I've also recently started a new translation, please check it out and show your support! Douluo: Seven Kill Shock the World
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In the Great Star Dou Forest, the Sky Azure Bull Python brought Tang San and Xiao Wu back to their original location.
At this moment, Tang Chen appeared extremely serious. He had clearly sensed the soul power fluctuations from the core of the Lake of Life earlier. Even as a Level 99 Limit Douluo, he felt that the opponent's strength might surpass his own.
Tang Chen was somewhat surprised. He hadn't expected that, aside from himself, Bo Saixi, and Qian Daoliu, there could be another Limit Douluo in the world—it was almost unbelievable.
However, after Tang San returned and communicated with Tang Chen, they learned that a black dragon was hiding in the core area of the Great Star Dou Forest, and its strength had reached the level of a Limit Douluo.
Tang Chen looked at Tang San with a grave expression.
"Xiao San, from now on, unless it's absolutely necessary, do not provoke Yang Xiong lightly. I fear you'll suffer losses if you do."
Tang San was startled: "Great-Grandfather, Yang Xiong and I are classmates. There shouldn't be any conflict between us, let alone a fight."
Tang Chen shook his head: "Xiao San, after spending time with you, I've come to understand your personality."
"You always strive for the strongest, appearing humble on the surface, but deep down, you're extremely stubborn. You train with great diligence, and your feelings for Xiao Wu run deep—you won't allow anyone to harm her."
"All this time, you and Yang Xiong have been classmates, but his strength has always surpassed yours. You've endured this silently, hoping to reach the Title Douluo level and quickly enhance your power by adding soul rings to your Hao Tian Hammer, thinking that perhaps you could surpass him."
"I know you feel unconvinced, but having twin martial souls, though powerful, doesn't guarantee invincibility. Take Bibi Dong, for example—though her strength is commendable, even if she reaches Level 99, there's still a gap between her and me and Qian Daoliu."
Tang San's initially smiling face gradually turned tense and eventually showed signs of anger.
"Great-Grandfather, I was born with full soul power and possess twin martial souls. My talent is no less than anyone else's, especially not less than Yang Xiong's. In all the years I've known Yang Xiong, I've never once defeated him. I refuse to believe I'll always lose to him."
"That's why I've worked so hard these past few years—to reach the Title Douluo level as soon as possible and add soul rings to my Hao Tian Hammer. Once I do, I'm certain I'll surpass him in strength."
Tang Chen's expression turned serious: "Xiao San, you're becoming obsessed. Qian Daoliu and I were born enemies, but over the years, we've sparred, improved together, and eventually became good friends."
"In this regard, I may seem a bit dark-minded, but I deeply admire Qian Daoliu's character. It's because I trust his integrity that we've made multiple pacts, ensuring the legacy of our Hao Tian Sect survives."
"I hope you consider this as well. You can be rivals or even enemies, but compete fairly and push each other forward. Otherwise, I fear you'll stray onto the wrong path."
A trace of unwillingness appeared on Tang San's face: "Great-Grandfather, do you doubt my talent? My Hao Tian Hammer can still add seven more soul rings, and my Blue Silver Grass has one divine-bestowed soul ring. By the time I've added all the soul rings to my Hao Tian Hammer, they'll all exceed fifty thousand years, and some will even reach hundred thousand years. Combined with the top-tier soul bones I've obtained, my Hao Tian Hammer will become unprecedentedly powerful."
"And given my current situation, within half a year to a year, I'll definitely reach the Super Douluo level. At that point, I'll absolutely surpass Yang Xiong."
Tang Chen shook his head: "Xiao San, you're underestimating Yang Xiong. Perhaps everyone in the world underestimates him."
"I don't know how Yang Xiong found out about the secrets of the Great Star Dou Forest, but he managed to locate such a formidable spirit beast. His strength far exceeds what you and I can imagine."
"Though Yang Xiong is only at Level 90 right now, he hasn't rushed to obtain his final soul ring. Clearly, he's focusing on refining his body to its peak before adding that crucial soul ring."
"From the last battle, you must have seen it too. Qian Jun Douluo and Jiang Mo Douluo are both at Level 96 and are strength-type Title Douluo. Yet Yang Xiong, at Level 90, effortlessly defeated them both. This shows that his current strength likely already approaches Level 98."
"Not to mention, he wields the Asura Demon Sword. In just a few months, Yang Xiong has mastered it to such an extent that even I, who've held the sword for years, couldn't achieve. This suggests that Yang Xiong likely has a connection with the Asura God."
A bitter smile appeared on Tang San's face: "Great-Grandfather, I can't accept this. I can't accept being forever beneath someone else, being forever unknown."
"Back during the Soul Master Tournament, Yang Xiong outperformed me. Even though my soul power level was higher than his, his combat ability surpassed mine."
