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

"Perhaps the Jade Scale Serpent has undergone a certain mutation in our family. Our ancestors discovered that the more deadly poison a person has in their body before their martial soul awakens, the higher their innate soul power will be when their martial soul awakens."

I am an exception in the Dugu family; when my martial soul awakened, I possessed innate soul power at level eight. Before me, my father and grandfather only had innate soul power at level six; my son, Dugu Xin, barely reached level seven; and my granddaughter, Dugu Yan, reached the peak of level seven, incredibly close to level eight.

Tang Shan was shocked when he heard that the Green Scale Serpent Martial Soul of the Dugu family had such outrageous effects. His first feeling was one of unparalleled shock, followed by doubt. How could a Martial Soul have such outrageous effects?

"Is it a coincidence? How could the amount of poison in the body affect the level of innate soul power?"

"It's not a coincidence. My family has a genealogy, which records that the earliest Dugu family Soul Master awakened the Azure Scale Serpent Martial Soul with only level one innate Soul Power. The Soul Masters of the following generations also basically did not reach the Soul Venerable level. However, although there were no Soul Venerables, our family has awakened a large number of Soul Masters with level two and three innate Soul Power."

The family elders at the time were also very curious about this situation. After a long period of research, they discovered that the more poison in the body, the higher the innate soul power when the martial soul awakens.

As for the accumulation of toxins, since the cultivation levels of the previous generations of the family never improved, and the accumulation of toxins was not much at the beginning, it was not discovered until my generation, when it finally broke out.

This is the drawback of our Dugu family's Jade Scale Serpent Martial Soul. If this continues, I fear the Dugu family will be completely cut off from its lineage.

Tangshan, I hope you can help me solve this problem. If you can't solve it, I hope you can help me contact a master.

To be honest, I was out of my mind a few years ago. I was only thinking about detoxification, but I forgot that the root cause lay in the martial spirit itself. I should have addressed the problem with the martial spirit itself.

Towards the end, Dugu Bo's tone was filled with self-deprecation, helplessness, and a touch of melancholy.

To be honest, anyone who could foresee the dark future destined for their family would be filled with despair.

"If the toxins continue to accumulate, does that mean that every generation after that might be born with full soul power?"

Xue Qinghe subconsciously deduced from the Dugu family's way of developing their talents, and suddenly realized a very scary future.

"Theoretically, that's true, but according to my estimation, this kind of toxin accumulation can only enhance talent up to the peak of level eight at most. Once the toxins in the body accumulate to a level nine of innate soul power, the child will probably die in the womb."

Dugu Bo remained calm, clearly having already made his own speculation about Xue Qinghe. Unfortunately, it was ultimately just a mirage, something he could only dream of but never reach.

"A fallen soul master, or you could say an evil soul master."

The two words that Tang Shan suddenly uttered while he was silently pondering puzzled Xue Qinghe and Dugu Bo.

Tang Shan straightened out his thoughts and made a very bold deduction: "Let's not talk about how to solve it first. Let's talk about the core essence of the Evil Martial Soul: it uses 'sacrifice' as the price to exchange for power enhancement, and the side effects are irreversible."

"Senior, you see, the core of an evil soul master is sacrificing the lives of others and absorbing their soul power to accelerate their own cultivation. But your Dugu family's Jade Scale Serpent martial soul sacrifices your own life force to enhance your innate soul power."

Tang Shan's eyes were deep, and his calm tone resonated like thunder in Xue Qinghe and Dugu Bo's minds: "Senior, I noticed something was wrong the first time we met: even an old Title Douluo should have strong internal energy and robust bones, but your complexion is withered and bloodless, and even your voice is hoarse from the effects of poison. This is clearly the result of the backlash from your Martial Soul."

Evil spirit masters fall into evil by harming others, and you are poisoned by the backlash of your own actions—both are essentially the price to pay for gaining this power. Therefore, the Jade Scale Serpent Martial Soul is not a flaw of ordinary Martial Souls, but a special kind of evil Martial Soul that comes at the cost of self-harm.

Silence. The entire side hall fell into a deathly silence. Dugu Bo opened his mouth, his Adam's apple bobbing several times, but he couldn't find any way to refute it.

Tangshan's inference, though bold, was also clear and logical, progressing step by step.

From its essential definition to its specific characteristics, and then to the corroboration from his own observations, every point accurately hit the core issue of the Jade Scale Serpent Martial Soul, leaving Dugu Bo speechless.

Moreover, this is not a debate, but a solution to the problems of the Dugu family, so there is no benefit in trying to argue against it.

"How can we solve this drawback of martial souls?"

Seeing that Dugu Bo hadn't spoken yet, Xue Qinghe simply asked on his behalf.

"It's hard to say about Senior Dugu's condition, but your granddaughter's poison is relatively easy to cure."

