Soul Land: I Am the True Grandmaster

Chapter 154: Yu Xiaogang's Restless Ambitions

Bibi Dong's endorsement of Tianxing Academy's Pavilion of Truth had a profound impact, elevating her standing among Spirit Hall's members and the common soul masters alike. Many saw this as a wise alignment with the neutral but reputable Tianxing Academy, solidifying Spirit Hall's influence. Meanwhile, Ye Wen received a new honorific beyond "Master" he was now also known as the "Sage," though few would dare to address him that way directly.

In the distant Barak Kingdom, two conspicuous figures lingered at the entrance of a Truth Library, eyeing the Pavilion of Truth notice on the wall. One looked utterly bored, while the other's eyes glimmered with interest. They were none other than the famed "Golden Duo," Yu Xiaogang and Flender, renowned for their joint soul fusion skill, the Golden Sacred Dragon. With their combined abilities, they had made a name for themselves and were both now Soul Kings, able to hold their own against even Soul Sages when using their fusion skill.

Yu Xiaogang's father, Yu Yuanzhen, had sought them out long ago, intrigued by the fame they had achieved. While at first disapproving of Yu Xiaogang's chosen path alongside Flender, he saw that his son's cultivation was progressing respectably and allowed him to continue adventuring with his companion. Before leaving, Yu Yuanzhen even arranged for Yu Xiaogang to obtain a light attribute dragon soul beast as his fifth spirit ring. However, due to Ye Wen's interference in past events, the Golden Iron Triangle had never fully formed.

Years of rough adventuring had taken their toll. Flender's unkempt, stubbled appearance was reminiscent of a much older man, and Yu Xiaogang's unshaven face was not far behind. Cut off from family resources and with their levels over forty, neither received subsidies from Spirit Hall anymore, and they could barely make ends meet hunting soul beasts.

Despite these hardships, Yu Xiaogang felt gratified by their fame. Those who once sneered now looked at him with admiration, and he reveled in this new sense of validation.

"Xiaogang, are you seriously planning to go all the way to Tianxing Academy to take these tests?" Flender's grumbling pulled Yu Xiaogang from his reverie.

"Do you think I could get a high level title without taking the exams?" Yu Xiaogang snapped back, annoyed. "Who's been identifying soul beasts and planning our hunts all this time? Without me, you'd barely make a living."

Flender grudgingly admitted that Yu Xiaogang's knowledge of soul beasts was indeed unmatched. He studied the announcement on the wall and sighed.

"Ten gold soul coins just for a low tier title? Seems hardly worth the trip, and you'd have to join to get the benefits. We'd do better sticking to hunting soul beasts."

Annoyed, Yu Xiaogang pointed at the poster. "Look here! I can at least qualify for a Scholar title, maybe even the next level, Scholar of Souls."

Flender, thinking back, acknowledged that Yu Xiaogang's background as the son of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's patriarch did give him insights into training up to the Soul Sage level, which might just meet the exam's standards for a "Bachelor" title. Still, the hundred coin stipend didn't seem worth the hassle.

"Even if you pass, that's still just a hundred gold coins. Is it really worth the trouble?"

"It's not about the coins!" Yu Xiaogang retorted, irritated. "Do you think I care about something as paltry as gold soul coins? What I care about is this chance at recognition." Since resuming his training, Yu Xiaogang's ambition had only grown. He knew his potential was limited, that even with Flender's support, he would at best become a Soul Sage or possibly a Soul Douluo. But that would never bring him true fame.

Over time, Yu Xiaogang had come to believe that he was destined for greatness. His name, he thought, should be inscribed in history, a legacy for generations to admire. Just thinking about it made his face flush with excitement.

"Flender, your vision is too narrow," he said, voice brimming with determination. "You can always earn more money, but opportunities to make your name known across the continent don't come often. Let's go to Tianxing Academy and see if I can't make my name famous."

Seeing Yu Xiaogang's resolve, Flender knew there was no arguing with him. With a sigh, he agreed, and the two set off toward Tianxing Academy.

After over a decade of development, the area surrounding Tianxing Academy had transformed from a barren wilderness into a bustling town, aptly named Tianxing Town. In truth, the settlement was large enough to be considered a city, but Ye Wen had decided against using that title, keeping the focus away from political concerns.

The town was filled with a constant stream of people. Gifted soul masters and nobles alike flocked there to register, creating an active and lively atmosphere. Despite its size, Tianxing Town had no walls, as they weren't necessary; even in the event of a beast tide, the academy was filled with enough Soul Sages, Soul Douluos, and Title Douluo level instructors to handle any threat.

Though Flender and Yu Xiaogang had visited numerous large cities, the orderliness of Tianxing Town impressed them. Flender's eyes sparkled with envy.

"This place must be owned by that legendary Ye Wen. With so many buildings and merchants here, he must collect an astronomical amount in rent. He'll never run out of money," he said, awe in his voice.

The tea shop owner nearby, overhearing, brought over some tea and snacks with a grin. "You've got that right! But Master Ye Wen is fair; his rents are much cheaper than other places. Plus, we don't have to worry about the local government causing trouble, and we're safe from wars here. I'm just lucky I settled here early property prices are sky high now."

Both men nodded in agreement. While the Douluo Continent had other neutral forces, none had achieved the same level of influence and reputation as Tianxing Academy.

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