Astral Douluo

[Tang Xingxi POV]

"So, what did I miss today?" I asked, walking back to the dorms with my brother.

"Hmm, nothing I guess…Oh right! There was this black-haired girl who joined our training! She even beat Xie Xie easily! Haha! It was so funny!" replied my brother.

'Black hair, defeated Xie Xie easily, Oh it is Gu Yue?' Looking at my brother, I asked, "So, what's her name, and how did she beat Xie Xie?"

"Her name? I think it was…umm…hmm… Oh Right! Gu Yue! As for how she beat Xie Xie, she literally just stuck Xie Xie underground. Xie Xie then blindly started swinging his daggers while Teacher Wu announced the fight over." (TW)

'Similar to the manga,' I thought to myself.

"Oh, she's also going to be joining our training with Teacher Wu." (TW)

"Alright" (TX)

'Hmm, I'm meeting her today. I wonder if I should…no. I'll do that over time. That pain really kills me every time I break open those seals.'

<-------------------evening------------------->

"From today onwards, you will all have to train with me at night. This is in preparation for the Class Promotion Tournament in three months."

As Wu Zhangkong went to this point, his gaze first rested on me, "Tang Xingxi, you are already in a different league than everyone else here other than me. During competitions, unless required or unless you wish to make a statement, do not interfere with the competition. That said, I will train you even harder than them so that you will become our greatest weapon. Do not slack off."

"Alright," I replied, noticing a slightly disdainful look in Gu Yue's eyes.

Turning my head back to Wu Zhangkong, he started saying, "Tang Wulin, your martial soul is Bluesilver Grass. Previously, you were selected for the Class Promotion Tournament because I saw your potential. Sadly, even with your current abilities, you need to improve because anyone else in class 3 and up would beat you. Even though your brother is here, and Gu Yue is here now, and have already seen their talent and power, whatever I said before won't change. But I hope that you will show me you are capable of representing class five in this match with your hard work. However, if after three months you fail to reach my requirements, I will be sending these three to participate in the match without you."

Sharing an affirmative look with my brother, he replied, "Yes teacher."

"Teacher Wu. I'm not participating in this match," Gu Yue suddenly said right at this moment, shocking even me!

"En?" Wu Zhangkong looked towards her. Of course, he did. Even I, who meticulously tried to record every letter of Tang Jia San Shao's stories forgot about this! (Don't lie. You guys did too.)

Gu Yue spoke mildly, "I'm a new transfer student, and I don't want to cause any implications to others. So, please take back your decision for me to participate in the match."

"Thanks, Gu Yue. However, Teacher Wu's right. This will affect the honour of our class. And naturally, the strongest would compete. But please rest assured, I'll work hard as well. The number of participants doesn't stop at two. If I train and strengthen myself sufficiently during these three months, I think teacher will allow me to compete," I heard my brother say.

Seeing Wu Zhangkong's face turn from shocked, to helpless, to shocked again, I snickered slightly

Looking toward my brother, I said, "Don't worry bro, you'll naturally shine out the most. Even if Gu Yue and Xie Xie participate, you have the lowest-ranked spirit in the academy so I'm pretty sure you'll give everyone a surprise! Besides, I'll be here to back you up whenever you need me!"

Turning around and looking at teacher Wu, I said, "Don't worry, I'll try to convince her."

"Teacher, what are we going to do in this special training session? It can't just be more physical training, can it?" asked my brother.

Wu Zhangkong answered, "Obviously not. Whatever training you are going through, there will only be one objective, and that is to increase your power. Power can be classified into two categories – hard power and soft power. From my point of view, all power originates from actual combat. Thus, your special training will include actual combat. We will use that to arouse your own potential, and also use it to give you combat experience. I'll brief all of you on the important pointers, and then you'll start."

"Xie Xie, the speed you have at this level is sufficient. However, your physical fitness is too weak, and you don't have the stamina for long battles. Thus, when battling, you have to be aware and control your physical strength. Your second martial soul has a is good at catching people off guard, but don't release it to your liking. You must only use it when an opportunity presents itself." (WZ)

"Gu Yue, I have observed your Elementalist martial soul today. Though I didn't want to say this, but with your current cultivation, your control of each element is pretty good. Tomorrow, I'll bring all three of you to give you a general overall power examination." (WZ)

Continuing, he looked at Gu Yue in the eye and said, "In the future, I hope that you will continue to experiment with fusing different elements. Reviewing your martial soul all day, I've concluded that the Elementalist martial soul is compatible with every element, giving you a diverse arsenal, but because none of these elements can be upgraded with a soul ring, they will never become more powerful. You need to be able to control more elements. This is an unprecedented path, however, when I saw you combine the earth and ice elements to trap Xie Xie today, I realized that if you were able to combine different elements and control their strength, you'll definitely be able to stand at the peak of the world in the future."

