In Douluo Continent, he tricked Xiao Wu into giving him a soul ring.

Before his second defeat to Lan Si, he had the best natural simulated training ground, the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well, and he expected that it would only take him ten months to raise his soul power from level 35 to level 40, averaging one level every two months. But now fourteen months have passed.

He's stuck at level 39 and can't make any progress.

Why... why did Lan Si have to appear in my life? If only he hadn't. Or perhaps, when I obtained my first spirit ring, I should have just chosen the Sacred Wood of Spirit Power and become a support-type spirit master.

If that's the case, then he believes his path of cultivation will be smooth sailing, instead of being utterly defeated like it is now.

"Little monster." A green figure appeared behind Tang San, and the sudden voice startled him from his painful thoughts.

Perhaps due to prolonged mental stress, the voice sounded weak. Although it sounded somewhat familiar, Tang San couldn't immediately identify the person. It wasn't until he connected the voice to his location in the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well that he confirmed it was Dugu Bo.

He opened his eyes weakly, got up and turned around. He saw that the person who came was quite disheveled, with a trace of blood at the corner of his mouth. He frowned and said, "Old Poison Master? It's been so long. Where have you been? And you seem to be injured."

Dugu Bo raised his hand to wipe the blood that had spilled from the corner of his mouth and sighed, "Hey, don't even mention it. I ran into an old nemesis and was chased for months. It was really unlucky. If you hadn't cured me of the poison, I probably wouldn't be alive this time."

Tang San was taken aback. "Could it be that same Title Douluo who ambushed you outside Heaven Dou City last time?"

"If only it were that person. He's an even more troublesome guy than me. Never mind, talking about it will only make me uncomfortable. Anyway, I'm lucky to be back this time." Dugu Bo pursed his lips.

The green figure appeared in front of Tang San almost instantly, a powerful hand gripping Tang San's shoulder, and rich soul power emanating from the figure and invading Tang San's body. The figure exclaimed in surprise, "Huh—I thought I was mistaken just now. How come four months have passed and your soul power is still only level thirty-nine? Given your cultivation speed, little monster, this shouldn't be the case!"

"Old Poisoner, would you believe me if I said I'm having some kind of inner conflict?" Upon hearing this, Tang Sanqiang forced a smile, his eyes slightly reddening.

At this moment, his situation was somewhat special. Having lived two lives, his mind was far beyond that of ordinary people. He was born with an arrogance that treated his peers like children.

But it is precisely because of this that he becomes prone to getting stuck on trivial matters.

He lost twice in a row to Lan Si, even with the help of his companions. He was defeated by Lan Si, a native of Douluo Continent, who was almost half a year younger than him.

It was this very contrast that led him into a dead end, with no way out.

Dugu Bo asked with some surprise, "Little monster, you're not still holding a grudge about the Heavenly Dou Royal Academy losing to that kid Lan Si last time, are you?"

"So you already know?" Tang San gave a wry smile.

“Yes, Yan Yan mentioned him to me before. Although I’ve never met that Lan Si, he was able to defeat you and your Shrek Academy team. It’s no exaggeration to say that he’s the protagonist of your era,” Dugu Bo sighed.

Hearing this, Tang San lowered his head, his eyes growing even dimmer, but then he heard Dugu Bo say, "However, there are always exceptions. I don't think you'll lose to him."

Tang San looked up at Dugu Bo's serious expression and said with a wry smile, "Don't make fun of me. I've lost to him twice in a row. And each loss was worse than the last."

Dugu Bo shook his head: "You can't say that. Temporary gains and losses are nothing. No one cares about the process; people only care about the result. Just like Bone Douluo and Sword Douluo of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School, they were both friends and rivals. Before becoming Title Douluo, Sword Douluo was no match for Bone Douluo, but after becoming Title Douluo, the outcome was reversed. People will only remember that Sword Douluo defeated Bone Douluo, and will not mention the fact that he was defeated by Bone Douluo before."

"Little monster, don't forget that you are a twin martial soul possessor. As long as you have confidence, anything is possible in the future. I think I don't need to say more about how important confidence is to a soul master. Once you lose confidence, it means that you will not be able to make any progress in the future. Just like you now, you have completely entered a dead end. Otherwise, according to your cultivation speed, you should have already broken through level 40."

