Chapter: 181 - 185

Chapter 181: Yu Xiaogang's Advice, Martial Soul Evolution!?

Yu Tianheng was momentarily stunned. Looking at Qin Ming, he suddenly understood something.

Oslo couldn't help but ask,

"Teacher Qin, we lost so miserably. How is this a good thing?"

Qin Ming said calmly,

"Because everything you've experienced so far has been too smooth. While this setback may seem harsh, at least it didn't cause any irreversible damage to any of you."

"If this setback had come in the future, you might have had to pay for it with your lives to understand what you're realizing now."

"Failure itself isn't terrifying—what's terrifying is failing to learn from it. I believe each of you has already identified some of your own mistakes."

"Every one of you has exceptional talent, so I'll leave you with just one sentence."

He paused, sweeping his gaze over the entire Huangdou Battle Team.

"Grow through failure."

"Grow through failure."

The members of the Huangdou Battle Team repeated his words.

Qin Ming waved his hand.

"Go back and rest. Recover as soon as possible. I still have some people to meet."

With that, he turned and strode away.

Unlike the gloom hanging over the Huangdou Battle Team, the Shrek group was overwhelmed with excitement. They crowded around Yun Feng, congratulating him enthusiastically.

Grandmaster and Tang San exchanged glances, and in Grandmaster's eyes, Tang San saw regret.

At the same time, Yu Xiaogang saw the sorrow in Tang San's expression.

For the master and disciple, this was unbearable!

Meanwhile, Flender didn't hold back his praise, showering Yun Feng with admiration.

"Good kid! I knew I wasn't wrong about you. Keeping you in Shrek was the best decision I ever made!"

Yu Xiaogang twitched slightly.

Zhao Wuji nodded in agreement.

"When you fought me back then, I already felt that you weren't using your full strength. Now it seems I was right. Yun Feng, just how much are you still hiding?"

Yun Feng chuckled awkwardly but said nothing.

Yu Xiaogang twitched again.

The more people praised Yun Feng, the more incompetent Yu Xiaogang seemed in comparison!

And to make things worse, after all the praise, everyone turned to look at Yu Xiaogang.

Recalling how Yun Feng had just rejected him, Yu Xiaogang suddenly felt as if he had swallowed a pile of shit.

But since everyone was looking at him—including all of Shrek's members—Yu Xiaogang took a deep breath, forced himself to calm down, and squeezed out a smile.

"Well played, but some of your finer techniques still need improvement. My advice…"

"My advice is to observe how others fight in soul battles. Learning from multiple sources will help you better develop your martial soul!"

[Advice received from the Knowledge Tailor, Theory Grandmaster Yu Xiaogang: Watch more soul battles. Reward: One chance for martial soul evolution!]

Yun Feng was stunned.

Yu Xiaogang was such a good person! The long-dormant "Listen and Obey" system had finally triggered a new mission.

Yun Feng glanced at his existing advice list, feeling quite satisfied.

Current Advice:

Advice from Jack: Diligence compensates for shortcomings. Meditate for at least one hour daily. Reward: Meditation speed x3, meditation quality x3.Advice from Tang San: Sleep early, wake early, drink warm water. Reward: Slow increase in innate soul power.Advice from Tang San: Eat more food. Reward: Accelerated physical growth, increased appearance, enhanced body strength (based on food quality and quantity).Advice from Tang San: Find multiple soul master girlfriends and have children. Reward: Customizable soul rings (one soul bone per girlfriend, depending on talent).Advice from a blacksmith: Learn blacksmithing. Reward: Soul tool crafting methods.Advice from a chef: Learn culinary skills. Reward: Max-level chef proficiency.Advice from Yu Xiaogang: Watch more soul battles. Reward: One chance for martial soul evolution.

Seeing Yun Feng's reaction, Yu Xiaogang felt much better.

"Ahem!"

"That's it for today's training!"

"Your performance was excellent. You've passed the training!"

Oscar grinned and asked,

"Grandmaster, does that mean we get a vacation when we return?"

Flender frowned.

"You kids better not get too full of yourselves. Don't you see? Today's victory was entirely because of Yun Feng. What does that have to do with you?"

Perhaps too excited, Oscar immediately retorted,

"But, Dean, didn't you always teach us that we're a team? Have you forgotten that?"

Flender was momentarily speechless.

"Ugh… you little brat…"

Although Flender scolded Oscar, deep down, he was the happiest of them all!

