All rights reserved to the respective authors.
"Dialogue": Represented in double quotes for conversations between characters.
'Thoughts': Represented in single quotation marks, indicating the characters' internal reflections.
[Diary]: Represented in square brackets, used for messages intended for the heroines or entries written by Tenshin.
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Three days later, this year's Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Competition came to an end, with Spirit Hall once again securing the championship. However, compared to previous years, their team exhibited far superior combat prowess and masterful control over their soul skills, leading to an overwhelming and undisputed victory.
For instance, when Spirit Hall faced Star Luo Imperial Academy—who had reached the finals this year—all Spirit Hall members demonstrated combat strength and precision far beyond their ranks. Even though some of them were ranked lower or only slightly higher than their Star Luo counterparts, Spirit Hall still defeated them with ease. Keen observers noticed that, despite using multiple soul skills in succession, the Spirit Hall team showed little to no signs of fatigue.
Additionally, one of their team members possessed a soul ability that manifested as a mist with effects similar to ecstasy, rendering the Star Luo Imperial Academy students unable to resist.
In soul master competitions, the use of external means such as drugs is strictly forbidden—only martial techniques and soul skills are permitted. Yet, despite these regulations, accusations arose, claiming Spirit Hall had employed illicit methods to enhance their team's performance.
Notably, no member of the Star Luo Imperial Academy team had abilities capable of neutralizing the mist's effects. As a result, they suffered a crushing defeat but could not formally accuse Spirit Hall. After all, while anomalies had occurred during the match, some Spirit Hall members did have higher cultivation ranks, while others wielded enchantment-based soul skills.
As suspicions grew, sects and influential families across the continent began analyzing the situation, openly criticizing Spirit Hall. In response, Spirit Hall unexpectedly published Tenshin's theories, leaving the major powers both puzzled and off-balance.
"While we are accusing Spirit Hall, they're releasing research? What are they thinking?" many wondered. Despite their doubts, they purchased the newly released books, surprised by their unusually large size.
Upon reading the two theories, reactions varied but generally fell into several categories:
Surprise from nobles, major families, and sects that Spirit Hall would disclose such advanced techniques—many of which surpassed their own knowledge.
Fear of the potential disruption to the balance of power on the Douluo Continent.
Indignation at Spirit Hall for potentially altering the established societal structure.
However, many were also astonished, intrigued, and impressed by the depth and sophistication of the content.
Meanwhile, civilian soul masters and small to medium-sized families felt hope, joy, and gratitude. To them, Spirit Hall and the author had given an unprecedented opportunity—a rare chance to rise above their suppression by powerful clans and sects. For them, this marked a potential turning point.
One of the theories, titled "Crucial Aspects in the Absorption of Soul Rings," outlined several critical considerations when absorbing soul rings. The author detailed the intricate relationship between martial souls and soul rings, supporting his claims with annotated data and referenced sources. Among the key points were:
The affinity between martial souls and soul rings, particularly in terms of elemental and attribute compatibility.
The relationship between physical strength and the maximum soul ring age one could absorb.
A timeline illustrating the ideal progression of soul ring ages over time.
The affinity between martial souls and soul rings focused on elemental and attribute compatibility. If a soul ring's properties aligned well with the martial soul's, the absorption process could trigger an evolution—either of the martial soul itself or one of its attributes—making the process both safer and more effective.
Conversely, if elements or attributes conflicted, the martial soul could weaken or deteriorate. Even if deterioration did not occur, the soul ring's effects might be significantly reduced, and the martial soul's innate traits could suffer severe impairment. The author did note, however, rare exceptions where opposing elements could coexist—provided they were balanced in both quality and quantity or mediated by a third force acting as a stabilizer.
The theory also stated that a soul master's physical constitution played a crucial role in determining the maximum age of soul rings they could absorb. This constitution was influenced by various factors, including: Sex, Age, Martial soul type, Physical conditioning and Genetic inheritance from parents and ancestors.
The cultivation method introduced alongside this theory was considered groundbreaking—even surreal—by members of prominent sects, clans, and noble families. In addition to providing clear, step-by-step instructions, it outlined a complex meridian system for soul power circulation. Among its many benefits were:
Enhanced control over soul power and soul abilities, accelerated soul power recovery and a modest increase in physical strength.
The method was accompanied by extensive notes from the author's experiments, along with numerous cited sources, further solidifying its credibility.
Thanks to these revolutionary contributions, Tenshin became a renowned name across the continent. Yet, Spirit Hall only credited him by his first name, omitting his portrait, age, and family name. This left the major powers uncertain about his true identity and unable to locate him.
In private discussions, many speculated that Tenshin must be a seasoned scholar—likely over fifty years old—who had spent decades immersed in martial arts and cultivation research.
"Uncle Bones, do you have any idea who this Tenshin might be?" Ning Fengzhi of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect asked as he placed two martial soul reports on the table. One was titled
He continued, "These analyses are so comprehensive that most soul masters can now assess themselves more accurately by understanding the unique characteristics of their martial souls and the specific functions of their soul abilities. The first report explains in detail how elemental affinities and physical conditions determine the most suitable soul rings for absorption, allowing martial souls to evolve safely."
His tone carried both hope and determination as he added, "Perhaps if we can gain his favor, we might even persuade him to help evolve the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, breaking through its current limit."
He went on, "The second report presents a precise cultivation method that enhances soul power control, accelerates recovery, and even provides a modest boost to physical strength. We've already witnessed its effects during the last Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Competition."
"Together, these two theories are already changing the continent. By now, the major powers—and even smaller factions—are likely searching for their author. Some seek to ally with him, while others may be plotting his assassination, as his theories alone threaten to disrupt the established balance."
