Douluo Continent: I possess astonishing wisdom as I control energy!

"start."

The protagonist is set to be 2 years older than Huo Yuhao and the same age as Meng Hongchen and others. In the original novel, Huo Yuhao participated in the Soul Master Competition for the first time at the age of 13, while Meng Hongchen and others were 15 years old at the time.

Additionally, Xu Tianran appears when Huo Yuhao is 15 years old and is an exchange student in the Sun Moon Empire who is suddenly captured. At that time, Xu Tianran is 28 years old (described as a white-clad youth of twenty-seven or twenty-eight), so it can be deduced that Xu Tianran is 17 at this time. Also, because he is too young, it is reasonable to speculate that Xu Tianran has not yet become the crown prince and lost his leg.

If there are any shortcomings, please feel free to add them. The author is currently reading the comics while also working through the original work.

P.S.: To reiterate, the characters' appearances are all based on the manga version.

Chapter 4: The First Demonstration of Body Tempering Techniques

In the experimental field, Kong Ming'an remained unhurried. Only after confirming that everyone's attention was on him did his gaze slowly fall upon the man standing like a soldier in the center of the field.

As if introducing himself, he began calmly:

"Tester, ID 037, Martial Soul 'Wind-Breaking Bear,' Intermediate Martial Soul, Innate Soul Power Level 5."

"Age 20, Soul Power Level 31."

"I received systematic training in the 'Body Strengthening Method' for five months and seven days."

"During his cultivation, his soul power broke through to level 32, and the age limit of his third soul ring was 2,100 years."

As soon as he finished speaking, the alloy door on the other side of the experimental field slid open silently.

A young soldier, also dressed in military uniform but without any test cables or armor, strode in.

He was equally robust, but slightly shorter than 037. His eyes were sharp, carrying an undisguised arrogance and fighting spirit, and a burning aura emanated from his every step.

Kong Ming'an's gaze shifted to the newcomers, his voice remaining calm and even:

"The person being compared is a reserve soldier of the Sun and Moon Royal Soul Master Corps, whose martial soul is "Crimson Flame Bursting Bear," a high-level martial soul, and whose innate soul power is level seven."

Age eighteen, soul power level thirty-eight

"Has not received training in the 'Body Tempering Method,' and the third soul ring is limited to 1,500 years."

Level 7 innate soul power versus Level 5 innate soul power!

High-level martial soul versus mid-level martial soul!

Level 38 versus Level 31!

Eighteen years old versus twenty years old!

Based solely on the data on paper, this reserve soldier holds an overwhelming advantage.

On the second-floor platform, all eyes were focused on the two people below.

Meng Hongchen unconsciously grabbed the hem of Jing Hongchen's robe beside her, her icy blue eyes unblinking. Xiao Hongchen, standing to the side, also temporarily abandoned her arrogance, her eyes filled with confusion, not understanding what was going on.

Kong Ming'an ignored the reaction from above. After watching the two men take their positions, he casually waved his hand.

"let's start."

The instant the command is issued.

"Roar--!"

The reserve soldier didn't hesitate to activate his martial spirit. He had been harboring resentment towards this somewhat "unfair" test for a long time.

Dark red fur covered its entire body, muscles bulged, and its hands transformed into giant claws burning with crimson flames, instantly spreading out a scorching wave of heat!

Without any hesitation, his first spirit ring shone brightly with yellow light, and he charged straight at 037 with fierce speed, like a cannonball that had been ignited, accompanied by raging flames and a piercing sound.

Speed, power, and unparalleled dominance—the advantages of this advanced martial soul possessor were on full display.

However, 037 remained unusually calm in the face of this ferocious attack. He neither activated his martial soul nor lit up any of his spirit rings.

He simply planted his feet firmly on the ground as if rooted to the spot, his body slightly lowered, assuming a basic defensive stance.

"Has he gone mad?" Xiao Hongchen couldn't help but frown.

Without using soul skills or martial souls, he could withstand the soul skill attack of a level 38 power attack type soul master with his bare body.

Even if this is also a Soul Master, the difference in Martial Soul quality and Soul Power level are very real! This is simply courting death!