"what?!"

Upon hearing the words "your granddaughter's poison is relatively easy to cure," Dugu Bo, still reeling from the shock of discovering his martial soul was an evil one, was struck as if by lightning, jerking up from his seat. His withered hands gripped his clothes tightly, his knuckles turning white from the force, and his emerald eyes flashed with a burning, almost manic light. His voice suddenly rose, trembling uncontrollably: "What did you say? Yan Yan's poison can be cured? How?! I am unimportant, I don't care if I die, as long as Yan Yan can live, as long as she can grow up safely, I am willing to pay any price! Even if it means losing all my soul power, even if it means taking all the poison for her, I am willing!"

Tears could no longer be held back and rolled down his deeply lined face, dripping onto his clothes and leaving dark stains.

His body swayed slightly, his heart filled with the vulnerability and urgency of regaining what he had lost. Heaven knows how many times he had dreamt of his son's body riddled with sores from the poison, and of his granddaughter writhing in agony under the torment of the deadly poison.

He had already lost his son; he absolutely could not lose his only granddaughter as well.

If he were to outlive his son again, how could he face his son in the afterlife?

“Senior Dugu, I just haven’t figured out your treatment plan yet, it doesn’t mean you really can’t treat me.”

"Take care of Yanyan first! Tell me how to treat Yanyan!"

Dugu Bo completely ignored the second half of Tang Shan's sentence, his hands unconsciously reaching forward as if to grasp at this only lifeline, his eyes burning with desire.

“I have two ways to treat your granddaughter. One can preserve her poisonous abilities, while the other can only preserve some of them. However, the former is a temporary solution, while the latter is a cure.”

Dugu Bo swallowed back the words "I choose the first one" that were about to slip out, intending to listen to Tang Shan's specific method before making a decision.

P.S.: There's one more bonus chapter. Whether there will be a second bonus chapter is uncertain; it depends on the author's mood at the time. The secondary interpretation of the Azure Scale Serpent Martial Soul here is to find a relatively reasonable explanation for its flaws, similar to a certain fat man's Evil Fire Phoenix.

Chapter 130: A Potential Pitfall for Soul Bone Poisoning; Soul Core Technology May Cause a Major Problem (Bonus Chapter for 600 Monthly Tickets)

"The first method is to treat the symptoms. Get a soul bone, any age will do. After fusing and absorbing it, guide the toxins in your granddaughter's body into it. When needed, you can draw them out. In this way, the poison technique will not be damaged, and the strength will not be weakened."

The method Tang Shan proposed was actually the same as Tang San's interpretation in the original novel: to concentrate the toxins in the soul bone to prevent further damage to the body.

In fact, if we combine the settings of Douluo Continent I and Douluo Continent II, there is a way to solve Dugu Bo's poisoning problem once and for all, which will not only not harm his own strength, but will also enhance his own strength. That is to condense a soul core. Moreover, Dugu Bo, who has already condensed a dan pearl, has a great advantage in condensing a soul core.

However, putting aside the fact that it is currently the first battle and there is no technology to condense a soul core, even if Tang Shan had it, he would never hand it over to Dugu Bo.

As I said before, the risk is too high. If the technique of condensing a soul core, or even just the idea, were to be leaked and obtained by a Title Douluo, Tang Shan couldn't even imagine how much the power structure of the entire Douluo Continent would change.

Actually, it would be fine to give it to the Spirit Hall, but unfortunately, there are three Limit Douluo on the Douluo Continent. Although the three seem to have a good relationship, there are still differences in their closeness.

Poseidon and Tang Chen are definitely in cahoots. After all, Poseidon is attracted to men who can become gods, and she's practically confessing her feelings to Tang Chen directly.

Qian Daoliu is not only isolated and helpless, but also has to be wary of Bibi Dong. If he really spreads the Soul Core technology or ideas, Tang Shan really can't be sure if he can still be as carefree as he is now.

Thinking deeper, if the idea of ​​condensing the soul core falls into Tang Chen's hands, and he breaks free from the entanglement of the Crimson Nine-Headed Bat King, temporarily regains his senses, and condenses the soul core, could he directly live a second life and become a god on the spot or something?

At that time, Tangshan will only be able to say, "Good buddy, the Eastern Luosha God Examination has not been completed for long, the Angel Miss God Examination has not yet begun, and the Great Sea God's Martial Soul has not yet awakened. How come you, the Asura God, have already been born?"

To prevent the Soul Core technology from causing any major problems due to the butterfly effect, Tangshan had long ago decided to seal off this technology and even the concept at a certain level.

Let's get back to the main topic.

After hearing Tang Shan's idea, Dugu Bo raised an eyebrow, then asked with some doubt: "Why do you say this method can only treat the symptoms? Can't all the poison be injected into the soul bone?"

