Chapter 128: Yang Wudi's Choice
Yang Wudi's face showed a hint of confusion upon hearing this. "Could it be that you're after something from the Broken One Clan?"
Yang Xiong smiled. "The Broken One Clan excels in alchemy, which is unparalleled in the world. Naturally, I admire that."
Yang Wudi's face darkened. "Bold! Alchemy is a closely guarded secret of my clan. Even when the Haotian Sect was at its peak, we never revealed it."
Yang Xiong shook his head. "Senior Yang, you worry too much. I'm not interested in your alchemical knowledge. What I'm interested in is your expertise in herbs. I believe your clan has comprehensive research on medicinal herbs, and that's exactly what I need."
"Of course, I won't ask for it for free. I have a Ninth-Rank Purple Ganoderma. It may not be a top-tier celestial herb, but it's still a top-tier spiritual herb. In exchange, I offer you my herb knowledge. I believe you're well aware of the value of the Ninth-Rank Purple Ganoderma. It's certainly worth far more than your herb knowledge."
Upon hearing this, Yang Wudi's mouth twitched. He was well aware of the value of the Ninth-Rank Purple Ganoderma, especially since he was passionate about alchemy and had a strong desire for celestial herbs. He never expected Yang Xiong to possess such a rare herb.
In truth, for Yang Xiong, the Ninth-Rank Purple Ganoderma was precisely the herb he needed to gain knowledge of, and it just so happened to have no effect on him.
According to the original text, the Ninth-Rank Purple Ganoderma was the finest among Ganoderma, capable of strengthening the body, increasing vitality, and boosting one's cultivation. In the original story, it was precisely the herb that Yu Xiaogang consumed to break through his bottleneck at level 29, ultimately achieving the rank of Title Douluo. Its effects were comparable to that of a celestial herb.
And Yang Wudi, having long been stuck at a bottleneck due to his extensive alchemy practices, was likely in a similar situation to Yu Xiaogang. The Ninth-Rank Purple Ganoderma could fill the gap and help him break through, perhaps allowing him to advance further.
However, Yang Wudi's face darkened for a moment. "Yang Xiong, your offer is indeed very tempting, but a Soul Master's strength is still based on their power. Even if you're backed by the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, without strength, your words are meaningless."
Yang Xiong replied, "This is simple. I've heard the Broken One Clan excels in combat, so please choose a Soul Master below level 60. I'll fight them, and if I win, we can proceed with our cooperation."
Yang Wudi's face darkened. "Yang Xiong, you're being too arrogant. You're only level 45, and you think you can defeat a high-level Soul King? The Broken One Clan's weapon spirits are purely offensive. A Soul King's attack power is far stronger than you imagine."
Yang Xiong appeared quite casual. "It's just a Soul King. As you said, strength speaks for itself. If I didn't have absolute power, I wouldn't have come to the Broken One Clan in the first place."
Yang Wudi didn't hesitate. He immediately called out to the door, "Wu Wei, come here."
Sure enough, as Yang Wudi spoke, a young man who appeared to be around 35 years old walked into the hall. He looked somewhat similar to Yang Wudi.
"Yang Xiong, this is my son, Yang Wu Wei. If you can defeat him, I'll agree to your proposal. If not, you can leave. Even without the Yuxiang Qiluo Celestial Herb, I cannot risk the lives of hundreds of my clan members."
Yang Xiong didn't hesitate and stood up, walking toward the center of the hall.
As the two faced each other, it seemed to the onlookers that this was a completely mismatched duel.
Yang Xiong spoke first, "I am Yang Xiong, a 45th-level Soul Grandmaster with a powerful attack-type martial soul. Please, teach me."
Yang Wu Wei's face was full of arrogance. "I am Yang Wu Wei, a 59th-level Soul King with a powerful attack-type martial soul. Our difference in soul power is too great, so you better be careful. Also, my Broken Soul Spear uses purely offensive skills."
Yang Xiong smiled. "I almost forgot to mention, I can use an attack-type martial soul, a speed-type martial soul, or even a defensive one. You should also be careful."
Both of them quickly summoned their martial souls and soul rings. Yang Xiong's body turned silver, and his soul rings appeared: two yellow, one purple, and one black. Yang Wu Wei, on the other hand, had two yellow, two purple, and one black soul ring.
Both Yang Wu Wei and Yang Wudi were shocked. "A 10,000-year fourth soul ring? How is this possible?"
Yang Xiong smiled. "Nothing is impossible in this world. Perhaps there will be even more interesting things in the future."
Yang Wu Wei quickly realized that this Soul Grandmaster was not to be underestimated. To absorb a 10,000-year fourth soul ring, one's body would need to be at least Soul King level.
Yang Wu Wei gripped his Broken Soul Spear, which was over three meters long, and charged toward Yang Xiong with full force, looking every bit the fearless warrior the Broken One Clan was known for.
Yang Xiong extended his hands like claws and grabbed at Yang Wu Wei's spear. He felt the spear's terrifying sharpness and an overwhelming force, forcing his body to retreat several meters.
From a power perspective, though Yang Wu Wei was still a Soul King, his combat power was likely already at the level of a Soul Emperor, especially with his formidable offensive abilities. His strength was probably comparable to Qin Ming's.
Moreover, based on their ages, Yang Wu Wei seemed to be about the same age as Qin Ming. It appeared the Broken One Clan had been recuperating quite well over the years.
