The Great Thief of the Universe, Starting from Douluo

Chapter 37: Sense of Identity (6K Chapter)

After leaving the Pope's Palace, the smile on Zhang San's face disappeared.

He glanced at Hu Liena and the other two who were waiting outside and tilted his head slightly.

"Come with me."

He brought the three of them to the newly built training ground, and soon, Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling also arrived.

The two were brought here by Meng Ji. The little guy has a telepathic connection with Zhang San, and coupled with his excellent stealth ability, he can also help Zhang San run errands on weekdays.

"Little San!"

Dugu Yan pulled Ye Lingling and happily came to Zhang San. She looked at the training ground behind Zhang San and the smile on her face froze.

She had experienced Zhang San's military training method, and the training ground in front of her was obviously more professional than the simple version built in the Yin-Yang Eye of Ice and Fire.

In addition to the 400-meter obstacle course, there are many more training equipment. In addition, the bumpy sand track is specially reserved around the venue, which is obviously prepared for weighted cross-country running.

Just by looking at it, Dugu Yan felt his calves twitching slightly. This feeling can only be understood by those who have experienced it.

"Very good, everyone is here."

Motioning for the five to stand in a row, Zhang San glanced around and said calmly, "I won't waste any more time talking nonsense. The teacher has already given the order. During the training, everything will be subject to my order. Is there any problem?"

"no problem."

Of course, the three of them did not dare to disobey the Pope's order.

Not to mention that Zhang San was a three-ring soul master certified by the Pope himself. Although the three of them were proud, facing a monster whose talent far exceeded their own, that arrogance was really not worthy of being mentioned.

Even Yan, who was upset about Zhang San's previous attitude, nodded obediently at this moment.

Status, cultivation, talent, the man in front of him was no match for him in any aspect. Although he had a bad temper, he was not a fool.

"Then let's talk about daily basic training first."

Zhang San said calmly, "One lap of this training ground is 400 meters. The first thing you do every day when you arrive here is a 20-kilometer cross-country run with weights. You are not allowed to use soul power for the first 10 kilometers, but you can for the last 10 kilometers. The total time must not exceed half an hour. After the warm-up..."

"warm up?!"

Before Zhang San could finish, Hu Liena exclaimed, "Twenty kilometers with weights... or is that a warm-up?"

"This is the first time you interrupt me, and it will certainly be the last time."

Zhang San raised his eyes slightly, and Hu Liena quickly fell silent, feeling a little aggrieved.

Yan on the side frowned and wanted to say something, but when he remembered Bibi Dong's order, he held back for the time being.

"After the warm-up, you will have a ten-minute rest. After the rest, it will be the second training session, the 400-meter obstacle course."

Zhang San tilted his head and said, "See the track over there? Sister Yan, please show us the track."

Dugu Yan said "oh", walked forward silently and stood at the starting point.

Then she rushed out suddenly, sprinted a hundred meters, and then performed a series of operations such as passing through piles and climbing over walls.

After reaching the finish line, he went around the pole and repeated the previous obstacle in a different way. Finally, he ran back to the starting point at a high speed. The whole set of movements was smooth and flowing.

"For this obstacle course, if it were an ordinary soldier with strong physical fitness, with a little training, he could run it in two minutes, or even one and a half minutes."

Zhang San said calmly, "Although I can't use my soul power, a soul master's physique is far superior to that of an ordinary person. My requirements are not high. Ten sets of 400-meter obstacles, each set must be within one and a half minutes. Is that okay?"

"no problem!"

Hu Liena and the other two nodded quickly. Compared to the 400-kilometer weighted race that sounded so exhausting, this -meter obstacle course seemed completely effortless, and it was only ten sets...

Only Dugu Yan, who had just finished the demonstration, and Ye Lingling, who had learned about Zhang San's training methods from Dugu Yan, had pale faces.

Ten sets of 400-meter hurdles?
Whether it is ten groups or four hundred, it doesn't sound like a lot, but if converted into a simple unit of length, it is four kilometers!

And it’s limited to an obstacle course of one and a half minutes...

Dugu Yan remembered clearly that at the beginning, he was just as confident as these three people, but in the end, Group 5 could no longer rise...

Ten groups?

Wouldn't that make the lungs burst out?

Having been exhausted by obstacle running before, Dugu Yan also carefully studied this training method.