Upon hearing this, Tang San felt as if he had just woken up from a dream. Yes, he didn't know when it started, but he seemed to have lost confidence and developed a fear of Lan Si. He was afraid to face Lan Si and dared not look her in the eye, which was why he kept running away.

The third article of the Xuan Tian Bao Lu (Mysterious Heaven Treasure Record) states: "Once you have determined that your opponent is an enemy, and they have a willingness to die, do not show mercy; otherwise, you will only create more trouble for yourself."

Without a doubt, Lan Si was his enemy, and he had harmed Xiao Wu, insulted his mentor, and even protected Tang Ritian, the thief who stole the immortal herb that should have belonged to him.

They had clearly already decided on a path to their deaths.

Since that's the case...

"Old poisoner, if I remember correctly, you still owe me a third condition!"

P.S.: Third update. Please vote with recommendation tickets and monthly tickets!

Fourth and fifth updates, let's see if we can get it done tonight.

Chapter 131 Tang San Feels He's Great Again

"You wouldn't be asking me to assassinate Lan Si, would you?" Dugu Bo looked at Tang San with a strange expression.

Tang San nodded emphatically, "This shouldn't be difficult for you, right?"

"This isn't a question of difficulty. For me, assassinating a mere Soul Master is nothing compared to the Heaven Dou Empire's Crown Prince Xue Qinghe. I could do it too. But..." Dugu Bo pondered for a moment, then asked, "Have you considered the consequences of doing this?"

"What consequences? Could it be that Lan Si also has a Title Douluo standing behind him?" Tang San asked with some disdain.

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Dugu Bo patiently explained, "This isn't about whether there are powerful figures behind us. Let me put it this way. In the Douluo Continent, almost all the major forces, whether it's the Spirit Hall, the Three Upper Sects, or the two great empires, have assassinated geniuses from opposing forces, but almost none of them have ever sent a Title Douluo to carry out such an assassination."

"Do you know why? First, because it's unnecessary. Second, because everyone who can reach the top of the Title Douluo realm has their own dignity as a strong person. Very few people would do something as shameful as assassinating a junior. Even if they would, it would only be in a last resort. Even when I captured you last time, it was only because I needed you to detoxify me and my granddaughter. That's why I disregarded my reputation. Compared to my granddaughter's life, dignity really doesn't matter."

"Besides, even if I kill Lan Si, will your inner knot be untied? No, no... it will only deepen your inner knot. Even if it is temporarily untied, your path of cultivation is destined not to become smooth, but rather more difficult. Because you don't even have the courage to face your opponent directly. With you like this, even without Lan Si, there is bound to be a second person who surpasses you. Because you have lost the heart of a strong person."

"Alright, that's all I have to say. I need to go heal my wounds now. The rest is up to you."

After saying that, Dugu Bo sighed softly, stretched out his body, and flew towards the cave at the top of the mountain valley.

"The heart of a strongman?" Tang San pondered, looking at the spot where Dugu Bo had disappeared.

...an hour later.

While healing his wounds in the cave, Dugu Bo suddenly sensed a surge of soul power coming from the bottom of the ravine. A smile crept onto his lips as he murmured, "Finally broken through to level forty? It seems this kid has figured things out."

As he spoke, Dugu Bo stood up, walked out of the cave, and once again swept down the ravine to stand in front of Tang San.

"Little monster, congratulations on breaking through level 40. At only fourteen years old, you've become the youngest Soul Master I've ever seen. So, little monster, do you still want to kill Lan Si now?"

Tang San suddenly opened his eyes and said solemnly, "He hurt Xiao Wu, insulted my teacher, and has repeatedly become an obstacle on my path to becoming a Soul Master. If I don't kill him, my mind will not be at peace, which will inevitably affect my future achievements. However, I will wait until I have enough strength before I kill him with my own hands."

Dugu Bo patted Tang San on the shoulder and laughed loudly, "Good! This is the little monster I know. But you really have a strong killing intent. That little Lan Si is really unlucky to have offended you, you jinx."

"But I still have to remind you, don't act rashly before you have absolutely overwhelming strength. Although I haven't seen that kid, I've heard Yan Yan mention him. He often roams the Soul Beast Forest, fighting and honing himself against soul beasts. He must have gone through countless life-and-death trials. Otherwise, he wouldn't have such strength far surpassing his peers at such a young age."

Tang San nodded emphatically, "I understand. I won't make a move until I have strength surpassing his."

