Tang Hao watched everything unfold.
From Tang San's arrival in the city to his encounter with Yu Xiaogang, the acceptance as a disciple, You Chen exposing Yu Xiaogang as a fraud, the ensuing conflict, and the eventual unhappy dispersal...
He observed it all.
According to You Chen's classification of soul power control, Tang Hao had also reached a masterful level.
Coupled with the abilities honed from his youthful travels across the continent and adventures in the soul beast forests, plus his Titled Douluo strength and attributes, he could clearly observe Tang San from hundreds of meters away while perfectly concealing his presence and aura from others.
You Chen's meticulous caution, even in actions that posed no direct harm to Tang San, was naturally to guard against Tang Hao's presence.
In terms of reconnaissance and counter-reconnaissance skills, Tang Hao was not exceptionally outstanding, but his Titled Douluo physique was like that of a superhuman compared to ordinary soul masters.
So You Chen believed one could never be too cautious.
In fact, when arranging for the Beast Handlers to relay messages to him, You Chen was prepared to abandon them as sacrificial pawns.
After all, he cultivated these loyal agents precisely for such critical moments.
As for avoiding contact with Tang San? This option was quickly ruled out by You Chen.
"I must say, that kid had a point," Tang Hao muttered to himself.
"Yu Xiaogang is indeed a mediocrity. Most of his so-called theories are plagiarized from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and Spirit Hall's archives. Such a fraud and waste has no right to teach Xiao San!"
Tang Hao, clad in tattered black clothes, appeared unkempt as always, but gone was the thick stench of alcohol. His dark eyes were sharp and full of vigor.
Despite his fallen status, he remained a Titled Douluo.
At this moment, the slightest release of his aura would be enough to terrify ordinary adults.
The next moment, the sharpness in his eyes faded, turning dim.
"But... Xiao San has already acknowledged him as a teacher. This guy's research skills and theoretical knowledge are mediocre, and his personal strength is garbage among garbage. Even a dog with his resources would be the king of dogs, yet he's still a complete waste! However, his knowledge base is undeniable. After all, he's from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and has studied at Spirit Hall. Oh well..."
Since he was not yet willing to reveal himself to Tang San, having Yu Xiaogang lay the foundation during this phase was far superior to the resources and teachers available to a typical soul master.
As a "waste," could he really ask for more?
Unless he personally stepped in, finding a better teacher was unlikely...
'Actually, there is one.'
Tang Hao pondered internally.
From the conversation between the parties, he learned that the renowned master of theory was now residing in Nordin City.
Compared to the fraudulent trickery of Yu Xiaogang, You Chen's abilities commanded even a Titled Douluo like Tang Hao's respect.
During Tang Hao's travels, You Chen's fame was at its peak, unlike his current reclusive state.
It was only then that Tang Hao, the "reckless warrior," realized this fact.
'Come to think of it, I haven't heard much about this master of theory lately. When I traveled to cities back then, I often heard tales of him in taverns. Is it because I've been living in a small village like Holy Soul Village these past few years?
And there's something odd. Why would someone of his stature be in a place like Nordin City? Surely he's not hiding from Spirit Hall's bounties like me... Wait!'
A spark of insight flashed in Tang Hao's mind: 'Could it be... that some of his research offended certain factions within Spirit Hall, causing him to be sidelined here? ...Haha, probably not. This isn't a storybook; it's unlikely to be such a coincidence. There must be another reason.'
Ultimately, he failed to realize You Chen had been effectively blacklisted in the theoretical community.
In another novel, this might seem like a forced reduction of a character's intelligence.
But for Tang Hao... readers might even feel that considering the possibility of You Chen being ostracized and exiled is an epic leap in intelligence! This surpasses Tang Hao's original character intellect!
However, the author can justify this!
This... is also empathy!
Just as Tang San sensed a kindred spirit in the underappreciated Yu Xiaogang.
Tang Hao also sensed the plight of a fallen genius in You Chen!
'If... this master truly has been sidelined by Spirit Hall's inner circle, allowing Xiao San to become his disciple would indeed be the best choice.'
Tang Hao thought to himself.
Unlike the charlatan Yu Xiaogang, in Tang Hao's eyes, this master had genuine talent!
Despite starting with low innate soul power, You Chen rose from humble beginnings. During the time when Ah Yin was still around, Tang Hao heard that this master with only 2-level innate soul power had become a Soul Ancestor. Now, after all these years, perhaps he's reached the Soul King level?
And Yu Xiaogang? Despite backing from a top clan, he squandered resources, leading to dissatisfaction among his kin and eventual expulsion. To this day, he remains a waste.
As the son of a top clan leader, Tang Hao held nothing but disdain for Yu Xiaogang, ashamed to be associated with him!
With You Chen's talent and background, if Tang San were to be trained by him, perhaps his Blue Silver Emperor bloodline could awaken early!
Thinking of this, Tang Hao felt a tinge of excitement.
Tang San was not only the only child of Ah Yin and himself but also his hope for revenge! Naturally, the sooner his talent manifested, the better!
But Tang Hao quickly regained his composure.
Ultimately, You Chen belonged to Spirit Hall. Even if there was a chance of discord between him and Spirit Hall, Tang Hao couldn't risk it.
He... couldn't afford to gamble!
'For now, let's see if Yu Xiaogang genuinely helps Xiao San.'
Tang Hao concluded internally.
Then, his gaze subtly shifted to Xiao Wu, who was joyously bouncing next to You Chen, his eyes filled with complexity.
'A soul beast taking human form, who would've thought I'd encounter it again in this life...'
Greed, hope, nostalgia, pity...
Countless emotions churned and tangled within Tang Hao.
Ultimately, they transformed into a long sigh.
"Ah Yin, our child truly takes after us. Xiao San... he's so much like me back then, so similar!"
How could he not notice Tang San's peculiar gaze towards Xiao Wu?
Was it the soul beast bloodline in his child acting up?
Or... was it destiny's cycle?
A child born of human and soul beast love, falling for a soul beast in kind!
Tang Hao looked away, focusing on the silhouettes of Tang San and Yu Xiaogang entering the administrative office together.
Then, he vanished from the rooftop.
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