Unlike ordinary long and short distance running, obstacle running makes it impossible to maintain a steady breathing rate because of the need to climb over obstacles.

Moreover, under this premise, you have to mobilize the coordination of muscles throughout the body, and the key is that there is a speed requirement. Therefore, although the distance is only 400 meters, if you really run a lap, the physical energy consumption is greater than running 1,000 meters at a constant speed!

It’s just the short distance that makes it look extremely deceptive. Only when you actually run on it, you will know how tiring it is!
After explaining the training tasks, Zhang San ordered someone to bring a large box.

When the box was opened, there were several sets of thick black vests that looked like old-style bulletproof vests, as well as several pairs of black leather boots, wrist guards, and sandbags.

"These are specially made weights, each one filled with iron sand and refined steel. The vest weighs 20 kilograms, the boots weigh 10 kilograms, the wrist guards weigh 2 kilograms, and the sandbags weigh 10 kilograms. For the next few days, you must wear the weights at all times except when bathing or sleeping."

Upon hearing Zhang San's words, Dugu Yan immediately let out a pitiful whimper.

Back in the Yin-Yang Eyes of Ice and Fire, she only carried weights during long-distance running...

"A load of over forty kilograms?"

Xie Yue picked up a set of iron sand vests and weighed them: "With this level of weight, running twenty kilometers alone would make me half dead..."

Zhang San chuckled. "So, isn't this evenly distributing the weight across the body?"

"Are these the only two trainings?"

Dugu Yan looked at Zhang San dimly, always feeling that this boy had bad intentions.

"Today is the first day after all, let you get used to it first."

Zhang San smiled and said, "Everyone, prepare your swimsuits this afternoon. I'll take you to the water-attribute mimicry training ground to play in the water. You can swim, right?"

"Oh? Swimming?"

Hu Liena immediately became interested: "I can, I can!"

"That's good…"

Zhang San nodded.

Then, in the afternoon, the water attribute mimicry training ground...

In the vast lake, there was a loud bang, and Hu Liena screamed and was blown away by the waves several meters high.

Also knocked away were Xie Yue, Yan and Ye Lingling.

None of them had expected that what Zhang San called playing in the water actually meant asking them to withstand the waves created by a Soul Emperor!

Because her martial soul is a python and she is very flexible, Dugu Yan can resist a little better than the others, but she can only hold on with difficulty and can't even help Ye Lingling.

After half a day of long-distance running and obstacle running, the obstacle running became a nightmare for several people. Hu Liena and others also realized how dangerous Zhang San's training was.

We had planned to relax in the afternoon, but as soon as we entered the water, a huge wave hit us head-on and knocked us away!
"Swim back for me!"

Zhang Sanfei was in mid-air, holding a loud speaker in his hand: "Three round trips, now you can rest! Come on everyone, Sister Yan has already swum halfway!"

"Devil! This guy is a devil!"

Yan screamed as he was knocked over by the waves. He wiped the water off his face and said, "Aren't you going to train with me?"

"This training is of no use to me."

Zhang San snorted lightly. The Bei Ming Divine Art had greatly enhanced his physique. After another round of ice and fire alchemy, his physical strength was now no worse than that of a strong attack soul king.

With the same training, the waves must be at least twice as high.

He didn't care, but if a wave came down, these people would probably all be washed away...

Finally, two hours later, the few of them finished the training exhausted.

Dugu Bo and Yue Guan, along with their maids, took the few people back home and soaked them in the medicinal bath that had been prepared earlier.

“This training is really brutal…”

In the evening, in the living room of Zhang San's house, Dugu Bo was holding a teacup and watching the maid carry the two unconscious women back to their respective rooms, and he was shocked.

"But it seems that this training not only targets physical strength, but also has a strong effect on willpower. I really don't know how you figured it out..."

"Where is this?"

Zhang San scoffed. "It's just some basic training. Human potential is endless."

Dugu Bo nodded and said, "I have a deep understanding of this. I have personally witnessed Yanyan's rapid advancement of one level per month in the Yin-Yang Eye of Ice and Fire."

"That's just the effect of the magical grass. But even without the magical grass, if we have enough food and medicine to replenish our body, reaching the first level in two months is definitely not a problem."

Zhang San explained with a smile, "The human body constantly adapts to external stress, injury, viruses, and so on, gradually becoming able to withstand them, or even becoming immune to them."

