[DD]: 155

If Tang San had many doubts before Flender spoke, he now somewhat understood why Yu Xiaogang left the academy—it seemed he had been dismissed.

But why didn't his teacher tell him?

Tang San could understand buying food, but why inquire about a visiting healing soul master, especially one who could set bones? That was odd.

Wait, setting bones?

Tang San's pupils involuntarily dilated.

He thought about it. Setting aside today's events, he could be certain that the changes in Yu Xiaogang's body only occurred after yesterday's treatment.

Could it be that his breakthrough was connected to setting bones?

The bone fragments in his left leg had been destroyed by him, but when he checked this morning, the bones in his left leg were completely intact.

At the time, Yu Xiaogang's talk about helping him join the first team had drawn his attention. Thinking back now, it seemed unbelievable.

The person who treated him was the same Grandmaster Gou as before, but when treating Dai Mubai, he hadn't displayed such strong healing abilities.

Even if he possessed such abilities, could he make bones grow out of thin air overnight, by half a finger's length?

Even the Nine-Hearted Begonia, known for being able to bring the dead back to life and regenerate flesh and bones, would require at least a Soul Sage-level healer for such a feat. But if Tang San remembered correctly, Grandmaster Gou was only at the Soul King level.

Tang San's eyes brightened. It seemed the key lay in some special method to achieve this effect.

He could also sense that the great surprise Yu Xiaogang mentioned before leaving, along with the pride he unconsciously displayed when they met that morning, was genuine.

Maybe Yu Xiaogang had truly discovered something incredible, like his Ten Core Competencies of Martial Soul, and it was something that could help people break through quickly.

At this thought, Tang San's heart began to race.

What he needed most now was a way to grow stronger, to enhance his strength for the Soul Master competition quickly, and to meet his father.

Moreover, after losing to the Emperor Team in Sotou City, he had uncovered a significant problem—or perhaps a flaw.

Although his Blue Silver Grass Martial Soul had undergone major changes under his teacher's guidance, when facing other geniuses at the same level, his martial soul still seemed weak.

If he relied solely on his Blue Silver Grass, without other techniques, he wouldn't even be able to defeat Ma Hongjun, the lowest-ranked among them, especially when their martial soul had attributes that countered his.

In situations where using hidden weapons was inconvenient, even when he used other techniques, the best outcome was mutual defeat. His earlier clash with Zhu Zhuqing, where they both got injured, was proof of this. And Zhu Zhuqing's martial soul wasn't even top-tier among their peers.

This was difficult for Tang San to accept, given that he had always prided himself as a genius.

While it was satisfying to see others surprised when he revealed his Blue Silver Grass martial soul, it was a different matter when his spirit abilities were easily defeated. The bitterness he felt was something only he could understand.

After all, he had another martial soul, one incredibly powerful, yet he couldn't use it. This made him feel stifled. And now, with a potential method for quick breakthroughs in front of him, how could he resist?

Teacher, oh teacher, why didn't you tell me about this incredible method? You've already broken through yourself. Don't you know how much I need this? Or, as Zhu Zhuqing said, do you only see me as a tool?

In that instant, countless thoughts flashed through Tang San's mind, causing his breathing to grow unsteady.

"Brother, I know you're sad about the master's departure, but don't forget, you still have me."

A soft body leaned against Tang San's trembling figure from behind.

At the same time, Xiao Wu's gentle voice entered his ears, calming his emotions.

Tang San's mood stabilized.

"Thank you, Xiao Wu. Don't worry, I'm fine."

With Xiao Wu's comfort, Tang San regained his rationality.

His teacher's behavior when leaving didn't seem fake. He had specifically reminded Tang San to trust him. Perhaps the theory and method weren't fully developed yet.

Maybe borrowing money and inquiring about healing soul masters was part of his experiment? To refine the method?

However, that was 200 gold soul coins—half of his entire fortune. He couldn't let his teacher waste it.

Since he already knew where his teacher was staying, he would help him improve it.

Wait, the injuries Yu Xiaogang sustained yesterday were clearly from a beating. Now that he had left the academy, there was no guarantee that the people who attacked him wouldn't come after him again. He had to ensure his teacher's safety.

Yes, he would need to check if Grandmaster Gou was still around. Maybe he could learn something from him too.

In his heart, Tang San found a perfectly reasonable excuse, which made him feel much better. Suddenly, the future seemed brighter.

"Alright, let's have lunch first. The master's departure will only make me stronger."

Tang San took Xiao Wu's hand and smiled warmly.

"Okay."

Xiao Wu blushed slightly.

She didn't know when it started, but she was becoming more and more like a real human.

After lunch, Tang San escorted Xiao Wu back to her dormitory and prepared to visit Grandmaster Gou.

He had already left the villa but, after some thought, turned back to grab a fruit basket from the table before leaving again.

Half an hour later, he emerged from Grandmaster Gou's room with a faint smile on his face.

Although the fruit wasn't particularly valuable, Grandmaster Gou appreciated Tang San's good manners. Knowing that Tang San was Yu Xiaogang's disciple, he briefly explained what had happened the previous day.

