Although he knew Yu Xiaogang had fooled him, Tang San still believed he should acknowledge this idiot as his master—because he needed Yu Xiaogang as a protective umbrella.
Only with the identity of "Yu Xiaogang's disciple" would that lunatic Bibi Dong have some scruples when making a move against him.
Ganzi, that's about the only value you have.
In his previous life, ever since awakening the Blue Silver Emperor, Tang San had realized he'd been tricked by Ganzi. But because of Yu Xiaogang's relationship with Bibi Dong, this useless man still had value—so Tang San didn't take action against him.
As time went on, Tang San's status rose higher and higher. In the first half of his life, he always prided himself on being pure-hearted, respectful to his master, a "trash martial soul underdog" who rose to greatness. These labels became deeply rooted in people's minds along with his increasing fame. Ironically, they became moral shackles for him.
And to top it off, he inherited the Sea god position—one that depended heavily on faith and belief.
So even after Bibi Dong's death, Tang San had nowhere to turn if he wanted to fall out with Yu Xiaogang.
Think about it—if someone who promoted "a master for a day is a father for life" suddenly turned around and betrayed his teacher after becoming a god, how would the world see him?
He had no choice. In his past life, Tang San had to treat Yu Xiaogang like a senile father—revered and supported him with the utmost respect.
But humans are endlessly greedy. Once Yu Xiaogang shed the title of "useless," gained the identity of "divine teacher," and even earned a meaningless Titled Douluo rank, he wanted more—eternal life.
And that played perfectly into Tang San's hands.
When it was time to head to the Divine Realm, Tang San finally got his chance to get revenge. Looking at the eager Yu Xiaogang, who was excited to go enjoy eternal life, Tang San solemnly and righteously said:
"Ganzi, there are limited spots to ascend to the Divine Realm. Even though I'm a god-king, I can only take two people with me. I can't possibly leave behind my father and mother, can I?"
In other words:
"Ganzi, though a master may be like a father, that 'father' can't compare to my actual parents. Blood runs thicker than water."
Of course Yu Xiaogang wasn't willing. He asked, "Aren't you a god-king? Can't you make an exception for your master?"
Tang San then solemnly refused him, citing immutable divine rules. (Naturally, this rejection also impacted Ma Hongjun's beloved Bai Chenxiang.)
One wonders—did Yu Xiaogang, in his lonely old age before dying on the Douluo Continent, ever regret his choices? If he had stood by Bibi Dong's side and helped eliminate Tang San, perhaps after becoming a god, Bibi Dong wouldn't have left him behind.
But alas, the world has no "what if."
Leaving Yu Xiaogang behind to die alone was the greatest mercy Tang San ever gave him.
It's not that I didn't want to deal with you, Ganzi. You should be grateful that someone like Bibi Dong actually loved you.
Though his opponent had long since passed, Tang San still felt lingering fear toward Bibi Dong—that ruthless, decisive woman who would stop at nothing.
Tang San had tasted death twice, and one of those times was thanks to her.
Even with Yu Xiaogang as a shield, that lunatic still managed to kill him once. What if he hadn't had that shield?
That said, though he decided to acknowledge Yu Xiaogang as his master this life, Tang San had no intention of bringing it up himself.
This time around, he wouldn't craft that old image of "respecting the master as a father" again.
Thus, there was a huge difference between Tang San requesting to become a disciple and Yu Xiaogang asking to accept him.
So, the two future master and disciple entered into a bizarre, unspoken battle of wits.
Yu Xiaogang kept rambling, desperate to flaunt all his so-called "knowledge" and wisdom, while Tang San sat quietly like an immovable stone, listening without reacting.
Eventually, it was Yu Xiaogang who couldn't take it anymore.
With a hoarse voice, he asked:
"Would you be willing to become my disciple?"
Tang San replied:
"Master, you want to take me as your disciple. But… how much strength do you actually have?"
"I…"
Tang San pressed on:
"I was born with full innate spirit power. I'll need a spirit ring very soon. My first two rings must be century-level, the third and fourth must be millennia-level, and the ones after that—ten-thousand-year rings. Can you meet these needs?"
Yu Xiaogang was screaming inside:
You lowborn mutt, a lucky bastard who gained full innate power from a mutated spirit—I'm the direct heir of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and a Spirit Hall–certified Grandmaster! You should feel honored to be my disciple! How dare you ask so many questions? Shouldn't you just kneel down already? And I've shown you so much of my 'brilliant knowledge'—can't you stop harping on combat power already?!
But outwardly, he said:
"Yes, I can meet your needs."
Of course, he avoided the question of his own strength. As for how Tang San would get his rings, Ganzi already had a plan. While he himself was weak, he had connections.
