Seeing the Grandmaster act like a self-important know-it-all filled Qian Yu with revulsion.
Even though countless years had passed since ancient times, Qian Yu still vaguely recalled that Yu Xiaogang possessed a mutated Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Martial Soul.
Yet, he remained stuck at the level of a mere Great Soul Master—around level twenty-something—with only two Soul Rings. His strength was unimpressive, and he had always relied on silver-tongued speeches to deceive others and gain recognition.
Back then, he had formed a so-called "Golden Triangle" alliance with Flender and Liu Erlong, depending entirely on their efforts while shamelessly taking credit for their achievements. He was weak, lazy, and only excelled at speaking grandly without acting.
Worse still, he had not only betrayed Bibi Dong, one of the most powerful and tragic figures of the Douluo Continent, but had even entered a romantic relationship with his own sister—justifying it as "love." What an absolute farce.
To Qian Yu, Yu Xiaogang was the textbook definition of a shameless scumbag.
Originally, Qian Yu had no interest in paying any attention to the so-called Grandmaster. However, after listening to his pompous speech, Qian Yu's patience finally wore thin.
His expression cold, he asked with a hint of sarcasm, "So you're the legendary Grandmaster?"
Yu Xiaogang was caught slightly off guard but then smiled, pleasantly surprised. In truth, his primary target hadn't been Tang San—it had always been Qian Yu.
He had observed from a distance how easily Qian Yu had subdued the academy gatekeeper and instantly recognized him as a rare talent. He hadn't expected Qian Yu to have heard of him, and that recognition sparked new hope.
If he could recruit both Tang San and Qian Yu, two prodigies, his theories would finally have the real-world proof they needed.
With Flender and Liu Erlong aging, Yu Xiaogang knew he had to rely on disciples now more than ever.
"You're called Qian Yu, right? Judging from your earlier display, your Martial Soul must be extraordinary. To unleash such force without even using Soul Rings... that kind of innate power is proof that your Martial Soul is top-tier!" he said with a smile, trying to appear like a wise and seasoned mentor as he studied Qian Yu's expression.
Qian Yu's eyes remained calm and impassive. "You're right," he replied flatly.
Yu Xiaogang then turned to both boys and said with a hearty laugh, "Hahaha... While my Soul Power may be low, I've dedicated my life to Martial Soul research. I dare say that no one on this continent understands Martial Souls better than I do. Tang San, Qian Yu, your Martial Souls are both extremely special, and only my theories can help unlock their full potential. Are you willing to become my disciples?"
Tang San listened attentively. The Grandmaster's words, though arrogant, struck a chord. Tang San felt that Yu Xiaogang truly understood Martial Souls. Moreover, having a teacher within the academy would be advantageous. After a brief hesitation, he nodded.
"I... I am willing," he said, then unexpectedly stepped back, knelt on both knees, and respectfully kowtowed three times in front of the Grandmaster.
Yu Xiaogang was momentarily stunned. "What are you doing?"
"Teacher," Tang San said respectfully, "please accept me as your disciple."
The Grandmaster smiled, visibly moved by the boy's sincerity. He bent down and helped him up.
"Silly child, there's no need to kowtow when taking a master. That kind of ceremony is meant for monarchs or one's parents. A respectful bow is more than enough."
Though the customs of the Douluo Continent differed from those of Tang San's past life, he didn't think his gesture was excessive.
"Once a teacher, always a father. You deserve my respect," he said solemnly.
The Grandmaster looked at Tang San, clearly emotional. "Once a teacher, always a father... Good, very good. It seems I made the right choice."
He smiled with satisfaction. As the saying goes, 'Observe the small to understand the great; details determine success or failure.' Although they had only just met, the Grandmaster already held Tang San in high regard.
He then turned to Qian Yu, hopeful. "What about you, Qian Yu? I believe I can guide you to greatness."
Qian Yu glanced at the overly dramatic scene of master and disciple and responded calmly, "I refuse."
The atmosphere froze.
Tang San looked at him in disbelief, unable to understand why Qian Yu would reject such an opportunity. The Grandmaster also seemed visibly stunned. In fact, he had hoped to recruit Qian Yu even more than Tang San, due to the immense strength Qian Yu had displayed.
As the continent's top Martial Soul theorist, he found it hard to accept being turned down so abruptly.
Qian Yu, sensing their reactions, smiled faintly. "You said your Soul Power is low. So, all your knowledge is purely theoretical, with no real combat capability?"
Yu Xiaogang, caught slightly off guard by the direct challenge, quickly composed himself. "I am indeed only a level twenty-nine Great Soul Master," he admitted.
"But my theories are unmatched across the continent!"
He had laid everything out, yet this boy still rejected him. A hint of disappointment flashed in his eyes.
"Are you truly unwilling? Aside from me, I doubt there's anyone in this world who can fully unlock the potential of your Martial Soul."
Qian Yu met his gaze and smiled again. "Grandmaster, you certainly seem confident in your research."
Now serious, the Grandmaster responded, "While my Soul Power may be weak, I've made considerable progress in understanding Martial Souls.
Otherwise, no one would call me the top theorist in the Douluo Continent—or refer to me as Grandmaster with such respect."
Qian Yu's smile widened slightly. "Theory is still just theory. In actual combat, it doesn't always translate into strength. If your research is truly so groundbreaking, then why are you still stuck at level twenty-something, barely a Great Soul Master?"
The Grandmaster's face turned red at the jab. He looked at Qian Yu with a mixture of surprise and indignation.
"Can you sense my Soul Power level?"
"Coincidentally," Qian Yu said coolly, "I also know a little about Martial Souls. And not only can I determine your level, I also know your Martial Soul."
He looked Yu Xiaogang in the eyes and continued, "You possess a mutated Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon. Since you believe both my lotus Martial Soul and Tang San's Blue Silver Grass have hidden potential, then tell me—why has your own mutated Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon only managed to reach the level of a mediocre Soul Master?"
Yu Xiaogang opened his mouth but couldn't speak.
Qian Yu pressed on with calm clarity.
"Actually, your Martial Soul isn't without potential. If you had obtained your first Soul Ring from a more ferocious Soul Beast and absorbed it at the maximum limit, and your second ring likewise, your strength wouldn't be stuck where it is now."
The Grandmaster was shaken. What Qian Yu described echoed one of his own core theories: the 'Ten Core Competitiveness of Martial Souls.'
Qian Yu had hit the nail on the head. But how could he explain the reality? He had been exiled by his clan.
No one had helped him hunt powerful Soul Beasts. How could he possibly obtain high-level Soul Rings on his own?
As if reading his thoughts, Qian Yu's voice turned cold and cutting. "Or is it that with your ability, you couldn't handle slightly stronger Soul Beasts in the first place?"
The words hit their mark, striking straight at the Grandmaster's pride and pain.
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