Chapter 188: Battle with Sword Douluo
Yang Potian set off from the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well alone, intent on exploring the Douluo Continent. His goal was to gain a deeper understanding of the major clans and cities, observing their current state and development.
Since arriving on the Douluo Continent, Yang Potian had constantly felt pressure. Every effort was made to strengthen his clan, securing resources and connections to ensure their safety and stability. After years of hard work, his clan now had some standing, and they were relatively secure.
Yang Potian, now standing at 1.95 meters tall, had a rugged, sun-kissed appearance. Though not traditionally handsome, his demeanor was resolute, and his physique was lean but powerfully built, exuding a natural strength.
After leaving the Sunset Forest, Yang Potian dressed in simple attire befitting an ordinary soul master. He purchased a black horse, intending to travel around the continent on horseback. His first stop was Thunder Canyon, home to the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.
The setting of Thunder Canyon was imposing. A great river cut the canyon off from the surrounding world, creating a natural barrier. The pervasive aura of thunder enveloped the entire area, providing a perfect training ground for those who wielded the lightning element, which explained the clan's choice of residence. However, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan was as domineering as ever, allowing only clan members to enter the canyon itself, while numerous external guards patrolled its perimeter.
Among them, the disciples assigned to patrol, many of whom were Soul Kings, took immediate notice of Yang Potian. Seeing his unassuming attire, one of the guards stepped forward and ordered him to leave. "Who are you? This is the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's territory. Outsiders aren't allowed. Leave immediately."
Yang Potian only shook his head, leading his horse away while inwardly reflecting on the clan's unwavering grip on its territory and their forceful nature. For hundreds of miles around, only the name of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan held sway, overshadowing even the empire and the Spirit Hall. This showed the true depth of their thousand-year legacy.
Next, Yang Potian ventured toward the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, whose main gate lay amid a mountainous range, providing a natural shield. The clan had even established a city nearby, named Seven Treasure City. Unlike Thunder Canyon, Seven Treasure City allowed outside visitors, though it was well-guarded, with most of its visitors being merchants. True to their reputation as the continent's wealthiest clan, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan maintained this city as a commercial hub, where their disciple guards kept order in a polite, businesslike manner.
During his stay in the city, it didn't take long for the clan's spies to notice Yang Potian's presence. The next morning, Ning Fengzhi and Sword Douluo Chen Xin paid him a visit at his inn.
"Good to see you, young friend," Ning Fengzhi greeted him warmly. "It's a pleasant surprise to see you here in Seven Treasure City. I must, of course, extend my hospitality to you."
Yang Potian smiled. "You flatter me, Sect Master Ning. I'm just a simple traveler. I wanted a break from everything, so I set out to see the continent's landscapes and to gain new experiences."
Sword Douluo nodded in agreement. "Young friend, that is a wonderful sentiment. In my youth, I too enjoyed traveling with only my sword for company. Unfortunately, those days are behind me, as duties now bind me."
Yang Potian replied with a smile, "Sword Douluo, with your will, I imagine there's nothing you couldn't achieve."
Ning Fengzhi then extended a personal invitation. "As you're already in our city, it would be my honor to welcome you into the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan for a tour."
Yang Potian was taken aback by the offer. "Sect Master Ning, that may be too much to ask. I'm merely a wanderer, passing through."
Ning Fengzhi reassured him. "There's no need for concern. This is just a personal invitation with no connection to clan affairs. Besides, Rongrong has fond memories of her time with the Heaven Dou Second Team. It's a shame Alamo Mountain is so far, or she would have visited you all."
After some consideration, Yang Potian accepted the invitation, and the two led him to tour the clan's premises.
The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan lived up to its reputation as the wealthiest clan on the continent. Its grand halls rivaled the finest palaces, adorned in gold and splendor. During the tour, Yang Potian met Bone Douluo and Ning Rongrong as well. Bone Douluo appeared surprised but intrigued to see Yang Potian. Ning Rongrong, on the other hand, was delighted, recalling the days with the Heaven Dou Second Team fondly.
