Douluo Continent: On Becoming a God Through Science

Chapter 123 Tang San goes to Shrek Academy ahead of schedule, Qian Renxue and Bibi Dong's battle from afar

"teacher……"

In Yu Xiaogang's room, Tang San looked at her with a pained expression. Yu Xiaogang had been hiding in her room for a week without going out, and she was covered in the smell of alcohol and the sour stench of not having bathed.

What followed was hatred for those who gossiped!

"How dare they criticize my teacher like that! They have no bottom line! These people all deserve to die!"

The discussion about Yu Xiaogang in Nottingham City gradually intensified during this period.

At first, when rumors were flying everywhere, most people just expressed envy, jealousy and hatred towards Yu Xiaogang.

Although Yu Xiaogang is rumored to be a conman who cheats people out of money and sex by using smooth talk, the fact that the person he cheated was the current Pope makes one marvel at how skilled he is at being a conman.

Of course, some people think he's amazing, while others look down on him; it's a 50/50 split.

But when someone revealed that Yu Xiaogang himself was in Nottingham City, the situation quickly changed.

In everyone's imagination, Yu Xiaogang is a free-spirited and insightful master of deception.

Although he is a villain, he is inexplicably attractive.

It's like how we scorn gamblers but find the God of Gamblers in movies incredibly cool.

In reality, Yu Xiaogang was a scruffy, unkempt, and poor man, a far cry from the handsome and dashing image of a playboy.

Forget about the allure of a villainous savior; he's just an easy-to-bully poor scholar.

Soon, a bullying Soul Master from the neighboring town arrived. Relying on his youth and arrogance, despite being only a one-ring Soul Master, he went straight to Yu Xiaogang's house to beat him up because of a ridiculous reason that only a hot-headed young man would have: he couldn't stand Yu Xiaogang.

You know, there are some people in reality who just want to become famous in such a simple way, or simply enjoy the attention that comes with it.

Then came the most crucial part... Yu Xiaogang, a second-ring Great Soul Master, was beaten down by a first-ring Soul Master in less than two minutes.

In terms of physical fitness enhanced by soul power alone, Yu Xiaogang is still slightly stronger than this village bully. At most, she just suffers from insufficient maintenance and declining blood and qi, resulting in poor recovery ability.

The problem is that this guy has hardly ever fought with Soul Masters, so he's very restrained and hasn't been able to unleash even a tenth of his power.

The other party, however, was a hot-headed young man who had no sense of the gravity of the situation.

It would be unreasonable for Yu Xiaogang not to be beaten to a pulp.

Now, everyone in the village—no, everyone in Notting City, and even people from several surrounding villages and towns—knew that Yu Xiaogang was all show and no substance. Despite being a powerful Soul Master, he couldn't even defeat a first-ring Soul Master in his teens.

If those who previously thought the big liar who fooled the Pope was cool in a certain sense were evenly matched with those who thought he was trash... now everyone around him has united and started to look down on Yu Xiaogang.

People who go from being fans to haters are always extreme, and this extreme can also make them unleash power far beyond that of ordinary people.

Soon, it was gradually revealed that Yu Xiaogang had been very unrigorous in his academic work, always publishing unverified and unfounded conjectures, which led to many people being injured or disabled as a result of believing him.

And gradually, what started as just "unrigorous research" evolved into deliberate academic fraud, and then into harming others without any regard for personal fame and gain.

Then, the rumors on the mainland began to spread again, and many more detailed stories about Yu Xiaogang were told.

Those who were originally just envious of Yu Xiaogang for being able to get close to the beautiful female pope now know that Yu Xiaogang is actually a good-for-nothing scumbag with no ability whatsoever.

The reason the Pope was deceived was not because Yu Xiaogang's trickery was particularly clever, but because... Pope Bibi Dong herself was an intellectually disabled woman.

Upon learning the truth, many people had thoughts like "I could do it too," and they were heartbroken, thinking that if they had taken Yu Xiaogang's place, they would probably be at the pinnacle of life by now. Envy and hatred completely overwhelmed them.

If Yu Xiaogang had walked down the streets of Notting City before, apart from a few people who paid attention to the theory of Soul Masters, no one would have given him a second glance.

