Biodata
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Name | Yu Xiaogang (玉小刚) |
| Alias(es) | Grandmaster; Gangzi; Theoretical Grandmaster |
| Gender | Male |
| Affiliation | Nuoding Junior Soul Master Academy; Shrek Academy; Golden Iron Triangle; Martial Soul Hall elder |
| Occupation/Role | Martial Soul theorist; Soul Master instructor |
| Status | Deceased; Jiang Ming dismembered him, beheaded him, and had his remains fed to a dog during the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament finals. 234 |
| First Appearance | Chapter 1 |
Power Progression
| Stage | Soul Power / Development | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Innate | Half-rank innate soul power | Yu Xiaogang's exceptionally low innate soul power became the central insecurity behind his lifelong theoretical research. 2 |
| Documented cultivation | Rank 29 | Despite decades of study, Yu Xiaogang remains at Level 29 and is unable to meaningfully contribute when stronger allies fight. 2 74 |
| Golden Iron Triangle | Golden Sacred Dragon manifestation | Together with Flender and Liu Erlong, he channels their combined Soul Power through Luo Sanpao to manifest a Golden Sacred Dragon. Jiang Ming disrupts the technique, and Yu Xiaogang later acknowledges that his missing hand prevents its proper use. 92 93 118 |
| Martial Soul origin loss | Golden Sacred Dragon origin extracted | Jiang Ming later states that he forcibly extracted Yu Xiaogang's Golden Sacred Dragon origin, leaving him crippled. No recovery or Soul Power advancement is documented. 183 |
| Post-tournament opportunity | Mysterious Heaven Skill obtained | The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan provides him the Mysterious Heaven Skill. Liu Erlong encourages him to attempt it, though no successful cultivation or rank advancement has been confirmed. 211 |
| Mysterious Heaven Skill attempt | Unsuccessful technique practice | Yu Xiaogang begins practicing the Mysterious Heaven Skill but fails to demonstrate a successful technique. Xiao Wu concludes that the method is unsuitable for him despite its effectiveness for Tang San. 221 |
| Tournament coordination research | Six-in-One and Seven-in-One methods | Yu Xiaogang develops and teaches multi-person Soul Power coordination methods, including his proposed Seven-in-One technique. Tang San later employs Six-in-One to wield a Clear Sky Hammer Avatar, which Yu Xiaogang publicly claims as proof of his theoretical achievement. 227 231 |
Background / History
Yu Xiaogang taught at Nuoding Junior Soul Master Academy and presented himself as an authority on Martial Soul theory. His own innate soul power was only half a rank, a lifelong insecurity that drove his decades of research and his belief that “there are no useless souls, only useless soul masters.” 2
He instructed Jiang Ming to cultivate his Space-type Martial Soul along a defensive path, arguing that spatial defensive capabilities were rare. Jiang Ming rejected this advice, maintaining that spatial attributes possessed powerful offense and defense inherently; their dispute became a lasting source of Yu Xiaogang's resentment. 1 42
Yu Xiaogang became Tang San's teacher and took intense pride in the boy's development, particularly Tang San's second soul skill, Parasite. He believed Tang San was destined to reach the continent's pinnacle and contrasted him favorably against the absent Jiang Ming. 2 4 42
After relocating to Shrek Academy, Yu Xiaogang continued serving as an instructor and strategist for its students. He placed much of his remaining self-worth in cultivating Tang San into proof that his theories were correct. 139 173 178
After receiving the Mysterious Heaven Skill from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, Yu Xiaogang attempted to use it to overcome his cultivation limitations. Although he initially appeared energized by the practice, he failed to produce a successful technique and was forced to confront the possibility that the method was unsuitable for him. 211 221
Before the finals in Spirit City, Yu Xiaogang instructed Shrek Academy in advanced Soul Power-combination methods. He proposed Seven-in-One as a more demanding extension of Ring Fusion and arranged high-intensity combat training under Tang Hao to develop the students' coordination. 227
During Shrek Academy's final against Flame Radiance Academy, Tang San used a Six-in-One formation to manifest the true form of the Clear Sky Hammer. Yu Xiaogang loudly claimed the achievement as vindication of his research and declared himself the world's number one theoretical Grandmaster. 231
Following Yu Xiaogang's death, Liu Erlong's grief contributed to Shrek Academy's closure. She later stewed and ate the dog that had been fed his remains, saying they would be together forever; Flender left to wander the Soul Master world. 234 245
Personality
Yu Xiaogang is proud of his theoretical knowledge and deeply defensive when his conclusions are challenged. Jiang Ming's rejection of the defensive cultivation path, and later demonstrations that contradicted Yu Xiaogang's assumptions, repeatedly provoke anger, contempt, and disbelief. 1 42 52
