# Chapter 23: Yu Xiaogang's Collapse
Ma Hongjun returned with remarkable speed, carrying a wooden basket filled with carefully selected stones. His grin suggested he was thoroughly enjoying the situation's development.
Chen Sheng approached, examined the basket's contents with apparent satisfaction, then lifted it to test the weight.
His smile widened as he presented the basket directly to Yu Xiaogang.
"Grandmaster, I've prepared approximately thirty jin for you. This should be appropriate given your superior spirit power level than (Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing) and oretical expertise in physical conditioning," Chen Sheng announced, his tone carrying perfect innocence.
Yu Xiaogang's jaw clenched so tightly his molars threatened to shatter. Thirty jin—fifteen kilograms—represented double Ning Rongrong's burden and fifty percent more than Oscar's load.
"No... no problem!" Yu Xiaogang forced the words through gritted teeth, though his expression betrayed absolute internal turmoil.
Tang San, observing his teacher's obvious distress, finally couldn't maintain silence. "Chen Sheng, won't this weight be excessive for Teacher? He's considerably older than us, and—"
Chen Sheng interrupted smoothly, his expression remaining utterly reasonable. "What's excessive about this? Grandmaster's spirit power level significantly exceeds Ning Rongrong's. Would you have him carry identical weight to a twelve-year-old girl? Don't underestimate your teacher, Tang San. He originates from the prestigious Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. Even if his martial soul isn't the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon itself, he definitely possesses dragon bloodline heritage! Grandmaster has his pride. Are you suggesting he's weaker than a support-type Spirit Master barely entering her teens? Isn't that looking down on him?"
Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun exchanged glances despite their complicated feelings toward Chen Sheng. They had to acknowledge his argumentative technique was absolutely watertight—a blatant open scheme that left zero room for counterargument.
Chen Sheng had completely blocked Yu Xiaogang's escape routes through impeccable logic.
Yu Xiaogang felt rage surging in his throat, unable to release or swallow it. The frustration was physically painful.
『DING! DETECTED Yu Xiaogang's Rage and Helplessness emotion toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
Uncomfortable! Too uncomfortable! Yu Xiaogang's internal monologue screamed. This Chen Sheng is absolutely excessive! After enduring this humiliation, I'll definitely subject him to particularly rigorous training as payback!
"Alright, if that's settled, then everyone should resume running. We've already wasted considerable time," Yu Xiaogang declared, attempting to salvage some dignity through authoritative command.
Flender, observing the situation with growing concern, suddenly announced his departure. "I have other administrative matters requiring attention. I'll leave you to complete training."
His Spirit wings manifested instantly, and he disappeared into the sky with remarkable speed.
In reality, Flender possessed no pressing obligations. His actual intention was monitoring the training session covertly. He genuinely feared Yu Xiaogang might collapse halfway through—that outcome would prove simultaneously disastrous and darkly amusing.
As the group prepared to resume their laps, Tang San deliberately slowed his pace, positioning himself alongside Yu Xiaogang. He whispered with genuine concern, "Teacher, if the burden becomes genuinely unbearable, I can help carry some weight. The training rules never explicitly prohibited mutual assistance."
Yu Xiaogang, facing his disciple's sincere kindness, naturally wouldn't refuse such consideration. This arrangement actually aligned with his original pedagogical philosophy regarding cooperative learning. If everyone assisted each other appropriately, his participation wouldn't seem particularly inadequate.
---
At the front of the running formation, Chen Sheng maintained position alongside Ning Rongrong, Xiao Wu, and Zhu Zhuqing.
"Chen Sheng, how was my performance just now? Did I execute the plan well?" Ning Rongrong asked with evident satisfaction, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
Chen Sheng couldn't suppress his amusement. "I genuinely didn't anticipate someone who appears so refined and composed on the surface possessing such skill at strategic manipulation. You must have given your father and grandfathers considerable worry within the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. Tell me honestly—were you particularly mischievous when living at the Sect?"