"Yes. Thank you, teacher." Gu Yue nodded.

Turning to my brother, Tang Wulin, Wu Zhangkong said, "As for you, the only pointer I have is to gain more control over your martial soul. Even though your Bluesilver Grass is a variant martial soul, it's still Bluesilver Grass. Its tenacity is both a blessing and a curse for you. Unless you can control it perfectly, then it can't be called control at all. Therefore, you should develop yourself as a Control System Battle Soul Master. You could also try to harden and sharpen your grass at the same time so that you can also add a power or agility aspect. I'd suggest agility though because, with that pair of hammers you used before, you can try to attack by combining your hammers with your Bluesilver Grass and add a power-aspect."

"Yes," my brother replied.

Finally looking at me, Wu Zhangkong sighed softly before speaking, "Tang Xingxi, I don't really have any pointers for you. The only role you can't play in a team is as an auxiliary spirit master and going down that path now will just give you problems later on. Looking at your spirits, I can only say that you should try to increase defensive and offensive attributes on your armour. You could also add additional elements. After reviewing your star spirit, I believe that whatever creature you fuse with becomes its version of a constellation. 'Leo' for example, is difficult to spot constellation in the stars which 'supposedly' has powers exceeding that of the Blue Tyrant Lightning Dragon. However, your spirit soul seems to be absorbed from a lion spirit soul, so you should probably research into constellations."

"With that being said, we'll begin the special training now," Wu Zhangkong said indifferently.

When Xie Xie heard that it wasn't physical training, but rather combat training, he immediately became much more spirited. He said eagerly, "Teacher Wu, how are we being matched up?"

Wu Zhangkong answered, "You guys won't be going one after another. Instead, all three of you will battle together. Your opponent is me!"

Tang Wulin, Xie Xie, and Gu Yue's expressions immediately stiffened.

"Wait, why are we fighting you without him?" asked a frightened Xie Xie.

"Why? Fine. Put him in your group. I'll use my first two soul rings then," Wu Zhangkong replied.

Readying my stance, a light flashed in Wu Zhangkong's empty hands as an ice blue sword appeared. "Give me your all!"

As he said this, he had already shot forward with his wooden sword, quickly approaching Xie Xie.

[End POV]

Xie Xie reacted with lightning speed and rapidly fell back. However, the sword was like a leech that was difficult to shake off. Even though his retreating speed was very quick, the wooden sword was quicker.

Wuwuwuwu! A deep muffled noise broke through the air. Tang Wulin had made his move.

He had taken Wu Zhangkong's words to heart and immediately implemented his suggestion. The Thousand Refined Tungsten Hammer was flown out, smashing straight towards Wu Zhangkong. At the end of the handle, however, was a strand of Bluesilver Grass that connected it to Tang Wulin.

He knew that it would be a futile attempt to bind Wu Zhangkong directly with his Bluesilver Grass. At Wu Zhangkong's level of soul power, it would only take a moment for him to break free. When that happened, Tang Wulin's soul power would be consumed to near exhaustion too, and he would no longer be able to use his Bluesilver Grass.

As for the Thousand Refined Tungsten Hammer that he had sent flying, Wu Zhangkong didn't even put them in his eyes and continued forward with his sword. The tungsten hammers simply flew behind him.

A cool breeze brushed up from beside Xie Xie, pushing Xie Xie out of the way and causing Wu Zhangkong's sword to meet nothing but air.

Wu Zhangkong pursued, but the ground beneath his feet quickly grew soft and an icicle flew towards the ground. Gu Yue was using the same elemental combination technique as before.

Wu Zhangkong revealed a calm smile. With a flick of his wrist, the wooden sword gracefully met the icicle, easily shattering it.

At the same time, he jumped out of the mud.

Wuwu! Tang Wulin's Thousand Refined Tungsten Hammers arrived once again. This time, however, it wasn't just a single hammer, but rather, both of them were present. With both hammers in use, their attack range was even greater.

