With a gloomy expression, Tang San didn't return to the mimicry training ground. Instead, he went back to his room.
He couldn't let anyone know about this situation, especially the academy's higher-ups. After all, he was a special recruit, and what Heaven Dou Academy valued most about him was his talent and cultivation speed.
As for combat strength, he had lost to Team One before enrolling, though he had kept many of his abilities hidden. He believed he wasn't weaker than Yu Tianheng, but that didn't matter to others. The academy cared only about performance in the Soul Master Tournament, and his methods couldn't be displayed on that stage.
If the academy discovered the state of his martial soul and his cultivation speed couldn't keep up, especially after Team Two had already been replaced, he was certain the special treatment he currently enjoyed would be downgraded.
In the past few years, Tang San had had enough of the days where, after finishing cultivation, he had to work at the blacksmith's shop. Yes, he liked hidden weapons, but he preferred making them on his own initiative.
No, I must find the teacher. He'll know the reason.
He suddenly stood up, ready to seek out Yu Xiaogang. But after taking a few steps, he stopped again.
No, logically speaking, I shouldn't know where the teacher is right now.
Just then, there was a knock at the door of the villa.
Tang San took a deep breath, suppressing the anxiety in his heart, and walked to the door. He opened it.
A guard in uniform looked Tang San up and down before asking, "Student, is Tang San here? There's someone named Yu Xiaogang at the academy gate looking for him. If he's here, could you relay the message?"
Tang San was momentarily stunned but quickly smiled in delight.
"No need to look for him. I'm Tang San. I'll head over right away."
The guard nodded and watched as Tang San hurried toward the academy gate.
"He's quite energetic."
The guard shook his head, closed the still-open door, and followed behind.
At the academy gate, Tang San arrived and immediately spotted Yu Xiaogang in flamboyant attire.
Perhaps because he could now fully perform Martial Soul Possession, Yu Xiaogang had uncharacteristically abandoned his usual gray robe.
He was wearing a light blue training outfit, and the emblem of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan on his chest was particularly eye-catching.
"Xiao San, I have something to tell you."
"Teacher, I have something I want to ask you."
Their words overlapped almost simultaneously.
One voice was filled with joy and urgency, while the other carried a hint of panic.
Yu Xiaogang was momentarily taken aback but then smiled.
It seems Xiao San heard about what happened to me and is concerned.
He nodded calmly and, noticing the guard's gaze, pointed to a nearby pavilion.
"Let's go over there to talk."
Tang San felt somewhat reassured by his teacher's calm demeanor and followed Yu Xiaogang to the pavilion.
Once seated, Yu Xiaogang smiled.
"Xiao San, I know what you want to ask, but it's no longer important. Even though I'm no longer an assistant instructor and can't always be by your side, you're still my proudest disciple."
As Yu Xiaogang was about to continue, Tang San interrupted, "Teacher, you've misunderstood. That's not what I wanted to say. I have an urgent question."
Not that? How could it not be that?
Am I not your most respected teacher? Are you not concerned about this?
Yu Xiaogang's smile froze. He felt a wave of embarrassment, his carefully prepared emotions shattered by the interruption.
He forced a smile.
"Xiao San, what's the matter then? Tell me, and I'll do my best to help."
Tang San, too anxious to notice his teacher's expression, said urgently, "Teacher, something's wrong with my martial soul. The mimicry cultivation environment isn't working anymore. It feels like all the Blue Silver Grass is rejecting me. Do you know how to fix this?"
Hmm?
Yu Xiaogang's eyes widened in shock. The brief disappointment vanished completely. He had never heard of such a situation before!
Seeing Tang San's expectant gaze, Yu Xiaogang put on a thoughtful expression.
"This is a serious issue, but don't worry. Tell me everything, and I'll figure out the cause."
Tang San, relieved, quickly explained in detail, awaiting Yu Xiaogang's response.
But Yu Xiaogang's mind went blank. He frantically searched his memory but couldn't recall any case like Tang San's.
He had come today with good news, but now he had been hit with this unexpected dilemma. What was this?
Still, Tang San was one of his greatest hopes. He couldn't give up on him.
Stay calm, stay calm. There must be a solution, Yu Xiaogang reassured himself.
"I think I've seen something like this before, but it must have been a long time ago, so my memory is a bit fuzzy."
Yu Xiaogang furrowed his brow, pretending to think deeply.
"Here's what we'll do, Xiao San. Go back and continue your training. Don't worry—I'll go through my materials. I should be able to find a solution soon. What do you think?"
After a long pause, unable to bear the oppressive atmosphere, Yu Xiaogang took the initiative to suggest, "How about this? I'll go check it out now. I really can't think of anything else."
"Alright, no problem. Thank you so much, teacher. I'll wait for your good news."
