Chapter 366: What Do You Call a Blessing?
Watching his son bow before him, Yu Yuanzhen's expression grew complicated, and a bitter smile involuntarily tugged at the corners of his lips.
No wonder Xiaogang had seemed like a changed man over the past half month.
He should've known better.
Yu Xiaogang's true nature hadn't he understood it long ago?
There's a saying: "At three, you see a child's character; at seven, you see the adult they'll become."
Though that exact phrase didn't exist in Douluo Continent, similar proverbs were plenty.
Yu Yuanzhen had always paid close attention to his son. How could he not see through his personality?
At first, he thought that after wandering for over twenty years, Yu Xiaogang had finally matured.
But now, he realized it was all just an act.
Looking back at the reports he had received over the years from the people he sent to monitor his son, it was clear Yu Xiaogang had another scheme in mind.
And judging by past experience, it probably wouldn't end well.
A long silence stretched between them.
Yu Xiaogang, still kneeling, received no response from his father only the faint tapping sound of Yu Yuanzhen's fingers drumming against the armrest of his chair.
"Xiaogang, wouldn't it be better to stay by my side?"
"The outside world isn't as stable as you think."
"If you don't like staying within the clan, I can arrange for you to settle in a small town, where you can marry, have children, and live a peaceful life."
Yu Yuanzhen finally spoke, his tone filled with deep concern and weariness.
For a brief moment, Yu Xiaogang almost agreed.
But then, his eyes fell on a single strand of green hair that had fallen to the floor due to his movements.
His heart hardened.
No. Absolutely not.
If he stayed in the clan, it was only a matter of time before his secret was exposed.
His trip to Spirit City had two objectives:
First, leveraging the popularity of the Heavenly Profound Art to redeem his reputation and shake off his disgrace.
Second, finding a solution to his hidden problem.
The Bone Replacement Technique had definitely fallen into Spirit Hall's hands.
And according to what he knew, Spirit Hall had a secret department called the Martial Soul Research Division something he had heard about from Bibi Dong when they were young.
That hidden department specialized in studying all things related to martial souls.
Even if the Bone Replacement Technique was controversial, Spirit Hall wouldn't ignore it.
Yu Xiaogang considered himself a genius, but he was just one man he lacked the resources and research materials that Spirit Hall possessed.
Though he believed those researchers were far inferior to him, three mediocre minds put together could still match one brilliant scholar especially when they had access to classified data and funding.
If he could join them, he was certain he could find a way to resolve his issue.
Of course, how much he could achieve would depend on Bibi Dong's attitude.
But no matter what, it couldn't be worse than his current situation.
"Father, I…"
He forced himself to meet Yu Yuanzhen's gaze, his expression unwavering.
"Xiaogang, do you realize that if you leave again, you may never return to the clan?"
Yu Yuanzhen warned him a trace of disappointment in his voice.
Did his son really think bringing him back hadn't caused a stir within the clan?
The elders of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan were all blood relatives.
Most of them were his own elders, and even he couldn't completely suppress their voices.
Bringing Yu Xiaogang back into the clan had already been a massive compromise.
If he chose to leave again, there would likely never be another chance for him to return.
Yu Xiaogang's past actions had already caused severe damage to the clan's reputation.
It was only because so much time had passed that people had stopped openly criticizing him.
But…
Yu Yuanzhen sighed deeply in his heart.
Why couldn't his son consider his feelings just once?
"Father, I understand… but this place is not where I belong."
Yu Xiaogang's body trembled slightly, but he still clenched his teeth and stood his ground.
"Fine."
A long silence.
And then, Yu Yuanzhen finally gave his answer.
"Thank you, Father!"
Yu Xiaogang's face lit up with excitement.
"Speak. What do you need?"
Yu Yuanzhen glanced at his son, who remained standing in place despite receiving approval.
He immediately understood his unspoken request.
"Money. I need money."
Yu Xiaogang, who had long planned everything out, did not hesitate.
Seeing his son's eager expression, Yu Yuanzhen felt an overwhelming sense of exhaustion.
Even with him… must it always come down to this?
For a brief moment, his heart ached.
"Fine. Not thirty thousand I'll give you fifty thousand gold soul coins."
"But Xiaogang… listen carefully. This is the last time I will ever help you."
Yu Yuanzhen's voice turned calm as if he had made peace with something.
From now on, he would simply pretend he never had this son.
Fifty thousand gold soul coins even if Xiaogang wasted it all, it was enough for him to live comfortably for the rest of his life.
"Thank you, Father!"
Yu Xiaogang was overjoyed.
Originally, he thought he would only get ten thousand at most, but his father was far more generous than expected.
With this amount of money, his confidence soared.
"Hmm. When do you plan to leave?"
Now that Yu Yuanzhen had come to terms with his decision, he no longer felt as conflicted.
In fact, he felt an urge to send him away as soon as possible.
"Immediately."
Yu Xiaogang, still immersed in excitement, didn't notice the growing indifference in his father's tone.
"Good."
With a flick of his wrist, a golden card appeared in Yu Yuanzhen's hand and was placed on the table.
