Douluo: From Internal Martial Arts to the Law of Heaven and Earth

Sir, I underestimated you after all.

At this moment, Tang Shan finally realized that something was wrong. However, the misunderstanding theory had already been explained. Why was this "Prince of Heavenly Dou" apologizing so solemnly? Could it be that the other party was secretly hiding a powerful figure related to the "Master"?

"Your Highness, you show my teacher exceptional respect."

"That's natural."

Xue Qinghe quietly calmed himself down and a smile returned to his face.

"Your master has nurtured two such outstanding geniuses for my Heavenly Dou Empire. How can I not respect him?"

Xue Qinghe naturally didn't tell the truth. She couldn't very well tell Tang Shan that his teacher held a special place in her heart. If she said that, she was afraid that Tang Shan would run away the next day.

"Your Highness, I haven't agreed to join your ranks yet."

Tang Shan felt somewhat helpless. Was this "angel lady" being too enthusiastic, and too eager to win him over? They had only known each other for a short time, and she had already drawn him into the Heavenly Dou Empire's camp. Moreover, her attitude towards the Grandmaster clearly revealed a certain peculiarity...

First of all, it is certain that the identity of the master's disciple has been basically settled in her mind, but Tang Shan does not believe that the master's disciple can have such a great influence. After all, the master is just a theoretical researcher. Even if he is suspected of having profound cultivation, he would not be so deliberately courted.

Thinking about it this way, Tang Shan gradually came to the answer. It must be that the talent of his own martial soul had left a deep impression on her, which was why she treated the master with such respect.

The two people sitting face to face were both lost in thought, but on the surface they remained calm and tacitly concealed their true feelings.

"Your Highness, my master's research on the true form of beast souls is indeed quite unorthodox. If you have any doubts, just listen to it as casual conversation and don't take it too seriously."

Tang Shan took the initiative to prepare a warning, since what he was about to say was practically a mockery of all the top Beast Martial Soul Masters.

The more Tangshan laid the groundwork, the more interested Xue Qinghe became, much like some children who are more inclined to try things the more their parents forbid them from doing.

"My master believes that almost all Beast Soul Masters have incomplete Martial Soul True Forms."

Tangshan was the first to put forward the core conclusion, which surprised Xue Qinghe: What does it mean that almost all Beast Martial Soul Masters have incomplete Martial Soul True Body? The literal meaning is understandable, but upon closer examination, it is puzzling. There is actually a concept of whether a Martial Soul True Body is complete or not?

"In terms of potential, the true form of the weapon spirit is superior, isn't that right?"

Upon hearing Tangshan's inquiry, Xue Qinghe subconsciously nodded.

"Since they are both seventh soul skills, why is there such a significant difference in their potential? Is it possible that the beast soul's true form is incomplete?"

Xue Qinghe frowned slightly and hesitated before answering, "That's true, but isn't that a bit far-fetched? Although I'm not very familiar with the details of cultivation, I shouldn't say that the Beast Soul True Body is incomplete just because its upper limit is lower than that of the Weapon Soul True Body."

Tangshan did not rush to refute, but instead asked another question.

"Your Highness, what are the differences between a Soul Saint or even a stronger Soul Master who uses a Beast Soul True Body and a true Soul Beast when the latter is in the activated Martial Soul True Body state?"

Upon hearing this question, Xue Qinghe was greatly shocked and blurted out four words: "No difference."

"No, there is still a difference. They don't have the pure fighting instincts of soul beasts, nor do they have the combat experience that soul beasts have accumulated over a long period of time, while my older brother does."

As he spoke, Tang Shan patted Su Yuntao on the shoulder. At that moment, Su Yuntao was eating a spiritual fruit produced by a plant-type soul beast that was several decades old. When he was patted like this, he blinked and looked at the two of them with a blank expression.

"You mean, a true Beast Soul Saint, after activating their Martial Soul True Body, can completely transform into a Soul Beast in a short period of time, even retaining their fighting instincts?"

"That's right. According to my teacher's speculation, once you enter that Martial Soul True Body state, it will consume spiritual power just like the Weapon Soul True Body."

"How do I enter this special Martial Soul True Body state?"

Even though the theory sounded a bit far-fetched, Xue Qinghe still had a considerable foundation of trust. Her previous views on cultivation had already been overturned once, and at this moment she quickly grasped the key point and subconsciously turned her gaze to Su Yuntao.

Clearly, Tang Shan's words just now made it very clear that Su Yuntao has the potential to enter this so-called true beast soul form.

"In fact, every Beast Soul Master has this potential; the key is whether they can develop it."