His confidence is strongly tied to Tang San's success and to the validation of his own theories. When empowered by the Golden Iron Triangle's fusion skill, he becomes condescending and convinced of victory; when that strength fails, he rapidly collapses under humiliation and trauma. 42 93
Following Jiang Ming's attacks, Yu Xiaogang suffers severe despair, self-loathing, and obsession with revenge. He nevertheless regains some resolve after reuniting with Flender and Liu Erlong, placing his hopes in the Golden Iron Triangle. 54 86 91 118
His obsession with maintaining his authority persists even when his judgment is plainly mistaken. He publicly accuses Jiang Ming of cheating without recognizing an External Soul Bone skill, then attempts to maintain a composed façade after being blamed for the failures of both Shrek Academy and Thunderclap Academy. 150 161
Yu Xiaogang increasingly struggles with fear and self-doubt after repeated defeats and the collapse of Tang San's cultivation. He remains unwilling to concede that his theories may be flawed, instead seeking new methods and powerful Spirit Bones to preserve Tang San's potential. 178 179 211
Even after his unsuccessful attempt to cultivate the Mysterious Heaven Skill, Yu Xiaogang refuses to accept that his limitations may be personal rather than theoretical. He redirects his need for validation into Shrek Academy's coordinated techniques and reacts to Six-in-One with a public, manic declaration that he is the world's greatest theorist. 221 231
His final intervention is similarly driven by self-righteousness and loyalty to Bibi Dong. He publicly condemns Jiang Ming for insulting the Pope, despite the danger posed by confronting him directly. 233
Abilities & Skills
Martial Soul Theory
Yu Xiaogang is a long-time researcher and instructor of Martial Soul cultivation theory.
- Advocated a defensive route for Jiang Ming's Space-type Martial Soul. 42
- Guided Tang San's early cultivation and emphasized building a solid foundation before advancement. Tang San's absorption of a Datura Snake ring for his plant-type Martial Soul gave Yu Xiaogang a precedent for assigning an animal-type ring to a plant-type Martial Soul. 4 42
- His theoretical certainty is repeatedly undermined by Jiang Ming's anomalous spirit-ring configuration and combat ability. 52 74
- He claims the Ten Core Competencies of Martial Soul Theory as his foundational contribution to Soul Master scholarship. 77 78
- He recorded himself as the discoverer of the divergence of Martial Soul fusion, despite examples of different-type Martial Souls already being capable of fusion. 42
- Jiang Ming and Yu Luomian accuse him of copying the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's and Martial Soul Hall's records for his “Ten Core Theories,” while adding flawed conclusions of his own. 74 260
- He warns Tang San that a Man Faced Demon Spider exceeding two thousand years is beyond the conventional third-ring absorption limit of 1,430 years. Tang San rejects his warning. 112 113
- He planned for Tang San to delay cultivating the Clear Sky Hammer until reaching the Soul Emperor realm, when he believed Tang San could attach Soul Rings of at least thirty thousand years. 173
- When Tang San's two streams of Soul Power came into conflict, Yu Xiaogang proposed strengthening his disciple's physique through high-age Spirit Bones. 178
- He identifies Ring Fusion as a Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect technique and explains its danger to the auxiliary Soul Master serving as the Soul Power medium. 227
- He proposes Seven-in-One as a more difficult coordination technique requiring perfect synchronization between seven Soul Masters. 227
- He takes personal credit for Tang San's Six-in-One formation during the tournament final. 231
Mysterious Heaven Skill
Yu Xiaogang receives the Mysterious Heaven Skill from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan and recognizes it as a meridian-nourishing cultivation method rather than a method related to Martial Soul awakening or Soul Ring absorption. 211
- He hesitates to practice the skill because of his fear of failure and uncertainty over whether it can improve his condition. 211
- He begins cultivating the method but fails to perform a successful technique. 221
- Xiao Wu judges that the Mysterious Heaven Skill itself is sound but unsuitable for Yu Xiaogang. 221
- He later writes a theoretical analysis of the skill while preparing Shrek Academy for the tournament finals. 227
Luo Sanpao
Yu Xiaogang's Martial Soul is Luo Sanpao.
- Its documented spirit abilities are farting and snoring attacks. 15
- One of Luo Sanpao's farting abilities is called Thunderous Fart. 14
- Luo Sanpao serves as the basis of the Golden Iron Triangle's combined Martial Soul manifestation. 92
Three-in-One Martial Soul Fusion Skill
Together with Flender and Liu Erlong, Yu Xiaogang forms the Golden Iron Triangle and manifests a Golden Sacred Dragon through a three-person technique.
