Level 20, Physical Strength Rivaling a Soul Ancestor

Douluo World.

Heaven Dou Royal Academy.

Inside the tranquil student dormitory, dawn filtered through the carved window lattice, scattering fragmented golden light across the bed draped in plain-colored brocade.

Lin Yao, seated cross-legged, slowly opened his eyes. A trace of drowsiness first flashed through them before being replaced by sudden delight.

He instinctively raised a hand to cover his dantian, his palm clearly sensing the Soul Power within him surging like a rushing stream.

Compared to yesterday, that power had increased severalfold. The previously stagnant bottleneck had quietly melted away like ice and snow beneath warm water.

"Level 20..."

Lin Yao murmured softly, his fingertips trembling slightly.

At his original Cultivation speed, breaking through to Level 20 would have required at least several months of hard training.

Yet the surging Soul Power within him now meant that, by stacking with his other selves from other worlds, he had saved several months of arduous Cultivation in one stroke and firmly reached the threshold for obtaining his second Soul Ring.

Slowly rising to his feet, Lin Yao stepped barefoot onto the cool wooden floor. Soul Power unconsciously circulated around his body, outlining a faint pearly-white glow in the morning light.

He raised a fist and felt the solid strength flowing through his muscles and bones, his thoughts becoming clear.

In this world stacking, the improvements brought by his selves from Academy World and Hong Kong Movies had merely been icing on the cake. The true key was Lin Yao from the newly added Divine Eagle World.

That body, cultivated through Golden Bell Shield and Iron Shirt, carried astonishingly vigorous blood and vitality, like molten lava poured into his flesh.

Lin Yao closed his eyes and examined himself inwardly. He could clearly see that the body which had originally only been able to bear a two-thousand-year Soul Ring had now become like refined steel.

Its carrying capacity had soared to the five-thousand-year level.

One had to know that physical strength at the two-thousand-year level was already equivalent to that of a Level 33 or 34 Soul Elder.

The five-thousand-year level, however, was already on par with the optimal Soul Ring configuration of a Soul Ancestor. This was a qualitative leap.

"And there's the enhancement from the Star Body."

Lin Yao lifted his head toward the sky beyond the window. Though dawn had already broken, a few lingering stars could still be seen.

During last night's Cultivation, the Star Power automatically absorbed by the Star Body had seeped into his limbs and bones like fine silver sand.

It had not only nourished his Soul Power, but also tempered his body to become increasingly resilient.

He lightly raised his hand, and his fingertips sliced through the air with a faint whistling sound. With such physical strength, he had long surpassed Soul Masters of the same rank.

What reassured him even more was the spiritual power in his sea of consciousness, far surpassing his Soul Power. It was like a tranquil lake—without a ripple, yet unfathomably deep.

Lin Yao knew that with this spiritual power, he would never suffer from Soul Power losing control when absorbing ten-thousand-year Soul Rings in the future.

"Everything is proceeding according to plan. My foundation is becoming increasingly solid."

A faint smile appeared at the corner of Lin Yao's lips, and his gaze grew ever more resolute.

The next morning, sandalwood smoke drifted through the Education Committee Hall of Heaven Dou Royal Academy. Ancient wooden beams held plaques that symbolized the academy's authority.

Dressed in his student uniform, Lin Yao stepped steadily into the hall. The three education committee members were already seated in the places of honor.

There was Meng Shenji, white-haired and wise-eyed; Bai Baoshan, broad and powerfully built with a stern face; and Zhi Lin, reserved in expression, his aura calm and restrained.

"Three esteemed seniors, this junior is Lin Yao. I have come today to inform you that I broke through to Level 20 Soul Power last night."

Lin Yao gave a slight bow, his voice clear and steady.

The instant his words fell, the air in the hall seemed to freeze.

Meng Shenji's teacup paused slightly in his hand. Several drops of scalding tea splashed onto the hem of his pale robe, yet he did not notice.

Bai Baoshan abruptly straightened in his seat, his previously relaxed muscles instantly tensing as disbelief filled his eyes.

