"A very practical problem."
Yu Xiaogang's tone was calm. "Rongrong, if I asked you to support all six of your teammates at the same time in battle, with your current level of Distraction Control, could you do it? And for how long could you maintain it?"
Ning Rongrong's face instantly grew serious. "Teacher, how do you know the secrets of our Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan?"
"Don't forget, I was born in the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, also one of the three upper sects," Yu Xiaogang said evenly. "Besides, the limitations of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda aren't much of a secret. Many powers across the continent know them. For me to know as well is hardly surprising."
He let out a faint sigh.
"Rongrong, as a direct heir of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, you possess conditions and advantages that others cannot match. If you don't cherish such a gifted martial soul, you'll surely regret it in the future. Distraction Control is something you must diligently cultivate. Without it, even if one day you break through the martial soul's shackles and reach Titled Douluo, you will still never be a true auxiliary-type soul master."
"Do you understand your teacher's intent?"
Feeling he spoke with reason, Ning Rongrong nodded earnestly. "Teacher, don't worry. From now on, I'll work hard at Distraction Control. I'll strive to master Three Apertures Governing Heart soon, then break through to Four Apertures Perpetual Heart. I won't drag the team down."
Yu Xiaogang allowed himself a small smile. "Good. Although I don't know the precise cultivation method for Distraction Control, I can teach you one principle."
"Remember this—in the future, whenever you use your soul skills to support others, you must be the stingiest soul master in the world. Even the tiniest bit of soul power must be saved and used only where it's absolutely necessary."
'That's the method?' Ning Rongrong thought skeptically. Still, the advice seemed well intentioned, so she nodded lightly.
Yu Xiaogang sighed again, then added, "Rongrong, truthfully, I also had another motive for asking you to stay."
"Distraction Control may not be useful for most soul masters, but for control-type soul masters it has great value. Today's battle showed it clearly—Yang Yunhai's training method was unconventional, but the effect was nearly identical to Distraction Control."
"And because of that, he was able to fully bring out the strength of his martial soul."
"This happens to be Tang San's greatest shortcoming. It's something I plan to focus on in his training. Of course, Tang San could follow Yang Yunhai's path, but with the Soul Master Tournament approaching, there's not enough time. Devoting too much effort there would interfere with the team's broader training."
"Rongrong, I don't know your clan's exact rules, but if there's no strict prohibition… would you allow Tang San to train alongside you while you practice Distraction Control?"
'So that's what this was about! I knew it couldn't be simple for him to suddenly act so nice to me.' Ning Rongrong felt exasperated, her face tightening.
Frankly, being cornered like this made her uncomfortable. She had no desire to agree.
Yu Xiaogang, seeing her hesitation, quickly added, "Of course, you don't have to decide right away. In two months, when we travel to Heaven Dou City, you can return to your sect first and ask Sect Master Ning."
From what he knew, Distraction Control wasn't exclusive to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan—it had simply been preserved because it was useful. Tang San was the son of Tang Hao, tied deeply to the Clear Sky Clan, with extraordinary talent. His future as a Titled Douluo was almost certain. That made him an ideal investment. Yu Xiaogang was nearly certain Ning Fengzhi would agree.
After all, Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo were already getting old, and Ning Fengzhi needed to secure strong allies for the next generation. With the bond of being teammates, there was little reason to refuse.
Ning Rongrong nodded. "Mm, this isn't something I can decide. I'll ask my father when the time comes."
"Good." Yu Xiaogang gave a small nod. "If that's the case, I've nothing else to say. Rongrong, go rest as well."
"Alright then, Teacher, I'll head back to my room." Ning Rongrong replied politely, rising and walking away.
—
Elsewhere, Qin Ming returned to the hotel. Seeing no one in the lounge, he went straight to his room.
The night passed quietly.
The next morning, everyone gathered. Qin Ming said nothing of having met with the Shrek group the night before.
'Did they break up?' Yang Yunhai wondered, noticing Yu Tianheng's awkward look in front of Dugu Yan, and how Dugu Yan only gave him a brief nod in return. Yu Tianheng barely dared to look their way.
The others, including Qin Ming, also wore puzzled expressions, though they didn't pry, assuming the two had quarreled.
After breakfast, the group boarded a carriage and set off.
Two days later, in Silves City, under Qin Ming's lead they entered the Great Spirit Arena.
"Teacher Qin Ming, I'm not feeling well today. I'll sit out this match," Dugu Yan said as they prepared the roster.
Yu Tianheng's face darkened instantly.
'So it's come to that?' Qin Ming gave a slight nod. "Alright. Get some rest then." He turned and continued, "Shi Mo, Shi Mo's brother, both of you are in. This opponent isn't strong—we don't need a control-type soul master this round."
"Understood," the two brothers nodded together.
As expected, they won easily, ending the night's training.
The following day, in the team battle against the Fierce God Team, Dugu Yan again didn't take the field. With Yang Yunhai playing, they secured another effortless victory.
The next morning, they left Silves City by carriage, heading back toward Heaven Dou City.
After these few days, the rest of the team began to understand. It wasn't just a small quarrel—things between Yu Tianheng and Dugu Yan were far from simple. Still, it was their private matter. No one dared interfere.
Both came from significant backgrounds. Offending either would be unwise.
Time passed quickly, and by midday they were nearing their destination.
—
Meanwhile, in the mountains outside Nuoding City, by a pool beneath a waterfall—
Tang Hao stood tall. With a light push of his foot, he leapt from rock to rock, climbing toward the upper falls.
Carrying hidden injuries, he now avoided using soul power unless absolutely necessary. Even to visit Ah Yin, he usually jumped to a suitable height before using his power to part the waters and open the hidden gate, saving as much strength as he could.
This time was no different. In a blink, he stepped onto the air, reaching the waterfall's face.
With a sweep of his right hand, the torrent reversed with a roar, revealing the dark stone wall behind—
And the deep claw marks carved into it.
His pupils contracted. "Not good!" He quickly pressed the hidden switch and rushed inside.
(End of Chapter)
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