Just as the Crimson Claw Wind touched his body, 037 moved.

The movements were extremely small, yet precise to the millimeter.

Just before the scorching heat and sharp claws struck, he subtly turned his body to the side.

boom!

The Crimson Claw slammed heavily onto the ground where 037 had been standing, leaving charred claw marks on the sturdy alloy floor, the marks clearly visible.

The first attack missed, and a hint of surprise flashed in the eyes of the reserve soldier, but he didn't hesitate for a moment. His second spirit ring lit up immediately.

He swept his claws out to the sides with a fierce roar, unleashing a fan-shaped burst of blazing flames that blocked any space for escape. At the same time, his third soul ring flashed with purple light, and he opened his mouth to spew out balls of crimson fire, aiming straight for 037's face.

The skill combos are fluid and ruthless, a result of experience honed in actual combat.

Despite being attacked from all sides by flames, 037 still didn't use his soul power. His movements were as fast as a ghost, calmly dodging each fireball attack.

Each dodge seemed to be a precise prediction of the opponent's attack trajectory, using pure physical coordination and reaction speed to avoid attack after attack.

It seemed that every muscle and every bone in his body was under his absolute control!

Xiao Hongchen seemed somewhat stunned.

Is this a Soul Master?! A mid-level Martial Soul Master who has just entered the Soul Master realm is using physical strength to suppress a high-level Martial Soul Master who has been in the Soul Master realm for a long time and is not far from becoming a Soul Sect Master?

In the experimental field, the reserve soldiers grew increasingly fearful as the fighting progressed, but they also gradually became more impatient.

His prized soul skills, the power granted by his advanced martial soul, and the suppression of flames seemed to have lost their effectiveness against his opponent.

His soul power was being consumed rapidly, but every attack was like hitting cotton, futile and ineffective!

"Roar!!"

In a fit of rage, the reserve soldier poured all his remaining soul power into his third soul ring, causing it to glow brilliantly with purple light!

His entire body flamed with flames, and his claws came together, condensing into a fiercely burning crimson flame bomb containing terrifying energy, ready to blast it at the opponent without regard for anything else!

This is a desperate gamble.

However, just as his old strength was exhausted and new strength had not yet arisen, and the bomb was about to detonate, an opening appeared—

037, which had been on the defensive, suddenly made a move.

Without the glow of spirit rings, only pure and extreme physical strength, the hard alloy ground beneath his feet was punctured by tiny cracks, and he transformed into a blurry afterimage, closing in instantly!

Then, a simple yet lightning-fast straight punch slammed into the face of the reserve soldier, who was leaning forward slightly due to the force of his punch!

"boom--!!!"

A dull, grating thud.

The crimson flame bomb's light dissipated instantly, and the reservist soldier's smug expression froze, turning into extreme pain and bewilderment.

His strong body flew several meters off the ground like a kite with a broken string, crashing heavily to the ground. After rolling twice, he lay motionless, completely unconscious.

In the arena, 037 slowly withdrew his fist. His breathing was steady, and apart from being slightly sweaty from the strenuous exercise, there were no obvious injuries on his body.

He glanced at his unconscious opponent, then calmly turned to Kong Ming'an, bowed respectfully, and then, at the latter's casual wave, went to a few assistant researchers and began the routine data recording.

The entire second-floor platform fell into an even deeper silence than when Kong Ming'an had stood up earlier.

All the level nine soul masters, including the Sun Moon high-ranking officials who were invited to witness this achievement, had an incredulous and horrified look in their eyes!

They stared intently at the soldier below who had defeated a level 38 advanced martial soul master with his bare hands, their eyes burning with fervor.

But Kong Ming'an's figure stood out remarkably clearly in the deathly silence.

He slowly raised his head, his gaze calmly sweeping over the frozen faces on the second-floor platform, as if everything that had just happened was within his expectations.

Without any pride or boasting, he simply spoke slowly in a calm voice that almost masked the immaturity and awkwardness of his age:

"These are the results of five months of practicing the 'Body Tempering Method.' Are you all satisfied?"

