Yu Xiaogang was livid. Zhu Zhuqing's martial soul was merely the Ghostly Civet, and if he remembered correctly, her innate spirit power was only at level nine, with minimal boosts from her first three spirit abilities. His disciple, Tang San, was different: born with full innate spirit power, possessing twin martial souls, numerous self-created techniques, and cultivation methods that naturally allowed him to absorb spirit rings beyond his rank. As for Su Ming, he was a true anomaly, starting with only seven levels of innate spirit power!
The crowd showed no sympathy for Yu Xiaogang as he stood pale-faced, having coughed up blood from Gui Mei's pointed remarks. His faulty theories had led to the deaths of many who had followed them blindly. Now, with the exposure that his theories were plagiarized, unrefined versions stolen from Spirit Hall, their regard for him had plummeted.
Seeing the crowd's discontent, Ju Douluo seized the opportunity. "Everyone, on behalf of Spirit Hall, I apologize. The theories stolen by Yu Xiaogang were incomplete and under development. Spirit Hall did not publish them because we were still refining the theories. But rest assured, after this tournament, we'll release an improved version based on the work we've done. Please bear with us."
The announcement was met with applause from the common soul masters in the crowd, who saw Spirit Hall as an advocate for their growth and advancement. However, nobles and other soul masters aligned with powerful factions frowned, recognizing the clever strategy. Spirit Hall had deftly won the goodwill of the common people, though the nobility largely dismissed the rabble as inconsequential.
Watching the crowd's support swell around Spirit Hall, Dai Mubai pointed accusingly at Ju Douluo, saying, "Fine, but let's not forget one thing. Why did Spirit Hall ambush Thunder Academy's team?"
The crowd fell silent.
"Yes, I heard about that too," murmured one soul master, intent on turning the crowd against Spirit Hall. "They must have been afraid of Thunder Academy's strength."
Several voices joined in agreement. Yet others objected, stating, "Don't exaggerate. Even if Spirit Hall acted questionably, no one outside Thunder Academy's team was killed."
"So what?" challenged another. "Why did Spirit Hall target Thunder Academy?"
One soul master, planted by Spirit Hall, explained, "Apparently, it was an ambush involving the long-absent Clear Sky Douluo. And isn't Tang San, Thunder Academy's Tang San, his son? There's been bad blood between Clear Sky Sect and Spirit Hall for years."
The crowd murmured in response, with some suggesting patience until the tournament concluded for a proper explanation.
Meanwhile, Tang San and Oscar's expressions turned uncomfortable.
Seeing that the crowd was waiting, Ju Douluo exchanged a glance with Gui Mei before saying, "We understand the questions and concerns. Rest assured that Spirit Hall will provide a full account after the tournament concludes."
The common soul masters nodded, agreeing to wait for an explanation, while Tang San, Dai Mubai, and the others couldn't shake an uneasy feeling as they caught sight of Ju Douluo's smirk.
Ju Douluo then directed his gaze at Yu Xiaogang and continued mockingly, "Now, I think everyone sees the truth. Yu Xiaogang is no true theorist but a thief who stole Spirit Hall's work." He added with a sly grin, "And, oh yes, Yu Xiaogang is famous for one particular saying."
He raised his voice to ensure all could hear, "Have you ever heard his claim that 'There are no useless martial souls, only useless soul masters'?"
The crowd listened intently, some nodding, although something about Ju Douluo's tone suggested he was leading up to something.
"If Yu Xiaogang really wanted to prove himself, why didn't he ever find a way to surpass his own rank?"
A ripple of realization passed through the crowd. Ju Douluo continued, "And consider his 'talented disciple,' Tang San. Born with full innate spirit power and twin martial souls, his success was practically guaranteed even without Yu Xiaogang. Yet when Tang San becomes a Title Douluo, Yu Xiaogang will be the first to boast, 'Look, I trained a Title Douluo!'"
The crowd burst into murmurs of agreement. Even Su Ming, listening from a distance, struggled to stifle a laugh. Ju Douluo had perfectly predicted Yu Xiaogang's behavior. After Tang San became a god, Yu Xiaogang had proudly claimed he had "trained a god." Su Ming had always thought it ridiculous—Tang San's achievements had nothing to do with his teacher's so-called guidance.
Lost in thought, Tang San stood silently among the crowd, contemplating Ju Douluo's words.
Yu Xiaogang, trembling with anger, raised a shaking finger to point at Ju Douluo, but he couldn't utter a single coherent word.
Looking at Yu Xiaogang, who was barely holding himself together, Chrysanthemum Douluo sneered, "What's the matter, Yu Xiaogang? Have I said anything wrong? Why else would you spend all these years cooped up in a backwater like Nuoding City with only Tang San as your disciple?"