When the tour concluded, Ning Fengzhi, with a hint of pride, asked, "What do you think of our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan?"
Yang Potian didn't hold back his praise. "Your clan truly lives up to its wealth. The entire sect is spectacularly managed, from administration to defense."
After a cordial conversation, Ning Fengzhi inquired about Yang Potian's further plans. "And where do you intend to travel next?"
Yang Potian considered his answer. "I've traveled through Thunder Canyon and now Seven Treasure City. My next stops will likely be Star Luo City and Spirit City. I want to see all the major parts of the Douluo Continent, and after that, I may venture out to sea and experience the vastness of the ocean."
Sword Douluo Chen Xin nodded approvingly. "You certainly have broad horizons, young friend, and a cultivated mind." He paused before adding, "I've devoted my life to the sword and would be honored to spar with you. Would you be interested?"
Yang Potian chuckled modestly. "Sword Douluo, you're at level 96. I'm nowhere near that."
Sword Douluo shook his head. "I can match my soul power to yours. It's a sparring match, nothing more, and I can assure you of your safety."
Yang Potian agreed, grateful for the opportunity. "It would be an honor. Thank you, Sword Douluo, for this privilege."
The five of them moved to a large training field in the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. Ning Fengzhi dismissed the crowd, so only the five of them remained.
Yang Potian, with a hint of seriousness, turned to Sword Douluo. "Sword Douluo, if we're truly sparring, please don't hold back. I want to learn from you."
The group watched in quiet amazement, especially Sword Douluo. He, after all, was known as the continent's foremost offensive Titled Douluo, renowned for his unmatched swordsmanship.
Yang Potian summoned his martial soul, the Soul-Breaking Spear, and eight spirit rings appeared in sequence: yellow, yellow, purple, black, black, black, red, red. The sight of the two crimson ten-thousand-year spirit rings astonished everyone present.
"Yang Potian, Martial Soul: Soul-Breaking Spear, Level 84 Assault System Battle Soul Master. I am honored to learn from you, Senior Sword Douluo."
Sword Douluo's expression grew serious as he summoned his Seven Kill Sword, revealing nine spirit rings: yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, black, black, black, black.
"Sword Douluo, Chen Xin, Martial Soul: Seven Kill Sword, Level 96 Assault System Battle Soul Master. Young friend, prepare yourself."
Holding his Soul-Breaking Spear, Yang Potian flashed forward and appeared before Sword Douluo in an instant, launching a quick, precise thrust—a skill he often used, Instant Strike. Sword Douluo responded with incredible speed, swinging his sword to meet the spearhead of the Soul-Breaking Spear with his blade. Their weapons clashed with equal force, and both took half a step back.
Sword Douluo laughed heartily. "You have impressive strength, young friend."
"And your profound spirit power, Senior, earns my admiration."
With that, Sword Douluo swung his sword, releasing a powerful arc of sword energy. Yang Potian gripped his spear with both hands and thrust it forward, sending out a spear ray. The resulting clash split the stage floor with a resounding crack.
Yang Potian flashed forward again, stabbing directly at Sword Douluo, who parried with ease, deftly countering his strikes. Within a minute, the two had exchanged numerous blows, neither gaining an advantage.
Then, Sword Douluo made a sudden move, his sword slicing through the air with crossing arcs that formed the character for "kill," radiating an intense killing intent. Yang Potian responded swiftly, brandishing his spear in a technique akin to a dragon's charge, the Soul-Breaking Spear surging forward like a ferocious beast crashing against the killing intent.
This exchange forced Yang Potian back five steps, leaving a trail on the ground where his feet had slid. Yang Potian's face lit up with excitement. "The Seven Kill Sword Technique is truly extraordinary! Senior, let me counter with one of my strongest moves."
Yang Potian's spear emitted countless spear lights that filled the air, converging into a massive spear light aimed at Sword Douluo. Sword Douluo met this attack by slicing twice, forming two new "kill" characters with his sword energy. The collision forced Sword Douluo back two steps, though he managed to maintain his balance.
