Douluo Continent: Disciple Tang San, righteous yet evil

"Teacher, I passed the fourth test successfully, but I was only rewarded with half a level of soul power."

Ma Hongjun said with a hint of helplessness.

In fact, he was able to pass the fourth test entirely thanks to Tang San and the others; otherwise, it would have been impossible for him to pass the test so smoothly.

Because he didn't put in much effort during the assessment, he only received half a level of soul power as a reward.

"It's good that we can get through. As long as we survive, we still have a chance to turn things around."

Yu Xiaogang clenched his fists tightly, his face resolute.

Upon hearing this, Ma Hongjun shook his head and let out a long sigh.

After so many mishaps, he no longer trusted Yu Xiaogang. The only reason he still regarded Yu Xiaogang as his teacher was because of their shared hardships and his bottom line.

"Teacher, the fifth exam is too difficult. I have no chance of passing it," Ma Hongjun said in a deep voice.

Upon hearing this, Yu Xiaogang's expression changed; these words were undoubtedly a blow to his head.

The reason he has persisted until now is to prove that the theory of martial spirits is correct. No matter how slim the hope is, he will never give up.

After a moment, Yu Xiaogang asked, "Hongjun, what is the content of your fifth test?"

"Forget it, this is an impossible task. I'm only level 70, how can I possibly defeat the Sea Ghost Douluo!"

Ma Hongjun retorted, "What the hell?"

When he first learned about the assessment content, he was already mentally broken, and even felt that his thorny life should have ended long ago.

His fate was sealed the moment he became Yu Xiaogang's apprentice.

At the time, he trusted Dean Flander and believed that Yu Xiaogang really had a way to cure his internal heat.

Looking back now, he was so naive and foolish.

Even if Dean Flander believed his good brother had real skills, he should still be wary, let alone something as absurd as absorbing an ice-type spirit ring.

When he absorbed the ice-type soul ring, he should have died on the spot, so that he wouldn't have to suffer the torment that followed. However, Yu Xiaogang saved him in the most unacceptable way.

"Teacher, you shouldn't have saved me back then. I would rather have died on the spot."

Growing angrier as he spoke, Ma Hongjun's voice suddenly rose considerably as he roared, "If you hadn't offended Ning Rongrong, how could I have been crippled!"

Faced with his disciple's reproach, Yu Xiaogang opened his mouth, but couldn't find any words to refute it.

If he hadn't gone to Wuhun City, Ma Hongjun wouldn't have had his physical abilities destroyed by Sword Douluo; instead, he would have borne the consequences.

That might be better.

Not only was there no conflict between master and disciple, but it also helped Ma Hongjun better absorb the herb and transform into a true Fire Phoenix Soul Master, without having to destroy his own physical abilities.

The reality is that one wrong step leads to a series of wrong steps.

"Ugh--"

Yu Xiaogang sighed, looking regretful, and said, "Actually, I did think that if I had insisted a little longer and let Erlong help you release your fire, maybe we could have maintained the balance of yin and yang and helped you complete the final step."

"Teacher Erlong?"

Ma Hongjun was stunned for a moment. He only had a vague understanding of what happened back then and did not know the specific details.

Unexpectedly, the teacher was willing to sacrifice his beloved to save his life.
Thinking of this, Ma Hongjun felt a surge of excitement, but he quickly realized that he couldn't feel excited at all.

A moment later, Ma Hongjun said with deep remorse, "Teacher, I went too far just now. I didn't know you made such a great sacrifice for me."

"All of that is in the past."

As he finished speaking, a hint of sadness flashed in Yu Xiaogang's eyes. In fact, he didn't think it was his fault. Even if his theory had some flaws, it was mostly Ma Hongjun's fault for not being ambitious enough.

If you can't even do something as simple as dispelling evil fire, how can you talk about transforming into a true Fire Phoenix Soul Master?

If it weren't for Lin Mu's interference, he would have taken Tang San as his disciple more than a decade ago. With just a little guidance from him, Tang San could have surpassed his current achievements.

In his view, Lin Mu had no teaching ability at all; it was simply that Tang San was talented enough.

If it were him, he would only train Tang San to be even stronger.

In this way, he became the teacher of the future sea god, and might even be able to say "I have nurtured a god".

Yu Xiaogang couldn't help but laugh out loud at the thought of being admired by thousands.

Ma Hongjun was startled and quickly said, "Teacher, what are you laughing at all? Don't scare me!"

However, Yu Xiaogang was immersed in his fantasy world, and his strange laughter continued.

Seeing his teacher, who had fallen into a trance, Ma Hongjun gritted his teeth and slapped Yu Xiaogang hard across the face.

"Snapped!!"

With a crisp, clear sound, Yu Xiaogang was completely stunned by the slap. He stared blankly at his disciple, as if asking why he was hit.

At the same time, he was still harboring a lot of anger.

This guy is not only not as good as Tang San, but he even hit him. How can he be considered a good disciple?

"Teacher, please wake up."

Ma Hongjun had no idea what Yu Xiaogang was thinking, and said earnestly, "I don't blame you anymore, so please don't hurt yourself."

Upon hearing this, Yu Xiaogang's eyelids twitched, and he almost fainted from anger.

This brat not only hit him, but also accused him of self-harm. He's treating him like an idiot.

After a long while, he finally suppressed his anger and said solemnly, "Hongjun, don't lose confidence in yourself. There's still a year left. I believe you can pass the test."

Although his disciple was disappointing, he had no better choice but to continue down this path to the bitter end.

If Ma Hongjun fails the fifth test, he won't live much longer. Perhaps he will be banished from Seagod Island right after Ma Hongjun dies, and eventually die in the mouth of a sea spirit beast.

"In a year, I can only increase my soul power by a few levels at most; it's impossible for me to defeat Sea Ghost Douluo."

Ma Hongjun still lacked confidence. Let alone defeating Sea Ghost Douluo, he would have a hard time even defeating any Soul Douluo, since he didn't have any support-type Soul Masters to provide him with amplification.

Seeing this, Yu Xiaogang frowned, unable to find a solution for the time being.

Just then, a deep voice came from behind.

"Fatty, it seems you need my help."

The newcomer was Dai Mubai. Compared to a year ago, his appearance had become much more rugged, with his blond hair casually draped over his shoulders, and his aura had become much stronger.

Upon seeing Dai Mubai approaching, Ma Hongjun fearfully took a few steps back.

"Don't worry, I'm here to help you this time, as a way of repaying your previous kindness. I don't want my only friend to die too."

When he said this, Dai Mubai put on a very friendly expression.

"Does someone like you have any credibility whatsoever?"

Ma Hongjun glared at Dai Mubai and said coldly, "Before, you begged me to help you pass the first exam, but afterwards you left without saying goodbye. Besides, Xiao Ao died at your hands!" (End of Chapter)