Chapter 5: Tilted Resources and Soul Ring Concepts

After a brief silence, an uncontrollable gasp of amazement erupted from the second-floor observation platform.

"Using only his physical body, he defeated a high-level Martial Soul Master, who was seven levels higher."

A level nine Soul Master murmured to himself, "Battles between people of the same level and those of a higher level are not uncommon, but this is a challenge against someone of a higher level who is completely outmatched and relies solely on physical strength."

He's never actually seen it before!

"Five months! Just five short months! This 'Body Tempering Method' has actually turned the rotten into the miraculous! Young Master Kong is truly a prodigy, possessing profound insight into the principles of energy and the human body!"

Another middle-aged man from the ancestral hall spoke excitedly, his eyes filled with a burning desire for advancement.

"If we were to apply this to our Sun Moon Soul Guild, not to mention anything else, the sheer amount of basic soul tools and the load on many individual weapons would be enough to change the underlying battle situation."

Ye Yulin, who was standing to the side, gave her evaluation and couldn't help but clap her hands in praise.

Prince Xu Tianran remained silent, his gaze fixed intently on Kong Ming'an below, his eyes swirling with shock, assessment, and a hint of deep-seated apprehension and fervor.

Without a doubt, this is a minister who can assist a king.

Faced with these mostly heartfelt praises, Kong Deming, standing in front of the platform, maintained his placid expression, though a barely perceptible hint of satisfaction and pride flickered deep in his eyes.

This is our grandson!

He nodded slightly, his voice steady: "You flatter me. Ming'an is still young and needs careful nurturing and care."

Although the words were humble, the intention to protect was obvious.

Everyone quickly agreed, their tone respectful.

Just then, the elevator doors behind them slid open silently, and Kong Ming'an slowly stepped out.

Burning, inquisitive, and even with a hint of awe.

Eyes filled with mixed emotions focused on him once again.

Kong Ming'an's expression remained largely unchanged in response.

Ignoring their piercing gazes, he calmly met the stares of his grandfather and several key figures, his tone even:

"There's no need for that, everyone. This is merely the initial result of the 'Body Tempering Method.' It's only been five months. Further progress will require more time and more resources."

Jing Hongchen reacted the fastest; his eyes gleamed with the shrewdness of a businessman, and he immediately replied:

"Mingdetang is willing to fully support the subsequent research and development of this project! We will provide all necessary resources, manpower, and facilities without hesitation!"

His words were resolute and represented the attitude of Mingdetang.

Xu Tianran also spoke slowly, his voice carrying an undeniable authority:

"The Royal Treasury can also be opened for this project."

Huge benefits and support poured in like a tidal wave for this six-and-a-half-year-old child.

Kong Ming'an nodded slightly, but for some reason felt that this scene was somewhat similar to the feeling he had in his previous life when he finished speaking on stage and a bunch of company CEOs below were ready to invest in his patents.

He did not answer, but looked directly at Kong Deming.

"Grandpa, I'm not familiar with these people, you talk to them instead."

After saying that, he walked to an empty metal chair in the corner of the platform, sat down nimbly, and extricated himself from this investment storm.

A hint of helpless amusement flashed in Kong Deming's eyes, but he quickly regained his composure and calmly took over the leadership of the negotiations.

"Okay, let's discuss the follow-up cooperation and resource allocation in detail."

In the corner, Kong Ming'an seemed to have shut out all the noise from the outside world. Leaning against the cold metal back of the chair, he lowered his eyes slightly and fell into deep thought.

The content concerns "body training methods".

Is the "body strengthening method" effective?

Undoubtedly, it can systematically and significantly improve a Soul Master's physical foundation, bridge the gap in Martial Soul quality, increase the upper limit of Soul Ring capacity, and even demonstrate the potential to fight beyond one's level in the early stages.

However, its drawbacks are equally obvious.

That is, the upper limit.

This method, which relies on soul power and spiritual power to stimulate acupoints and draw in external energy to strengthen muscles and bones, is ultimately too basic.

It's similar to using wood to hammer an iron block; initially, it can shape the iron block, but later it gradually becomes powerless.