Yu Xiaogang the Tool

Cinderella hid behind Tang San, her sapphire-blue eyes flickering faintly as she took in every one of Yu Xiaogang's reactions.

The corners of her lips curved into an unnoticed smile.

"A tool... hadn't he just delivered himself right to our door?"

Cinderella chuckled inwardly. "A master? Perfect. Tang San and I need knowledge about Soul Rings and Soul Beasts, as well as theoretical guidance. He can generously provide all of that for us."

In Cinderella's eyes, she could not be sure whether Yu Xiaogang truly had talent, but he definitely possessed a great many books. After all, someone bearing the title of master would surely need plenty of books to maintain his image.

Cinderella gently tugged on Tang San's sleeve, signaling for him to stay calm.

Then, she peeked out from behind Tang San and gave Yu Xiaogang a flawless smile, pure and innocent, carrying a hint of shyness and dependence.

"Really? Master, you're amazing! Then please give my little brother and me plenty of guidance from now on."

That smile was like sunlight piercing through dark clouds, instantly striking Yu Xiaogang's heart, which yearned to be admired.

He immediately felt refreshed all over. Even Tang San, who had been glaring at him the whole time, seemed much more agreeable now.

"Of course, of course! Come with me!"

Yu Xiaogang waved his hand spiritedly, as though he had already become the mentor of two future powerhouses, then led the way into the academy.

Old Jack watched the scene with relief, feeling that they had encountered a benefactor.

Tang San still wore a tense expression as he followed behind Yu Xiaogang vigilantly, constantly on guard against the master ahead, who looked somewhat sanctimonious.

Walking at the very back, Cinderella looked at Yu Xiaogang's retreating figure, then at the nervous Tang San beside her. A trace of calm confidence that everything was under her control flashed deep within her sapphire-blue eyes.

Yu Xiaogang walked ahead of Tang San and Cinderella with a satisfied air, leading the way for them.

He deliberately slowed his pace so that the two newly discovered geniuses behind him could keep up.

Besides that, he wanted to enjoy Cinderella's admiring gaze for a little longer.

Ever since leaving Bibi Dong and Liu Erlong, he had not enjoyed anyone's admiring gaze for a long time.

Cinderella's sapphire-blue eyes were clear and innocent, and her voice was soft and sweet. "Master Uncle, you know so much! It's my first time hearing about the Spirit Ring Limit Theory you mentioned earlier! You must have read so, so many books, right? Do you have a huge study filled with all kinds of Soul Master tomes?"

As Cinderella spoke, she spread her hands wide, her expression innocent and full of longing.

That precisely aimed flattery made Yu Xiaogang feel thoroughly pleased, greatly satisfying his vanity.

He gave a restrained cough and raised his chin slightly, trying to make his tone sound casual. Yet he still could not conceal the boastfulness within it.

"Hehe, not that many. I have merely devoted myself to research over the years and collected some relatively precious rare editions and handwritten notes from across the continent. I have especially dabbled in matters concerning Martial Soul Mutation, Soul Beast catalogues, and the principles of Soul Ring combinations. My study may not be large, but the books within it are likely no worse than those in an ordinary library of Heaven Dou Royal Academy."

Yu Xiaogang deliberately made it sound insignificant, yet every word emphasized the value of his collection.

Cinderella immediately understood, and a barely perceptible gleam flashed deep in her sapphire-blue eyes.

As expected, he had the goods! And they sounded high quality!

This was exactly what she needed most right now: systematic and comprehensive theoretical knowledge of Soul Masters, especially regarding Soul Ring selection and Soul Beast identification.

Tang Hao was unreliable, and the academy's basic education was far too slow. Yu Xiaogang's reputation as a theoretical master might be heavily inflated, but the books he had spent half his life collecting were the real treasure.

"Wow! Master Uncle, you're incredible!"

Cinderella exclaimed again, clasping her hands to her chest, her eyes nearly sparkling with little stars. "If only I could have the chance someday to admire your precious collection! Even just one look would surely benefit me immensely!"

Cinderella's sugar-coated barrage left Yu Xiaogang dizzy. He answered almost without thinking, "There will be a chance, naturally! Once you've settled in, you can come to my residence whenever you wish..."

The moment the words left his mouth, he realized he had sounded a little too eager. He hurriedly stopped himself and changed the subject, beginning to flaunt his knowledge again in an attempt to further solidify his image as a learned man.

Regarding Tang San's Innate Full Soul Power with Blue Silver Grass, he launched into an endless analysis of every possibility, from latent Martial Soul mutations to special bloodline inheritance, speaking with extravagant flourish.

At last, he abruptly paused and stared at Tang San with blazing eyes. He spoke with absolute certainty. "Therefore, there is only one truth! Tang San, you do not have only one Martial Soul. Your other Martial Soul is certainly no ordinary thing—it must be extraordinarily powerful! Otherwise, it would be impossible for it to support Innate Full Soul Power in the useless Martial Soul Blue Silver Grass! You are a one-in-ten-thousand Twin Martial Soul!"

He then looked at Cinderella and pretended to ponder deeply. "As for your Crystal Dance Shoes Martial Soul, Xian Di, I have searched through countless records and never seen an identical entry. However, judging from its crystal-clear form and the unusual Soul Power fluctuations it contains, it is highly likely to be a beneficial mutation of some spiritual-type or Support System Martial Soul. Its potential is tremendous!"

Cinderella practically wanted to roll her eyes into the back of her head.

A useless Martial Soul, Blue Silver Grass? This was clearly the incredibly powerful Blue Silver Emperor!

A beneficial mutation? Mine was a proper fairy-tale artifact Martial Soul!

But outwardly, Cinderella cooperatively revealed an expression of extreme shock and admiration. She covered her mouth with her little hand, her eyes widening into perfect circles.

"Oh my! Master! You could even tell that?"

Beside her, Tang San's muscles instantly tensed the moment Yu Xiaogang exposed his Twin Martial Souls.

How did he know?

The first rule of the Mysterious Heaven Treasure Record rang alarm bells in Tang San's mind!

This seemingly ordinary, dispirited man had actually seen through his secret at a glance!

Dangerous! Extremely dangerous! He must be eliminated!

Killing intent instantly surged through Tang San's heart. His right hand lowered slightly, and within his sleeve, his fingers silently caught the trigger mechanism of a Silent Sleeve Arrow.

If there were even the slightest further disturbance, he was seventy percent certain that he could instantly pierce this man's throat!

As for the consequences?

Anyone who dared pry into my sister's and my secrets had earned the right to die!

Just as Tang San was about to make his move, Cinderella lightly tugged on his sleeve. The force was gentle, yet it was like a basin of cold water, instantly extinguishing the killing intent about to erupt from him.

Tang San suddenly came back to his senses and met Cinderella's calm eyes. He took a deep breath and suppressed his urge to kill, though his gaze toward Yu Xiaogang remained icy.