged Tang Hao.
Upon seeing him, Tang San hurriedly asked, "Dad, why are you here? How is your injury now?"
Tang Hao shook his head. "My injury is nothing to worry about. But what's going on with you? Why do you look so absent-minded? It seems like you haven't made much progress while I've been away."
Tang San hesitated for a moment, then said with a tinge of sadness, "Dad, I feel that the limitations of the Blue Silver Grass Martial Soul are too great. I want to switch to cultivating the Clear Sky Hammer and add soul rings to it in advance. Once I reach the Soul King level, not only will I be able to deal with Yang Ping'an, but I'll also be confident against three Soul Kings from the Spirit Hall."
Tang Hao shook his head. "Do you know why your teacher and I have always advised against adding soul rings to the Clear Sky Hammer yet?"
Tang San thought for a moment before replying, "You and Teacher hope I can cultivate the Blue Silver Grass Martial Soul to its pinnacle. Ideally, I should cultivate it to the Titled Douluo level, so when I eventually add soul rings to the Clear Sky Hammer, it can maximize its power."
Tang Hao nodded. "That's one of our goals, but there are two more important reasons. If you can cultivate the Blue Silver Grass to the Titled Douluo level, the Clear Sky Hammer will be able to absorb soul rings that are at least 50,000 years old, making its power unimaginably strong. But if you add rings now, you'd be limited to thousand-year soul rings, which would be much weaker."
"Moreover, reaching the Titled Douluo level as a soul master significantly slows cultivation progress. Advancing even a single level becomes extremely difficult. At that stage, you could rely on the Clear Sky Hammer to absorb soul rings to accelerate your progress, potentially reaching the Limit Douluo level faster. This is the greatest advantage of twin martial souls."
"The third reason is that historically, twin martial soul users who attempted to simultaneously cultivate both martial souls often suffered tragic ends due to conflicts between the two. This conflict ultimately caused their bodies to rupture."
Tang San's face turned pale. "Dad, is there no way to prevent the conflict between twin martial souls?"
Tang Hao shook his head. "I don't know. Over the years, among twin martial soul users, only one person has succeeded."
Tang San immediately asked, "Who is this person? Why have I never heard of them?"
Tang Hao pondered for a moment before replying, "That person is Bibi Dong, the Pope of Spirit Hall. She's the only soul master who has successfully cultivated twin martial souls to their full potential. Even I wouldn't dare underestimate her."
Tang San's face turned icy. He knew the deep hatred between the Clear Sky Clan and Spirit Hall. How could Bibi Dong possibly share her methods with him?
Tang Hao continued, "You don't need to worry about this now. Your teacher and I will find a way for you to cultivate twin martial souls."
"The most important thing now is to focus on your Blue Silver Grass Martial Soul. Although it may seem ordinary, it's fundamentally different from other Blue Silver Grass martial souls. Once you reach the Soul King level, its essence will undergo a fundamental transformation."
Tang San hesitated. "Can martial souls really change? My teacher has never mentioned this before."
Tang Hao shook his head. "While your teacher's knowledge is vast, he's limited by his strength. There are many things he hasn't encountered or deeply studied."
"Always remember, protect your Blue Silver Grass with your left hand's hammer. That's my only request of you. Your Blue Silver Grass may appear ordinary, but it's fundamentally different from others. You'll understand this over time."
After thinking it over, Tang San eventually nodded seriously and promised his father that he would thoroughly research the Blue Silver Grass and use the Clear Sky Hammer to safeguard it.
With Tang Hao's guidance, Tang San calmed down and began studying his Blue Silver Grass Martial Soul in earnest. He also reflected on the team battle between the Heaven Dou First and Second Teams, where his team lost despite fielding their strongest lineup.
On paper, the Heaven Dou First Team's roster wasn't inferior to the Second Team's. Tang San himself could match Yang Ping'an, the Soul King, in a duel. Yet the First Team was entirely outmatched during the battle. As his teacher had said, the Second Team members were far more precise in their use of soul power. Yang Ping'an and Yang Tianyue, in particular, demonstrated numerous self-created soul skills that rivaled, if not surpassed, standard ones in effectiveness.
As Tang San delved deeper into the Blue Silver Grass Martial Soul and refined his use of soul techniques, the mimicry environment's Blue Silver Grass seemed to grow more vibrant and lively, its affinity increasing significantly.
In the shadows, Tang Hao observed with satisfaction, nodding in approval. His son's talent was indeed extraordinary, and his future was boundless.
Meanwhile, after finishing his cultivation, Yang Podi faced another minor dilemma—Shi Nian had awakened.
Dealing with Shi Nian was challenging. While Yang Podi didn't doubt Shi Nian's abilities, his cunning nature posed a significant risk. Without proper control, even the sharpest blade could easily harm its wielder.
When Yang Podi followed his father Yang Zhentian and grandfather Yang Wudi into the secret chamber, Shi Nian had already regained consciousness. His body, under the effects of a medicinal pill, was gradually recovering and would likely return to normal in a few days. However, his soul power had been sealed, rendering him no different from an ordinary person.
