Chapter 31: A Desperate Struggle

Compared to Yu Xiaogang's evidence, Zhou Sheng'an's baseless accusations were hardly convincing.

At most, his words only served to worsen the crowd's perception of Yu Xiaogang.

And he had indeed succeeded in doing so.

"I knew it! Yu Xiaogang spent years in the Spirit Hall—there's no way he came out empty-handed. Did he really empty out the Hall's entire collection of books?"

"What shamelessness! If it weren't for the Holy Maiden insisting on keeping him back then, how could he have had the chance to enter the Spirit Hall's library? It was strictly forbidden to make copies, yet he brazenly broke the rules!"

"Honestly… Even if he did propose the Martial Soul Supplementation Theory, he's not worthy of the title 'Sage'!"

"…"

The crowd openly condemned Yu Xiaogang for his lack of personal integrity.

Their gazes were filled with contempt.

Being allowed into the Spirit Hall's library was already an immense fortune, yet he had dared to violate its rules and make copies for himself. This was absolutely unacceptable!

Such an act would be intolerable in any sect.

Bibi Dong's gaze flickered with displeasure—not toward Yu Xiaogang, but toward Zhou Sheng'an for his loose tongue.

She had permitted Yu Xiaogang to break the rules. Who were these people to criticize him?

Spirit Kite Douluo, noticing Bibi Dong's expression, wisely chose to remain silent.

In truth, most Spirit Hall soul masters had already forgotten about Yu Xiaogang. Those who did remember him generally looked down on him.

But now, seeing Bibi Dong's reaction, it was clear she still harbored old feelings for him!

"Nonsense!"

Yu Xiaogang's face turned red as he noticed the mocking glances from those around him. It felt as if everyone was pointing fingers at him, and he couldn't bear it any longer!

Though the accusations were true, he didn't want to be exposed.

If he was going to make a comeback, why not do it thoroughly?

Greed overtook him. With reddened eyes, he loudly declared, "I have never seen the Spirit Hall's collection of books! Stop trying to deceive me! Stop deceiving all soul masters!"

"…"

Zhou Sheng'an merely looked at Yu Xiaogang with calm eyes.

Compared to Yu Xiaogang's hysteria, he remained completely composed.

"Zhou Sheng'an! I considered you a talented individual and personally taught you the basics. Yet now, just to preserve your reputation, you slander me like this! You claim I traded the library's books—where is your proof?!"

Yu Xiaogang angrily questioned him.

A flicker of triumph flashed in his eyes.

Back when he had traded books with Zhou Sheng'an, he had feared repercussions from the Spirit Hall. Thus, he had only allowed Zhou Sheng'an to read under his watch—no copying was permitted.

That meant Zhou Sheng'an had no evidence!

The crowd, easily swayed, began reconsidering their stance. Perhaps Zhou Sheng'an really was making baseless accusations?

Zhou Sheng'an's gaze remained as calm as a still lake as he looked at Yu Xiaogang.

"I have a perfect memory. I will now recite—first, from On the Origin of Soul Power, written by Master Engel in the year 1945 of the Douluo Calendar…"

His voice was steady and precise as he began reciting the text.

At first, Yu Xiaogang sneered, thinking Zhou Sheng'an was bluffing.

There were millions of words in those books—how many could he possibly recall?

A desperate struggle.

Yet as Zhou Sheng'an continued speaking, his voice methodical like a machine reading from a script, Yu Xiaogang's face grew paler and paler.

The works being recited were rare treasures, only available within the Spirit Hall and a handful of sects!

Anyone with even a bit of knowledge could recognize their immense value!

It was undoubtedly from the Spirit Hall's collection!

The audience listened in fascination. These were books that most soul masters would never have the chance to even glimpse!

Yet now, Zhou Sheng'an was presenting them to everyone—how could they not be excited?

All eyes turned toward him, filled with anticipation and gratitude.

'Maybe it's just this one passage…'

Yu Xiaogang's face was panicked as he tried to reassure himself.

But…

Zhou Sheng'an continued reciting.

One full hour passed!

And his tone never wavered—not even slightly.

He no longer seemed human, but rather a machine.

By now, the majority of the crowd was leaning toward Zhou Sheng'an's version of events.

They all knew that Zhou Sheng'an had no background. In the past, he had lived in hardship just to avoid becoming a plaything for noblewomen. There was no way he could have accessed the Spirit Hall's library on his own!

That left only one possibility—he had obtained the books from Yu Xiaogang!

Yu Xiaogang's face contorted.

If Zhou Sheng'an continued, his reputation would be utterly ruined.

A lack of personal integrity meant he would never be respected.

"Damn it! Damn that bastard! Why does he have such a perfect memory?!"

Yu Xiaogang clutched his chest, his body trembling. His bloodshot eyes glared daggers at Zhou Sheng'an.

Envy! Resentment! Jealousy! Hatred!

Was he really about to become a laughingstock?!

"Enough! Who wants to listen to you show off? Who even knows if what you're reciting truly comes from the Spirit Hall's collection? Maybe you just got these books from another faction recently?"

Bibi Dong could no longer hold back. She stood up and spoke coldly.

Revealing her identity, she immediately drew the shocked gazes of everyone present.

None dared to challenge her.

In reality, the crowd had already accepted Zhou Sheng'an's claims.

They weren't sure whether Yu Xiaogang had actually developed the Martial Soul Compensation Theory.

But his theft of the Spirit Hall's books? That was beyond doubt!

Yet since Bibi Dong had spoken, they didn't dare voice their opinions.

Yu Xiaogang let out a long sigh of relief and cast a grateful glance at Bibi Dong.

'A beauty saving a hero…'

His mind wandered—if he managed to restore his reputation, could he rekindle his past relationship with Bibi Dong?

Zhou Sheng'an glanced at Bibi Dong, his expression indifferent.

She was the Pope of the Spirit Hall. Since she had intervened, continuing his recitation would only escalate matters.

Besides, he had already achieved his goal.

As for refuting Yu Xiaogang further… He knew exactly how to proceed.

Yu Xiaogang thought he could steal the credit for their past exchanges?

That was a grave mistake.

"And as for the Martial Soul Compensation Theory… Here's what really happened…"

Zhou Sheng'an began explaining, recounting his past interactions with Yu Xiaogang.

The audience listened carefully, nodding in understanding.

At this point, Yu Xiaogang had lost all credibility.

The crowd was now more inclined to believe Zhou Sheng'an. His composure was something Yu Xiaogang could never match.

Bibi Dong was the first to notice the shift in public sentiment.

Her expression darkened as she scanned the crowd.

The cold pressure she emitted made everyone lower their heads, holding their breath.

"Zhou Sheng'an, if you have no proof, don't speak recklessly."

Her voice was icy.

"…"

Silence filled the hall.

At that moment, everyone realized—

The Pope was blatantly favoring Yu Xiaogang!

Seated at the front, Qian Renxue's expression was cold. She turned to glance at Bibi Dong and let out a disdainful snort.

"Your Holiness, aren't you being a bit unfair?"

Zhou Sheng'an suddenly spoke.

"In that case, I'll get straight to the point."