Seeing that Xue Qinghe was captivated by the theory he was explaining, Tang Shan's lips curled up slightly.

"As long as it's a beast martial soul, the soul master will retain some bloodline of the soul beast within them, and the martial soul also contains some of their ancestors' fighting instincts. This is evident from the soul master's grasp of battle timing and their control over the beast-transformed body after activating their beast soul true form."

The important thing is never whether there is potential, but whether it can be developed. As for how to develop it specifically, even my mentor didn't have a clear method. Even my older brother only achieved it by chance.

Xue Qinghe closed her eyes and fell into deep thought. Tang Shan did not disturb her and waited quietly for her response.

Is the true form of the beast soul he described real or fake?

This question lingered in Xue Qinghe's mind and wouldn't go away.

“Young Master, the master’s theory should be correct.”

The complex sounds of the porcupine doro echoed in Xue Qinghe's ears; it was communicating through sound transmission.

"Uncle Porcupine, how do you know?"

Xue Qinghe remained deep in thought, responding silently with his voice.

“We were just reminiscing about Su Yuntao’s battle on the arena. When he fought those two Royal Soul Masters under your command, Young Master, he entered a special state, which we all witnessed. I just analyzed the details of that battle and discovered that Su Yuntao’s subsequent fighting rhythm and timing have reached an extremely terrifying level. Moreover, his behavior is basically no different from that of a real soul beast.”

"How much does this state increase one's strength?"

The Porcupine Douluo sighed, his tone full of emotion: "Very strong. If I can fully master the combat experience and instincts corresponding to my martial soul, I am confident that I can challenge a level 93 Title Douluo with my newly broken level 91 soul power alone."

Xue Qinghe naturally understood why the Porcupine Douluo sighed. He had painstakingly cultivated to the level of a Titled Douluo, only to be told that his Martial Soul True Body was incomplete. This would be a tremendous blow to any top-tier Soul Master. No wonder Tang Shan said this theory was heretical. It wasn't just heretical; it was practically pointing a finger at all the top Beast Martial Soul Masters, saying: "Your cultivation is all wrong; you're all missing a crucial part."

"Uncle Prickly Porcupine, don't worry. I'll ask Tangshan later to see if there's any possibility of repairing this kind of disability."

Xue Qinghe offered a few words of comfort to the porcupine douluo via telepathy, but her own feelings became increasingly complicated.

Since the cultivation of the Porcupine Douluo has such problems, what about Grandpa Golden Crocodile? Do the other beast spirit worshippers in the Hall of Worship also have the same situation?

In a sense, her Angelic Martial Soul can be arguably classified as a Beast Martial Soul. Could her own cultivation also have this problem? Does that mean that her grandfather, who is a Peerless Douluo, also has the same cultivation shortcomings?

Xue Qinghe opened her eyes again, her gaze returning to its usual calm and serene expression. She looked at Tang Shan with an extremely serious expression.

"Your master is truly a prodigy. Such a revolutionary theory, upon closer examination, makes perfect sense. Such exceptional talent is unprecedented. Although there is no specific development method at present, do you have a general direction for development? If you, Tangshan, are willing to tell me, I am willing to give you a thousand-year-old soul bone as a token of my gratitude."

Tang Shan quickly waved his hand, his tone stern. "These are things Master has allowed outsiders to know; there's no need to hide them. As for the development direction, there is indeed one: imitating the daily behaviors of the corresponding spirit beast, and then attempting to completely merge the spirit beast's form with one's own. If one's talent is sufficient and one perseveres, there might be a chance to unlock this special state."

Tang Shan paused, then added, "While it's called development, it's actually more like a fusion of combat experience between a Soul Master and their Martial Soul. That's why my master calls this state 'Martial Soul Fusion.' However, my master speculates that the higher the Soul Power level of a Beast Soul Master, the harder it is to enter this state, because in his view, this state is the result of a perfect synergy between the Soul Master and their Martial Soul. Many Beast Soul Masters still tend to fight in a human-like manner, and over time, they have subconsciously worn down and silenced the remaining Soul Beast combat instincts and experiences in their Martial Soul and bloodline."

P.S.: Divine Martial Souls are quite special, as will be explained later; they are not on the same level as Beast Martial Souls.

Chapter 61 Successful Surrender, Choosing a Soul Beast (Please add to your favorites and subscribe)

In the shadows, Serpent Spear Douluo gently patted Porcupine Douluo on the shoulder.

"Relax and think about it carefully. We're already lucky to have broken through to the Title Douluo level. So what if the master's theory is also flawed?"

