Douluo Dalu:Breaking Clan

After returning to the clan, Yang Podi sat in his home, contemplating how he should develop and train himself in the future.

This trip to the Star Dou Forest to hunt soul beasts had yielded excellent results. Not only had he obtained a top-quality soul ring, but he had also acquired three pieces of soul bones.

One of the three soul bones was given to Dugu Bo as both a token of gratitude for his efforts and as a means to ensure his silence.

As for the other two soul bones, during his grandfather Yang Wudi's visit, Yang Podi gathered with Yang Wudi, Yang Wushuang, Yang Zhentian, and Niu Gao in a secret chamber. The soul bones were given to the two grandfathers to absorb, as soul bones and soul rings from the same soul beast would have a much greater effect.

For his maternal grandfather, Yang Podi arranged for his father to offer a ten-thousand-year-old spirit herb as a token of appreciation. Yang Podi also emphasized that the herb should be used by Niu Mang's father, rather than Niu Mang himself, as Niu Mang was still in the learning phase and a sudden power boost might not be suitable. He also assured them that he would provide Niu Mang with other resources in the future.

This trip to the Star Dou Forest had been a massive success for Yang Podi.

In addition to the three soul bones, Yang Podi himself had reached level 53 and acquired an impressive new soul skill.

Fifth Soul Skill: Tyrannical Dragon Destruction Strike

This skill allows Yang Podi to wield the Breaking Soul Spear to launch a powerful long-range attack, resembling the charging strike of a Unicorn Horned Tyrant Dragon. It deals immense damage, including armor penetration. Each use consumes 10% of his soul power.

Furthermore, his physical strength had increased significantly, and his body had grown even stronger. Even while wielding the 2,000-jin Breaking Soul Spear, he could still move with ease.

Since he had now reached the Soul King realm, Yang Podi decided not to return to Heaven Dou Imperial Academy. The training there offered little benefit, and basic physical exercises no longer served a purpose. However, there were matters he needed to settle at the academy, especially concerning the team he had carefully cultivated, as he couldn't simply leave them for others to take advantage of.

When Yang Podi returned to Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, he went straight to meet the three teaching committee members.

"Honored teachers, I would like to take a three-year leave to go on a training journey. At my current soul power level, the foundational training at the academy no longer benefits me."

The three teaching committee members, all powerful Soul Douluo, naturally understood that one could not become a true powerhouse by staying sheltered at home. Considering Yang Podi's strength and his notable background as a member of the Breaking Clan, they assumed his clan had arranged a rigorous training journey for him and agreed to his request.

They also assured him that the academy's second team would remain under his leadership and that no one else would interfere.

After meeting with the teaching committee members, Yang Podi gathered his teammates.

Looking at the group he had spent so much time with, he couldn't help but feel a tinge of reluctance. But eventually, he spoke up:

"Everyone, I'm planning to leave for a training journey. I've already taken a three-year leave from the academy."

"During my absence, all team matters will be handled by Ping An and Sister Yan. I hope that when I return, all of you will have made significant progress in your strength."

"If anyone hasn't reached the Soul Ancestor level before the next Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament, I'll make sure they regret it."

Yang Ping'an spoke up solemnly, "Big Brother, why do you have to leave for training?"

"Ping'an, given my current level of soul power, neither simulated environments nor regular weight training will provide much improvement. Even life-or-death matches in the Great Spirit Arena no longer pose a challenge for me."

"This time, I plan to train in the soul beast forests, engaging in life-and-death battles with soul beasts to further improve myself."

Seeing the confusion in the eyes of his teammates, Yang Podi continued, "For a Soul Master, the best way to grow stronger is through life-and-death experiences. When you all reach the Soul Ancestor level, I will also take you to the soul beast forests for such training."

After explaining the training plans and giving detailed instructions, including supplementary exercises, Yang Podi entrusted the oversight of training to Li Xiang, their teacher.

Once the group dispersed, Yang Podi gathered with Dugu Yan and Yang Ping'an privately.

"Ping'an, Sister Yan, I'll have to trouble the two of you to supervise the training. If anyone tries to interfere, Sister Yan, I'll need you to handle them. If it becomes too difficult, you can ask Senior Dugu for assistance."

With Dugu Bo's influence, no one at the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy would dare meddle with his team.

"Ping'an, I'll leave the medicinal baths and monitoring of everyone's physical condition to you. Pay close attention to their training loads."

After arranging everything, Yang Podi spent time with Ye Lingling.

Ye Lingling, feeling reluctant, said, "Podi, can't you stay? You're leaving for such a long time, and I'm scared."

"Lingling, you know that if I want to grow stronger, I can't avoid going through training. Don't worry, I'll be safe."