Tang San's first spirit ring didn't need connections—Yu Xiaogang was still a Grandmaster after all, and could handle that. For the second ring, he'd ask the Academy's headmaster. After that, he could seek help from Flender, who was establishing Shrek Academy.
And if necessary, he'd swallow his pride and go to Spirit Hall to beg Bibi Dong.
Even though he hurt her deeply in the past when he had to choose between her and Golden fruit, Dong'er loved him deeply—she'd understand him, right? After so many years, she must miss him dearly.
He coughed and said:
"More importantly, what I can give you is priceless knowledge. On the entire continent, there are only a few people worthy of the title 'Grandmaster.' I'm one of them. With my guidance, you'll avoid countless detours on your path as a spirit master."
Tang San chuckled coldly inside and asked:
"Master, are you really that great?"
Yu Xiaogang stood tall, hands behind his back, his eyes full of wisdom:
"Of course."
Tang San responded:
"Well then, if Master is truly as brilliant as you say, then I, Tang San, will acknowledge you as my teacher."
This was Tang San leaving himself a back door for the future. If Yu Xiaogang really was what he claimed, then becoming his disciple was fine. But if he turned out to be a fraud, Tang San would have justification to settle the score later.
Yu Xiaogang laughed:
"Hahaha! Good! You truly are gifted and intelligent. Seems I must make an exception this once."
With hands behind his back and an air of grandiosity, despite being a complete fraud, Ganzi was always a master at bluffing with flair. Right now, he looked exactly like a hidden genius emerging from seclusion, ready to shake the world.
Thus, Yu Xiaogang and Tang San's casual, half-hearted ceremony was complete.
Of course, there was a third witness to this event—hidden in the shadows: Tang Hao.
He muttered:
"Strange… this life's apprenticeship feels kind of different."
Still, the outcome was good. After all, he didn't want his son—who had a perfectly good real father—to go and adopt a godfather on top of that!
Yu Xiaogang was deeply sensitive.
Though he successfully took Tang San as his disciple, he keenly noticed Tang San's distant attitude.
How could this be acceptable? So, Yu Xiaogang spent time bonding with Tang San, sharing wisdom and nurturing their connection. Only when Tang San finally showed an expression of admiration (or perhaps feigned awe) did Yu Xiaogang reluctantly let him go.
Freed from Gangzi's clutches, Tang San inwardly grumbled: In my past life, I memorized all of Yu Xiaogang's theoretical knowledge by heart. Am I really supposed to relearn it all from you in this new life?
Gangzi, I, Tang San, only took you as my master in name. Don't overstep your bounds, Tang San thought irritably. Suddenly, a pink figure flashed in his mind—Xiao Wu.
The moment he thought of Xiao Wu, Gangzi's flat-top image was shoved to the back of his mind.
Tang San's heart surged with excitement. Xiao Wu, are we finally meeting again in this life?
He recalled their first encounter, when he and Xiao Wu fought in Dorm Seven. The sensation of Xiao Wu's soft thighs wrapping around him sent a shiver through his body—a feeling he could never forget, not in his mortal life nor his divine one.
Reborn, with the chance to relive that unique experience, Tang San's heart raced with anticipation.
He quickened his pace, reaching Dorm Seven's door and pushing it open.
A boy taller than him approached. "You're the new work-study student, right?"
His name was Wang Sheng. Upon seeing Tang San, he proposed a duel to determine who would be Dorm Seven's leader.
Tang San listened half-heartedly, his gaze sweeping the dorm's interior. Suddenly, his eyes locked onto a pink figure inside—Xiao Wu.
How Tang San missed her! Finally, they met again. Seeing the delicate, youthful Xiao Wu, Tang San's heart melted: Hehe, Xiao Wu, hehe, nearly drooling.
Xiao Wu sensed his stare and turned to meet his gaze. Their eyes locked, and Tang San's face flushed slightly as he looked away.
Wait a minute, something's off. Why is Xiao Wu here before me? The doubt quickly faded. In his past life, Xiao Wu arrived at Dorm Seven shortly after him. This time, he'd been delayed by Gangzi's chatter.
No big deal. Xiao Wu's strength likely made her the dorm's leader, meaning he'd challenge Sister Xiao Wu.
Imagining Xiao Wu's flexible legs, Tang San's body shivered again.
"Who's the leader of Dorm Seven now?" Tang San asked.
Wang Sheng patted his chest. "That'd be me, Wang Sheng."
"Huh?" Tang San froze, glancing at Wang Sheng, then at Xiao Wu. "Shouldn't it be her?"
Wang Sheng blinked. "She said she's a girl and doesn't like fighting, so I didn't push her."
