Flender's body trembled; this was the second time he had personally witnessed Tang Hao's violent outbursts, and each time was more brutal than the last.
If the previous incident, where Tang Hao struck Zhao Wuji, could be considered a minor punishment, then this time, he had gone so far as to break Yu Xiaogang's leg.
Indeed, Yu Xiaogang had been the one to instigate matters this time, leading to the eventual disaster. From Tang Hao's words, it was clear that Yu Xiaogang had deceived him, so perhaps he deserved the beating.
However, even if Yu Xiaogang was indeed a failure, unrecognized by the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, his father was still a genuine Titled Douluo and the head of the clan.
Flender was well aware of this, and as a fellow descendant of one of the upper three sects, Tang Hao surely knew too, especially since Tang San was Yu Xiaogang's disciple. Despite this, Tang Hao still chose to act.
This left Flender feeling a sense of impending doom. If this was how Yu Xiaogang was treated, what would happen to him?
While Tang Hao didn't seem to be targeting him now, what about next time? As the former dean and now a teacher, could he guarantee that Tang San would never be injured under his watch?
If Tang San got hurt again, would he, a Soul Sage with no powerful background, be beaten to death?
At that moment, Flender had a sudden thought—he wanted to flee, resign immediately, and get far away from Tang San. He would rather retire in Suotuo City than risk dying here.
As for reporting Tang Hao to the Spirit Hall, the idea didn't even cross his mind. He was certain that if he even attempted it, whether Tang Hao survived or not, both he and Ma Hongjun would be dead, and perhaps even those connected to them.
Yu Xiaogang's screams still echoed in his ears when Flender noticed Tang Hao's gaze shift towards him.
"I'm sorry, Clear Sky Douluo. It's my responsibility that Tang San got hurt. I shouldn't have left my post. I accept my punishment," Flender said, shivering as he quickly submitted, showing his willingness to accept any consequences.
"Forget it, it's not your fault. But remember, there won't be a next time," Tang Hao said after staring at Flender for a while, without raising a hand, just issuing a warning.
The effect of making an example had been achieved, and it wasn't Flender's fault anyway. Since Yu Xiaogang was Tang San's teacher, Flender had little say in the training.
Besides, Tang Hao couldn't always be around to protect Tang San; even tigers have moments of negligence. When he wasn't there, Flender would be the best guardian for his son.
With the precedent of what happened to Yu Xiaogang, Flender would likely do his utmost in the future, even if something went wrong.
"Thank you, Clear Sky Douluo," Flender said with a sigh of relief, his gaze involuntarily drifting to Yu Xiaogang lying on the ground.
Although he had little fondness for the current Yu Xiaogang, they had still been companions for twenty years; he couldn't just ignore him.
"You can take him for treatment later," Tang Hao said, noticing Flender's gaze. This seemed to close the matter, though he didn't allow Flender to take Yu Xiaogang for treatment immediately.
Though Tang Hao was furious, he knew he couldn't just kill Yu Xiaogang outright. Given his strength, injuring someone without killing them was easy.
"Is Xiao San planning to participate in this year's Continental Advanced Academy Soul Dueling Tournament?"
Tang Hao asked, finally recalling the reason for the incident after feeling somewhat relieved.
"Yes, Tang San is very eager to perform well in this year's tournament. One important reason is that he hopes to see you again," Flender replied, realizing the situation and choosing his words carefully.
Tang Hao fell silent, his eyes reddening under the cover of his black robe.
"Good child, good son, even at this time, he's still thinking of me. He truly is my son—I'm proud of you, Xiao San. Forgive me, Xiao San, but now is not the time for us to meet. The young eagle must learn to fly on its own. Your father is proud of you," Tang Hao thought to himself.
"In that case, help Xiao San find suitable teammates so that he can achieve his goal," Tang Hao commanded Flender in a tone of authority.
Flender was taken aback and then gave a bitter smile.
"Clear Sky Douluo, it's not that I don't want to; it's just that I'm not capable. You know my situation."
"They're all my students, and I would be delighted if they shone in the Continental Advanced Academy Soul Dueling Tournament. I can guarantee that by the next tournament, they will achieve excellent results, and possibly even win the championship. But now, with Zhu Zhuqing missing, I'm powerless," Flender explained.
Tang Hao frowned. This was indeed a problem, and without revealing his identity, there wasn't much he could do to help.
Should he go to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan again? He couldn't be sure Ning Fengzhi would help him, especially after their recent conflict.
"I... I can solve this problem..." said Yu Xiaogang, who had just regained some composure.
Despite lying on the ground, his face swollen like a pig's head, missing several teeth, and in excruciating pain from his injured leg, Yu Xiaogang forced himself to speak. Tang San was his only hope, and he had to hold on, even if he wanted to kill Tang Hao right now.
