Yu Xiaogang

Biodata

Feature	Information
Name	Yu Xiaogang (玉小刚)
Alias(es)	Master; Grand Tutor of the Heaven Dou Empire
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Shrek Academy; Heaven Dou Empire; anti-Martial Soul Empire alliance
Occupation/Role	Soul Master theorist; teacher of Tang San; alliance strategist
Status	Deceased 97
First Appearance	Chapter 2

Background / History

Yu Xiaogang arrived in Chang'an as part of the Heaven Dou and Shrek delegation seeking an alliance with Great Tang against the Martial Soul Empire. He presented himself as the Heaven Dou Empire's Grand Tutor and the leader of the anti-Martial Soul Empire alliance, arguing that Great Tang should join their cause. 2 4

During the negotiations, he challenged Li Xin's authority to speak in Daming Palace. Gongsun Li struck him with her umbrella handle, sending him into a pillar, knocking out teeth, and leaving him badly injured. 4 5 When Gongsun Li later directed killing intent at him, he collapsed in fear and was left humiliated before the Shrek group. 6

Afterward, Yu Xiaogang attempted to preserve his authority through criticism of Great Tang and repeated explanations of the Heavenly Dao rankings. He dismissed developments that contradicted his theories, including mechanisms capable of fighting without conventional Soul Power and the powers revealed by the rankings. 7 13

As the rankings continued to reveal stronger figures, his students increasingly doubted him. Dai Mubai and Zhu Zhuqing left rather than listen to his boasting, while Ning Rongrong and Ma Hongjun openly challenged his outdated conclusions. 13 19 Yu Xiaogang also fabricated an explanation for Golden Crocodile Douluo's Martial Soul evolution, despite privately knowing he had no basis for it. 18

During the conflict with Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao, Yu Xiaogang ordered Xiao Wu to attack while remaining behind the front line. He approved of Ma Hongjun's vulgar provocations as “psychological warfare,” then fled when Xiao Wu was trapped in Da Qiao's Water Prison, abandoning his students. 35 36

After reaching Tang San, Yu Xiaogang falsely portrayed the confrontation as an unprovoked ambush and Ma Hongjun as a heroic sacrifice, while concealing his own flight. 40 41 His faith in his theories deteriorated further as Great Tang's strength and the nature of Mozi's Mechanism Arts became impossible for him to rationalize. 53 67

Following Tang San's defeat, Yu Xiaogang urged the remaining allied forces to continue resisting Great Tang. He was ultimately killed during the collapse and surrender of the continent's native powers. 95 97

Appearance

Yu Xiaogang is a middle-aged man with a stiff expression and a buzz cut. 2

• Usually carries himself with an upright, scholarly posture. 2 3
• Wears a distinctive long robe, later left torn and bloodied after fleeing the confrontation with Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao. 40
• Becomes visibly disheveled whenever his confidence or theories are challenged. 6 67

Personality

Yu Xiaogang places great value on his status as “Master” and on the authority of his Soul Master theories. He repeatedly frames his conclusions as superior knowledge, even when the Heavenly Dao's revelations directly contradict him. 13 18 33

He is deeply concerned with preserving his reputation. After public setbacks, he invents explanations, shifts blame onto others, and speaks critically of Great Tang to recover his confidence before his students. 7 18 41

Despite presenting himself as a strategist and moral guide, Yu Xiaogang repeatedly acts out of self-preservation. He fled from Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao while Xiao Wu remained imprisoned, then altered the account he gave Tang San. 36 41

Abilities & Skills

Soul Master Theory

Yu Xiaogang is known for his “Ten Core Theories” of Martial Souls and uses them to analyze Martial Soul mutations, elemental attributes, and combat roles. 13 18 33

• Claimed that Golden Crocodile Douluo's evolution followed a theoretical process involving extreme metal attributes and bloodline stimulation. 18
• Assessed Xiao Qiao's Natural Wind Martial Soul as speed- and cutting-oriented, while arguing that it lacked sufficient defense and control. 33
• Recognized Da Qiao as a control-type opponent and instructed Xiao Wu to exploit close-range combat against her. 35
• His theories repeatedly fail to account for the Heavenly Dao rewards, Great Tang's heroes, and Mechanism Arts. 13 53 67

Strategic Direction

Yu Xiaogang directs Shrek members in combat and political negotiations, though his decisions often prioritize immediate advantage or his own safety. 4 35 36

• Led the anti-Martial Soul Empire alliance's attempt to recruit Great Tang. 4
• Directed Xiao Wu to intervene against Da Qiao while Ma Hongjun was injured. 35
• Endorsed Ma Hongjun's verbal harassment of Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao as a means of provoking an opening. 36
• Ordered retreat and prioritized carrying information back to Tang San after fleeing the battlefield. 36

Relationships

• Tang San — Teacher and longtime supporter. Yu Xiaogang relies on Tang San's rise to reinforce his own standing and later brings him a distorted account of the Shrek group's defeat. 32 41
• Shrek Seven Devils — Their teacher and strategist. Several members grow skeptical of his boasts and theories, while he abandons Xiao Wu during the battle with Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao. 13 19 36
• Gongsun Li — An adversary who publicly humiliates him in Daming Palace and later terrifies him with her killing intent. 4 6
• Li Xin — Regards Yu Xiaogang as a fraud whose value begins and ends with his theories. 8
• Flender — Fellow Shrek teacher and ally; Yu Xiaogang views Flender's Heavenly Dao rewards as strengthening their shared alliance. 3
• Bibi Dong — Formerly connected through Martial Soul Hall's theoretical field; she later challenges him to explain Great Tang's overwhelming power. 53 67

Notable Quotes

“I am the Grand Tutor of the Heaven Dou Empire, and also the Master of the current anti-Martial Soul Empire alliance.” 4

“As long as the green hills are there, we'll have firewood to burn!” 36