"My greatest goal in this world is to establish the Tang Sect and make it flourish."
"Originally, I planned to absorb the four single-attribute families and leverage the relationships between the Tian Dou Imperial Family and the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect to develop rapidly. At that point, the Tang Sect would have become the largest sect in the world."
"Unfortunately, one misstep led to the Tang Sect being eradicated by the Spirit Hall shortly after its establishment. Now, only Tai Tan remains. Meanwhile, Yang Xiong established the even stronger Body Sect through the three major single-attribute families, with overall strength rivaling the top three sects."
"One failure after another—my efforts have all been in vain. How can I accept this?"
"Don't think I don't know how Yang Xiong grew strong. He just got lucky, obtaining the rare Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum. If I had the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum, my strength wouldn't be where it is now. If all four single-attribute families had allied with me, the Spirit Hall wouldn't have been able to destroy the Tang Sect so easily."
After Tang San finished speaking, everyone around fell silent. Even Xiao Wu didn't know how to comfort him.
Tang Chen sighed involuntarily: "Xiao San, I feel like you've changed recently. You seem to be growing more extreme. You've absorbed two soul rings in quick succession—I suggest you take some time to consolidate your strength. Otherwise, I fear your cultivation will hit a bottleneck."
Tang San shook his head: "Great-Grandfather, I've already overcome all my bottlenecks. I'm now a Title Douluo, and my Hao Tian Hammer can freely add soul rings. I'm certain I'll grow stronger quickly, and surpassing Yang Xiong is entirely possible."
"No matter how strong Yang Xiong is, he can only add one more soul ring. His cultivation speed will slow down, and my soul power will surpass his, even my overall strength."
"Moreover, I've received the inheritance of a god. Once I complete the trials, I'll undoubtedly become the strongest person in the world."
Tang Chen's expression turned grave: "Xiao San, it's precisely because you now hold a god's inheritance that I'm telling you this today."
"Becoming a god isn't so simple. Besides personal strength, spiritual power and willpower are also critical. Back then, I lost myself during the god trials because of my arrogance. I don't want you to repeat my mistakes or become overly extreme."
Upon hearing this, Tang San gradually calmed down and bowed respectfully to Tang Chen.
"Great-Grandfather, thank you for your advice. I've always acted honorably, and I'll never walk the crooked path. Even if I challenge Yang Xiong, I'll do so openly and fairly."
Tang Chen sighed helplessly. His time was running short—he didn't have the luxury of slowly tempering Tang San's character or nurturing his sense of clan and sect loyalty.
What worried Tang Chen most was Tang San's acceptance of the god's inheritance. Since absorbing the two soul rings from the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger and the Evil God Pearl, Tang San's personality seemed to have shifted slightly.
In the past, Tang San always appeared as a gentleman, and even if he harbored some inner extremities, he never let them show.
But now, after a mere reminder, Tang San reacted with unusual agitation. It seemed the evil energy from the two soul rings was affecting him, or perhaps his hidden nature was surfacing.
Soon, under the protection of Tang Chen and Xiao Wu, Tang San prepared to absorb the ninth soul ring for his Blue Silver Grass.
This was the reward Tang San received for completing the seventh Red Rank Trial on Sea God Island. Since he had only added soul rings to his Blue Silver Grass earlier, this soul ring could only be absorbed by the Blue Silver Grass.
The divine-bestowed soul ring was attributeless and could automatically adapt to the optimal soul skill of the soul master.
Tang San sat cross-legged in place. After the divine-bestowed soul ring appeared, his entire body seemed enveloped in golden mist.
As the energy gradually flowed in, it began to align with Tang San's Blue Silver Grass and match the attributes of all the soul rings he had previously obtained.
This absorption process lasted a full half month. During this time, Tang San pushed himself to the limit, elevating his body to its peak. His face contorted with strain.
When the absorption was complete, Tang San's Blue Silver Grass underwent a transformation. Its original azure color gradually turned pitch-black, and a surge of black energy filled the surrounding space. Even the Titan Giant Ape and the Sky Azure Bull Python felt a chill run down their spines.
Over the years, Tang San had absorbed numerous poison-attribute soul rings, all leaning toward dark attributes. Especially his critical eighth soul ring, which came from the Black Scaled Mermaid.
In the end, Tang San obtained a hundred-thousand-year soul ring—the first of its kind on his body.
After the soul ring absorption was complete, Tang San let out a long, skyward roar. The ninth soul ring for his Blue Silver Grass marked the greatest leap in his cultivation thus far. Not only did he gain two excellent soul skills, but to his delight, he also awakened a domain through the absorption of the soul ring.
Moreover, Tang San's soul power rose to Level 91, making him a true Title Douluo.
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