Sword Douluo nodded in acknowledgment. "Not a bad move, young friend. You must be skilled with swords yourself to produce such attacks. Now, allow me to use my spirit abilities."
Sword Douluo activated his fourth spirit ability, Blade's Killing Intent, sending a massive cross-shaped sword energy hurtling toward Yang Potian. Yang Potian responded with his fifth spirit ability, Tyrant Dragon's Annihilation Strike, as his spear, like a rampaging dragon, shattered the incoming cross attack.
Seeing his opponent effortlessly block his skill, Sword Douluo's enthusiasm only grew. He unleashed Ten Thousand Swords Return to the Sect, summoning a downpour of sword energy that rained upon Yang Potian. Yang Potian whirled his Soul-Breaking Spear to deflect the relentless barrage, though it left him looking a bit battered.
In that instant, Yang Potian vanished from the area of falling swords, reappearing outside the range of Sword Douluo's attack. His fourth spirit ring glowed, and he launched his fourth spirit ability, Tiger's Roar Pierces Thousands, creating seven spear shadows that attacked Sword Douluo from all sides, each carrying a homing effect.
Sword Douluo, slightly surprised, deflected the spears with quick, precise sword strokes, but the force behind each strike was clearly formidable.
The two continued to exchange countless strikes, their spear and sword locked in a seemingly endless duel. Sword Douluo's deeper spirit power balanced against Yang Potian's heavier, more powerful Soul-Breaking Spear. Remarkably, Yang Potian's speed almost kept pace with Sword Douluo's, adding to the excitement.
Sword Douluo grinned. "Young friend, brace yourself for this next strike."
Sword Douluo's eighth spirit ring glowed, conjuring a four-armed giant apparition wielding four Seven Kill Swords. Four crescent-shaped waves of sword energy, brimming with destructive force, bore down on Yang Potian—this was Sword Douluo's eighth spirit ability, Mountain-Shifting, Sea-Filling Slash.
Yang Potian gritted his teeth, activating his sixth spirit ability, Golden Lion's Roar of Heaven, as a massive golden lion spirit projection charged forward to meet the waves. However, Sword Douluo's attack overpowered Yang Potian, forcing him back over ten meters and leaving a trickle of blood at the corner of his mouth.
Wiping the blood away, Yang Potian grinned with excitement. "An excellent move, Senior. Now, let me show you my strongest strike."
Activating his crimson eighth spirit ring, Yang Potian unleashed a devastating slash, cutting through the air with a force that seemed to rend space itself.
Sword Douluo's expression turned serious. He recognized the potency of a hundred-thousand-year ability and dared not underestimate it. Activating his ninth spirit ability, Heaven-Slaying Demon-Slaying Slash, Sword Douluo created a vast domain in the sky, raining down countless waves of sword energy capable of obliterating even Titled Douluo.
Yet even the relentless barrage couldn't match the power of Yang Potian's slash, which tore through the sky itself. Ultimately, Sword Douluo had to transform into his sword form, barely evading the strike with all his might.
When the clash finally subsided, both returned to the stage, though Yang Potian appeared visibly more drained than Sword Douluo.
With blood still trickling from his mouth, Yang Potian's face remained bright with exhilaration. "Sword Douluo, I think we've seen enough. Continuing would be pointless."
Sword Douluo nodded in agreement. "Indeed, your hundred-thousand-year ability is remarkably powerful, young friend."
"And Senior Sword Douluo's mastery and skill are truly deserving of your title as the continent's greatest attack-type Douluo."
Their battle had lasted over ten minutes, showcasing both their strengths. However, Yang Potian clearly lacked Sword Douluo's depth of spirit power and would likely lose in an extended match. Still, should it come to a life-or-death struggle, the result could well be mutual destruction. And, with his abilities, Yang Potian could easily retreat from the fight if necessary.
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