"The answer to the question? Naturally, I've already figured it out," Yu Xiaogang said confidently, hands clasped behind his back, a faint smile on his face.
Does he know the answer?
Hearing Yu Xiaogang's words, everyone's interest was piqued. Eyes focused on him, waiting for him to reveal the answer.
Sensing the weight of all their gazes, Yu Xiaogang felt a surge of pride. Clearing his throat, he began speaking slowly.
"In the live broadcast, as you all likely saw, the beginning showcased the power of the Body Sect's leader, Du Busi. Then, it moved on to reveal the training methods of the Body Sect disciples."
"While it might have seemed like these disciples were simply training their bodies, if you paid closer attention, you could see that each one focused on different aspects of their physical form."
"After careful observation, I realized that the disciples' training regimen depends on the part of their body associated with their Martial Soul."
"For instance, if their Martial Soul is in their arms, they focus on striking wooden posts. If it's in their torso, they train by standing beneath waterfalls to build their endurance. And if it's in their legs, they focus on leg-strengthening exercises."
"I believe there's a reason behind this!" Yu Xiaogang paused, his eyes sweeping across the room before continuing.
"In my view, the reason is that their Body Martial Souls enhance the corresponding parts of their bodies, strengthening them far more effectively than ordinary training. Like Du Busi, whose Martial Soul is his entire body, which is why he's so exceptionally strong!"
"If a disciple's Martial Soul is, say, in their arms, continuous training will likely make that part of their body as powerful as Du Busi's. However, since their Martial Souls are only part of their bodies, their potential won't reach Du Busi's level."
"Teacher, you're saying that the Body Martial Soul's strength comes from how it enhances the soul master's physical training?" Tang San reflected after hearing Yu Xiaogang's reasoning.
"Exactly! That's my conclusion," Yu Xiaogang nodded, satisfied with his student's quick understanding.
Taitan, who had been quietly observing, spoke up. "So, since Master Yu has provided the answer, who will give it in the competition?"
The room fell silent, as no one wanted to answer first. Though Yu Xiaogang's answer seemed plausible, there was always a risk of being wrong. And if wrong, the consequences could be dire — even losing a few levels of soul power could set one back by months or even years.
Everyone began glancing around, trying to decide who should answer. No one wanted to be the first to risk it.
Present in the room were Taitan, his grandson Tai Long, Tang Hao, Tang San, Dai Mubai, and Yu Xiaogang.
Tang Hao, as one of the strongest presenters, couldn't afford to answer incorrectly. Losing his ninth soul ring would be catastrophic. Taitan, the leader of the Strength Clan, also couldn't take the risk. A decline in his power would weaken the entire clan.
That left Tang San, Dai Mubai, Yu Xiaogang, Tai Nuo, and Tai Long. Among them, Tai Long and Dai Mubai were still in their prime. If they lost soul power, the setback would be too great.
So, naturally, all eyes turned to Yu Xiaogang. His soul power was capped at 29, and he'd been stuck there for years. Approaching 50, he was long past his prime. Even if he was wrong, the consequences for him would be minimal.
Feeling everyone's gaze on him, Yu Xiaogang shifted uncomfortably. But since he had come up with the answer, he was ready to take the responsibility.
However, before Yu Xiaogang could respond, someone else beat him to it.
On the virtual screen in the live broadcast, Lin Yu was the first to submit an answer. Afterward, several factions, including the Spirit Hall, hurriedly submitted their responses, anxious not to miss out on the rewards.
Within moments, all ten slots for answers were filled. Then, the live broadcast began revealing the correctness of the answers.
After a brief pause, a blood-red message appeared on the screen, accompanied by an icy voice.
[Notification: Lin Yu's answer: The Body Martial Soul is considered the strongest because it can undergo a second awakening and evolve. This answer is correct.]
[Reward: A random body cultivation method, already distributed.]
[Notification: Yu Xiaogang's answer: The Body Martial Soul is the strongest because it enhances the training of the corresponding body part. This answer is incorrect but not entirely wrong.]
[Penalty: One level of soul power will be deducted.]
The announcement shook everyone. Lin Yu was the only one who had given the correct answer.
What?! The Body Martial Soul can undergo a second awakening and evolve on its own?!Soul masters across the continent were stunned by the revelation.
Evolution of a Martial Soul was the ultimate opportunity for any soul master. It could provide a greater boost than obtaining a hundred-thousand-year soul ring or a soul bone!
But Martial Soul evolution had always been thought of as a mere legend. The only hint of its possibility had come from certain rare immortal herbs, and even those were incredibly rare, near-mythical items.
Back in the Strength Clan's headquarters, Yu Xiaogang's face stiffened. His proud demeanor vanished as he realized his answer was not fully correct. However, he quickly regained his composure. After all, his answer wasn't completely wrong, and he had only lost one level of soul power.
Moreover, even the Spirit Hall and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan had come to the same conclusion as him.
His intellect was still worthy of the title of "Grandmaster." After all, the greatest powers of the continent had thought the same as he did.