I am a Master of Theory (4K, seeking follow-up reads)

"Hehe, my father—your grandfather, Tang Chen—once said that Spirit Hall had at least ten to twenty Titled Douluo within its ranks."

"What?! That many... Spirit Hall alone has nearly as many Titled Douluo as the entirety of Douluo Continent does now."

Tang Xiao found it hard to believe. Everyone said Spirit Hall was powerful, but their younger generation had only possessed a vague understanding of it. They had never imagined it could be this powerful.

"So, never underestimate Spirit Hall."

"There will be no shortage of Titled Douluo-level experts around those two geniuses."

"Especially Qian Renxue, the Qian family's only daughter. At least two Super Douluo-level experts follow her."

"Hehe, want to ambush and kill her? The entire Upper Three Sects would have to join forces for there to be any chance."

"Is... is that really possible?"

Even though it had been said, Tang Xiao still found it difficult to believe. After all, there were so few Super Douluo on Douluo Continent that they could be counted on one hand.

"The Enshrinement Hall—do you think Qian Daoliu is the only one there?"

"There are a full seven enshrined in the Enshrinement Hall, and every one of them is an expert above the level of Super Douluo."

Tang Xiao sucked in a breath and said nothing more, sinking into thought.

Clearly, today's words had shaken him to his very soul.

Meanwhile, in a hotel room in Spirit Hall's outer city.

"A Yin, this is one of the properties Clear Sky Sect acquired here back then."

"Wait for me here. I've already set up a barrier around this place. No one will disturb you."

A Yin nodded calmly. There was not a trace of a smile on her face, only reluctance. She gently caressed her slightly rounded belly and looked at Tang Hao with longing.

"Hao... be careful..."

Looking at the lovely woman before him, Tang Hao felt deeply guilty for bringing her to Spirit Hall and exposing her to such great danger.

Tang Hao lovingly stroked A Yin's cheek, rested his forehead against hers, and spoke in the gentlest tone.

"Don't worry. I'll build a home for our child."

The last thing to fall upon A Yin's lips was a tender, passionate kiss.

A Yin stood by the window, watching Tang Hao's figure vanish into the night.

A series of knocks sounded at the door, instantly putting Tang Xiao's keen nerves on edge. He rose to his feet, stared warily at the door, and asked in a low voice.

"Who is it?"

"Big Brother, it's me."

Hearing that voice, Tang Xiao's heart jolted. It was clearly his brother Hao's voice, but why would he be here now?

Hadn't he sent a letter some time ago saying that A Yin was already pregnant? Once a hundred-thousand-year soul beast became pregnant, she would release an aura.

But clearly, this was not the time to dwell on that. Tang Xiao opened the door and saw the travel-worn Tang Hao standing quietly outside.

"Big Brother, I'm here."

The two brothers exchanged a silent look and understood each other's intentions. Tang Xiao could only let out a helpless sigh.

"Come in first. Father has already gone back to his room to sleep. His health has been very poor lately."

"Mm, alright."

Under the night sky, at Spirit City's southern gate.

"Captain, you should head back and get some sleep first. No one should be coming tonight."

A soldier clad in armor and holding a long spear spoke to his superior.

"Mm, you've all worked hard."

"Remember, switch shifts with the second team at one in the morning."

"I'll go back and catch a little sleep first. If anything important comes up, come straight to me."

The captain in luxurious robes walked directly toward the military barracks not far away.

The soldiers guarding the southern gate were members of the Angel Legion. More importantly, every single one of these squads consisted entirely of four-ring Soul Ancestor-level members.

As for that captain from earlier, he was even a five-ring Soul King-level expert.

"Zhao Wu, Spirit City usually has a curfew. Why hasn't there been one these past few days?"

The soldier called Zhao Wu had just finished checking a group's travel permits and identification. Hearing his teammate's question, he answered casually.

"Haven't you heard? Tomorrow, there's going to be a battle between geniuses of our Spirit Hall. It was arranged on short notice, so tonight there will be many soul masters from all over coming to watch."

"And I heard that the internal competition of the Seven Great Sects will probably also be held in Spirit City in a couple of days."

"So there's no curfew these days. The city is open around the clock."

"No wonder. So that's what it was. I was wondering why the captain's orders only allowed people with official backing, or soul masters above level forty, to enter the city at night."

Upon hearing this, Wang Sheng finally understood.

"Hello, please present your travel permit."

Zhao Wu and Wang Sheng exchanged a few brief words before continuing with their official duties.

However, the person before them clearly did not meet the requirements.

"Travel permit? I don't have one. I suggest you let me through right now, or you won't be able to bear the consequences."

Those words were rather aggressive.

