Douluo Dalu: Lucky Star

Looking at his son bowing respectfully before him, Yu Yuanzhen's expression was complex, with a hint of bitterness tugging at the corners of his mouth. No wonder Xiao Gang had seemed like a completely different person over the past half-month; it seemed now that he had celebrated too soon.

What kind of person was Yu Xiaogang?

Hadn't he realized it long ago?

"Three years old shows one's nature, seven years old confirms it."

Though this saying didn't exist in the Douluo Continent, similar phrases were not uncommon. Yu Yuanzhen, who had paid close attention to his son since childhood, couldn't possibly be ignorant of his character. Previously, he thought that after wandering outside for over twenty years, Yu Xiaogang had finally turned over a new leaf. But now, it seemed it was all just a façade.

Thinking back over the past twenty years and considering the feedback he'd received from the people he sent to keep an eye on his son, it was clear that Yu Xiaogang likely had some new scheme. Judging from experience, the outcome was unlikely to be favorable. After waiting for a while without receiving any response from his father, Yu Xiaogang stood silently, the only sound in the room being the faint tapping of Yu Yuanzhen's fingers against the armrest of his chair.

"Xiao Gang, wouldn't it be better for you to stay here with me? The outside world is not as stable as you might imagine. If you don't like staying within the sect, I can find you a small town on the outskirts where you can settle down, get married, have children, and live a peaceful life."

Just as Yu Xiaogang was about to break the silence, he heard his father speak. From his father's tone, he could sense deep concern and a profound weariness. For a moment, he almost agreed. But then his eyes fell on a single strand of green hair that had dropped to the ground because of his earlier movement. He clenched his teeth and raised his head.

No, absolutely not.

If he stayed in the sect, his secret might be exposed at any time. His journey to Spirit Hall wasn't just about promoting his theories with the help of Mysterious Heaven Skill momentum to clear his name; it was also about addressing this hidden danger. The Bone-Replacement Secret Technique had likely fallen into the hands of Spirit Hall.

According to what he knew, Spirit Hall had a secret department called the Martial Soul Research Division, something he had learned about from Bibi Dong when he was younger. This clandestine department studied everything related to martial souls. While such a secret technique might not see the light of day, Spirit Hall certainly wouldn't abandon it. Although he believed himself no less capable than those researchers, there was only so much he could accomplish alone, without resources. While those researchers might not be particularly brilliant, the combined wisdom of three individuals, along with access to data and funding, would undoubtedly surpass his efforts. If he could join them, he was confident he could resolve his issue. Of course, the outcome would depend on Bibi Dong's approval. But at worst, it wouldn't be any worse than his current situation.

"Father, I…"

He forced himself to meet Yu Yuanzhen's gaze, attempting to display his determination.

"Xiao Gang, are you aware that if you leave again this time, there's little chance of ever returning to the sect?"

Yu Yuanzhen couldn't help but remind him, feeling a tinge of disappointment.

Did Xiao Gang truly think bringing him back didn't involve significant pressure?

He knew all too well that the high-ranking members of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan were all named Yu, all bound by blood ties. Most of the elders were his elders as well.

Was he truly expected to overpower them by sheer force?

This time, bringing back the son who had been publicly expelled from the sect was already incredibly difficult. If he chose to leave again, it was almost certain there would be no chance of another return.

Yu Xiaogang's reckless actions in his youth had caused great harm to the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. Only the passage of time had softened the public criticism, but... Sigh.

Yu Yuanzhen sighed inwardly.

Why couldn't Xiao Gang consider his old father's feelings just once?

"Father, I understand, but this place truly isn't suitable for me."

Yu Xiaogang's body trembled slightly, but he gritted his teeth and spoke firmly.

"Fine."

After a long silence, Yu Yuanzhen finally gave his answer.

"Thank you, Father, for understanding."

Yu Xiaogang looked at his father with a mix of gratitude and excitement.

"Speak. What do you need?"

Seeing his son lingering even after receiving permission, Yu Yuanzhen immediately understood his intentions.

"Money. I need money."

Having planned everything, Yu Xiaogang didn't hesitate. Looking at the hint of joy on Yu Xiaogang's face, Yu Yuanzhen felt a pang of exhaustion.

Was this how he treated even his father?

At that moment, Yu Yuanzhen felt deeply weary.

"Very well. Thirty thousand—no, I'll give you fifty thousand gold soul coins. But Xiao Gang, you need to understand this is the last time I'll help you."

Yu Yuanzhen suddenly calmed down, deciding to treat it as though he no longer had this son. Such a large sum of money would be enough for him to live in comfort for the rest of his life, even if squandered.

"Thank you, Father."

Yu Xiaogang was elated. He had initially thought getting even ten thousand gold soul coins would be a stretch, but his father's generosity gave him greater confidence in his plans.

"Hmm. When are you planning to leave?"

After figuring things out, Yu Yuanzhen found it wasn't as painful as he had thought. He even felt faint traces of a breakthrough. At this point, all he wanted was to send Yu Xiaogang on his way.

