New Side Mission

Tang San was dragged over in complete confusion. But as his father, Tang Hao, swept his gaze over his body and his breathing grew heavier and heavier, Tang San understood that no matter how well he had hidden it, his dad had still found out.

Tang Hao moved swiftly and forcefully, pulling Tang San to a seat before crouching in front of his son. There was not a trace of a smile on his face, replaced by sternness and a barely perceptible hint of anger. His gaze was like two sharp swords, fixed directly on Tang San as if he wanted to see through to his heart.

"Tell me, what exactly happened?!" Tang Hao's voice was low and powerful, carrying unquestionable authority. "What kind of herbs were you picking to ruin your clothes like this?!"

Tang San was left somewhat speechless by his father's string of actions and tone. He grumbled inwardly, Good grief, you dragged me straight onto a chair without even asking whether my butt agreed! Though he felt helpless, Tang San also knew there was no point in hiding it anymore.

He had indeed considered that if his father turned out to be some hidden expert, he would not mind letting Tang Hao teach Blade a lesson. But the appearance of the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum had changed his mind somewhat. He could not let his father beat him too badly; he still needed to ask where more immortal herbs could be found! Tang San felt certain Blade was holding something back and had not told him everything!!

Tang San sat in the chair, doing his best to keep his expression calm, though his hands unconsciously clenched the armrests. The pain beneath him was like a sharp blade, constantly reminding him of what had happened earlier. He bit his lip, enduring the discomfort as he tried to make his voice sound relaxed and natural.

"It's nothing. I just sparred with a friend. Don't worry, Dad," Tang San said, feigning composure. He forced a smile, trying to reassure his father. "It was just a normal spar. I accidentally tore my clothes here, too. Oh, right, I still need to cook—the food in the pot is about to burn!"

As soon as the words left his mouth, Tang San could no longer bear the piercing pain in his butt. He hurriedly found an excuse, practically springing to his feet as he rushed toward the kitchen. His steps were somewhat unsteady.

Tang Hao did not object. As he watched Tang San move, a complicated and gloomy emotion flashed through his eyes. He did not stop him, merely gritting his teeth as his gaze followed Tang San's retreating back. His instincts told him that Xiao San was far too sensible! Even after being bullied, he did not dare say anything!

Xiao San is kindhearted and magnanimous. He doesn't want to stir up trouble, Tang Hao muttered inwardly. When he was being bullied, he must have kept his promise to me and not used the Clear Sky Hammer, which was why he suffered such a miserable defeat!

But Tang Hao was not a magnanimous man, and unlike Tang San, he was not forbidden from using the Clear Sky Hammer! Furious flames rose within him, blazing in his eyes! Someone had dared bully his Beloved Son—his precious Xiao San, a genius destined to possess Twin Martial Souls on the Douluo Continent, a legendary figure who would kick Spirit Hall and punch every Titled Douluo! How could Tang Hao possibly allow others to bully him! More importantly, with such a genius son, revenge was finally within reach!

How could he swallow this insult? His fists clenched, his nails nearly digging into his palms, but he forcibly restrained his anger. Considering the feelings of his sensible and gifted son, he took a deep breath and tried to make his voice sound calm, though it carried a trace of concern. "Xiao San, I don't object to sparring, but can you tell me who you sparred with?"

With his back to Tang Hao, Tang San busied himself at the stove. Hearing his father's question, the corners of his lips rose slightly. He secretly chuckled. It seemed Blade would not escape this disaster after all. Still, that was fine. His dad was definitely no ordinary man; even if he taught Blade a lesson, he would surely do it in secret. Tang San would not need to worry about Blade flying into a rage and completely falling out with him!

As Tang San stir-fried the ingredients in the pot, he answered casually, "Dad, it was just Blade from the village. It's nothing. We're friends, and it was only an ordinary spar. Aren't we going to Nuoding City to study soon? We were just practicing with each other in advance!"

His tone was relaxed, as if the battle just now had only been a simple game rather than a contest he would remember deeply.

Tang Hao's brows furrowed tightly. The anger in his heart was like a wildfire fanned by violent winds, growing more intense by the moment. As he listened to Tang San's casual answer, every word felt like a knife stabbing viciously into his heart. That little brat called Blade had actually dared beat his beloved son into this state!

Tang Hao's sharp ears caught the slight tremble in Tang San's voice, a tremor that suppressed pain. His fists clenched, his nails sinking deeply into the flesh of his palms, yet he still forcefully held back his emotions.

He exhaled heavily, trying to calm the turmoil in his heart, then asked in a deep voice, "Xiao San, you didn't use that hammer, did you?"

That question left Tang San at a loss. He had only promised that morning not to use that hammer, yet he had used it at noon that very day.

But he had learned today that Blade had discovered it before he used it—back during Spirit Awakening. Blade had found out before Tang San made that promise, so he had not broken his word!

Tang San felt he was a true logical genius. He quickly calmed down, shaking his head as he said firmly, "No. I promised you, Dad, that I'd only use it if my life was in danger. We were just having a simple spar."

Tang Hao nodded. He appeared calm on the surface, but the fury in his heart burned even more fiercely, as though oil had been poured over it. A flash of Cold Light passed through his eyes as he silently swore:

You dared lay a hand on my Beloved Son! That Kid has truly stepped onto the Path to Death!!

He needs to be taught a lesson!

"Get plenty of rest today. Train again tomorrow," Tang Hao said, keeping his tone as even as possible, though his fists involuntarily tightened. "I'll go to the village chief's house."

Tang Hao's words were plain, but his thoughts had long since gone elsewhere. His excuse was that he was visiting the village chief, but in truth, he wanted to see what sort of person this Blade who had dared hurt his son really was! His steps were firm, each one seeming to declare his resolve: anyone who harmed his son would have to pay the price!

At this very moment,

Other Side.

Ding! The Protagonist's father was enraged. Relevant Portrayal Progress increased by 0.2%!

Current Portrayal Progress: 10.86%

Ding! New Side Mission unlocked: "There are five people, and three prices to pay." Make the Protagonist's father suffer a setback! You will receive a large amount of Portrayal Progress!

Hearing the sudden System's voice, Blade, who had been resting with his eyes closed, curled his lips slightly and murmured:

"Beat the little one, and the old one comes. Heh heh."