After all, wasn't this making money?

Speaking of ideals, Shrek Academy was his lifelong persistence. And now, he had finally witnessed the most outstanding group of students in Shrek's history.

He firmly believed that within twenty years, these children before him would bring a storm to the entire Douluo Continent's soul master world—a real storm.

Zhao Wuji didn't say much but chuckled.

"Alright, Flender, stop pretending to be stern. These kids have worked hard enough."

"Grandmaster, don't you think they should take a break?"

Unlike Flender, Zhao Wuji wasn't as polite when speaking to Yu Xiaogang.

Yu Xiaogang sighed and nodded slowly.

"Yes, they should rest. This time, when we return, you'll have half a month off. Do whatever you want."

"Then I'll decide when to start the third phase of training."

"Huh? There's a third phase?"

Apart from Yun Feng and Tang San, the other six all exclaimed in shock.

Yu Xiaogang simply glanced at them indifferently, his face regaining its usual stiffness.

"What? Do you have a problem with that?"

"No, no, of course not, Grandmaster! You're the wisest. Even if there's a fourth or fifth phase, we'll endure it!" Oscar quickly responded.

Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong rolled their eyes at Oscar in disdain.

But to be fair, though Yu Xiaogang's methods weren't as good as Yun Feng's or their families', the medicinal baths did provide solid improvements.

That was an undeniable fact.

However, unlike Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong, the others were all wondering—what exactly would the third phase of training be?

Just then, a person approached. Before arriving, his voice had already reached them.

"Dean Flender, Vice Dean Zhao Wuji, how have you been? Your disciple, Qin Ming, pays his respects."

The newcomer was none other than the mentor of the Huangdou Battle Team, Qin Ming. He quickly stepped forward and knelt on one knee before Flender and Zhao Wuji.

Chapter 182: Completely Shaped Like Shrek

At this moment, he no longer had the calm demeanor he displayed when supporting the Emperor Team earlier. His eyes shone with excitement.

Flander adjusted the crystal glasses on his nose.

"I thought you, you little brat, had long forgotten about us."

Zhao Wuji helped Qin Ming up from the ground, looking him up and down before laughing heartily.

"Good kid, you're getting stronger and stronger. At this rate, it won't be long before you catch up to us old guys."

Qin Ming stood respectfully with his hands lowered.

"No matter when, both deans will always be my teachers, and I will forever be a disciple of Shrek Academy."

Seeing this scene unfold, aside from Yun Feng, the rest of the Shrek members were utterly dumbfounded.

Although they didn't know exactly who Qin Ming was, they had seen clearly when he appeared at the other entrance of the Soul Arena earlier.

This person was obviously deeply connected to the Emperor Team. But from what he was saying now… could it be that he was…?

Flander raised his hand and gave Qin Ming a firm pat on the shoulder.

"You've been away from the academy for so many years, yet you're still as restrained as ever."

"Come, let me introduce you. This is the Grandmaster, and this is Yun Feng—you already saw him on the Soul Arena stage earlier."

"As for them, they are also students of our academy!"

Qin Ming first bowed respectfully to Yu Xiaogang, following the formal etiquette of a disciple.

"Greetings, Grandmaster."

Yu Xiaogang naturally had no intention of accepting such a gesture. In his heart, not just anyone could become his disciple.

He sidestepped the bow and responded indifferently,

"No need for formalities."

Seeing that the Grandmaster did not accept his bow, Qin Ming was momentarily stunned.

Flander, however, chuckled and said,

"You're the teacher of his nephew. In terms of seniority, you're on equal footing with him. Of course, he wouldn't accept your formalities."

Qin Ming looked at Flander in confusion. Yu Xiaogang's eyes flashed with a trace of displeasure, as if blaming Flander for exposing his background.

Flander grinned and said,

"We're all on the same side here. There's no need to keep secrets. Or do you want me to tell everyone that Yu Tianheng is your nephew?"

"What?!"

The Shrek members almost exclaimed in unison.

They had never imagined that Yu Xiaogang was actually from one of the Seven Great Clans—the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, known for their unparalleled offensive prowess.

Yu Xiaogang's expression immediately darkened.

"You've already told them, Flander? I've said it many times—I have nothing to do with the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan anymore."

With those words, Yu Xiaogang turned and walked away.

Tang San instinctively wanted to follow, but Yu Xiaogang raised his hand, stopping him.

"You all still need to calculate this month's Soul Battle Points. Go back with Flander later. I have something to take care of."