"By repeatedly pushing them to their limits, even to the point of near-death training, their bodies will subconsciously sense that their survival is in danger, thus continuously accelerating their physical and spiritual power recovery and cultivation speed. This is the fundamental reason why Sister Yan's cultivation speed has increased."

"I see!"

Dugu Bo immediately understood: "I have also experienced breakthroughs after life-or-death crises. I think it is the same principle, right?"

"Yes, that's the reason."

Zhang San nodded and checked the time: "Okay, I still have something to do, Grandpa, you should go back and rest early."

"You kid... you really can't sit still for a moment!"

Dugu Bo glared and said, "I'm still trying to get a free meal from you! What's so important?"

"Taming a hundred thousand year old soul beast."

"Farewell!"

Dugu Bo stood up and left without hesitation.

He had no doubt about the truthfulness of Zhang San's words. This kid, with only a level 20 soul power, dared to recruit a Titled Douluo like him. What else in the world would he not dare to do?
Moreover, the strength of a hundred thousand year old soul beast is comparable to that of a level ninety-five title. If he is forced to be used as cheap labor, his old body will not be able to withstand the torture.

Zhang San just chuckled when he saw this. Meng Ji possessed him and stepped into the dream world, arriving in Xiao Wu's dream.

"Third brother~"

When Xiao Wu saw Zhang San, she walked up to him obediently and reported Tang San's movements to him.

"Tang San didn't do anything unusual today, but I heard that he originally wanted to go to the blacksmith shop to earn money, but because his spirit power level was only level three, the master didn't agree and told him to practice hard and reach level ten as soon as possible."

"Yes, what about the emotional aspect?"

"Oh, right! Speaking of which, Tang San and Wang Sheng had some unpleasantness today."

Xiao Wu perked up: "Because on the day of enrollment, when Wang Sheng invited us all to dinner, he kindly reminded us that Master Tang San had a bad reputation and that we should be cautious when becoming his disciple. As a result, Tang San got angry."

"Then a few days ago, because Tang San's spirit power disappeared, that master came to Dormitory 7 and acted arrogantly. He checked everyone's spirit power. Wang Sheng and the others complained a few words, and Tang San heard it and asked Wang Sheng to apologize."

"Oh? What then?"

"And then... I became the peacemaker."

Xiao Wu stuck out her tongue in embarrassment: "Tang San only has level three spirit power. When he was isolated by others, I helped him. He will naturally be grateful to me. Besides, no matter what, Wang Sheng and the others are also my brothers..."

Zhang San nodded. There was nothing wrong with Xiao Wu's approach. "Next time, you can wait until the conflict escalates and Tang San is being beaten up before stepping in. But don't let him suffer too much. That guy has a hidden weapon, and it will be a disaster if someone dies."

Xiao Wu nodded obediently: "Xiao Wu understands!"

“But it was pretty good this time.”

Seeing Xiao Wu's careful and well-behaved appearance, Zhang San nodded with satisfaction: "Is there any reward you want?"

"award?"

Xiao Wu's eyes lit up: "Can Xiao Wu also get a reward?"

"Of course, rewarding merit and punishing fault is an unchanging principle since ancient times."

Zhang San chuckled. "Although you are bound by the contract, you are still mine, so you naturally have the right to receive the reward."

"Then... Third Brother, can you not ask Xiao Wu to sacrifice herself in the future?" Xiao Wu thought for a moment, looked at Zhang San timidly, and asked carefully.

"To be honest, the Soft Bone Rabbit Spirit Ring is not within my consideration. As for Spirit Bones, I don't lack them either."

Zhang San shook his head and laughed, "Since you've been quite obedient, I have the Twelve-Way Tan Leg, Wing Chun for close combat, and Judo, a comprehensive system. They're all suitable for you. Pick one?"

Xiao Wu didn't hesitate: "Then Xiao Wu wants the leg technique!"

Zhang San looked at her with a half-smile: "You don't want to choose judo? Aren't you the best at judo?"

"Too many soft and close combat techniques..."

Xiao Wu's face flushed slightly: "Xiao Wu... isn't she Third Brother's property? How can I let others take advantage of her..."

Feeling the shyness coming from Xiao Wu's heart, and remembering her identity as the heroine, Zhang San felt inexplicably comfortable, yet speechless.

This perverted habit is really hopeless...

However, this little girl knows a lot. After all, she is the incarnation of a hundred thousand year old soul beast. She knows everything and has a hint of innocence, which is really a bit intoxicating.