Now, if you walk down the street, you'll quickly attract a lot of attention.

Some mocked, some scorned, some despised...

Most people would avoid him with disgust, as if he were disgusting garbage.

Conversely, some people who are more emotionally expressive will deliberately come up and spit on Yu Xiaogang.

How could Yu Xiaogang, who was proud, self-conscious, and arrogant, tolerate such treatment?

Because of her poor innate talent in martial soul, Yu Xiaogang always wanted to gain recognition from others and to receive their admiration and respect.

But now, reality is completely opposite to his ideals.

He was despised and scorned by almost everyone.

Yu Xiaogang's mind couldn't bear it, so... he hid away.

"Teacher, wake up, this is today's breakfast and lunch."

Tang San called out and saw Yu Xiaogang curled up in the quilt, showing no sign of responding. He quickly went over and shook Yu Xiaogang in the quilt, roughly around her shoulders.

"You... just leave it there, you mistress..."

A few strands of messy, dull hair peeked out from under the covers, followed by a pair of timid and fearful eyes.

Only her hair and eyes were visible; the rest of her face was completely hidden because Yu Xiaogang was tightly clutching the blanket.

He looked like a mouse that had been holed up at home after losing his job and hadn't left the house for three years except to pick up takeout; even the light from the outside world seemed too bright for him.

Yu Xiaogang, already emotionally fragile, became fearful of others' gazes after suffering such psychological trauma. Only the presence of his disciple allowed him to breathe a little easier, but...

Yu Xiaogang was also afraid, afraid that one day, the disciple's gaze would change from respect to the same disgust as those of the outside world.

Rather, this is what he fears most right now.

If that were to actually happen, he certainly wouldn't be able to hold on any longer.

"teacher……"

Seeing Yu Xiaogang's ugly appearance, Tang San felt neither disgust nor amusement. Instead, he looked serious and silently clenched his fists.

Tang San stood silently by Yu Xiaogang's bedside for more than ten seconds before finally speaking again, saying, "Teacher, let me take you away from Notting City."

"Leave...Notting City?"

With her eyes glazed over, Yu Xiaogang slowly sat up and uttered those five words as if in a daze.

"Um."

Tang San nodded solemnly, tightly grasped Yu Xiaogang's hands, and said, "Let's go somewhere where no one knows us, Teacher!"

He said something that sounded very much like a couple eloping together.

"The other woman!"

Moved, Yu Xiaogang grasped Tang San's hand in return.

"teacher!"

Tang San nodded vigorously.

The bond between master and disciple seemed to be elevated at that moment.

Yu Xiaogang's heart was rekindled with fire and fighting spirit.

"I'm already a terrible person, but... I don't care what my reputation is like! Mistress? I still have mistresses! Having mistresses is enough for me!"

Yu Xiaogang stood up and said solemnly, "Xiao San, don't you think Notting City... is too small?"

As a result of this unexpected turn of events, Tang San embarked on his journey to Shrek Academy approximately three years earlier than planned.

Xiao Wu was thus forced to follow.

Tang San, unaware of the truth, naturally developed an even greater misunderstanding...

……

The changes in this corner of Nottingham were quiet and unnoticed. Even the locals of Nottingham stopped discussing it much after Yu Xiaogang, the source of the joke, left.

However, this small step for the man may well be a giant leap for the world.

At least... You Chen finally had the time to retrieve the Blue Silver Emperor's right leg bone and the Blue Silver Emperor's seed.

Even when he was away, You Chen kept a constant, remote watch on Tang San.

He had spies in both Nottingham and Soto.

In fact, before obtaining the system, the reason he decided to go to Notting City in person was simply to complete the acquisition of the soul bone as quickly as possible, reduce the time spent on the way, and minimize the risk of being caught by Tang Hao.

His personal presence is not required to obtain information.

In fact, before this, after he transformed the starlight into himself, he had countless opportunities to take that soul bone.

However, he wasn't in a hurry to use it; he wanted to minimize the risk as much as possible.