Even Zhi Lin, who was usually quiet, could not help raising his eyelids. His gaze landed directly on Lin Yao, carrying a trace of barely perceptible shock.

"Hiss—"

The three of them nearly gasped at the same time, and only the soft sound of sharply drawn breaths remained in the hall.

"Level 20 at six and a half years old... What does that even mean?"

Bai Baoshan was the first to break the silence, his voice somewhat hoarse.

He had lived for nearly a century and seen countless geniuses, but he had never heard of anyone breaking through to Level 20 at merely six and a half years old.

What was more, when Lin Yao had come to register yesterday, he had clearly only been at Level 18 Soul Power!

Meng Shenji's heart was already roiling with waves, and a terrifying thought flashed through his mind.

Could someone have tampered with Lin Yao, forcibly raising his Soul Power through an evil technique and ruining his foundation?

At that thought, he could no longer remain seated. He abruptly rose, strode to Lin Yao, and grabbed the latter's shoulder.

Soul Power flowed from his palm like fine threads, carefully seeping into Lin Yao's body to inspect the circulation of his Soul Power and the condition of his muscles and bones.

Lin Yao relaxed cooperatively, allowing Meng Shenji's Soul Power to travel through his body.

A moment later, Meng Shenji's tightly furrowed brows gradually relaxed. He let out a long breath, shook his head at Bai Baoshan and Zhi Lin, who were looking at him questioningly, and said in a deep voice,

"No problem! His Soul Power circulates smoothly, and his muscles and bones are tough without injury. This was absolutely not caused by an evil technique."

Hearing the words "no problem," Bai Baoshan and Zhi Lin also let out sighs of relief.

They both knew that Lin Yao was the Personal Disciple of Title Douluo Chen Xin.

If something had gone wrong at Heaven Dou Royal Academy, then with Chen Xin's temperament, the entire academy would likely have to bear the wrath of the Number One Offensive.

Meng Shenji released his hand and looked at Lin Yao with astonishment in his eyes.

"You little fellow truly are an unexpected little monster.

You broke through two levels in a single night, and the Soul Power in your body is condensed like refined steel. Your physical strength is even comparable to a Level 40 Quasi-Soul Ancestor.

For any other genius with Innate Full Soul Power, they would likely need to wait until sixteen or seventeen to reach this level. Yet you..."

He did not finish his words, merely shaking his head repeatedly. The praise in his eyes was nearly overflowing.

"Half a year ago, you were still at Level 10 with Innate Full Soul Power. Now you've already broken through to Level 20. Such speed is simply unheard of."

Bai Baoshan stepped forward and lightly patted Lin Yao's shoulder, his tone full of emotion.

"Senior Chen Xin truly accepted an excellent disciple. It is also our fortune that Heaven Dou Royal Academy has been able to forge goodwill with you."

Zhi Lin slowly spoke as well. Though his voice was soft, it carried absolute certainty.

"You truly are a little monster whose potential cannot be seen through. Perhaps you won't even need ten or twenty years before surpassing us old fellows."

He had cultivated bitterly throughout his life before finally reaching the realm of Soul Fighting Douluo, still one step away from becoming a Title Douluo.

Yet the achievements of this six-and-a-half-year-old child before him would likely far surpass theirs.

To Lin Yao, Title Douluo might only be a small step.

Facing the praise of the three education committee members, Lin Yao showed no pride. Instead, he bowed slightly and answered humbly,

"You three seniors flatter me. This junior has merely relied on a bit of talent and happened to break through earlier than others. The road ahead is still long, and there is still much I need to learn."

Seeing such a steady mindset in one so young, Meng Shenji felt even more gratified and said with a smile,

"Good child, it is important to maintain that humility. We were shocked by your talent just now and may have praised you too much. If that makes you arrogant, it would be a bad thing instead."

In his eyes, with peerless talent paired with a humble and cautious personality, Lin Yao's future would surely be limitless.

"Yao, us old fellows will congratulate you first!"

