Yu Xiaogang

Biodata

Feature	Information
Name	Yu Xiaogang (玉小刚)
Alias(es)	Grandmaster; theoretical master
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Formerly associated with Notting Academy, Shrek Academy, and Blue Tyrant Advanced Soul Master Academy; former member of the Golden Iron Triangle; later recuperated in Spirit City under Bibi Dong's protection and became a high-ranking Spirit Hall official 16 17 79 112 116 118 133
Occupation/Role	Soul Master theorist; Tang San's teacher; former Blue Tyrant Academy instructor; later Spirit Hall official 133
First Appearance	Chapter 2
Martial Soul	Luo Sanpao, a mutated beast martial soul resembling a bloated, short-limbed dog-like creature; its unusual ability is associated with producing gas 71 88
Soul Power	Level 29 Soul Grandmaster; later drained of soul power by Yin Shu. No subsequent cultivation advancement is shown 4 114
Physical Condition	Permanently lost his ability to engage in intimate relations after Yin Shu destroyed his testicles; later remained physically impotent despite recovering sufficiently to serve in Spirit Hall 89 116 133 141

Power Progression

Chapter(s)	Advancement / Status
Chapter 4	Confirmed to possess level 29 soul power, placing him at the Soul Grandmaster stage. 4
Chapter 88	Summons his mutated beast martial soul, Luo Sanpao, while attempting to force his way into Blue Tyrant Academy. 88
Chapter 114	Yin Shu overwhelms him and drains his soul power, leaving him collapsed and unable to resist. 114
Chapter 133	Recovers sufficiently from his injuries to return to public life and assumes a high-ranking official position in Spirit Hall, although no increase in soul power is indicated. 133
Chapter 141	Remains physically incapable of responding to Bibi Dong's attempted seduction, confirming that his earlier injuries left him impotent. 141
Chapter 144	His theories are publicly invoked by Bibi Dong to accuse Meng Chen of being a transformed hundred-thousand-year Soul Beast, but Meng Chen exposes Yu Xiaogang's low cultivation and lack of verification before the assembled Soul Masters. 144

Background / History

Yu Xiaogang arrived at Notting Academy with Tang San and learned that another incoming student, Meng Chen, possessed Innate Full Soul Power and a mutated Thunder Hell Vine martial soul. Viewing both boys as opportunities to validate his theories, he took Tang San as his disciple and instructed him to bring Meng Chen to meet him. 2

He approached Meng Chen as “Grandmaster,” offering guidance based on his research into mutated martial souls. Meng Chen rejected him and publicly challenged both his level 29 cultivation and his claim that his theories were invincible. Yu Xiaogang threatened to have Meng Chen expelled, then departed while declaring that Tang San would eventually prove his theories correct. 3 4

After the rejection, Yu Xiaogang chose Tang San as his sole disciple and committed himself to cultivating Tang San into someone stronger than Meng Chen. He personally accompanied Tang San on a soul-ring hunt, where Tang San acquired a nearly four-hundred-year Mandala Snake soul ring; the journey left Yu Xiaogang physically weakened. 5 11

Yu Xiaogang’s confidence collapsed when Meng Chen revealed a fifteen-hundred-year first soul ring and defeated Tang San. He repeatedly insisted that Meng Chen's successful absorption of an Azure-Scaled Thunder Flood Dragon ring contradicted his Ten Core Competencies of Martial Souls. 14 15

After confronting Meng Chen over Tang San’s defeat, Yu Xiaogang was electrocuted, publicly humiliated, and later fainted repeatedly after learning what had occurred while he was unconscious. The academy dean refused his demand to expel Meng Chen and told Tang San to leave the academy with him once Yu Xiaogang recovered. 15 16

Three days later, Yu Xiaogang left Notting Academy with Tang San. He intended to bring his disciple to the academy run by his Golden Iron Triangle associate, Flender. 17

