After all, when soul power skyrockets, one's level of control over it inevitably declines once again.
Barring any surprises, the possibility of success would only come once his soul power reached the peak beneath Level one hundred, after a long period of tempering, allowing him to raise his level of control once more.
For later generations of soul masters, condensing a third soul core was meant to break through the bottleneck from rank 98 Peak Douluo to rank 99 Limit Douluo. But for Muyang, it was different — he simply sought the increase in strength that multiple soul cores brought.
A bottleneck?
Unless it was the bottleneck of Level one hundred and above, such things would not exist for him in the future.
The immense surges of soul power he gained through condensing his own rings via the Ring Condensation Method, or attaching extremely high-aged rings, were enough to "overpower ten thousand methods with sheer force," forcibly smashing through every bottleneck beneath the realm of Level 99.
Just like Tang San in the original work — after slaying the Deep Sea Demon Whale King, by refining its spirit ring and spirit bone, the massive influx of soul power directly shattered multiple bottlenecks in one stroke, carrying him into the realm of the peerless.
Just then, four figures flew over from afar, descending beside Muyang — it was Huo Lie and his three companions.
Clearly, the tremendous disturbance Muyang had just caused had drawn their attention.
"Xiaoyang, you've condensed your second soul core?"
Noticing the numerous soul power vortices swirling across Muyang's body, Huo Lie hurriedly asked.
"Mhm. Yin-Yang Complementary Twin Soul Cores."
Muyang nodded with a smile.
"Tsk~. Truly, the waves of the later generation drown those of the former."
Receiving the confirmation, Huo Lie could not help but sigh.
People really cannot be compared!
He, Huo Lie, a dignified rank 95 Titled Douluo, had yet to condense Yin-Yang Complementary Twin Soul Cores, while this junior, Muyang, had taken the step before him.
Still, Huo Lie had long grown accustomed to Muyang's monstrous feats. Yin-Yang Complementary Twin Soul Cores? Perhaps not even worth being surprised at anymore.
At this, Muyang suggested: "Why don't you try as well? You've been at rank 95 for years already. Condensing a second soul core shouldn't be too difficult. With its aid, you'd certainly break through to rank 96."
Though Huo Lie's innate talent was decent, across the entire continent he couldn't be considered top-tier. He didn't even measure up to Titled Douluo like She Long.
One might question She Long's strength, but not his talent. After all, She Long had achieved Titled Douluo with a mere thousand-year fifth ring — a purple ring.
To reach Title with such a flawed configuration showed extraordinary cultivation talent. Even if not born with full innate soul power, She Long must at least have been born with level nine.
If Qian Renxue, with innate level 20, was in a league of her own, and those with full innate soul power were second tier, then She Long was third tier. Huo Lie, with innate level eight, could only be counted fourth tier.
As for Yu Xiaogang, with less than level one innate soul power? Heh~. That so-called "Grandmaster's" talent ranked somewhere down in the double digits.
Thus, Huo Lie, whose talent was only fourth tier, had reached Level 95 Titled Douluo not just through effort. The key was the Earth Dragon Golden Gourd he had consumed in the past, combined with condensing his first soul core. Only then, past the age of sixty, had he reached rank 95.
Yes, though Huo Lie seemed aged, compared to other rank 95 Titled Douluo on the continent, he was not actually old — in fact, he was one of the youngest currently at level 95.
However, at present, his stage of rapid advancement was over. The difficulty of progressing as a Titled Douluo was immense. Even the most precious immortal herbs had their limits. Moreover, the Earth Dragon Golden Gourd he consumed back then had been only half-ripened. With its effect, his talent rose, but at best only reached the level of ordinary full-innate soul power.
And for those with ordinary full-innate talent, at Level 95, being stuck at the bottleneck for years was entirely normal.
So unless he relied on condensing another soul core, Huo Lie might remain blocked at level 95 for several more years.
"Not much confidence."
After pondering a moment, Huo Lie shook his head.
Muyang responded: "Yin-Yang Complementary Twin Soul Cores are indeed difficult. But resonance of the same orientation is far less so. Your spiritual power isn't weak, and with the Silver Jade Undying Ginseng as your safety net, I think you should try condensing Same-Origin Resonant Twin Soul Cores.
Even if it fails, the loss won't be great. If it succeeds, your strength will skyrocket."
Excluding the factor of spirit armor, at level 95 peak, Huo Lie — relying on his unique techniques and first soul core — was no weaker than Fifteen Ton Douluo level of rank 96.
If he could condense Same-Origin Resonant Twin Soul Cores, breaking through to level 96, then with the advantage of twin cores, even without spirit armor, his strength would surpass even level 97 experts like Azure Luan and Golden Lion.
At that point, aside from the unpredictable Bibi Dong, if Qian Daoliu and Golden Crocodile did not act, no one in the current Spirit Hall could be his match.
"Then should I try?"
Hearing Muyang's reasoning, Huo Lie felt moved.
Originally, Huo Lie had aimed to condense Yin-Yang Complementary Twin Cores. But with time, he had realized — he was overreaching.
He had to admit, he was only an ordinary genius. His current accomplishments were due only partly to his own effort, but far more to the direct and indirect help from Muyang.
Since he was not that level of monster, why stubbornly pursue Yin-Yang Complementary Cores? Lowering the target to Same-Origin Resonant Cores was far more realistic.
Besides, Yin-Yang Complementary Cores seemed hopeless, but Same-Origin Resonant Cores were within reach. Perhaps even in the future, the possibility of Same-Origin Resonant Triple Cores was not out of the question.
And if so, the effect might not be inferior to Yin-Yang Complementary Twin Cores.
—That afternoon.
After a late lunch, satisfied with the successful condensation of the Yin-Yang Complementary Twin Soul Cores, Muyang decided to take the rest of the day off.
After all, the road to godhood was long and difficult. Balancing work and rest was the true path.
But just as he was about to lie down, a student hurried to his quarters. The dean, Huo Lie, was requesting his presence.
Arriving at the main teaching building, Muyang pushed open the top-floor meeting room door. Inside, the academy's leadership, along with all Titled battle strength — including Shui Bing'er, Huo Wu, and the others — were already gathered.
Once Muyang sat down, Huo Lie swept his gaze around the room. With a grave expression, he spoke:
"Just now, the academy received word. Two days ago, all the kingdoms and principalities subordinate to the Heaven Dou and Star Luo Empires erupted in rebellion, suspected of colluding with Spirit Hall in pursuit of independence."
At this statement, aside from Muyang — who had already half-expected it and only raised his brows slightly — the rest were utterly shocked, staring at Huo Lie in disbelief.
The kingdoms and principalities, rebelling in collusion with Spirit Hall? Good heavens, that was truly a shocking revelation!
For additional chapters
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