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Why does Yu Xiaogang object?
Because there's no time to waste.
Five years, then another five years. How many five-year cycles are left? Yu Xiaogang has watched the progress of the Spirit Hall over these years, and in another five years, even if Oscar and Ma Hongjun can still participate, what would it mean? They're no longer simple youths, and even if they win the championship, it won't prove their exceptional skill. Their only advantage would be their age.
The Continental Elite Tournament is a stage for the young!
If they cannot prove themselves now, they'll never have another chance. Yu Xiaogang has calculated that if this tournament follows a seven-vs-seven team format, the Shrek team has a real chance to win against Spirit Hall. There's even a seventy percent chance Oscar can overcome Spirit Hall's team captain.
This abrupt action caught everyone's attention, all eyes turning toward Yu Xiaogang.
"I object!"
Yu Xiaogang spoke the words loudly once again, his voice ringing out with conviction, his eyes fixed intently on Bibi Dong. "This is against the rules!"
The Spirit Hall guards moved to remove him, but Bibi Dong raised her hand to stop them. "Though the rules for this final match were changed at the last minute, I don't see it as unfair. Throughout the tournament, each team has had ample opportunity to showcase their tactics, abilities, and strategies in full."
"Spirit Masters only need to fight—they don't need to understand so much," Yu Xiaogang replied, a cold sweat breaking out on his forehead. Yet, for the sake of his reputation, he had to stand firm.
He could only hope that Bibi Dong would still hold him in some regard and grant him a favor by adjusting the rules.
But—
"Times have changed."
Bibi Dong had seen through Yu Xiaogang's true nature and understood what he really cared about—his ridiculous pride. "The invaders from the Sun and Moon Continent may be ruthless, but they have broadened our horizons, showing us that there are other continents, other civilizations beyond our shores."
"The era has shifted, and Spirit Masters must also keep up with the times and move forward."
"Or are you, a former master of Spirit Theory, suggesting that Spirit Masters should remain stagnant? Don't forget, in ancient times, before humans even knew how to use fire, they still ate raw meat and blood."
Yu Xiaogang's heart clenched as he realized that Bibi Dong had completely removed him from her heart. He felt a wave of darkness pass over him. "You're twisting the argument... and as for the so-called enemy from the Sun and Moon Empire, wasn't Tang San the one who defeated them single-handedly?"
This remark insulted the leaders of all the major powers present.
"Are you implying that we did nothing in that war?"
"Your Shrek Academy didn't even respond to the call for conscription!"
"What right do you have to speak?"
Though many cursed him in their hearts, no one spoke aloud—it wasn't the right setting for open conflict.
Yu Yuanzhen of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan was furious, his fists clenched tightly. "Disgraceful fool!"
Bibi Dong gazed deeply at Yu Xiaogang, saying, "Do you think that whenever there's an invasion on the continent, you can just sit back and rely on Tang San or the Spirit Hall to handle it?"
"Yes, we will handle it, but—"
"We aren't obligated to."
Seeing Yu Xiaogang remain silent, Liu Erlong wanted to speak up, but Flender held her back, covering her mouth as the atmosphere grew tense. Bibi Dong turned to the entire gathering and asked, "Everyone, do you admire Tang San? Do you admire the Saint Son of Spirit Hall, the hero who single-handedly defeated the Sun and Moon invaders?"
"We do!"
At that moment, the entire hall erupted in cheers, the audience waving their arms, roaring with excitement that filled the air. Yu Xiaogang stood frozen—if only these cheers were for him, how incredible that would be! He yearned for such adulation.
A Spirit Master should be revered by the masses!
When his own spirit mutated negatively, dashing his hopes of reaching the pinnacle as a Spirit Master, he could only turn to developing theories in spirit cultivation. His ultimate goal was to bask in the admiration, worship, and even devotion of others.
But that honor did not belong to him.
What he didn't realize was that his desire for others' adulation and admiration was the very vanity that prevented him from connecting deeply with his spirit, Luo Sanpao...
Seeing Bibi Dong stirring the crowd's emotions, Tang San stepped forward, sensing it was time for him to speak. "Everyone, please quiet down. I'd like to say a few words."
His plain, unpretentious words carried a calming effect, like a gentle spring rain, soft and pervasive. The crowd quickly quieted.
"Thank you for your trust in me, but there's no need to idolize me. I don't consider myself a hero. I'm just an open-hearted person, one who's bad at keeping secrets, who enjoys sharing his findings and ideas with others, a self-satisfied and crafty businessman who revels in his small victories—a clumsy imitator exploring nature's rules."
He added with a grin, "And maybe even a bit of a flirt?"
"Ahem! But none of that matters. What does matter is that, like me, you eat well, rest well, live your life fully, and leave your achievements for the next generation—"
"That is what makes a hero!"
"And achievements aren't defined by their size. If I can be considered a hero, then you, too, are true heroes!"
Tang San's impassioned words filled everyone present with excitement and pride, erupting in enthusiastic cheers.
No one, whether praising him publicly or resenting him privately, could deny at this moment that Tang San was the center of attention, the focal point of the crowd's admiration.
Envy, jealousy, regret…
Yu Xiaogang's gaze was fixed on Tang San, his heart whispering, "That should be me standing there. But now—it's someone else who holds that position. Fate is truly unfair; I am the true master of spirit theory!"
Tang San raised his hand again, signaling for silence before giving his final statement. "If you truly admire me, then surpass me. That would be the greatest respect you could show. Don't blindly assume my words and actions are gospel. Instead, look for my mistakes and call them out. That is what you should be doing."
"In the company of others, there is always someone from whom I can learn."
"No one is perfect. My achievements were built upon the foundation of others' research. I simply organized and expanded upon it, running a few additional experiments to develop the most current and credible results. Perhaps one day, with advanced methods, even my theories will be disproven and replaced by more accurate ones."
"That's what it means to keep up with the times."
The hall fell silent. Most people seemed to be reflecting deeply, and then—
The cheers erupted once more!
Hero worship requires no rationale.
As for Yu Xiaogang, most of the audience forgot all about his protest. Though it spared him from public ridicule, to him, being ignored was far more painful than mockery.
Mockery, at least, meant someone cared.
But now, no one wanted to know who he was or what he'd said earlier. Everyone was too busy cheering for the one they idolized and revered.
Yu Xiaogang?
Who was that?
No matter how loudly he protested, his voice couldn't rise above the crowd. Finally, with a forlorn expression, he was led by Flender and Liu Erlong back to Shrek Academy's section in the audience.
(End of Chapter)