*[Emotion Points: 423, 2141;]*
What?!
420,000?!
Just now, it was less than 200,000, and in no time, Yu Xiaogang's outburst added over 220,000!
The benefits of taking it slow weren't clear to Zhuge Lan, but this time, he's hit the jackpot!
"Let's drain every last bit from Yu Xiaogang before he leaves," Zhuge Lan thought.
As Yu Xiaogang's emotional points subsided, Zhuge Lan immediately spoke up, "So, Xiao San, are you still planning on going with your teacher?"
"Of course not!" Tang San looked at Yu Xiaogang, trying to let him keep a shred of dignity.
"Though my teacher caused me some setbacks, it was due to my own youthful ignorance," he said. "I still acknowledge you as my teacher. If you ever need anything, I'll be there. But today... you should just leave."
If he stayed any longer, all he'd do was embarrass himself—so why not just go?
*[Emotion Points +111111]*
Yu Xiaogang's stubborn streak wouldn't let him be persuaded to leave so easily.
"You are ungrateful!" Yu Xiaogang said bitterly.
"My spirit theories might have flaws, but they at least gave commoners like you access to basic knowledge. Otherwise, you would still be clueless, only absorbing plant-based spirit beasts and failing to develop Blue Silver Grass into what it is today!"
Tang San couldn't deny this entirely. After all, without Yu Xiaogang's help, he wouldn't have become his disciple in the first place.
As Tang San thought about brushing this off, Zhuge Lan chimed in.
"Your theory on spirit mimicry was so absurd I didn't even bother mentioning it earlier!" Zhuge Lan mocked.
"You think absorbing different types of spirit rings can compensate for weaknesses? Was that theory dreamt up with only half a brain?"
"Blue Silver Grass is a life-oriented spirit, and you had him absorb a poisonous Mandala Snake? Given the same year-level spirit ring, using poison for paralyzing opponents would yield a benefit of 1. There are toxic plants of equal quality that would yield at least a 5, while focusing on strong vitality would enhance its resilience, making it unbreakable and giving a yield of 10!"
"Besides, binding enemies is only the beginning—pollen spread, parasitic seeds, and consuming states are a plant-type spirit's real strengths."
"How could you not understand something so basic? Or did you just plagiarize others' work without ever really thinking it through?"
"Master Copycat Yu Xiaogang!"
*[Emotion Points +199999]*
Yu Xiaogang was stunned, erupting with nearly 200,000 emotion points. Was his theory wrong? No way… he couldn't process it.
*[Emotion Points +14444]*
Tang San's mouth dropped open. What? Had he been misled again?
*[Emotion Points +17482]*
The Shrek teachers, Zhao Wuji and others, were wide-eyed and looked to Flender. Flender averted his gaze in silence. Yes, Shrek Academy's spirit ring choices had followed Yu Xiaogang's spirit mimicry theory based on Flender's trust in him. But it now appeared he'd trusted the wrong person.
Countless students had been misled by Yu Xiaogang's theory!
*[Emotion Points +7482]*
As a failed spirit master, Yu Xiaogang had still managed to make a name for himself academically. Whether due to luck or his resilience, he quickly recovered and launched into a retort.
"You wouldn't have learned the basics of spirit masters or spirit beasts at Nuoding Academy. Knowledge is invaluable—do you deny this?"
He continued, "I even gave you the precious storage spirit tool, the 'Twenty-Four Moonlit Bridges,' didn't I? Since you were young, I fed you extra meals to support your growth—without which, you'd still be short."
"And also, if I hadn't stopped you, you'd have left with Xiao Wu to some so-called advanced spirit master academy, and wouldn't be standing here today!"
With this, he listed various smaller favors he'd done for Tang San, going on and on for several minutes.
Listening to Yu Xiaogang's exhaustive list of favors, everyone felt sympathy for Tang San—having such a calculating teacher was truly unfortunate. And in the process, Yu Xiaogang also inadvertently revealed many of Tang San's personal details, including his poor family background and his parents' absence.
Tang San was furious but couldn't easily lash out, as he didn't want to harm his image. Thankfully, he had someone to speak up for him. Xiao Wu, who had quietly returned after Chen Xin's departure, appeared, standing protectively in front of Tang San with her arms crossed.
"You're a grown man, yet you keep track of every tiny favor?" Xiao Wu scolded. "What kind of person are you?! You gave him food and items, so what? Name your price, and we'll pay you back!"
Yu Xiaogang paused his rant, a smug smile emerging on his stiff face.
"Fine, then. Come with me, and I'll help you reach the Title Douluo level."
"Today, you may be deceived by others, but as your teacher, I'll forgive you. We can continue as teacher and student."
Xiao Wu frowned. She guessed that Tang San intended to pursue Zhuge Lan's "family inheritance of the deity," which meant he couldn't leave Shrek.
"Impossible!" Tang San gritted his teeth. "I'll repay your kindness one by one, but you have no right to make me leave Shrek!"
Yu Xiaogang's expression turned hard once again. "I don't want you to repay me later—I want you to leave Shrek with me now!"
Neither wanted to be the first to sever their bond, so the situation remained at an impasse.
Finally, Flender couldn't help but speak up. "Xiaogang, with Tang San's talent, how will you guide him if you take him away?"
"There's no need for you to worry," Yu Xiaogang replied confidently. "I have ways to get Tang San the best education." He paused, adding, "Tang San, you are a twin spirit user. You know the risks—there's a high chance you could die from an explosion as you advance. The academy I'm suggesting has a Title Douluo-level twin spirit user."
This revelation made Flender fall silent. He knew about the risks of Tang San's twin spirits, and he didn't have the solution.
The bystanders were excited. Another twin spirit user? Was Tang San that strong? But with the tense atmosphere, they respectfully stayed silent and shared discreet looks among themselves.
Hearing this, Tang San hesitated. This was indeed a significant weakness, and Yu Xiaogang might still be of use. Should he reconsider?
---
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