Watching Yu Xiaogang leave, Tang San looked at Flander in confusion.

Yet, in his heart, he had begun to understand the reason behind it all.

No wonder Yu Xiaogang had looked uneasy when mentioning the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan before.

It turned out that he was born into such a powerful soul master family. In a clan like that, possessing a mutated martial soul as weak as San Pao's must have been unbearable.

If it were him… perhaps he would have felt the same way.

Flander sighed regretfully.

"I spoke too much. But it's fine. Xiaogang has long been used to this."

Qin Ming exhaled deeply.

"I never expected the Grandmaster to be Tianheng's uncle."

Flander quickly regained his usual composure and addressed the Shrek members.

"You must be wondering why Qin Ming is here. It's actually very simple—he was once just like you, a student of Shrek Academy."

"And not just any student—he was once the most outstanding student, the first-ever graduate of Shrek Academy."

"The previous academy record for the fastest to reach level thirty was set by Qin Ming."

Qin Ming smiled warmly at the Shrek students.

"Junior brothers and sisters, nice to meet you. Flander, it seems our Shrek Academy has been developing even better than before."

Zhao Wuji, however, shook his head with a wry smile.

"Better? These kids will be the last batch of students the academy will ever have."

Qin Ming was startled. Instinctively, he asked,

"The academy's financial problems still haven't been solved?"

As soon as he said it, he realized his mistake and looked at Flander somewhat awkwardly.

Flander let out a sigh.

"That's just how things are. There's nothing to hide. Besides, we're getting old. We no longer have the drive we had in our youth. Once these kids graduate…"

"I think it'll be time for us to live our own lives."

"Qin Ming, the students you teach are all exceptional—each one of them is an elite."

Qin Ming smiled bitterly.

"It's not that I'm a great teacher, but that those kids already have extraordinary talent and backgrounds."

"It's also not because of me that they come to learn, but because our academy has something that attracts them."

"Oh? So you've been teaching at an academy?"

Flander looked at him in surprise.

Qin Ming nodded.

"Flander, I'm currently teaching at the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy. The seven members of the Emperor Team are Heaven Dou Imperial Academy's top students."

"This trip was meant to be a training exercise for them, and I also wanted to take the chance to visit Shrek Academy. I never expected that in just two days, a junior would give me such a big surprise."

Flander chuckled.

"Seeing you here, I'm completely at ease about this Soul Battle. Alright, this isn't the place for a long talk. Let's head back to our hotel. We haven't seen each other in years—let's catch up."

Qin Ming agreed readily. As he swept his gaze across the Shrek students, he was deep in thought.

He had clearly heard what Flander had said earlier, and he was well aware of the record he once held at Shrek Academy.

And yet, these kids had already broken that record. This meant they were all still quite young.

As Yun Feng watched, he finally understood why Flander was so good at PUA.

Qin Ming had already been completely shaped into Shrek's image.

He didn't even feel like saying anything about it.

After all, it didn't affect him.

And with Yun Feng guiding things, the moment Flander had any intention of trying it, everyone else would gang up on him immediately.

He'd be forced to retreat.

Naturally, Flander didn't dare to push further.

At this moment, Qin Ming, having researched the background of these students earlier, already knew about their strengths—except for Yun Feng, whom he found difficult to read.

However, he didn't believe Yun Feng was particularly young. After all, possessing the power of a Soul King at such an age was simply too terrifying.

So rather than Yun Feng, he was more focused on the seven students standing behind him.

These seven members of Shrek were younger and more exceptional than the seven members of the Emperor Team cultivated by the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy.

And Qin Ming, knowing Shrek Academy's conditions all too well, found this realization astonishing.

With the academy's meager resources, they had managed to produce such outstanding soul masters.

What did this mean?

Chapter 183: Continuation…

The eyes of everyone in Shrek were focused on Qin Ming at this moment. Although it was Yun Feng who fought the previous battle, they now suddenly realized that the opponent's leading teacher turned out to be their senior.

This feeling was very strange and odd for them.

Flander turned to the people of Shrek and said slowly:

"Okay, you guys go settle the points, and then come back quickly. Wuji, Qin Ming, let's go."

The three of them left, leaving only Yun Feng and the others. Oscar looked at Yun Feng and directly asked:

"Brother Feng, do you want to eat a sausage to restore your soul power?"

Yun Feng shook his head and said:

"I didn't consume too much soul power, so I don't need it."

