If Tang San could be described as selfish, that was something Han Li could understand. But as for Yu Xiaogang, Han Li could only describe him as malicious.
People have different worldviews, which was something Han Li understood from the start, so he didn't impose his standards on everyone.
He didn't like Tang San, but if he were in Tang San's position, he might have acted even more excessively. (This refers only to Douluo Dalu I.)
But Yu Xiaogang, that guy, made Han Li, for the first time, feel the urge to kill someone.
He's genuinely evil, the kind who knows he's evil but still pretends to be righteous.
It's said that people must look out for themselves, but wasn't he a teacher, and even an assistant professor now? Throughout this process, Tang San was merely a tool for him.
Han Li even suspected that if it weren't for Tang San's strong background and talent, he would have been discarded once he outlived his usefulness, just like what happened with Flender's Shrek Academy.
Considering the ages of Tang San and his peers, the tournament after next would be their real stage.
For the tournament in half a year, both the three deans of the academy and Qian Renxue only saw it as a chance for participation, with their eyes mainly on their future potential. Otherwise, they wouldn't still be on the second team.
It should be noted that this isn't the original story. After Xiao Wu was "captured" by the Titan Giant Ape, Tang San didn't encounter the Man-Faced Demon Spider this time. Instead, he found an ordinary spider soul beast that had been stunned, which meant he didn't get the Eight Spider Lances.
Moreover, due to Han Li's presence, the Hell White Tiger martial fusion had yet to appear.
After the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy team recruited a new control-type soul master, Shrek's Seven Monsters lost in the previous matches at the Soul Arena. Although Tang San's performance allowed them to eliminate several members of the Heaven Dou team, only three remained on the field.
It was precisely in this match that their potential was revealed, leading Qin Ming to extend the invitation, just like in the original story.
But now, failing to persuade the students, Yu Xiaogang was inciting his disciple to use external means to pressure a teammate who had refused the Martial Soul fusion technique, which was extremely disgraceful.
Of course, Han Li admitted that these emotions largely stemmed from his favorable impression of Zhu Zhuqing.
"I might be overthinking it. If things get out of hand, I could just whisk the cat away. I'd like to see what they plan to do next, which will also determine my future attitude toward them."
Han Li shook his head, pushing these thoughts aside.
His original intent was to focus on them to refine his subsequent plans, and treating this as an investigation was not a problem.
One thing was for sure, Yu Xiaogang now topped his blacklist, even above Tang San.
On the field, Tang San first approached Dai Mubai.
"Boss Dai."
He greeted with a smile, which improved Dai Mubai's mood considerably.
Since coming to the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, Tang San's attitude toward Dai Mubai had changed the least, remaining the same as when they first met.
"Xiao San, do you need something from me?"
Naturally, Dai Mubai noticed the recent interaction between the master and disciple and felt puzzled about why Tang San approached him.
Upon hearing this, Tang San subconsciously glanced in Zhu Zhuqing's direction. Seeing she was still training, he leaned closer to Dai Mubai and lowered his voice: "Boss Dai, are you still upset about her?"
Without any need for explanation, Dai Mubai knew the "her" in Tang San's words referred to Zhu Zhuqing, and his expression immediately darkened.
"Xiao San, what's this? Are you here to make fun of me too?"
Dai Mubai's voice carried a hint of anger and accusation.
Tang San quickly waved his hand: "Don't misunderstand, Boss Dai. I didn't mean it that way. I just feel that the team has issues now, becoming disorganized and losing cohesion. I want to find a way to solve these problems."
"You know me. I want to achieve good results in the Soul Master Tournament to vindicate my teacher, but things can't go on like this."
Hearing Tang San's words and seeing his serious expression, Dai Mubai's expression softened. Having spent time together, he knew Tang San's respect for Yu Xiaogang.
Although he didn't understand what kind of potion Yu Xiaogang, the recognized clown of the soul master world, had given Tang San, who seemed pretty shrewd, given Tang San's undeniable strength, Dai Mubai naturally chose to go along with it.
"Xiao San, since you're speaking up like this, I won't hide anything from you."
"You know me, and you've seen that over this long period, I've changed my ways. I've even cut back on, uh, socializing a lot, keeping things under wraps from others, and even being cautious around her."
"But look at what my efforts have brought me—only colder treatment. I am a prince of the Star Luo Empire. When have I ever been treated like this?"
The more Dai Mubai spoke, the angrier he became, and a crackling sound came from his clenched fist, showing he was exerting considerable force.