After joining Flender's Shrek Academy, Yu Xiaogang continued to treat Tang San as proof of his theories and later encountered his nephew, Yu Tianheng. Rather than welcoming Yu Tianheng's friendship with Meng Chen, Yu Xiaogang accused Meng Chen of scorning orthodox theory and claimed that Yu Tianheng would be led astray without his guidance. 71

Yu Xiaogang's own mutated martial soul had been a source of humiliation within the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect. His martial soul was considered so weak and abnormal that, according to his recollections, it could do little besides amuse children with its gas-producing ability. Nevertheless, he remained convinced that his theories and education should have allowed him to guide the sect's younger generation to greatness. 71

Following Flender's death, Yu Xiaogang attempted to assert authority over Shrek Academy and berated Zhao Wuji for leaving. His insistence that the academy required a theorist rather than a combatant provoked Zhao Wuji into slapping him. Yu Xiaogang subsequently resolved to seek support from his Golden Iron Triangle associate, Liu Erlong, in Heaven Dou City. 73 79

He initially failed to gain entry to Liu Erlong's Blue Tyrant Academy, where Yin Shu and the gatekeepers dismissed him as a beggar or fraud. After Yu Yuanzhen expelled him from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect for endangering the clan through his conflict with Meng Chen, Yu Xiaogang made a third attempt to enter the academy and was severely beaten by Yin Shu. 82 85 88 89

During that third confrontation, Yin Shu destroyed Yu Xiaogang's testicles with a kick and had academy workers throw him into a dumpster. The injury permanently ended Yu Xiaogang's ability to engage in intimate relations and deepened his physical and psychological despair. 89

Liu Erlong later located Yu Xiaogang, apologized for Yin Shu's treatment of him, and invited him and Tang San into Blue Tyrant Academy. There, Yu Xiaogang accepted Tang San after his bodily transformation and resumed acting as his teacher. 96 97

Yu Xiaogang and Liu Erlong confronted Meng Chen after Tang San was defeated in Heaven Dou City. Liu Erlong was overwhelmed, and Yu Xiaogang was also struck when he intervened, further deepening his resentment toward Meng Chen. 102 105

His relationship with Liu Erlong deteriorated after he defended Dai Mubai's harassment of a female student and argued that ordinary students existed to serve talented geniuses. Encouraged by Tang San, Yu Xiaogang attempted to seize control of Blue Tyrant Academy from Liu Erlong, who rejected his elitist views and expelled him along with Tang San, Dai Mubai, Ma Hongjun, and Oscar. 108 109 112 113

While leaving the academy, Yu Xiaogang was ambushed by Yin Shu. His students fled after Yin Shu drained Yu Xiaogang's soul power, and Hammer Protector—the brainwashed Tang Hao—then beat him under Yin Shu's orders. Chrysanthemum Douluo retrieved the badly injured Yu Xiaogang on Bibi Dong's orders and brought him to Spirit City, where Yu Xiaogang blamed Meng Chen for his downfall and gained Bibi Dong's promise of retaliation. 114 116 118

After recovering, Yu Xiaogang entered Spirit Hall's upper ranks and became a high-ranking official. He regarded his position as proof that he had finally built the institutional influence necessary to validate his theories. When he encountered Ma Hongjun and Oscar in the Heaven Dou Sacred Hall, he was delighted to see two of his former students, but was distressed to learn that Dai Mubai had returned to Star Luo and that Tang San had disappeared. He still imagined that cultivating his former students would allow him to proclaim that he had created several future Titled Douluo. 133

Yu Xiaogang's recovery did not restore his sexual function. When Bibi Dong attempted to draw him into an intimate relationship, he was unable to respond physically and left in shame. He nevertheless asked her to capture Meng Chen after the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament finals and hand him over for revenge. 141

Bibi Dong later used Yu Xiaogang's theories to accuse Meng Chen of being a hundred-thousand-year Soul Beast in human form. Meng Chen publicly challenged the credibility of a level 29 theorist whose claims had never been personally verified. The crowd largely failed to recognize Yu Xiaogang's name or regard his theories as authoritative, and the accusation ultimately escalated into a confrontation between Spirit Hall and Meng Chen's allies. 143 144

