Chapter 230: Master and Disciple, Love and Hate, A Growing Rift
Due to Yu Xiaogang's unexpected breakthrough, Han Li decided to accelerate his return, abandoning his original plan to let his group enjoy some sightseeing.
On Yu Xiaogang's side, he was so overjoyed that he didn't sleep all night, choosing instead to immerse himself in cultivation an extremely rare occurrence for him.
The next morning, as he ended his cultivation session, Yu Xiaogang felt more refreshed than ever. From the moment of his Martial Soul awakening until now, this was the first time he had experienced the joy of progress through training.
Opening his window, he let the cool morning breeze wash over his face, gradually calming the extreme excitement that had lingered since last night.
Yes, he had broken through. More than that, he had a feeling a deep certainty that this breakthrough was only the beginning. His strength would not stop at Level 30; he had the potential to go even further.
However, even if he could continue cultivating, it would take time an immense amount of time.
At over fifty years old, he had long passed the prime age for cultivation. Even if he suddenly gained innate full soul power, his rate of improvement would still lag behind younger talents.
More importantly, he had one fatal flaw that separated him from other soul masters his Martial Soul.
Unlike others, his Martial Soul existed outside his body in a bizarre, detached manner. While it possessed intelligence, it provided no enhancement to his physique whatsoever.
Otherwise, how could someone with a Beast Martial Soul have a body weaker than some Support type Tool Soul Masters?
Thinking about it, Yu Xiaogang couldn't help but curse Luo San Pao again, clenching his fists tightly.
After a while, he slowly released his grip. No matter what, the fact that he could cultivate again was already a great blessing.
But this had to be kept secret.
Tang Hao and Flender both knew the specifics of his condition inside and out.
If they found out that yesterday he was gravely injured but today he suddenly broke through, all it would take was a simple inquiry with that damned Master Gou to piece together the truth.
To outsiders, his breakthrough was completely irrational.
This secret had to remain in his hands alone at least until he had accumulated enough strength. Not even his beloved disciple Tang San could know.
Tang San didn't need this method anyway, Yu Xiaogang assured himself. His disciple was already progressing at a remarkable pace.
At worst, once he confirmed the effects, he could secretly help Tang San enhance himself later.
Yes, that was the best course of action. Given Tang San's loyalty to him, he should be able to understand even if he wasn't told the truth.
He also needed to start gathering information on thousand year Grass Dogs no, Vegetable Dogs because he had already decided:
His third soul ring would come from a Grass Dog.
The fact that his own left leg had been replaced with a Grass Dog's bone must have been a sign of his destiny.
Perhaps this was the first step of his rise to power.
Now, should he consider replacing his right leg as well?
This would require careful planning. Ideally, he should use different healing soul masters each time to avoid Master Gou catching on.
Having mapped out his future, Yu Xiaogang shifted his focus back to the present Tang San's entry into the Emperor Team needed to be secured as soon as possible.
Both plans had to proceed simultaneously.
Both had to be executed flawlessly.
Both master and disciple would rise to glory.
Yu Xiaogang's grand vision was set Tang San would become the public focus, while he himself would grow stronger in the shadows.
When the time came for him to reveal his true strength… would the world not be shocked?
Believe in yourself. Hold firm to your ideals.
You are a genius, Yu Xiaogang.
Not just a theoretical master but a future powerhouse.
Stay dormant, then rise with brilliance.
(Accumulation)
He whispered this mantra to himself, building his self belief to the highest level before finally shutting the window.
A bright future awaited him.
At the Emperor Battle Team's Second Training Ground
Tang San was distracted.
As the head coach, Flender had assigned the morning training regimen and then left.
After learning about Yu Xiaogang's injuries last night, Tang San suspected Flender had gone to see Qin Ming to discuss his entry into the team.
However, having received no word from Yu Xiaogang all morning, an irritating sense of unease gnawed at him.
As a responsible disciple, he should have checked on his master first thing in the morning.
But for some reason, Xiao Wu strongly resisted going near Yu Xiaogang's quarters.
With no other choice, Tang San had gone to training with her instead.
"Brother San, maybe you should still check on Master."
Xiao Wu had learned about Yu Xiaogang's injuries from Tang San the night before.
Originally, she had intended to accompany him, but her instincts screamed at her to stay away from that place.
So, she faked discomfort and pulled Tang San away.
However, seeing his current agitated state, she felt guilty.
To her, it was clear Tang San truly cared about Yu Xiaogang.
Sensing her concern, Tang San's frustration eased.
He smiled at her. "It's fine. I'll check on him at lunch. Master should be okay."
Perhaps masters and disciples shared a connection, because just as he finished speaking, a figure appeared at the training ground entrance.
Yu Xiaogang.
He scanned the field, didn't see Flender, and his face showed satisfaction.
Then, he called out:
"Tang San, come here."
Xiao Wu nudged Tang San.
"Go on, Brother San."
Xiao Wu nudged Tang San and pointed toward the entrance.
"Go on, Brother San," she said.