"Third brother..."

"Ok?"

"You really don't want Xiao Wu to be sacrificed?"

Xiao Wu lowered her head, her tone somewhat uneasy, worried that Zhang San was testing her again: "Sacrificing a hundred thousand year old soul beast would have significant benefits even for a Titled Douluo. If it comes to a critical moment..."

"In the process of inheriting the divine throne, there will be a divinely bestowed spirit ring, which is more in line with the essence of the martial soul than any hundred thousand year spirit ring."

"So don't worry. Although I'm not a good person, I don't have the habit of killing innocent people. Whether they are humans or soul beasts, it makes no difference to me..."

Zhang San said, lifting up Xiao Wu's delicate little face and examining her carefully. "Besides, a beautiful girl who is the incarnation of a hundred thousand year old soul beast is far more pleasing to the eye than a dead creature like Huan Gu, isn't it?"

"Third brother..."

Xiao Wu's heart trembled when she heard Zhang San's words.

Gazing at the sacred and handsome face in front of her, her cheeks gradually became hot, and her ivory-white legs rubbed against each other unconsciously.

"What? What are you thinking about, you rogue rabbit?"

Sensing the chaotic thoughts coming from Xiao Wu, Zhang San smiled.

"Third brother..."

Realizing that her thoughts were known by the other party, Xiao Wu's face turned even redder, and even her fair neck was covered with a layer of pink.

"Be good and grow up quickly."

Zhang San chuckled and stopped teasing the little girl.

The future is still long, there is no need to rush, he has plenty of time to "cultivate" the other party.

After teaching Xiao Wu the key points of practicing Tan Legs, he left.

Because she had to report Tang San's movements, Xiao Wu started meditating before seven o'clock every day, entering a sub-sleep state, waiting for Zhang San to pull her into the dream space.

So when Zhang San came out of his little dance dream, it was only half past seven.

Keeping invisible, Zhang San sneaked into Bibi Dong's bedroom and knocked on the door.

"Teacher~"

Zhang San called out softly, as if he was here to have a secret affair.

"Come in."

Hearing Bibi Dong's voice, Zhang San pushed open the door and rushed into the room.

"You kid..."

Seeing Zhang San like this, Bibi Dong burst out laughing. "Why do you act like a thief? You sneaked into the bedroom without even notifying anyone. If anyone knew, you'd be punished for disrespect!"

"I'm just worried about my reputation as a teacher. After all, I'm a boy, right?"

Zhang San chuckled, but was stunned again when he saw Bibi Dong's outfit.

Bibi Dong was seen leaning on the sofa with her legs crossed, her long hair draped softly over her shoulders, her lavender nightgown clinging to her curvy body, her white jade-like legs crossed, and one of her delicate bare feet gently raised.

And at the top of the jade foot, five round and playful toes like green grapes are dotted with light pink nail polish, sparkling with an ambiguous glow under the light.

There were exquisite dishes and wine on the low table in front of the sofa, as well as a large glass of iced juice. Judging from their placement, they were obviously prepared for Zhang San.

"A little brat who hasn't even grown all his hair yet, and he's already worried about his reputation..."

Noticing Zhang San's dazed reaction, Bibi Donger smiled with a hint of pride.

Women are always complacent about their own charm, and even Bibi Dong is no exception.

"Sit down and eat with me."

Bibi Dong asked Zhang San to sit down and handed him the chopsticks. When she saw the cloak on Zhang San, her brows slightly frowned.

"Why do you wear your cloak all day long? Even when you eat?"

“Practice makes perfect.”

Zhang San laughed and showed no intention of taking it off.

No matter which world the treasure hunting equipment is placed in, it is definitely a T0-level life-saving artifact.

He came here tonight to treat Bibi Dong's psychological problems. If this woman suddenly went crazy, a random slap could kill him.

"Habit? Hum..."

Bibi Dong glanced at him and said, "I think this cloak is the reason you have the guts to win over Dugu Bo. Why are you still afraid that the teacher will eat you?"

"this…"

Zhang San hesitated. "I've been out there for the past six months, and I've discovered that compared to men, women are often more emotional and impulsive. Of course, I'm talking about ordinary women. This makes me feel insecure..."

Bibi Dong's brows twitched, and her blood pressure seemed to be rising slightly.

What do you mean by this emphasis? What does your act of tightening your cloak mean?
"Take it off!"