"Unless you can get your hands on a 100,000-year-old soul bone, even a 10,000-year-old soul bone can only hold poison at the Soul Saint level at most. After all, a soul bone is just a soul bone, not a container for you to hold poison."

Tang Shan shrugged and explained the reasoning simply and clearly. In fact, he seriously suspected that Tang San's method in the original story might have actually backfired on the Dugu family later on. After all, as he said, soul bones are not containers specifically for holding toxins.

Moreover, since the soul bone is fused into one's own bones, the connection with the body is even closer, and if it were to accidentally explode...

Goodness, he was alright before, the toxins were all over his body, and there was still hope if it broke out;

Your entire focus on the Soul Bone technique will explode when it erupts, penetrating deep into the bone marrow, poisoning the very core, and causing a swift death.

Tang Shan explained the principle of how the soul bone condenses toxins to Dugu Bo, and also analyzed the pros and cons of the matter for him.

Upon hearing about the potential dangers of the toxins condensing in the soul bone, Dugu Bo was immediately silenced. He hadn't even realized the immense danger involved until Tang Shan mentioned it.

"Then how do we address the root cause?"

Tang Shan cleared his throat: "The second method is very simple, which is to absorb the soul ring."

"What does it mean to absorb a soul ring?"

Dugu Bo was somewhat puzzled, but he was not in a hurry. Tangshan's first symptomatic treatment strategy had already given him confidence in Tangshan, and at the same time, it had increased his respect for the master.

Originally, although the master was famous, Dugu Bo did not take him seriously. So what if your theory is powerful? So what if you are a hidden peerless expert? What does it have to do with me? Today, with the help of the master's disciple Tang Shan, Dugu Bo realized how arrogant and ignorant he had been before.

"Let me ask you first, senior, what kind of spirit rings does your family usually absorb when breaking through?"

Tangshan did not immediately inform him, but instead asked Dugu Bo a question.

"Our Dugu family is renowned for its poisons, so naturally we try our best to find poison-attribute soul beasts to absorb."

Dugu Bo answered naturally, and the other party's answer was not unexpected by Tang Shan.

"Then your granddaughter needs to change this soul ring absorption mode. In the future, she should try to reduce or avoid touching poison-attribute soul rings. This is why I said that her poison skills can only be partially retained."

"Then her cultivation and combat strength..."

Dugu Bo realized what he had said halfway through and let out a long sigh.

"Alas! I was greedy. I finally found a solution to the poison in Yan Yan's body, and now I want her to cultivate. I really shouldn't have done that. As long as she is safe, I'm fine with being an ordinary Soul Master for the rest of her life."

"Senior, have you fallen into some kind of misconception? Changing the target of soul ring absorption does not mean that your granddaughter's talent will be weakened. She can develop in a completely different direction."

"What do you mean?"

Dugu Bo looked puzzled, while Xue Qinghe looked thoughtfully at Tang Shan.

"If a Beast Martial Soul wants to improve and develop, there are only two directions for improvement: either pursue a superior bloodline or maximize the attributes attached to the Beast Martial Soul. Your Dugu family made your fortune with poison, so you are obviously taking the second path."

Tang Shan didn't finish his sentence, but Dugu Bo clearly understood what Tang Shan meant: "You mean you want Yan Yan to pursue the path of dragon transformation?"

"It's not necessarily a dragon transformation. You should know that snake bloodlines are not necessarily weak. For example, Medusa is the queen of snake soul beasts. Did she ever have even a trace of dragon bloodline in her body?"

For example, the Giant Python of the Mountain is enormous and has a powerful devouring ability. If it weren't for the fact that it could only use its devouring ability once a day, it would probably be even more despised by soul beasts than the Dark Demon Evil God Tiger. After all, its devouring conversion rate is almost 100%, and it also does not have dragon bloodline in its body.

Of course, I'm not saying the path to dragon transformation is bad. The main problem is that dragon-blooded spirit beasts are rare. For a martial soul to continuously evolve, one must find spirit beasts with increasingly pure bloodlines and ever-growing ages. Senior Dugu, do you think that's easy?

"I understand. Anyway, whether Yan Yan chooses the path of dragon transformation or the path of strengthening the snake attribute, she should try not to absorb poison attribute soul rings in the future, right?"

Tang Shan nodded: "Actually, I estimate that if you're willing to let your granddaughter be an ordinary Soul Master for life, you should be able to think of the second method. After all, you should also know that if you don't strengthen the poison attribute through Soul Rings, no matter how powerful the poison becomes as Soul Power increases, it will ultimately just be the venom of the Jade Scale Serpent, not the natal Soul Poison born after absorbing the Soul Rings."

