Chapter 221: Next Time We Meet, Address Me as Soul Sage
Flender's body trembled. This was the second time he had personally witnessed Tang Hao resorting to violence, and each time was more brutal than the last.
If the previous beating of Zhao Wuji had been a mere warning, then what he was doing to Yu Xiaogang now was pure savagery he had actually shattered his leg.
This time, there was no doubt that Yu Xiaogang had instigated the incident. He had manipulated events, and when things went south, he even lied to Tang Hao. So, in a way, he deserved the beating.
But Yu Xiaogang, useless as he might be, was still the son of Yu Yuanzhen, a genuine Titled Douluo and the leader of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.
Even Flender, with his limited influence, understood this fact. Tang Hao, a direct descendant of the Clear Sky Clan and father to Yu Xiaogang's disciple, certainly knew it too yet he still did this.
This realization sent chills down Flender's spine. If this was how Tang Hao treated Yu Xiaogang, then what about him?
For now, Tang Hao showed no signs of targeting him. But what about next time? As a former headmaster and current instructor, could he truly guarantee that Tang San would never get hurt?
If Tang San was ever injured again, would he, a Soul Sage with no powerful backers, simply be beaten to death?
At that moment, a terrifying thought formed in Flender's mind he had to leave. He had to resign, escape, and get as far away from Tang San as possible. He'd rather retire and live quietly in Soto City than risk being killed here.
The idea of reporting Tang Hao to the Spirit Hall never even crossed his mind. He was certain that if he so much as considered it, he'd be dead before making his move.
Judging by Tang Hao's behavior so far, not only would he be killed, but Ma Hongjun and anyone even remotely connected to him would likely be eliminated as well.
Yu Xiaogang's agonized screams still echoed in his ears when Flender noticed Tang Hao shifting his gaze toward him.
"I'm sorry, Your Majesty, it was my failure to fulfill my duty that led to Tang San's injury. I accept any punishment."
Flender shuddered but wisely chose to bow his head in submission, making it clear that he was willing to take responsibility.
"Forget it. This wasn't your fault. But remember there won't be a next time."
Tang Hao scrutinized Flender for a moment before ultimately deciding not to act against him. Instead, he issued a warning.
He had already set an example with Yu Xiaogang. The message was clear.
Besides, Flender wasn't truly to blame. Ever since Yu Xiaogang had taken charge of Tang San's training, Flender had little say in the matter.
Moreover, Tang Hao couldn't always be around to watch over his son. In his absence, Flender was the best protector Tang San had.
With what had just happened to Yu Xiaogang, Tang Hao was certain that if another incident arose, Flender would fight tooth and nail to keep Tang San safe.
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Flender exhaled in relief, then cast a glance at Yu Xiaogang, who lay groaning on the floor.
Although his feelings toward Yu Xiaogang had soured, they had still been companions for twenty years. He couldn't just ignore him.
"You can take him for treatment later."
Tang Hao, noticing Flender's concern, spoke flatly. He considered the matter settled but didn't immediately permit Flender to take Yu Xiaogang away.
As angry as he was, Tang Hao knew he couldn't kill Yu Xiaogang outright. Crippling him was enough of a punishment.
"Is Tang San planning to participate in this year's Continental Spirit Master Tournament?"
Having vented some of his frustration, Tang Hao finally turned his attention to the original reason for his visit.
"Yes, Tang San is very eager to perform well in the tournament. A major reason is that he hopes to see you again."
Flender, sensing a shift in Tang Hao's mood, quickly responded with flattery.
Tang Hao fell silent. Under the hood of his black cloak, his eyes reddened slightly.
What a good child. What a good son. Even now, he still thinks of me. As expected of my bloodline. It's me who has let him down.
I'm sorry, San. But it's still not time for us to reunite. The fledgling eagle must learn to soar on its own. I am proud of you.
"In that case, help him find suitable teammates. Ensure that he can achieve his goal."
Tang Hao spoke in the tone of a superior giving orders to a subordinate.
Flender hesitated for a moment before forcing a bitter smile. "Your Majesty, it's not that I don't want to, but I simply lack the means. You know my situation."
"They are my students. Of course, I want them to excel in the tournament. If this were the next competition, I could guarantee they'd be strong contenders, perhaps even championship material. But right now, with Zhu Zhuqing missing, I'm powerless."
Tang Hao frowned. This was indeed a problem, but he was limited in how much he could help without exposing himself.
What was he supposed to do go back to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan and ask for assistance? After what had just happened, there was no guarantee that Ning Fengzhi would be willing to help.
"I… I can solve this problem…"
The voice came from Yu Xiaogang, who had barely regained his senses.
Though he still lay sprawled on the floor, his face swollen like a pig's and his teeth missing, making his speech slurred, he forced himself to endure the pain.
Tang San was his last hope. He had to hold onto him, no matter what. Even though he despised Tang Hao at this moment and wished him dead, he had no choice but to speak.