"Then let me come with you. I can heal you during your training, and it'll be much easier for you."

"Silly girl, if you come with me, how can it still be called training? I plan to head to the Sunset Forest first. It's far too dangerous for you to come along."

Seeing Ye Lingling's expression of reluctance, Yang Podi hardened his heart and left.

He was still just a young Soul King. Only through countless battles and life-or-death encounters could he hope to become a true powerhouse and face the challenges ahead.

After bidding farewell to everyone, Yang Podi left Heaven Dou Imperial Academy alone.

His first destination was the Sunset Forest, a natural battlefield where countless soul beasts could provide the combat experience he needed to grow stronger.

When Yang Podi reached the hunting town near the forest, he noticed the peculiar gazes of the people around him. Many seemed intrigued by this young man, who was clearly under twenty years old, entering the Sunset Forest alone without even carrying any supplies—obviously relying on a soul tool.

Ignoring the curious stares, Yang Podi stepped into the Sunset Forest.

The experience of entering the forest alone was entirely different from his previous trips with others.

Now, he had to monitor his surroundings constantly, watch for soul beasts and potential dangers, and plan how to respond to threats and ambushes. There was no one to back him up; he had to rely solely on himself.

In the soul beast forest, however, the greatest danger often came not from beasts but from people.

After only three hours in the forest, Yang Podi sensed movement behind him.

Soon, five figures caught up with him.

The leader was a sinister-looking old man, accompanied by four middle-aged men. Judging by their appearance, they seemed like mercenaries from the forest's entrance.

Yang Podi observed their soul power levels: the leader was a Soul King, one of the middle-aged men was also a Soul King, and the other three were Soul Ancestors. Their strength wasn't bad.

The five surrounded Yang Podi, blocking his path. It was clear they were planning to rob him.

Yang Podi's voice was cold and emotionless: "You appear to be a mercenary group. I have no need for your services. Leave."

The old man chuckled darkly, "Young man, don't be so quick to refuse. Our mercenary group is quite capable. For a fair price, we can help you hunt for a soul ring."

"And how much is this price?"

"Everything you have."

Yang Podi smirked. "If you want to rob me, just say so. There's no need to dress it up."

"Young man, we're only after your valuables. If you force us to act, it won't just be your belongings we take."

"Two Soul Kings and three Soul Ancestors? Let's see what you can do."

Hearing this, the old man's expression darkened. "Get him!"

When he used the mantis-like arms to block Yang Podi's spear strike, he was astonished to feel an incredibly powerful force transmitted through the spear. In an instant, his arm was pierced, and he was sent flying.

The elderly leader's face showed a look of terror upon realizing that this young man was so overwhelmingly strong. Without even releasing his spirit rings, Yang Podi had already severely injured him. The power behind that single spear thrust far exceeded his own capabilities.

"Everyone, attack together! He's just a kid!"

Hearing his command, the other four immediately summoned their martial souls and launched an attack on Yang Podi.

Yang Podi glanced at the group of five. All of them had beast-type martial souls. The leader's martial soul was a mantis, while the others had martial souls of a rat, a leopard, a black bear, and a mandala snake. However, their spirit rings were quite subpar—none of them had a ten-thousand-year ring, and two even had white first rings.

Yang Podi couldn't help but sneer internally: With strength like this, they dare to rob someone? They're practically handing themselves over as training targets.

Showing no mercy, Yang Podi gripped his Breaking Soul Spear tightly and ignored the others, aiming straight for the elderly leader.

The leader tried to activate his spirit skill to defend himself, but Yang Podi's spear, weighing over 2,000 jin (approximately 1 ton), was overwhelmingly powerful. Even a simple attack from him surpassed the strength of many hundred-year spirit skills.

This particular thrust was part of Yang Podi's spear technique: Direct Strike to the Dragon's Heart. Using his full strength, he broke through the leader's defenses and pierced his shoulder completely.

After impaling the leader's shoulder, Yang Podi swiftly pulled out his spear and executed a downward slash, splitting the old man in half.

The other four were terrified at the sight. Their leader, a formidable Spirit King, couldn't even withstand a single blow.

Unfazed, Yang Podi tightened his grip on the spear and thrust toward another individual. A streak of spear light shot from the spear's tip, piercing the man's throat instantly.

He then turned his attention to the remaining three. Though they tried to flee, Yang Podi's speed was overwhelming. Within a few moves, he eliminated all three.

The last one managed to run dozens of meters before Yang Podi hurled his Breaking Soul Spear like a javelin, pinning the man to the ground.

Standing over the five corpses, Yang Podi shook his head in disdain. These guys were far too weak—not even remotely challenging.

After looting their belongings, he continued his journey deeper into the Sunset Forest.