Who knows, Tang Hao might have some kind of sixth sense or telepathic connection with his wife, catch her avatar, and then keep the soul bone close to her body... If that happens, there'll be nowhere to turn for help.

However, after Tang Hao followed Tang San away from Notting City to Soto City, You Chen no longer had such concerns.

Even if Tang Hao had developed a telepathic connection, given You Chen's current speed and ability to hide, Tang Hao had no chance of catching him at such a distance.

In fact, he did indeed successfully take away the 100,000-year-old soul bone.

If the power of ordinary Blue Silver Grass only involves plant growth, then Blue Silver Emperor truly delves into the realm of life.

This Blue Silver Emperor Soul Bone is a highly compatible match for any Soul Master, and coupled with its extremely rare healing ability, it is a valuable piece even among 100,000-year Soul Bones!

Even with You Chen's current level of self-cultivation, he was overjoyed to have obtained it.

Although after obtaining the system, this soul bone was no longer a necessary piece of the puzzle for him to defy fate, You Chen still treasured and cherished it.

On the other hand, what You Chen didn't know was that Tang Hao really did have a telepathic connection, just as You Chen had guessed. After Tang San successfully arrived at Shrek Academy and saw that there was a Soul Saint in charge of Shrek Academy, he indeed returned once.

And then... naturally, it was another bout of impotent rage.

Tang San and Xiao Wu joined Shrek Academy ahead of schedule, You Chen took the Blue Silver Emperor Soul Bone, and Qian Renxue and Bibi Dong both started paying attention to the movements of the Skynet organization, which had disappeared a year ago.

As leaders of powerful forces, both naturally possess extensive intelligence networks.

However, the biggest difference between the two is that Bibi Dong was so preoccupied with recent events that even when she heard the report that You Chen had left Notting City, she did not pay any further attention because her current matters were of higher priority.

Qian Renxue, however, was exactly the opposite.

Because she had a preconceived notion that the Masked Assassin and You Chen were related, she investigated further from the angle of the connection between the two. Two months later, she actually followed the clues and confirmed a slight connection between Skynet, or rather, Soul Beasts, and You Chen.

Considering that You Chen had just left Nottingham City not long ago, Qian Renxue naturally deduced that You Chen had most likely officially joined the Skynet organization at this stage, and perhaps because of his kinship with the Masked Assassin, he quickly became a high-ranking member of the Skynet organization.

In a sense, it is a case of arriving at a nearly correct conclusion based on a flawed premise.

Upon reaching this conclusion, Qian Renxue's feelings were naturally extremely complicated.

His mentor had joined the assassin organization that had recently carried out assassinations against Bibi Dong and many members of the Spirit Hall.

"Teacher... betrayed the Spirit Hall?"

Thinking of this fact, Qian Renxue felt a heart-wrenching pain, and for the first time... she truly felt regret.

"If I hadn't chosen to go to Tiandou, hadn't disappointed my teacher, and had stayed by his side...wouldn't this have been avoided?"

As soon as this thought popped into her head, Qian Renxue felt as if all the strength in her body had been drained.

In a daze, Qian Renxue felt as if her consciousness had returned to more than ten years ago, to that warm afternoon when her teacher smiled and explained theories to her, imparting knowledge in a wonderful way.

The screen then shattered.

Time cannot be turned back; her mentor has become a traitor to the Spirit Hall…

But considering the woman's suppression of the teacher over the years, the teacher's exclusion from the research center, and his frustration and lack of success, this outcome doesn't seem so surprising...

Even as she felt remorse, Qian Renxue also felt that such a thing was destined to happen long ago.

"No, we can't be that sure yet! There's no evidence to suggest that this is the truth!"

A spark reignited in Qian Renxue's eyes.

"Bloodletting!"

"Young Master, I'm here."

The Porcupine Douluo quickly appeared.

Qian Renxue coldly replied, "When we were gathering intelligence on the Skynet, didn't the Papal Palace also issue similar orders to the various branch palaces?"

"Yes."

The Porcupine Douluo nodded slightly. However, the slight trembling on his face indicated that his emotions were not as calm as his tone suggested.