Even if these words came from Serpent Spear Douluo himself, he wouldn't believe them. The dense theoretical output just now not only benefited the two of them greatly, but also made them clearly realize that in terms of understanding martial soul cultivation, there was a world of difference between themselves and masters.

The more one's own understanding of spiritual practice, the more profound one's reverence for the master becomes.

Before he was granted a title, seeing the master was like a frog in a well gazing at the moon in the sky.

Once granted a title, seeing the master again felt like floating in the clear sky.

The gap seems to be widening.

Is that so?

Xue Qinghe felt a lump in his throat, and slowly opened his mouth, his tone full of complexity.

"Your Highness need not worry. Even if this potential is not developed, it will not have much impact on daily cultivation."

Tang Shan offered simple words of comfort, deliberately ignoring the soul power pathways that automatically emerged within Su Yuntao's body after she entered that state.

That's absolutely a coincidence. Not entering the spirit fusion state might just mean slightly weaker combat power, but there are no other disadvantages.

Don't let this angel lady lose her composure; don't overthink it. The Six-Winged Angel martial soul is most likely, probably, perhaps, possibly not a beast martial soul; just obediently cultivate it without worry.

Tang Shan himself wasn't sure if this method would work on the six-winged angel, but to avoid Qian Renxue overthinking and developing serious self-doubt, he proactively changed the subject.

"Your Highness, if I were to join your ranks, what kind of treatment would I receive?"

Xue Qinghe paused for a moment, barely managing to suppress his increasingly chaotic thoughts, and responded without hesitation:

"All kinds of cultivation resources are fully available. I will report to my father later and ask for at least two ten-thousand-year soul bones. The empire will be responsible for finding and assisting in hunting the soul beasts needed for each stage of cultivation."

A flicker of struggle crossed her face, but then, as if she had made up her mind, she solemnly added, "If I ascend to the throne in the future, and you reach the ninth ring, I will spare no expense, incurring the debts of many, to ask all the Title Douluos to join me in hunting down a 100,000-year-old soul beast for you."

hiss!

Sitting to the side, Su Yuntao couldn't help but gasp. That was a 100,000-year soul ring, a 100,000-year soul ring with two soul skills! In addition, 100,000-year soul beasts have a 100% chance of producing soul bones, and absorbing the same type of soul bone can bring out the maximum effect. In other words, Xue Qinghe was essentially promising a 100,000-year soul ring and a 100,000-year soul bone. Such generosity was truly astonishing.

Tang Shan was also quite surprised. The power level in the first Douluo Continent was far less advanced than in the second Douluo Continent, and at that time, the Title Douluo did not yet have a Soul Core.

In Douluo Continent II, a 100,000-year-old soul beast that could be easily killed by a Super Douluo could have fought Super Douluo to a standstill in Douluo Continent I. In addition, the physical strength of a Super Douluo is not as good as that of a 100,000-year-old soul beast, so it is extremely difficult to truly kill a 100,000-year-old soul beast.

Consider the current Pope: he possesses twin martial souls, is undergoing the Rakshasa God Trial, has mastered numerous rule-based soul skills, and has the assistance of the powerful and influential Luo, including two Title Douluo with martial soul fusion skills. Yet, even so, he still expended tremendous effort in hunting the Titan Giant Ape and the Azure Bull Python, ultimately having these two soul beasts sacrifice themselves for Tang San. This demonstrates the immense weight of Xue Qinghe's final promise.

Although she made several conditions before making the promise—first, that she would ascend to the throne, and second, that Tang Shan would need the ninth soul ring (that is, to become a quasi-titled figure)—it was enough to show how much she valued Tang Shan.

Feeling that the other party's offer was already quite generous, Tang Shan no longer hesitated. He knew very well that to gain more, he had to first demonstrate greater personal value; he couldn't expect the other party to continue increasing investment based solely on his promises. He had a clear understanding of himself; he wasn't a "failed art student" who could be so cunning and deceitful. It was much more reliable to demonstrate his abilities so that the other party would voluntarily increase their investment.

"Your Highness is so sincere, I have no doubt. You treat me as a national hero, and I will repay you with the world."

Tang Shan stood up and bowed deeply to Xue Qinghe.

Xue Qinghe quickly helped him up and asked him to sit down, then turned his gaze to Su Yuntao beside him.

"Since Shanzi has pledged allegiance to Your Highness, I will not hesitate any longer and will follow Your Highness's orders from now on."

Su Yuntao grinned, looking like she was completely obedient to Tang Shan.

"Good, good, good!" Xue Qinghe was overjoyed. With the help of Tang Shan and Su Yuntao, two outstanding talents, how could the Tiandou Empire not prosper in the future?

