Physical Strength Test

Physical Strength Test

A crisp slap cracked through the training ground like thunder.

Time seemed to freeze at that moment. Everyone stared wide-eyed at the scene before them—Dugu Yan's right hand still hung in the air, while five distinct red finger marks had already appeared on Yu Tianheng's handsome cheek.

Even Feng Yao, who was usually so composed, widened his eyes slightly. He clearly had not expected Dugu Yan to be so fierce.

"Yan, you..." Yu Tianheng's voice seemed to squeeze out from between clenched teeth. The blue lightning flickering in his eyes revealed the violent turmoil within him.

Dugu Yan withdrew her hand, her emerald eyes cold as frost. "Enough, Yu Tianheng." Her voice was not loud, yet every word was icy. "How many times have I told you? I only see Little Feng as a younger brother. Looking after him is something I should do. As for the reason, Grandpa told me not to say." She took a deep breath. "If you do not even have this much trust in me, then we really are not suited to be together."

With that, she turned and rushed over to Feng Yao, grabbing his hand without explanation. "Little Feng, let's go!"

"Sister Yan, hey..." Feng Yao had not even finished speaking before Dugu Yan dragged him away forcefully. He looked back at Yu Tianheng, who stood rooted to the spot, a complicated emotion flashing through his eyes.

That slap seemed to have sobered Yu Tianheng up considerably. Watching the two of them leave, the anger in his eyes gradually faded, replaced by a trace of regret. Dugu Yan's righteous attitude had instead dispelled more than half the doubts in his heart.

"Did Sister Yan slap the captain stupid?" Yu Feng sidled up to Oslo and lowered his voice.

Oslo gave him a cold glance without answering. With a flash, he vanished into the shadows of the training ground. As he left, the Imperial Fighting Team also dispersed one after another, leaving Yu Tianheng standing alone in the middle of the empty training ground.

Not long after, inside the Cafeteria of Heaven Dou Royal Academy.

Dugu Yan's emerald eyes were fixed on Feng Yao as he wolfed down his food, her slender fingers tapping unconsciously against the table. Seeing the boy devour his meal, an inexplicable anger rose in her heart. "Eat, eat, eat! Your sister kicked her own man to the curb for your sake, yet here you are, eating like nothing happened!"

Hearing this, Ye Lingling hurriedly covered her cherry lips with her delicate hand, but a soft laugh still escaped. Her shoulders trembled faintly as she clearly struggled to hold back her amusement.

Feng Yao helplessly set down his utensils and lifted his eyes to meet Dugu Yan's angry gaze. "Wasn't this your own choice?" His tone carried a hint of innocence, mixed with a touch of teasing.

Dugu Yan rubbed her temples, feeling a headache coming on. In her eyes, Yu Tianheng's head contained nothing but the pride of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and muscles. If she truly had feelings for Feng Yao, why would someone of her status need to hide it? Besides, Grandpa had long warned her never to reveal the hidden danger of the Jade Phosphorous Serpent Martial Soul to Yu Tianheng—this concerned not only a Spirit Master's most taboo weakness, but also the bloodline inheritance of the Dugu Clan.

Dugu Bo was known across the continent for his poison and already had a terrible reputation. If people learned that the Jade Phosphor Snake Poison could fuse into one's bloodline and be passed down through generations, then on the Douluo Continent, where bloodlines were valued so highly, what family would be willing to marry into the Dugu Clan? How could Dugu Yan fail to understand the stakes involved?

"Yan Yan, have you really decided to separate from the captain?" Ye Lingling asked softly, a trace of concern in her voice as her clear eyes quietly watched Dugu Yan.

Dugu Yan's expression darkened slightly. Her fingertips unconsciously rubbed along the edge of the table. After a moment of silence, she sighed softly. "I don't know..." Her voice carried a touch of confusion, and she was clearly still struggling within.