"With my authority—no… please tell Grandpa to sever all of that woman's tentacles. How can we tolerate her continuing her foolish ways after she's caused such a blow to the Spirit Hall's reputation on the Douluo Continent and made such a mistake! If it were truly for the Pope's sake, or for the Spirit Hall's reputation, that would be one thing, but how dare she waste the Spirit Hall's manpower and resources for her own selfish desires!"

As Qian Renxue spoke, she gradually began to grit her teeth.

Contrary to her outward anger, she remained calm inside.

"As long as that person can't access the Skynet's information or find any intelligence about the teacher, then... the betrayal can naturally be considered as if it never happened!"

Before that...

Qian Renxue clenched her fists: "Teacher, I'm going to find you and... drag you back! Back to my side!"

The Porcupine Douluo suddenly looked up. He wanted to say that they had already spent too much time and energy on these "unnecessary" things.

For now, things are alright. But if Qian Renxue's mind continues to be preoccupied with Bibi Dong and You Chen... it's impossible to guarantee that her undercover work won't be exposed!

"What's wrong, Bloodthirst?" Qian Renxue asked, looking at the silent, porcupine-like Douluo.

"No, no problem. I will obey your orders, young master."

But knowing Qian Renxue's stubborn nature, the Porcupine Douluo finally lowered his head.

At that moment, he suddenly remembered that rumor.

Rumor has it that Qian Renxue twice tried to infiltrate Tiandou City. Each time, Master Youchen dissuaded Qian Renxue from getting involved and told her to focus on cultivation. He managed to dissuade her the first time, but he couldn't persuade her the second time.

The Porcupine Douluo couldn't help but sigh inwardly: 'It seems that Master You Chen was indeed farsighted. If the young master hadn't gotten involved in this mess, perhaps under Master You Chen's tutelage, he might already be a potential Soul Douluo…'

A Contra player in his early twenties—has there ever been such an example throughout history?

However, it is now highly likely that Master You Chen has betrayed the Spirit Hall...

Without a doubt, the Porcupine Douluo knew that the current Grand Elder, Qian Daoliu, must already be aware of this news.

Considering that Tianwang has always targeted members of the Spirit Hall from Bibi Dong's camp, and given Qian Renxue's influence, Qian Daoliu is unlikely to issue the order to kill or execute You Chen.

However, the Porcupine Douluo couldn't help but worry about how this matter might worsen the relationship between the grandfather and grandson...

Now that Qian Renxue's father has passed away, she is like an enemy to her mother, and she is estranged from her mentor, if something like this were to happen again... even the strong-willed Qian Renxue would inevitably go to extremes and break down.

Like a loyal servant and an elder, they had accompanied Qian Renxue for so long. Neither the Porcupine Douluo nor the Serpent Spear Douluo, who was temporarily absent, wanted Qian Renxue to fall into that situation and become truly alone.

Then, to the relief of both of them, even though Bibi Dong's actions in searching the Skynet were not wrong from her perspective, Qian Daoliu still forcibly interfered.

Clearly, Qian Daoliu values ​​Qian Renxue's thoughts and feelings more than restoring the Spirit Hall's prestige through the Skynet or dealing with traitors.

Serpent Spear Douluo and Porcupine Douluo were moved by Qian Daoliu's affection for Qian Renxue, and by the "human" aspect of Qian Daoliu. Little did they know... that more than the affection between grandfather and grandson, he cared about the inheritance of the Angel God.

From this perspective, it's impossible for him to do anything that truly goes against Qian Renxue's wishes.

If Qian Renxue harbors resentment towards him because he disposed of You Chen without authorization, thus affecting the divine examination, then for Qian Daoliu, this would be putting the cart before the horse.

The Spirit Hall's temporary ups and downs are insignificant compared to the inheritance of the Angel God. As long as the Angel God reappears, the Spirit Hall, even if temporarily weakened, will eventually rise again.

The things the two Douluo were worried about would never happen in the first place.

Bibi Dong was naturally furious.

However, because Qian Daoliu was focused on easing the tension between the mother and daughter, he didn't reveal the truth. Bibi Dong was unaware that Qian Renxue was behind the whole affair, and she only grew more resentful towards Qian Daoliu.

(End of this chapter)