Appearance

Yu Xiaogang is depicted as a thin, middle-aged man with graying temples, a decadent bearing, and an unusually stiff expression. 2 3

• Has a rigid, corpse-like facial expression that Meng Chen repeatedly mocks. 2 3
• Appeared pale and severely weakened after accompanying Tang San on the Mandala Snake hunt. 11
• His face turns bloodshot or discolored when his theories are challenged. 4 14
• Became increasingly disheveled and haggard after Shrek Academy's collapse and his repeated rejection from Blue Tyrant Academy. 82 85 113
• Sustained a broken nose and severe bodily injuries during Yin Shu's assault. 88 89
• A severe groin injury inflicted by Yin Shu destroyed his testicles, left him ashamed of his condition, and contributed to his unusually high-pitched voice. 89 102
• Was brought to Spirit City deathly pale, sweating from his injuries, and covered in wounds after Hammer Protector's beating. 116 118
• Later recovered enough to become more plump and ruddy in appearance, although the weariness of his previous hardships remained visible in his eyes. 133
• His permanent impotence remained evident even after his physical recovery. 141

Personality

Yu Xiaogang is intensely proud of his theoretical knowledge and treats his “Grandmaster” title as proof of authority. He presents his theories as invincible, claims that they are recognized throughout the soul master world, and reacts angrily when Meng Chen asks why those theories have not enabled him to surpass level 29. 4

He is ambitious in his choice of disciples. Upon discovering Tang San and Meng Chen, he immediately saw their Innate Full Soul Power and unusual martial souls as means to establish the worth of his teachings. After Meng Chen refused him, Yu Xiaogang redirected all of his efforts toward Tang San. 2 5

His pride is paired with poor emotional resilience. He becomes agitated under criticism, resorts to threats of expulsion when challenged, and suffers a severe breakdown following his public defeat and humiliation. 4 15 16

Yu Xiaogang remains unable to accept evidence that contradicts his beliefs. Even after Meng Chen's achievements and Tang San's failures undermine his claimed principles, he continues to attribute his misfortunes to Meng Chen, dismiss contrary views as ignorance, and regards himself as uniquely capable of guiding other Soul Masters. 71 79 118

He also develops an overtly elitist worldview. Yu Xiaogang considers exceptionally talented students more worthy of resources than ordinary students, excuses Dai Mubai's misconduct as the behavior of a genius, and seeks to reshape Blue Tyrant Academy around his own standards for talent. 108 109 112

Yu Xiaogang's resentment is frequently reinforced by his sense of social and personal humiliation. He interprets rejection by academies, family, colleagues, and former students as evidence that the world is too blind to recognize his genius rather than as criticism he should examine. After obtaining a position in Spirit Hall, he adopts the language of a successful institutional founder and treats his dependence on Bibi Dong as proof of his own importance. 88 118 133

Despite his harsh treatment of others, he remains dependent on Tang San and emotionally attached to Liu Erlong and Bibi Dong when he is vulnerable. His brief moments of self-doubt are quickly displaced by resentment and blame toward Meng Chen. 96 112 118

His physical helplessness after Yin Shu's attacks intensifies the contrast between his self-image and his actual capabilities. He continues to demand recognition as a master theorist even after losing his soul power, suffering permanent impotence, and relying on Bibi Dong for protection and status. 89 114 133 141

Abilities & Skills

Soul Master Cultivation

Yu Xiaogang possesses level 29 soul power, placing him at the Soul Grandmaster stage. 4

• His cultivation is below the level required to become a Soul Elder.
• He was physically strained and left weakened by the Mandala Snake hunt undertaken for Tang San. 11
• His sluggish condition after that hunt prevented him from avoiding Meng Chen’s Thunder Hell Vine. 15
• He is vastly outmatched by Soul Kings and higher-ranked Soul Masters, including Yin Shu, Liu Erlong, Zhao Wuji, and Hammer Protector. 79 82 114 116
• Yin Shu later drained his soul power during their confrontation, leaving him unable to fight back. 114
• No later increase in his soul power is shown, despite his eventual appointment as a high-ranking Spirit Hall official. 133
• His physical injuries permanently left him impotent, further limiting his already poor practical capabilities. 89 141

