Yu Xiaogang

Biodata

Martial Soul & Cultivation

Power Progression

Original Martial Soul and Cultivation Choices

Luo Sanpao is an External Beast Martial Soul that manifests separately from Yu Xiaogang. The stolen creature is depicted in a yellow, puppy-like form, although Yu Tianxin and Yu Baixiao describe Yu Xiaogang's original Martial Soul disparagingly as a pig. Yu Xiaogang awakened with only half a level of Innate Soul Power and remained below Rank Thirty despite reaching fifty years of age 8 16 23 54 86.

According to Yu Yuanzhen, Yu Xiaogang received substantial cultivation resources and instruction but rejected advice to absorb Soul Rings suited to the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon. He instead chose a poison-attribute Soul Ring, resulting in a fart-based Soul Skill. Yu Yuanzhen treats this choice as an example of his son's misplaced confidence rather than a lack of familial support 65.

Qin Qi later questions Yu Xiaogang's Martial Soul Mimicry theory through his own experiments. He concludes that the attributes of absorbed energy can guide beneficial or harmful mutation, and that absorbing unlike or poisonous Soul Beasts does not necessarily improve upon a compatible same-type choice. This is Qin Qi's assessment of the theory, not an advancement achieved by Yu Xiaogang 36.

Fortune

Qin Qi begins suspecting that Yu Xiaogang possesses unusually protective Fortune after repeatedly failing to kill him. In Suotuo City, Yu Tianheng and Yu Tianxin arrive immediately before Qin Qi intends to attack, leading him to conclude that Yu Xiaogang's luck protects his survival without preventing poverty or humiliation 27 53.

Qin Qi subsequently steals and refines what he believes to be Yu Xiaogang's Fortune several times. Because he lacks a Luck Dao method for directly seeing Fortune, he cannot initially verify any change. Later, he interprets his own favorable treatment by Yu Yuanzhen, his increased clan standing, and Liu Erlong's unusual willingness to reason with him as possible consequences of appropriating Yu Xiaogang's favorable destiny 53 55 63.

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 one 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.

Clan Origins and Earlier Relationships

Yu Xiaogang is identified as Yu Yuanzhen's second son and a member of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. His elder brother is Yu Tianheng's father. Although he invokes his prestigious origins to distinguish himself from commoners and minor-academy teachers, his low Innate Soul Power and weak Martial Soul leave him sensitive to the clan's judgment 8 23 54 55.

His departure from the clan is described differently by Yu Xiaogang and Yu Yuanzhen. Yu Xiaogang thinks of himself as having been driven out and fantasizes about returning as a Titled Douluo to force his father to apologize. Yu Yuanzhen later states that his son fled because he could not endure the ridicule surrounding his published theories, despite having received resources, training, and unrestricted access to clan books 18 65.

Yu Xiaogang previously belonged to the Golden Iron Triangle with Flender and Liu Erlong. He and Liu Erlong nearly married, but Yu Luomian revealed their family relationship on their wedding day. According to Yu Tianxin, Yu Xiaogang immediately fled and abandoned Liu Erlong, causing her considerable pain and bringing shame upon the clan 23 54 88.

Yu Xiaogang also has a past connection with Bibi Dong. He learned about Twin Martial Souls from her and privately takes pride in the claim that the current Pope once pursued him. After Liu Erlong allows Qin Qi to retain a Soul Tool taken from him, he thinks nostalgically of Bibi Dong and assumes that she would have protected him 8 63.

Theoretical Education and Plagiarism

Yu Baixiao, initially introduced as the white-bearded old man in the clan Library, formerly taught Yu Xiaogang Soul Master theory and introduced him to the Soul Master Theoretical Community. He believed that Yu Xiaogang's late-night study and apparent diligence made him worth supporting despite his poor cultivation talent 85 86 92.