Ning Rongrong giggled with unrestrained delight. "Not especially! I was actually quite well-behaved within the Sect. My father and grandfathers simply doted on me extensively. Their affection might have... enabled certain behaviors."
Her admission suggested she recognized her privileged status while simultaneously acknowledging she had occasionally exploited that advantage.
After completing four additional laps, Ning Rongrong's breathing had grown noticeably labored. Her elegant dress clung to her body, thoroughly saturated with perspiration. Her face flushed with exertion, and her movements had lost their initial fluidity.
Oscar, who had maintained relatively consistent pacing nearby, noticed her deteriorating condition. He moved closer with apparent concern. "Ning Rongrong, perhaps I should help carry some of your burden? You're clearly struggling."
Ning Rongrong's response carried unmistakable coldness. "No need for assistance. Grandmaster is still present and observing—we cannot permit others to help us. Each person should complete their own assigned burden. Besides, you're not performing significantly better than me yourself. How exactly would you manage helping me when you're barely maintaining your own pace?"
Her words dripped with resentment, the subtext obvious to anyone listening carefully.
Yu Xiaogang, running several positions behind, hadn't anticipated Ning Rongrong refusing Oscar's offer so decisively. He had intended using this cooperative assistance precedent to have Tang San help redistribute his own thirty-jin burden.
However, Ning Rongrong's pointed commentary about completing individual assignments without assistance had effectively eliminated that option. He was genuinely aging, his physical conditioning inadequate for sustained exertion. His breathing had already become somewhat labored.
Ma Hongjun, recognizing an opportunity to reduce everyone's collective burden, suddenly proposed a solution. "How about implementing this strategy: we'll follow behind Grandmaster, with Ning Rongrong positioned second. Everyone runs at their established pace. This arrangement should help us conserve energy and last considerably longer."
Yu Xiaogang: I feel directly insulted.
Before he could voice any objection, Chen Sheng and the others had already consciously adjusted their formation, allowing Yu Xiaogang to assume the lead position.
Chen Sheng chuckled internally. This Fatty possesses unexpected cunning. The strategic logic was elegant—if someone faster like himself, Dai Mubai, or Tang San ran at the front maintaining a slower pace, with others following in their slipstream, the entire group would conserve significant energy.
Wind resistance, even at relatively modest running speeds, accelerated physical exhaustion. Those running at the formation's front experienced the greatest energy consumption combating air resistance. By positioning Yu Xiaogang—the slowest and most burdened runner—at the front, everyone else benefited from reduced wind resistance while Yu Xiaogang bore the maximum physical cost.
"Rongrong, just follow steadily behind Grandmaster. Try maintaining even breathing rhythm. You can endure this!" Chen Sheng whispered encouragement.
Ning Rongrong's competitive spirit flared with renewed intensity. "Don't worry! I refuse to believe I cannot outlast an old man who barely exercises!"
Chen Sheng observed Ning Rongrong's sudden surge of determination—like someone injected with stimulants—and shook his head with gentle skepticism. This fighting spirit represented temporary emotional arousal. How long could she actually sustain such intensity?
He was genuinely curious how long Yu Xiaogang could maintain his pride before requesting assistance with those thirty jin of stones.
---
After few more exhausting laps, Yu Xiaogang's complexion had gradually transformed to alarming pallor. His lips had turned completely white, developing visible cracks despite regular salt water consumption after each lap. The hydration couldn't compensate for his accelerating physical depletion.
Chen Sheng, maintaining his position several meters behind Yu Xiaogang, called out with perfect concern. "Grandmaster, if you genuinely cannot continue, perhaps you should allow Tang San to assist with your burden? After all, you're considerably older than us—it's completely understandable if completing this training proves beyond your current capabilities. However, I must admit surprise. Your martial soul possesses authentic dragon bloodline heritage. Look at Fatty—his spirit power level is actually lower than yours, yet his complexion remains relatively normal."
