"Four Aperture Constant Heart? I see," Yu Xiaogang nodded thoughtfully.
"Grandmaster, how do you even know about our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's Heart Separation Control technique?" Ning Rongrong looked at him, visibly puzzled.
Yu Xiaogang replied calmly, "I come from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan—one of the three upper sects. So it's not unusual for me to be aware of your clan's Heart Separation Control. In fact, I know not only of its existence but also how crucial it is to the strength of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan."
"I see." Ning Rongrong thought about it for a moment and realized it made sense. As a member of the upper three clans, Yu Xiaogang would indeed have access to such knowledge. She also remembered her father mentioning that many powerful Spirit Masters across the continent were aware of the existence of Heart Separation Control. But the technique's applications were limited for most, and thus, it never spread widely.
After a moment's hesitation, Yu Xiaogang sighed and said, "Rongrong, the reason I asked to speak with you earlier was precisely because of your clan's Heart Separation Control. While it's of little use to ordinary Spirit Masters, it's absolutely vital for someone like Xiao San. He's a Control-type Spirit Master, and more importantly, he possesses twin Martial Souls. In typical cases, a Spirit Master's Spirit Power is sufficient to support their Spirit Abilities. But Xiao San is different—he'll accumulate more and more abilities, and if his Spirit Power and ability usage aren't in balance, he might find himself out of energy before he can even complete a full rotation of his skills. That's why I want to ask—when you're cultivating Heart Separation Control, could you allow Xiao San to train alongside you?"
Everyone in Shrek already knew about Tang San's twin Martial Souls.
But hearing Yu Xiaogang's request made Ning Rongrong visibly uncomfortable. Heart Separation Control had once existed in other places across the continent, but it had long since been lost everywhere else. Now, it remained solely within the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, and it was strictly forbidden to be passed on to outsiders. The reason she'd taught it to Lin Jie so readily was because she never considered him an outsider. Given their current relationship, she already viewed herself as his woman.
Yu Xiaogang was now asking her to pass down her clan's treasured secret to Tang San—and Ning Rongrong hesitated.
It reminded her of the deal between Tang San and her clan involving hidden weapons. Even then, Tang San only provided assembled components for the weapons, never the complete schematics. Her clan paid handsomely for them, and he still kept key parts to himself.
Now Yu Xiaogang was asking her to offer up her clan's untransmittable secret freely to Tang San? Even though she was close friends with Tang San, matters involving the clan weren't something she could take lightly.
"Grandmaster," she said gently, "I'd love for Third Brother to learn it too, but Heart Separation Control is an internal cultivation technique of our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. My father strictly forbade me from sharing it."
Tang San completely understood. He had a similar mindset—despite being close with everyone in Shrek, he had never once considered passing on the core techniques of the Tang Sect to them.
That said, what his teacher had just pointed out was absolutely true. Heart Separation Control was not just helpful for someone like him—it was indispensable.
Tang San truly wanted to learn it. But his face remained composed. "Teacher, this doesn't seem appropriate. Heart Separation Control is a secret technique of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. I can't accept something like that."
Yu Xiaogang knew he was pushing the line. Heart Separation Control had essentially vanished from the continent; only the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan still preserved it. But for the sake of his disciple's future, he was willing to put aside his pride and ask. Even though Ning Rongrong's rejection was gentle, the meaning was clear—it was forbidden.
Still, he wasn't ready to give up.
"Rongrong," he said, a trace of desperation in his voice, "are you sure there's really no way? Couldn't you ask your father for special permission?"
"I..." Ning Rongrong hesitated. She wanted to say no again, but seeing the sincerity in Yu Xiaogang's eyes made her pause.
Watching from the side, Lin Jie finally spoke up. "Grandmaster, Heart Separation Control is, after all, a secret of Rongrong's clan. Asking her to give it away like this isn't really fair. But... if the technique is that important to Tang San, what if you exchanged something of equivalent value for it? For example, one of Tang San's own secret techniques. That way, it wouldn't be considered one-sided. What do you think, Tang San?"
Everyone in Shrek had long known that Tang San possessed strange and powerful techniques—Ghost Shadow Perplexing Step, Mysterious Jade Hand, Purple Demon Eye, Controlling Crane Capturing Dragon. He'd used them in battle often enough that the others recognized them, even if they didn't know the full details.
Oscar had once asked eagerly if Tang San would teach him the movement technique. Tang San had politely declined, saying it was a personal secret skill that could not be passed on. Oscar was a little disappointed at the time but understood—it was completely reasonable to keep one's own exclusive techniques private.
Now, hearing Lin Jie's suggestion, Yu Xiaogang fell silent. He knew he had indeed been asking too much. But this offer... it made sense.
Tang San was also stunned. He had never imagined sharing his Tang Sect skills with outsiders. But... perhaps this was different. This world wasn't the Tang Sect he had known. He'd lived here for over a decade. The strict doctrines he once followed didn't seem quite as rigid anymore.
Ning Rongrong also paused. She thought about the way Tang San used Ghost Shadow Perplexing Step—so swift and agile that even a Control-type or Support-type Spirit Master like herself would benefit tremendously from learning it. Perhaps this exchange was worth considering. She'd still need her father's approval, of course.
Yu Xiaogang turned to Tang San. "Xiao San, I think Lin Jie's idea is feasible. What do you think?"
Tang San looked hesitant. He met his teacher's eyes. "Teacher... I need to think about it."
"What is there to think about?" Yu Xiaogang pressed, his tone serious. "You understand better than anyone how crucial Heart Separation Control would be for you. I don't know where you got those techniques of yours, and I won't ask. But think carefully—if you gain Heart Separation Control, do you understand what that could mean for your future?"
"Grandmaster," Ning Rongrong interjected, "how about this? Let Third Brother think about it for a bit. My father is in Heaven Dou City right now, so I'll ask him for permission. When I get back, I'll give you an answer."
"Alright, Rongrong," Tang San nodded. "Once you return, I'll give you mine too."
With that settled, Yu Xiaogang tugged Tang San away, saying something about special training. Whether it was real or just an excuse was anyone's guess.
PS: Read Advance Chapters at https://www.patreon.com/c/ReadJin