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Chapter 45 - Dugu Yan
🕑 Added 2024-10-07 20:51:17 +0000 UTC
After a moment of silence among the three, it was Niu Jinfeng who finally spoke, "Yan Yan, why don't you try sparring with Podi first? If you win, then you can go ahead and take on both of them."
Dugu Yan seemed confident. "Alright! I’ll defeat Yang Podi first, then handle both of you together."
She walked onto the training grounds with an air of ease, almost like she was just facing two little kids.
Yang Ping’an quickly left the training area, moving close to Niu Jinfeng to watch the action unfold, ready to enjoy the show.
Now it was just Dugu Yan and Yang Podi on the field.
Dugu Yan, looking quite mature, introduced herself, "Dugu Yan, Martial Soul: Jade Phosphor Serpent, Level 21 Control-type Soul Master. Please guide me!"
Yang Podi followed suit, "Yang Podi, Martial Soul: Breaking Soul Spear, Level 22 Power Attack-type Soul Master. I’m ready!"
Dugu Yan seemed slightly surprised. "You’re already at Level 22? How is that possible?"
Yang Podi thought to himself. Dugu Yan was around ten and a half years old, meaning she'd be eleven in six months. Currently, she was at Level 21, so with a year and a half more of training, she might just reach around Level 25 or 26, barely meeting the standard for Shrek Academy.
Yu Tianheng from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan would probably be similar, and both Dugu Yan and Yu Tianheng were already considered geniuses, given their intensive training in their respective clans. But to reach Shrek's standards? That required something beyond the usual talent. Even Zhu Zhuqing, with the lowest spirit power among them, could probably lead a strong team by the time of the Soul Master Competition.
Ignoring Dugu Yan’s surprise, Yang Podi summoned his Breaking Soul Spear, two yellow soul rings emerging beneath his feet to signify his rank as a Grandmaster.
Dugu Yan summoned her Jade Phosphor Serpent Martial Soul, with two yellow soul rings appearing below her as well.
Yang Podi observed her martial soul, noting how a green serpent wrapped around her, controlling its movement and attacks. This must be the difference between a Beast Martial Soul and a Tool Martial Soul.
Niu Jinfeng, acting as the referee, announced, "Martial souls summoned, begin!"
Dugu Yan directed her Jade Phosphor Serpent toward Yang Podi, the snake's head darting at him like a predator on the hunt.
Yang Podi struck with his spear, which was now capable of wielding 300 pounds of force, slicing through the serpent and injuring it.
The snake retaliated, spitting a green venomous mist toward him, its inherent Jade Phosphor Serpent poison.
Yang Podi brandished his spear, piercing the mist with a flash of light, and charged toward Dugu Yan. She smirked as her snake’s tail lashed out like a whip, but Yang Podi struck it with his spear, sending it flying back. He then slashed through the venom cloud around her and placed the spear at her throat.
The Breaking Soul Spear's strength lay in its namesake—breaking through anything. While he had mastered basic spear techniques like sweeping, slashing, and thrusting, he favored brute force and power-based soul rings for better attack and defense. The strongest opponents like Tang Chen or Qian Daoliu rarely used soul skills, preferring foundational moves and their self-created techniques. Tang San’s Sea God Trident, for example, was so powerful that even upon entering Title Douluo, he could already contend with Bibi Dong.
Dugu Yan looked pale, realizing how quickly she had lost. Her two soul skills—Jade Phosphor Venom and Paralyzing Venom—were meant for team boosts but were nearly useless in one-on-one combat. She had given it her all, but Yang Podi hadn’t even used any soul skills, relying on raw technique and one burst of spirit energy to win.
He retracted his spear. "Sorry, Yan Yan, but you lost."
Dugu Yan appeared incredulous. "I lost to someone two years younger than me so quickly?"
Yang Podi shook his head, reflecting on how Dugu Yan was still a child who had yet to understand true competition or endure hardship.
Just as he was about to leave, she called out, "Wait! Let’s go again. I refuse to believe you can beat me that fast twice."
He sighed. His soul may have been that of an adult, but this child seemed determined to challenge him. "Yan Yan, I didn’t even use any of my soul skills."
With that, he turned and left, his day was packed with studying, and he had no time to waste.
Dugu Yan seemed taken aback. Yang Podi had defeated her without soul skills. What kind of power did this boy possess?
After breakfast, Yang Podi and Yang Ping’an headed off to class, with Dugu Yan tagging along, intrigued by her new rival.
Now a Grandmaster, Yang Podi felt classes were a waste of time, particularly the theoretical lessons. But under pressure from his parents and teachers, he grudgingly attended, although he spent most of the lessons meditating. He had already learned the material by reading on his own.
Following him all day, Dugu Yan couldn’t resist asking, "Yang Podi, as a soul master, isn’t improving soul power your priority? I haven’t seen you meditate much. Does all this physical training even matter?"
He replied, "I meditate every night. Soul masters need strong bodies, and building it up enhances meditation efficiency. After my physical training and herbal baths, my meditation improves."
"And you don’t do anything else? No shopping, no play, no socializing with friends?"
"Training is the best use of our time while we’re young. If we succeed, we’ll have all the time in the world to enjoy later."
Dugu Yan was stunned. This kid was like a monster with an unbreakable will.