"Oh, right! I told Wang Sheng giegie I'm a girl and don't like all that fighting stuff, so I gave up running for Dorm Seven leader," Xiao Wu said in a cutesy, high-pitched voice from behind.
Tang San: "…"
It hit him—had he just missed a chance for an intimate duel with Xiao Wu?
The thought of losing the opportunity for Xiao Wu's legs to wrap around his neck left Tang San gasping in heartache. Damn it, why?
He suddenly recalled that flat-top shadow. It's you, Yu Xiaogang! Your endless babbling cost me a chance to get close to Xiao Wu!
Fuming, Tang San mentally added another grudge to his tally against Yu Xiaogang.
With no other choice, Tang San fought Wang Sheng, easily defeating him to become Dorm Seven's leader.
A while later, Gangzi arrived at Dorm Seven, carrying bedding with a gentle smile. "San, I noticed you didn't buy bedding, so I got some for you." (Without Tang San's "once a master, always a father" pledge, Gangzi felt insecure.)
Tang San took the bedding with a flat expression. "Thanks." Still sore over missing his chance to bond with Xiao Wu, he didn't even call Gangzi "teacher."
You won't even call me teacher? Yu Xiaogang's face stiffened further. Pretending not to notice Tang San's coldness, he patted Tang San's shoulder warmly. "San, come to my place tonight."
With that, he left.
Holding the bedding, Tang San recalled his past life. Xiao Wu, lacking bedding, had shared his bed, leading to six years of sleeping together in her loli form. Hehe. Those six years built their bond, evolving from siblings to lovers, then spouses.
This life should follow the same path, right?
At that moment, a hand touched the bedding in Tang San's arms. Following the jade-like hand, he saw Xiao Wu, looking at him pitifully.
"Are you Tang San?" she asked.
"Yeah, and you?" Tang San replied.
"I'm Xiao Wu, as in dance." She smiled. "Can I call you San giegie?"
"Sure…" Tang San paused. Wait, in the last life, you called me Tang San giegie. What's with San giegie?
"San giegie, Xiao Wu has a favor to ask," she said softly.
"Xiao Wu, whatever it is, just say it. If San can help, I will," Tang San said, puffing out his chest.
"Thank you, San giegie! Xiao Wu forgot to bring bedding, so…"
So, is Xiao Wu about to suggest sharing a bed? Six more years sleeping with loli Xiao Wu! Hehe. Tang San's body trembled with excitement.
"So, could you let Xiao Wu have the bedding?" Xiao Wu asked.
"Huh? Let…?" Tang San froze.
"What, San giegie, you don't want to?" Xiao Wu's bright eyes dimmed.
"No, no, no, Xiao Wu, that's not what San giegie meant! I just thought, my bedding's big enough—we could share a bed," Tang San explained.
"Ahh!" Xiao Wu clutched her chest, letting out a scream. Tang San panicked, unsure what happened.
"Pervert! Creep! San giegie, I didn't expect you to be like that!" Xiao Wu said with disdain and disgust.
Tang San was utterly confused, but her gaze stabbed his heart. Lowering his head humbly, he asked, "Xiao Wu, what did I do wrong?"
"Brother San, Xiao Wu's a girl. How could you suggest sleeping together?" Wang Sheng kindly pointed out from the side.
After a brief reminder from Wang Sheng, our little Tang San finally realized what he had done.
Asking Xiao Wu to share a bed like that—it was completely inappropriate, especially since he was the one to suggest it. Tang San immediately panicked.
He repeatedly bowed his head and apologized to Xiao Wu, then generously handed the blanket to her and said, "Xiao Wu, you take the blanket."
Hugging the blanket, Xiao Wu asked, "San-gege, you're giving me the blanket—won't you get cold without it?"
"No, it's fine, Xiao Wu. San-gege is a man, I can handle it. It's no big deal." Tang San patted his chest confidently.
"That's great! San-gege, you're such a good person," Xiao Wu said gratefully.
Hearing Xiao Wu's praise, our little Tang San felt that all his efforts weren't in vain. He didn't notice the hint of predatory amusement in Xiao Wu's gaze.
Despite his brave words, Tang San ended up shivering alone under the cold that night.
He couldn't help but think back to his past life, when he and Xiao Wu used to share a bed.
Damn it, why is this life different from the last?
Tang San remembered that last time, it was Xiao Wu who suggested they share the bed. Since she was a girl, no one thought anything of it. But this time he had been the one to suggest it, and that changed everything.
But why didn't Xiao Wu suggest sharing the bed herself this time? Why had things changed?
In his mind, he thought of that buzzcut old man—Yu Xiaogang. Why did you have to talk so damn much after taking me as your disciple? Because of you, I can't sleep with Xiao Wu anymore!
