Chapter 84: Bone Douluo's Distrust

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Mu Tian was aware of the formidable nature of fire attributes. However, he questioned whether Haoyue's attribute was truly fire, as he believed it should be light instead. Could Haoyue merely be an Earth Fire Lizard?

Yet, during his martial soul awakening, a voice echoed in his mind, affirming Haoyue's identity as the God of Heavenly Punishment: Austin Griffin!

However, the absence of light puzzled him.

"Stay calm, Mu Tian. Haoyue may have been influenced by the Douluo Continent. Aren't the soul skills associated with light? That must be the reason. The most potent aspect of the God of Heavenly Punishment lies in its ninth head, representing ultimate destruction. Other attributes are likely insignificant... Yes, that seems plausible. Destruction attribute holds the utmost importance. According to the lore, Haoyue has undergone numerous rebirths, and the attributes of each head should vary based on its experiences."

Mu Tian found solace in this reasoning, calming his mind as he felt he had grasped the truth. "Given my affinity with fire, besides Haoyue's ninth head, the other eight heads should also possess fire attributes. When the flames reach a certain intensity, they can rival the celestial and terrestrial, akin to the strange fire in the sky."

"Mu Tian, if you're dissatisfied with this soul skill, don't fret. In the future, you can choose to hunt fire-attribute soul beasts," Bone Douluo reassured him, unaware of the turmoil within Mu Tian's thoughts. Perceiving Mu Tian's discontent, Bone Douluo attempted to console him, "Once you attain the rank of Titled Douluo, the first three soul skills will scarcely be used in combat. Even at the level of Soul Saint, martial soul true bodies significantly enhance one's strength, rendering the initial soul skills seldom used in actual battles."

"Don't worry, teacher, I understand," Mu Tian nodded in agreement. This fact was universally acknowledged within the Douluo Continent: for Soul Emperors and below, soul skills held paramount importance, each additional skill translating to increased attack capabilities. However, upon reaching the echelon of Soul Saint and beyond, the efficacy of lower-tier skills dwindled.

The adage "many souls, many bones, one wave of strength" pertained to Soul Emperors and below, but didn't apply to the powerhouses of Soul Douluo and Titled Douluo levels.

Post-martial soul release, combat relied largely on extensive experience. Only a select few powerful soul skills were employed, rendering others obsolete.

Nevertheless, certain martial souls were exceptions, such as the Seven Treasure Glazed Pagoda's amplification skills. These skills could advance alongside the soul master's soul power. The age of the soul ring appeared inconsequential to the growth of these skills.

It was as though the Seven Treasure Glazed Pagoda inherently possessed these amplification soul skills but was constrained by the Douluo Continent's regulations mandating soul ring absorption for skill acquisition and advancement. Without absorbing soul rings, unleashing these skills proved challenging...

...

"Now that you're aware, intensify your training. You alone must achieve a higher level to absorb your third soul ring. Thousand-year whale glue is reserved primarily for direct disciples of the Seven Treasure Glazed Sect, augmenting their physical prowess and fortifying self-defense capabilities. Ten-thousand-year whale glue is exceedingly rare and challenging to procure."

Bone Douluo cautioned, "Don't resent the sect for restricting your access to thousand-year whale glue. Your injuries, resulting from absorbing a sixteen-hundred-year soul ring, have slightly diminished the sect master's appraisal of you... It would be prudent to adjust your demeanor."

"I understand," Mu Tian replied, his gaze somber. Despite his attempts to conceal his defiance, Bone Douluo perceived the hint of resentment in his tone. He continued, "Reflect upon this. While possessing complete innate soul power is commendable, the sect aims to cultivate self-reliant individuals rather than those reliant solely on talent to recklessly act."

"This world doesn't tolerate unrestrained behavior solely based on strength."

"Learn from Tang San."

At the mention of Tang San, Mu Tian's expression contorted in disdain. "He's nothing but a hypocrite. A villain."

"Is that so? He revolutionized the lives of all soul masters on the continent, enabling them to better comprehend their roles, elucidated optimal soul ring evolution from ancient to contemporary times, analyzed factors influencing soul ring duration, and even divulged methods to enhance physical strength. Can such a person be deemed a villain?" Bone Douluo's tone turned grave, sensing the need to scrutinize Mu Tian's character more closely.

Was envy clouding his judgment?

Was acknowledging others' excellence such an arduous task?

"He may have delved into superior theories, yet he chose to disclose only these. Is that not selfish?" Mu Tian criticized Tang San with brazen audacity.

"Let's not delve into whether he pursued further research or not. Even if he did, what's wrong with him utilizing it for personal gain? Should he relinquish all his wealth to others?" Bone Douluo harbored suspicions regarding Mu Tian's intellect. How could he utter such notions?

"Furthermore, we've been apprised of the circumstances surrounding your initial encounter with Rongrong and Tang San. We discern no hypocrisy in his actions. Despite his humble origins, he possesses the ability to gauge people's sentiments, transparently exhibiting his arrogance. He displays adaptability. His future accomplishments are assured."

"Born into obscurity, wielding Blue Silver Grass as his martial soul, and possessing level six innate soul power, he achieved the Great Soul Master rank before you, securing a thousand-year second ring independently. Despite categorizing himself as an auxiliary type, he bested you, an offensive type."

"Although the Seven Treasure Glazed Sect mandates direct disciples to seek battle soul masters as partners, an individual like Tang San, an 'auxiliary type' capable of surpassing a battle soul master like you, warrants an exception."

"Furthermore, Rongrong holds Tang San in high regard. Had the Douluo Continent not been vast, and the Spirit Hall concealed his identity adeptly, with numerous individuals named Tang San, we would have extended an invitation to him directly and provided support."

Mu Tian comprehended Bone Douluo's attempt to provoke him, yet he couldn't suppress his ire upon hearing Bone Douluo extol the other party's virtues.

Wasn't Tang San just a hypocritical, double-standard nobody? Yet, in Bone Douluo's eyes, he appeared exceptional, a clear case of misplaced admiration.

Even if Tang San had transmigrated from the modern era like himself, how could their merits be compared?

His martial soul was the God of Heavenly Punishment!

What significance did the Blue Silver Emperor and Haotian Hammer hold?

"Devote yourself to training earnestly and endeavor to alter the sect master's perception of you in the ensuing period," Bone Douluo remarked, noticing Mu Tian's clenched fists, indicative of his inattentiveness. He sighed and continued, "Do not emulate Sword Douluo and me. Though we may seem carefree and impulsive, we are not reckless. Otherwise, we wouldn't have attained the status of Titled Douluo."

"The sect necessitates stalwart defenders,

 but these individuals cannot be rash. Even a Titled Douluo would prove less valuable than a Soul Douluo if characterized by recklessness."

"Oh, and speaking of Soul Douluo, those at the Soul Douluo tier within the sect have shown accelerated soul power growth following extensive consumption of whale glue. It's conceivable that within thirty years, the sect will boast two additional Titled Douluo."

Mu Tian asserted, "I shall attain the rank of Titled Douluo by the age of twenty."

Bone Douluo cast a discerning glance at him and remarked, "Be realistic. Let me set a goal for you: forty-three years of age. After all, the youngest documented Titled Douluo on the continent is Tang Hao, who achieved the title at forty-four. Despite your complete innate soul power, you're slightly stronger than him, but rectifying your tendency towards ambition without the requisite ability will necessitate considerable time."

Mu Tian: "..."

(End of chapter)