The two women's gazes turned toward Feng Yao at the same time. The boy was lowering his head over his food, seemingly trying to make himself less noticeable.

"Why are you looking at me?" Feng Yao noticed their gazes and looked up, a grain of rice still stuck at the corner of his mouth. His expression was slightly innocent.

"You still have the nerve to ask!" Dugu Yan's brows shot up as she reached out and grabbed his ear. Gritting her teeth, she said, "If I weren't afraid that guy would beat you black and blue, I would not have bothered with you!"

Feng Yao grimaced in pain but did not dare pull away. He could only mutter softly, "It's not certain who would beat whom..."

Dugu Yan let go of Feng Yao's ear irritably, then flicked his forehead with a finger. Her emerald eyes widened slightly. "You are quite confident, aren't you? That guy is nearly at level forty. If your Soul Power levels were equal, I would not have bothered stopping you. It would be good to let him suffer a little." She folded her arms and snorted coldly. "But what about now? If he won, he would only be using his higher level to suppress you. What would there be to be proud of? And if he lost..." She shot Feng Yao a sideways glance. "The heir of the mighty Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, defeated by a Spirit Master not even at level thirty—what do you think would happen to him? And do you really think the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect would let the matter rest?"

Feng Yao rubbed his reddened ear thoughtfully. As he carefully considered Dugu Yan's words, he gradually understood the deeper meaning. If he truly defeated Yu Tianheng, who possessed the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Spirit, despite being below level thirty, he would immediately become the focus of every major power and might even draw unnecessary trouble. If Yu Tianheng lost, not only would his own reputation be ruined, but the entire Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan would be disgraced. The chain reaction that followed would be far more complicated than a single victory or defeat.

Indeed, he was not Tang San. He did not have a father like Haotian Douluo backing him, nor did he have elders from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect protecting him. Besides, a duel was completely different from a team battle. If a team lost, they could still blame poor coordination or tactical mistakes. But if he defeated Yu Tianheng one-on-one before everyone's eyes, he would not only push himself into the spotlight, but nail his opponent to the pillar of shame.

The heir of the mighty Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect, defeated by an unknown Great Soul Master? That alone would be enough to put Yu Tianheng at a disadvantage in future competition within the sect. Of course, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect might not even survive until the day power changed hands, but before its destruction, Feng Yao would likely have to face countless open and hidden attacks.

With that thought, Feng Yao put on a flattering smile and said in a fawning tone, "Sister Yan really has thought of everything. This little brother is ashamed of being inferior."

Dugu Yan shot him a sideways glance and snorted. "You are living easy now, but your sister has been dragged into a mess because of you. I do not even know how to clean this up."

Ye Lingling bit her lower lip lightly. After hesitating for a moment, she gently suggested, "Yan Yan, how about I explain things to the captain?"

"No need!" Dugu Yan cut her off decisively, a flash of stubbornness in her eyes. "Let him think things through himself. If he understands, he will naturally come find me. If he does not..." She paused, and a mocking curve appeared at the corner of her mouth. "Then forget it. I, Dugu Yan, have no interest in being his mother."

Feng Yao nodded slightly but said nothing. In his eyes, becoming too deeply entangled with the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan had never been a wise choice. Being able to draw a clear line now was instead a good thing. He lifted his teacup and took a light sip, a trace of relief unintentionally appearing at the corner of his mouth.

"Oh?" Dugu Yan suddenly narrowed her emerald eyes and looked at him with a half-smile. "Seeing that expression of yours, could it be that you are secretly celebrating?"

Feng Yao nearly choked on his tea. He hurriedly set down the cup and waved his hands. "Sister Yan, you jest. How would I dare..."

The sun slanted westward, its final rays filtering through the treetops and falling upon the Cafeteria entrance. Feng Yao set down his bowl and chopsticks with satisfaction, wiped the corner of his mouth, and even remembered to push his chair back into place when he stood. Dugu Yan was already waiting outside, her long emerald hair swaying softly in the evening breeze.