Upon seeing Yang Podi, Shi Nian's face filled with anger. He couldn't help but sneer, "I've killed countless youngsters in my life, yet I've now been outwitted by a brat like you. Truly ironic."
Yang Podi merely smiled. "Shi Nian, did it never occur to you why I said what I did in the arena?"
Shi Nian's expression darkened. "You deliberately provoked me into attacking you? To think someone as young as you could be so scheming. But how did you know I had a soul bone?"
Yang Podi responded calmly, "To my knowledge, your head soul bone has a rather unsavory origin. It was stolen from a bishop of Spirit Hall, during which you also killed some of their people. To this day, it remains an unresolved case."
Shi Nian's face changed, but after some time, he replied, "Do you intend to use this to blackmail me? While I may not be a virtuous man, I refuse to be threatened."
Yang Podi maintained his composure. "Very well, Shi Nian. You're indeed a man of principle. But let me ask you this: for stealing a Spirit Hall soul bone and assaulting me, should I kill you and take your exceptional soul bone for myself? Or should I hand you over to Spirit Hall for a reward? Killing you would earn me a fine soul bone, but turning you in might yield two."
"Shi Nian, what do you think I should do?"
Shi Nian gradually calmed down and finally asked, "What do you want? If you intended to kill me, you wouldn't be saying all this. I doubt someone of your level is even interested in my soul bone."
Yang Podi's demeanor suddenly turned serious. "While soul bones are valuable, they're no match for a capable Soul Sage like you. I humbly ask Shi Nian to serve as an external elder of the Breaking Clan. This way, we can all coexist peacefully."
Yang Wudi and Yang Zhentian were visibly startled by Yang Podi's sudden proposal, though they remained silent, merely watching from the sidelines.
Before Shi Nian could respond, Yang Podi retrieved a jade box from his soul tool. Inside was a delicate, faintly purple flower that seemed ethereal, exuding an extraordinary aura. Its allure was irresistible, especially to someone like Shi Nian.
"This Ten Thousand-Year Illusory Spirit Flower is something I acquired by chance. Shi Nian, your martial soul is the Residual Dream. If you have this Ten Thousand-Year Illusory Spirit Flower, your strength could advance to another level, and you might even have hope of breaking through to Title Douluo in the future."
"I am offering this Ten Thousand-Year Illusory Spirit Flower as an invitation. I wonder,what is your opinion?"
Shinian gazed at the Ten Thousand-Year Illusory Spirit Flower, seemingly unable to resist swallowing hard. But in the end, he suppressed the turmoil in his heart and said, "You're offering such a valuable treasure just to make me an outer elder of your Breaking Clan? Aren't you afraid I might take the treasure and go back on my word?"
Yang Podi merely let out a cold laugh and took out a list from his body." Shi Nian, these individuals are notorious for their evil deeds, committing all sorts of heinous crimes. They are truly beyond redemption. I believe you would not hesitate to rid the world of such scum."
Looking at the list, Shinian's face immediately darkened. Just as Yang Podi said, the people on the list were indeed infamous villains who were unquestionably guilty of heinous crimes. Furthermore, their cultivation levels were not high, making them easy to kill.
However, the real issue lay in their backgrounds. Each of them had powerful connections. Among them were three branch hall masters of the Spirit Hall, backed by high-ranking officials within the organization; three nobles from the Heaven Dou Empire; two side disciples of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan; two inner disciples of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan; and even a noble from the Star Luo Empire. If these individuals were killed, and it became known, it would be impossible to remain on the Douluo Continent. Even hiding in the most remote mountains and forests wouldn't ensure safety.
Yang Wudi and Yang Zhentian were both speechless at this moment. The list was the one Yang Podi had asked them to gather information on some time ago. Initially, they thought Yang Podi intended to kill these people himself, but it turned out he had prepared it for Shinian.
Shinian's expression became incredibly complex, shifting between deep fear, fleeting ruthlessness, and an intense longing. In the end, he gritted his teeth and made up his mind. "These people are indeed guilty of countless crimes. I've long wanted to act on behalf of justice and eliminate them. Rest assured, within a month, I will rid the world of these villains."
Yang Podi simply smiled and nodded. "Then I congratulate Shi Nian in advance for acting on behalf of justice. We will eagerly await your good news."
Immediately afterward, Yang Zhentian removed the soul power seal on Shinian's body, leaving him utterly stunned.
Shinian's eyes widened in disbelief. The restrictions on his soul power were personally set by Yang Wudi, binding his cultivation tightly. It was impossible for an ordinary Soul Douluo to remove them. The only explanation was that Yang Zhentian had also broken through to Title Douluo.
This realization was frightening. The Breaking Clan now had two Title Douluo, and they were father and son. In terms of top-tier power, they were not inferior to the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. Coupled with the Defense Clan's Niu Gao, they were potentially on par with the Upper Three Sects.
In the end, Shinian suppressed the fear in his heart and quickly left the Breaking Clan.
As Shinian departed, Yang Wudi watched him leave and stepped out of the secret chamber, issuing instructions to one of the elders. The elder quickly followed Shinian. Should Shinian attempt anything untoward, he was to be killed on the spot.