Ma Hongjun, despite being nearly overwhelmed by heat exhaustion, suddenly revived when Chen Sheng referenced him. He forced an enthusiastic smile. "Yes, Grandmaster! If you cannot maintain this pace, simply admit it openly. At worst, we'll cancel today's training entirely. You specifically stated your intention to demonstrate proper example through personal participation. If you cannot even sustain this basic conditioning, then none of us need continue running either. We could utilize this time far more productively—properly cultivating our spirit power and refining our Spirit Abilities rather than pointless physical exhaustion."
Ma Hongjun desperately hoped Yu Xiaogang would terminate training. This conditioning regimen represented absolute torture for someone with his physique.
Yu Xiaogang, teetering on the edge of consciousness, suddenly experienced an adrenaline surge fueled entirely by wounded pride and stubborn determination. "Who claims I cannot continue?! This training has barely begun!"
With that declaration, Yu Xiaogang forcibly accelerated, rushing forward with what remained of his depleting energy reserves.
---
"Rongrong, are you managing?" Chen Sheng asked, noting Ning Rongrong's increasingly concerning condition.
"I'm still acceptable... just somewhat breathless. I can persevere!" Ning Rongrong gasped, though her voice carried noticeable strain.
Just as she attempted accelerating slightly to maintain pace with Yu Xiaogang's sudden burst, her left foot landed awkwardly on uneven ground.
"Ah!" Ning Rongrong's ankle twisted sharply, and her forward momentum carried her toward inevitable collision with the hard-packed earth.
She anticipated impacting face-first and instinctively closed her eyes tightly, bracing for painful contact—
—instead, she found herself caught in a warm, secure embrace.
"Are you alright? Don't push beyond your actual limits. Run at sustainable pace. We still have considerable time remaining, and Grandmaster will likely surrender soon enough," Chen Sheng's voice carried genuine tenderness.
Feeling Chen Sheng's protective warmth, Ning Rongrong's heart began racing uncontrollably—though whether from exertion or proximity remained ambiguous even to herself.
Xiao Wu, observing this intimate scene, felt her expression shift involuntarily. Her mouth formed a slight pout, and an uncomfortable sensation tightened around her heart.
She experienced sudden confusion.
What's wrong with me?
Why does watching Chen Sheng embrace Ning Rongrong create this strange sense of loss?
Am I... jealous?
Yet the uncomfortable sensation persisted despite her rational protests.
『DING! DETECTED Xiao Wu's Confusion emotion toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
『DING! DETECTED Ning Rongrong's Gratitude and good impression emotion toward host. Congratulations! Reward: Treasure Chest acquired!』
---
One and a half more laps passed with agonizing slowness.
Thud!
Yu Xiaogang's vision blurred completely, capable only of vaguely perceiving the academy gate's distant outline. His entire body felt utterly numb. Every sensation had dulled to near-nonexistence.
So tired... so thirsty...
He couldn't summon any energy whatsoever. His consciousness was rapidly fragmenting.
"Grandmaster, we're almost at the academy gate~"
Chen Sheng's voice called out, deliberately cheerful and encouraging.
Yu Xiaogang, already experiencing severe tinnitus and cognitive impairment, misinterpreted Chen Sheng's statement. His confused mind registered the words as confirmation they had nearly completed the entire twenty-lap assignment.
He could no longer accurately track how many laps remained. Numbers had become meaningless abstractions.
Thump!
Approximately five meters from the academy gate, Yu Xiaogang's legs simply ceased functioning. His body pitched forward, consciousness departing entirely as he collapsed face-first onto the packed earth.
"Teacher!" Tang San's horrified shout accompanied his immediate sprint toward Yu Xiaogang's fallen form.
He quickly rolled Yu Xiaogang onto his back, revealing a face that had transformed to ghastly pallor—complexion like aged parchment, features barely recognizable beneath the accumulated physical trauma.
"Xiaogang!" Flender materialized instantly, his Spirit wings dissipating as he landed beside the unconscious Grandmaster.
"Oscar! Quickly!" Flender commanded with urgent authority.
