Chenxin's gaze swept across the crowd. "Once Soul Power exceeds ninety-five, that's considered the watershed for Titled Douluos. Between ninety-one and ninety-five, the gap in Soul Power is significant but can still be compensated for through superior Martial Soul quality, Soul Bones, or Soul Skills. However, if one of two fighting Titled Douluos has surpassed ninety-five, the situation changes completely. A ninety-sixth-level Titled Douluo possesses twenty percent more Soul Power than a ninety-fifth-level one."
The Great Master's eyes lit up, instantly filled with excitement and fervor. Having devoted his life to the study of Martial Souls, the experience of a top-tier expert like Sword Douluo was invaluable to his research.
"If ninety-six is already twenty percent stronger than ninety-five, then that's no longer something Martial Soul quality or ordinary Soul Skills and Soul Bones can bridge. Unless there's a fundamental gap between their Soul Skills, a ninety-sixth-level Titled Douluo should be able to completely suppress anyone below ninety-five. So then, how much of a gap exists between a ninety-seventh-level Titled Douluo and a ninety-sixth-level one?"
Sword Douluo Chenxin looked toward
"A ninety-seventh-level Titled Douluo's Soul Power is another twenty percent stronger than that of a ninety-sixth-level one."
Hearing this, every powerhouse present couldn't help but draw a sharp breath.
Bone Douluo smiled bitterly. "So that's why I've been suppressed by you all these years. I reached ninety-five ten years ago, yet I haven't made a single step forward since."
Looking at his longtime partner, a faint smile appeared on Chenxin's face. "After ninety-five, each level-up isn't simply about accumulating Soul Power—it's about comprehension. And because everyone's Martial Soul is different, what needs to be comprehended varies from person to person. No one's experience can help someone else advance. Your Soul Power reserves have long been sufficient; what you're missing is that final spark of enlightenment."
Chenxin said, "That's because you lack my focus."
The Great Master, deep in thought, spoke up. "So by that reasoning, a ninety-seventh-level Titled Douluo would possess nearly fifty percent more Soul Power than a ninety-fifth-level one. In terms of raw power comparison, wouldn't a ninety-seventh-level Titled Douluo be able to take on two Titled Douluos below ninety-five simultaneously?"
A glint of approval appeared in Chenxin's eyes—this was precisely the point he had been making. "Without factoring in Martial Soul counters or Soul Skill limitations—purely in terms of Soul Power—yes, that's correct. Once you surpass ninety-five, each single level represents an enormous chasm. The gap between ninety-seven and ninety-eight is already thirty percent, and between ninety-eight and ninety-nine it reaches forty percent. Meaning, a ninety-ninth-level Titled Douluo can face at least four Titled Douluos below ninety-five at the same time."
The Great Master nodded, fully immersed in calm analysis. "By that calculation, a ninety-ninth-level Titled Douluo would possess more than 2.6 times the Soul Power of a ninety-fifth-level one. In purely Soul Power terms, that gap is comparable to the difference between a Soul Saint and a Soul King. Even one against six shouldn't be a problem. But in reality, considering that they're all Titled Douluos with nine Soul Skills each, plus factors like Martial Soul counters, a ninety-ninth-level Titled Douluo would realistically be able to face four Titled Douluos below ninety-five simultaneously."
Ning Fengzhi smiled. "The Great Master truly lives up to his title. So among Titled Douluo-level powerhouses, there are approximately twenty known ones, but who knows how many more might be hidden away in the mountains and wilderness. Top-tier talent combined with diligent effort grants a chance of reaching Titled Douluo in one's lifetime. However, to reach ninety-five or above requires exceptional talent—or rather, a once-in-a-generation gift. The enlightenment Uncle Chenxin spoke of is the most critical factor. Among the current young generation, the only ones I've seen with such talent are the Shrek Seven Devils and Spirit Hall's Golden Generation. If that
At that moment, Tang San suddenly spoke up. "Senior Chenxin, then what is the gap between ninety-nine and level one hundred?"
Chenxin's gaze settled on Tang San, meeting his crystal-blue eyes. "I don't know. The Soul Master world may have once produced such legendary figures, but their experiences were never recorded."
As he spoke, a hint of longing and yearning surfaced in his calm eyes. "My father reached Titled Douluo at sixty-eight, then spent another ten years to reach ninety-five. Another ten years later, he had only reached ninety-six by the time he was eighty-eight. It wasn't until he was one hundred and eight that he broke through to ninety-seven. That year, he encountered the last opponent of his life. He lost—barely. The level distinctions after ninety-five that I just described? Those came from my father. He spoke with me for half an hour, then passed away peacefully. Before he died, he told me—his opponent was a ninety-nineth-level Titled Douluo. Once hailed as the most talented of his generation. After defeating my father, that ninety-ninth-level Titled Douluo told him he had been striving for thirty years to bridge the final gap between ninety-nine and one hundred, yet had found no way. By that time, this Titled Douluo was already over a hundred and twenty years old. He predicted that the gap between level one hundred and ninety-nine would be over one hundred percent in Soul Power alone. Moreover, there might even be a tenth Soul Ring."
This was news purchased with a life. Everyone fell into complete silence. Among the Soul Masters present, even the weakest of the Shrek Seven Devils had reached around the sixtieth level, with the exception of the Great Master. As Soul Masters, who wouldn't hope to one day climb to the peak? It was only through Sword Douluo's words that they understood just how difficult that truly was.
"That year, I was seventy-two and had already reached ninety-two. Twenty-four years have passed since then, and I'm ninety-six today. If that Titled Douluo who defeated my father is still alive, I wonder whether he's managed to break through the final bottleneck."
