Chapter 47: The Tavern's Foolish Words, Part Two
At that moment, Yu Xiaogang glared angrily at Dugu Xin, the young brat who dared laugh at him. Years of discrimination within his family due to his limited talent had left him with a fragile pride. He stepped forward, demanding, "Boy, do you find my theories amusing?"
Ye Wen hadn't intended to engage Yu Xiaogang, but he was not one to keep quiet when provoked. Turning to Dugu Xin, he said, "There's no harm in telling him. Go ahead, explain it to him." Ye Wen then calmly resumed his meal.
Seeing Ye Wen's dismissive attitude, Yu Xiaogang's anger grew. Who does he think he is, looking down on me? Who gave him the right to think himself above me? This commoner!
Dugu Xin had also picked up on his teacher's disdain toward Yu Xiaogang, and he wasn't one to back down. With his father being a powerful Soul Saint, Dugu Xin was more used to giving than taking insults. With an air of scorn, he replied, "Why was I laughing? Because your so called 'soul ring absorption theory' is full of holes laughably so. Different soul masters have different physical capabilities, and the ability to absorb soul rings depends on one's physical condition. Telling a beast soul master and a tool soul master to absorb rings with the same limits are you serious?"
Dugu Xin continued, "Even among beast soul masters, there's a huge difference between an ordinary beast spirit and a top tier beast spirit. You act like your theory applies to everyone. And are you even listening to yourself, assigning exact numbers? Do you think the heavens obey your whims?"
"Xin'er," Dugu Bo interjected, reminding his son of proper manners. "You're nobility mind your language. Even if his theory is flawed, you need only point out the errors."
Yu Xiaogang's face turned several shades as Dugu Xin picked apart his carefully transcribed no, "researched" data. He struggled to respond, words failing him as his face contorted with frustration.
Bibi Dong, meanwhile, observed the exchange with interest. These days, she had grown increasingly weary of her so called "peers," the endless stream of suitors, and sycophants, including the Tenryu Crown Prince and various nobles. But Yu Xiaogang, though fond of boasting about his knowledge, had at least kept his distance, leading her to entertain some conversation with him. Earlier, when she had asked his opinion on soul ring limits as she approached Soul Emperor, he had delivered his fixed ring age limits with absolute certainty. Thinking it over now, though, Bibi Dong noticed it seemed indeed full of inconsistencies.
Seeing Yu Xiaogang's desperate but unsuccessful attempts to refute Dugu Xin, Bibi Dong's opinion of him shifted slightly.
Infuriated and embarrassed, Yu Xiaogang finally growled, "Kid, you're claiming my theory is worthless. Why don't you share what your soul ring theory is, then? If you can't, even with your elder here, I'll have to teach you a lesson."
Ye Wen glanced at Yu Xiaogang, his respect dwindling. Not only was this man dishonest in his personal life, but his fragile ego was his undoing.
Dugu Xin looked at Yu Xiaogang disdainfully. "My teacher has indeed taught me a credible theory on ring absorption, but why should I share it with you? Who do you think you are? And do you not know it's taboo in the soul master world to probe into another soul master's techniques?"
This struck Bibi Dong, too. While Yu Xiaogang's extensive knowledge had intrigued her, she realized much of it involved information he shouldn't have known at his level. Reconsidering his status, a flicker of disdain for him crossed her mind.
Yu Xiaogang flushed. He had indeed never roamed the soul master world as he was a mere Rank 29. The clan had even showered him with rare resources in hopes of boosting his soul power, but he remained stuck.
Ye Wen finally broke the silence, saying, "Tell him, Xin. I feel sorry for this guy. Without some extraordinary fortune, he's unlikely to progress beyond Rank 29. Besides, this theory will be public knowledge before long."
Dugu Xin's arrogance dissolved, and he respectfully bowed to Ye Wen. Then, standing tall, he told Yu Xiaogang haughtily, "Thank my teacher, for without him, you wouldn't deserve this knowledge. Listen well, as I'll only explain it once. In our academy's forthcoming Theory of Soul Ring Absorption Limits, it is made clear that a soul master's ability to absorb rings primarily depends on their physical resilience.
"Before absorbing a ten thousand year ring, there's no need to overthink it physical endurance is what counts. This means that even a single ring master could absorb a thousand year ring, as long as their body could handle it! It's not, as you claimed, limited to some set year count."
Yu Xiaogang retorted angrily, "What nonsense! Everyone knows soul ring absorption depends on physical endurance. If my theory's wrong, show me the evidence! Anyone can just talk; where's the proof?"
Dugu Xin felt a surge of frustration of course everyone knew that! If that's "common knowledge," why did he set those rigid limits? But when Yu Xiaogang demanded proof, Dugu Xin instinctively glanced at Ye Wen.
Ye Wen met his gaze and understood. After all, he had come to Spirit City partly to make a name for himself, with the eventual aim of securing the Pope's support to establish a neutral advanced academy. Now, with this chance to prove himself, he wouldn't let it slip by.
"You want evidence? Very well, I'll show you," Ye Wen said calmly.
With a slight motion, he released his soul power, and four bright rings emerged around him in the middle of the tavern.
Yellow Purple Purple Purple!
The three purple rings were shocking enough, but the second ring's thousand year level left everyone speechless.
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