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After becoming a soul master, Yang Xiong's training regimen underwent a complete transformation—or rather, expanded significantly.
Though only eight years old, his height had already reached 1.4 meters due to years of consistent exercise, making him taller than many children with Beast Martial Souls.
Yang Xiong commissioned a blacksmith in Seven Treasures City to craft several items for him, including a full-body weight set totaling about thirty jin (approximately 15 kilograms). This included four five-jin wrist weights and a ten-jin chest plate. Additionally, he had custom-made sandbags filled with small iron beads and an iron practice dummy.
The structure of the practice dummy was not overly complex—it was modeled after the wooden dummies used in ancient martial arts training on Earth. Its base was a large, stable platform, and its main body consisted of a metal pole over 1.5 meters tall, riddled with holes. The pole could rotate on the base depending on the force applied.
Each hole could accommodate various oddly shaped iron arms, allowing customization based on individual needs.
The wooden dummy was a culmination of ancient martial arts practices from Earth's Huaxia civilization, combining offensive techniques, hand movements, footwork, and leg techniques into a single simulated training tool. It embodied the practical combat awareness and striking methods of ancient martial artists.
While traditional wooden dummies were made of hardwood, Yang Xiong's version was crafted entirely from pure iron. Each arm could be replaced, making it more versatile, durable, and robust than its ancient counterpart.
Given that Douluo was a world of fantasy, Yang Xiong felt that his strength and physical conditioning had improved dramatically since becoming a soul master. Even at just eight years old, he likely surpassed many adults from Earth in terms of raw power.
Every morning, in addition to his regular exercises, Yang Xiong focused on practicing with the iron dummy and hitting the sandbag. These activities served as realistic combat simulations.
When practicing with the rotating dummy, even the slightest delay in reaction would result in being struck by the iron arms. The greater the force and speed applied, the higher the likelihood of being hit. However, Yang Xiong's Body Martial Soul thrived under such impacts, growing stronger with each blow.
As for the sandbag, though it appeared simple, it was one of the cornerstones of boxing training. Filled with fine iron sand and wrapped in beast hide, it was nearly indestructible. Each morning, Yang Xiong struck the sandbag with all his might, pushing his punches and kicks to their limits.
The impact left his hands and feet bruised, and the pain lingered after each session. However, his Body Martial Soul's terrifying regenerative abilities left Yang Xiong himself astonished.
In the mornings, Yang Xiong rarely attended class anymore, opting instead to visit the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect's library. The library housed a wealth of valuable knowledge, and Yang Xiong found it invaluable for his growth.
In the afternoons, he focused purely on physical conditioning—running and swimming while carrying heavier weights, pushing his stamina to its absolute limit.
Though his routine seemed simple, Yang Xiong could feel his body gradually growing stronger.
Every few days, Yang Xiong would spar with his father. Though he often ended up battered, these sessions allowed him to accumulate valuable combat experience.
What truly amazed Yang Xiong, however, was the vast collection of books in the sect's library.
The library spanned seven floors, each housing a variety of texts. As one ascended, the books became increasingly rare and esoteric.
The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, being the wealthiest sect on the Douluo Continent, had clearly invested heavily in its library. Its collection was extensive, covering everything from cultivation notes of Title Douluos and self-created soul skills of high-level soul masters to knowledge of poisonous flowers and medicinal herbs. It was undoubtedly one of the richest libraries on the continent.
As one climbed higher, the value of the books increased. There were even rare, out-of-print manuscripts and obscure secrets from the history of the soul master world.
When Yang Xiong reached the sixth floor, he was astonished to find records of the Hao Tian Sect's Chaotic Wind Splitting Hammer Technique, Nine Absolutes, and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's Dragon Transformation. However, these were incomplete summaries derived from past battles between experts.
Access to the seventh floor required either the sect leader's or one of the two elder guardians' authorization. Fortunately, Yang Xiong possessed the token Ning Fengzhi had given him, granting him unrestricted access.
If the first six floors were renowned for their rich and precious collections, the seventh floor was comparatively sparse but contained works of immense value.
Even on his first visit, Yang Xiong's eyes widened in awe. Among the books were records of the Heart Separation Control technique and the Seven Kill Sword Technique, as well as cultivation methods belonging to Bone Elder. However, these methods only covered the initial levels—the highest tiers were likely passed down orally by their respective masters.
The Heart Separation Control technique was a secret art of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, though not exclusive to them. It allowed users to maximize the amplification effects of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda Martial Soul, even enabling simultaneous boosts for multiple individuals.
The Seven Kill Sword Technique was hailed as one of the world's most supreme cultivation methods and represented the pinnacle of swordsmanship.
What intrigued Yang Xiong most, however, was Bone Elder's cultivation method. Bone Elder's Bone Dragon Martial Soul earned him a reputation as the most enigmatic expert in the soul master world. In reality, he excelled most in defense.
In terms of pure defensive prowess, he even surpassed Huyan Zhen and Niu Gao of the Defense Clan. Beyond his unique martial soul, his personal cultivation methods played a significant role.
Additionally, Yang Xiong discovered numerous defensive cultivation techniques from various families within the library. These included unique training methods and drug-induced stimulation techniques to enhance resilience.
Immersed in the library, Yang Xiong felt as though he were swimming in an ocean of knowledge. Many of the resources would prove invaluable for his future development. For instance, the self-created soul skills of others could serve as references for developing his own.
Yang Xiong also found numerous methods for medicinal baths, originating from various prestigious families. While not necessarily the pinnacle of such practices, each family's methods had their own unique strengths, often tailored to specific types of martial souls.
Lin Gong, the homeroom teacher of Class One, placed great emphasis on classroom discipline. However, he found himself at a loss when it came to Yang Xiong.
Currently, all the students in the class were only eight years old, and their education focused on basic soul master knowledge, with little to no practical combat training.
Yang Xiong had initially attended classes but spent his time reading books instead of listening to lectures. Now, he didn't even show up, requesting leave to spend his time in the library. This left Lin Gong feeling quite frustrated.
However, there was little he could do. Over the years, Yang Xiong had read extensively and developed unique insights into martial soul cultivation. He could even identify his own martial soul at a glance—a level of knowledge surpassing many teachers.
Still, Lin Gong insisted that Yang Xiong attend school at least one day per week to avoid becoming disconnected from the class. Moreover, as a homeroom teacher, he needed to stay informed about his students' situations to report back to the sect.
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