Tang Hao's eyes turned icy as he stared at Yu Xiaogang. After a moment, he said coldly, "Speak. But be warned if you try to feed me more nonsense, you'll regret it."
"Yes, Your Majesty…"
Yu Xiaogang gulped, his whole body trembling as he prepared to offer his plan.
Yu Xiaogang slowly closed his eyes, concealing the venom within them. After adjusting his breathing, he reopened them.
"Tang San's best potential teammates are actually in the Royal Battle Team. If we can get him into their ranks, making it to the finals won't be difficult."
"The team captain, Yu Tianheng, is my nephew, and we have a good relationship. Qin Ming, their coach, was once a student of Flender's Shrek Academy. If we approach them together, and if Tang San can defeat the team's control type Spirit Master, joining the first team shouldn't be a problem."
Without hesitation, Yu Xiaogang threw Flender under the bus.
He had brought up this idea many times before, but Flender always refused. He claimed that simply getting Tang San into the Heaven Dou Royal Academy was already a huge favor, and asking for more would put Qin Ming in a difficult position.
But now that Tang Hao was here, all Yu Xiaogang had to do was present the plan whether Flender liked it or not, he would have no choice but to comply.
"Not a bad plan."
Having learned from previous mistakes, Tang Hao didn't immediately agree. He took a moment to weigh the idea before nodding slightly.
Meanwhile, Flender was staring at Yu Xiaogang with wide eyes, his expression filled with disbelief.
He had rejected this plan countless times before, yet now, Yu Xiaogang was bringing it up again this time, under completely different circumstances.
Yu Xiaogang, of course, noticed Flender's reaction, but he chose to ignore it, keeping his gaze fixed on Tang Hao. He had to prove his worth.
Tang Hao turned to Flender. "So, this is the plan? Any objections?"
Flender lowered his head, his voice muffled as he replied, "No, Your Majesty."
But his face was as if he had just swallowed something foul. How could he dare refuse? The spirit power barrier still hadn't been lifted.
"You as well. Carry this out properly, and I will overlook today's events. You will still be the teacher Tang San respects most."
Tang Hao's expression softened slightly as he looked down at Yu Xiaogang.
"Yes, Your Majesty. I will see to it."
Like an obedient lapdog, Yu Xiaogang nodded eagerly, as if he had once again found his master.
"Alright, that's settled. I await good news."
Tang Hao glanced at the sky, dispelled the spirit power barrier, and strode out of the office.
Inside the office, silence reigned for a dozen seconds before Yu Xiaogang let out a cold snort.
The pain was excruciating. When he had spoken earlier, he had accidentally shifted his injured leg, and now the agony surged anew.
"Flender, hurry, take me for treatment!"
He screamed in anguish, completely oblivious to the way Flender was looking at him with pure disgust.
"Hurry up… now…"
He called out several more times, but no footsteps approached. No one responded.
Something felt wrong. Gritting his teeth through the pain, he lifted his head to look at Flender, only to find him staring at him with an eerie calmness, his lips curling in a faint sneer.
"W what's wrong?"
Yu Xiaogang stammered, his voice trembling. Even a fool could tell that something was off.
"Nothing. I just find this all a little ridiculous."
Flender's voice was steady more so than ever before. He looked at Yu Xiaogang with a rare seriousness.
"Xiaogang, you made me realize something. Just now, I remembered you carry the surname Yu. You are a Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan member."
Flender took a few steps forward, squatted beside Yu Xiaogang, and continued in a low voice, "For years, I thought I was lucky to have such a connection. But after today, once I finish speaking to Qin Ming about Tang San, let's stop calling each other brothers. I'm not worthy."
"I'm just a humble, aimless commoner Soul Sage. Please, spare me from any more of your schemes. Shrek Academy is gone. All I want now is to be a simple teacher. Can I?"
Yu Xiaogang's face paled. Panic flickered in his eyes. He couldn't believe what he was hearing.
"Flender, we're supposed to be "
But Flender cut him off before he could finish.
"I know what you want to say the 'Golden Iron Triangle,' right? It doesn't matter anymore. Everyone has their youthful follies. Let's leave it in the past."
"Sorry, but from this moment forward, we are no longer that. I'll explain to Erlong myself."
"Xiaogang, this is the last time I'll call you that. Please, just let me go, alright?"
With that, Flender didn't wait for Yu Xiaogang to respond. He stood up and walked toward the door.
"Don't worry, I'll send someone to take you for treatment. As for me, I need to get back to supervising training. I made a promise to Your Majesty, after all."
"Oh, and about Tang San I'll speak to Qin Ming tomorrow. After that, you're on your own. Don't come looking for me again."
Just as he was about to step out of the room, Flender suddenly paused, turning his head slightly.
"Oh, right. Assistant Instructor Yu, next time we meet, be sure to address me properly as 'Flender sensei' or 'Soul Sage Flender.'"
"And one more thing you really did look like a dog just now."
With that, Flender strode out of the room, laughing heartily, without looking back
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