- Grants Yu Xiaogang an overwhelming sensation of borrowed power and confidence. 92 93
- The formation is disrupted by Jiang Ming's Space Shift, ending the manifestation and defeating all three members. 93
- Jiang Ming characterizes the technique as an accumulation of soul power rather than a true fusion. 93
- Yu Xiaogang later cannot properly use it after losing a hand. 118
- Jiang Ming later says that he extracted Yu Xiaogang's Golden Sacred Dragon origin. 183
Physical Condition
Yu Xiaogang's injuries severely limit his ability to fight or use his techniques.
- Jiang Ming permanently castrated him with Space Tear; a healing-type Soul Emperor confirmed that regeneration was impossible. 53 54
- Jiang Ming crushed Yu Xiaogang's right hand and later used Spatial Stripping on him, leaving him crippled and near death. 94 95
- By the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament, he has only his remaining left hand and is physically vulnerable enough to be easily thrown aside by Jiang Ming. 149 150
- His prolonged trauma includes compulsive bathing, recurrent breakdowns, and apparent hallucinations concerning Bibi Dong. 86 118 211
- Jiang Ming ultimately severs three of his limbs, beheads him, and mutilates his corpse beyond recovery during the tournament finals. 234
Major Incidents
- Jiang Ming publicly exposes Yu Xiaogang's half-rank innate soul power, humiliating him before his class. 2
- Yu Xiaogang is injured by Datura Snake venom while accompanying Tang San in the Soul Hunting Forest. 4
- He and Tang San attempt to confront Jiang Ming; Jiang Ming evades his attacks, kicks him down, and leaves. 15
- Assuming Jiang Ming died after years without news, Yu Xiaogang dismisses concerns over his return and continues to resent his former student. 42
- Jiang Ming confronts him after the City Lord's Mansion massacre; Yu Xiaogang is stunned by Jiang Ming's four-ring configuration, which breaks accepted absorption limits. 52
- Jiang Ming castrates Yu Xiaogang as a warning to Liu Erlong and Flender. A healing Soul Emperor later confirms that regeneration is impossible. 53 54
- Believing Jiang Ming's abnormal spirit-ring configuration could only have been acquired through evil methods, Yu Xiaogang attempts to have him condemned as an Evil Soul Master. 55
- After Jiang Ming defeats Flender and Zhao Wuji, Yu Xiaogang suffers a mental breakdown and is taken from Shrek Academy. 74 75
- Jiang Ming sells him to the Twilight Hotel for one copper coin, where Yu Xiaogang loses his composure and dignity before the patrons. 77 78
- Yu Xiaogang reunites with Flender and Liu Erlong, then challenges Jiang Ming through the Golden Iron Triangle; the attempt fails. 91 92 93
- Jiang Ming uses Spatial Stripping on him, crushes one of his hands, and later leaves him crippled and near death. 94 95
- Despite his injuries, Yu Xiaogang seeks another confrontation with Jiang Ming but breaks down upon realizing his missing hand prevents use of the Golden Iron Triangle. 118
- Yu Xiaogang objects to Tang San absorbing an over-age Man Faced Demon Spider ring. Tang San's insistence and Flender's support anger Yu Xiaogang so severely that he spits blood. 112 113
- When Liu Erlong is endangered by poison, Yu Xiaogang sets aside his enmity with Jiang Ming and begs him to save her. 122
- He resumes directing Shrek Academy's training in Heaven Dou City ahead of the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament. 139
- During Jiang Ming's match with Huo Wu, Yu Xiaogang falsely accuses Jiang Ming of using an illegal weapon. Huo Wu identifies the Void Blade as an External Soul Bone skill, publicly exposing Yu Xiaogang's ignorance before Jiang Ming kicks him away. 149 150
- He recommends that Shrek Academy use substitutes against Godwind Academy to conserve strength, but the decision contributes to Shrek's humiliating defeat. 159 161
- Thunderclap Academy blames Yu Xiaogang after Jiang Ming targets its members as retaliation against him and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. 160 161
- Yu Xiaogang reveals Tang San's Clear Sky Hammer as a second Martial Soul to Liu Erlong. 162
- He supports Tang San's decision to cultivate the Clear Sky Hammer early despite previously warning that doing so would damage his potential. 173
- Following Tang San's failed ring absorption and Soul Power conflict, Yu Xiaogang proposes using high-age Spirit Bones to reinforce Tang San's body. 178
- He locates Tang Hao and brings Tang San to Moonlight Pavilion to reunite the father and son. 183 184