Dugu Bo listened to Tang Shan's last words, his expression somewhat dazed: Yes, was the solution I didn't think of, or was it that I didn't want to think about it? If I hadn't met Tang Shan, and had continued to be stubbornly clinging to the Dugu family's legacy, trying to detoxify my granddaughter while simultaneously forcing her to absorb poison-attribute soul beasts, what difference would that be from personally driving her to her death?

"Thank you for pointing this out, young friend. Yan Yan will be level 20 soon, and the method you suggested can be verified quickly. Regardless of the final outcome, I will remember this favor. If the problem still cannot be solved in the end..."

Dugu Bo was silent for a moment: "Then let her live as an ordinary person."

Clearly, Tang Shan's words not only convinced Dugu Bo of the second treatment method, but also made him decide to abandon the first way to solve the problem, which would allow him to continue practicing his poison skills. After all, Dugu Yan was his granddaughter and his only relative in the world.

Standing up, Dugu Bo bowed deeply to Tang Shan and Xue Qinghe. The two tried to avoid him, but Dugu Bo's soul power forcibly suppressed them.

"Thank you for your hospitality, young friend from Tangshan and Your Highness. I apologize for my previous rudeness. I will take my leave now, as there is no need to keep some things hidden any longer."

When he stood up again, the gloom that had lingered between Dugu Bo's brows for many years had mostly dissipated. His previously tense shoulders and back were completely relaxed, and his long dark green hair swayed lightly as he turned around, without a trace of his previous melancholy.

His steps were light yet steady as he walked away, each step as if he had unloaded a heavy burden. The hem of his gray robe swayed gently with each step, revealing a touch of nonchalance.

"Senior, the toxins in your body..."

Tangshan hurried a few steps, wanting to say something.

Dugu Bo didn't even turn his head. He simply raised his right hand and waved it lightly, his tone filled with relief: "No rush. Let's solve my granddaughter's problem first. If we can't solve it, there's no point in me living in this world."

As they spoke, they arrived at the main gate of the Prince's Mansion, where Xue Qinghe and Tang Shan escorted them.

"Please wait a moment, gentlemen. I apologize for any offense I may have caused today."

As he pushed open the door, Dugu Bo met a pair of astonished gazes, straightened his back, and once again bowed slightly to Xue Qinghe.

This time, his bow was filled with sincere gratitude.

As he straightened up, he gathered his gray robe, concealing his figure completely, and walked steadily away from the school, his back view resolute yet relaxed.

"Tangshan, what did he mean when he said 'some things don't need to be hidden anymore'?"

Xue Qinghe watched Dugu Bo's figure gradually disappear into the distance until it turned into a gray shadow and merged into the distance. His tone was filled with a sense of melancholy and complexity.

"It's probably because his poison was passed on to his son, who is also Dugu Yan's father. In a sense, he died indirectly at Dugu Yan's hands. Perhaps Dugu Yan was also poisoned."

However, today's gains were considerable. His public display of power just now, in a sense, has increased Your Highness's importance in Emperor Xueye's heart.

Watching the figure disappear completely from sight, Xue Qinghe slowly pursed her lips, her fingertips unconsciously clenching her sleeves.

The estrangement caused by Dugu Bo's previous rudeness has quietly dissipated after witnessing his transformation in letting go of his obsession and unloading his burdens for his granddaughter.

She suddenly realized that this titled Douluo, famous for his poison, was essentially just an ordinary elder who worried about his granddaughter. His affection was so intense that it made people overlook all his rough edges.

Thinking of this, her eyes suddenly dimmed, and the image of the woman sitting high on the papal throne involuntarily surfaced in her mind.

Despite being connected by blood, only a cold barrier and an unspeakable distance remain between them.

P.S.: This is the last chapter today. I'll update the rest tomorrow. I'm exhausted, but don't worry, my fans, I'll definitely make up for it with extra chapters. The next part involves joining the Heaven Dou Royal Academy, and there are some plot points where time acceleration should begin later.

Chapter 131 Golden Crocodile Douluo's Progress in Internal Martial Arts, Talking to Thousand Paths

"Your Highness, snap out of it."

The sound of Tangshan awakened Xue Qinghe from her chaotic thoughts, and her eyes returned to calm.

"This Dugu Bo is not bad. At least that last bow made this morning's work worthwhile."

Tang Shan stretched, let out a long breath, and said.

"What should I do next?"

After calming down, Xue Qinghe sought Tangshan's opinion.

"We can simply remain still. Your Highness currently holds the greatest advantage in the position of Crown Prince, so there is absolutely no need to rush."

"His Majesty will surely announce the Crown Prince in a few years at most. During this time, stability is of utmost importance. Unless there are other changes involving the Second and Third Princes that have a significant impact on Your Highness, maintaining a low profile and remaining composed is the best course of action."