Bai Baoshan said with a smile.

"Now that your Soul Power is stable and your body is so strong, you will certainly be able to absorb a Soul Ring beyond its normal age limit. In my opinion, it won't be long before you break that continental record of 'Breakthrough to Soul Elder at Thirteen'!"

"Once you break that record, I fear no one will ever surpass it again."

Zhi Lin added, his eyes full of anticipation.

Meng Shenji paused, seeming to recall something, and asked,

"Yao, do you need us to send someone with you to hunt your second Soul Ring?"

He knew Chen Xin valued Lin Yao greatly and might have already planned his Soul Rings for him. Thus, he did not make the decision on his own and merely asked Lin Yao's opinion first.

Lin Yao gently shook his head at those words.

"Thank you for your kindness, Senior, but there is no need. Before Master sent me to the academy, he instructed me not to hunt Soul Beasts carelessly after breaking through to Level 20. I need to return to the sect and ask for his help.

Master's Seven Kill Sword martial soul is the Number One Offensive martial soul. He understands my mutated Star Sword martial soul even better, and he can offer more suitable advice regarding Soul Ring planning."

He paused, then added,

"It's only that Master did not expect me to break through to Level 20 so quickly. He originally thought it would still take several months."

Meng Shenji and the other two all smiled knowingly.

Even a Title Douluo had failed to anticipate Lin Yao's breakthrough speed. One could imagine the astonishment that would surely appear on Chen Xin's face when Lin Yao returned to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.

They no longer insisted. After all, Chen Xin personally hunting a Soul Ring for Lin Yao would be far more reliable than sending someone themselves.

Soul Beast forests were fraught with danger. A genius like Lin Yao would inevitably attract the covetous eyes of petty scoundrels. Only with Chen Xin present could absolute safety be ensured.

Afterward, Meng Shenji summoned a trusted Soul Saint Teacher and instructed him,

"You will personally escort Lin Yao back to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. You must ensure his safety."

Although Lin Yao carried a life-saving trump card left by Chen Xin, and Heaven Dou Royal Academy was not far from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect—so Chen Xin could arrive in moments should danger arise—they still had to show the proper courtesy and attitude.

Lin Yao was deeply grateful for the three education committee members' kindness. He did not refuse and said with a smile, "Thank you for your concern, three seniors."

He had always believed that more friends meant more paths. As long as they did not cross his bottom line, he was happy to befriend these seniors.

After leaving the Education Committee Hall, Lin Yao set out with the Soul Saint Teacher.

The Soul Saint Teacher summoned his martial soul: a giant snow-white eagle that carried Lin Yao into the sky.

High above the ground, the wind blew against his face. Lin Yao looked down at the forests and fields swiftly passing below, his heart full of anticipation.

In less than three hours, the outline of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect appeared in his field of vision.

The sect nestled within the valley, its glazed tiles gleaming beneath the sunlight like an immortal realm.

The Soul Saint Teacher brought Lin Yao to the foot of a mountain near the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, then clasped his hands and took his leave.

"Student Lin Yao, have a safe journey. This old man will return to the academy to report."

"Thank you for escorting me, Teacher."

Lin Yao bowed in thanks. After watching the Soul Saint Teacher leave, he did not immediately head into the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. Instead, he turned and walked in another direction.

There was a small courtyard Ning Fengzhi had arranged for his parents.

The courtyard was located in a secluded area behind the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, surrounded by dense bamboo groves. The air was filled with the faint fragrance of bamboo and fluctuations of Soul Power.

The courtyard gate was an ancient wooden fence, with a string of wind chimes hanging from it. Whenever the breeze blew, they produced a crisp ringing sound.

Several orchid plants grew within the courtyard. A stone path led to the main house, from which faint traces of Cultivation aura could be sensed.

Lin Yao gently pushed open the courtyard gate, making the wind chimes ring brightly.

Inside the main house, Lin Yuyang and Zhao Wan, who had been cultivating cross-legged, opened their eyes at the same time. Hearing the familiar wind chimes, both froze for a moment before quickly walking out.