- The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan gives Yu Xiaogang the Mysterious Heaven Skill; he hesitates over whether he can successfully cultivate it. 211
- Yu Xiaogang protests Feng Xiaotian's aerial advantage during his match against Tang San, but the judges dismiss his complaint and other academies ridicule his tactical reasoning. 213
- After Tang San loses a public challenge against Soul Douluo Shirak, Yu Xiaogang argues that Tang San meant to challenge only tournament contestants. Liu Erlong then intervenes, and Shrek Academy is declared second in the Promotion Tournament. 219
- He begins practicing the Mysterious Heaven Skill but fails to demonstrate a usable technique. 221
- Yu Xiaogang proposes Seven-in-One and begins directing intensive team training for Shrek Academy before the finals. 227
- When Tang San activates Six-in-One against Flame Radiance Academy, Yu Xiaogang publicly declares himself the world's number one theoretical Grandmaster. 231
- He confronts Jiang Ming for insulting Bibi Dong and demands an explanation on behalf of Spirit Hall and the Soul Master world. 233
- Jiang Ming kills Yu Xiaogang before the assembled spectators, dismembering and beheading him before having his remains fed to a dog. 234
- In the aftermath, Liu Erlong stews and eats the dog, and Flender closes Shrek Academy. 245
Relationships
- Jiang Ming — Former student and bitter adversary. Jiang Ming rejected Yu Xiaogang's cultivation theory and repeatedly humiliates, mutilates, and defeats him before ultimately killing him during the tournament finals. 1 42 53 93 95 234
- Tang San — Student. Yu Xiaogang takes great pride in Tang San's talent and cultivation, though Tang San later defies his judgment on absorbing the Man Faced Demon Spider's soul ring. Yu Xiaogang eventually reveals Tang San's Clear Sky Hammer, helps him seek Tang Hao after Tang San's Soul Power conflict, and trains him in multi-person Soul Power coordination. He also intervenes after Tang San's defeat by Shirak. 4 42 113 162 178 183 219 227 231
- Flender — Golden Iron Triangle partner and caretaker following Yu Xiaogang's injuries; their alliance becomes strained as Flender confronts resentment toward him. Flender closes Shrek Academy after Yu Xiaogang's death. 54 91 95 245
- Liu Erlong — Golden Iron Triangle partner who remains devoted to Yu Xiaogang after his castration and crippling injuries. Yu Xiaogang calls for Bibi Dong rather than Liu Erlong while in distress, devastating her. She nevertheless encourages him to consider cultivating the Mysterious Heaven Skill and is driven into grief and madness by his death. 85 91 94 211 234
- Bibi Dong — The person Yu Xiaogang calls upon under extreme duress. Bibi Dong is emotionally affected by his misfortune and personally confronts Jiang Ming in vengeance for his injuries, though she later shows little reaction to Yu Xiaogang's public outburst during the finals. Yu Xiaogang remains fixated on her to the extent that he believes he has seen her when she is absent. 82 94 211 223 231
- Huo Wu — A Blazing Fire Academy student who publicly rebukes Yu Xiaogang after he wrongly accuses Jiang Ming of cheating during their match. 150
- Thunderclap Academy — Its members come to resent Yu Xiaogang after Jiang Ming severely injures their team as indirect retaliation against him and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. 160 161
- Nuoke — Dean of Nuoding Junior Soul Master Academy, who seeks Yu Xiaogang's judgment regarding Jiang Ming's presumed fate. 42
- Yu Yuanzhen — Yu Xiaogang's father and the Sect Master of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. Yu Xiaogang invokes Yu Yuanzhen's status while threatened at the Twilight Hotel, but the clan leader later confronts Jiang Ming over the Mysterious Heaven Skill and is himself crippled. 77 194 254
- Yu Luomian — A Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan elder and Liu Erlong's father who holds Yu Xiaogang in deep contempt. He alleges that Yu Xiaogang plagiarized clan and Martial Soul Hall records for the Ten Core Theories. 85 260
Trivia
- Yu Xiaogang is the youngest son of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan's Sect Master. 77
- He is described as an elder of Martial Soul Hall. 15
- His proudest documented example of teaching success is Tang San's acquisition of the second soul skill, Parasite. 42
- He purchases glasses not for poor eyesight, but because he fears that seeing Bibi Dong may be a hallucination. 211
- Yu Xiaogang considers the Ten Core Competencies and Six-in-One proof of his position as the continent's foremost theoretical Grandmaster, even as others accuse him of copying foundational material. 231 260