Chapter 23

"'Ten Core Competencies of Martial Spirit?'" Cai Wen mused aloud. 'If my memory serves me right, this is a book authored by Yu Xiaogang, isn't it?'

He studied Bibi Dong's expression, uncertain about what she was hoping to hear, yet he chose to respond truthfully. "The book is indeed insightful. It elucidates aspects a spirit master would inevitably encounter. Some details, often overlooked by many, are thoroughly explained within its pages. It provides a robust foundation for aspiring spirit masters."

He spoke honestly, for it was a valuable resource from which he had gleaned numerous solutions to questions that had plagued him since he had become a spirit master himself.

Despite her animosity towards Yu Xiaogang, Bibi Dong appeared satisfied with his response. She couldn't deny the lingering sentiments she harbored for her ex-lover. As she was about to speak, however, Cai Wen continued.

"However, that's just about it. The book is largely beneficial up to the spirit ancestor rank. Most of the content, although often overlooked, is discussed in exhaustive detail. Nonetheless, these details don't significantly influence anyone's cultivation progress.

Many theories within the book remain unverified, requiring a unique individual to validate them. But even if such an individual were discovered to corroborate these theories, that's as far as it goes. Most of these theories are inapplicable to the average person, which essentially renders them ineffective." Cai Wen continued to express himself candidly.

He was unsure of Bibi Dong's reaction to his critique, but he hoped his frank assessment wouldn't tarnish her opinion of him, particularly given that her ex-lover had written the book

His comments were not concocted; they were based on his interpretation of the book. 'Whilst I respect his intellect,' Cai Wen mused, 'Yu Xiaogang's strengths lie in gathering information and strategic planning. Much of his later fame is attributed to Tang San. His role was akin to a library, providing Tang San with knowledge while the latter achieved most of his accomplishments through personal effort. Tang San external spirit bone, his 10,000-year spirit ring, and other achievements were all due to his own labor. The strength of the Shrek 7 Monsters was also due to the immortal herbs; initially, they didn't even have a considerable advantage against others, except for Tang San and Xiao Wu.

In my opinion, even without Yu Xiaogang, Tang San would have ascended to his future status. In the end, it appears that Yu Xiaogang benefited more from his association with Tang San. He transcended his own limitations, gained recognition, became a god's teacher, married a beautiful woman, and left a lasting legacy with minimal effort.' Cai Wen's internal commentary grew increasingly critical of Yu Xiaogang.

Bibi Dong's eyes conveyed a chilly glare as she watched Cai Wen, but she soon regained control over her emotions. 'Why should I feel upset about my disciple's honest words? They merely serve to underscore the truth I already knew—that man is even more worthless than I had initially thought,' she mused, her feelings of affection and resentment for Yu Xiaogang battling within her.

Cai Wen watched her in silence, fully aware of the turmoil within her. He harbored a sincere hope that she would eventually find the strength to release the ghosts of her past.

Cai Wen reflected on the situation. If he had been in the shoes of the previous Pope—the mentor of Bibi Dong—he might have taken similar actions to separate her from Yu Xiaogang. However, he would have never committed the act of violating her, a grave mistake that led to the Pope's downfall, ultimately meeting his demise at her own hands.

Bibi Dong wielded a twin martial spirit, the disciple of the Pope and the Holy Maiden of the Spirit Hall. In stark contrast, Yu Xiaogang was a man banished from his own clan, a possessor of a useless martial spirit, and an individual trapped at the 29th spirit rank for several decades even until now.

A heavy sigh escaped from Bibi Dong after a moment of silence. Hu Liena looked on, her curiosity piqued by her mentor's reaction, but she refrained from asking any questions. Instead, her attention shifted to her junior brother.

"Hey, junior brother, who wrote the book you're talking about?" Cai Wen couldn't help but wonder if she was intentionally stirring the pot.

"It's Yu Xiaogang," Bibi Dong was the one to reply.

"Eh? Isn't he the one notorious for being the number one theorist with his penchant for publishing a myriad of unproven theories? He's also infamous for stagnating at the spirit grandmaster rank," Hu Liena said, oblivious to the fact that she was talking her mentor's ex.

Cai Wen, who didn't know what possessed him, jokingly chimed in, "Eh, really? He's quite weird. One of his books stated, 'There is no useless spirit, only useless masters.' It seems he's pointing fingers at himself."

He instantly regretted his words, but Hu Liena and the usually silent Chrysanthemums Douluo couldn't resist a chuckle. Meanwhile, Bibi Dong was caught between anger at her students' mockery and amusement at the disdain directed towards the man who had abandoned her.

This whirl of conflicting emotions prompted her to take a deep, calming breath.

"Let's forget that man. I summoned you both here to guide you in your cultivation. My initial plan was to mentor Cai Wen individually, given his new to the world of spirit master. But it seems that won't be necessary anymore. The knowledge you've gleaned from your readings will enable you to advance to the next grade in the academy easily. This is indeed a welcomed development, as I won't have to teach you both separately for now," Bibi Dong stated, having regained her composure and resumed her stoic demeanor.

"Cai Wen, I heard about your duel yesterday. I commend you for triumphing over a more advanced opponent," she began, praising Cai Wen. "Now, for your first lesson, I want you to engage in combat with Hu Liena."

"Eh?" was the simultaneous reaction of the two.