Thanks to Grandmaster Gou's forthrightness, Tang San was able to piece together the final part of the puzzle.

No wonder Yu Xiaogang's left leg had healed so quickly—Grandmaster Gou had used a special technique.

By manually piecing together the bone fragments and using a soul beast's bone as a repair material, Grandmaster Gou demonstrated impressive skill. No wonder he was so well-regarded at Heaven Dou Imperial Academy.

Tang San sighed in admiration. Even now, the variety of strange martial souls and their unique applications continue to expand his understanding. This particular method was something he never would have thought of—he had been prepared for his teacher to be permanently crippled.

So, was Yu Xiaogang's breakthrough connected to this? Was Yu Xiaogang seeking bone-setting experts and healing soul masters because he suspected this?

Using a soul beast's bone to replace one's own—could the effect be that significant? Or was this a low-grade version of the soul bone that his teacher had mentioned before?

Tang San let his thoughts wander. After learning about this, his desire for it wasn't as strong as it had been earlier.

He was somewhat resistant to the idea. In his heart, he believed that the body, given by one's parents, should not be altered so lightly. But…

Never mind. Given Yu Xiaogang's character, the fact that he hadn't revealed this method yet, and hadn't told Tang San, probably meant it wasn't fully developed.

Tang San forced his thoughts back on track. Whether this method was viable or not, his respected teacher was already testing it. If needed, Tang San could endure some hardship in the coming days, not only to protect his teacher but also to observe the results.

As for Dean Flender, that would be easy to handle. He could use Yu Xiaogang's departure as an excuse to temporarily take leave.

As for Xiao Wu, Tang San frowned slightly. He didn't want to lie to her, but until this matter was fully resolved, it wasn't something that should be widely known.

After thinking it over, Tang San decided to use the excuse of a breakthrough in hidden weapons and claim that he was heading to Heaven Dou City to test them. This would buy him some time and satisfy both Flender and Xiao Wu.

He decided to set the timeframe for ten days. Any longer might raise suspicion. Having made his decision, Tang San headed straight for the villa area—there was no time to waste.

As for whether Yu Xiaogang would make up his mind within ten days, that wasn't something Tang San was concerned about. If his teacher couldn't decide, Tang San would create an accident to help him.

After all, for a soul master with no real combat power, an accidental injury to the right leg would seem reasonable, wouldn't it?

After finding Xiao Wu and Flender, Tang San successfully obtained his leave.

Xiao Wu had initially planned to accompany him, but after Tang San mentioned Tai Long, she obediently stayed at the academy.

Upon arriving in Heaven Dou City, Tang San, to avoid suspicion, found a blacksmith shop. After paying a fee, he successfully rented a single-person room.

Of course, the main reason for this was that on his way down the mountain, Tang San noticed Flender trailing him from a distance. It wasn't until Tang San entered the rented room, and Flender observed him a while longer, that he finally left.

For the next ten days, this would be his base of operations.

What Tang San didn't know was that, just as he had chosen this place to lay low, Tang Hao had once again sought out Flender.

Tang Hao was still the same—drinking heavily and getting mocked in taverns for only ordering the cheapest drinks. But he didn't care; he was in a good mood and didn't want to argue with anyone.

Today was the day Tang San was supposed to join the Emperor Team, so he had come.

However, he came up empty-handed. After searching around, he realized that both Yu Xiaogang and Tang San were not at the academy.

"Flender, where are Yu Xiaogang and Xiao San?"

Flender had just finished an afternoon training session and was returning to his office. As soon as he opened the door, he heard a voice from inside.

What are you doing? Why do you always show up after everything has happened, or even after it's all over? Do you care about your son? Good thing I made preparations in advance.

Flender caught a strong whiff of alcohol from Tang Hao and couldn't help but grumble inwardly.

Outwardly, though, he remained respectful. Quickly closing the door, he bowed and said, "Replying to the honorable Clear Sky Douluo, it seems unlikely that Tang San will be able to join the first team. Given the current situation, it appears Yu Xiaogang fled because he feared your punishment."

Under Tang Hao's oppressive presence, Flender cursed silently in his heart while quickly summarizing the events.

He emphasized that Yu Xiaogang did not conduct any background checks beforehand and mentioned that, before leaving, Yu Xiaogang even swindled 200 gold soul coins from Tang San.

Of course, Flender didn't forget to mention the places he had already searched and reported Tang San's current whereabouts.

Seeing Flender not daring to lift his head, Tang Hao's face was terrifyingly grim. Yet, deep inside, he felt a sense of helplessness. How was he supposed to unleash his anger now?

Also, Xiao San—why do you trust that worthless teacher of yours so much? Damn you, Yu Xiaogang!

In Heaven Dou City, just as Tang San was stealthily sneaking into Yu Xiaogang's residence and digging a hole in the wall next door to observe, he suddenly had to cover his mouth and nose to suppress a sneeze.

At the same time, Yu Xiaogang, who was excitedly examining a pile of slightly green soul beast bones by lamplight, sneezed three times in a row.