Oscar nodded and didn't say anything else.

Only Ma Hongjun muttered to himself:

"Turns out we're this powerful that even the elites of Heaven Dou Imperial Academy can't beat me. Haha, I knew I was a genius."

Dai Mubai knocked on Fatty's head and said:

"Genius my foot, did you defeat the Huangdou team?"

"It was Yun Feng who did it. If it were up to you and us, we would have been beaten badly."

Ma Hongjun laughed and said:

"Boss Dai, you can't say that. Didn't the master say we are a whole? Everyone has contributed!"

"Yun Feng is amazing, but I also cheered him on!"

Everyone was speechless upon hearing this.

No one had ever seen someone claim credit like this!

Yun Feng chuckled and said:

"Aren't we a whole team? Let's go, get our points, and head back early after exchanging for soul ranks."

At this moment, Tang San suddenly asked everyone:

"What kind of academy is the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy that Qin Ming mentioned?"

Dai Mubai was speechless for a moment, but he explained:

"You're not serious, are you? You don't know Heaven Dou Imperial Academy?"

Tang San scratched his head, with a cold gleam in his eyes, and said slowly:

"I really don't know!"

Xiao Wu nodded as well.

Neither of them was fond of reading.

Yun Feng didn't know what to say.

"Read more books, won't you!"

Xiao Wu stuck out her tongue but did not refute Yun Feng. She seriously said:

"Just tell us~ Are they famous?"

Ning Rongrong saw Xiao Wu's question and explained:

"More than famous. Heaven Dou Imperial Academy was founded by the royal family of the Heaven Dou Empire. Each principal of the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy has been concurrently served by the emperor of the Heaven Dou Empire."

"Do you think it's famous?"

"In the Heaven Dou Empire, it is the largest high-level soul master academy."

"Its facilities are so complete that you can't imagine. If I hadn't been admitted to Shrek Academy back then, I might have gone there."

Dai Mubai nodded and expressed his opinion.

"Unfortunately, despite being good, the royal background brings a lot of restrictions. The first requirement for enrollment is that the student must have a noble title."

"This excludes many excellent civilian students. Because of this, even though the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy has perfect facilities and strong teachers, it always holds the title of the number one academy, but few famous soul masters come out of it."

The royal background.

Tang San nodded slowly. He wasn't envious of the academy's facilities, but he was curious about it.

No wonder the members of the Huangdou team had such powerful martial spirits; they came from such a famous academy.

Oscar suddenly said:

"Boss Dai, Yun Feng, how many levels do you think Senior Qin Ming is at now?"

Dai Mubai was taken aback,

"From his appearance, Senior Qin Ming should be in his thirties. The academy's previous record shows that he reached level 30 at fourteen, two months earlier than you."

"In that case, Senior Qin Ming should be at least level 50 now. Being over thirty and already above level 50, no wonder he became a teacher at Heaven Dou Imperial Academy."

But Ning Rongrong directly said:

"Only level 50 at thirty? What about Yun Feng? Yun Feng, at twelve, is already a soul king!"

Upon hearing this, everyone was embarrassed.

Yun Feng interrupted:

"Okay, let's stop talking about this!"

Tang San quickly nodded.

There was no mistake in the content.

"I agree with Dai Mubai!"

Supporting Dai Mubai's guess.

Oscar shook his head and said:

"I don't think so. Being a teacher at a high-level soul master academy with only level 50 is no big deal, but you should note that Senior Qin Ming is leading the Huangdou team."

"So, he must have a high status at Heaven Dou Imperial Academy. Could he do it without strength?"

"I think even if he's not at level 60, he must be close."

Ma Hongjun was getting impatient standing there.

"Alright, let's go. We can ask Senior Qin Ming about his level when we get back. No need to guess here."

The monthly soul fight was finally over, with Yun Feng defeating the Huangdou team. Shrek Academy won twenty-eight consecutive team battles.

According to Yu Xiaogang's agreement with the Soto Great Soul Arena, except for Oscar and Ning Rongrong, each member would add a one-on-one victory to their records.

Apart from Ma Hongjun, who had no partner, the other six would each receive a two-on-two victory record.

After so many soul fights, everyone was curious about their points.

They didn't know how many points they had achieved after so many consecutive victories.

It's not just about the points, but also about the bonuses.

Everything was distributed on the last day of the month.

