Chapter 98: Yu Xiaogang suffered utter disgrace, his audacity knew no bounds

Thinking that Tang San still had the chance to remove those few ten-year halos and absorb higher-level soul rings, Tang Hao's breathing grew rapid.

He stared at Yu Xiaogang opposite him with a tense face, his voice full of tension and worry.

"Is what you're saying true?"

"Of course it's true!"

Yu Xiaogang gave his affirmative answer without hesitation, though inside he was panicking.

Yu Xiaogang knew well that, having already given Tang Hao hope, if he now told him it was false, the angry Tang Hao would surely smash him to pieces with his Haotian Hammer.

Regarding the matter of having read the Spirit Hall's secret manuals, what Yu Xiaogang said was indeed true, and the so-called ten major martial soul core competitiveness was indeed plagiarized from the experience and conclusions summed up by generations of strong ones in the Spirit Hall.

But as for changing soul rings, that was purely Yu Xiaogang making things up.

However, Yu Xiaogang felt he had done nothing wrong; if he didn't find a way to deceive Tang Hao, Flandre and Zhao Wuji would definitely die at his hands.

For the sake of their lives, Yu Xiaogang felt that even acting as a con artist once didn't matter.

"Great, no need for more words!"

Tang Hao couldn't tell whether Yu Xiaogang was deceiving him, but since he had seen hope, he was still willing to believe him once.

"You'd better pray this is true; if you're deceiving me, I'll definitely make you die miserably."

Yu Xiaogang forced himself to stay calm and said.

"Don't worry, I never deceive people."

Tang Hao, who had originally wanted to believe Yu Xiaogang, became somewhat hesitant after hearing those words.

This guy just admitted that his title of Grandmaster was obtained through deceit, and now he says he never deceives people?

Which of his words is true, after all?

Seeing Tang Hao again develop some doubt toward him, Yu Xiaogang hurriedly said.

"If you want to remove those weak soul rings, you at least have to wait until Xiao San becomes a Title Douluo before you can try; this cannot be rushed."

"Moreover, I will try to find a way to go to the Spirit Hall again to look for more records and methods about changing soul rings."

Tang Hao had heard that Yu Xiaogang's relationship with Bibi Dong was extraordinary, so after hearing this he felt somewhat relieved.

Given the Spirit Hall's resources, there might actually be a method for changing soul rings.

Then let's temporarily believe Yu Xiaogang; if we later discover he's deceiving us, we'll make him wish he were dead.

Tang Hao retracted his Haotian Hammer, took a deep breath, and said coldly.

"I'm going to ask Xiao San right now; if it's you who are deceiving me about Luo Ye being the culprit behind his several ten-year soul rings, then those two had better not think they'll stay alive."

After saying that, he didn't bother with the reactions of Yu Xiaogang, Flandre, and Zhao Wuji, and turned and left directly.

Yu Xiaogang stood where he was for a while before finally helping Flandre and Zhao Wuji up; looking at their injuries, he let out a long sigh and said.

"You two wait here; I'll go find a healing soul master for you right away."

Yu Xiaogang turned to leave, but Flandre grabbed him; even though blood kept flowing from the corner of his mouth, Flandre still asked without regard.

"Xiao Gang, are what you just said true or false? I know you want to save us two, but if you're deceiving Tang Hao, then none of us three will survive."

Zhao Wuji was equally very curious.

Although he, as the Unmoving Wisdom King, is at least a Soul Saint-level expert, he had never heard of such a thing as changing soul rings.

The most absurd part is that Tang Hao actually believed it.

Truly worthy of the title Grandmaster; he can casually fabricate a lie and make people believe it.

Yu Xiaogang's facial expression kept changing; finally he gritted his teeth and said.

"Of course it's true; you don't need to worry about this—I'll handle it from now on."

In Yu Xiaogang's view, he still had plenty of time; even if Tang San's talent was indeed very strong, becoming a Title Douluo would still take at least ten or twenty years.

With Yu Xiaogang's methods, after so many years, Tang San would long ago have obeyed him without daring to disobey.

By then, even if Tang Hao wanted to cause trouble for him, Tang San would certainly step forward to block it for him.

Presumably, even if Tang San learned the truth, he would certainly understand his good intentions.

Just as Yu Xiaogang had gone out the door to find a healing soul master for the two of them, he heard Zhao Wuji complain.

"Flandre, I only now know how his Grandmaster title came about—he actually plagiarized the experience and theories summarized by the strong ones of the Spirit Hall; his gall is truly enormous."

"That's not important; what matters is that Xiao Gang published the theories the Spirit Hall had kept hidden, benefiting countless soul masters across the continent, so he certainly deserves the title of Grandmaster."

"Tch, in the end it's still deceitful."

"Alright, alright, stop talking—don't let Xiao Gang hear."

"What if he hears? He himself admitted it's plagiarism—can't I say it?"

"You jerk, Xiao Gang always values face more than life; if it weren't to save us two, he would never admit something like this."

Outside the door, Yu Xiaogang's face grew dark to the extreme, his gaze also becoming gloomy and indistinct.

He knew well that after today, he could no longer maintain the demeanor of a Grandmaster before Flandre and Zhao Wuji; he had already suffered utter disgrace and loss of reputation.

"Xiao San."

Tang San, sitting cross-legged on the dormitory bed, instantly opened his eyes upon hearing that familiar call.

What came into view was Tang Hao, his eyes blood-red and his body slightly trembling.

At the moment he saw his father, Tang San tore away his disguise, his lips trembling slightly, and he spoke with a choking voice.

"Dad."

Tang Hao lunged forward in a single stride and directly embraced Tang San in his arms.

"Xiao San, you have suffered."

"Wu wu wu"

A feeling of injustice surged to his heart, making Tang San unable to control his emotions any longer, and he directly burst into tears, sobbing loudly.

Originally, Tang San had a bright future and even possessed twin martial souls, but because of the recent soul‑hunting operation, he has become as worthless as Yu Xiaogang.

How could Tang San, who once lived with a lofty, disdainful attitude toward all beings, possibly accept this?

He had tried to hide his breakdown from others, but now, facing Tang Hao, he no longer wants to keep up the act.

"Dad, what should I do? I now have only six soul rings total from my two martial souls, and four of them are ten‑year ones—am I already useless?"

Tang Hao gently stroked Tang San's head with his rough hand, trying to appear as calm as possible, and offered comfort.

"It's okay, it's okay, Xiao San. Dad will think of a way for you—don't give up just like that; there is still hope."

(End of chapter)