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I've also recently started a new translation, please check it out and show your support! Douluo: Seven Kill Shock the World
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The last time someone so boldly publicized a theory about soul master cultivation, well—it was the last time.
As for the aftermath? The person who published it had questionable judgment. Though there were some useful insights in the theory, they were few and far between.
As a result, even students from beginner academies openly called that "theory master" useless. Meanwhile, someone who held an extreme reverence for "heaven, earth, ruler, parents, and teachers" interpreted the criticism as an attack on their mentor, and the matter was quietly swept under the rug. A certain genius with innate full-soul power later took the theoretical path to strength, only to thoroughly embarrass that same "master."
From that point on, in Ye Wen's previous life, there was the saying: "In the Realm of Endless Fire, Yao Lao reigns supreme; in the Divine Realm, Yu Xiaogang is nowhere to be seen."
There was no need to elaborate on Ye Wen's credibility. Backed by the Medical Alliance, he was, in a sense, significant enough to potentially displace the last member of the top three sects—if not for the unique structure of the Medical Alliance itself.
Thus, the moment Ye Wen's theory was released, it spread rapidly across the continent.
Though this theory was still somewhat rough around the edges, it was more than enough to outshine the earlier, widely publicized theories of Yu Xiaogang.
For the first time, the various soul master factions, which had been growing wildly, realized the importance of Soul Douluos.
It turned out that testing a soul master's ability to absorb soul rings could be determined through the soul pressure exerted by a Soul Douluo.
"My child, I've wronged you."
"Ah, so it's this simple to establish a specific standard. I shouldn't have believed Yu Xiaogang's theory and let you push your limits while absorbing soul rings."
"So, there's actually so much to consider about a soul master's spiritual power—and it just so happens that this information came from the Medical Alliance. Could it be why that old lion was able to break through to Title Douluo at such an advanced age?"
For a time, the hearts of people across the Douluo Continent were filled with varying emotions.
Among all these reactions, Yu Xiaogang was the most incredulous and pale-faced.
What struck him hardest—what truly pierced his heart—was a single line Ye Wen included in the theory:
"There is no fixed standard for soul masters absorbing soul rings; the intensity varies from person to person. Do not recklessly attempt to match the records of past geniuses. Cherish your life, starting now."
Looking at the copied version of the theory in his hand, Yu Xiaogang unconsciously tightened his grip, crumpling the once-neat paper.
"So, my theory had such a glaring flaw," Yu Xiaogang muttered, his voice trembling.
Then, as if struck by a sudden realization, his entire body shuddered. His already pale complexion turned even more sickly, and his eyes filled with fear.
"No, I can't let Xiao San see this theory. If he does, he'll start questioning me."
With that thought, Yu Xiaogang immediately crumpled the theory into a ball and tossed it into a nearby trash bin, panting heavily.
"I hope it's not too late. For now, Xiao San absolutely cannot leave the house. That's right—I'll intensify his training. Once the buzz dies down outside, he won't need to know about any of this."
Despite his wandering gaze, Yu Xiaogang's trembling hands managed to piece together a plan.
He was acutely aware of his value. It wasn't his pitiful Soul Grandmaster cultivation level but rather the wealth of knowledge he had plagiarized from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and the Spirit Hall.
If even this knowledge proved unreliable, Yu Xiaogang was certain Tang Hao would take Tang San away from him.
At the thought of this possibility—and of losing the chance to bask in Tang San's future glory—Yu Xiaogang, who clung to Tang San as his last lifeline, shuddered. His mind raced as he began devising ways to placate Tang Hao.
Meanwhile, Tang Hao remained lost in drunken stupor.
His body riddled with hidden injuries, his life was essentially over. If it weren't for Tang San's dual martial souls awakening and giving him a glimmer of hope for revenge, he'd still be wallowing in Holy Spirit Village.
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As Tang Hao drank himself half to death, a group of idle drunks nearby began discussing Ye Wen's soul master theory.
Though Tang Hao had little interest in these low-level or talentless individuals, the mention of literary theory caught his attention, sobering him slightly.
After all, in this feudal era, any form of knowledge was precious. Hadn't Meng Shu and his wife, the elderly couple known as the "Unrivaled Dragon Serpent," lacked even the basic understanding of how to identify the exact years of a human-faced spider?
Though their ramblings were disjointed and hard to follow, their discussion of spiritual power and soul pressure intrigued Tang Hao.
Taking another large gulp of alcohol, Tang Hao internally evaluated the theory with the discerning eye of a Title Douluo.
"This theory seems reasonable."
However, Tang Hao quickly lost interest. After all, with Yu Xiaogang—a walking library—at his disposal, Tang San's cultivation problems were largely covered. And since Tang Hao himself had already reached nine rings, there was no need to dwell on trivial matters like soul rings.
Could he really ascend to godhood?
But when the drunks around him began praising Ye Wen's name, Tang Hao's eyes suddenly widened.
Crash!
Tang Hao abruptly stood up. His towering, two-meter frame and muscular build immediately drew everyone's attention.
Without waiting for anyone to react, Tang Hao grabbed one of the drunks who had been praising Ye Wen and demanded:
"You mentioned those theories earlier. Who proposed them?"
The overwhelming stench of alcohol and Tang Hao's gravelly, oppressive tone instantly sobered the drunkard.
Though Tang Hao hadn't displayed his cultivation level, his sheer size alone was enough to instill fear. The drunk hastily answered Tang Hao's question.
As baffling as before, Tang Hao simply released the man and left the tavern.
Bar owner and bartender: ???
You haven't paid yet!
Though the bar owner inwardly screamed, looking at Tang Hao's imposing demeanor and the cheap liquor consumed, he ultimately swallowed the loss.
After all, he knew the ways of drunks well. Risking his shop being destroyed over a loss of less than one silver soul coin? The owner wasn't foolish enough to take that risk.
As Tang Hao left, his mood was heavy.
"It's that Ye Wen again. He's roughly the same age as Xiao San, yet he's already thriving, with two Title Douluos by his side. In comparison, Xiao San…"
Tang Hao sighed.
Tang San's dual martial soul talent was indeed remarkable, but it was all still theoretical. Without finding a solution to the challenges of cultivating dual martial souls, focusing on the Blue Silver Grass martial soul might even cripple Tang San in the future.
At this moment, Tang Hao couldn't help but wish his son was more like Ye Wen.
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