Before everyone went to the designated place to calculate their points, Supervisor Ao had already come to them, inviting them to a high-level soul master exchange point.

Supervisor Ao was beaming with joy. The Shrek team defeated the Huangdou team, not only avoiding losses for the Soto Great Soul Arena but also bringing huge profits.

Supervisor Ao handed Yun Feng a black card.

"This is the ten thousand gold soul coins promised by the Great Soul Arena. This black card is universally accepted at all banks on the continent and can be exchanged for the corresponding amount."

Yun Feng unceremoniously accepted the black card.

"Supervisor Ao, can you calculate their points now? We are tired and want to rest early."

"Of course, of course."

Supervisor Ao was very courteous and signaled the staff to calculate the soul fight points for the Shrek team this month.

Chapter 184: If It Hurts, Then It's Not a Dream!

Mo Chen watched today's team battle closely, observing every detail, especially after learning Yun Feng's true age.

For a young Soul Master with such potential, the Great Spirit Arena would absolutely try to win him over.

Thus, the supervisor, Ao, became even more courteous toward Yun Feng.

He had already decided that when the rest of the Shrek team returned for future battles next month, he would give them special treatment and try his best to recruit these powerful young warriors.

But what he didn't know was that this was Shrek's last battle in the Soto Great Spirit Arena.

Before long, the calculations were completed.

A staff member read out the results:

"Evil-Eyed White Tiger: Since his last battle before this month was over three months ago and he did not achieve a winning streak of five or more previously, his victories before this month will not be counted toward his current streak."

"One-on-one battles: 26 wins and 2 losses this month. The two losses were in the 15th and 27th matches. Therefore, the streak calculations are split into two—five-win streaks were achieved ten times, and ten-win streaks five times."

"Total points earned: 609."

"Two-on-two battles: Rapid White Tiger team member—17 wins, 11 losses. Two five-win streaks achieved."

"Total points earned: 24."

"Team battle: Captain of the Shrek Seven Devils team—28 consecutive wins, with five-win streaks achieved five times and ten-win streaks achieved 18 times."

"Total points earned: 1,855."

"Starting points at the beginning of the month: 3. Total points earned this month: 2,488. Current total points: 2,491."

"Spirit Badge upgraded to Silver Spirit Badge."

After announcing the results, the staff handed over a Silver Spirit Badge, which had been prepared based on Dai Mubai's prior records.

They also handed him a black card containing all the gold coins earned from his winning streaks.

"Sausage Specialty: No battle records prior to this month. This month's results:"

"One-on-one battles: None."

"Two-on-two battles: Twin-Winged White Tiger team member—17 wins, 11 losses. Two five-win streaks achieved."

"Total points earned: 24."

"Team battle: Member of the Shrek Seven Devils team—28 consecutive wins, with five-win streaks achieved five times and ten-win streaks achieved 18 times."

"Total points earned: 1,855."

"Starting points at the beginning of the month: 0. Total points earned this month: 1,879. Current total points: 1,879."

"Spirit Badge upgraded to Silver Spirit Badge."

The staff continued reading out the points for the rest of the team.

Almost everyone had advanced to the Silver Spirit Badge level.

Even after leaving the Great Spirit Arena, everyone still found it hard to believe. They had already changed back into their regular clothes in a secluded restroom.

Looking up at the starry night sky, Oscar muttered,

"One month… has it really only been a month since I became a Silver Spirit Badge holder?"

"From now on, every battle I participate in will earn me a fortune in gold spirit coins?"

"This is unbelievable."

Suddenly, a sharp pain shot through his arm. Oscar shuddered and looked at Dai Mubai with a wronged expression.

"Boss Dai, why did you pinch me?"

Dai Mubai smiled and explained,

"I was checking if it hurts. If it does, then it's not a dream."

Everyone understood his sentiment. For a support-type Soul Master to achieve Silver Spirit Badge status so quickly was truly remarkable.

They laughed and joked as they gradually disappeared into the night.

Meanwhile, the members of the Royal Battle Team were slowly making their way back to their hotel, supporting each other as they walked.

Though their injuries had been healed by Ye Lingling's Nine-Hearted Begonia, the impact of Yun Feng's attacks still left them feeling weak.

More importantly, their defeat had dealt a heavy psychological blow.

Ye Lingling helped Dugu Yan walk, Oslo supported Yu Tianheng, and the Windbell Bird Soul Master, Yu Feng, assisted the Shi brothers. The seven of them looked like a group of defeated soldiers returning from battle.

