Chapter 191: Grandmaster's Scheme Disgusting, Truly Disgusting
Putting everything else aside, the way everyone was treating Dai Mubai now was completely off. If Han Li didn't know that Qian Renxue had a hand in this, he wouldn't believe it for a second.
Originally, from what he had gathered, Zhu Zhuqing had been the one to distance herself from the small group. But now, it seemed like Dai Mubai was the one being isolated instead.
It was obvious just by looking at the situation on the training field. Even his so called "good brothers" weren't approaching him, and Ning Rongrong's attitude was outright provocative.
Tsk. Qian Renxue wanted the horse to run but didn't want to feed it. Dai Mubai was nothing more than a disposable tool.
And yet, Dai Mubai had no other choice. Like it or not, this was the best team he could find right now. If he let go of this opportunity and lost Qian Renxue's support, his fate was easy to imagine.
So now, despite this flimsy bait holding him in place, he was completely trapped. His resentment toward Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing was clear, but he had no choice but to endure.
Could this team really make it to the finals of the Soul Master Tournament?
For the first time, Han Li genuinely doubted it.
Eh, whatever. They could do as they pleased. Han Li had never considered them his rivals in the first place they were far too weak.
Just as he had this thought, he noticed Yu Xiaogang beckoning Tang San over and leading him toward another part of the training grounds.
After saying a few words to Xiao Wu, Tang San followed him.
"Teacher, what's wrong?"
Tang San looked at Yu Xiaogang with some confusion. He wasn't sure why his teacher had called him out alone.
"Tang San, as your teacher, there's something I must remind you of."
Yu Xiaogang's expression turned serious, and Tang San immediately became more attentive.
"You must have noticed by now the problems in your team have been growing ever since you arrived in Heaven Dou City."
Yu Xiaogang wore a disappointed look, as if waiting for Tang San to acknowledge his words.
"Teacher, I understand what you're saying, but I really don't know what to do."
Tang San smiled bitterly. He wasn't bad at reading people, but after his teammates' true identities had been revealed one after another, the pressure on him had increased dramatically.
Though he was confident that, in the future, he wouldn't be any weaker than the factions backing his teammates, his current strength was clearly insufficient. Avoiding conflict with them was the best course of action for now.
As a Tang Sect disciple, he'd be better off killing someone or forging a hidden weapon than dealing with this kind of interpersonal drama.
"Tang San, you know that in any team, cohesion is the most important factor. Without it, no matter how strong the team is, it will fall apart."
"From the beginning, I built this team with you at its core, but now…"
Yu Xiaogang glanced back at the training grounds, where everyone stood separately, and sighed heavily without finishing his sentence.
Tang San couldn't help but glance back as well. He saw Xiao Wu chatting with Ning Rongrong. When she noticed his gaze, she smiled and waved at him. Tang San returned the smile before turning back to Yu Xiaogang, seeing his teacher's gloomy expression.
Hurriedly, he reassured him, "Teacher, don't worry. I'll figure something out."
"Solutions exist, that's not the problem. The real question is, can they be implemented? And who will implement them?"
Yu Xiaogang looked at Tang San, who was clearly trying to reassure him, and felt both comforted and frustrated.
"So you already have a solution, Teacher? Tell me I'll try to fix things."
Tang San's eyes lit up. He wasn't good at handling people, but if there was a concrete plan, he had no problem executing it.
"Heh. It's not exactly a secret."
Yu Xiaogang felt warm inside at Tang San's words. He knew that Tang San was aware of the issue, but the fact that he was openly relying on his teacher's guidance was a sign of respect.
Tang San, you're truly thoughtful.
"The root of the problem has existed since before you arrived in Heaven Dou City."
Yu Xiaogang maintained his habit of speaking in half finished sentences.
Tang San frowned slightly and lowered his voice. "Teacher, you mean Zhu Zhuqing?"
"Exactly. Sharp as always, Tang San you truly are my disciple."
Yu Xiaogang clasped his hands behind his back, clearly pleased with Tang San's response.
Meanwhile, off to the side, Han Li, who had been eavesdropping on their conversation the entire time, was on the verge of bursting into laughter.
He had to grip his thigh tightly and employ the legendary Dai Pei Ni Concert Technique a sure way to suppress laughter to keep himself from laughing out loud.
He honestly hadn't expected to witness such an incredible display of Fledgling Dragon meets Young Phoenix levels of miscommunication.
So, this was how their conversations had gone for years? Pure guesswork and mind reading?
Tang San lacked social skills, Yu Xiaogang filled in all the blanks with his own assumptions, and somehow, miraculously, their thought frequencies aligned perfectly.
Han Li had to admit this was next level.
Stifling his laughter, Han Li refocused on the two of them.
