Beside Sword Douluo, Bone Douluo nodded in agreement and said:
"On this point, I agree with the Swordman."
"A newly advanced Titled Douluo facing a Rank 95 Titled Douluo? Forget winning—the newbie might not even survive a single attack. Honestly, that's just a death wish."
Sword Douluo's face twitched when he heard Bone Douluo refer to him as "Swordman." Irritated, he responded, seizing the moment to throw a jab back:
"For once, the coward speaks the truth."
"As everyone knows, Titled Douluo stand at the peak of the soul master world."
"Most people only understand that once a soul master reaches the Titled Douluo stage, their strength transforms drastically."
"But in reality, even among Titled Douluo, there are different levels."
"Ranks 91 to 94 are classified as Ordinary Titled Douluo. Ranks 95 to 98 are known as Super Douluo. And Rank 99 is called the Limit Douluo."
"These distinctions are mostly circulated only within the Titled Douluo circle."
After pausing to gather his thoughts, Sword Douluo continued:
"When my father challenged Qian Daoliu, the Grand Worshipper of Spirit Hall, and failed, he came to a rough conclusion about the power differences between each level. Before his death, he told me—"
"Above Rank 90, every level is like reaching a new heaven."
"From Rank 91 to 94, each level increases soul power by about 20%."
"But Rank 95 is a turning point. Here, soul power doesn't just increase—it doubles compared to Rank 94. That's why we call it the start of the Super Douluo stage."
"Rank 96 holds around twice the soul power of Rank 95."
"Rank 97 triples that of Rank 96, and Rank 98 quadruples that of Rank 97."
"As for Rank 99—that's a completely different realm. That's why those who reach it are called Limit Douluo or Peerless Douluo. The more common title is 'Limit Douluo.'"
"A Rank 98 Super Douluo wouldn't stand a chance before a Limit Douluo—they could be crushed with a wave of the hand."
"Though my father's analysis is only theoretical, based on his experience and instincts, I believe it's not far from the truth."
As he spoke, Sword Douluo's eyes lit up with longing and admiration for the realm beyond Super Douluo.
Bone Douluo, who had heard this theory from Sword Douluo before, still couldn't suppress the excitement surging in his chest.
Their expressions mirrored each other perfectly—both filled with hope and ambition.
For Ning Fengzhi, however, this was the first time hearing such a classification from Sword Douluo. He was completely stunned.
Shockwaves rippled through his heart, leaving him in a long silence.
After a while, Ning Fengzhi finally snapped out of it. He took a deep breath and exclaimed:
"Titled Douluo… truly terrifying!"
Moments later, he furrowed his brows and asked the question lingering in his heart:
"If a Rank 95 Titled Douluo is so overwhelmingly powerful, then how did Tang Hao manage to defeat and kill Spirit Hall's former Pope, Qian Xunji?"
Sword Douluo pondered briefly before sharing his thoughts:
"The strength of a Titled Douluo varies greatly depending on the individual."
"Aside from differences in soul power, a lot also depends on their martial soul's strength and its inherent attributes. After all, you can't expect a support-type Titled Douluo to defeat an assault-type one."
"Moreover, soul skills are linked to the age and strength of the soul beast that produces the soul ring. The stronger the soul beast and the older the ring, the more powerful the soul skill."
"But even that can't bridge the gap in soul power. Not even a legendary 100,000-year soul ring can compensate for that kind of difference."
He paused, frowned in deep thought, then shook his head and said:
"Even with my current Rank 92 soul power, I wouldn't stand a chance against someone at Rank 95. Our soul skills are simply not on the same level. The power gap is immense."
"My guess is that Tang Hao managed to kill Qian Xunji using the secret art of the Clear Sky Clan—the forbidden technique known as the Great Sumeru Hammer."
"It's said that Tang Hao, even as a Soul Douluo, once defeated a Titled Douluo from his own clan using this forbidden technique. I had my doubts at the time, but now… I believe it. I clearly underestimated him."
Sword Douluo fell silent again, lost in self-reflection.
At that moment, Bone Douluo picked up the conversation and asked:
"Is the Great Sumeru Hammer really that powerful?"
Clearly, he still had his doubts.
Ning Fengzhi began recalling the records from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's archives and said:
"According to our records, the Great Sumeru Hammer contains a devastating secret technique—Ring Detonation."
"As the name suggests, it involves detonating one's own soul rings."
"The soul power generated from detonating the rings is instantly channeled into the martial soul, temporarily breaking through the user's limitations to unleash an attack far beyond their current rank."
"I see..."
Sword Douluo's expression turned serious after hearing this. The next moment, his eyes gleamed with battle intent. A sharp sword aura erupted from him as he declared:
"If I ever get the chance, I'd like to test it myself. Let's see if the Great Sumeru Hammer's explosive force is stronger—or if my Seven Kill Sword is sharper!"
The Seven Kill Sword—renowned as the most offensively powerful martial soul in the world.
Sword Douluo, naturally proud, could not accept being second to anyone.
As a sword wielder, he believed he should be unstoppable.
When Bone Douluo saw Sword Douluo getting all full of himself again, he couldn't help but roll his eyes and mock:
"Please. You can't even break through my defense. And you still have the nerve to boast?"
Hearing this, Sword Douluo's face darkened. He pointed at Bone Douluo and shouted:
"Nonsense! Coward! If you've got guts, stand still and take one strike from my sword!"
Bone Douluo wasn't one to back down. He barked back:
"Heh! Who's afraid of who? Let's duel!"
"Duel!"
"Bring it on!"
The two elders slammed their foreheads together, glaring fiercely at each other.
Just moments ago they were calmly discussing cultivation. Now they were ready to fight again.
Ning Fengzhi felt utterly drained.
With no other choice, he stepped forward to play peacemaker—a skill he had long mastered.
He pulled them apart and mediated:
"Alright, Uncle Sword, Uncle Bone, let's cool off. We still have serious matters to discuss."
Sword Douluo backed down after hearing Ning Fengzhi, though he still grumbled:
"Only because it's Fengzhi. I'll spare your life today."
Bone Douluo scoffed back with a sneer:
"Oh, I'm so scared. You talk like you could actually beat me. I'll let you go this time too—for Fengzhi's sake."
"Hmph!"
"Hmph!"
The two old men simultaneously snorted and turned their heads away, refusing to look at each other.
Ning Fengzhi could only sigh helplessly.
"These two are almost two hundred years old combined, yet they bicker like children. Always fighting over the smallest things…"
He silently lamented:
"Why is this so hard for me?"
PS: Read Advance Chapters at patreon.com/KaizerTL