Chapter 196: 215. This Is How a Chamber Pot Is Used
After his grand declaration, Yu Xiaogang clasped his hands behind his back and walked out of Shrek Academy, leaving behind what he believed to be the image of a dignified, world-wise elder.
Behind him, Tang San's eyes were filled with disdain. To think I once believed you were truly a member of the Spirit Hall's council. Later, I learned that so-called Papal Token you flaunt actually belonged to my father. Still, it's true—Bibi Dong did once love you...
A smirk curled at the edge of Tang San's lips.
Flender sighed gloomily. He knew very well that Bibi Dong's martial spirit was the Death Spider Emperor, while the spirit bone Tang San had dropped—the Man-Faced Demon Spider's external bone—was perfectly compatible with hers. There was no doubt in his mind that Bibi Dong would have already fused with it.
For Yu Xiaogang to demand she return it was tantamount to asking her to tear out a bone she had already absorbed. That simply wasn't going to happen.
He turned toward Tang San and advised him softly, "Xiao San, don't get your hopes up about this. Some things are just gone for good."
Then, for the rest of the group's sake, Flender began explaining Yu Xiaogang's background as Tang San's mentor. Zhao Wuji, in turn, introduced Er Ming—the newcomer—to everyone. After hearing of his extraordinary potential, Flender immediately approved his admission into Shrek Academy.
With Er Ming's joining, Flender's long-standing problem was finally solved. Shrek no longer lacked a seventh member to form a complete team for the upcoming Continental Soul Master Tournament.
Er Ming's dormitory was arranged directly in front of Tang San's. The layout now stood as such: Tang San in the central room; Dai Mubai and Oscar flanking him like loyal guards; Ma Hongjun and Er Ming stationed to the back and front, forming an ideal strategic arrangement. Truly, Tang San's lodging position could not have been more "main character" in its design.
Later that evening, Tang San once again gathered with the three reincarnated members—Dai Mubai, Oscar, and Ma Hongjun.
"Don't tell me you're still actually recognizing that fraud Yu Xiaogang as your stepfather," Dai Mubai asked incredulously.
"Hmph." Tang San sneered. "Think about it: Bibi Dong must've absorbed the Eight Spider Spears by now. Asking her to return it would mean forcing her to rip the fused bone out of her own body. If Yu Xiaogang goes and makes that request, you think she'd actually do it?"
The trio hesitated. Oscar frowned. "When you put it that way… maybe. Who knows?"
"With how much Bibi Dong still pines for Yu Xiaogang," Dai Mubai mused, "she just might."
Tang San's smirk tightened. "I hope so. Since she made me taste agony beyond imagination, I'll make her feel it too."
"Besides," Tang San continued, voice turning cold, "if I can use Yu Xiaogang as a tool to reclaim what's mine, then what's the harm in acknowledging a fake father? I've done it before. When I become a god again, I'll simply leave him behind in the mortal realm as always."
He chuckled darkly. "I'll just say there are only two slots to ascend—one for my father, Tang Hao, and one for my mother, Ah Yin. As for Yu Xiaogang? Sorry, you're just the fake dad."
"Fair point," Oscar said with a snort.
Tang San added, "And there's a second purpose. The reincarnator within Spirit Hall is clearly loyal to them, yet he probably knows the full extent of trouble Yu Xiaogang once caused the Hall. He might not, however, grasp just how much influence Yu Xiaogang still holds in Bibi Dong's heart. If he tries to intervene, good—this entire situation will spark mistrust between him and Bibi Dong. I'll use it to turn them against each other."
"Genius move, Third Brother," Ma Hongjun said aloud. But inwardly, a chill ran down his spine. If Tang San can manipulate his enemies like this, what would he do to us if he ever discovers our secret with Xiao Wu?
Dai Mubai and Oscar shared the same uneasy thought.
Tang San grinned, folding his arms smugly. "You see, Yu Xiaogang is nothing more than a chamber pot. When you need it, you use it—that's how a chamber pot is meant to be used."
Meanwhile, Yu Xiaogang was already on his "noble" journey, filled with dreams of glory. He carried with him the echo of Tang San's promise: One day a teacher, a father for life.
He had no descendants, no family to his name. If he could retrieve the lost soul bone and secure Tang San's eternal devotion, he could finally fill that void. When his student became a divine powerhouse, Yu Xiaogang's name, too, would rise with him.
Yet as he traveled, doubts gnawed at him.
The Eight Spider Spears… perfectly suited to Bibi Dong's Death Spider Emperor. By the time he reached her, she'd surely have long since fused with it. Asking her to return it would be asking her to carve out part of herself.
Would she ever do that?
He tried to convince himself otherwise—perhaps the Bibi Dong he once knew, naïve and lovestruck, might have.
But then he remembered… that fateful day when Qian Xunji forced him to choose between the Golden Dragon Fruit and Bibi Dong herself—he had chosen the power and abandoned her.
Still, Yu Xiaogang clenched his fists. No—I can't back down now. This is my one chance to secure Tang San's loyalty. If I succeed, he'll see me as his true father. I have to make her cough up that soul bone—no matter what.
All along the way, Yu Xiaogang rehearsed different scenarios, preparing arguments and excuses, imagining every possible reaction Bibi Dong might have—and how he, the "Great Master," would deftly persuade her to cooperate.
As the towering walls of Spirit City came into view, he muttered to himself, "It's fine, Yu Xiaogang. Back then, you were forced by circumstance. Dong'er will understand."
He conveniently chose to ignore one crucial fact—namely, that there was no guarantee he could even meet her.
An external spirit bone needed only about a month to fuse completely. Yu Xiaogang had already wasted fifteen days just traveling to Spirit City. Time was against him.
Determined nonetheless, he rushed to the Pope's Hall as soon as he arrived. Facing the two armored guards at the entrance, he clasped his hands behind his back, forcing a calm tone. "You two. Take me to see Pope Bibi Dong—immediately."
The guards exchanged baffled looks. Who's this clown? Fragile-looking weakling thinks he can demand an audience with the Pope?
Yu Xiaogang caught the disdain in their eyes. Anger flared. He reached into his robe and flashed a token proudly. "Look closely! This is the Papal Token itself. Its bearer is counted among the Elders of Spirit Hall. Now kneel—and take me to see Pope Bibi Dong!"
The two guards jumped slightly at the mention of the token—but then, on closer inspection, frowned in doubt.
Something was clearly very wrong with what they were seeing.
(END CHAPTER)
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