Night had fallen deep and quiet. Yu Xiaogang walked alone along a desolate street.
He had refused Tang San's company, saying he wanted to be by himself for a while.
At this moment, Yu Xiaogang's beard was unkempt and his clothes were disheveled, but he couldn't care less. He wandered aimlessly, his steps sluggish and without direction.
Yu Xiaogang was born with a defective martial soul, a laughingstock of his clan from childhood. It wasn't until he grew up and began forging his own path that he slowly regained some confidence.
It was thanks to his vast knowledge that he managed to win over Bibi Dong back then. But the moment he found out she was the Holy Maiden of the Spirit Hall, his heart turned cold.
Yu Xiaogang told himself he could never love someone from the Spirit Hall—especially not a Holy Maiden. Never. He refused to acknowledge the feelings he once had. That woman had deceived him. She had lied to his heart.
Even though she had brought him many confidential documents… even though she had shared countless secrets… none of that justified her betrayal!
How could he tolerate deception? It wasn't that he couldn't take responsibility—he simply chose not to.
Later, he met another woman. Flender had feelings for her too, but how could Flender possibly be his match?
After all, Yu Xiaogang had the advantage of experience in love. With just a few small tricks, he made that woman fall for him.
At the time, he felt like he had reached the peak of his life.
'Look at me! Even with a flawed martial soul, I'm still loved by women! If I can't be a powerhouse with my martial soul, I'll still become someone great in other ways!'
But then came the blow—rumors surfaced that the woman was actually his sister. The scandal drove him into madness once more. He gave up on love, convinced the world was full of lies. Only books—only knowledge—would never betray him. Only what was written could be trusted...
Though he couldn't cultivate himself, he developed one theory after another based on research—none of which could be proven wrong—thus securing his reputation.
But ever since he met Li Changsheng, he had been humiliated again and again. Publicly shamed. Defeated. Again and again.
He couldn't accept it. He wouldn't accept it!
That Li Changsheng—wasn't he just lucky? Just gifted? If he had been given that kind of fortune, Yu Xiaogang was sure he'd surpass him—become even better!
And yet after the competition, Li Changsheng even had the nerve to say two things to his face—two things that utterly disgusted him:
"What's gained from books always remains shallow; true understanding comes only from practice."
"Practice is the sole criterion for testing truth!"
What kind of nonsense was that supposed to be? He was a theorist! His insights came from scholarly study! And that guy dared to throw that kind of shade at him? Who the hell did he think he was looking down on?!
As Yu Xiaogang's mind spiraled into rage, hatred, and a sense of deep injustice, a voice suddenly echoed in his mind.
"Do you hate this world?"
"Do you want to destroy it?"
"Do you wish to surpass your limits?"
"Do you loathe everyone around you?"
The voice was hollow and cold, like it had come from the depths of an abyss.
"Who... who are you?" Yu Xiaogang collapsed to the ground, hugging his head, trembling.
"Answer me. Yes… or no?"
The abyssal voice continued, seductive and insidious.
"…Yes." Yu Xiaogang gritted his teeth, clutching at his hair, his eyes filled with hatred.
"Then join us. We can make you stronger. Strong enough to kill them all..."
A cloud of black mist began to rise, gradually enveloping Yu Xiaogang's body.
"Who… who are you people?" he asked with the last remnants of clarity.
"You may call us... The Abyss."
The black mist thickened, corroding his body… and his mind.
Before long, Yu Xiaogang let out a low growl—deep and unnatural. It sounded like a dragon's cry… or a demon's roar.
He slowly stood up and examined his hands. Clenching his fists, he said coldly:
"Not bad. You only amplified my dark thoughts. My mind is still in control."
"Naturally. With your level of obsession, even our full power couldn't completely consume your will. We're nothing compared to you. All we ask is that you act on our behalf."
"Of course. I've long since lost all attachments in this Douluo Continent. No family, no brothers, no disciples worth relying on. I trust only myself. Now let's burn it all to the ground…"
---
The Next Day – Shrek Academy, Flender's Office
Flender had just finished recounting last night's meeting with Qin Ming, along with his thoughts and decision. Today, he was seeking input from the other teachers.
"Going to the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy isn't a bad idea," Zhao Wuji was the first to speak. "Better environment, more resources—it'd be a good place for us to retire."
The other teachers nodded in agreement. Only Li Chang'an stood still, unmoving.
What could he say? If he agreed, it wouldn't be right—after all, retirement? He wasn't nearly old enough for that. But disagreeing didn't sit well either—especially considering Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling were both waiting for him in Heaven Dou City.
And then there was Qian Renxue, Bai Xue, Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing… and soon, possibly Ning Rongrong…
'Damn!'
He hadn't done the math before, but now that he was counting, the situation was getting out of hand. Once he reached Heaven Dou City, he might not have enough energy to juggle it all. Hopefully his kidneys could keep up...
"Changsheng, Changsheng! What are you smiling like an idiot for? Speak up—what's your take?" Flender's voice snapped Li Chang'an out of his thoughts.
"Huh? Oh, right. My opinion? I think we should go. If Shrek Academy wants to keep developing, Heaven Dou City is the better option."
"And what do you think about what Teacher Qin suggested—recommending you as a teacher at Heaven Dou Imperial Academy?" Flender pressed.
Li Changsheng was a rare gem, and if Qin Ming was speaking on behalf of the Imperial Academy, there was no way they'd want to let go of someone like him.
"We'll cross that bridge when we come to it," Li Chang'an waved it off casually, neither agreeing nor objecting.
At that moment, Yu Xiaogang entered through the door. His whole demeanor was lifeless—but when he glanced at Li Chang'an, the look in his eyes made Li Chang'an feel slightly uneasy.
"Xiaogang, you're back. We were just discussing—" Flender paused, heart aching a little at the sight of his friend in such a state.
"I'm here to say goodbye. Temporarily," Yu Xiaogang interrupted coldly. "I'm heading out for a while. I'll return to Shrek Academy later."
"Xiaogang, what's going on with you?"
"I overheard everything from outside. I'll find you when the time comes. I'm leaving now," Yu Xiaogang said without looking back, turning to walk out of the office.
He was now ready to obtain his third soul ring. Once his strength reached a certain threshold, he would return.
He no longer needed Flender's pity or protection.
He would become the one who stood above all others.
And then, he would bring destruction to the entire Douluo Continent.
____
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