Martial Soul

Yu Xiaogang's martial soul is Luo Sanpao, a mutated beast martial soul. 88

• Luo Sanpao manifests as a bloated, pale-purple, dog-like creature with unusually short limbs. 88
• Its appearance is partly dog-like and partly pig-like, making it an abnormal and ridiculed manifestation even among Soul Masters. 88
• The martial soul's unusual ability is associated with producing gas, contributing to Yu Xiaogang's shame and the mockery directed at him. 71
• Yu Xiaogang's mutated martial soul is regarded as weak and was a major source of his early insecurity and resentment toward his family. 71
• He has not demonstrated combat capabilities sufficient to compensate for his limited cultivation in later confrontations. 82 114

Martial Soul Theory

Yu Xiaogang promotes a body of teachings he calls the Ten Core Competencies of Martial Souls. 14 15

• He identifies Tang San’s twin martial souls and uses that knowledge to recruit him as a disciple. 2
• He argues that mutated martial souls have flaws, even when their mutations are beneficial. 3
• He claims that plant martial souls should not absorb animal soul-beast rings, though he makes an exception for Tang San’s Blue Silver Grass due to its “non-exclusivity.” 15
• His theory is publicly undermined when both Tang San and Meng Chen successfully absorb animal soul-beast rings, with Meng Chen’s ring proving substantially stronger. 14 15
• He insists that theoretical education is indispensable to high-level cultivation and uses Meng Chen's rejection of his teachings as evidence of Meng Chen's supposed inadequacy. 71
• He attempts to use his theories as justification for directing Shrek Academy and later taking control of Blue Tyrant Academy. 79 112
• His claims are treated by Bibi Dong as evidence that Meng Chen may be a transformed hundred-thousand-year Soul Beast, despite Yu Xiaogang's lack of sufficient cultivation or personal verification. 143 144
• Meng Chen publicly points out that Yu Xiaogang is only level 29 and asks how an unverified theory from such a weak Soul Master can be used as the basis for an accusation. 144
• His reputation is so limited that most younger Soul Masters and many older experts at the tournament have never heard of him or his theories. 144
• His title and theories are later dismissed by Ning Rongrong, who argues that he merely turns already exceptional geniuses into geniuses and cannot solve practical cultivation problems himself. 170

Instruction and Mentorship

• Yu Xiaogang recognizes Tang San's twin martial souls and uses that knowledge to establish a master-disciple relationship. 2
• He arranges Tang San's first soul-ring hunt and treats Tang San's successful absorption as evidence supporting his teachings. 5 11
• He repeatedly uses Tang San's progress as personal validation rather than objectively reassessing his theories after Tang San is defeated by Meng Chen. 11 14 15
• He attempts to impose orthodox theoretical instruction on Yu Tianheng and condemns Yu Tianheng's practical friendship with Meng Chen. 71
• He seeks authority over Shrek Academy and Blue Tyrant Academy despite lacking the cultivation or practical strength to enforce his educational ideals. 79 112

