Chapter 172: Oscar's Return
Time flew by quickly, and a year had passed. The time for the Shrek reunion that Flender had mentioned was now very near.
During this year, Yang Xiong focused mostly on intense training, and he didn't handle too many matters related to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect or the Body Sect.
At least the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's defense plan had already been discussed with Ning Fengzhi, and from here on out, it was his responsibility to implement it.
Bone Douluo, representing Ning Fengzhi, personally visited the Haotian Sect to discuss their potential return and possible cooperation.
However, there were disagreements within the Haotian Sect. Tang Xiao and the five elders did not see eye to eye. The five elders were more inclined towards the Haotian Sect making a return, but Tang Xiao, being a cautious and steady man, did not agree with the idea of coming out of seclusion at this time.
It was clear that Tang Xiao had been in communication with Tang Yuehua. He understood that the Spirit Hall was growing more powerful and that if they were to emerge too soon, they would be targeted immediately by the Spirit Hall.
Furthermore, whether Tang Yuehua had any contact with Tang Hao was uncertain, but she certainly knew about Tang San. Tang San had performed quite well in the previous Soul Master Competition, displaying his twin martial souls and innate full soul power, along with his external soul bone. At only 14 years old, he had already reached the Soul Scholar rank, showing immense potential.
Considering both his opportunities and talent, Tang San was a rare genius the Haotian Sect had not seen in years. If the sect were to emerge recklessly now, the Spirit Hall would break their previous agreements and prevent Tang San from ever growing.
After careful consideration, the Haotian Sect decided to remain in seclusion for now. However, they were prepared to emerge at any time, especially since Tang San, having wandered for so long, would need protection.
Upon returning to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, Bone Douluo described in detail his findings at the Haotian Sect. While the Haotian Sect had not displayed the power of the five elders, Bone Douluo's level and mysterious aura clearly indicated that the Haotian Sect did not have many Title Douluo present.
When Bone Douluo faced Tang Xiao, although Tang Xiao was exceptionally composed, his aura was as heavy as a mountain, full of mystery. Bone Douluo could clearly sense that Tang Xiao's soul power was greater than his own, estimating that Tang Xiao had reached the 97th level, which made him nearly as powerful as Sword Douluo, especially given the strength of his Haotian Hammer martial soul.
After hearing Bone Douluo's description, Ning Fengzhi's demeanor became much more serious, and he decided to further consolidate the strength of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, calling on all disciples to focus on training.
It was clear that Bone Douluo's investigation had made Ning Fengzhi feel the pressure. If the Haotian Sect continued to grow, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect would soon face its decline once they emerged.
Ning Fengzhi also understood that in terms of influence, the Haotian Sect was far stronger than the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. Especially at its peak, the Haotian Sect's inner and outer disciples would outnumber the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's disciples by a large margin. The Haotian Sect had an unparalleled level of influence, and the Haotian Hammer was an insurmountable peak in everyone's hearts.
Originally, Yang Xiong had also considered visiting the Haotian Sect to witness Tang Xiao and the so-called Haotian Hammer martial soul. However, Ning Fengzhi and Bone Douluo discouraged him, as this trip was meant to probe the Haotian Sect's true strength. A rash visit could easily provoke suspicion and would be counterproductive.
As for the Body Sect, everything continued as usual. The sect was thriving internally, with intense cultivation ongoing. The Body Academy had also expanded in recent years, recruiting a few students with Body martial souls from the outside world.
The overall strength of the Body Sect had increased to a certain extent. Lin Gong and Long Gong remained at the 91st level, and after becoming Title Douluo, their progress had slowed down significantly, especially since both of them had thousand-year fifth soul rings, which affected their foundation.
However, Niu Gao recently broke through to Title Douluo, becoming the third Title Douluo of the Body Sect, and also the only Title Douluo of a single-attribute family.
This time, Sword Bone Douluo didn't take action; instead, Lin Gong led all the Body Sect elders to the Star Dou Forest to hunt for soul rings.
After some searching, Niu Gao obtained an 80,000-year-old soul ring, bringing his soul power to the 91st level.
Perhaps influenced by Niu Gao's breakthrough, Bai He and Yang Wudi also became more focused on their training. Yang Wudi reached the 88th level, and Bai He reached the 87th level.
In terms of combat strength, Yang Wudi was the strongest in the Body Sect, even stronger than Lin Gong and Long Gong in combat prowess.
However, Lin Gong was a rare Control-type Title Douluo, and Long Gong, with his Snake Widow and Sky Fragrance fusion technique, added unique strengths. The three of them had different talents, but when working together, their combined strength was even more formidable.
While the Body Sect's strength had greatly improved, and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect also saw some growth, Yang Xiong found himself struggling.
No matter how hard he trained, it seemed he was stuck at the 69th level, with no progress for quite some time.
After obtaining the sixth soul ring and completing the Ice Fire Refinement, Yang Xiong had broken through to the 67th level.
But in the following year, his training speed slowed down significantly. It took a whole year to improve by just two levels, and after reaching the 69th level, his soul power seemed to have hit a plateau.
