The Titan Giant Ape—Child of the Earth, bearer of noble bloodlines—was one of the most powerful beings even among ten-thousand-year soul beasts.
As Xu Yang's perception deepened to a microscopic level, he discovered that his Sun Martial Soul wasn't just a pure elemental-type. It was like an actual celestial body—possessing mass and exerting a subtle gravitational pull.
That gravitational pull was faint due to the relatively small "mass" of his martial soul, and had it not been for his breakthrough into this level of perception, he might never have sensed it.
Drawing on knowledge from his past life, Xu Yang understood the importance of gravity to a star like the sun. Some scientists even hypothesized that gravity was the very source of the sun's power—what kept its core from collapsing in on itself.
And gravity was essentially planetary gravitational force.
If he could absorb a soul ring or soul bone from the Titan Giant Ape, master of the Gravity Control Domain, then it would undoubtedly strengthen the core of his Sun Martial Soul. However, it wasn't ideal for his seventh soul ring, which was the critical transitional stage for any Soul Sage. Unless no better option existed, Xu Yang wasn't planning to use the Titan Giant Ape's ring.
After all, a martial soul was essentially a soul master's spiritual manifestation—it wasn't a real celestial object. While it could possess elemental attributes, it still wasn't a literal sun. Therefore, the most suitable match for him would still be a ten-thousand-year soul beast possessing both fire and light attributes.
Xu Yang recalled how in Soul Land II, there were many high-level soul masters with multiple ten-thousand-year rings. Take Mu En, for example, or the two Super Douluo of the Body Sect—each had three. It was proof enough that the continent still harbored many such beasts. They simply dwelled in remote, uncharted regions, hidden from ordinary human awareness.
He didn't believe all of those powerful beasts were born only within the last ten thousand years. Which meant he had a real shot at finding one that matched his needs—especially those beasts that Mu En had once hunted.
"Forest King Titan Giant Ape?" Ning Fengzhi looked puzzled. From his perspective, the ape didn't seem much different from the Soft-Boned Rabbit. Why go risk a fight with a Titan-class threat in the Star Dou Great Forest when there was a much easier target within reach?
But he didn't think too hard about it. He trusted Xu Yang's judgment regarding his own cultivation. After all, Xu Yang had never once disappointed him.
"Very well, Yang'er. That means this Soft-Boned Rabbit's ring and soul bone are mine."
Xu Yang nodded without hesitation. "Of course, teacher. As long as you believe it's suitable."
Just then, as if remembering something, Ning Fengzhi added, "By the way—during a recent cataloging of our sect's library, some disciples found a partially damaged sea travel journal. It contained a brief mention of a ten-thousand-year Golden Crow. Unfortunately, the account is ancient and fragmentary. There's no exact location—only that it was spotted on an island in the Southern Sea. But don't worry, I've already dispatched people to investigate. It shouldn't be long before we hear something."
"For real?!" Xu Yang's voice involuntarily rose several pitches, unable to hide his excitement. If the Solar Moth was the closest mimic of a sun, then the Golden Crow was its embodiment—nothing could be a better match for his martial soul. Even if there was only a one-percent chance, he was determined to find it.
After all, oceans covered seventy percent of the Douluo Planet, filled with countless remote islands—perfect sanctuaries for powerful soul beasts. And due to the vast number of sea soul beasts, marine navigation was underdeveloped and incredibly dangerous.
So hearing that the Golden Crow might be found on some Southern Sea island made Xu Yang immediately think of the ten-thousand-year soul beasts that future generations of Title Douluo would hunt. It was highly likely that those came from such uncharted places.
By the Peerless Tang Sect era, when the Sun Moon Continent collided with the Douluo Continent, the introduction of advanced soul tool technology made maritime travel viable. It wasn't far-fetched to believe those hidden beasts could be found.
Still, Ning Fengzhi appeared a little hesitant. "Hmm… I'm not entirely certain. It's just a damaged travel log, after all."
Xu Yang smiled, easing his tone. "That's fine. I'll need at least two more years to reach Rank 70 anyway. There's plenty of time."
Changing the topic, he asked, "Teacher, did you and Sword Grandpa come here just for the rabbit?"
Ning Fengzhi shook his head. "Not entirely. If it were just the rabbit, the three Soul Douluo protecting Rongrong would be enough. We're actually here because of Tang Hao. If we can't get past him, that rabbit will be near impossible to take. A clash might be unavoidable."
So it really was Tang Hao.
Xu Yang now understood everything and promptly led them toward Shrek Academy to visit Ning Rongrong.
Within the academy grounds, Xiao Wu stood trembling behind Tang San, her face pale with fear. She never imagined that a remote place like Shrek would suddenly attract both a Soul Douluo and a Title Douluo.
Tang San didn't know what had happened, but when he saw Xiao Wu's terror, he instinctively stepped in front of her and stared at the newcomers: Ning Fengzhi and Chen Xin. He had to figure out why their arrival had shaken Xiao Wu so badly.
Chen Xin offered Xiao Wu a gentle smile, then turned his gaze eastward. A flicker of fighting spirit lit his eyes—and from that direction, an equally intense aura responded in kind.
"Dad! Sword Grandpa! What are you doing here?!"
Ning Rongrong, oblivious to Xiao Wu's distress, ran up and threw herself into her father's embrace, her tone full of surprise and excitement.
Ning Fengzhi smiled. "We came to Soto City to talk with the Clear Sky Douluo, and figured we'd stop by to see you too."
Xiao Wu's heart plummeted. Another one?! There was a Clear Sky Douluo here as well? She was being targeted by two Title Douluo?! She was doomed…
Just as she began to despair, Tang San whispered, "Don't worry, Xiao Wu. I'm here."
His voice was calm but resolute, his eyes unwavering.
At that moment, Tang Hao's aura surged like a brewing storm. Even Soul Elders and Soul Experts like Tang San and his companions could feel the overwhelming pressure—causing their bodies to tremble instinctively.
Ning Fengzhi released a gentle flow of soul power, creating a barrier to block the oppressive aura. He ensured that Rongrong, Dai Mubai, and the others wouldn't be affected. Then he looked eastward and said with a smile, "Tang Hao, relax. Until we've had our talk, I won't make a move."
"Dad… that's impossible, right?!"
Hearing Tang Hao's name, Tang San couldn't help but exclaim in disbelief. His mind was reeling. From what he could gather, the man living like a vagabond in their village—his father—was actually a Title Douluo?
And now, judging by everything going on, both his father and the leaders of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan were all here for one reason:
Xiao Wu.
PS: Read Advance Chapters at https://www.patreon.com/c/ReadJin