Grandmaster

Biodata

Feature	Details
Name	Yu Xiaogang
Alias(es)	Grandmaster
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Nuoding Academy; later Shrek Academy 3 49
Occupation/Role	Martial Soul theorist, researcher, mentor, and combat trainer
Status	Active 59
First Appearance	Chapter 3

Background / History

Yu Xiaogang intervenes when Nuoding Academy's gate guard dismisses Tang San and Lin Kun's Spirit Hall proofs as fraudulent. After examining the documents and displaying his knowledge of Martial Soul theory, he gains Tang San's trust and accepts him as a disciple. He advises Lin Kun that his Innate Level 1 Spirit Power is low but that his unusual Book Martial Soul may still hold potential. 3

After hearing that Lin Kun questioned the conventional first-Spirit-Ring age limit, Grandmaster personally questions him. He agrees that physical condition, Martial Soul quality, compatibility, and willpower can create exceptions, while stressing that exceptions should not replace safe general theory. He then invites Lin Kun to accompany him and Tang San to Spirit Hunting Forest. 10

During the expedition, Grandmaster leads the group, teaches wilderness survival, and relies increasingly on Lin Kun's Spirit Beast sensing. He initially refuses to let Tang San absorb a nearly 400-year Mandala Snake Spirit Ring because it approaches the 423-year theoretical limit, but Tang San ultimately succeeds. The result validates Grandmaster's Extreme Spirit Ring theory and deepens his pride in Tang San. 12 15

Grandmaster later seeks Lin Kun as a paid research assistant for his work on Spirit Soul mutations and bloodline inheritance. Lin Kun accepts, gaining access to Grandmaster's theoretical guidance while becoming the subject of greater scrutiny. 34 35

After arriving at Shrek Academy, Grandmaster takes charge of increasingly severe physical and combat training. He identifies Lin Kun as a tactical observer and mobile interference unit, then uses the Great Spirit Arena as a practical training ground. 49 51

His research into Lin Kun becomes progressively more invasive, including Soul Power, mental strength, physical-condition, and blood-sample testing. The resulting data leads Grandmaster to suspect that Lin Kun may possess a latent second Martial Soul or another dormant source of potential. 53 54

Appearance

Grandmaster is a thin, medium-height middle-aged man with short black hair, ordinary features, and deep eyes. He generally wears simple clothing and carries a book. 3

• Sharp eyebrows and piercing eyes. 2
• His expression is often indifferent, weary, or contemplative. 3 10
• His demeanor combines laziness and decadence with intense focus when investigating Martial Soul theory. 3 42

Personality

Grandmaster is methodical, observant, and driven by theory, data, and logical explanation. He recognizes that unusual cases can exist, but he insists that dangerous exceptions should not be treated as universal rules. 10

His concern for students is genuine: he provides survival instruction, protects Tang San from risks he considers unacceptable, and creates targeted training plans intended to develop potential without permanent injury. 12 14 49

However, his pursuit of knowledge can become obsessive. Lin Kun increasingly views his research as invasive, particularly when Grandmaster pushes for deeper testing, demands detailed accounts of Lin Kun's Spirit Ring, and attempts to uncover the source of Lin Kun's abnormal physical and mental traits. 42 53 54

Abilities & Skills

Martial Soul: Three Beat Cannon

Grandmaster's Martial Soul is the Three Beat Cannon. Lin Kun's Insight Skill identifies Grandmaster as Level 29, though much of his detailed Martial Soul and Spirit Ring information remains unreadable. 10

• Its smell-based perception is useful during Spirit Hunting Forest expeditions. 13
• It can drive away threats such as a pack of Green Wolves. 12
• Lin Kun's Book Martial Soul is at times more precise than its sensory ability. 13

Martial Soul Theory

Grandmaster possesses extensive knowledge of Martial Souls, Spirit Rings, Spirit Beasts, mutations, and cultivation limits.

• Identifies factors that may affect Spirit Ring absorption limits, including physique, Martial Soul quality, compatibility, and willpower. 10
• Selects the Mandala Snake as a highly compatible Spirit Ring candidate for Tang San's Blue Silver Grass due to its resilience, poison, and control potential. 13
• Interprets Lin Kun's white-gold Spirit Ring as evidence that special plants or energy-bearing objects may also form Spirit Rings. 42
• Researches Spirit Soul mutations, bloodline inheritance, and the Plunderers' forbidden practices. 34 55

Training and Tactical Instruction

At Shrek Academy, Grandmaster designs demanding, individualized training and treats real combat as an essential tool for growth. 49 51

• Assigns Lin Kun to analyze Soul Power flow, Spirit Skill usage, injuries, movement patterns, and team coordination in live exercises. 51
• Introduces mandatory Great Spirit Arena duels, requiring each student to fight at least twice per day under an alias. 51
• Recognizes Lin Kun as Shrek's tactical “brain,” assigning him battlefield observation, early warnings, and formation adjustments during the Barak Elite Spirit Master Competition. 56 58

Research Methods

Grandmaster applies systematic measurements and direct experimentation to investigate unusual Martial Souls and Spirit Rings. 53

• Uses instruments to measure Soul Power fluctuations, mental strength, bone density, muscle fibers, and physical output. 53
• Personally tests the effects and restrictions of Lin Kun's Information Overload. 49 53
• Detects abnormal cellular activity and dormant life energy in Lin Kun's blood samples. 53
• Attempts to stimulate Lin Kun's potential through methods such as weak electrical stimulation of acupoints. 54

Relationships

• Tang San — His disciple from Nuoding Academy; Grandmaster guides Tang San's cultivation, advises him on Spirit Ring selection, and takes pride in the success of the Mandala Snake absorption. 3 13 15
• Lin Kun — Initially an academy student whose Book Martial Soul interests him; later his research assistant, tactical trainee, and increasingly scrutinized research subject. 3 10 34 53
• Flender — Shrek Academy's dean; invites Grandmaster to Shrek and coordinates with him on Lin Kun's training and protection. 49 53
• Zhao Wuji — A Shrek teacher who works alongside Grandmaster to protect Lin Kun from external threats. 53 54
• Little White — Lin Kun's Spirit Beast companion; Grandmaster considers its bloodline and mental properties unusually ancient, pure, and potentially dangerous. 30 38
• Ning Rongrong — Her connection to Shrek contributes to the wider attention surrounding Lin Kun, whose potential Grandmaster seeks to investigate. 42 53

Notable Quotes

“Theory is the foundation, but in the world of spirit masters, miracles and exceptions do indeed exist.” 10

“With me, there is no luck. Only data and logic.” 49

“A true Soul Master can only grow the fastest through life-and-death struggles!” 51