"Sure, it's remote, but your so-called theories are known all over the continent. Many must have sought you out, hoping you could transform their fate with that line, 'There are no useless martial souls, only useless soul masters.'"
"Those people were just too naive. If you were truly so great, your level would never have been stuck at rank 29. And you call yourself the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's heir? Your spirit is nothing more than a joke, with no attack power to speak of!"
"Even if your mutated spirit, Luo San Pao, doesn't look like a dragon, it still has traces of dragon blood. Why didn't you try using soul rings from dragon-type soul beasts? A perfectly good spirit wasted! You can't break rank 30, likely due to how you mistreated your own spirit. And you claim to be the continent's top theorist?"
Much of what Chrysanthemum Douluo was saying had come straight from Bibi Dong herself. His mission was clear: to dismantle Yu Xiaogang's beliefs and completely devastate him.
Yu Xiaogang could no longer bear the humiliation and collapsed, unconscious.
"Teacher! Teacher!" Tang San shot Chrysanthemum Douluo a dark look as he helped Yu Xiaogang back to their hotel.
Watching them retreat, Chrysanthemum Douluo smirked. "Tang San, just wait. Spirit Hall has a gift prepared just for you. Once the world knows you're a dark soul master, even the Clear Sky Clan will have to act, giving Spirit Hall an opening!"
He glanced at Dai Mubai, whose recent surge in power hinted at a connection with Tang San. "Alright, let's go," Su Ming said, turning to his team. It was clear that the situation with Yu Xiaogang had reached its conclusion. As for what would follow after the tournament, Su Ming mused, it would all unfold in time.
The next day arrived quickly.
Heaven Dou Battle Team vs. Star Luo Battle Team!
In the resting area before the battle, Dugu Bo asked Su Ming, "So, little monster, what's the plan for today's match against the Star Luo team?"
Su Ming, prepared, replied, "Today's lineup will be me, Dugu Yan, Zhu Zhuqing, Ye Lingling, Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong, and Oslo."
Dugu Bo looked surprised. "All our main members? Isn't that a bit much? It's like we're overkill against the Star Luo team."
Su Ming cast a glance at Zhu Zhuqing before answering, "Old Monster, you know Zhuqing has to face Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhuyun in battle. I want her to handle them herself, with me, Ye Lingling, and Ning Rongrong providing support."
"I'll hold Dugu Yan and Xiao Wu back from using their full strength. We're mainly there to provide backup, clear the field, and let Zhuqing focus on Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhuyun."
"Ah, you're ruthless, little monster," Dugu Bo chuckled, feeling a bit sorry for the Star Luo team. With Su Ming's team backing Zhu Zhuqing, even Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhuyun's combined attack would struggle against her.
As the Heaven Dou team entered the stage, Dai Weisi's Star Luo team faced them head-on. Once both sides lined up, Zhu Zhuyun confronted Zhu Zhuqing.
"Zhuqing, you've been away long enough. No matter the outcome today, you're coming back with us."
Zhu Zhuqing replied coolly, "Zhuyun, cut the pretense. If I hadn't fled to the Heaven Dou Empire, I'd likely be dead by now."
She studied Zhu Zhuyun's expression closely.
Zhu Zhuyun's slight pause, followed by a laugh, confirmed Zhu Zhuqing's suspicions. "You're right! With your innate rank nine spirit power, you broke family records, becoming my greatest threat! I had to act against you."
"I didn't expect you to go against our family's tradition and the royal Star Luo family. You're going to abandon the Zhu family and betray the royal family?"
Dai Weisi joined in, taunting, "I still can't fathom how my 'waste' of a brother suddenly became a Soul King. But seeing his grayed hair, he probably used some secret method to force a breakthrough."
"Even so, he's pathetic—your leader flattened him in one strike. He's still a waste. Just give it up already. I'll only ask once: will you come back to Star Luo with us after this match?"
Zhu Zhuqing shot a glance at Zhu Zhuyun, then shook her head. "Go back? I'll pass. Let Dai Mubai return alone and face whatever fate awaits him. As long as I remain in the Heaven Dou Empire, the royal family can't reach me."
Su Ming, observing Zhu Zhuyun's expressions, noticed something was amiss. Her words seemed almost… forced.
"Good, then never come back. If you hadn't vanished that night, I would have crippled your spirit myself, 'prodigy' of the Zhu family!" Zhu Zhuyun laughed coldly.
Su Ming then addressed Dai Weisi, "Dai Weisi, Zhuqing won't return. Dai Mubai isn't strong enough to face both of you, but if you dare harm Zhuqing's family, my threats are no joke."
Dai Weisi waved a hand dismissively. "No worries, I'd prefer it that way. Zhuqing's parents are also Zhuyun's. But remember, I can't make promises on behalf of the Emperor—Zhuqing's rebellion may well anger him."
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