Chapter 476: Chapter 476: Yu Xiaogang’s Fury as His Theories Collapse
Yu Xiaogang was livid. Zhu Zhuqing's martial soul was merely the Ghostly Civet, and if he remembered correctly, her innate spirit power was only at level nine, with minimal boosts from her first three spirit abilities. His disciple, Tang San, was different: born with full innate spirit power, possessing twin martial souls, numerous self-created techniques, and cultivation methods that naturally allowed him to absorb spirit rings beyond his rank. As for Su Ming, he was a true anomaly, starting with only seven levels of innate spirit power!
The crowd showed no sympathy for Yu Xiaogang as he stood pale-faced, having coughed up blood from Gui Mei's pointed remarks. His faulty theories had led to the deaths of many who had followed them blindly. Now, with the exposure that his theories were plagiarized, unrefined versions stolen from Spirit Hall, their regard for him had plummeted.
Seeing the crowd's discontent, Ju Douluo seized the opportunity. "Everyone, on behalf of Spirit Hall, I apologize. The theories stolen by Yu Xiaogang were incomplete and under development. Spirit Hall did not publish them because we were still refining the theories. But rest assured, after this tournament, we'll release an improved version based on the work we've done. Please bear with us."
The announcement was met with applause from the common soul masters in the crowd, who saw Spirit Hall as an advocate for their growth and advancement. However, nobles and other soul masters aligned with powerful factions frowned, recognizing the clever strategy. Spirit Hall had deftly won the goodwill of the common people, though the nobility largely dismissed the rabble as inconsequential.
Watching the crowd's support swell around Spirit Hall, Dai Mubai pointed accusingly at Ju Douluo, saying, "Fine, but let's not forget one thing. Why did Spirit Hall ambush Thunder Academy's team?"
The crowd fell silent.
"Yes, I heard about that too," murmured one soul master, intent on turning the crowd against Spirit Hall. "They must have been afraid of Thunder Academy's strength."
Several voices joined in agreement. Yet others objected, stating, "Don't exaggerate. Even if Spirit Hall acted questionably, no one outside Thunder Academy's team was killed."
"So what?" challenged another. "Why did Spirit Hall target Thunder Academy?"
One soul master, planted by Spirit Hall, explained, "Apparently, it was an ambush involving the long-absent Clear Sky Douluo. And isn't Tang San, Thunder Academy's Tang San, his son? There's been bad blood between Clear Sky Sect and Spirit Hall for years."
The crowd murmured in response, with some suggesting patience until the tournament concluded for a proper explanation.
Meanwhile, Tang San and Oscar's expressions turned uncomfortable.
Seeing that the crowd was waiting, Ju Douluo exchanged a glance with Gui Mei before saying, "We understand the questions and concerns. Rest assured that Spirit Hall will provide a full account after the tournament concludes."
The common soul masters nodded, agreeing to wait for an explanation, while Tang San, Dai Mubai, and the others couldn't shake an uneasy feeling as they caught sight of Ju Douluo's smirk.
Ju Douluo then directed his gaze at Yu Xiaogang and continued mockingly, "Now, I think everyone sees the truth. Yu Xiaogang is no true theorist but a thief who stole Spirit Hall's work." He added with a sly grin, "And, oh yes, Yu Xiaogang is famous for one particular saying."
He raised his voice to ensure all could hear, "Have you ever heard his claim that 'There are no useless martial souls, only useless soul masters'?"
The crowd listened intently, some nodding, although something about Ju Douluo's tone suggested he was leading up to something.
"If Yu Xiaogang really wanted to prove himself, why didn't he ever find a way to surpass his own rank?"
A ripple of realization passed through the crowd. Ju Douluo continued, "And consider his 'talented disciple,' Tang San. Born with full innate spirit power and twin martial souls, his success was practically guaranteed even without Yu Xiaogang. Yet when Tang San becomes a Title Douluo, Yu Xiaogang will be the first to boast, 'Look, I trained a Title Douluo!'"
The crowd burst into murmurs of agreement. Even Su Ming, listening from a distance, struggled to stifle a laugh. Ju Douluo had perfectly predicted Yu Xiaogang's behavior. After Tang San became a god, Yu Xiaogang had proudly claimed he had "trained a god." Su Ming had always thought it ridiculous—Tang San's achievements had nothing to do with his teacher's so-called guidance.
Lost in thought, Tang San stood silently among the crowd, contemplating Ju Douluo's words.
Yu Xiaogang, trembling with anger, raised a shaking finger to point at Ju Douluo, but he couldn't utter a single coherent word.