"What is it?"
Tang San's brow furrowed slightly. "Is there a problem with that?"
His previously friendly demeanor towards Su Yuntao shifted towards dissatisfaction.
Just like in the original story, when Tang San first encountered the teachers at the Notting City Academy's administrative office, he heard their disdainful and dismissive remarks about Yu Xiaogang, both to his face and behind his back.
Add to that the incident where You Xing, You Chen's alternate persona, gave Yu Xiaogang a harsh critique, Tang San had already heard several negative comments about his teacher.
Especially when Yu Xiaogang couldn't directly refute You Xing's questioning and had to bear it silently, this version of Tang San became far more sensitive to his teacher's reputation than in the original story.
When Su Yuntao mentioned Yu Xiaogang, Tang San instinctively felt anger, suspecting that Su Yuntao was also coming to criticize his teacher.
Naturally, his attitude wasn't very pleasant.
Su Yuntao, however, either didn't notice Tang San's change in demeanor or simply didn't care about the attitude of a child.
His expression remained unchanged, and he waved his hand with a smile, saying, "No, no, the cultivation of a soul master is a personal matter. I wouldn't presume to comment on your choices."
Hearing this, Tang San's expression softened somewhat.
But soon, his face darkened even more than before.
Su Yuntao continued, "However, a prominent figure from the Spirit Hall asked me to relay a message to your teacher. The exact words were..."
He seemed to mimic someone's tone, clearing his throat and straightening his neck, putting on an air as he spoke casually, "'Yu Xiaogang, don't you know that the subsidies issued by the Spirit Hall are meant to help young people get through their formative years? You, a forty-something-year-old, a traitor who betrayed the Spirit Hall, where do you get the nerve to come and collect these 10 gold soul coins repeatedly!? I've instructed the white-clad deacon and the guards at the Notting City Spirit Hall to forbid you from entering again! If it happens again, I have a sign ready to be placed at the entrance, reading—[Yu Xiaogang and Dogs Not Allowed!]'"
...
Tang San's anger was palpable.
Even after arguing with Su Yuntao, Su Yuntao could only helplessly express that he was just the messenger.
Even when Tang San inquired about who issued such an order, Su Yuntao simply adopted a stern expression and remained silent.
As for Su Yuntao's inner thoughts...
He was undoubtedly delighted!
No one in the Notting City Spirit Hall liked Yu Xiaogang.
Despite being a failure, he always acted superior, as if he were some big shot, which was utterly repulsive.
His condescending attitude was universally disliked.
In the past, they turned a blind eye because the Hall Master ignored Yu Xiaogang.
Now, being able to humiliate Yu Xiaogang harshly allowed the soul masters of the Spirit Hall, who mostly came from common backgrounds, to vent their pent-up frustrations.
In a sense, this was why many in the Spirit Hall cooperated with You Chen.
Strictly speaking, while the project documents initially stated that the subsidy was meant to support young, background-less common soul masters, helping them through the toughest starting phase (much like how normal projects need to specify funding purposes), there was no explicit rule from the Spirit Hall banning soul masters above a certain age from receiving subsidies.
Soul masters generally had decent earning potential. Using Tang San as an example, even working as a blacksmith, without showcasing his skills, his spirit power-enhanced strength alone would earn him more than an ordinary person.
Before demonstrating his hammer skills, he hadn't revealed his identity as a soul master. To the blacksmith uncle, he probably seemed like an ordinary soul worker.
Yet, he still managed to secure a daily wage of one silver soul coin.
Even if the blacksmith was generous, a monthly salary of three gold soul coins, even if halved, would surpass the Spirit Hall's monthly subsidy.
If soul masters were willing to work, their income wouldn't be lacking.
The Spirit Hall's subsidy was more about freeing up time for young, growing common soul masters to focus on cultivation rather than work.
Yu Xiaogang, while criticizing the Spirit Hall, still collected the subsidy meant for common soul masters, which was somewhat hypocritical.
You Chen, upon reading the original story, had often wanted to retort: "If you're so capable, why don't you work? Do you lack hands? Yet you still take this subsidy to idle away?"
Actually, Yu Xiaogang's intentions were obvious. As a "Master," he felt he should be above menial tasks, standing on high and directing, not engaging in lowly work.
As a yellow-clad deacon, You Chen theoretically had the authority to direct white-clad deacons and the servants of the Spirit Hall.
Of course, what the Hall Master, who was essentially Bibi Dong's subordinate, might do to retract his decision afterward, or deduct his salary, wasn't his concern.
Moreover, Yu Xiaogang was a traitor to the Spirit Hall with a terrible reputation for vanity and deceit. Supporting someone like him would undoubtedly damage the Hall Master's reputation.
Similarly for Bibi Dong, punishing You Chen for someone like Yu Xiaogang would invite considerable scrutiny, even for her.
Thus, You Chen would naturally gain more freedom.
At least he could complete a task.
No matter how you calculate it, he wouldn't lose.
What could Tang San do on his own?
He could only return to Yu Xiaogang's residence and relay the humiliating message to his teacher as tactfully as possible.
Upon hearing Tang San's suggestion to confront them, Yu Xiaogang's face grew somber, and he shook his head, saying, "Xiao San, have you ever wondered why, after all these years, the Spirit Hall has never troubled me over the gold soul coin subsidy, but suddenly they have now?"
Tang San, previously unaware of this information, immediately gained insight after Yu Xiaogang's words: "Teacher, do you know who's giving you trouble?"
Yu Xiaogang nodded, "Someone referred to as a 'big shot' by the white-clad deacons would naturally be at least a yellow-clad deacon, if not higher. Given the prominent figures who have visited Notting City recently... isn't there only one?"
Tang San's expression changed, his pupils contracting, as he softly said, "You Xing's teacher... the theoretical master, You Chen?"
Confusion and bewilderment flickered in Tang San's eyes, which then transformed into a burning anger.
He clenched his fists, questioning through gritted teeth, "Why? Why, as fellow theoretical scholars, would he treat you this way!? It was like this over twenty years ago, and it's still like this now!?"
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