Yu Baixiao later reveals that the “Ten Core Theories” were assembled from other scholars' unverified ideas rather than Yu Xiaogang's original research. Two were Yu Baixiao's proposals, while the others came from theoretical authorities associated with Spirit Hall and major clans. Yu Xiaogang took material from private notes and published it as his own; the original contributors exposed the plagiarism 86.

The scandal damages both Yu Xiaogang's standing and Yu Baixiao's reputation for having sponsored him. Yu Tianxin likewise accuses Yu Xiaogang of copying clan material and seeking talented disciples as experimental subjects for unreliable theories. Yu Yuanzhen regards the publication of the “Ten Great Theories” as a public embarrassment to the clan 54 65 85 86.

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.

His desire to overcome his limitations can override his caution. After deciding that Tang San possesses a Soul Power-stealing method, he plans to obtain it rather than immediately kill him. He imagines replacing Luo Sanpao, becoming a Titled Douluo, and forcing everyone who dismissed him—including his father—to acknowledge him 18.

Later encounters reinforce his dependence on others while preserving his demands for seniority. He orders the disguised Qin Qi to display his Martial Soul, resents the boy's superior talent, and repeatedly seeks Liu Erlong's protection when threatened. His retreat from the recognition banquet and his pleas during subsequent beatings draw open contempt from Yu Yuanzhen and clan disciples 54 55 58 62 63 65.

He commonly attributes failure to outside persecution rather than his own conduct. After becoming unemployed, he blames Flender's downfall for depriving him of refuge; after being beaten in the clan, he accuses Qin Qi of arranging the attack. The later claim that Yu Xiaogang staged that beating is produced by Qin Qi's intimidation of the attacker and is not independently established 53 62.

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.
• Later Soul Tool — Qin Qi takes a Soul Tool from Yu Xiaogang after beating him in the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. Liu Erlong permits Qin Qi to keep it and promises to buy Yu Xiaogang another; Yu Yuanzhen subsequently declines to demand its return 63 65.

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. Tang San interprets the Ten-Year Solitary Bamboo recommendation as deliberate sabotage and privately develops murderous resentment, although he publicly challenges Qin Qi in defense of his teacher's reputation after the expulsion 13 24 25. Their association later helps Tang San obtain Yu Tianheng's referral to Blue Tyrant Academy, but also provokes Yu Baixiao's hostility toward him 90 97.
• Qin Qi — Hostile academy student who refuses Yu Xiaogang's attempted forced discipleship. Qin Qi beats him severely and directly steals his Martial Soul and Soul Rings 8 17 21. Under the identity Luo Mian, Qin Qi again clashes with him, steals his Fortune, and becomes a favored clan descendant whose talent intensifies Yu Xiaogang's insecurity. Yu Xiaogang does not recognize that Luo Mian and Qin Qi are the same person during these encounters 54 55 62 63 90. Qin Qi later beats him at Blue Tyrant Academy with Yu Yuanzhen's permission 93.
• 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. Yu Xiaogang briefly considers reporting him to Spirit Hall but fears being watched and killed. He later views expulsion from Notting Academy as a way to escape the obligation without provoking Tang Hao 19 24.
• Dean Notting — Former friend and headmaster who had allowed Yu Xiaogang to remain at the academy out of pity before ultimately expelling him 23. The experience later contributes to the dean's decision not to persuade Tang San to remain, after Director Su warns him against repeating the same mistake 81.
• 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.
• Yu Yuanzhen — Father and clan leader. He previously supplied Yu Xiaogang with cultivation resources, instruction, and access to the clan's books, but becomes deeply disappointed by his choices, public theories, jealousy, and dependence on Liu Erlong 54 65. He sends Yu Xiaogang away from the clan to recuperate, later authorizes Qin Qi to beat him without killing him, and orders his detention after the academy dispute 65 93 94. Qin Qi's suggestion that Yu Xiaogang might not be his biological son prompts Yu Yuanzhen to consider an investigation; no finding is established in the available account 94.
• Yu Tianheng — Nephew who initially greets Yu Xiaogang warmly, introduces him to Luo Mian, and supports him during the ensuing confrontation 53 54 55. Although his enthusiasm later diminishes, he continues to help Tang San because of their teacher–disciple connection and expresses anger over Qin Qi's treatment of his uncle 90.
• Yu Tianxin — Younger clan relative who strongly resents Yu Xiaogang for abandoning Liu Erlong. He warns Qin Qi against becoming Yu Xiaogang's disciple and openly enjoys his humiliation 54 55. Qin Qi suspects that Yu Tianxin indirectly arranged the later beating by a clan disciple, but this suspicion is not confirmed 62.
• Liu Erlong — Cousin, former intended bride, and continuing protector. Yu Xiaogang abandoned their wedding after learning their family connection, but she remains devoted to him and repeatedly shields him from attackers 54 61 62. Her belief that Luo Mian may be her half-brother creates a temporary conflict in her loyalties, and she allows Qin Qi to retain Yu Xiaogang's Soul Tool after the beating 62 63. She later supports Yu Xiaogang's ideal academy and attacks Qin Qi to protect him, leading to her own detention 92 93 94.
• Flender — Friend and fellow member of the Golden Iron Triangle. Yu Xiaogang seeks him out for financial refuge after leaving Notting Academy but finds that Shrek Academy has collapsed and Flender is wanted 53 88. They subsequently reunite at Blue Tyrant Academy, where Yu Xiaogang defends Flender's appointment against Yu Yuanzhen 88 92 93.
• Yu Baixiao — Former theoretical mentor whose reputation was damaged by Yu Xiaogang's plagiarism. He bitterly regrets supporting him and later reacts with fury upon discovering that Tang San is his disciple 85 86 92 97.
• Bibi Dong — Past acquaintance from whom Yu Xiaogang learned about Twin Martial Souls. He claims that she once pursued him and later imagines that she would protect him more readily than Liu Erlong does 8 63.