Wu Zhangkong's sword moved exactly to his will and met with the tungsten hammers, causing both weapons to stop in mid-air and immediately drop to the ground.

A flash of shock coloured Wu Zhangkong's eyes. 'This little guy's strength is simply tyrannical!'

A fireball showed up at Wu Zhangkong's side. Once again, Gu Yue's attack had appeared at just the right moment.

Wu Zhangkong drew a circle in the air with his sword, causing a bizarre stream of air to appear. The fireball suddenly strayed from its path and soared above Wu Zhangkong, heading straight for Xie Xie instead.

Panicking, Xie Xie tried to cut away the fireball but missed. He then braced himself for an impact, which never came. Opening his eyes, he saw Tang Xingxi blocking it with a massive black shield.

Chuckling at Xie Xie's misfortune, Tang Xingxi said, "For an agility-system, you're not very agile."

Just as Xie Xie was about to retort, Tang Xingxi continued speaking, "I'll show you the true meaning of agility," before transforming into his Cosmic Thunder Lion Form and releasing his Dragon God Bloodline.

Looking at Gu Yue's shocked expression which she hid almost immediately, Tang Xingxi whilst snickering to himself, 'Haha! Now I have a chance of snatching Gu Yue away!'

Gu Yue, looking at Tang Xingxi was thinking, 'Is it…no! Impossible! It's impossible right!?'

Rushing towards Wu Zhangkong, followed by a streak of white lightning, Tang Xingxi activated his Emperor's Set Spirit and turned his armour into that of an assassin, while changing his weapons into two daggers.

Attacking Wu Zhangkong with varying speeds, Tang Xingxi looked like a ghost endlessly moving and around Wu Zhangkong. Tang Xingxi even used his voice to trick Wu Zhangkong while lecturing Xie Xie.

Slash! "The essence—" Slash! "of an agility—" Slash! "system spirit mast—" Slash! "—er is the ability—"Slash "to—" Slash! "Use speed and movement to outsmart your opponent!" Tang Xingxi finished as he activated his domain and stepped outside Wu Zhangkong's range of attacks. Shooting a barrage of cosmic lightning towards Wu Zhangkong, Tang Xingxi signalled his brother.

Understanding immediately, Tang Wulin started to treat Wu Zhangkong like metal. He quickly entered an ethereal state that was solely focused on forging.

Two grey lights simultaneously flashed. A hammer appeared in Tang Wulin's right hand, obstructing Wu Zhangkong's sword, while the hammer that appeared in his left hand smashed towards Wu Zhangkong.

Ding! The sword struck the hammer, issuing forth a crisp metallic note.

Tang Wulin only felt a tremendous force being transmitted as the Thousand Refined Heavy Silver Hammer flew into his stomach from the recoil, knocking him back.

Within his mindscape, Tang Wulin was thinking, 'What would my brother do? I can't retreat otherwise I will lose the chance that my brother gave me. Hmm, my brother always does unexpected things so…oh I got it! I'll do that!'

All of this happening within a split second, Tang Wulin loosened his grip on the hammer in his left hand which then abruptly flew towards Wu Zhangkong.

Wu Zhangkong casually fl.i.c.k.i.n.g the sword in his hand, not even using soul power, he horizontally brushed Tang Wulin's left hammer…Or, so that was supposed to happen

Practising to reach the realm of 'One Sword Cleaves All Techniques,' Wu Zhangkong blocked the attack relying on himself and his spirit. Only by using solely his sword can he hope to achieve this realm so, regardless of whatever assault was used or whoever the opponent was, Wu Zhangkong chose to use only his sword.

However, he suffered this time around.

As the hammer and sword collided, Wu Zhangkong felt a strong wave of power transmit through his sword. Wu Zhangkong felt as though his sword was being crushed.

He wasn't even given a chance to gather more soul power when he felt the power flowing through his wooden sword double.

Ding! A crisp metallic sound rang through the surrounding area before Wu Zhangkong recalled back his martial soul.

Seeing the hammers going for his head, Wu Zhangkong flashed aside, avoiding the Thousand Refined Heavy Silver Hammers with a close shave.

Those seemingly small forging hammers fell towards the ground, creating a deafening booming sound. It gave Xie Xie, who was preparing to give his support to Tang Wulin, a big shock.