"Leave immediately," he said. Yu Xiaogang, still reveling in the joy of obtaining a large sum of money, didn't notice the increasing indifference in his father's tone.

"Alright."

A gold card appeared in Yu Yuanzhen's hand, which he placed on the table.

"Thank you, Father. Oh, and you can continue allowing the clan to spread rumors against me. That way, even if I fail, it won't affect the sect."

Yu Xiaogang stepped forward quickly, eagerly snatched up the gold card, and then looked back at his father.

"Mm. After you leave the mountain, take care of yourself."

In the end, Yu Yuanzhen still said what a father ought to say to his son.

"Father, you must also take care of your health," Yu Xiaogang replied, momentarily stunned. His father, who looked even younger than himself, seemed different somehow.

"Mm."

Yu Yuanzhen closed his eyes, not looking at him again. To Yu Xiaogang, this seemed to remind him once more of his father's goodness. He stopped just as he reached the door, knelt skillfully, and knocked his head on the ground three times in deep bows. Then, without hesitation, he turned and strode away. From a distance, his figure seemed filled with determination. This time, he was certain he would succeed.

Once his figure disappeared, a shadow appeared in Yu Yuanzhen's room.

"Sect Master, should we still send someone to protect him and keep track of his movements?"

"No, no need. Just as he said, let's not interfere. That goes for matters within the sect as well," Yu Yuanzhen said, opening his eyes and making his decision.

"Also, notify the elders that I've gained new insights and will be entering closed-door cultivation. When I emerge, I should have broken through to level 96."

A faint arc of electricity danced across his body—a surprising benefit of recent events.

"Yes, Sect Master."

The visitor saluted, his excitement evident in his voice. Moments later, his figure vanished from the room.

As for Yu Xiaogang, he descended the mountain with the same swagger as when he returned. However, unlike before, his face now carried that familiar arrogance. He looked disdainfully at those who pointed and whispered about him.

Stay here in the sect and grow old for all I care, he thought. One day, I'll return with glory.

He was convinced of his inevitable success.

...

In the restorative space of the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well, Han Li lay lazily on the grass, recovering his spiritual energy after a session of dual cultivation. Just then, a message from his obedient son reached him.

"He's left the mountain? Do we have a clear sense of his destination?" Han Li's interest was piqued. The monotony of cultivation was often alleviated by Xiao Gang's antics, which brought him a sliver of amusement.

"Father, he's heading to Wuhun City. Based on our monitoring, his target appears to be Mysterious Heaven Skill and the Martial Soul Research Institute," replied the small glowing orb, snuggling affectionately against Han Li. It had been quite a while since Han Li had summoned it.

"Oh? The Martial Soul Research Institute?"

If Yu Xiaogang's goal was Mysterious Heaven Skill, Han Li wouldn't have been surprised. After all, as a Grandmaster, it would be typical for him to try to make a name for himself based on Han Li's groundbreaking techniques.

But the Spirit Research Institute?

That was unexpected.

"Father, he's afraid to cultivate further due to the potential aftereffects of the Bone-Replacement Technique," the orb explained dutifully, recounting everything it had observed and ending with a reminder.

"Ah, I see," Han Li muttered, understanding now. He had nearly forgotten that detail. Yu Xiaogang was the actual creator of the Soul Bone Secret Technique, but his inadequacy as a soul master had made Han Li overlook him entirely.

"I believe I ordered that project to be shut down, didn't I?"

Han Li asked, stroking his chin, his gaze thoughtful. The so-called Clear Sky Bone replacement Secret Technique was valuable for research purposes, but Han Li had personally stopped the project. Not for lack of interest, but because he found it morally repugnant. While he wasn't a saint, he refused to support research that violated basic ethics. Being the largest financial backer of the Martial Soul Research Institute, his authority ensured compliance, even if the researchers were disgruntled.

"Yes, Father, they have obediently ceased all work on it," the orb confirmed. Its loyalty to Han Li's will was unwavering, ensuring that any potential issues were extinguished before they could arise.

"So, he plans to seek out Bibi Dong?"

Han Li's expression twisted into an enigmatic smile. Even if Yu Xiaogang hadn't taken the initiative to leave the sect, Han Li had intended to send him to Wuhun City sooner or later.

"Well, what a coincidence."

"Keep monitoring him," Han Li instructed.

"And based on Bibi Dong's usual patterns, arrange for them to meet. It'll be interesting."

Recently, each of Bibi Dong's appearances was accompanied by an increasingly palpable sense of distortion. Han Li wanted to watch the drama unfold. When the time came, he planned to call Qian Renxue to join in. Yu Xiaogang's arrival and his inevitable reunion with Bibi Dong would make the perfect catalyst for Qian Renxue's Angel God Trial. The Angel God Trial placed significant emphasis on spiritual tests, and while Han Li couldn't directly assist much, the interaction between these two could.

"Ah, they don't want Qian Renxue to soften, do they?"

Han Li mused aloud, sitting up from the grass with a faint sigh.