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.

His favoritism also appears during the cafeteria conflict. He condemns Qin Qi and Xiao Wu for fighting without addressing the formal students who provoked them, then separately summons Tang San to discuss his supposed Twin Martial Souls 7.

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 19 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 22 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.

Qin Qi had intended to kill him by covertly damaging his heart meridian and disguising the death as natural. When he later searches Yu Xiaogang's room and nearby inns, he cannot find him and speculates that some unseen protection helped him escape 24 27.

Destitution in Suotuo City

After leaving Notting Academy, Yu Xiaogang continues spending until his money runs out. He is too old to collect the Soul Master allowance, and most academies reject him because of his reputation. He rejects the few available offers as insufficiently paid, while the loss of his Martial Soul and Soul Rings limits other employment opportunities 53.

He travels to seek Flender's support, only to discover the collapse of Shrek Academy and Flender's status as a wanted fugitive. Qin Qi follows him and prepares to attack, but Yu Tianheng and Yu Tianxin interrupt. Yu Xiaogang initially denies knowing Yu Tianheng before the nephew catches up with him 53.

Qin Qi interprets the interruption as evidence of protective Fortune and changes his objective from immediate assassination to stealing that Fortune. Meanwhile, Yu Tianheng offers to introduce his uncle to a powerful clan member with an External Beast Martial Soul 53.

Confrontation with Luo Mian

Yu Tianheng brings Yu Xiaogang to meet Qin Qi's disguised identity, Luo Mian, at the Great Soul Arena. Yu Xiaogang assumes from the name that the boy is Yu Luomian's illegitimate son and imperiously demands to inspect his Martial Soul 54.

Qin Qi refuses to defer to him and contrasts his own Innate Full Soul Power and True Dragon Martial Soul with Yu Xiaogang's half-level innate talent and inability to reach Rank Thirty. Yu Xiaogang becomes enraged and physically distressed, while Yu Tianheng supports him and Yu Tianxin openly takes Qin Qi's side 55.

