Soul Land: I Am the True Grandmaster

Chapter 171: Cursed Martial Spirit

"Little San, do you have a second martial spirit?" Yu Xiaogang asked, the thought forming abruptly.

Yu Xiaogang's intuition was correct, though it struck him by luck. Tang San's second martial spirit, a secret as critical as his past life memories, was not something he intended to reveal. Before coming to school, Tang Hao had strictly warned him to keep his second martial spirit concealed. A flash of coldness crossed Tang San's gaze. The secrecy of this second spirit was paramount; he couldn't let anyone learn about it. He even considered using his sleeve dart to silence Yu Xiaogang.

But aware of Yu Xiaogang's strength, Tang San restrained himself, choosing instead to feign innocence. "No, Teacher, isn't one martial spirit the limit for everyone?"

Yu Xiaogang, a stickler for thoroughness, didn't immediately deny Tang San's response. Instead, he looked at his new disciple with approval. "Little San, it's wise to keep your secrets. But if your innate tenth level spirit power only supports a common vine, then something doesn't add up. I strongly suspect that you have a second spirit.

"Cases of dual martial spirits are rare, but not unheard of. Even the current Pope, Bibi Dong, is a dual spirit genius. And now that you are my disciple, know that I mean you no harm. Show me your second martial spirit; I never thought I'd be fortunate enough to take on a disciple with twin spirits. This is a blessing!"

Tang San was struck by Yu Xiaogang's depth of knowledge, feeling a pang of guilt for doubting his intentions. Apologetically, he brought out his second spirit, the Clear Sky Hammer.

Seeing the Clear Sky Hammer, Yu Xiaogang's initial pride turned to shock. He froze, gaping, which prompted Tang San to ask, "Teacher, do you know what my hammer is?"

Yu Xiaogang didn't answer immediately. Instead, he asked, "Little San, what are your parents' names?"

Trusting his teacher, Tang San replied without hesitation, "My father is the village blacksmith, Tang Hao. I don't know my mother's name; my father never told me."

Yu Xiaogang's thoughts whirled, realizing with dismay that Tang San was indeed the son of the legendary Clear Sky Douluo. Despite his shock, he knew he couldn't risk antagonizing Tang San. Choosing his words carefully, he replied, "This hammer's nature is a matter best discussed with your father. I can only tell you that it harbors secrets. If your father chooses to stay silent, I must respect his decision."

Tang San, moved by what he saw as Yu Xiaogang's respect for his father, grew even more loyal to him. Yu Xiaogang then sent Tang San to his dormitory.

Once Tang San was gone, Yu Xiaogang's face darkened as he silently cursed his luck. Damn it. Here I thought I'd stumbled upon a once in a lifetime prodigy who could elevate the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's status and finally win my recognition.

"But he's the son of Clear Sky Douluo… No, I have to report this immediately before…"

Just as Yu Xiaogang was about to leave for Spirit Hall to report Tang Hao and Tang San, a suffocating pressure filled the room, like a liquid ocean of invisible force weighing down on him. Yu Xiaogang froze, his face paling in terror as he guessed the source of the pressure.

Though there were rumors that the "Three Upper Sects" stood united, Yu Xiaogang scoffed at the notion. Clear Sky Clan? Nothing but bad luck. If the clan's enemies found out about Tang Hao's son, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, with just one Titled Douluo, would be at their mercy. I'd be condemned as a traitor to the clan!

"Long time no see, Doctor Yu. In such a hurry where are you going?" Tang Hao's voice cut through the pressure as he floated through the window, clad in black robes.

Yu Xiaogang forced a strained smile, bowing with forced politeness. "Your Excellency, Clear Sky."

Tang Hao offered no greeting, only a cold stare. "Doctor Yu, I trust you weren't planning on reporting my son and me to Spirit Hall?"

Yu Xiaogang silently cursed; the damnable Clear Sky Douluo had been shadowing his son, likely hearing every word. Deciding to risk a bluff, Yu Xiaogang calculated that if Tang Hao was letting his son attend school, he likely wouldn't attack him, as doing so would expose his whereabouts.

"Report? Of course not, Your Excellency. I was only leaving to fetch some educational materials for Little San."

Tang Hao smirked, unimpressed. "Save your tricks. I know perfectly well that you were heading to report us. But think carefully; if you betray me, I'll target your clan's head."

Yu Xiaogang's forehead broke into a cold sweat. Once, his uncle Yu Yuanzhen had soundly beaten Tang Hao and Tang Xiao, but that had been when they were still Spirit Douluos. Since then, Tang Hao had become an even stronger Titled Douluo, capable of defeating the late Pope of Spirit Hall himself. Yu Xiaogang knew that his uncle, even if still powerful, couldn't withstand such a foe.

Seeing no other choice, Yu Xiaogang forced himself to agree. "Rest assured, Your Excellency, I won't betray you."

Tang Hao released the pressure, his voice turning serious. "Listen carefully. I know what's on your mind, but it doesn't matter to me. Your job is to help my son develop his first martial spirit. Once he reaches the point of absorbing ten thousand year spirit rings, I expect you to have a plan for him to safely absorb rings for his second spirit as well. If you succeed, you'll gain recognition. And if his hammer is discovered, you can claim ignorance. Understood?"

Yu Xiaogang shivered as Tang Hao reapplied his aura, forcing him to mask his true feelings. "Thank you, Your Excellency, for trusting me. I will certainly do my utmost to train him."

Satisfied, Tang Hao withdrew, leaving as abruptly as he'd appeared.

Yu Xiaogang released a shaky breath once Tang Hao was gone. Although he silently cursed the Clear Sky Douluo, he dared not let his bitterness show. His experience had taught him that a Titled Douluo's mental acuity far surpassed that of ordinary soul masters, able to see through a spirit beast's human disguise with a mere glance. And who could say whether Tang Hao wasn't still lurking nearby, watching?

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