The atmosphere was heavy as they walked toward the hotel. Just as they were about to arrive, someone suddenly blocked their path.

"Tianheng. Do you still recognize me?"

A deep, somewhat eerie voice broke the silence, causing Yu Tianheng—who was lost in thought—to raise his head in surprise.

Under the moonlight, he barely made out the figure of the person standing in their way. After a brief hesitation, his expression changed.

"You… You are… Ah! Uncle, what are you doing here?"

The person blocking the Royal Battle Team's path was none other than Yu Xiaogang.

Yu Xiaogang stood before Yu Tianheng, his posture steady.

"Let's talk in private."

For a moment, Yu Tianheng forgot about his frustration over losing the battle. He quickly nodded and gestured for his teammates to return to the hotel.

Since this man was Yu Tianheng's uncle, the Royal Battle Team members didn't ask any questions and left without hesitation.

As the others walked away, Yu Tianheng turned to Yu Xiaogang, his voice slightly choked.

"Uncle, you…"

He suddenly felt a lump in his throat.

Even though Yu Xiaogang had left home many years ago, Yu Tianheng still clearly remembered how, as a child, his uncle used to hold him in his arms and play with him. Back then, his face wasn't as rigid as it was now.

As the eldest son of the main branch, Yu Tianheng's father had been busy every day, managing family affairs and cultivating, leaving little time for his son. For most of his childhood, it was his uncle who had accompanied him.

For a long time, Yu Tianheng had viewed Yu Xiaogang as a father figure.

A gentle light flickered in Yu Xiaogang's eyes as he patted Yu Tianheng's shoulder.

"It looks like you've been doing well these past years. Already at level 39… Little Heng has grown up."

As he spoke, a hint of unease flashed through his gaze.

Yu Tianheng's eyes turned red. After suffering such a devastating loss, suddenly seeing a family member again made him feel as if he had found a long-lost anchor. Choking back his emotions, he said,

"Uncle, come home with me. Grandpa has always missed you, and so has Father."

A complex emotion surged in Yu Xiaogang's eyes, but after a brief moment of sentimentality, it was replaced by resentment—though he did not show it. He simply sighed and spoke indifferently,

"Your grandfather may be the clan leader, but the family isn't ruled by him alone."

"I was cast out long ago, erased from the family records. Do you think I can still go back? How are your grandfather and father doing?"

Yu Tianheng nodded.

"They're both well. But Grandpa is getting old, and he doesn't manage the family much anymore. Most affairs have been handed over to Father."

"Uncle, do you know… I've seen Grandpa stare at your portrait in silence more than once. He… He must really want you to come home."

"Enough."

Yu Xiaogang's voice suddenly turned harsh, cutting Yu Tianheng off. His body trembled slightly, unable to calm down for a long time.

Chapter 185: At Least We Wouldn't Have Lost So Badly!

Yu Tianheng wisely remained silent, but as he looked at Yu Xiaogang, deep admiration filled his eyes.

There was a time when those warm hands had held him, led him around to play, and shared fascinating stories about Soul Masters.

Throughout his childhood, these memories were far more vivid than anything else.

As the eldest grandson of the clan, both his grandfather and father had been extremely strict, caring only about his spirit power advancement and mastery of soul techniques.

Only Yu Xiaogang—only this so-called "useless" uncle—had ever given him a taste of true childhood joy.

After a long pause, Yu Xiaogang took a deep breath, steadying his emotions.

"Tianheng, we may meet again soon. Don't be discouraged by today's defeat. Losing isn't the worst thing—the real failure is not learning from it."

"You are all strong, but from today's battle, I can tell you didn't fully utilize your abilities. After all, your opponent was someone I once had high hopes for."

Yu Tianheng's heart stirred.

Someone his uncle had high hopes for?

What did that mean?

Thinking about it, he asked directly,

"Uncle, you watched our battle today? I brought shame to our family."

Yu Xiaogang shook his head.

"Do you know what your mistake was?"

Yu Tianheng looked at him, puzzled. If Qin Ming had asked this question, he might have had many answers.

But coming from his uncle—someone with no status in the family, someone who hadn't inherited the direct lineage of the Tyrant Dragon Spirit—he suddenly didn't know how to respond.

Yu Xiaogang placed a firm hand on his nephew's shoulder and began his impassioned speech.

"You didn't lose to your opponents. You lost to yourself."

"Your fundamentals, your soul technique applications—none of those were lacking."

