Yu Xiaogang's expression shifted slightly upon hearing Oscar's words, then he questioned harshly:
"What do you know? The quality of a spirit can be seen from its form. Do you think I wouldn't recognize an ordinary Blue Silver Grass?"
Oscar's expression remained calm:
"So it seems you really are self righteous. If Tang San's Blue Silver Grass were truly just ordinary Blue Silver Grass, do you think he could cultivate so quickly?"
"A spirit that originally carried a top level bloodline, under your eyes, became nothing more than common Blue Silver Grass. Tang San could have rapidly nurtured his Blue Silver Grass to grow, yet because of you because of your ignorance his spirit is still in its most ordinary form."
Tang San's eyes flickered with clarity as if he had suddenly understood something. He turned to Yu Xiaogang and said:
"Teacher, I actually lean more toward senior brother's words. Still, you have guided me for six years, and I have indeed learned much from you. However…"
Tang San's gaze grew firm as he looked at Oscar:
"…I want to become strong, a true powerhouse. So from now on, I will cultivate according to senior brother's guidance, and fully unlock the true potential of my Blue Silver Grass."
Hearing this, Yu Xiaogang felt darkness before his eyes. What did his disciple just say? That from now on, he would listen to Oscar's guidance? Then what about himself as a teacher? Was he nothing more than decoration?
Although Yu Xiaogang also faintly realized that something was wrongsince Oscar's words did carry weigh the still believed it was only a misjudgment about Tang San's martial spirit.
Yu Xiaogang glared at Tang San, eyes burning with fury:
"Tang San! Do you intend to betray your teacher and ancestors? I once thought you were a clever child, but now it seems you are nothing but a fool!"
"I poured decades of painstaking research into you, dedicated all my knowledge to you, and this is how you repay me?"
Flender looked at the furious Yu Xiaogang, momentarily speechless, for indeed he had shared more than ten years of brotherhood with him.
But truth be told, in this matter Oscar clearly stood on solid ground. And now, even Yu Xiaogang's own disciple, Tang San, stood with Oscar leaving Flender helpless.
If you can't even guide your own disciple, then what are you here for? Isn't that making things difficult for me, Flender?
Oscar spoke at this moment:
"Heh, painstaking research? From where I see it, you merely stole others' results. Though you were born into the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, you never received any support from them. What right did you have to study others' spirits? With you being nothing more than a Soul Grandmaster who can never surpass the Soul Elder stage, who would entrust their spirit to you for study?"
"Yu Xiaogang, I originally intended to leave you some dignity, but now it seems unnecessary."
Yu Xiaogang's face changed drastically upon hearing Oscar's words for they were true. But still…
Oscar ignored him further and turned to Flender:
"Headmaster, I believe today you have seen your friend's true colors. I've heard the stories of the Golden Iron Triangle, the 'Flying Horn,' but allow me to remind you such a man does not deserve to stand at your side."
Yu Xiaogang roared:
"Boy, what do you know? My bond with Flender of over ten years is not something you can comment on so lightly!"
He turned to Flender:
"Flender, is this the good student you've raised? Since matters have come to this, I'll ask you plainlyonly one of us can stay at Shrek Academy. If you choose him, I will take Tang San and leave!"
Flender's head ached at these words, but before he could reply, Tang San spoke:
"Teacher, must you continue this unreasonable fuss?"
Yu Xiaogang froze in disbelief:
"What did you say? That I am being unreasonable?"
Tang San sighed, seemingly making up his mind:
"Just now, your debate with senior brother was clear to both me and the Headmaster. You indeed have real knowledge, but regarding my spirit cultivation, you were wrong. Your mistakes could even ruin my entire future."
"I, Tang San, will never live a mediocre life, nor will I bow my head. Even if my Blue Silver Grass were truly a waste spirit, I would still work harder to grow strong."
"But… if you only accepted me as your disciple because of my talent, and used my so called 'waste spirit' to fulfill your own ambitions then… I thank you for six years of teaching, but from now on, please do not interfere with my affairs."
Yu Xiaogang felt as though all his six years of effort had been fed to the dogs. The disciple he had treated like his own child actually accused him of exploitation? Yet the truth was exactly that only he dared not admit it.
Tang San continued:
"Senior brother has already told me: the reason you accepted me was because I appeared to have a waste spirit, yet in truth had extraordinary talent. Even without you, I could still have reached the peak of the spirit master world, because my twin spirits and innate full spirit power already mark my talent."