Time passed quickly, and soon night had fallen. Suddenly, someone entered Dorm Seven and walked up to Tang San, saying, "Tang San, the master wants you to go see him."
Only then did Tang San remember that Yu Xiaogang had asked him to come see him that evening. Because of everything with Xiao Wu, he had conveniently forgotten.
Thinking that he still needed Yu Xiaogang's protection, he reluctantly went.
Yu Xiaogang had noticed Tang San's growing lack of respect and began to worry that the rumors at the academy might be affecting him.
Fearing Tang San might misunderstand him, Yu decided to call him to his study late at night to reconnect.
But it was already so late, and Tang San still hadn't come. Damn it! Tang San, you're getting too bold. A mud-legged commoner like you dares look down on me? I'm a noble!
Helpless, Yu Xiaogang had a guard go fetch Tang San while he sat in the study sulking.
After a while, there was a knock at the door. Yu Xiaogang opened it and let Tang San in.
"You're late," Yu said hoarsely.
"Sorry, I forgot," Tang San replied bluntly.
"That's how you treat your master?" Yu Xiaogang said angrily.
Tang San remained silent. He knew Yu Xiaogang needed him more than he needed Yu. So he didn't need to be too polite—he just needed to keep Yu on edge.
After all, Tang San believed he was one of the only two chances Yu Xiaogang had to redeem himself in life.Yu Xiaogang had no choice but to pretend not to notice Tang San's coldness. He clasped his hands behind his back and said, "San, show me your second martial soul."
Tang San had no intention of hiding his second martial soul.
He knew that the more value he displayed, the more this trash Yu Xiaogang would devote himself to him. And that meant Yu would better serve his purpose as a protective shield.
Yu Xiaogang was a man centered entirely around himself—obsessed with erasing his reputation as a failure and becoming famous.
He would seize any chance to wash away his shame, even at the cost of losing reason and ignoring reality.
Tang San opened his right hand, and a black light flickered. A small hammer appeared in his palm.
"This is…?" Yu's pupils shrank violently. Though he forced his body to remain calm, his soul was shaking with excitement—he trembled all over, mouth twisted, drooling in ecstasy.
The Clear Sky Hammer. The number one tool martial soul in the world. A dual martial soul user with innate full soul power and the Clear Sky Hammer!
"Hahahaha! Heaven does not treat me badly!" Yu Xiaogang roared inside. "Such a gifted disciple has come to me—I must cultivate him into a peerless expert! Then I'll have him help me break through the 29th level bottleneck, cleanse my shame, and make the whole Douluo Continent remember the name Yu Xiaogang!"
He immediately began speculating about Tang San's origins.
Disciples of major sects don't usually end up wandering the outside world—unless they're illegitimate children. He thought of one possibility and asked:
"What's your father's name?"
Tang San answered honestly, "His name is Tang Hao. He's a blacksmith in Holy Soul Village."
"Tang Hao… I see." Yu Xiaogang suddenly understood. So he's the son of my idol. The more he looked at Tang San, the more pleasing he found him.
At first, he thought Tang San was the son of a commoner.
Yu Xiaogang, being a noble, had serious disdain for that—believing even a talented soul master with humble origins was still low-class.
Taking on a peasant-born disciple tarnished his image. But for someone desperate for redemption like him, there was no choice.
Who would've thought Tang San was the son of Tang Hao, heir of the Clear Sky Sect? Such noble lineage—he was no less than himself!
Yeah, there's no way a peasant could have fathered a genius like Tang San. Turns out, he's the son of my idol!
However, Tang Hao's identity was sensitive. Both the Clear Sky Sect and the Spirit Hall were hunting him. If people knew about Tang San, those factions would send assassins.
If Tang San died, Yu Xiaogang's future would be finished.
He immediately told Tang San to put away the Clear Sky Hammer and warned sternly, "San, from now on, just focus on cultivating your Blue Silver Grass. Never reveal your hammer martial soul to others, understand?"
"I understand, Teacher." Tang San put the Clear Sky Hammer away. Having lived through one lifetime already, he knew exactly who his enemies were this time around.
Yu Xiaogang looked at Tang San with satisfaction. A twin martial soul, with one being the top-tier Clear Sky Hammer, descended from the noble Clear Sky Sect bloodline—and even his "trash" Blue Silver Grass soul wasn't completely useless.
In the future, when Tang San becomes a peerless powerhouse, Yu could proudly boast that he, Gangzi, had raised a world-class soul master from a so-called useless martial soul. "There are no trash martial souls—only trash soul masters."
To Yu Xiaogang, Tang San was a gift from heaven—the perfect disciple.