Tang San was excited, confident that seeking his teacher's help had been the right choice—Yu Xiaogang always knew what to do.
"Okay, no time to waste. I'll go back and look into it right away. Don't worry, keep a calm mind. This isn't a big deal."
With that, Yu Xiaogang quickly got up, stopped a carriage, and, under Tang San's slightly grateful gaze, left for Heaven Dou City.
It wasn't until he was inside the carriage, out of Tang San's sight, that Yu Xiaogang let out a long sigh.
He couldn't keep up the act any longer—he had never encountered a situation like Tang San's before.
Forget it, he thought. I'll tell Tang Hao about this and let him handle it. I'm out of my depth here.
Thankfully, Tang Hao was currently staying with him. Before leaving today, Tang Hao had even asked Yu Xiaogang to prepare food for him, unlike in the past when he was always so elusive, barely leaving a trace.
After all, Tang San is his son. I can't be expected to handle everything.
With that thought, Yu Xiaogang felt more at ease, though he was also a bit drained. Ever since arriving in Heaven Dou City, it seemed like nothing had gone smoothly. Now, even his sole disciple was having issues with cultivation.
As Yu Xiaogang's mind wandered, the carriage arrived back in Heaven Dou City and came to a stop.
After paying the fare, Yu Xiaogang trudged home, his mood heavy.
As soon as he opened the door, a strong smell of blood filled his nostrils.
What's going on?
Yu Xiaogang cautiously scanned the room and saw Tang Hao sitting in a chair, his expression dark. The black robe he usually wore was gone, replaced by a familiar gray one.
Wait, familiar? Yu Xiaogang thought. That's my robe!
"Your Excellency Clear Sky Douluo, what is this about?"
Yu Xiaogang asked cautiously.
"Don't ask questions you shouldn't. This has nothing to do with you," Tang Hao replied coldly, casting a sharp glance his way.
"Did you go see Xiao San? Did you tell him?"
At the mention of Tang San, Tang Hao's mood seemed to lighten slightly.
"Uh, no. It seems Xiao San has encountered a bit of a problem."
Hearing Tang Hao's question, Yu Xiaogang broke out in a cold sweat and stammered his response.
"What? What happened?"
Tang Hao, already in a foul mood, felt a surge of killing intent rise again when he heard that something was wrong with his son. The chilling aura instantly enveloped Yu Xiaogang.
Thud.
Unable to withstand Tang Hao's pressure, Yu Xiaogang collapsed to the ground with a thud.
"Your Excellency, this isn't my fault! I was going to tell Xiao San about what I found, but as soon as I met him, he told me his martial soul was having problems. I rushed back here to inform you!"
Desperate to save himself, Yu Xiaogang quickly explained.
"His martial soul is having problems? Speak! What exactly happened?"
Tang Hao's eyes widened as he grabbed Yu Xiaogang by the collar, pulling him up to eye level.
Yu Xiaogang's face turned red as he struggled to breathe, his hands frantically slapping at Tang Hao's in an attempt to loosen the grip.
Realizing he was using too much force, Tang Hao took a deep breath and released him, allowing Yu Xiaogang to collapse back to the ground, coughing violently. After a moment, Tang Hao spoke in a low voice, "Explain clearly."
Not daring to waste any time, Yu Xiaogang recounted everything Tang San had told him, not missing a single detail. He then nervously glanced at Tang Hao.
"Your Excellency, I've never come across anything like this in the records. Do you have any solutions?"
Tang Hao's expression shifted unpredictably upon hearing Yu Xiaogang's words.
Xiao San's martial soul is being rejected by Blue Silver Grass? How is that possible?
His Blue Silver Grass martial soul was inherited from Ah Yin, and Ah Yin was the Emperor of the Blue Silver Grass clan. Even if Xiao San's martial soul hadn't fully awakened or inherited her bloodline completely, this shouldn't be happening. Could something have happened to Ah Yin?
Suddenly, Tang Hao stood up, remembering that it had been a long time since he last checked on Ah Yin.
Could something have happened to her, and now it's affecting Xiao San?
"I think I've figured something out. Xiao San's martial soul issue might be related to this matter. For now, keep him calm, and don't let this information spread. Wait for me to return."
Without waiting for Yu Xiaogang's response, Tang Hao rushed out, looking somewhat flustered.
Yu Xiaogang opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out. He could only watch helplessly as Tang Hao disappeared.
"Keep Xiao San calm? With what? You know what's going on—couldn't you have given me a bit more information? What if I say the wrong thing? What if you come back and blame me?"
Yu Xiaogang was utterly despairing.
Meanwhile, as Tang Hao rushed out of the house, he grabbed a piece of black cloth and covered his face.
At that moment, he was running full speed toward the city gates.
Ah Yin, my love, please don't let anything have happened to you.