Retreating a few steps backwards, Tang Wulin held up his heavy silver hammer up to his c.h.e.s.t in defence.

Staring blankly for a while, Wu Zhangkong stopped. He realized Tang Wulin's hammers were a bit strange.

"Stop!" He raised his hand, halting Gu Yue and Xie Xie, both of whom were preparing to resume battle.

Xie Xie looked at Tang Wulin weirdly and then switched his gaze towards the grey hammer on the ground that he'd never seen before. He felt his heart contract with a wave of fear in that instant.

The second time he had battled Tang Wulin, he'd been bound up by Tang Wulin. If this hammer had gone down towards him…

Tang Wulin rushed towards the ground and picked up the three hammers, returning them into his Heavy Silver Ring.

"Your hammers are abnormal." Wu Zhangkong looked towards Tang Wulin with an eye filled with doubt.

Tang Wulin answered him, "These hammers were made with Heavy Silver, and are slightly heavier than normal forging hammers."

"How heavy could they be? Let me see!" Xie Xie was very curious about those hammers, which had been able to break Teacher Wu's wooden sword apart.

Dang! Shortly after the Heavy Silver Hammer left Tang Wulin's hand, it dropped to the ground. Xie Xie fell from the huge force of the inertia.

"Hahaha!" Tang Xingxi laughed.

"Aiyoh!" Xie Xie growled in pain. "You, what's this thing of yours? It's so damn heavy."

Tang Wulin commented, "One hammer weighs approximately 300 kilograms."

Wu Zhangkong asked. "There were three waves of power. Did you cause that, or was that from something else?"

Tang Wulin hesitated for a moment before answering Wu Zhangkong, "That's the ability of those hammers. Effects could be created after forging with thousand-refinements. Mine came with one as well, and it's called the Stacked Hammers effect."

Wu Zhangkong, though he had no knowledge of forging, knew that the pair of heavy silver hammers were precious. With a gentle nod, he questioned Tang Wulin, "Are you very talented in forgery?"

"En, I'm a blacksmith. My brother too." As Tang Wulin thought about the treatment he'd been given from the Blacksmith's Association, he felt better.

Wu Zhangkong's eyes revealed an expression of thoughtfulness as he raised his hand towards Tang Wulin.

"Come. Hold my hand." (WZ)

"Pull me with all your might; show me how great your strength really is." Wu Zhangkong ordered Tang Wulin as soon as he confirmed Tang Wulin had gripped his hands firmly enough.

"Okay," Tang Wulin answered. He took a deep breath before gathering strength from within both his arms as he pulled.

Wu Zhangkong readied himself. Like a nail, he stood still without moving even a strand of hair.

As Tang Wulin put in all of his strength, his little cheeks started to blush profusely. Though Wu Zhangkong looked seemingly still, the partially hidden soul power vibrations revealed that he wasn't as relaxed as he seemed to be. He actually had to utilise his soul power to prevent Tang Wulin from dragging him away.

"That's enough." After a moment, Wu Zhangkong stopped Tang Wulin.

"No! I will never give up! So many people are more outstanding than me! My brother included! In order to surpass them, I cannot give up on anything!" Tang Wulin shouted.

Pak! Wu Zhangkong hit Tang Wulin's head. Cowering slightly, from the pain, his grip loosened. A strange colour flashed across Wu Zhangkong's steely demeanour. He then patted Tang Wulin's shoulder.

"Then don't you dare give up! You hear me!" Wu Zhangkong said.

"En." (TW)

"Oh, Tang Xingxi, pull my hand too," Wu Zhangkong ordered.

Shrugging, Tang Xingxi held his teacher's hand.

Feeling an insane amount of force from Tang Xingxi's hand, Wu Zhangkong couldn't even hide his spirit fluctuations as Tang Xingxi pulled.

Feeling satisfied, Wu Zhangkong told Tang Xingxi to stop. Looking at the boy with amazement, he was about to ask to see his student's hammer but decided not to.

"In the Class Promotion Tournament, the three of you should compete together. If you could exert your strength to the current amount, then adding in our tactics and the surprise card of Tang Xingxi, it should be quite interesting," Wu Zhangkong told us before leaving.

Seeing the exhausted Tang Wulin and Xie Xie return to the dormitory, Gu Yue and Tang Xingxi both looked at each other and said, "We need to talk."