Oscar, himself breathing heavily from exhaustion, stumbled forward and immediately activated his martial soul. "I have a Big Sausage!"
The recovery sausage materialized in Oscar's trembling hands—a substantial food item infused with restorative spirit power.
Flender forcibly pried open Yu Xiaogang's unconscious mouth, inserted the Big Recovery Sausage, poured water to facilitate swallowing, then manually closed Yu Xiaogang's jaw while simultaneously positioning both hands against his head and chin.
He performed a deliberate shaking motion, ensuring the sausage successfully descended into Yu Xiaogang's throat and digestive system.
The recovery sausage's effect manifested almost immediately. Yu Xiaogang's deathly pallor gradually transformed, color slowly returning to his features as the spirit power-infused food began regenerating his depleted physical reserves.
"Ahem... alright, alright. I'll escort Xiaogang to proper rest facilities. Today's training concludes here. You all should utilize remaining time for adequate recovery!" Flender announced, his tone suggesting profound embarrassment.
He lifted Yu Xiaogang's limp body with careful efficiency and disappeared toward the academy's interior buildings with remarkable speed. The humiliation was simply too severe to endure public observation any longer.
Tang San, after removing his weighted basket, immediately followed Flender's departure path. Yu Xiaogang was his teacher—now that his teacher had collapsed from exhaustion, Tang San naturally needed to provide whatever support and assistance proved necessary.
---
Ning Rongrong, despite her own exhaustion and twisted ankle, felt incredible satisfaction suffusing her entire being. She had finally vented her accumulated frustration!
The little princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect had achieved her revenge through strategic manipulation and calculated patience. Yu Xiaogang had received precisely the humiliation he deserved for his condescending attitude and arbitrary training methodology.
"Brother Sheng, you were absolutely brilliant," Ning Rongrong whispered, her eyes shining with undisguised admiration. "That entire strategy worked perfectly."
Chen Sheng smiled modestly. "You executed your role flawlessly. Without your threat regarding Grandpa Sword, Yu Xiaogang might have found alternative escape routes."
Xiao Wu, still processing her complicated emotional reactions, moved closer to Chen Sheng. "Brother, you always have such devious plans. I'm almost afraid to imagine what you'll do next."
Chen Sheng chuckled. "Sometimes people need to experience consequences for their arrogance. Yu Xiaogang insisted on this training methodology without adequately considering whether he himself could complete it. Pride demanded he participate—and pride ensured his collapse."
Zhu Zhuqing, who had maintained her characteristically silent observation throughout the entire ordeal, finally spoke. "That was... educational. I've learned that strategic manipulation can prove more effective than direct confrontation."
Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun stood somewhat apart, exchanging uncertain glances. Both recognized they had witnessed something remarkable—Chen Sheng had dismantled Yu Xiaogang's authority through flawless logical arguments and strategic social pressure.
Oscar appeared thoroughly deflated. His attempts to impress Ning Rongrong had consistently backfired, and now even his defensive commentary about Ma Hongjun's behavior had painted him in increasingly negative light.
"Well," Dai Mubai finally said, breaking the contemplative silence, "I suppose we should also rest and recover."
Ma Hongjun nodded emphatically. "I need food. Substantial food. And then approximately twelve hours of uninterrupted sleep."
As the group gradually dispersed toward their respective dormitories, Chen Sheng found himself walking alongside Ning Rongrong, providing subtle support for her injured ankle.
"Can you walk properly?" he asked with genuine concern.
"I can manage," she responded, though her slight limp suggested otherwise. "Thank you for catching me earlier. If I had fallen..."
"You would have been fine," Chen Sheng assured her. "Perhaps somewhat bruised and embarrassed, but fine. Still, I'm glad I was positioned appropriately to help."
Ning Rongrong's heart accelerated again at his words. Something had shifted during that embrace—something she couldn't quite articulate but definitely felt.
Xiao Wu, walking several steps behind them, watched their interaction with renewed confusion about her own complicated emotions.
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