Chapter 40: Yang Wudi’s Hidden Thoughts

After Yang Lang had taken a brief rest and recovered a bit, his duel with Yun Yibai began.

The two stood facing each other on the battlefield.

Unlike the restrained atmosphere of the previous team battle, Yang Lang was now bursting with fighting spirit. He was determined to wash away the humiliation of the last match and redeem the honor of the Break-Soul Spear.

At Yang Wudi's command, the two rushed toward each other.

At first, neither used spirit abilities — it was fists versus spearpoint. Fortunately, Yun Yibai's arms had already undergone dragon transformation, protected by the True Dragon Armored Form.

After three fierce exchanges, they separated.

"So this is the Break-Soul Spear!"

"No wonder it's so renowned. Seeing it in action is something else. It truly was born for battle — this raw power makes my blood surge! Let's go all out!"

For Yun Yibai, battle was both methodical and exhilarating.

As Yun Yibai's first spirit ring lit up beneath him, Yang Lang immediately sensed a shift in the surrounding lightning energy. Gripping his Break-Soul Spear tightly, he readied himself.

"This kid… the clan leader was right," Yang Lang thought.

"To reach rank 40 at just fifteen — that alone proves he's no ordinary genius. At the very least, he's someone incredibly disciplined. Few could endure the solitude of long-term cultivation."

"And his battle style… so experienced. Someone who's fought real battles."

Yang Lang focused his full attention on the lightning drawing nearer.

In the blink of an eye — lightning struck!

He seized the moment and lunged forward with a sudden thrust. But Yun Yibai twisted sideways to dodge and, with a flick of his left hand, launched a bolt of lightning straight at him.

Yang Lang quickly retracted his spear to block the blast with the shaft — but even so, the force sent him stumbling two steps backward.

Yun Yibai didn't give him time to recover. Surging with golden lightning, he looked like he was clad in an armor of thunder — his attacks became even faster and more unpredictable.

"Thunder Dragon's… Crushing Fist!!" Yun Yibai roared.

He channeled lightning into his right hand, condensing a fist of golden thunder and striking directly at Yang Lang.

"Second Spirit Skill — Pierce!" Yang Lang's eyes sharpened.

His Break-Soul Spear drew silver trails through the air — even space itself seemed to ripple.

"Pierce": the second spirit skill of the Break-Soul Spear. It doubles the weapon's penetrative power.

The two collided, their soul power exploding on impact.

But Yun Yibai's lightning surged through the spear, shocking Yang Lang and numbing his limbs.

"This lightning… It's stronger than I expected!" Yang Lang gritted his teeth.

"Impressive!" he shouted, forcing the numbness out of his system with a burst of spirit power.

He knew now — he couldn't afford to hold back, or he'd surely lose.

"First Spirit Skill — Quake!"

This skill unleashed a shockwave from his body that could shake off binds and control effects, while also boosting his momentum and aura to its peak.

The lightning still clinging to his body was blasted away.

"A powerful skill indeed!" Yun Yibai praised without hesitation.

The Break-Soul Spear was, after all, one of the top three weapon-type martial souls on the continent. When a user reached rank 70, the spear naturally awakened a ten-thousand-year soul ring. Its weapon-type nature also allowed it to host domain-like enhancements, making even a Spirit Douluo capable of challenging a Titled Douluo.

This kind of martial soul wasn't rare by accident — it was a product of both lineage and unique ability.

The four single-attribute clans — Strength, Speed, Defense, and Control — all had their own special skills and secret techniques. For example, the Speed Clan possessed a ring-switching technique that allowed a Spirit Master to remove an existing soul ring and absorb a new one.

Back on the battlefield, the clash between Yun Yibai and Yang Lang grew more intense. Spectators were riveted.

"Still think that brat was exaggerating?" Dugu Bo asked, a bit smugly.

"Not at all," Yang Wudi admitted. "Anyone who can hold their own against one of my clan's top Spirit Ancestors isn't bluffing. Our Break-Soul Spear users aren't so easily challenged."

"His combat skills are so refined — someone who's fought in countless real battles. Hard to believe he's just fifteen. In both cultivation and battle experience, he's well ahead of his peers."

"Tch. That kid's alright, I guess," Dugu Bo muttered, nearly grinning ear to ear — but still pretending to be modest.

Yang Wudi's gaze lingered on Yun Yibai — and his thoughts drifted to Dugu Bo.

He recalled many rumors about the Poison Douluo.

How Dugu Bo had once been hunted by Spirit Hall, how he'd always clashed with Chrysanthemum Douluo, Yue Guan… how even after becoming a Titled Douluo, he refused Spirit Hall's invitation, never kneeling before the Pope, and rejecting their offers outright.

On the field, Yun Yibai continued harassing Yang Lang with swift, thunder-infused strikes.

"Third Spirit Skill — Explode!"

At that moment, the tip of Yang Lang's spear glowed with black energy.

This skill exponentially increased his attack power. If the spear struck anything, it would trigger an explosive release of soul power, greatly enhancing its destructive force.

Watching from the sidelines, the young Yang clan disciples lit up with excitement — faces red with tension as they held their breath.

Yun Yibai sensed danger — that black glow meant serious power.

But he had studied the Break-Soul Spear's techniques well.

"Breath of Thunder."

"Thunder Dragon's Roar!"

Over the years, Yun Yibai had honed his lightning control to an incredible degree. This technique was now nearly instantaneous to cast.

Danger! Danger! Danger! Yang Lang's instincts screamed.

Then, with no warning — thunder and spear collided.

BOOM!

A massive explosion erupted from the point of impact, centered on Yang Lang.

Just as Yun Yibai had expected — once struck, the Break-Soul Spear's skill detonated.

Combat wasn't just about strength — it was also about tactics and timing.

"Yang Lang!"

"Brother Yang!"

"...!"

Several younger members of the Yang clan couldn't help but cry out in concern.

But Yang Wudi and Dugu Bo remained still. With their strength, they could see through the smoke and tell that Yang Lang hadn't been seriously injured.

Yun Yibai, too, refrained from pressing the attack — after all, he was still a guest here.

"Huff… huff…"

As the smoke cleared, Yang Lang reappeared.

He was panting heavily but still stood firm, spear in hand. His fourth spirit ring was still glowing.

It turned out he'd activated his fourth skill just in time, avoiding the brunt of the explosion.

"Come!" Yang Lang bellowed.

Yun Yibai smiled, taking a battle stance. Perfect — he had a new technique he hadn't tested yet.

But before the duel could continue, Yang Wudi appeared in the center of the stage.

"This is just a sparring match," he said.

"That's enough."

Later...

"I've studied alchemy for many years," Yang Wudi said.

"And I've also developed a deep interest in poison. After all, medicine and poison are two sides of the same coin."

"Your Grace Dugu — now that the juniors' sparring is over, allow me to ask for your guidance."