Seeing Zhang San's embarrassment, Bibi Dong looked at him with a fake smile: "Why don't you feel safe around the teacher?"

The biggest danger in this world is you, bitch!
Zhang San silently complained in his heart and quietly put away his cloak.

"uh-huh?"

Bibi Dong lightly kicked Zhang San's boots with the tip of her toes. Zhang San twitched the corner of his mouth, and the leather boots turned into light and disappeared, leaving only a pair of black socks.

"Why are you wearing all black?"

Bibi Dong said in a somewhat annoyed tone: "You have such a pretty face, but you don't know how to dress up at all..."

Zhang Sanyi spread his hands: "But teacher, I am a thief!"

"Are you still a thief every day?"

Bibi Dong spat softly: "No, how can you be a thief and still be so confident?"

"What's wrong with being a thief?"

Zhang Sanyi spread his hands and said, "Cultivation is all about competing for opportunities. At least it can save a lot of unnecessary fighting, right?"

"You little rascal, you're always right!"

Bibi Dong smiled and said, "You haven't eaten yet, eat something first. I'm very curious about your biggest secret..."

"Teacher, you speak first."

Zhang San took two bites of food and looked at Bibi Dong expectantly.

"I…"

Bibi Dong was a little conflicted. It didn't matter whether she said it first or not, but that past... she really didn't want to mention it.

She had specially prepared some strong liquor for this purpose, but she hadn't started drinking it yet...

"Then let's play rock-paper-scissors."

Seeing Bibi Dong's embarrassed expression, Zhang San held out his hand and said, "Rock, paper, scissors?"

"Then play rock-paper-scissors!"

Bibi Dong took a deep breath and raised her hand: "Rock, Paper, Scissors!"

They both attacked at the same time, Zhang San played scissors and Bibi Dong played rock.

"I won!"

Bibi Dong smiled proudly: "How is it? You won't cheat, right?"

Zhang San curled his lips: "I won't, I'm just afraid you'll cheat..."

"The teacher never cheats!"

Seeing that she was about to learn Zhang San's secret, Bibi Dong felt an urgency in her heart: "Once you finish speaking, I will tell you immediately!"

"Okay then~"

Zhang San thought for a moment and said, "Actually, I have twin martial spirits."

"Twin martial souls?"

Bibi Dong was stunned: "A cloak and boots?"

"it is this!"

Zhang San clapped his hands lightly, and a snow-white leopard suddenly emerged from beside his feet.

"Meng Ji~"

Meng Ji Nai cried out and jumped onto Zhang San's legs.

"This little guy... is it your martial spirit?"

Bibi Dong screamed in shock and looked at Meng Ji in disbelief.

When Zhang San came back earlier, she noticed the little leopard following Zhang San around happily.

Because it looked so childish, she thought it was a soul beast cub that Zhang San picked up from somewhere and raised it as a pet. She never thought it was actually this kid's martial soul!

Zhang San grinned: "That's right, a beast spirit with consciousness, independent existence, and the ability to cultivate..."

"No wonder..."

Bibi Dong suddenly remembered Zhang San's opinion of Luo Sanpao when they were in the Xingdou Great Forest: "No wonder you understand the evolution of independent martial spirits so well..."

"No, teacher, you misunderstood."

Zhang San shook his head. This kind of misunderstanding was unacceptable. "Meng Ji was awakened for the second time after I took the immortal grass. Perhaps it was because of the reason you mentioned earlier, teacher. I was very interested in the existence of that kind of martial spirit, so I subconsciously awakened to this form."

"I see…"

Bibi Dong breathed a sigh of relief. It was understandable that she had awakened her twin martial spirits for the second time due to chance.

"So? What's it called?"

"Mengji! This is the name of this race, but Mengji is the only one in the world, so we'll stick with it."

Zhang San lifted up the little leopard: "Twin martial spirits, huh? How's that? This secret is explosive, right?"

Seeing him showing off like this, Bibi Dong couldn't help but smile. She reached out to take Meng Ji, held him in her arms and gently stroked his fur.

"So, I was right to accept you as my disciple. You may not know this, but... I also have twin martial spirits."

Zhang San was surprised when he heard this, and punched hard in his heart!

Isn’t this the sense of recognition?
　Today's update! Failed the 10,000-word challenge, will continue tomorrow!!!
　　
　
(End of this chapter)