"'There are no useless spirits, only useless spirit masters.' That's nothing but self deception. If a spirit lacks cultivation potential, how could a spirit master ever achieve greatness?"
Yu Xiaogang coughed up blood at these words, collapsing to the ground, trembling as he pointed at Tang San:
"I never thought… never thought! I treated you as my own, and you are nothing but an ungrateful wolf!"
"Now I see, I see clearly. Flender, are you mocking me too?"
Flender didn't know what to say. Yu Xiaogang had lost completely. Not only could he not convince a boy, but even his own disciple no longer trusted him.
Flender thought bitterly: Was it ever really for his identity? Was it for Liu Erlong? Without her, would I have tolerated his arrogance for so long?
…
Tang San, seeing Yu Xiaogang collapse, did not step forward to help. Instead, he said calmly:
"I had not intended to speak so harshly, but I do not wish to make things harder for senior brother or the Headmaster. Let me bear the role of the villain."
Yu Xiaogang, anger surging, spat blood again and accused:
"You… you are nothing but an ingrate! You think betraying your teacher will make them truly accept you?"
Tang San frowned. Indeed, his actions did border on betraying teacher and ancestors.
But it was Yu Xiaogang who had first deceived him, wasting his talent and intending to use him for his own ends.
Tang San spoke evenly:
"Those who understand will understand. Those who do not I need not explain. For the last time, I call you teacher. Do not make a scene any longer. Leave, and let this be the end of our six year bond. I will not pursue the past, nor will I need your interference in the future."
Flender's heart skipped a beat this Tang San truly had some backbone.
Yu Xiaogang, however, only spat blood once more before collapsing into unconsciousness.
Oscar looked on coldly. He had no intention of harming Yu Xiaogang further for it was unnecessary.
Turning to Tang San, he said:
"I have seen your attitude. Go and rest. Tomorrow I will personally guide your cultivation, and we will try to make up for the wrong path you have taken."
Tang San bowed deeply:
"Thank you, senior brother. But since he was once my teacher, allow me to at least see him off."
Oscar looked at him for a long moment, then said:
"Indecision only brings chaos. You are a good child, but there are burdens you need not bear. Go rest. From today onward, let the past vanish like smoke. Embrace your new future."
Moved, Tang San knelt on one knee:
"Senior brother's kindness, I will repay with my life."
Oscar helped him up:
"Go, I'll handle things here."
After Tang San left, Oscar turned to Flender with some apology:
"Headmaster, I bear responsibility for today. I did not tell you beforehand because I knew of your bond with Yu Xiaogang. I wanted you to see his true face for yourself."
"To speak frankly some friends are for life, but some are only friends for a while."
Flender stood silent for a long time before sighing:
"Very well. Let the past be as dust. Little Ao, you are right, though your methods were too harsh."
Oscar nodded:
"I understand, Headmaster. It won't happen again."
Flender returned to his desk, picking up his pen:
"I will write a letter. When you take Yu Xiaogang to Suotuo City, give it to him."
Oscar agreed. Soon after, he carried the unconscious Yu Xiaogang away.
Before leaving Suotuo City, Oscar secretly drew a vial of Yu Xiaogang's blood and then revived him with a sausage. This was preparation for future plans after all, though Yu Xiaogang's strength was weak, the Martial Spirit Fusion Skill he shared with Flender and Liu Erlong was extremely powerful.
In the original story, the three of them two Spirit Saints and one mere Spirit Grandmaster could still exchange blows with Dugu Bo once they used their fusion skill. This proved its might.
Leaving behind Yu Xiaogang's blood was merely to give Flender another hidden card.
…
From then on, Shrek Academy's training included Tang San, fitting neatly into Oscar's plans for cultivation.
Though Flender felt sorrow over Yu Xiaogang, he had finally seen his true nature. Cutting ties was not so difficult for him.
Tang San, however, though appearing calm, felt uneasy. He was still someone who valued bonds deeply, not yet the godlike Tang San of the future.
Still, knowing the truth, he could not accept calling Oscar "teacher" immediately after breaking ties with Yu Xiaogang. Oscar, being understanding, didn't mind. He simply said: as long as Tang San was willing to learn, he would teach him everything without reservation but only if Tang San used his strength for righteousness.
Tang San swore on his spirit itself, a binding oath on the Douluo Continent. Breaking it would shatter one's spirit and cripple one's cultivation. Such oaths were rarely made.
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