Yu Xiaogang wasn't sure how to judge the possibility that Qian Xunji might harbor ambitions of unifying the entire Douluo Continent.
At present, the two great empires of the Douluo Continent stood side by side. The Star Luo Empire was ambitious, while the Heaven Dou Empire remained largely on the defensive.
Although Yu Xiaogang hadn't had much direct contact with either empire, he naturally didn't have much affection for them because of the nobles who ruled them.
During his time in Heaven Dou City, he had often witnessed nobles acting tyrannically while strolling through the streets.
In contrast, Spirit Hall provided free Martial Soul awakenings for commoners across the Douluo Continent every year. It also offered financial support to Spirit Masters before they had fully grown.
Because of this, it was difficult for Yu Xiaogang, who was himself a Spirit Master, to develop any strong dislike for Spirit Hall.
After all, if he hadn't been born into the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect and had instead come from a poor family, everything Spirit Hall did would have given him an opportunity to change his fate.
Yu Xiaogang was certain that without Spirit Hall, the nobles of the two empires would eventually control Martial Soul awakenings.
It was even possible that they would outright prohibit commoners from awakening their Martial Souls, allowing only nobles to receive such opportunities.
Shaking his head, Yu Xiaogang pushed these thoughts about the continental situation aside and returned his attention to the impact of the battle between his father and Qian Xunji.
"Father, by revealing your current rank to such an ambitious Supreme Pontiff, aren't you worried that he'll become wary of you?"
Yu Yuanzhen grinned at his son's question.
"Xiaogang, you're still too inexperienced. Remember, on a place like the Douluo Continent, different ranks and different circumstances require completely different approaches."
"If you come from a commoner family, then before reaching the rank of Spirit Saint or even Spirit Douluo, hiding your strength and quietly developing yourself is the safest choice."
"But if you have a background like yours, with a Titled Douluo supporting you, then unless you're an existence as heaven-defying as yourself, there's absolutely no need to hide."
"Making a name for yourself is the correct approach."
"Take Bibi Dong, for example. With Full Innate Soul Power and twin Martial Souls, when have you ever seen her deliberately hide her talent?"
"Then there's Tang Hao of the Clear Sky Sect. He's another person who isn't afraid to show his sharp edge."
At this point, Yu Yuanzhen's expression became serious.
"Xiaogang, to be honest, although the Grand Elder, the Second Elder, and I have always praised you, we've all agreed on one thing."
"You're too cautious."
"Being cautious isn't necessarily a bad thing. But if you're overly cautious, you'll lose the sharpness and youthful spirit that you should possess."
"Don't underestimate those qualities. They're a form of confidence—a belief in yourself."
"When facing difficulties, 'I believe in myself' is always more useful than 'I can't do anything.'"
"Of course, people who become overly confident can turn arrogant and start looking down on everyone."
"But those who possess sharpness and confidence are often the ones who go the furthest."
"Because only someone who has absolute confidence in themselves can continue believing in themselves when faced with difficult situations."
Yu Yuanzhen smiled.
"Just like what you asked me earlier. Aren't I afraid that revealing my current strength will make Qian Xunji wary of me?"
"Here's my answer: Why should I be afraid of him?"
"I've already surpassed him in rank. What qualification does he have to make me wary?"
"If I were to be wary of anyone, it would be Qian Xunji's father, Qian Daoliu."
"But would Qian Daoliu really take action against me simply because of Qian Xunji's ambitions and his own suspicions toward me?"
"Of course not."
"Qian Daoliu doesn't have the same ambitions as Qian Xunji. As long as I don't declare war on Spirit Hall, interfere with the Angel God's spread of faith, or become a fallen Spirit Master, Qian Daoliu will never take action against me."
"Even if I beat his son in front of him, as long as I don't go too far, he will simply regard it as a dispute between juniors."
"Qian Xunji is simply powerless against me."
Yu Yuanzhen spoke with complete confidence.
Yu Xiaogang finally understood.
His father's confidence wasn't blind arrogance.
His father clearly understood that the Supreme Pontiff's father possessed the strength to defeat him. He also understood exactly what actions would provoke Qian Daoliu into taking action.
By carefully staying within those boundaries, he had effectively left Qian Xunji with no way to deal with him.
But then again...
Wasn't his father basically dancing on the edge of a cliff?
Beating someone's son in front of them might not provoke Qian Daoliu into killing him, but surely it wouldn't be difficult for Qian Daoliu to beat him up just as he had beaten Qian Xunji.
Yu Xiaogang didn't know that his father's words would eventually become a prophecy—and that Yu Yuanzhen would indeed be beaten by Qian Daoliu in the future.
He simply nodded.
"I understand, Father. I'll think about it carefully."
Hearing this, Yu Yuanzhen nodded with satisfaction.
"That's right. You must remember that on the Douluo Continent, the person you can trust the most is always yourself."
"As for everyone else—even me—you can't expect me to be by your side every time you encounter a difficult situation, right?"
After saying this, Yu Yuanzhen thought for a moment.
Then his eyes suddenly lit up.
"I remember that this year's Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament should be starting soon, right?"
"Hmm? It does seem to be approaching."
Yu Xiaogang, who hadn't paid much attention to such matters, thought for a moment before answering.
"Then isn't this perfect?"
Yu Yuanzhen snapped his fingers.
"Since there's already such a suitable stage, it would be a waste not to step onto it and show yourself."
"Young people should make themselves known. This is the perfect opportunity for you to establish your reputation across the Douluo Continent."
"How about it? Do you have the confidence to bring home the championship?"
Yu Xiaogang pursed his lips.
"With my current strength, would winning the championship really be that difficult?"
He wasn't being arrogant.
The Spirit Hall Academy he currently attended was already one of the strongest favorites to win the Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament.
With him joining the team, it would simply be the icing on the cake.
Yu Yuanzhen thought about it.
"...That's true."
"Then how about this? You apply to Spirit Hall Academy and establish a second team."
"Or you could simply find a second-rate academy, join their team, and lead a group of ordinary students to the championship."
Yu Xiaogang frowned at the suggestion.
He still felt that it wasn't particularly meaningful.
With his current combat strength, if he went all out, he could probably sweep through the competition even if he had to fight seven opponents at once.
Even against the strongest team from Spirit Hall Academy, it would only take him a little longer to defeat them.
After all, the Spirit Hall Academy team would undoubtedly consist of students from the Elite Class he currently attended.
Among those students, Yu Xiaogang had previously ranked somewhere in the upper-middle range.
Of course, that ranking had been before he obtained his Third Soul Ring.
Now?
He couldn't help but smile.
Still, remembering what his father had said earlier, Yu Xiaogang eventually nodded.
"Fine. I'll try to apply later."
He could treat it as practical training, similar to his experiences in the Great Spirit Arena.
But thinking about it further, perhaps he should place some restrictions on himself.
Otherwise, with his current combat power, the competition wouldn't be much of a challenge.
"That's right!"
Yu Yuanzhen looked pleased.
This was exactly how it should be.
As a genius Spirit Master who had studied at an academy, how could Yu Xiaogang not participate in the Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament?
Even if he possessed overwhelming strength, he still had to demonstrate that overwhelming strength at least once.
Letting everyone know that he could crush them was what truly mattered.
"At that time, I'll definitely invite some of my old friends to watch Xiaogang's matches."
Yu Yuanzhen's eyes sparkled with anticipation.
"Tsk, tsk. It would be even better if they all had sons. Then I can personally let them witness the difference between their sons and mine!"
Just imagining the envious expressions on his old friends' faces when they witnessed his son's performance made Yu Yuanzhen extremely excited about this year's Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament.
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