"Yao?"

When Zhao Wan saw her son standing in the courtyard, she first stared blankly. Then a delighted smile burst across her face. She hurried forward and pulled Lin Yao into her arms.

Her embrace was warm and soft, carrying a faint fragrance of grass and wood. Lin Yao could clearly feel his mother's body trembling.

Ever since he had gone to Heaven Dou Royal Academy, his parents had moved to this courtyard. They had only been apart for one day, yet his mother looked as though she had missed him for a very long time.

Lin Yuyang also quickly stepped forward, his gaze landing on Lin Yao as he carefully examined him, his eyes full of concern.

He was steadier than Zhao Wan and soon noticed something was amiss. He softly asked,

"Yao, didn't you go to Heaven Dou Royal Academy to study? Why did you return so quickly? Did something happen?"

Only then did Zhao Wan recover from the joy of reunion. She hurriedly released Lin Yao, grabbed his hand, and asked anxiously,

"That's right, Yao. You came back after only one day. Were you treated unfairly at the academy? Or did you encounter danger?"

As she spoke, she looked Lin Yao over from head to toe, afraid he might have been hurt somewhere.

Seeing the worry in his parents' eyes, Lin Yao's heart warmed. He smiled, shook his head, and clasped his mother's hand in return as he said softly,

"Dad, Mom, I'm fine. My Soul Power has broken through to Level 20. I came back this time to ask Master to help me hunt my second Soul Ring."

"Level 20?!"

Lin Yuyang's eyes widened abruptly. He instinctively sucked in a breath, and even his voice trembled slightly.

He clearly remembered that Lin Yao had only possessed Level 10 Innate Full Soul Power when his martial soul awakened. Only half a year had passed, yet he had already broken through to Level 20.

Back then, Lin Yuyang had possessed Level 5 Innate Soul Power, which had already been decent talent among his peers. Yet he had been sixteen when he broke through to Level 20.

Even though he had cultivated diligently afterward, he was now only a Soul Ancestor. But this son before him was merely six and a half years old. Before long, he would likely surpass him.

Zhao Wan did not think so much. Upon hearing that her son had broken through, a proud smile instantly bloomed across her face. She reached out and gently stroked Lin Yao's hair, her voice carrying a hint of boastfulness.

"My Yao is amazing! As expected of my child. In the future, you'll definitely become the strongest Soul Master and marry the prettiest girl!"

As she spoke, she seemed to think of something. Her eyes lit up, and she added,

"And give me an obedient little grandson, then another well-behaved little granddaughter. That would be perfect!"

Lin Yao immediately looked helpless at those words, the corner of his mouth twitching. "Mom, I'm only six and a half."

Seeing his wife's dreamy expression, Lin Yuyang could not help laughing. He reached out and patted Zhao Wan's shoulder, saying helplessly,

"You really are something. The child is still so young, yet you're already thinking about all that."

Though he said so, his eyes were full of tenderness. Having a wife and child, with the family safe and sound—this was the greatest happiness of his life.

Zhao Wan stuck out her tongue and pulled Lin Yao into the main house, chattering as she walked.

"I'm just imagining things in advance! Oh, right, Yao, you must be hungry, aren't you? Mom will make your favorite osmanthus cakes, along with sweet lotus seed soup!"

"Alright. Thanks, Mom."

Lin Yao smiled and nodded, his gaze sweeping over the familiar furnishings inside.

Wooden carvings he had played with as a child sat on the table. A portrait of his parents hung on the wall. The air was filled with the warm feeling of home.

Lin Yuyang sat to one side, watching his son and wife bustle about, his eyes full of comfort.

He knew that Lin Yao's future was destined to be extraordinary. All he could do was protect this home and ensure his son had no worries behind him.

Sunlight streamed through the window and spilled into the house, casting the three of their shadows long.

For a time, the small courtyard was filled with warm laughter, intertwined with the fragrance of bamboo and the sound of wind outside, forming a peaceful picture of quiet years.