"It's good that you understand." Dugu Bo smiled faintly and said, "Let's go. I happen to have some free time, so I can go and get your fourth soul ring."

Tang San smiled and said, "You were the one who suggested it."

Upon hearing this, Dugu Bo was taken aback for a moment, then laughed and said, "Don't worry, just consider it a gift from you for curing my poison and saving my life. The third condition still applies."

"By the way, old poisoner, how long until the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament?" Tang San skipped over the previous topic.

"There are still three and a half months left, what's wrong?" Dugu Bo asked, puzzled.

"Three and a half months?" Tang San murmured, only then recalling that a year and a half ago, when he fought Lan Si in the Soto City Great Soul Arena, his soul power was level 32, while Lan Si's soul power was level 33.

Now, a year and a half has passed. With the help of the incomplete immortal herb and the Yin-Yang Well of Ice and Fire, although his cultivation speed has been somewhat delayed due to his inner turmoil, it is definitely much faster than before, and has already reached level forty.

After absorbing a spirit ring, with diligent cultivation, one might even be able to break through to level 42 before the competition.

Given Lan Si's speed of soul power cultivation, it would be quite good if his soul power could increase by five or six levels in a year and a half.

In other words, by the time the Continental Advanced Soul Master Elite Tournament arrives, Lan Si's soul power will be at most level 39, or even only level 38, or even level 37. Meanwhile, I am a true Soul Master.

Both being top geniuses of their era, with a difference of more than four levels in soul power and a difference of one soul ring, there was no reason for him to lose to Lan Si again.

At this moment, Tang San suddenly felt that he was capable again!

...........

Meanwhile, at the Heavenly Dou Royal Academy, in the pavilion beside the plaza.

Lan Si, Zhu Zhuqing, Ye Lingling, Yu Tianheng, Dugu Yan, Aos Luo, Yu Feng, and the Shi brothers, nine members of the Royal Fighting Team, along with Sun Buyu, the newly appointed leader and mentor of the Royal Fighting Team, gathered together.

"What? Ah Si, you said you, Zhu Qing, and Ling Ling are going to the Royal Fighting Team 2?" Yu Tianheng and the other six looked astonished.

Lan Si nodded slowly, "Yes, strictly speaking, Lingling will still stay in the Royal Fighting Team 1, but because the Royal Fighting Team 1 has been guaranteed a spot in the finals, she will temporarily stay in the second team during the preliminary rounds and elimination rounds."

"If Team Two also makes it to the finals, since it's almost impossible for Team One and Team Two to meet, she will stay with both teams as a support until one of them is eliminated. Of course, if Team One and Team Two are unlucky enough to meet, or if they play at the same time, she will prioritize staying with Team One. So, the seven of you will still be the same perfect combination as before."

Dugu Yan looked surprised and couldn't help but ask, "You can do that?"

Sun Buyu answered for Lan Si: "If it's just a support-type Soul Master, it shouldn't be a big problem. His Highness the Crown Prince will inform the Spirit Hall in advance."

Dugu Yan pressed, "But A-Si, why did you do that? The Royal Fighting Team 2 is practically full of incompetents. If you, Zhu Qing, and Ling Ling all go, it will be a team just for the three of you. The three of you might be able to make it to the finals, but against those strong teams that have advanced, without strong enough teammates to support you, you have almost no hope of winning the championship. Not to mention those monsters from the Spirit Hall team."

P.S.: Fourth update. Please vote with recommendation tickets and monthly tickets!

Chapter 132 The Kitten's Strength

Lan Si smiled and shook his head: "The championship is not important to me. What I really look forward to is fighting against those genius soul masters on the field. If I stay in the first team and directly advance to the finals, that would be a real regret for me. Moreover, if Zhu Qing and I go to the first team, apart from Ling Ling, who is an indispensable support-type soul master, two of you six are destined not to be able to participate. Wouldn't that be another great regret in life?"

Upon hearing Lan Si's words, the members of Huang Dou fell silent. After a moment, Yu Tianheng suddenly spoke up: "Perhaps I understand why the gap between us and you is widening. It's because we're all complacent, while you're different. You possess the heart of a true champion. I look forward to facing you in the finals."

As he spoke, Yu Tianheng extended his palm.

Lan Si nodded slightly. Although he no longer took Yu Tianheng's strength seriously, he still gave him enough respect and shook hands with him.

