Gangzi

Biodata

Power Progression

Background and History

Huo Yuhao arranges for Yu Yuanzhen to have a second son, Yu Xiaomen, shortly before Xiaogang’s birth. Xiaomen’s exceptional awakening later displaces Xiaogang as the clan’s hope. Despite years of resources and Soul Power transmission from his father, Xiaogang reaches only Level 29. The clan removes his Core Disciple status and names Xiaomen its young Sect Leader; Xiaogang leaves, determined to repair his Martial Soul 2 6 23 38.

After meeting Spirit Hall Saintess Bibi Dong, Xiaogang gains her support. Her appeal to Pope Qian Xunji secures publication of his rejected paper and the title of Grandmaster, although the theory society’s scholars consider the work unoriginal and exclude him from their meetings. Xiaogang then tries to persuade Bibi Dong to leave Spirit Hall with him; Qian Xunji intervenes 45 54 55.

Years later, Xiaogang takes Tang San as a disciple, hoping the boy’s achievements will establish his own reputation. Tang San accepts the relationship chiefly because he believes Xiaogang’s connection to Bibi Dong may protect him from Spirit Hall. Their disagreement over Tang San’s first Soul Ring exposes how little authority Xiaogang has over his pupil 160 162 165.

Appearance

Xiaogang is repeatedly identified by his flat-top haircut. He is described as slender during Tang Hao’s confrontation with him and as exceptionally skinny during the bathhouse trial 45 71 165.

• Flat-top haircut — distinctive enough that others identify him by it 420.
• Later injuries — Tang San castrates him and subsequently cuts off his left ear 361 421.

Personality

Xiaogang is intensely concerned with being seen as talented, respected, and indispensable. He credits his rise to Level 29 to perseverance while minimizing his father’s Power Transmission and the clan resources that sustained him. He repeatedly imagines that a stronger Martial Soul—or a successful disciple—will vindicate him before the clan 25 37 160.

His teaching is often self-serving. He uses Lin Chen to test a Soul Ring theory without recognizing the damage to the boy’s Martial Soul, then seeks Ye Qingmei as a backup in case Tang San abandons him. As Alliance Leader, he diverts cultivation resources to himself even while his own power declines 149 222 458.

Abilities & Skills

Martial Soul and Soul Skills

• Luo Sanpao — his original, pig-like Martial Soul. Its first Soul Skill produces a powerful, foul-smelling blast rather than the dragon ability Xiaogang hoped for 25.
• Golden Sacred Dragon — briefly obtained through a Golden Dragon-Nourishing Fruit, then taken by Lin Chen 318.
• Flower Pig — replaces the lost dragon. Xiaogang can ride it, but gas-powered bursts of speed cost him Soul Power 303 472.

Soul Master Theory

• Xiaogang can explain Soul Beasts and teach beginner Soul Master knowledge, but his published work draws criticism for repeating common knowledge and offering potentially harmful advice 54 74 170.
• He recommends venomous animal Soul Rings for Plant-type Martial Souls. Lin Chen gains a binding skill from such a ring, but its incompatible venom damages his future prospects 149.

Equipment and Items

• Sect Leader Token — grants access to clan cultivation resources; Xiaomen later steals it before Xiaogang can use it to approach other factions 9 43.
• Pope’s Token — given to him by Tang Hao. Its obsolete emblems lead Spirit Hall guards to detain him rather than honor it 165 201.
• Golden Dragon-Nourishing Fruit — temporarily evolves his Martial Soul into the Golden Sacred Dragon 318.
• Little Gang Repeating Crossbow — the name he gives a weapon developed from Hidden Weapon blueprints supplied by Tang San 435 449.

Relationships

• Yu Yuanzhen — father and former patron; transmits Soul Power to Xiaogang before accepting the clan’s decision to cut off his support 23 38.
• Yu Xiaomen — younger brother and lifelong rival; overtakes him within the clan and repeatedly humiliates him. Xiaogang privately welcomes news of his death 6 39 253 496.
• Bibi Dong — offers him sympathy and Spirit Hall support, which he seeks to use for his own advancement. She later treats him without affection 45 54 333.
• Tang San — disciple whose success Xiaogang hopes to share; Tang San regards him as a useful shield, then openly rejects their bond 162 361.
• Tang Hao — supplies the Pope’s Token but repeatedly assaults Xiaogang and treats him as a subordinate 165 417 420.
• Lin Chen — former nominal disciple whose cultivation Xiaogang damages; later acquires Xiaogang’s Golden Sacred Dragon Martial Soul 149 303.
• Gu Rong — assists his cultivation but refuses to keep transferring Soul Power merely to offset Xiaogang’s losses 432 458.

Story Role and Major Arcs

• Disgraced heir: Xiaogang’s stalled cultivation costs him his clan status and sends him in search of a way to evolve Luo Sanpao 38 43.
• Grandmaster and teacher: Spirit Hall’s intervention gives him a scholarly title; he later recruits Tang San as the disciple he believes can secure his legacy 54 160.
• Alliance Leader: Tang San sends him to unite factions against Spirit Hall. Xiaogang forms the Divine Order Alliance but draws Tang San’s anger by publicizing his possible ascension to godhood 364 417 420.
• Decline and imprisonment: After losing his Martial Soul and Soul Power, Xiaogang still expects the ascended Tang San to restore him. Instead, Tang San removes his limbs and confines him in a latrine preserved by Asura Divine Power 496 519.