"Alright, you guys keep training. I'll be back soon," Tang San responded without hesitation, his footsteps slightly hurried as he walked toward Yu Xiaogang.
"Master, your injuries?" Tang San asked with deep concern, carefully examining Yu Xiaogang, who was now wearing a mask.
Although his heart burned with the desire to improve, he knew that his first priority at this moment should be to express concern for his master's well being, rather than immediately asking about the progress of his team placement.
This was how he thought, and this was what he did.
Sure enough, despite the mask covering Yu Xiaogang's face, Tang San could see the satisfaction in his eyes.
"As expected of my good disciple," Yu Xiaogang thought, pleased.
"Tang San, has Flender already left?" Yu Xiaogang asked, though he had already guessed the answer.
"Yes, Headmaster left after assigning us our training. Judging by the direction he took, he should be heading toward the Emperor Battle Team's side," Tang San reported, then looked at Yu Xiaogang expectantly, waiting for good news.
Yu Xiaogang felt slightly uncomfortable under his disciple's expectant gaze but could understand his eagerness.
Clearing his throat, Yu Xiaogang explained, "I was planning to go there as well. After my treatment last night, it was already quite late, and I had some… insights from the day's events. Considering that Tianheng had already retired for the night, I decided not to disturb him."
"Now that I'm here, I was hoping to go with Flender. But since he has already left, I should get going too," Yu Xiaogang said, laughing off the situation.
However, when he mentioned having insights from the previous day, his entire posture straightened involuntarily.
Tang San narrowed his eyes slightly.
Had he noticed something?
Or had he really gained something?
Having spent so much time with Yu Xiaogang, Tang San understood him well his master was the kind of person who couldn't wait to broadcast even the smallest achievement to the world.
Yet today, he was acting unusually reserved.
As for Yu Xiaogang's excuse about delaying his visit until today? Tang San didn't care much.
His master being unreliable was nothing new, and he had long since gotten used to it.
After all, what was a day's delay in the grand scheme of things?
Besides, in this matter, Flender's influence was likely more important anyway.
"Master, let me check your injuries again. I'm still a bit worried," Tang San offered, crouching down to inspect Yu Xiaogang's left leg.
He had no choice he had tampered with it himself.
Now that Yu Xiaogang was acting strangely, Tang San felt an uneasy guilty conscience.
He needed to see for himself.
But as Tang San moved, Yu Xiaogang instinctively took a step back, pulling his left leg away.
For a brief moment, panic flashed in his eyes.
This secret was too important.
Realizing his reaction had been excessive, Yu Xiaogang quickly composed himself.
Tang San was still just a kid.
Sure, he could craft strange hidden weapons, but what did he know about medicine?
"Come on now, Tang San, you gave me quite the scare," Yu Xiaogang forced a chuckle.
"You see? I've already fully recovered."
To reassure him, Yu Xiaogang extended his right leg instead, stepping forward confidently in front of Tang San.
In his mind, Tang San was incapable of noticing anything abnormal.
After all, aside from those strange weapons Tang Hao had surely taught him, Yu Xiaogang had personally taught Tang San everything he knew.
How could Tang San possibly understand this?
"I'm just worried, Master. Seeing for myself puts me at ease," Tang San replied, playing the part of a dutiful student perfectly. His tone was filled with sincere concern.
However, his downcast face hid the eerie glow of his eyes.
Without anyone noticing, his Purple Demon Eye had activated.
Yu Xiaogang's odd behavior made no sense.
Tang San had to find out what he was hiding.
As his Mysterious Heaven Skill's gentle soul power swept across Yu Xiaogang's left leg, inch by inch, Tang San carefully examined the area where he had originally tampered with.
Yu Xiaogang remained unaware, feeling only his disciple's sincere care.
But as Tang San peered deeper, his glowing purple eyes widened in shock.
Impossible.
Yu Xiaogang had broken through.
Tang San had just examined him yesterday, and with the precision of Purple Demon Eye, he could confirm with absolute certainty that his teacher's soul power had reached Level 30.
Moreover, there was a strange, inexplicable energy surrounding him.
His master who should never have been able to advance to Soul Elder had broken through.
And that mystical energy what was it?
Why had he hidden this from me?
Didn't he claim that he wanted to nurture me?
Or had he realized something?
Was he trying to deceive me?
Tang San's killing intent, which had previously faded, resurfaced with a vengeance.
He remained frozen in place.
"Tang San? Tang San?"
Yu Xiaogang, noticing his disciple had withdrawn his soul power but was still crouched motionless, spoke up with concern.
"Oh oh! Master, you've recovered remarkably well! I'm just so happy for you!"
Tang San quickly snapped out of it, immediately suppressing his Purple Demon Eye and the bloodlust surging within him.
He stood up with a smile.
"See? I told you, I'm fine. Get back to training. Wait for my good news."
Yu Xiaogang patted Tang San's shoulder encouragingly before leaving the training ground, full of energy.
At the entrance, Tang San watched his master's figure disappear into the distance, his expression unreadable.
His mind was racing.
Something was very, very wrong.
(End of Chapter)
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