Yu Xiaogang

Biodata

Background / History

Yu Xiaogang, widely known as the "Grandmaster," built his reputation on the formulation of the "Ten Core Competencies of Martial Souls," attempting to make a name for himself through theoretical research rather than personal combat prowess, which was hindered by his low innate talent 46 187. He took in Tang San as his personal disciple at Nuoding Academy, pinning all his ambitions of proving his invincible theories and washing away his lifelong label of "trash" on the boy 6 46 157.

Throughout Tang San's upbringing, Yu Xiaogang provided strategic and theoretical guidance, though his early assessments proved deeply flawed—most notably when he misjudged Lan Si's martial soul and advised him to absorb a minor Soul Power Holy Wood, alienating Lan Si and sparking a lasting rivalry 6 10 187. As Lan Si rapidly outpaced Tang San through exceptional strength and unconventional methods, Yu Xiaogang frequently found his theories challenged and his arrogance exposed in public, culminating in a humiliating public revelation of his past mistakes by Lan Si during the Continental Advanced Soul Master Elite Tournament 64 187.

His life took a tragic turn due to his associations and conflicts with authorities like Bibi Dong and Martial Soul Hall, leading to severe physical punishment, castration, and imprisonment in the brutal Tongzi Building 212 223 241. In his later years, after Shrek Academy dissolved and his clan was wiped out, Yu Xiaogang lived in isolation near Vast Sea City, waiting for Tang San's return as his final emotional anchor and validation 398 399. This hope was ultimately betrayed when Tang San, driven by the ruthless demands of the Rakshasa God trials, returned and murdered him to devour his body and soul 399 401.

Appearance

Yu Xiaogang is an older, gaunt man with a stiff, rigid facial expression and a formal demeanor 64 72.

• Gaunt and stiff facial structure with an unsmiling, prideful countenance 6 64
• Poor physical condition and lower-than-average combat physique, requiring protection or carriage during hazardous journeys 14 104
• Following severe torture and trauma in Martial Soul Hall, his appearance became drastically more broken, requiring bandages, splints, and later displaying effeminate mannerisms 223 244

Personality

Yu Xiaogang is defined by a profound insecurity masked by extreme arrogance, condescension, and an obsessive need for validation 6 10.

• Highly arrogant toward those he perceives as weak or possessing low innate soul power, frequently changing his attitude based on a student's utility and talent 6 10
• Deeply protective of his dignity and reputation as a theoretical master, making him hypersensitive to mockery and public disgrace 187
• Selfish and cowardly under mortal threat, demonstrated when he chose to sacrifice Flender to save himself from Dugu Bo's torture rather than facing harm himself 104
• Unwaveringly proud of Tang San, viewing his disciple's achievements as his own ultimate redemption and proof of his theories 206 399

Abilities & Skills

Martial Soul & Power

Yu Xiaogang possesses a low-tier martial soul (privately revealed by Lan Si to be a Pig with half a level of Innate Soul Power) and low personal combat capability, remaining trapped at the 29th level 187 241.

• Golden Sacred Dragon: Capable of participating in a Martial Soul Fusion Skill alongside Flender and Liu Erlong to form the Golden Sacred Dragon 314.

Theoretical Knowledge

• Martial Soul Theory: Authored the "Ten Core Competencies of Martial Souls," utilizing analytical insights to guide soul masters on optimal soul ring configurations and cultivation paths—though his practical applications frequently failed when encountering mutated or heterodox souls like Lan Si's 46 64.

Equipment / Weapons / Items

• Handkerchief: Frequently used with delicate, effeminate gestures during his later periods of trauma 223
• Portraits and Documents: Kept prepared illustrations and records for tracking figures like Tang Ritian 206

Relationships

• Tang San — Primary disciple and adoptive son figure; Yu Xiaogang invested all his hopes into him, though he ultimately used Yu Xiaogang as a sacrifice for godhood 6 399 401.
• Liu Erlong — Romantic partner and member of the Golden Iron Triangle; she remained deeply devoted to him despite his flaws and secrecy regarding his castration 104 252 398.
• Flender — Lifelong friend, fellow Golden Triangle member, and co-founder of Shrek Academy who consistently supported him 46 104.
• Bibi Dong — Former lover and current Pope of Martial Soul Hall; their relationship deteriorated into bitter hostility and mutual resentment after years of separation 206 241.
• Lan Si — Archenemy of his theoretical credibility; Lan Si repeatedly exposed Yu Xiaogang's incompetence, shattered his teachings, and mocked his status 6 187 314.

Story Role / Major Arcs

• Nuoding Academy Arc: Meets Tang San, takes him on as a disciple, and dismisses Lan Si due to his perceived low innate soul power, establishing an antagonistic dynamic with Lan Si 6 10.
• Shrek Academy & Tournament Arc: Serves as the mentor and strategist for the Shrek Seven Devils during the Continental Advanced Soul Master Elite Tournament, attempting to prove his theories but suffering continuous public humiliation when Lan Si exposes his past mistakes 46 187.
• Martial Soul Hall & Downfall: Travels to Martial Soul Hall to seek Bibi Dong's help, resulting in his capture, torture, castration, and brutal public beating by Pope Bibi Dong for insubordination 206 212 241.
• Final Days & Demise: Resides in a small town near Vast Sea City, basking in the news of Tang San's divine progression, unaware that Tang San has marked him as the final sacrifice for the Rakshasa God trials 398 399.

Notable Quotes

"It seems you are only suited to be an auxiliary-type Soul Master. I suggest you look for a Soul Power Holy Wood..." 10

"San, just go all out when you meet him... Control types are naturally strong against Power Attack types. Just like when you defeated Mubai last time, use your Blue Silver Grass to defeat him." 64

"I've long since grown accustomed to being misunderstood by the world. As long as you can become a powerhouse of a generation in the future, it doesn't matter if Teacher suffers a little grievance." 238