Tang Hao shot him a cold glance before speaking slowly, "Go ahead, but I don't want to hear any more bad ideas. Think carefully before you speak."
"Yes," Yu Xiaogang replied, closing his eyes to hide his resentment. After a deep breath, he opened them again.
"Tang San's best teammates are actually in the Emperor Team. If we can get Tang San into the team, reaching the finals won't be difficult."
"The team captain, Yu Tianheng, is my nephew, and we have a good relationship. Qin Ming also came from Flender's Shrek Academy. If we go to them together, as long as Tang San can defeat the control-type Spirit Master in the team, getting him on the team shouldn't be difficult for Tang San."
Yu Xiaogang didn't hesitate to betray Flender.
He had brought up this matter many times before, but Flender had always refused to approach Qin Ming, saying that just being able to come to the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy was already a great favor. Asking for more would only put Qin Ming in a difficult position. However, with Tang Hao present, all Yu Xiaogang needed to do was present the plan. Even if Flender was unwilling, he would have no choice but to comply.
"That's a good idea."
Tang Hao, having learned from past mistakes, didn't immediately agree but instead weighed the plan in his mind before nodding.
Meanwhile, Flender's eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at Yu Xiaogang on the ground. It seemed impossible that those words had come from him.
Flender had refused this proposal multiple times before, and yet now he found himself betrayed.
Yu Xiaogang noticed Flender's gaze but chose to ignore it, instead focusing on Tang Hao. He needed to prove that he still had value.
Tang Hao turned his head towards Flender.
"So, shall we do this? Any objections?"
Flender lowered his head, his voice dull as he replied, "Yes, Clear Sky Douluo."
However, his face looked as though he had just swallowed something vile. Could he refuse? The room was still sealed off with soul power.
"You too—make sure this is done right, and I will let bygones be bygones. You will still be Xiao San's teacher," Tang Hao said, his tone softening slightly as he turned his gaze to Yu Xiaogang.
"Yes, Clear Sky Douluo, I will make sure of it," Yu Xiaogang responded eagerly, nodding like an obedient dog who had just found a new master.
"Alright, that's settled. I'll await your good news."
Tang Hao glanced at the sky, then lifted the soul power seal and walked out of the office.
....
In the office.
After a few seconds of silence, Yu Xiaogang couldn't help but let out a cold snort.
The pain, the intense pain—while speaking earlier, he had accidentally moved his injured leg, causing the pain to surge again.
"Flender, take me for treatment."
He screamed in agony, completely unaware of the disgust that had filled Flender's gaze as he looked at him.
"Hurry up… please…"
After shouting a few more times without hearing any footsteps or responses, Yu Xiaogang realized something was wrong.
Forcing himself to endure the pain, he looked up towards where Flender had been standing, only to see Flender calmly watching him with a faint, amused smile on his face.
"What… what's wrong?"
Yu Xiaogang stammered, sensing that things were spiraling beyond his control.
"Nothing, I just find it somewhat amusing."
Flender's voice was steadier than it had ever been, and he looked at Yu Xiaogang with a serious expression.
"Xiaogang, I've come to a realization, and you've reminded me of something—I just remembered, your surname is Yu, as in the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan."
Flender took a few steps closer to Yu Xiaogang, then squatted down in front of him.
"I used to think too highly of myself. After I speak to Qin Ming about Tang San, we should no longer call each other brothers—I'm not worthy."
"I'm just a commoner Soul Sage with no ambition. Please, let me be. Shrek Academy is gone now, and I just want to be a good teacher, okay?"
Yu Xiaogang's face changed as he listened, panic rising within him, though disbelief was stronger. He couldn't believe that these words were coming from Flender.
"Flender, we're supposed to be…"
Before he could finish, Flender interrupted him again.
"I know—you want to say Golden Iron Triangle, right? It doesn't matter anymore. Who hasn't done something foolish in their youth? Let it go."
"Sorry, but from now on, that's over. I'll explain everything to our third member myself. Xiaogang, this is the last time I'll call you that. Please, let me be, okay?"
Without waiting for a response, Flender stood up and walked towards the door.
"Don't worry, I'll get someone to take you for treatment. As for me, I need to go supervise the students' training—that's what I promised Clear Sky Douluo."
"And as for Tang San, I'll speak to Qin Ming about it tomorrow. After that, it's up to you. Don't come looking for me again."
Just before stepping out of the room, Flender paused and turned his head.
"Oh, and Assistant Yu, next time we meet, make sure to address me as Teacher Flender or Lord Soul Sage."
With that, Flender walked out of the room, laughing, without looking back at Yu Xiaogang, whose face had turned a ghastly shade.