Hearing Yu Xiaogang's praise, Tang San felt a bit embarrassed but quickly calmed down.
"But Teacher, Zhu Zhuqing refuses to interact with us outside of training and combat. That said, aside from her unwillingness to attempt a Martial Soul Fusion Technique with Boss Dai, she performs excellently in every other aspect and trains very diligently."
Setting aside the Martial Soul Fusion issue, Tang San was actually very satisfied with Zhu Zhuqing. Whether in training or battle, she followed his commands to the letter, which was much better than the others.
"But her talent is the weakest, and don't forget her status. Even if their problems get resolved in the future, she will still just be Dai Mubai's subordinate."
Yu Xiaogang shook his head, reminding Tang San in a serious tone.
"Cooperating with Dai Mubai to complete the Martial Soul Fusion Technique is what she should be doing. But now, she has given up her biggest advantage. No matter how well she performs in other areas, it can't make up for this fatal flaw."
"If the Martial Soul Fusion Technique is completed, the entire team's strength will rise significantly. Only then can you all reach a higher stage. Are you really willing to give that up?"
Yu Xiaogang looked at Tang San with some disappointment, seeing the guilt in his lowered head and knowing his words had gotten through.
He took the opportunity to continue, "You should also know that the champions of the Continental Soul Master Tournament will be awarded three soul bones. As the core of the team, you will certainly get one. This will greatly benefit your strength."
"Not to mention, once you win, your name will be known to everyone. Your father will hear about you. Don't you want to see him again?"
At this point, Yu Xiaogang subtly glanced around, then straightened his posture.
He wasn't sure if Tang Hao was watching from the shadows, but even if he was, he could confidently say that all of this was for Tang San's sake.
Hearing this, Tang San clenched his fists tightly, then lifted his head with a determined expression.
"Teacher, I will do as you say."
He missed Tang Hao it had been years since he had any news of his father. He didn't even know if he was doing well.
And his teacher was right. This was also the perfect chance to prove his teacher's theories. Yu Xiaogang had cared for him for so many years, and it was time to repay that kindness.
"But Teacher, what about Ning Rongrong?"
Right after declaring his stance, Tang San frowned again.
Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong were close now. If he tried to deal with Zhu Zhuqing, Ning Rongrong would undoubtedly get involved, and if she made a scene, it would be difficult to control the situation.
"You don't need to worry about Ning Rongrong your..."
Yu Xiaogang paused briefly before continuing, "Just ignore her. Let her cause a fuss if she wants. As long as she continues to provide support, that's enough. Trust me, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect won't interfere in this matter."
Yu Xiaogang had a confident look, as if he wasn't concerned about Ning Rongrong's reaction at all.
"That's good. As for Fatty and Xiao Ao, I'll talk to them later it shouldn't be a problem."
Seeing that his teacher had already planned ahead, Tang San felt relieved.
To be honest, he didn't like Ning Rongrong much, especially after arriving in Heaven Dou City. She had returned to her arrogant self and showed no respect for his teacher.
But her support ability was indeed excellent, and given her status, Tang San had no choice but to tolerate her.
As for Zhu Zhuqing, with his teacher's words in mind, Tang San instinctively ignored her feelings.
He had always gotten along well with Dai Mubai and didn't see anything wrong with him. After listening to his teacher, he also felt that Zhu Zhuqing wasn't recognizing her place.
Her strengths couldn't make up for her biggest flaw. If she cooperated with the Martial Soul Fusion Technique, the team's strength would skyrocket, and both his and his teacher's ambitions would be realized. It was a good thing beneficial to everyone.
And if they won, not only would Zhu Zhuqing survive, but she could even become an empress. It would be good for her as well. It was time to convince her.
"Teacher, I'll go talk to Fatty, Xiao Ao, and Boss Dai now. What do you think?"
Tang San made his decision and sought Yu Xiaogang's approval.
"Go. The sooner this is resolved, the better. Remember what I said if this issue isn't fixed, continuing to train won't be very effective."
Yu Xiaogang spoke seriously and even gave him an encouraging look.
"I understand, Teacher. I won't disappoint you."
Tang San respectfully bowed, then walked toward the three male teammates, mentally preparing how to approach the conversation.
In the shadows, Han Li's gaze darkened as he glanced at Zhu Zhuqing, who was sitting cross legged, meditating to restore her soul power and stamina. There was a trace of pity in his eyes.
Disgusting. Absolutely disgusting.
That was his only thought after listening to the entire conversation between the teacher and disciple.
Even though Han Li never considered himself a good person he fully admitted to being a hypocrite he was still sickened by Yu Xiaogang's words.
(End of Chapter)
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 20 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/johanssen