Yang Wu Wei's combat abilities were indeed impressive. With both hands gripping the Broken Soul Spear, he launched rapid strikes, each faster than the last, his attacks coming like a torrential storm. In terms of raw power, he was undoubtedly the strongest Soul King Yang Xiong had ever faced.
But Yang Xiong was faster. Despite his hands aching from the intense pressure, he showed no fear of Yang Wu Wei's Broken Soul Spear.
Yang Xiong knew that the soul power disparity was vast between them, so he summoned his silver armor—the Xuanming Armor.
The onlookers gasped. Yang Xiong already had some renown outside, and many had heard about his external soul bone. But seeing it in person was an entirely different experience. The defensive power of the Xuanming Armor was truly formidable.
Yang Wu Wei's soul rings flickered, and he immediately used his first soul skill: Shock. A powerful, explosive shockwave emanated from the Broken Soul Spear, and his momentum surged to its peak.
Yang Xiong was unfazed. He clenched his fists and charged forward, using his self-created soul skill: Bone Crushing Fist.
Although Yang Wu Wei was strong, this was just his first soul skill. The fist and spear clashed, but Yang Xiong remained steady, while Yang Wu Wei took a step back.
Yang Wu Wei was stunned. At least in terms of strength, Yang Xiong was no weaker than him, and perhaps even stronger in certain areas.
The battle quickly escalated. Yang Wu Wei's attacks kept coming, but Yang Xiong's speed and strength matched him, and he even seemed to have the upper hand.
The Broken Soul Spear lived up to its reputation as a top-tier weapon soul, with powerful attacks. But Yang Xiong was quick to react, especially with his teleportation ability, and he fought back just as hard.
Yang Wu Wei unleashed several soul skills, but Yang Xiong quickly countered them, sometimes even using his own self-created soul skills. For a time, neither seemed to gain the upper hand.
The Broken Soul Spear's soul skills were all offensive in nature, and Yang Wu Wei's fighting power was indeed formidable. He was already not far from the combat power of the Spirit Hall's Demon Beauty.
After several minutes of intense fighting, Yang Xiong activated his fourth soul ring. His muscles immediately began to swell, and both his skin and bones hardened, making him appear even more powerful and fearless. This was his fourth soul skill: Dragon Elephant Body.
Yang Xiong had always tried not to use soul skills that enhanced his body, but this type of boosting skill was difficult to counter. He was no longer afraid of others targeting him for using it, so he began utilizing it more frequently.
After using Dragon Elephant Body, Yang Xiong's attack power and defense greatly increased. His body's endurance also improved significantly, and he was now able to overpower Yang Wu Wei.
Yang Wu Wei felt as if his pride had been challenged. He felt an unprecedented sense of shame—how could a Soul King be suppressed by a mere Soul Grandmaster?
He immediately activated his fifth soul ring, releasing an endless black flame that quickly enveloped his Broken Soul Spear. This was his fifth soul skill: Break.
Seeing Yang Wu Wei unleash the full power of his attack, Yang Xiong remained unfazed. Dragon Elephant Body had greatly enhanced his physical endurance. With a wave of his right hand, he summoned a giant golden spiral ball and launched it full force at Yang Wu Wei.
In the ensuing clash, both were sent flying back dozens of meters. Yang Xiong's boosting soul skill made his power more formidable, but Yang Wu Wei had fully unleashed his weapon soul's power.
However, Yang Xiong managed to maintain his footing and even began to recover, while Yang Wu Wei, struck by the spiral ball, seemed gravely injured.
Despite this, Yang Wu Wei was incredibly brave. Struggling to his feet, he prepared to continue fighting, showing the true fighting spirit of the Broken One Clan.
At this point, Yang Wudi spoke up. "Enough, Wu Wei. You've lost this time. Focus on your training and strive to make up for this loss later."
He then turned to Yang Xiong. "Yang Xiong, your combat power is stronger than I imagined. Especially with your unique martial soul and physical strength, there's probably no one within the Soul Emperor rank who can match you."
"I, Yang Wudi, keep my word. The Broken One Clan is willing to accompany you to the Heaven Dou Empire. But I hope you won't disappoint me in the future. I don't want things to turn ugly between us."
Yang Xiong smiled. "I, Yang Xiong, always keep my word. There's nothing I can't do, and if the Broken One Clan follows me, I guarantee you won't lose out."
He then took out both the Ninth-Rank Purple Ganoderma and the Yuxiang Qiluo Celestial Herb from his soul guide and placed them in front of Yang Wudi.
Yang Wudi looked at the two celestial herbs, his eyes filled with hesitation. Finally, he smiled bitterly. "Well, these two herbs are indeed perfect for both me and the Broken One Clan. Perhaps I really should give it some serious thought."
"Yang Xiong, by revealing these two herbs to me now, aren't you afraid I might back out?"
Yang Xiong smiled. "I'm well aware of your character, Senior Yang, and I admire the Broken One Clan's approach to things. Though you may be a bit solitary and stubborn, you are true warriors, real men. You always act with integrity, and I believe you wouldn't go against your principles over just two herbs."
Yang Wudi sighed. "I never expected someone to understand the way we in the Broken One Clan do things. Fine, you can rest with us for half a month. After that, we'll head to the Heaven Dou Empire. I hope my decision was the right one."
Yang Xiong nodded. "Thank you for your trust, Senior Yang. I will not disappoint you."
(END CHAPTER)
Get 30% off on my Patreon and enjoy early access to new chapters.
You can also purchase the next 100 chapters of the novel directly from my Patreon page.
Hurry up! The promotion ends on February 2, 2026.
Read 40 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Cortez10