Zhao Wu frowned as he looked at the flat-haired man before him. Though displeased, his attitude remained calm. He chose to play it safe first.

After all, by convention, anyone who dared speak like that ought to have some backing. Perhaps he was someone Zhao Wu could not afford to offend.

"Alternatively, you may present an item that can prove your identity or strength, and you may enter the city... but there are strict restrictions. You must register, and you may not enter the inner city for the time being."

Zhao Wu's attitude remained mild, leaving no fault to pick at.

Yet upon hearing this, the man before him proudly raised his chin and said, "Showing my strength will do, right? Fine, then I'll reveal my soul rings for you."

Zhao Wu exchanged glances with the teammate beside him. Both saw the relief in each other's eyes, and his teammate even gave Zhao Wu a thumbs-up.

Judging by how confidently this man acted, his soul power level was surely not low. Fortunately, they had not openly antagonized him earlier.

But in the next second, Zhao Wu and his teammate were left dumbfounded.

The middle-aged man before them stomped his right foot fiercely against the ground, and a purple creature resembling a pig appeared at his side.

At the same time, two yellow soul rings rose and fell as they circled his body.

A trace of pride flashed across the middle-aged man's face, though he quickly suppressed it and spoke in an arrogant tone instead.

"This level of strength should be enough, right? Please let me pass."

There was no doubt that this man was Yu Xiaogang.

He had come to Spirit Hall this time for two reasons. First, Bibi Dong had written him a letter, saying she had something that could help him advance further.

Second, he had heard that Spirit Hall possessed two peerless geniuses. As a self-proclaimed master of martial soul theory, he believed that only he could properly teach those two geniuses.

Once I take the thing that bitch Bibi Dong gave me and advance my strength even further...

Then I'll use my knowledge to impress those two geniuses, make them take me as their master, and teach two unparalleled talents. By then, my name will resound throughout the world.

Who would dare say I'm not a theoretical master then?

Although Yu Xiaogang was furious at Bibi Dong, that bitch who had abandoned him, she had said she possessed a way to improve his aptitude. So Yu Xiaogang could only reluctantly forgive her a little.

"You fucking little Grand Soul Master, and you dare put on airs in front of me?"

Seeing Yu Xiaogang still grinning foolishly, Wang Sheng could no longer hold himself back. He rolled up his sleeves, ready to teach Yu Xiaogang a lesson.

But Zhao Wu stopped him with one hand. The remaining teammates who wanted to step forward were also restrained by Zhao Wu's gaze, clearly being told not to act rashly.

"Guest, if you wish to enter the city at night without a travel permit, you must either possess the strength of a four-ring Soul Sect or above, or provide the endorsement of a reputable clan or faction."

This time, Zhao Wu had explained the conditions very clearly, but Yu Xiaogang's expression tightened.

Yu Xiaogang lowered his head slightly, his expression darkening as his fists clenched involuntarily.

Damn it, they actually dare look down on me.

The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan has already expelled me. If I use their name as an endorsement now, I'll definitely be mocked.

What should I do? Right, I'm a master of martial soul theory. My name must still carry some weight in Spirit City.

Having figured it out, Yu Xiaogang regained his confidence. He straightened his back and cast a disdainful glance at the guards.

This made Wang Sheng feel somewhat uneasy. Yu Xiaogang truly looked confident and composed at that moment.

Wang Sheng could not help wondering whether this guy really had some incredible backing.

"Ahem. I am the master of martial soul theory, Yu Xiaogang."

After saying that, Yu Xiaogang had already begun fantasizing inwardly.

Worship me. Admire me. Hurry up and flatter me, then bow your heads and apologize, and respectfully invite me inside.

In reality, however, the scene was utterly silent. Yu Xiaogang, who had clasped his hands behind his back and put on a profound air, could no longer maintain his composure after hearing no response for so long.

The moment he turned his head, he saw several soldiers rushing at him with fierce looks in their eyes. Wang Sheng, at the front, slammed Yu Xiaogang into the mud.

Yu Xiaogang's once fair and clean appearance was completely ruined. He looked utterly miserable, covered from head to toe in mud.

"You stinking beggar, and you still dare put on airs in front of me?"

"If you've got no background and no strength, then behave yourself. You think casually throwing out some title is enough to scare us?"

"I thought you really had some background and strength. Turns out this is all you've got."

"Brothers, beat him up."

Zhao Wu merely stood quietly at the gate, picked up the cold tea beside him, and took a light sip. Then he called over several soldiers who had been watching the show and sent them to inspect the guests seeking passage.

Yu Xiaogang's wails were exceptionally loud. His howls, like those of a stray dog, were incomparably pleasing to the ear.

"Ow, stop hitting me."

