Yu Xiaogang sighed deeply, "Yes, why indeed?"
He turned his gaze to the distance, his eyes filled with sorrow, as if he saw his former comrades fall prey to the lust for power, turning into villains who would stop at nothing to suppress a great sage like himself. He genuinely seemed to believe this.
"Teacher!"
Tang San's voice was like the roar of a young lion, full of determination and strength.
To worry for his teacher, to share in his teacher's anxieties, and to be angry on his teacher's behalf—this was his duty as a student!
He fixed Yu Xiaogang with a determined gaze, speaking in a firm tone, "Please tell me everything you know about this man named You Chen!"
'If necessary...'
A flicker of malice crossed Tang San's eyes, clearly preparing to give You Chen, whom he had yet to meet, a "path to destruction" package...
This thought was directed at You Chen, not You Xing, and this task would only be triggered after You Chen cleared the numerous "preliminary tasks" of Task Line One.
Yu Xiaogang was unaware that Tang San was contemplating the possibility of assassinating You Chen. If he knew, he might be scared out of his wits and would surely try to dissuade Tang San from harboring hostility towards You Chen, perhaps even refraining from his usual brooding demeanor.
After all, without his good brother Flender or his close friend Liu Erlong by his side, he wouldn't dare to confront You Chen, who was at least a Soul Elder, even with all the courage in the world.
But he didn't know. So, he recounted everything he knew about You Chen.
Of course, it was the version Yu Xiaogang had packaged and processed, trying his best to make You Chen seem less "righteous and just," portraying him instead as someone who would stop at nothing to rise in power and strength.
In a way, Yu Xiaogang's smear was spot on, but the problem was that his evidence was based entirely on subjective conjectures, largely untrue. It was merely a result of his inner concern that his disciple might be swayed to You Chen's side.
Deep down, he was reluctant to admit that he actually harbored a hidden admiration and envy for You Chen—admiration that far surpassed the surface-level idolization of Tang Hao.
Jealousy was real, hatred was real, but so was admiration.
Because, just as You Chen's persona was theoretically Bibi Dong's ideal, for Yu Xiaogang, You Chen's way of living was precisely what he aspired to be...
Given his worry that his disciple might be swayed by this "perfect other self," it made sense for Yu Xiaogang to smear You Chen as much as possible.
Yet, due to his underlying admiration and longing for his idol, he couldn't bring himself to smear You Chen completely.
In the end, he portrayed You Chen as an unconventional "poisonous strategist," akin to a counselor without the "cautious" aspect of Jia Xu. Such a character could hardly be deemed entirely evil.
He seemed rather convoluted and contradictory...
Much like his nonsensical, erratic ex-girlfriend.
Tang San, unaware of Yu Xiaogang's complex thoughts, was merely stroking his chin, muttering quietly, "At least a Soul Elder-level researcher? But one focused on cultivating his martial spirit, so his overall strength wouldn't be weak, and his martial spirit is a speed-type with dragon lineage, is that it..."
Tang San contemplated that with his current funds and materials, crafting a Zhuge Divine Crossbow was about his limit. Given its performance, it might be challenging to pose a threat to this Master You Chen... Whether a speed-type Soul Elder could react to the Zhuge Divine Crossbow was uncertain. The biggest issue was the uncertainty of You Chen's exact strength, with Soul Elder being just the probable minimum.
Realizing this, Tang San understood that attempting to deliver his "path to destruction" package might not be feasible for now.
Seeing that Tang San seemed to abandon some improper thoughts, Yu Xiaogang secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
Due to Tang Hao's differing views of Yu Xiaogang from the original story, Tang Hao hadn't directly given Yu Xiaogang that token this time, and Yu Xiaogang naturally hadn't considered resisting or retaliating against You Chen.
After all... he now had the best disciple, and a few gold soul coins were of little consequence.
Yu Xiaogang, thinking this, looked at Tang San with affection.
However... the next morning, coinciding with the weekend, Tang San still chose to head to the blacksmith shop, entering the job and crafting the Zhuge Divine Crossbow, along with some small concealed weapons.
As in the original story, from the blacksmith Shi San, Tang San learned that the hammer technique he wielded was called the "Chaotic Cloak Hammer Technique," beginning to realize the extraordinary nature of his father.
But at this moment, Tang San didn't delve too deeply into this matter. What was important was seeking justice for his teacher!
After arranging with Shi San to return to work the next day, Tang San went straight to his teacher's residence to express his intentions.
"Teacher, I still think we shouldn't let this go! Since the mastermind behind this is You Chen, let's go confront him directly!"
Yu Xiaogang was taken aback by these words, frantically waving his hands, "Xiao San, have you forgotten that he's not only a big figure in the Spirit Hall but also at least a powerful Soul Elder? If we provoke him, we won't come out unscathed! The Spirit Hall's influence is immense, and even if he beats us, we have nowhere to seek redress!"
On the surface, Yu Xiaogang seemed frantic and helpless, but inwardly, he was delighted.
After all, Tang San had the protection of that Haotian Douluo. With Tang San by his side, what harm could come from seeking justice from You Chen?
Faced with his teacher's objections, Tang San's gaze was unwavering, and he argued confidently, "Since he's a theoretical scholar like you, he likely won't resort to violence without cause. We're merely reasoning with him. If he chooses to act violently, what face does he have left?"
Having been in this world for so long, Tang San hadn't fully transitioned from his "path to destruction" mindset, but he knew that generally, in an orderly city like this, without a life-and-death feud, soul masters wouldn't kill one another.
Moreover, from his teacher's description of You Chen, Tang San understood that although You Chen was ruthless in seeking power, it was still within the bounds of rules.
Much like how we might describe a modern person as ruthless to rise in rank, we wouldn't assume they'd resort to murder to achieve their goals.
As for being beaten up? If it's for his esteemed teacher, what's the harm in being beaten!?
Tang San felt the righteous light shining upon his face.
As for... seeking justice? Tang San already had a plan in mind.
Thus, together, the teacher and disciple arrived at the gates of You Chen's residence, which could be considered a mansion.
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