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Chapter 44: Dugu Yan Visits
🕑 Added 2024-10-06 19:34:00 +0000 UTCIt seemed like life had returned to a peaceful routine. One morning, after finishing his classes, Yang Podi was preparing to have lunch with his family when his father came home, bringing a little girl with him.
The girl was about the same height as Yang Podi, approximately 1.5 meters tall, with short dark purple hair. She had an aura of strength about her. Though not exceptionally beautiful, she possessed a strange, enchanting charm. Her green eyes were quite unusual, giving her a mysterious look.
Yang Podi found the girl familiar, guessing she was around ten years old. She already had the makings of a beauty, with a curvy, well-proportioned figure.
"Podi, Ping'an, let me introduce you. This is Dugu Yan. Her father and grandfather are visiting our clan for treatment, so she'll be staying with us for a while. I hope you all get along well," said Yang Zhentian, introducing the girl to the family.
He continued, "Yan Yan, this is my wife, Niu Jinfeng. You can call her 'auntie.' These two little ones are my children, Yang Podi and Yang Ping'an. They're both eight and a half. Get to know each other."
He then pointed to the two-year-old, Yang Tianyue. "This is my daughter, Yang Tianyue, who's two years old."
Yang Ping'an and Yang Podi quickly greeted the new guest.
"Hi, I'm Yang Podi. I'm eight and a half years old."
"Hello, I'm Yang Ping'an. I'm eight and a half as well."
The girl responded with a touch of arrogance, "Hello, little ones. I'm Dugu Yan, and I'm ten and a half."
Sensing a lack of warmth between them, Niu Jinfeng quickly pulled Dugu Yan close. "Yan Yan, don't mind these two brats. Make yourself at home."
Inwardly, Yang Podi thought, "So, this girl is Dugu Yan. According to the original story, she's supposed to be about seven years older than Tang San. I wonder why she's here with her father, Dugu Xin, for treatment. Based on the storyline, she should soon be attending Heaven Dou Royal Academy, where she'll meet Yu Tianheng and become a couple."
Both Dugu Yan and Yu Tianheng are the grandchildren of Title Douluos, so they're somewhat well-matched in status. I wonder if there's any political alliance involved, or if Dugu Bo just wants to find a strong support for Dugu Yan, knowing that he could succumb to his poison at any time.
For now, Dugu Yan is just a ten-year-old child, so Yang Podi wasn't particularly interested in her. However, his mother, Niu Jinfeng, seemed to treat her well. So, Dugu Yan settled down temporarily in their home.
The next morning, Yang Podi and Yang Ping'an were training in the backyard practice area.
Since becoming a Grand Soul Master, Yang Podi had started wearing weights. Except for medicinal baths and bathing, he almost never removed them—even when sleeping. He wore 5-kilogram wristbands on each limb and a 30-kilogram chest plate, totaling 50 kilograms of extra weight.
It took some time to get used to, but after repeatedly climbing mountains with these weights and collapsing from exhaustion, he began to adapt. Each medicinal bath left him feeling physically stronger, as if his full-body martial soul was growing more powerful.
Inspired by Yang Podi's training, his younger brother, Yang Ping'an, began using weights as well after obtaining his first soul ring. Although his weights were lighter, they still left him exhausted daily.
The training area was filled with various spears, all modeled after the clan's Breaking Soul Spear but differing in weight. None of the spear blades were sharpened to ensure the children's safety.
After two years since awakening his martial soul, Yang Podi had mastered the basics of spear techniques, particularly thrusting and stabbing, which closely resembled his clan's techniques. He was becoming quite adept with the Breaking Soul Spear, handling it with a degree of competence.
Every morning, after practicing the basics, Yang Ping'an would often seek Yang Podi's guidance. Although initially reluctant, Yang Podi recognized that practical experience was crucial for improvement. So, they sparred every morning, using spears crafted specifically for their training.
Yang Ping'an used a regular Breaking Soul Spear weighing about 30 jin, which suited his age and size. In contrast, Yang Podi preferred a heavy spear, favoring those weighing over 100 jin for practice and combat. After becoming a Grand Soul Master, he began using a 200-jin spear, influenced by his weighted training.
Yang Podi's martial soul alone weighed around 300 jin, the result of absorbing strength-type soul rings.
Despite his strength, Yang Podi usually won their spars. The heavy spear, while lacking agility, made up for it with sheer force and intimidation. Each clash left Yang Ping'an struggling to parry or evade, his hands vibrating from the impact.
As they were absorbed in their training, Dugu Yan appeared, watching their match with interest until it ended.
The boys greeted her, "Good morning, Sister Yan Yan."
"Good morning, Yang Podi, Yang Ping'an!" she replied, clearly intrigued by their training.
She asked, "Why are you two practicing spear techniques so early? Shouldn't soul masters focus more on cultivating soul power? Why do you spend so much time on physical training?"
"Sister Yan Yan, we're Tool Soul Masters, so we need to train with our weapons to master their use," Yang Podi explained.
Dugu Yan grew more interested. "Since you're soul masters, how about a duel? My dad and grandpa rarely let me spar with anyone, and solo training gets boring."
"Don't worry, I won't bully you. I'll take both of you on at once," she added confidently.
Yang Podi felt exasperated. Dugu Yan's martial soul was the Jade Phosphor Serpent, which specialized in poison. No one liked facing poison soul masters, especially early on, as a small mistake could be life-threatening.
At that moment, Niu Jinfeng arrived at the training ground, looking eager to watch.
"Go ahead, Podi, have a duel with Yan Yan. Don't worry, I'll be here to keep things safe," she said.
Dugu Yan chimed in, "Auntie, let me spar with them. Don't worry, I'll control my poison carefully."
Her confidence puzzled the three of them. Where did she get the idea she could take on both boys?