"I was wrong, I was wrong."

"You can't hit me! I'm the theoretical master, Yu Xiaogang."

"Your Holy Maiden, Bibi Dong, used to be my girlfriend. If she finds out, she won't spare you."

Hearing this, Wang Sheng became even more enraged. He viciously kicked Yu Xiaogang in the head. The blow was no light one, nearly knocking Yu Xiaogang unconscious, and blood spurted from his nose.

"Fuck, where did this stray dog come from, daring to sully my goddess? Brothers, keep beating him!"

Even fiercer blows rained down like a storm, beating Yu Xiaogang until he howled miserably.

"Stop hitting me... stop... I'm a disciple of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect... My name is Yu Xiaogang... Yu Yuanzhen... is my father..."

Zhao Wu, who had been watching from the side, narrowed his eyes, his expression changing subtly. Thinking back to the martial soul Yu Xiaogang had just released, he had already formed a few suspicions.

He hurried forward and stopped the others, who were about to continue beating him.

"That's enough. Stop!"

"Quit it. Keep going and you'll beat him to death."

Yu Xiaogang was now in an utterly miserable state. His body was covered in wounds, and blood flowed uncontrollably from the corners of his mouth and nose.

He was covered in filthy footprints and mud, like a homeless dog.

"Yu Xiaogang, right? We taught you a lesson today because you couldn't produce proof to enter the city and still dared to insult us."

"Got it? Now get lost."

Zhao Wu was clearly a clever man. He immediately defined the matter: Yu Xiaogang had provoked them first, so they had beaten him.

Even if Yu Xiaogang really went to his father to make an issue of it, they at least had the moral high ground.

And if someone tried to use power to bully them... heh, did they really think Zhao Wu had no backing?

The current vice commander of the Angel Legion was also surnamed Zhao.

His soul power was not inferior to Yu Yuanzhen's in the slightest.

At Zhao Wu's signal, Wang Sheng dragged Yu Xiaogang out and threw him onto the country road before returning to the southern gate of Spirit City.

"Hiss... it hurts... You... just you wait. I will definitely avenge this grudge."

Yu Xiaogang struggled to his feet. His wounds were still bleeding, and he hurriedly took out some medicine for injuries from his storage soul tool. Without caring what it was, he slathered it all over himself.

He quietly leaned against a nearby tree. He was completely unable to move now and could only rest here, planning to enter the city tomorrow.

"Damn it. Once I find that bitch Bibi Dong tomorrow, I'll have her kill you! I'll make every last one of you pay!"

Even now, Yu Xiaogang did not forget to threaten them. But little did he know that Bibi Dong would be powerless to help him in this matter.

After all, the Angel Legion answered directly to the Enshrinement Hall. Even if Qian Xunji came personally, he would have no authority to discipline or deploy them.

Not to mention that these people from the Angel Legion possessed considerable combat strength, and the legion commander's child had also been involved. There was even less to say about that.

Yu Xiaogang was bound to swallow this loss in silence.

The next day, early morning.

Lin Mo held Qian Renxue's hand as they stood quietly before Qian Daoliu. Qian Xunji sat nearby, looking at Lin Mo and Qian Renxue with gritted teeth.

That brat actually dares to hold Xue'er's hand. I don't know what Father is thinking. That kid looks dishonest at first glance.

Seeming to understand Qian Xunji's thoughts, Qian Daoliu shot him a glance. That single look made Qian Xunji sit properly at once, like an elementary school student.

"Grandpa, why won't you let me compete?"

Qian Renxue pouted her adorable little lips, somewhat dissatisfied. After all, she had been diligently cultivating during this time, and she was quite proficient in using her soul skills.

She had originally thought she could use this opportunity to show her mother, perhaps making her mother change her mind and like her a little more. Yet she had never expected Grandpa to refuse to let her take the field.

"Aiya, Xue'er, you'll understand when you grow up. Not letting you compete is for your protection."

Lin Mo nodded from the side as well, rubbing Xue'er's head and coaxing her gently.

"Be good, Xue'er. Your brother will help you beat them all flying, alright?"

Xue'er first nodded, then seemed to think of something. She suddenly became angry and glared fiercely at Lin Mo.

"No, no! You should call me big sister. How can you be my brother?"

Lin Mo could not help but laugh. He had not expected that this was what the little girl found wrong.

"Grand Enshriner, the time is about right. We should be heading to the Soul Fighting Arena."

"Ghost Elder has already brought the guests from all the major factions to the Soul Fighting Arena and settled them properly."

At some point, Chrysanthemum Douluo had appeared in the main hall. He respectfully bowed to Qian Daoliu and Qian Xunji.

"Alright, then let's go."