"By the way, Ah Si, what level of strength have you reached now? Ever since you returned from the Soto City Soul Battle, you've been acting all mysterious, as have Zhu Qing and Ling Ling. I hardly ever see you guys throughout the year," Dugu Yan asked curiously.

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Upon hearing this, Lan Si, Zhu Zhuqing, and Ye Lingling exchanged glances, looking down at each other, and then chuckled in unison. Lan Si said, "You'll find out when the competition starts."

One year and two and a half months have passed since the three of them took the elixir.

Ye Lingling was the first to become a Soul Master. After consuming the Qiluo Tulip, her Soul Power soared from level 36 to level 40. Soon after, with the help of the Nine Heart Begonia family, she obtained her fourth Soul Ring, and her Soul Power broke through to level 42. Now, one year and two months have passed. With the continued effect of the immortal herb, her Soul Power has increased to level 45. There are still three and a half months until the All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Elite Tournament. By then, there is a high chance that she will break through to level 46.

Lan Si broke through to the Soul Sect realm by two months later than Ye Lingling. He obtained the Blue Silver Emperor Natal Soul Ring on his thirteenth birthday a year ago, reaching level forty-two. Now, a year has passed, and with the continued effects of the Fiery Apricot and Eight-Cornered Ice Grass, plus the Five Thunder Heavenly Heart Technique and the Supreme Sacred Universe Technique at the fifth level.

This allowed his cultivation speed to far surpass what he had achieved before. A month ago, his soul power level surpassed Ye Lingling's, reaching level forty-six. He also has a high chance of advancing further during the Soul Master Competition.

As for Zhu Zhuqing, she broke through to the Soul Sect realm half a year ago.

Of the three, her soul power was the lowest. Aside from the Butterfly Step and Eagle Claw Technique taught to her by Lan Si, her skill set wasn't significantly different from the original story. However, because she consumed the immortal herb six months earlier than in the original, she would break through to the Soul Master level sooner. Her soul power had just broken through to level 43 a couple of days ago. By the time of the Soul Master Competition, she had a very good chance of reaching level 44.

However, although her soul power is only one or two levels higher than in the original work, her strength is incomparable. Aside from the Butterfly Step and Eagle Claw Technique, two self-created soul skills that compensate for the weakness of her limited attack patterns as an agility-type soul master, her third and fourth soul skills have undergone significant changes compared to the original work.

Her third spirit ring was taken from a ghost tiger from 1700 to 1900 years ago, granting her a skill similar to the fourth spirit skill in the original work: Netherworld Shadow Clone. This skill allows her to create multiple clones, each possessing offensive power for a short period, rather than being merely illusions created through speed. Furthermore, these clones can utilize spirit ring skills.

The fourth spirit ring was taken from a spirit beast that even Lan Si found astonishing: the Dark Gold Terrorclaw Bear, which was between four and five thousand years old. This spirit beast was discovered by chance in a hidden cave in the Star Dou Great Forest when the Spirit Hall was searching for the Gold-Eating Rat spirit beast for Lan Si.

The Ten-Thousand-Year Dark Gold Terrorclaw Bear possesses strength comparable to a Title Douluo.

Although this Dark Gold Terrorclaw Bear had not yet reached the ten-thousand-year mark, it still nearly wiped out a Soul Hunting Squad led by a Soul Saint from the Spirit Hall.

Later, Qian Renxue learned the news and mentioned it to Lan Si.

Lan Si used almost all his skills to obtain this soul beast from Qian Renxue for Zhu Zhuqing. First, he had the two Douluo, Snake Spear and Porcupine, beat the Dark Gold Terrorclaw Bear to the point of near death. Then, Lan Si, Zhu Zhuqing, and Ye Lingling happened to arrive and took the kill.

This Dark Gold Terrorclaw Bear granted Zhu Zhuqing a powerful attack skill: Netherworld Terrorclaw. When using this soul skill, the Netherworld Cat's claws instantly turn a dark gold color, matching the Dark Gold Terrorclaw, and it crosses its hands, unleashing a crisscrossing claw mark with immense destructive power—comparable to a ten-thousand-year soul skill in terms of strength. Furthermore, the range and power of its claw mark can change as Zhu Zhuqing's strength increases.

It's no exaggeration to say that even Yu Tianheng, whose soul power level is currently 43, might not be a match for the little kitten.