Yang Xiong had considered using more immortal herbs, but those herbs didn't correspond well with his Body martial soul.
After all, he had only used the Qirong Tongtian Chrysanthemum a little over a year ago, and he could clearly feel that the medicinal effects hadn't completely dissipated. His meridians and bones were growing stronger.
If it weren't for his unique martial soul, especially after undergoing the tempering in the Blood River of Slaughter City, the Qirong Tongtian Chrysanthemum might have conflicted with the initial herbs he had taken, leading to negative side effects.
Thus, Yang Xiong was reluctant to take more immortal herbs, fearing his body might experience adverse effects.
Despite all his efforts, after reaching level 69, his training speed became even slower, as if he had entered a bottleneck.
Yang Xiong had hoped to break through through combat and pressure, but even with his current strength, he could only barely fight a Title Douluo.
Moreover, whether it was his two teachers or Yang Wudi and others, their combat style wasn't that of life-and-death battles, but more like mutual sparring.
Seeing no progress, Yang Xiong left his room.
However, as soon as he stepped out, his eyes lit up—his eldest brother, Yang Wei, and the others had returned.
Yang Xiong was extremely excited and immediately hugged his eldest brother.
After five years apart, Yang Wei looked much stronger, shedding his youthful appearance and now appearing sharper.
"Big Brother, Oscar, when did you return?"
Yang Wei laughed heartily: "We just got back last night. We didn't disturb you since we saw you were in seclusion."
"Little Xiong, you've changed quite a lot these years. You're much taller than me now, and your strength is even more unfathomable."
Yang Xiong quickly replied, "Big Brother, you've grown a lot too. Looks like your training outside went well."
Without hesitation, the three of them began drinking during the day.
Yang Xiong looked around: "Oscar, where's Qin Shuang? Wasn't she with you two for training?"
Oscar smiled: "Qin Shuang is a sect disciple. She went to see Sect Master Ning early this morning and hasn't come back yet."
The three of them raised their cups and drank together, reminiscing about their past.
Big Brother Yang Wei seemed to have a lot to say: "Little Xiong, I've seen a lot during these years. I've basically traveled across the entire Douluo Continent."
"We went to the extreme north, and it was really cold there. I nearly froze. Then we went to the Star Luo Empire in the south, and their culture and way of life were so different from ours. I've really seen how vast this world is and realized that when we were in the sect, our perspectives were too narrow."
The three of them shared stories of their travels.
Yang Wei, Oscar, and the others had gone through many trials over the years, fighting different people, soul beasts, and even encountering various dangers. They had experienced life across the continent, and had even spent some time with mercenary groups.
In short, they had explored the entire continent, experiencing all kinds of lifestyles and dangers, often narrowly escaping death.
Naturally, their strength had increased tremendously. When they left the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect five years ago, all three were at level 41, just having gained their fourth soul rings.
But after five years, Oscar had reached a stunning 62nd level, a remarkable soul power increase that could possibly make him the highest among the original Shrek Seven.
Oscar's talent was exceptional, especially after using immortal herbs, his speed of improvement was incredibly fast. He was truly a genius with innate full soul power.
Compared to them, Yang Wei and Qin Shuang were a bit behind, both currently at level 59. They were likely to reach the Soul Emperor rank soon.
These two hadn't experienced the same intense training as the Shrek Academy did in Soto City. Especially Yang Wei, who had never undergone rigorous physical training. Even though he had taken top-tier immortal herbs, his talent still had limits.
However, when they heard that Yang Xiong had reached level 69, they were shocked. It seemed like the gap between them was growing larger.
While the three were drinking, Ning Rongrong and Qin Shuang walked into Yang Xiong's house, holding hands, and without hesitation poured drinks for themselves.
Especially Ning Rongrong, who was extremely delighted to see Oscar: "Uncle Sausage, it's been a long time! I knew Qin Shuang had come back, how could you not return too?"
Oscar was taken aback, his face turning a little awkward, while Qin Shuang chuckled, covering her mouth.
In the past, Qin Shuang also liked calling Oscar "Uncle Sausage" along with Ning Rongrong, but after years of travel, their relationship seemed to have grown closer, and now she directly called him "Little Oscar."
After the drinking session, Yang Xiong smiled: "Oscar, you did great during your travels. It seems like you've made huge improvements in combat and other areas. I'm relieved."
Oscar quickly responded: "Big Brother, everything is thanks to the plan you gave me. My trip to the extreme north was a huge success."
Yang Xiong asked: "Did you find the Mirror Image Beast I mentioned?"
Oscar nodded: "Of course! Not only did I obtain my sixth soul ring, but I also got something great. Just as you said, I've now truly gained combat power, and I'm no longer just a food-type soul master with no fighting ability."
Ning Rongrong snorted: "Uncle Sausage, you've just reached Soul Emperor at level 62, while I'm at level 63 now. I have one more level of soul power than you."
Everyone's expressions froze when they heard this. Ning Rongrong's speed of soul power improvement was probably faster than those of combat-type soul masters.
At just 19 years old, Ning Rongrong was already a Soul Emperor, which was extremely rare. Not to mention, she was a support-type Soul Emperor.
(END CHAPTER)
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