Relationships

• Tang San — Disciple. Yu Xiaogang accepts Tang San after identifying his twin martial souls and later devotes himself to Tang San’s cultivation after Meng Chen rejects him. Tang San remains his principal source of validation, later reunites with him after undergoing a bodily transformation, and encourages him to challenge Liu Erlong's authority. However, Tang San abandons Yu Xiaogang when Yin Shu attacks, prioritizing his own escape. 2 5 96 112 114
• Meng Chen — Failed prospective disciple and rival to Yu Xiaogang’s theories. Meng Chen’s thousand-year first ring and victory over Tang San directly challenge Yu Xiaogang’s claimed principles. Yu Xiaogang later blames Meng Chen for the collapse of his reputation, the death of Flender, his conflict with Liu Erlong, his injuries, his dependence on Bibi Dong, and his loss of status. 3 4 14 15 71 118 141
• Flender — Fellow member of the Golden Iron Triangle and the operator of an academy outside Soto City. Yu Xiaogang plans to take Tang San to him after leaving Notting Academy. After Flender's death, Yu Xiaogang invokes their brotherhood while attempting to influence Shrek Academy's remaining members. 17 73 79
• Liu Erlong — Golden Iron Triangle associate and former lover. Yu Xiaogang seeks refuge with her at Blue Tyrant Academy, where she initially gives him and Tang San a place to stay. Their relationship collapses after Yu Xiaogang defends elitism and attempts to take control of her academy, prompting her to expel him. She later apologizes for Yin Shu's treatment of him and invites him back before their relationship breaks down again. 82 89 96 108 112
• Yu Tianheng — Nephew and direct descendant of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect. Yu Xiaogang remembers Yu Tianheng as a source of comfort during his youth but later disapproves of Yu Tianheng's friendship with Meng Chen and attempts to impose his own theoretical guidance on him. 71
• Yu Yuanzhen — Father and leader of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect. Yu Yuanzhen expels Yu Xiaogang from the clan after learning that his actions had offended Meng Chen and risked implicating the sect. 88
• Notting Academy Dean — An old friend who refuses to expel Meng Chen despite Yu Xiaogang’s demands, instead asking Yu Xiaogang and Tang San to leave the academy. 16 17
• Zhao Wuji — Former Shrek colleague. Yu Xiaogang's accusations that Zhao Wuji was betraying Flender and was unfit to lead the academy provoke Zhao Wuji into slapping him and abandoning Shrek. 79
• Yin Shu — Former Blue Tyrant Academy teacher and enemy. Yin Shu repeatedly rejects Yu Xiaogang from the academy, is later dismissed after Liu Erlong punishes him, and retaliates by ambushing, draining, and torturing Yu Xiaogang after his expulsion. He also permanently destroys Yu Xiaogang's sexual function during an earlier beating. 82 88 89 95 114
• Tang Hao / Hammer Protector — Once Yu Xiaogang's idol. After Tang Hao is transformed into Hammer Protector, Yin Shu orders him to beat Yu Xiaogang, leaving Yu Xiaogang terrified and severely injured. 114 116
• Bibi Dong — Pope of Spirit Hall and Yu Xiaogang's former lover. Bibi Dong orders Chrysanthemum Douluo to retrieve Yu Xiaogang, receives him in Spirit City, helps restore his position, and promises to take action against Meng Chen after hearing Yu Xiaogang's accusations. She later uses his theories to publicly challenge Meng Chen and attempts to rekindle intimacy with Yu Xiaogang, but his impotence leaves both of them disappointed. 116 118 133 141 143 144
• Ma Hongjun and Oscar — Former students. Yu Xiaogang regards them as additional proof of his ability to cultivate geniuses and is pleased to encounter them after becoming a Spirit Hall official. He is disappointed to learn that they have lost contact with Tang San and Dai Mubai. 113 133
• Ning Rongrong — Former Shrek student and later critic of Yu Xiaogang's title and theories. She argues that he does not deserve to be called a master because he merely turns existing geniuses into geniuses without solving practical cultivation problems. 170

Story Role / Major Arcs

Recruitment of Tang San and Meng Chen

Yu Xiaogang discovers two children with Innate Full Soul Power at Notting Academy and attempts to make both into proof of his theoretical system. He successfully gains Tang San as a disciple but fails to recruit Meng Chen. 2 3 4

First Soul Ring Hunt

He takes Tang San to obtain a first soul ring, initially intending to seek a ten-year Solitary Bamboo before Tang San instead acquires a Mandala Snake ring. Yu Xiaogang regards the result as evidence that Tang San will surpass Meng Chen. 5 11

Public Defeat at Notting Academy

Yu Xiaogang witnesses Meng Chen reveal a thousand-year first soul ring, then sees Tang San defeated within seconds. His attempts to discredit Meng Chen’s Azure-Scaled Thunder Flood Dragon ring fail, and his confrontation ends with Meng Chen electrocuting him. 14 15