"Let's go." She spoke without looking back, her slender figure casting a long shadow beneath the setting sun.

Feng Yao quickly followed. The three of them walked side by side along the shaded forest path. In the distance, the unique Soul Power fluctuations of the Mimicry Training Ground could faintly be felt.

Half a month later, inside the Mimicry Training Ground.

Feng Yao sat cross-legged, Soul Power surging around him like a tide as pale blue ripples spread through the air. With a clear shout, his surging Soul Power suddenly erupted, then was drawn back into his body in an instant like a hundred rivers returning to the sea. When he opened his eyes, it seemed as though stars flowed within them—level thirty, finally achieved naturally!

Over the past half month, Feng Yao had lived a life of near-ascetic cultivation. During the day, he no longer went to the public training grounds, instead finding secluded places to play the zither alone. His interactions with the Imperial Dou Team had been reduced to brief meetings in the Cafeteria. At night, he spent every evening without fail in the Mimicry Training Ground, tempering his Soul Power day after day.

Feng Yao stood and dusted off his robes. After some thought, he still decided to go to the training ground. There were some matters in which he would likely need to trouble Poison Douluo for assistance.

When he entered the training ground, the Imperial Fighting Team all cast surprised looks his way. Feng Yao's disappearance over this period had already sparked plenty of speculation within the team.

"Sister Yan." Feng Yao called softly, his voice quiet yet particularly clear.

Dugu Yan was sparring with her teammates when she heard him. Her movements paused. She glanced at Yu Tianheng, whose face was dark in the distance, then casually withdrew her Martial Soul and walked gracefully toward Feng Yao.

"Oh, our busy man has finally decided to show his face?" Dugu Yan said, her red lips curling slightly as her tone held a hint of teasing.

"You still have not made up?" Feng Yao asked tentatively.

Dugu Yan snorted lightly, a trace of mockery flashing through her emerald eyes. "Do you think a proud dragon would lower its head to a snake?"

Feng Yao smiled in understanding, then said, "Fine. I actually broke through to level thirty today, and I have something I would like to ask Senior Dugu to help with."

"Level thirty?!" Dugu Yan's emerald eyes widened instantly as she looked Feng Yao up and down in disbelief. "It has only been half a month, right?" She stroked her chest to calm her surprise, then quickly resumed her lazy demeanor. Leaning against an ancient tree, she played with a lock of hair. "Come on, I'll take you to see Grandpa."

Feng Yao smiled and cupped his hands. "Then I will trouble Sister Yan."

Dugu Yan casually waved to the Imperial Fighting Team, ignoring Yu Tianheng's dark gaze as she left the academy shoulder to shoulder with Feng Yao.

Not long after, deep within Sunset Forest.

Thick Poisonous Fog curled through the forest as the two moved through it with practiced ease. After pushing aside the final layer of poisonous miasma, they saw Dugu Bo attentively tending several rare medicinal herbs.

"Grandpa!" Dugu Yan called happily, running toward the old man like a light butterfly.

"Yan Yan is here." A fond smile immediately bloomed on Dugu Bo's face, but when his gaze shifted to Feng Yao, his expression suddenly froze. Old Poison narrowed his eyes and examined the boy in disbelief. "You brat..."

He circled Feng Yao once, then suddenly widened his eyes. "A level-thirty Soul Elder?!" His voice abruptly rose. "You broke through from level twenty-eight to level thirty in half a month?" Dugu Bo grabbed Feng Yao by the shoulder. "Good heavens, are you some hundred-thousand-year Spirit Beast that took human form?"

The corner of Feng Yao's mouth lifted, a trace of slyness flashing through his eyes. "How could a hundred-thousand-year Spirit Beast escape Poison Douluo's discerning eye?"