"The most infuriating thing is Ning Rongrong choosing to back her up, opposing me at every turn. If it weren't for... never mind, it's frustrating."
After being slapped by Sword Douluo, he had to swallow his anger; otherwise, he might have been killed, which would have conveniently benefited Davis. He understood his father; the Star Luo Empire would never cause trouble for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan because of him.
The only reason he remained here was not just the hope that Zhu Zhuqing would change her mind or the slim chance of winning; he also counted on the Heaven Dou Empire prince's promise, meaning he had a chance to survive even after failing.
"What if I have a solution?"
Tang San smiled, looking quite similar to Yu Xiaogang's confident demeanor.
"What solution?"
Dai Mubai perked up. He trusted that Tang San wouldn't make empty promises.
"Of course, it's..."
Tang San leaned in and explained the master's assurance that Ning Rongrong wouldn't interfere, then detailed the plan to unite the others.
Finally, he reminded Dai Mubai: "Boss Dai, with Fatty and Oscar, you'll need to be a bit humble since times have changed."
"You know they're not really against you. We're all brothers, no conflicts there. It's just that sudden wealth can make people a bit giddy. But since this benefits everyone, they'll naturally side with you. Don't you agree?"
After hearing this, Dai Mubai thought for a moment, realizing Tang San made sense. Fatty and Oscar hadn't rejected him; they just didn't flatter him like before. It was he who had become sensitive due to his unstable emotions.
"Alright, I get it. Thank you, Xiao San. I'll keep that in mind."
Dai Mubai was genuinely grateful to Tang San at this moment. After all, if Zhu Zhuqing's issue could be resolved, he would benefit the most.
As for how this plan might affect Zhu Zhuqing, it wasn't something he considered.
Women are resources—that's what he was taught, especially in the Zhu family. If not for the circumstances, how could Zhu Zhuqing expect him to lower himself and consider her feelings?
"I'm glad you understand. So, shall we go talk to Fatty and the others now?"
Seeing Dai Mubai respond well, Tang San seized the opportunity to suggest.
"Alright."
Dai Mubai took a deep breath and patted Tang San on the shoulder. With such a good brother, how could big plans not succeed?
The two exchanged a knowing smile and walked over to Ma Hongjun and Oscar, who were chatting on the ground nearby.
Their actions naturally caught Ning Rongrong's attention. She nudged Xiao Wu and curiously asked, "Xiao Wu, do you know what Tang San and the others are doing? It's strange; they kept glancing over here several times."
"I don't know. Maybe they're discussing training issues, or perhaps the master has something to tell my brother and them," Xiao Wu replied casually, glancing at the four who had gathered together. She then looked at Ning Rongrong with a hint of envy, "You're lucky, Rongrong. Even if you don't complete the training, the master won't say anything to you. But I'm not so fortunate. He's always watching me, and he even makes my brother supervise me, so I can't slack off at all."
Xiao Wu, being playful by nature, was quite unhappy with the master's behavior. If he weren't her brother's teacher and if her brother didn't respect him so much, Xiao Wu would give him a piece of her mind.
Hmph, Xiao Wu wrinkled her nose in dissatisfaction, expressing her emotions.
Hearing this, Ning Rongrong blinked and smiled sweetly but didn't respond.
Last time, after she took Tang San's hidden weapons back home, her father had planned to have more contact with Tang San and was even considering collaboration. But for some reason, after Grandpa Sword visited once, her father never mentioned it again.
Moreover, Ning Fengzhi specifically instructed her to maintain a good relationship with Tang San but to avoid getting too close or too distant. He said that if anything related to Tang San happened, as long as it didn't involve sect interests, she should back off a bit.
Although Ning Rongrong had a mischievous personality, she was clear-headed about these things.
She secretly speculated that Tang San must have a significant background, and with Ning Fengzhi's stern warning, she restrained herself quite a bit. Of course, she wouldn't let herself be wronged either.
On the other side of the training ground, Tang San and Dai Mubai had already approached Ma Hongjun and Oscar.
Tang San gave Dai Mubai a meaningful look, prompting Dai Mubai to step forward and address the two: "Fatty, Oscar, I was wrong before, and I'm here to apologize to both of you."
A big question mark appeared on Ma Hongjun and Oscar's heads. They looked at Dai Mubai's apologetic face, feeling a bit baffled. What was going on? Why was Dai Mubai apologizing again?
"Fatty, Oscar, it's like this..."
Seeing that Dai Mubai had taken the first step, Tang San quickly chimed in to continue the conversation.