Chapter 47: The Fallacy in the Tavern – Part 2
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At this moment, Yu Xiaogang glared at Dugu Xin with growing irritation.
Due to his lack of talent, he had been discriminated against within his family, which had left him with a fragile and sensitive sense of pride. Now, stepping forward, he demanded,
"Boy, do you find my theory amusing?!"
Faced with such a challenge, Ye Wen originally didn't intend to get entangled with someone like Yu Xiaogang. However, he wasn't the type to swallow insults silently either. Turning to Dugu Xin, he said,
"There's no harm in explaining that theory. Go ahead and enlighten him."
With that, Ye Wen returned his focus to the meal before him, savoring each bite.
Though the question was directed at Dugu Xin, Yu Xiaogang couldn't help but feel insulted by Ye Wen's dismissive demeanor. Clearly, Ye Wen, as an elder, should have shown more respect—or so Yu Xiaogang thought. His anger simmered.
*How dare you look down on me! Who do you think you are, you lowly commoner?!*
Dugu Xin could clearly tell that his master had no intention of engaging with this young soul master. Still, he wasn't one to back down easily. After all, his father was a Soul Sage, and he was used to bullying others—not being questioned like this. With a sneer, he replied,
"What am I laughing at? I'm laughing at your absurd and flawed theory about soul ring absorption limits.
Every soul master has different physical capabilities, and the most important factor in absorbing soul rings is their body's strength.
Comparing the physical resilience of a beast-type martial soul user to that of a weapon-type martial soul user—how idiotic is that?!
Even among beast-type martial souls, how can you compare an ordinary beast martial soul to a top-tier one? Their physical conditions aren't even remotely comparable! And yet you're offended when I point out your mistakes.
And what's with those precise year limits for the first few soul rings? Who do you think you are? Do you think the heavens revolve around you, granting every word you say as truth?!"
"Xin, as nobility, you must conduct yourself with dignity. Avoid using vulgar language. Even if his theory is indeed flawed, simply pointing it out would suffice," Dugu Bo gently admonished.
Yu Xiaogang, hearing Dugu Xin's rebuttal of the painstaking data he had copied—ahem, researched—from his family's ancient texts, wanted to argue back but found himself unable to refute the points raised. His face flushed with frustration.
Meanwhile, Bi Bi Dong listened with interest, refraining from intervening.
Lately, she had been annoyed by the so-called prodigies surrounding her, particularly Snow Night, the crown prince of the Heavenly Battle Empire, and various other nobles. However, due to their status, they hadn't dared to be too pushy. On the other hand, Yu Xiaogang, relying on his family's prestige, had been rather persistent in sticking by her side these past few days. Though he was knowledgeable and not overly intrusive, Bi Bi Dong tolerated his company.
Earlier, while casually discussing her upcoming breakthrough to Soul Emperor, she had asked Yu Xiaogang for advice on hunting soul rings, which led to his flawed theory on absorption limits.
Upon reflection, she realized his theory was indeed riddled with holes.
Seeing Yu Xiaogang struggle to respond, Dugu Xin sneered and returned to his meal.
"Youngster, you dare call my theory worthless? Then tell me—how exactly should soul masters hunt for soul rings?
Even with your elder here, I'll teach you a lesson today if you don't explain yourself properly."
Ye Wen glanced at Yu Xiaogang, who was now visibly enraged and speaking without restraint. His disdain for the man deepened. Not only was he a scoundrel, but his inability to handle criticism was laughable.
Swallowing his food, Dugu Xin shot Yu Xiaogang a disdainful look and retorted,
"My master did teach me a proper theory on soul ring absorption—but why should I share it with you? Who do you think you are?
And don't you know that prying into another soul master's secrets is taboo in our world? For someone your age, you're shockingly ignorant. Have you even ventured into the soul master world?"
At this, Bi Bi Dong also caught on. Indeed, though Yu Xiaogang was well-read, much of his knowledge seemed beyond what someone of his level should possess. But considering his background, she understood—and began to look down on him slightly.
Yu Xiaogang's face turned crimson. It was true—he had never truly ventured into the soul master world. At 25 years old, his cultivation was stuck firmly at Level 29, despite his family providing countless rare resources to compensate for his abysmal innate soul power of half a level.
"Xiao Xin, go ahead and tell him. This poor fellow will likely remain stuck at Level 29 for life unless he encounters some extraordinary opportunity. Besides, this theory will be revealed soon anyway—letting him hear it early won't hurt."
Ye Wen spoke up again.
Though Ye Wen wasn't afraid of Yu Xiaogang—a useless individual—he was wary of the man's father, a formidable close-combat Title Douluo. While Ye Wen could withstand a few blows, provoking such a terrifying enemy unnecessarily wasn't worth it.
Dugu Xin, abandoning his earlier arrogance, bowed respectfully to Ye Wen before turning to Yu Xiaogang with an air of superiority.
"Be grateful to my master, for you're unworthy of hearing this secret from our academy.
Listen carefully—I'll only say this once. My master's Theory of Soul Ring Absorption Limits explicitly states that the primary factor determining a soul master's ability to absorb soul rings is their physical condition.
Before absorbing ten-thousand-year soul rings, there's no need to consider other factors—the sole focus is on physical strength.
In other words, even a single-ring soul master can absorb a thousand-year soul ring if their body can endure it, making their first soul ring purple. Understand?
It's not about rigidly adhering to specific year limits like you suggested."
"What nonsense are you spouting?! Everyone knows that absorbing soul rings depends on physical strength!
If you claim my absorption limits are wrong, then tell me—what's the exact standard?!
Anyone can talk big, but where's your evidence?!"
Yu Xiaogang snapped, feeling deeply humiliated. How dare this brat dismiss him so casually—wasn't this basic knowledge among soul masters?
Dugu Xin inwardly cursed. 'You admit it's common knowledge, yet you still insist on rigid numbers? Aren't you just asking to be ridiculed?'
But when it came to providing concrete evidence, Dugu Xin could only turn to Ye Wen for help.
One glance at Dugu Xin's pleading expression, and Ye Wen understood what was needed. He had come to Spirit City to make a splash and gain the Pope's support for establishing a neutral advanced academy.
Such an opportunity to showcase his knowledge couldn't be missed.
"If you want evidence, then here it is," Ye Wen said calmly.
With that, he activated his soul power, and four radiant soul rings appeared in the hall.
Yellow—Purple—Purple—Purple!!!
The first three soul rings were impressive enough, but the second purple soul ring left the soul masters present utterly stunned.
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