What's more, the two of them are disciples of a master. Now that your disciples are in my hands, even if you want to escape in the future, you may not be able to.

As for the master's current seclusion, Xue Qinghe firmly believes that with the master's monstrous talent, the bottleneck of the Extreme Douluo realm is nothing at all.

Master, you are destined to fall under my control.

Looking at Xue Qinghe's radiant smile, Tang Shan felt a chill creep down his spine, as if he were being watched by some ominous creature.

This feeling doesn't seem to come from those two Title Douluo. So what exactly is this sudden sense of foreboding?

Subconsciously, Tang Shan felt an urge to shield Xue Qinghe in front of him, but he ultimately suppressed it.

"Your Highness, what are your further instructions?"

Tang Shan was very self-aware of his role as a subordinate; as soon as he returned to Xue Qinghe, he took the initiative to inquire about his job.

Of course, he also felt that, given the current situation, Xue Qinghe probably didn't have much for him to do immediately.

"No need to be so respectful, Tangshan. If you don't mind, just call me Brother Xue from now on."

"Etiquette should not be neglected; I shall still address you as Your Highness."

Tang Shan responded verbally, but in his heart, he was making a series of calculations.

What a joke! Now I call him "Brother Xue," but what if his true identity is revealed later? Wouldn't I have to change my address to "Sister Xue"? I have my pride too, how could I do that?

Xue Qinghe couldn't refuse Tang Shan, so he let him continue to call him Your Highness; Su Yuntao was older than Xue Qinghe, so he also called him Your Highness like Tang Shan.

"Tangshan, all you need to do now is focus on your cultivation. Only when your cultivation level improves can you truly help me. You don't need to worry about anything else."

As Tang Shan had expected, Xue Qinghe gave the order, and he nodded and agreed seriously.

"By the way, you're level nineteen now, not far from level twenty. It's time to start looking for a soul beast for your second soul ring. What are your thoughts on that?"

Tang Shan was overjoyed; this was a real boon! If he relied solely on Su Haichao, with his strength, venturing into either the Star Dou Great Forest or the Sunset Forest would be fraught with danger, and finding a suitable soul beast would be incredibly difficult. Even if he managed to find a suitable soul beast, it was uncertain whether Su Haichao could successfully injure him.

Now that he has successfully pledged allegiance to Xue Qinghe, both the overt power of the Prince's Mansion and the covert power of the Spirit Hall can become his aid in finding the soul beast.

Once you find the target soul beast, you can go straight to kill it and absorb its soul ring—it couldn't be more exhilarating.

"Your Highness, I am not yet sure how many years the second soul ring can absorb, as I have not had time to test it. After all, my main spirit provides an extraordinary boost to my physical attributes, and my first soul ring is already a thousand years old, so the second soul ring's lifespan may be significantly longer than the first. As for the type of soul beast, it is best to prioritize those with a strength attribute; if the soul beast's skills have both strength and some spiritual attributes, that would be even more perfect."

My main martial soul also encompasses the brain, so absorbing this type of soul ring should be quite beneficial to my main martial soul.

Xue Qinghe's eyes flickered. Speaking of which, she had never truly witnessed the full strength of Tang Shan and Su Yuntao.

"I understand. We will send people to the various soul beast forests as soon as possible to find suitable soul beasts. As for the time limit for absorbing soul rings..."

She looked up at the sky outside the window and continued, "Tomorrow, come over tomorrow. I have several powerful guards with me; they'll be more than capable of testing your physical attributes and the limits your soul rings can withstand. Besides, I also want to see for myself what's so special about your original martial soul, Tang Shan."

"Then I'll trouble Your Highness tomorrow."

Tangshan expressed its gratitude once again.

"Now that you have joined my ranks, it is only natural that I should help you solve these problems related to cultivation."

Xue Qinghe turned his gaze to Su Yuntao, but before he could ask, Su Yuntao spoke first:

“Your Highness, I am still some distance from reaching my cultivation bottleneck, so I am not in a hurry to find a soul ring. Moreover, according to my teacher's arrangement, the soul beasts I absorb only need to be wolves, and the higher the quality, the better. There are no special requirements for their attributes. If there is anything I need in terms of cultivation, it is that I hope Your Highness can arrange more opponents for me to spar with.”

I found that I improved much faster in combat.

"Of course, that's no problem."

Xue Qinghe agreed without hesitation: "Since you want to find an opponent to spar with, I will go to General Hong Zhen in a few days to ask if it is possible to arrange for a Grand Soul Master in the army to compete with you."