"Hmph, at least you know how to talk." Dugu Bo stroked his beard and glared at him irritably. "But was it worth making a special trip here just because you broke through to level thirty? Those three old fellows at Heaven Dou Academy have not been treating you like a treasure?"

Feng Yao gave a serious salute, his tone sincere. "To be honest, Senior, I did not come only for the Spirit Ring. You are skilled in the properties of medicinal herbs, and I would like to ask you to help test my physical strength." He paused, determination flashing in his eyes. "For this third Spirit Ring, I want to try exceeding the conventional age limit."

"Exceeding the age limit?" Dugu Bo narrowed his eyes, his fingers unconsciously rubbing his chin. "You sure dare to dream. But..." He studied Feng Yao meaningfully. "With your talent, you might truly be able to do it. But do you know the consequences of failure?"

Feng Yao blinked and revealed a knowing smile. "Haven't I received quite a few 'supplements' from you?"

A sharp gleam flashed in Dugu Bo's eyes before he nodded in understanding. "Tell me, how do you want this old man to help?"

"I would like you to use Soul Power pressure to test my limit." Feng Yao lowered his voice. "The academy teachers cannot conveniently do this. After thinking it over, you are still the most reliable person."

"Stop flattering me!" Dugu Bo laughed and cursed, sweeping his sleeve. "If you are ready, then let's begin!" As he spoke, faint Soul Power fluctuations rose around him, and the phantom of the Jade Phosphorous Serpent Emperor appeared indistinctly behind him.

"Stand firm!" Dugu Bo shouted. His sleeves fluttered despite the lack of wind, and dark green Soul Power fluctuations suddenly surged around him. The soul pressure of a Title Douluo poured forth like a tidal wave, making even the surrounding air seem thick and heavy.

Feng Yao drew a deep breath and spread his feet slightly. Soul Power circulated within his body as his muscles tightened. His blazing gaze fixed on Dugu Bo, signaling that he was ready.

"Brat, if you want to break through, we'll start at level thirty-five."

Before Dugu Bo had even finished speaking, Feng Yao felt an invisible pressure descend upon him. It was as if a small mountain had been placed on his shoulders. His knees dipped slightly, but he quickly steadied himself, his breathing remaining even.

"Oh?" Dugu Bo raised a brow, surprise flashing through his eyes. "Interesting!"

Under Dugu Bo's control, the Soul Power pressure continued to increase with astonishingly subtle precision!

Feng Yao let out a muffled groan. The ground beneath his feet sank slightly, and fine cracks spread outward like a spiderweb. Sweat seeped from his temples, but his eyes remained clear. Soul Power raced through his meridians, resisting the pressure from outside.

"You can still endure?" Dugu Bo's interest grew even stronger, his emerald eyes filled with anticipation.

As time passed, the terrifying Soul Power pressure swept over him like collapsing mountains and crashing seas. Every bone in Feng Yao's body gave off faint creaks, as though they might fail beneath the burden at any moment. His face had turned slightly pale, but a stubborn curve rose at the corner of his mouth—he could still hold on!

"Good brat!" Dugu Bo laughed. "You have already passed level forty. Let's try something higher."

Boom—!

The violent Soul Power nearly solidified into substance, and the air around Feng Yao twisted for an instant. His legs sank deeply into the ground, and a trace of blood spilled from the corner of his mouth, but—he still did not kneel!

Several breaths later, Dugu Bo abruptly withdrew his power.

Feng Yao staggered, then steadied himself. Raising a hand to wipe the blood from his lips, he grinned. "What do you think, Senior?"

Dugu Bo looked at him deeply before slowly nodding. "Soul pressure is an external form of pressure, unlike absorbing a Spirit Ring. Conservatively speaking, your physical strength is enough to withstand a Spirit Ring below five thousand years."

"He skipped an entire tier outright." Dugu Yan exclaimed in surprise.

A brilliant light flashed through Feng Yao's eyes—this was exactly the answer he had wanted!