Yu Xiaogang

Biodata

Martial Soul & Cultivation

Background

Yu Xiaogang enters Notting Academy's story during Qin Qi and Tang San's enrollment. He reprimands the gatekeeper only after the confrontation is already turning against him, examines Tang San's certificate while ignoring Qin Qi's, and immediately escorts Tang San into the academy 4.

He accepts Tang San as a disciple because he expects him to possess Twin Martial Souls. When Tang San cannot summon his second Martial Soul, Yu Xiaogang abruptly denounces Blue Silver Grass and Tang San's prospects, despite previously teaching that there are no useless Martial Souls 8. He nevertheless keeps Tang San as his student, intending to use the boy's Innate Full Soul Power and potential accomplishments to bolster his own standing 8 16.

During their trip to the Soul Hunting Forest, Yu Xiaogang urges Tang San to absorb a Ten-Year Solitary Bamboo as his first Soul Ring. Tang Hao secretly intervenes after judging the choice inadequate, driving a Hundred-Year Datura Snake toward them instead 10. When the snake attacks, Yu Xiaogang cannot summon Luo Sanpao and is left helpless after Tang San abandons him 11.

Unknown to him, Qin Qi has already stolen Luo Sanpao and several of his Soul Rings. Yu Xiaogang eventually discovers the losses and becomes desperate to hide his condition, fearing that he will lose his academy position or be targeted for study 15. He comes to suspect Tang San, whose sudden Hundred-Year Soul Ring and supposed ability to kill a Datura Snake appear suspicious to him 16 18.

Tang Hao later reveals himself as Tang San's father and orders Yu Xiaogang to care for the boy, backing the demand with Titled Douluo pressure. Frightened for his life, Yu Xiaogang outwardly becomes solicitous toward Tang San, gives him a storage Soul Tool, and offers further tutoring primarily to demonstrate obedience to Tang Hao 19 20.

Personality

Yu Xiaogang presents himself as an eminent Soul Master theorist and frequently invokes his “Ten Core Competencies” and status as the Master when demanding deference 21. He is highly sensitive to humiliation, especially over his failure to reach Rank 30, and reacts to criticism by dismissing others as jealous or beneath him 21 23.

His treatment of Tang San is conditional. He is enthusiastic when he believes Tang San can validate his theories, contemptuous when Tang San appears to possess only Blue Silver Grass, then excessively generous after losing his Martial Soul and needing Tang San to restore his reputation 8 16.

Under immediate danger, Yu Xiaogang is fearful and self-preserving. He begs Tang San and Luo Sanpao for help during the Datura Snake attack, submits to Tang Hao's threat, and later attempts to use Qin Qi against Tang San rather than confront either directly 11 19 20.

Equipment

• Storage Soul Tool — A storage item later known as Twenty-Four Bridges Bright Moon Night, given to Tang San after Tang Hao threatens Yu Xiaogang into taking better care of him 20.

Relationships

• Tang San — Disciple. Yu Xiaogang initially values him as a possible Twin Martial Soul genius, later belittles him, then tries to bind him through gifts and paternal language after losing Luo Sanpao. Both become suspicious of one another 8 16 20.
• Qin Qi — Hostile former student. Yu Xiaogang attempts to force Qin Qi into discipleship; Qin Qi beats him severely and is indirectly responsible for stealing his Martial Soul and Soul Rings 8 17 21.
• Luo Sanpao — Former Martial Soul. Yu Xiaogang previously disparages it as useless, but desperately calls for it after Qin Qi steals it and he is attacked by the Datura Snake 11 15.
• Tang Hao — Tang San's father and a Titled Douluo who coerces Yu Xiaogang into protecting Tang San 19.
• Dean Notting — Former friend and headmaster who had allowed Yu Xiaogang to remain at the academy out of pity before ultimately expelling him 23.
• Director Su and Notting Academy staff — Colleagues who distrust Yu Xiaogang because of his conduct and support Qin Qi's account during the disciplinary hearing 22 23.

Story Role / Major Arcs

Tang San's Recruitment

Yu Xiaogang singles out Tang San during enrollment and quickly makes him his disciple, hoping Tang San's apparent potential will substantiate his theories and reputation 4 5.

Loss of Luo Sanpao

Qin Qi targets Yu Xiaogang as an easy source of Soul Rings and a practical Martial Soul. Luo Sanpao is extracted and refined into Qin Qi's Golden Saint Dragon, leaving Yu Xiaogang unable to summon his Martial Soul 8 9 11.

Paranoia and Submission

After his losses, Yu Xiaogang suspects Tang San of using an evil Soul Power-stealing technique. Tang Hao's intervention turns his concern for Tang San into fearful compliance, though he privately continues plotting to use Qin Qi against him 16 18 20.

Expulsion from Notting Academy

Yu Xiaogang attempts to compel Qin Qi to become his disciple and threatens expulsion when refused. Qin Qi retaliates violently; the academy staff believe Qin Qi because of Yu Xiaogang's poor reputation. Dean Notting expels Yu Xiaogang for coercing a student, lying about the incident, and insulting his colleagues 21 23.

Flight from Notting City

After being expelled, Yu Xiaogang initially rages at the academy but decides that leaving also frees him from Tang Hao's demand that he mentor Tang San. He departs Notting City that night, escaping before Qin Qi can pursue him 24 27.