The Great Master said, "Ordinary people live roughly sixty to eighty years, but for Soul Masters, barring accidents, reaching a hundred isn't difficult, especially for high-level ones. At the Titled Douluo level, extending life by another twenty years is no trouble at all. That Soul Master was at ninety-nine—there's a good chance he's still alive."
Chenxin sighed. "It's a pity. Even if he is, I'll never have the chance to challenge him in this lifetime."
Chenxin shook his head. "Father died with a smile on his face. I used to hate him too, but once I truly surpassed ninety-five, I understood—at such a level, being able to fight an opponent stronger than yourself is the greatest fortune one can have."
Tang San said, "Senior Chenxin, if I'm not mistaken, though you lost an arm, your realm has actually advanced. Why wouldn't you have a chance?"
Two sharp beams of light erupted from Chenxin's eyes, causing every person present to feel a tremor in their heart and soul. He gave Tang San a deep look. "Good, good. Truly, heroes emerge from the young. But I wasn't speaking empty words. Losing my arm did grant me a new level of insight, but my vital energy was damaged. I'll never advance further. I could never surpass my father…"
Everyone present was sharp-witted, and from the implications buried in Chenxin's and Tang San's words, they couldn't help but feel a chill run through them. This Sword Douluo had already made another breakthrough, reaching the terrifying ninety-seventh level.
A flash of fervor blazed in Tang San's eyes. "Senior Chenxin, do you know where that person is?"
Chenxin's gaze swept across the group once more. "Back when my father challenged him, he was the Chief Enforcer of Spirit Hall's Elder Hall and the former Hall Master of the Elder Hall. A generational prodigy of Spirit Hall—their true spiritual leader. When
The air seemed to grow heavy, every person's pupils contracting. Even Ning Fengzhi, who had long known this, couldn't help but adopt a solemn expression. Only now did Tang San realize that within Spirit Hall—the enemy he considered his greatest threat—there lurked such an opponent. After all, Spirit Hall was a power that had ruled the Soul Master world for over a thousand years.
Just then, the door opened, and a thick medicinal aroma drifted out, drawing everyone's attention.
Tang San smiled bitterly to himself. Even if you want to speak privately, you should pick your timing. In front of Ning Fengzhi, how could he possibly keep information to himself?
"Elder Yang, these are all our people. Just say what you need to say."
Yang Wudi paused briefly, realizing the location he'd chosen wasn't ideal, but nodded anyway. "Emperor
Ning Fengzhi's brow furrowed slightly, and he let out a soft sigh. "As long as he's saved, that's what matters. Two to five years… it seems the Empire will need to find a successor. Does His Majesty know about this?"
Yang Wudi shook his head. "I didn't tell him. He's asleep now. With my medicine supporting him, he should be able to function normally by tomorrow—just somewhat weakened."
Though Ning Fengzhi was anxious, there was nothing to be gained by panic. Without Emperor Xue Ye, they couldn't launch a counterattack on the palace. Still, there was no fear of the situation changing—after all, this many Soul Masters were gathered here. Unless Qian Renxue could mobilize over ten thousand Soul Masters within a single day, they would be safe. And ten thousand Soul Masters was an enormous number. The ministers of the Empire weren't fools, and the outcome of the power struggle was far from decided. The Tian Dou Empire was not a Soul Master sect—its deep reserves and the accumulated strength of a vast empire were not something that could be easily devoured. This was precisely why Spirit Hall had chosen to have Qian Renxue impersonate
Tang San said, "Elder, Old Monster, you've worked hard. Please rest."
Yang Wudi and Dugu Bo went to rest, while Ning Fengzhi and Tang San both sank into deep thought. If Emperor Xue Ye could regain consciousness immediately and return with them to the Tian Dou palace, the situation would be firmly in their hands. But if time dragged on, Qian Renxue—disguised as Crown Prince Xue Qinghe—could create countless complications.
Taking a deep breath, Ning Fengzhi suddenly looked up. "Sect Master Tang, come in with me." As he spoke, he walked into the room where Emperor Xue Ye was being treated.
Tang San quickly followed. Ning Fengzhi waved his hand, closing the door behind them, and walked all the way to the bedside.
The black discoloration on Emperor Xue Ye's face had vanished, replaced by a white as frost. His features were gaunt and haggard—clearly the image of a man nearing the end of his days. A stark contrast to the vigor he'd displayed when Tang San had last seen him several years ago.
Ning Fengzhi looked at Tang San beside him. "Little San, tell me—what should we do now? Should we wait, or find another way?" Alone with Tang San, he had resumed the old form of address.
Tang San replied calmly, "Qian Renxue is a clever woman. She'll likely discover soon that something is wrong inside the
Ning Fengzhi listened carefully to Tang San's words. "And what is the second option?"
Tang San said, "Destruction. Causing as much damage as possible to Tian Dou City, especially the palace. After the Tian Dou Empire is dealt a severe blow, Spirit Hall will have plenty of opportunities in the future. After all, Spirit Hall already holds the advantage across the entire continent. This setback doesn't mean there won't be future chances. If I were Qian Renxue, I would choose this second path. And if you and the members of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan hadn't left the palace, you would have been caught in their devastating attack."
Ning Fengzhi regarded Tang San with satisfaction, a faint smile on his face. "Little San, in the future when Rongrong inherits the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, you must continue to help her."
Tang San nodded. "I've always thought of Rongrong as my sister. Besides, she has
Ning Fengzhi smiled. "If that day truly comes, it will be entirely thanks to you. Alright, Little San, you should go now. I'd like to spend some time alone with His Majesty."
Tang San froze for a moment, and his expression turned somewhat peculiar as he looked at Ning Fengzhi.
Ning Fengzhi shook his head helplessly. "Silly boy—sometimes, being too smart isn't necessarily a good thing. Now go."