Departure from Notting Academy

Following the incident, Yu Xiaogang cannot secure Meng Chen’s expulsion. The dean instead instructs Tang San to leave with him, prompting Yu Xiaogang to depart for Flender’s academy. 16 17

Shrek Academy Collapse

Yu Xiaogang remains attached to Shrek Academy through Flender and continues to champion Tang San as the proof of his theories. After Flender's death, he clashes with Zhao Wuji over the academy's future and leaves Heaven Dou City with Tang San in search of Liu Erlong's assistance. 73 79

Conflict with Yu Tianheng

Yu Xiaogang reunites with Yu Tianheng but reacts negatively to his nephew's friendship with Meng Chen. He condemns Meng Chen's rejection of theoretical instruction and attempts to convince Yu Tianheng that talent without Yu Xiaogang's guidance will lead him astray. 71

Blue Tyrant Academy Rejections

Desperate for a place to implement his theories, Yu Xiaogang repeatedly attempts to enter Blue Tyrant Academy and see Liu Erlong. Yin Shu and the academy gatekeepers refuse him, and his third attempt ends with Yin Shu beating him after Yu Xiaogang demands to become an instructor. 82 85 88 89

Permanent Injury and Humiliation

During Yin Shu's third beating, Yu Xiaogang suffers a devastating groin injury that permanently destroys his ability to engage in intimate relations. He is discarded as if he were refuse, deepening the physical and psychological consequences of his failed attempts to regain recognition. 89

Blue Tyrant Academy Expulsion

After Liu Erlong brings Yu Xiaogang into Blue Tyrant Academy, their differences over ordinary students and the conduct of Yu Xiaogang's disciples become irreconcilable. Tang San encourages Yu Xiaogang to take control of the academy, but Liu Erlong condemns his elitism and expels him together with his students. 108 109 112 113

Yin Shu's Retaliation and Spirit City Recovery

Yin Shu ambushes Yu Xiaogang after his expulsion, drains his soul power, and has Hammer Protector beat him. Chrysanthemum Douluo retrieves Yu Xiaogang on Bibi Dong's orders, after which Yu Xiaogang seeks Bibi Dong's support in Spirit City and directs his renewed hatred toward Meng Chen. 114 116 118

Rise as a Spirit Hall Official

After recovering from his injuries, Yu Xiaogang becomes a high-ranking Spirit Hall official. He treats the position as proof that his theories and leadership deserve recognition, while continuing to depend heavily on Bibi Dong's favor. He attempts to gather his former students as evidence of his supposed success but learns that Tang San has disappeared and Dai Mubai has returned to Star Luo. 133

Revenge During the Tournament Finals

Yu Xiaogang becomes enraged as Meng Chen's fame grows during the Continental Advanced Soul Master Academy Elite Tournament. Believing Meng Chen will lose to Spirit Hall, Yu Xiaogang asks Bibi Dong to capture him after the final and deliver him for punishment. Bibi Dong agrees, but Yu Xiaogang's physical impotence prevents the intimate reconciliation she attempts that night. 141

Public Discrediting of His Theories

After Meng Chen defeats Spirit Hall Academy, Bibi Dong cites Yu Xiaogang's theories while accusing Meng Chen of being a transformed hundred-thousand-year Soul Beast. Meng Chen publicly challenges the legitimacy of Yu Xiaogang's claims by emphasizing his level 29 cultivation and lack of verification. The assembled Soul Masters largely fail to recognize Yu Xiaogang's name, and his theories become the basis of an accusation that cannot withstand public scrutiny. 142 143 144

Continued Reputation as a False Master

Yu Xiaogang's theories continue to be treated by some powerful figures as authoritative, but other characters increasingly regard him as a fraud who only explains the achievements of already gifted disciples. Ning Rongrong later explicitly rejects his title of “Master,” arguing that he lacks the practical ability to solve cultivation problems. 144 170