Tang Hao's Discovery

In the open ground north of Holy Spirit Village, sunlight poured down upon the vast stretch of land, illuminating every inch with crystal clarity.

Blade stood in the center of the clearing, dressed in a black robe that fluttered gently in the wind, making him seem especially mysterious.

His sharply defined face bore no unnecessary expression, and his indifferent gaze made it impossible to tell what he was thinking.

At that moment, Blade idly toyed with half a root of a Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum, as though examining some insignificant object.

His bandage-wrapped hand drew in fiercely with the Power of Abundance! The Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum showed no outward change, but it was now nothing but an empty shell, completely worthless.

Then, with a casual toss, Blade threw this supposedly precious immortal herb to Tang San.

The gesture was so offhand that it seemed as though he had merely thrown out a pebble.

The corner of Blade's lips curled up. Then he made up an excuse and said casually,

"I picked it up outside the village. Since you treasure this root so much, I don't mind giving it to you."

Tang San reacted quickly and caught the half-root of the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum, excitement beyond words filling his heart.

Little Scoundrel naturally did not understand the greatness of the Power of Abundance!

As he held the immortal herb, he felt that his fate was about to undergo an earth-shaking change.

He imagined himself reaching the peak after mastering his cultivation, and a smug smile could not help appearing on his lips.

Tang San clutched the root of the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum, thrilled and excited.

"I can actually pick up such a treasure outside the village!"

Tang San was ecstatic, the corners of his mouth unconsciously lifting slightly.

It seems that I, Tang San, really am the Chosen One. My birthplace actually hides such top-tier resources!

However, amid his joy, Tang San could not help feeling regretful and gloomy.

Why hadn't I discovered something this good earlier?

Blade actually got there first. How infuriating!

Still, I don't know whether what he told me is true, so I need to hold back for now.

Since he's so powerful, he must have plenty of opportunities and treasures.

If I don't make good use of him, I'd be letting down my butt, stomach, and hands!

Though he was somewhat unwilling, Tang San quickly adjusted his mindset.

He knew that this seemingly cold and indifferent Blade must have had extraordinary experiences and abundant resources.

Before long, Tang San put on an extremely respectful front. He bent ninety degrees at the waist and held the root of the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum in both hands as if it were a priceless treasure.

"Brother Blade, I, Tang San, will remember your generosity forever. I also thank you on behalf of my father for your great kindness!"

He paused, looked at Blade with resolute eyes, and continued,

"Should I gain any benefits in the future, I will certainly share them with Brother Blade. I will never forget today's favor!"

Tang San appeared incomparably respectful. Seeing him like this,

if the traces of battle had not remained on the ground, one might really have thought the two had sworn brotherhood here.

Ding! The Protagonist was outwardly obedient while inwardly defiant toward the host. Portrayal Progress increased by 0.1%.

Current Portrayal Progress: 10.66%

Hearing the System's voice, Blade was no longer surprised. He merely gave Tang San a cold glance, said nothing, then turned and left.

Holy Spirit Village was bathed in the setting sun, its lingering rays spilling into every corner of the small village.

The thatch on the roof of Tang San's Thatched Cottage glowed gold beneath the sunset.

Inside, the light was dim, and dust danced in the few beams of sunlight filtering through the window.

Tang San pushed open the door and staggered inside.

A trace of exhaustion showed on his face, and his clothes were covered in dirt and sweat, clearly showing that he had gone through an intense battle.

He stood inside the cottage, his body swaying slightly, unsure whether he should sit down or remain standing.

His butt hurt unbearably from the earlier battle. Even sitting down had become a luxurious form of torment.

Standing,

his legs trembled from excessive exhaustion, as if he might collapse at any moment.

Lying down?

That was even less possible. He still had chores to do, and his father was waiting for him to take care of him!

Besides, he had not even practiced today's hammer techniques yet!

"Xiao San, where did you go? Why are you only back now?"

Tang Hao's voice came from the inner room, lazy and unconcerned. He had clearly just awakened from an afternoon nap, and his voice still carried a hazy drowsiness.

Tang San's heart tightened, but he did his best to keep his voice calm.

"No, I just went out for a walk and gathered some herbs or something."

Tang San spoke somewhat guiltily. As he spoke, his eyes flickered,

and he did not dare look toward the inner room, afraid that his father would see through his lie.

How could he possibly admit that someone had strung him up and beaten him despite his Twin Martial Souls? Besides, he knew perfectly well

how special and dangerous it was to possess Twin Martial Souls. Being easily defeated by Blade today was a humiliation he could hardly bring himself to mention.

How could he tell his father that he had been beaten so miserably outside?

Even if he did say it, could he expect his father to secretly teach Blade a lesson?

Even now, he had no idea just how strong his father was.

What if his father went there and came back after getting beaten too? That would truly make him cough up blood!

As he worked in the kitchen, Tang San's thoughts churned like raging waves, complex and profound.

Ah, today was really miserable.

Tang San stir-fried the ingredients in the wok while muttering to himself inwardly.

He could feel the pain in his butt. It was a mark left by the battle, and proof of his own lack of strength.

I clearly have Twin Martial Souls, yet Blade still defeated me so easily. Is this even a Protagonist Template?!

Scenes from his fight with Blade replayed constantly in his mind. Every one of Blade's attacks had seemed so effortless, while his own defenses had been so strained.

Blade's strength is unfathomable. Just how much is he hiding? Still, it doesn't matter. I'll treat him as the whetstone that makes me stronger! Heh heh!

The last rays of the setting sun streamed through the thatched cottage window and fell over Tang San's busy figure.

The food in the wok was already giving off a rich fragrance, and Tang San focused on adjusting the heat, trying to make dinner even more delicious.

Just then, Tang Hao lifted the curtain and stepped out of the inner room.

His gaze was like a torch, exceptionally sharp even in the dim cottage.

As a Titled Douluo, his perception of Aura far surpassed that of ordinary people.

The instant he saw Tang San, his formerly sleepy eyes turned grave, as though he could pierce through appearances and see straight to the heart of the matter.

Tang Hao's brows furrowed slightly. As a Titled Douluo, he naturally noticed something wrong with his son the moment he came out.

And now that he knew his precious son possessed Twin Martial Souls, he naturally valued him far more than before.

The fluctuations of his beloved son's Soul Power were abnormally weak, stirring an inexplicable anger within him.

His gaze swept swiftly across Tang San like sharp arrows.

Even though Tang San tried his best to hide it, he still spotted the damage on his clothes and the hem that had been sliced open by a sharp blade.

Those damaged clothes seemed to silently recount the misfortune Tang San had suffered.

Tang Hao did not hesitate in the slightest. His body moved almost instantaneously, and he rushed in front of Tang San in a flash.

He stretched out a large hand, gripped Tang San's wrist tightly, and yanked him before his eyes.

His eyes were filled with scrutiny as he carefully examined what had happened to his son!