"Thank you, Father! Oh, and one more thing…"
Yu Xiaogang turned back, suddenly remembering something.
"You should let the clan continue spreading rumors about me. That way, even if I fail, it won't affect the clan."
Yu Yuanzhen: "…"
Yu Xiaogang quickly stepped forward, eagerly grabbing the golden card before looking back at Yu Yuanzhen.
"Mm, take care of yourself after leaving the mountain," Yu Yuanzhen finally said, offering the kind of advice a father should give his son.
"Father, you must also take care of yourself," Yu Xiaogang replied, momentarily stunned.
For some reason, his father, who looked even younger than him, seemed different.
"Mm."
Yu Yuanzhen closed his eyes, no longer looking at him.
To Yu Xiaogang, this final gesture reminded him of his father's kindness.
He had already stepped to the doorway, but his body paused.
Kneeling down skillfully, he knocked his forehead against the ground three times in a heavy salute before turning around without hesitation and striding away.
From a distance, his departing figure even carried a hint of pride and ambition.
This time, he was certain of his success.
The moment his silhouette disappeared, a figure materialized inside Yu Yuanzhen's room.
"Clan Leader, should we continue to have someone protect and track him?"
"No, there's no need. Just as he said, let him be. The clan as well."
Yu Yuanzhen opened his eyes his decision was final.
"Also, inform the elders that I have gained insight and will be entering closed door training. By the time I emerge, I should have broken through to rank 96."
A faint arc of lightning flashed across his body an unexpected but welcome breakthrough.
"Understood, Clan Leader!"
The figure immediately bowed, his voice carrying an unmistakable excitement.
Then, he vanished from the room.
Yu Xiaogang descended the mountain, just as he had when he returned bold and unrestrained.
However, this time was different.
The familiar arrogance had returned to his face.
When those within the clan whispered and pointed at him, he merely glanced at them with disdain.
Stay in the clan and grow old if you want.
When the time comes, he will return in glory he firmly believed that.
Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, Restorative Space
Having just finished another round of training, Han Li was lazily sprawled on the grass, recovering his spiritual energy.
That was when he received a message from his "dutiful son."
"He's left the mountain? Any idea where he's heading?"
Han Li's interest piqued.
In the endless monotony of training, Gangzi was truly a source of entertainment.
"Father, he is heading toward Spirit City. Based on our surveillance, his targets appear to be the Heavenly Profound Art and the Martial Soul Research Institute."
The small glowing sphere affectionately rubbed against Han Li it had been a long time since Father had summoned it.
"Oh? The Martial Soul Research Institute?"
If Yu Xiaogang's target was the Heavenly Profound Art, Han Li wasn't surprised at all.
After all, this was Grandmaster.
With the technique he had thrown out, it would be out of character if Yu Xiaogang didn't jump at the chance to critique it.
But the Martial Soul Research Institute?
Han Li hadn't expected that.
"Father, he is afraid to continue cultivating. He fears the side effects of the Bone Replacement Technique."
The small glowing sphere diligently reported everything it had recorded, then reminded him again at the end.
"Oh, that's right."
Han Li suddenly realized he had completely forgotten about this detail.
After all, this man was the true creator of the Bone Replacement Technique.
He was just too weak to be remembered.
"Haven't I already ordered that project to be shut down?"
Han Li rubbed his chin, his gaze flickering slightly.
After all, it was called the "Clear Sky Secret Technique."
And it did have some research value.
Han Li was certain that the research obsessed scholars in the Martial Soul Research Institute wouldn't easily abandon their work.
But in the end, he had personally put a stop to it.
Not for any grand reason he simply didn't like it.
Han Li wasn't a saint, but a technique that violated basic humanity was something he refused to endorse.
Besides, as the biggest financial backer of the Martial Soul Research Institute, his word was absolute.
Even if some researchers were unhappy about it, they had no choice but to accept his decision.
"Yes, Father. They have been obedient and have not secretly continued the research."
The small glowing sphere was the ultimate spy.
Han Li's will was its absolute directive, and it had relentlessly ensured compliance eliminating any deviations before they could take root.
"So, he's planning to seek out Bibi Dong?"
A mysterious smile crept onto Han Li's face.
Even if Gangzi hadn't come down from the mountain, Han Li had already planned to send him to Spirit City eventually.
And now? What a perfect coincidence.
"Keep monitoring him. Based on Bibi Dong's usual schedule, arrange for them to meet."
Han Li gave his instructions.
Every time Bibi Dong appeared, her aura of distortion grew heavier.
Han Li wanted to watch the show unfold.
And when the time came, he would invite Qian Renxue to watch with him.
Gangzi, delivered on a silver platter…
A reunion with Bibi Dong…
This was the perfect catalyst for Qian Renxue's divine trial.
The Angel God's Test was different from others it focused more on spiritual trials rather than raw strength.
Han Li couldn't interfere directly.
But those two?
They could.
"Heh… they're really scared Qian Renxue might hesitate."
Han Li sat up from the grass and sighed softly.
(End of Chapter)
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