Yu Xiaogang, who had been hesitating just moments ago, immediately changed his expression. After Tang Hao took Tang San out for training and returned, Yu Xiaogang had already realized that Tang San's sense of self-awareness had grown excessively strong—he was no longer the easily manipulated student he once was.
Now, Tang San making decisions on his own directly touched upon Yu Xiaogang's deep-seated feelings of inferiority, which he labeled as "worthlessness." Reacting against this, he firmly stated:
"No, Xiao San, I disagree."
Tang San still wanted to say something, but Yu Xiaogang quickly cut him off like a machine gun firing at full speed: "The Tian Dou team is far too powerful. Even though you have the Seven-in-One Soul Skill Fusion Technique, given the current leaked intelligence, it's impossible they won't be prepared. Just look at how they preemptively interrupted the Spirit Hall's fusion technique during their match earlier today.
"If we were to face them, they would likely do the same to us, not giving us a chance to prepare our Seven-in-One Soul Skill Fusion Technique.
"And you've seen their combat power. Once the battle begins, you'll undoubtedly suffer heavy losses. Moreover, we lack a powerful healer on our side. If your condition is affected, we won't even have a chance at second place when we face the equally formidable Spirit Hall team in the loser's bracket."
As someone who knew what it felt like to be a failure, Yu Xiaogang was adept at weighing pros and cons—otherwise, he wouldn't have accumulated so much knowledge and connections.
He knew that while there was a slim chance of defeating both the Tian Dou and Spirit Hall teams, that hope was incredibly faint. Before Tang San had spoken, Yu Xiaogang's hesitation stemmed from his reluctance to let go of that tiny possibility. But Tang San's interjection made Yu Xiaogang instinctively voice his true thoughts about their situation.
However, Tang San—who had always aspired to rise above others and build an image of greatness—was unwilling to back down so easily.
After all, this was a tournament watched by the entire continent. To forfeit without a fight would brand him with the label of cowardice, which he absolutely did not want.
It was utterly humiliating!
Thus, Tang San argued: "Teacher, it's just second place. If we lose, so be it. Those rewards mean nothing to us anyway. But if we forfeit now, our academy's reputation will be ruined.
"Moreover, if we somehow win, we'll secure the championship without having to face the Spirit Hall team. And even if we lose, challenging such monstrous opponents will still earn us a good reputation, won't it?
"Besides, Teacher, I'm still young. Even if we lose this time, I believe that within five years, they won't stand a chance against me. In the meantime, you can scout for better students. We'll definitely achieve even greater success, so why obsess over this temporary gain or loss?"
Looking at Tang San, who spoke so confidently, Yu Xiaogang felt a sense of clarity—but also a wave of irritation.
His obedient protégé, who had once followed his every word, no longer bore any resemblance to his former self!
Yu Xiaogang's lips twitched as he considered spouting some abstract nonsense like, "I'd feel heartbroken if you got hurt." But just then, the eavesdropper's eavesdropper, Tang Hao, entered the scene.
Having silently observed their conversation, Tang Hao—though a coward who refused to face reality—couldn't help but agree with Tang San's earlier words.
"Xiao San, you're absolutely right. Let's proceed as you suggested."
Both Tang San and Yu Xiaogang were shocked by Tang Hao's sudden appearance. While Tang San looked delighted, Yu Xiaogang's face turned pale.
Before, when facing Tang San—a student he had raised through manipulation—he still had some confidence due to their long-standing relationship. But facing Tang Hao, whose mere presence could crush him, Yu Xiaogang didn't dare entertain any rebellious thoughts. With a sigh, he feigned compliance and said:
"Since Lord Tang has spoken, I suppose I have no choice but to accompany you gentlemen. Xiao San, let's work together to plan our strategy."
Tang San readily agreed, but his eyes remained cold. Silently, he cursed: 'Yu Xiaogang, your time is running out. Do your best to spread my name across the continent while you still can.'
Tang San then began by sharing his observations of Ye Wen's team from earlier that day.
"Teacher, the Tian Dou team may be powerful, but you saw that their captain never lifted a finger throughout the match. This clearly shows how arrogant and overconfident he is.
"Therefore, I suggest that at the start of the match, we emulate their strategy from today and focus fire to take out one of their members early. Regardless of the final outcome, at least our record will look better than the Spirit Hall's."
After being harshly confronted by reality, Yu Xiaogang had become more compliant. Since he had decided to follow Tang San's lead, he began applying his wisdom, nodding in agreement and adding:
"This approach is sound. However, Xiao San, look at their vice-captain—a soul master with an Eye martial soul. No matter how she develops her cultivation path, her perception must be extremely sharp. She might immediately see through our intentions. Therefore, we need to employ misdirection—making the real seem fake and the fake seem real. We can't be too obvious."
Tang San immediately recognized the wisdom in this and couldn't help but smile. Though Yu Xiaogang was lacking when it came to teaching cultivation techniques, he still had valuable insights into team strategy.
Watching the close interaction between teacher and student, Tang Hao's eyes softened with pride. Though he was once a cowardly, emotionally manipulative man, he felt immense pride in raising such an obedient and filial son.
As for why Tang San was so understanding and possessed mysterious abilities of unknown origin, Tang Hao didn't care. As long as Tang San followed his wishes and helped restore the Hao Tian Sect, compensating for his past mistakes, that was enough.
Tang Hao quietly slipped away to rest and recuperate.
As a servant of the sect, Tang Hao didn't mind sacrificing himself—a Super Douluo—as a cost to return two relatively unimportant ten-thousand-year soul bones to the Hao Tian Sect.
In fact, if possible, he would willingly strip himself of all his soul bones to pass them on to Tang San, enabling him to become an unparalleled powerhouse. Unfortunately, Tang San was still too weak to justify such a sacrifice.
But in Tang Hao's view, high-quality soul bones were essential for becoming an unparalleled powerhouse.
If circumstances allowed, Tang Hao wouldn't hesitate to massacre high-level spirit beasts in the Spirit Beast Forest, hoping to obtain rare soul bones for Tang San. Sadly, his physical condition was poor, and any large-scale Spirit Beast Forest inevitably housed top-tier spirit beasts equivalent to Title Douluos—something his current frail state couldn't handle recklessly.
However, according to Tang Hao's plans, after the Soul Master Tournament, he intended to send Tang San to Slaughter City. In such a chaotic place, a high-quality mental-type soul bone was indispensable for protection.
Tang Hao didn't want to send his son to grow stronger only to see him lose his sanity.
Thus, Tang Hao set his sights on the final prize of the Spirit Hall competition.
"Hopefully, the ultimate reward will include the soul bone I desire," Tang Hao muttered softly.
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