During the following year, Qin Qi continues taking information and Fortune from Yu Xiaogang before traveling to the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan 55.

Return to the Clan and Liu Erlong's Protection

Yu Xiaogang is present during the clan's recognition banquet but leaves after criticism, prompting Yu Yuanzhen to condemn his lack of courage and composure 58.

After Qin Qi completes three months of training, he encounters Liu Erlong confronting a clan disciple who has beaten Yu Xiaogang. Yu Xiaogang accuses Qin Qi of arranging the attack. Qin Qi denies involvement, cites his intensive training, and receives support from the surrounding clan members 61 62.

Qin Qi then intimidates the attacker into claiming that Yu Xiaogang staged the incident to frame him. Yu Xiaogang protests that he is being framed and appeals to Liu Erlong, but Qin Qi demands both compensation and the right to beat him. The testimony produced under intimidation does not establish that Yu Xiaogang actually orchestrated the attack 62.

Qin Qi kicks him away from Liu Erlong, knocks out his front teeth, and beats him until he curls up and begs for mercy. Liu Erlong eventually asks Qin Qi to stop, but allows him to retain Yu Xiaogang's Soul Tool. Yu Xiaogang complains that her attitude has changed, while she maintains that she still loves him 63.

Yu Yuanzhen subsequently sends Yu Xiaogang away with Liu Erlong to recover at her academy. Although presented as recuperation, the decision effectively removes him from the clan residence. Yu Yuanzhen refuses to make Qin Qi apologize or return the taken item, but also admits that family ties prevent him from abandoning his son entirely 65.

Reunion of the Golden Iron Triangle

A clan disciple later reports being beaten by Yu Xiaogang, Liu Erlong, and Flender, who identify themselves as the Golden Iron Triangle. The report also reveals that Blue Tyrant Academy has been renamed Shrek Academy and that Liu Erlong appointed Flender headmaster without Yu Yuanzhen's knowledge 88.

Yu Yuanzhen orders the trio arrested and summons the clan elders. By the time Qin Qi arrives as the newly appointed dean, Liu Erlong, Flender, Yu Xiaogang, and the academy teachers have defeated the clan members sent to apprehend them. Liu Erlong claims ownership of the academy and says she gave it to Yu Xiaogang to help him create his ideal school; Flender holds the headmaster position 92 94.

Punishment at Blue Tyrant Academy

When Yu Yuanzhen reveals his identity and power, Flender's defiance collapses. Yu Xiaogang nevertheless argues that Flender is his friend and that Liu Erlong, as dean, had the right to choose an appointee. His defense of an outsider against the clan further angers his father 93.

Qin Qi requests permission to beat Yu Xiaogang, and Yu Yuanzhen agrees on the condition that he not kill him. Qin Qi knocks out his teeth and beats him while pointing out the academy's dependence on clan funding. Liu Erlong activates her Martial Soul and attacks Qin Qi to protect him 93.

The elders subdue Liu Erlong and detain both her and Yu Xiaogang. Yu Yuanzhen kicks and berates his son for remaining passive, then entertains Qin Qi's suggestion that Yu Xiaogang might not be his biological child. He leaves intending to interrogate Yu Xiaogang; the proposed paternity investigation has no established result in the available account 94.

Continuing Reputational Consequences

Yu Xiaogang's reputation continues to affect others even when he is absent. Director Su invokes the dean's failed generosity toward him when arguing against retaining Tang San at Notting Academy. Yu Baixiao's account of the plagiarism scandal reveals how Yu Xiaogang damaged the reputation of the mentor who vouched for him 81 85 86.

After Qin Qi takes over Blue Tyrant Academy, Yu Baixiao learns that Tang San is Yu Xiaogang's disciple and angrily demands his expulsion or death. Qin Qi declines to punish Tang San without verified grounds, while privately retaining him for his own purposes. The incident demonstrates the continuing hostility attached to Yu Xiaogang's name and teacher–disciple connections 97.

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