Sword Douluo, who had been reading the first report, nodded frequently. "This Tenshin is refreshingly meticulous and humble. Not only does he present his own research and experimental findings, but he also incorporates data from other researchers, always crediting his sources. His writing is objective, and he clearly marks his conjectures with disclaimers like 'not yet proven, please be cautious,' ensuring no one follows them blindly. In this regard, he surpasses other so-called masters."
With a sigh of resignation, he added, "If I had access to this theory when I first started, my progress would have been far more assured, and I'd be much stronger today."
Bone Douluo picked up the cultivation method, examined it closely, then set it aside. "I agree," he said. "This Tenshin is leagues ahead of other scholars. His cultivation method is nothing short of miraculous—both in its theoretical foundation and its practical applications. Even the improved control over soul power alone makes this method worthy of being ranked among the best."
At that moment, Ning Rongrong burst into the room, fresh from her match at the soul arena. She dashed into the living room and leaped onto Ning Fengzhi's lap, her eyes flitting between the report in Sword Douluo's hands and another on the small table.
"Father, what are you reading?" she asked, already suspecting the answer. 'So these are Tenshin's theories? They seem even more detailed than what he noted in his diary…'
Ning Fengzhi smiled and patted her head. "Welcome back, Rongrong. I heard today was your first solo battle in the arena. Did you face any trouble?"
Originally, he had planned to accompany her, but upon hearing that Spirit Hall had released not one but two revolutionary theories—a rarity in recent years—he had sent a servant in his place, opting instead to stay and read.
Since Rongrong had training with daggers for about two years and shown significant improvement, Sword Douluo had suggested that real combat experience in the soul arena would benefit her. Just days ago, she had reached the fifteenth level, and her proficiency with the dagger had grown enough to allow her to fight solo—whereas before, she had only fought in teams or pairs.
"I won," Rongrong replied proudly. "My opponent underestimated me because I'm a support-type soul master…" She then gave a brief recount of the fight.
By the end, her voice carried a hint of displeasure. "But he was too easy. Even though he had a sword martial soul, his technique was terrible—he just swung his sword wildly, hoping to hit something. No real form, no strategy. His only advantage was his soul ability to release a blade of wind. Without that, he wouldn't have lasted long."
As she spoke, Ning Fengzhi, Sword Douluo, and Bone Douluo listened attentively. However, when she criticized her opponent's lack of technique, they exchanged subtle, knowing glances.
They understood that, for most soul masters below the Titled Douluo level, combat relied heavily on martial soul strength and soul skills rather than refined techniques. A Titled Douluo's overwhelming power often made intricate techniques unnecessary, as their soul skills consumed vast amounts of soul power while offering diminishing returns in prolonged battles.
They also knew that Rongrong was an anomaly—a support-type soul master who used and trained in a weapon, rather than focusing on her martial soul. This alone set her apart from the rest, and her advanced dagger skills surpassed that of many weapon-type martial soul users of equal or even higher ranks.
After a brief pause, Ning Fengzhi spoke. "Rongrong, congratulations on your victory. By the way, we were just reading the new theories published by Spirit Hall." He handed her the reports. "Why don't you take these copies and read them?"
Rongrong glanced at her father and then at her adoptive grandfathers, detecting nothing unusual in their expressions. "Okay, Dad. Grandpa. I'll take them and read them. See you later!" She collected the documents and headed toward her room.
Once she was out of earshot, the three men exchanged a silent understanding.
"We won't comment on this," Ning Fengzhi finally said. "Let her figure it out on her own."
Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo both nodded in agreement. If she had been a typical support-type soul master, they would have explained the nature of soul master combat in greater detail. However, given her unique path, they preferred to let her discover these truths herself—though, of course, someone would always be watching over her from the shadows.
What they didn't realize was that she was already well aware of all this—thanks to Tenshin's diary. She had asked her question merely to tease them.
After all, she may have matured, but she was still the "little witch" who enjoyed stirring the pot.
On the other side of the Continent, within the Blue Electric Tyrannosaurus Clan, Patriarch Yu Yuanzhen sat in deep contemplation, meticulously reviewing the two theories and the cultivation technique. The first report was both intriguing and surprising, highlighting several critical aspects that had never before been examined with such depth—particularly the correlation between a martial soul's attributes and various physical and elemental factors. Still, this revelation wasn't entirely unexpected, as most soul masters instinctively sought soul rings that complemented their martial soul's characteristics. For instance, his clan had always prioritized hunting sub-dragon soul beasts.
What truly captured his attention, however, was the report's emphasis on physique and the optimal soul ring age a martial soul could safely absorb. To him, this was the theory's most groundbreaking insight.
After all, the Blue Electric Tyrannosaurus martial soul—renowned as the strongest beast-type martial soul—already bestowed significant physical enhancements upon its wielders. Yet, this advantage had been underutilized when selecting soul rings. Yu Yuanzhen immediately began formulating a plan to reshape the training regimen for the younger generation of his clan. It would begin with an intensified physical conditioning program, reinforced by the clan's specialized medicinal baths. Given their extensive knowledge in this area, he was confident that this new approach would forge far stronger soul masters. Yu Tianheng, as the clan's heir, would be the first to undergo this enhanced training.
Yet, what troubled him most was the cultivation method outlined in the second report. It was leagues beyond anything his clan—or any other power on the Continent—had ever possessed. Its numerous benefits and intricate design placed it in a class of its own. Worse still, it had been made public, stripping the great clans of their long-held advantage and leveling the playing field. Now, their influence and resources were their only remaining leverage.
Frustrated, Yu Yuanzhen slammed the reports onto the table and cursed aloud, "If my useless son had even half of this man's intelligence, how could he be the laughingstock of others? And this Tenshin… no one even knows who he is! He must either be recruited—or eliminated."