"The reason you lost was simple: your opponents were just too strong."

"Of course, your arrogance played a role as well. If all seven of you had acted immediately before Yun Feng released his Martial Spirit…"

"Would you have won?"

Yu Xiaogang snorted.

"At least you wouldn't have lost so badly!"

"…"

Yu Tianheng gazed at Yu Xiaogang, his eyes subtly changing.

He had always been intelligent, and with both Qin Ming's and Yu Xiaogang's advice, he quickly realized some key issues.

"Uncle, don't worry. Next time, I won't lose to him again."

Yu Xiaogang, though unconvinced, allowed a rare smile to cross his face.

"You will have another chance. Because I am the head coach of the Shrek team."

"What?"

Yu Tianheng was stunned, staring at Yu Xiaogang in disbelief.

He had heard all sorts of rumors about his uncle within the family—how he had an utterly useless Martial Spirit, how he had brought shame to their bloodline.

Although Yu Tianheng didn't care much about those rumors, he knew about his uncle's strength—or rather, his lack of it.

Yu Xiaogang was someone who could never break past Rank 30!

Yu Xiaogang gave a calm smile.

"Surprised? You should be. It's true that I am not strong myself, but that doesn't mean I can't train powerful disciples."

"Not all eight members of Shrek are my direct disciples, but I am their teacher now. I have only one true direct disciple, but you will meet him soon."

A gleam flashed in Yu Xiaogang's eyes as he declared,

"One day, I will make the world acknowledge that although I, Yu Xiaogang, may be a failure, I can still produce an unparalleled genius!"

"Tianheng, I have to go. Remember my words—if you want to always unleash your full potential and lead your team to ultimate victory, let go of your arrogance."

Yu Xiaogang gave him one last deep look, patted his shoulder again, and turned to leave, disappearing into the darkness.

"Uncle, can you… teach me as well?"

Yu Tianheng took a step forward, chasing after him.

Yu Xiaogang stopped but shook his head lightly.

"Tianheng, if the clan knew I was teaching you, what do you think they would do? I would instantly become the enemy of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan."

"If you truly want to be a great Soul Master, then set your sights on my disciple."

"If one day you can surpass him, then you will have already reached the pinnacle of the continent's Soul Masters."

"Uncle, why?"

Yu Tianheng asked, unconvinced.

He had seen information about Tang San, but no matter how much that Martial Spirit had mutated, it was still just Blue Silver Grass.

It could never compare to his Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon.

If they fought one-on-one, he was confident he could win.

Yu Xiaogang stopped, turned back, and looked at him.

"Do you know his spirit power level?"

Yu Tianheng thought for a moment.

"From the data I've seen, he should be Rank 32. But I assume his power is similar to mine."

After all, their own Dugu Yan was also a control-type Soul Master at Rank 38 but had been completely suppressed by Tang San.

So they should be about the same.

Yu Xiaogang shook his head.

"No, the data is correct. Xiao San is indeed only Rank 32. But… do you know how old he is?"

Yu Tianheng shook his head, but his heart skipped a beat.

Yu Xiaogang chuckled coldly.

"He just turned thirteen. He obtained his third soul ring at twelve."

"Oh, and the reason I told you to abandon your arrogance? The opponent you faced today, Yun Feng, also just turned thirteen."

"He is already a Soul King."

After saying this, Yu Xiaogang left without another word.

Yu Tianheng stood frozen, unable to move for a long time.

It wasn't until Dugu Yan, supported by Ye Lingling, returned to find him that he finally snapped out of his daze.

Rank 50 and above.

Thirteen years old.

These two numbers kept echoing in his mind.

Only now did he truly understand why his uncle told him to abandon his arrogance.

"Uncle… just what kind of monsters have you trained?"

Meanwhile, Yun Feng sneezed and rubbed his nose.

"Yun Feng, are you alright?"

Xiao Wu and the others immediately gathered around, their eyes filled with concern.

Yun Feng shook his head with a smile.

"I'm fine. Maybe someone is thinking about me."

At that moment, Tang San looked at Yun Feng with a mixture of envy and admiration.

For some reason, he suddenly thought of his father.

"Dad… where are you? It's been so many years… Where did you go?"

"Why haven't you come back to see me? Have you abandoned your son?"

Before coming to Soto City, he had gone home once and left a note behind.

He had also told village chief Old Jack that if his father returned, he should tell him where Tang San had gone.

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