Chapter 183: The Beating of Yu Xiaogang
"Yes!" The archbishop outside replied respectfully upon hearing Bibi Dong's order, then quickly left.
Once he was gone, Bibi Dong turned to Luo Ling. "Now that you've returned, stay for a while. Keep Nana company and wait for the delegations from the other empires to arrive for the tournament finals."
She paused, then added indifferently, "And as for Yu Xiaogang—that useless thing—find an opportunity to kill him. There's no point wasting your time on trash."
Hu Liena's cheeks turned pink hearing Bibi Dong say that Luo Ling should accompany her.
Luo Ling simply nodded and said nothing more.
As for Yu Xiaogang, Luo Ling already had plans—he would execute the first trial of his Evil God's divine assessment during the tournament finals.
…
Inside Wuhun Hall's guest chamber, Yu Xiaogang sat arrogantly sipping tea brought by a servant.
Footsteps echoed from the hallway, and he assumed the archbishop had returned.
He cleared his throat, stood up solemnly, and said in a commanding tone, "Lead the way. Take me to see Bibi Dong."
The archbishop who entered stopped mid-step, staring at Yu Xiaogang as though looking at a fool.
"What are you standing there for?" Yu Xiaogang frowned and scolded impatiently. "You're just an archbishop! If you delay my meeting with Bibi Dong, can you afford the consequences?"
Before he could finish, the archbishop released a terrifying aura—a Contra-level soul power.
Moments ago, he had kept up appearances out of respect for what he thought was a genuine Pope's seal. But now that Bibi Dong had ordered Yu Xiaogang's expulsion, he no longer needed to hold back.
With a fierce glare, the archbishop raised his hand and slapped Yu Xiaogang across the face.
"Did I tell you to talk to me like that?"
Still not satisfied, the archbishop continued hitting him—again and again.
"Consequences? You think you can threaten me? A pathetic little Soul Elder pretending to be important—I can't believe I almost fell for your act!"
Each word was punctuated by another slap. In no time, Yu Xiaogang's face was swollen and unrecognizable, like a pig's head.
"What are you doing! I am Bibi Dong's esteemed guest! How dare you treat me like this!" Yu Xiaogang finally managed to shout in outrage.
"Bibi Dong? You dare speak her name?" The archbishop struck him again. "Her guest? You, a mere level-thirty nobody, think you're worthy of being the Pope's guest?"
Yu Xiaogang froze, wide-eyed, disbelief written all over his face.
He had come here so confidently, believing that Bibi Dong's old affection for him meant she wouldn't dare harm him. That was why he'd shown up at Wuhun Hall—demanding she share the method for cultivating twin martial souls.
Yet now, after the archbishop's brief absence, everything had turned upside down.
Could it be… Bibi Dong had truly changed?
"No! Let me go! You didn't even go see Bibi Dong, did you? You can't treat me like this! I'll make sure she executes you for this!" Yu Xiaogang screamed in defiance.
"The Pope has already spoken. The seal you have was stolen, and you are to be expelled from Spirit City. You think you can still dream here?" the archbishop sneered.
"I can't believe I ever treated you respectfully. A soul master like you, daring to pretend ties with her—pathetic."
He spat on Yu Xiaogang, remembering how he'd been deferential earlier. The more he thought about it, the angrier he got—and the harder he hit.
Outside, several guards overheard the commotion and came in, only to see the archbishop mercilessly pummeling Yu Xiaogang. They exchanged bewildered looks.
"What are you staring at? This fool forged the Pope's seal! Her Holiness ordered me to throw him out of Spirit City. You lot—get rid of him!" the archbishop barked.
The guards obeyed, grabbing Yu Xiaogang, whose face was so swollen and battered that even Tang San wouldn't have recognized him.
They carried him out of the hall and unceremoniously dumped him outside the city gates.
Right at that moment, Tang San and the others, who had been waiting nearby, witnessed everything.
If not for recognizing his clothing, they might never have realized that the disfigured man was Yu Xiaogang.
Once the guards left, Tang San hurried over to the "pig-headed" figure on the ground.
"Teacher?" he asked hesitantly.
Yu Xiaogang stirred slightly, his mind clearing at the sound of Tang San's voice. "Xiao San…?"
"Teacher! It really is you! Who would dare beat you like this?" Tang San panicked, quickly helping him up.
"It was… Wuhun Hall…" The memory of the beating flooded back, filling Yu Xiaogang with fury.
He refused to believe Bibi Dong would do this. It had to be that despicable archbishop coveting the Pope's seal!
Clutching his rage, Yu Xiaogang swore silently that once the tournament began, he'd make sure that archbishop paid for it.
"Wuhun Hall?" Tang San's expression turned cold as frost.
"Xiao San, don't act rashly," Yu Xiaogang warned, his voice trembling. "We can't match Wuhun Hall's strength right now. Once the tournament starts, I'll speak to Bibi Dong directly. The one who hit me will pay… argh!"
Pain ripped through his swollen face as he spoke, and he let out a strangled groan.
"Xiao Gang, did you at least get the twin martial soul cultivation method?" Flender asked worriedly.
That had been the entire purpose of coming to Spirit City—yet Yu Xiaogang's current condition didn't inspire confidence.
With embarrassment flickering across his bruised face, Yu Xiaogang finally muttered, "Xiao San… I haven't gotten it yet. It seems I'll have to speak to Bibi Dong again during the finals before I can attach your next spirit ring."
Hearing that, Tang San immediately panicked. "Teacher, but if we wait until the finals, there won't be time to get my ring before the tournament!"
Yu Xiaogang fell silent, knowing Tang San was right. But giving a second spirit ring without proper preparation was too dangerous.
"I can't risk your life, Xiao San. A championship is nothing compared to your safety." He tried to sound gentle but firm.
"No!" Tang San cut him off sharply. His eyes glowed red with violent determination. "Teacher, I have to defeat Luo Ling. It must be at the finals!"
The others—Flender and Zhao Wuji—fell silent, feeling the weight of Tang San's resolve.
After a long pause, Yu Xiaogang finally gritted his teeth and nodded. "Very well, Xiao San. It's your choice. We'll help you obtain the spirit ring for your Clear Sky Hammer—but if anything goes wrong, you must stop immediately!"
A smile spread across Tang San's face. "Don't worry, teacher. I know my limits. Nothing will happen!"
Yu Xiaogang sighed helplessly. He could only hope fate didn't make him regret letting it happen.
(END CHAPTER)
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