Blade and Tang Hao!

Half a day later,

At the edge of the Ancient Forest, sunlight filtered through layer upon layer of leaves, casting dappled patterns across the damp earth. The place was tranquil and mysterious, as though every ancient tree held stories accumulated over a thousand years.

Tang Hao, the man who had temporarily left Holy Spirit Village two days ago, walked heavily into the forest where he had once hidden the seed. Determination showed in his eyes, yet it could not conceal the worry in his heart. The roar of Eagle Beak Cliff Waterfall echoed in the distance, as if reminding him of the unknown that awaited him.

As soon as he neared the waterfall, Tang Hao sharply sensed something amiss. His heart tightened as he muttered, "Someone has been here?" His gaze instantly turned sharp, and killing intent silently spread through his pupils.

Tang Hao swiftly used his hat to conceal his face, discreetly surveying the surroundings. His figure moved through the undergrowth like a ghost, utterly silent.

At that very moment, Blade, who had been idly wandering near the great tree, naturally sensed the arrival of someone below. He immediately left the tree and walked toward the newcomer.

Very soon, Tang Hao, hidden in the shadows, saw a young kid holding a sword covered in cracks, walking toward him from the opposite direction with an indifferent gaze!

The instant Tang Hao saw him, there was no need for further thought. He immediately recognized the child as Blade!

Though he barely knew any of the younger generation in the village, Tang Hao had probed around and asked his Beloved Son, quickly getting the full story!

Not to mention that appearance—he remembered it clearly in his heart!

The youth wore clothing as deep as the night itself, predominantly black, making him appear steady and mysterious. Dark golden lines traced the edges and collar of his garments, like stars glittering in the darkness, while the blue-violet patterns on the fabric resembled the deepest galaxy in the night sky, adding an indescribable touch of nobility to his overall appearance.

His body was wrapped in white bandages, some tight and some loose, as though they were marks left behind by battle—or deliberately wound around him for protection. Every layer of bandages seemed to speak of his resilience and unyielding spirit.

The youth's long hair resembled a deep ocean, a distinctive dark navy blue that gradually faded into dark red at the ends, like the lingering glow of sunset cast across the sea. Exquisite hair ornaments divided his hair into twin tails, which swayed gently with his steps, giving him a playful yet lively air.

The earrings on his earlobes glinted with a cold light. The one on his left ear was even connected to a red ribbon that fluttered in the wind like a symbol of flames, adding a hint of wildness to his appearance.

The youth tightly held a sword in his arms. Its blade was covered in cracks, yet one could still sense the latent sharpness within it. This sword seemed to be his most loyal companion, never leaving his side no matter where or when.

Tang Hao's gaze shot toward the fleeing youth like arrows, and the fury in his heart ignited like dry grass set aflame. He had failed to find Blade before and had been unable to vent his desire to teach him a lesson. Now that they had unexpectedly met here, how could he not be overjoyed?

How dare this bastard bully my son?! Tang Hao's furious roar echoed in his chest. He clenched his fists, every knuckle turning pale from the force. He had already made up his mind to teach this Kid a thorough lesson. Yet his pride made him disdain using a weapon. Why would he need to wield a hammer against a child?

"Why use a sledgehammer to crack a nut?" Tang Hao sneered. He did not even intend to use Soul Power. He only wanted to use the most primitive methods—his fists and kicks—to let this youth taste pain, until his face was swollen and bruised, until he recognized his mistake.

Ding! Tang Hao's anger was becoming apparent. Portrayal Progress increased by 0.02%!

Ding! Current Portrayal Progress: 10.98%!

On the Other Side, Blade's figure gradually emerged from the forest's gloom. His steps were steady and aloof, as though each one fell upon the rhythm of time. The System's voice echoed in his mind. The corners of Blade's lips slowly curved into an almost imperceptible smile, while his eyes remained indifferent, without the slightest ripple.

He gently drew Shizun's Sword from his robes. Its mottled blade seemed to carry countless stories and memories. When the sword's edge met the soil, it made no harsh sound—only a faint rustling, the sound of the blade drawing thin marks across the earth. As Blade advanced, Red Spider Lilies fell into the soil under the blade's guidance. Then, those vivid red flowers slowly spread outward to both sides like flames.

Perhaps because she had once merged with the Blue Silver Emperor and been nourished by its abundant blood, as the Red Spider Lilies bloomed, the surrounding plants felt an overwhelming familiarity. They seemed to be paying homage to an emperor, worshipping Blade, who came from beyond the Douluo Continent!

At the same time, the plants in the forest seemed to come alive. They communicated silently, passing along a single message—someone was lying in ambush not far ahead. In their own unique way, they pointed Blade toward the direction where Tang Hao was hiding.

Seeing this, a trace of madness flashed through Blade's eyes. His voice was low yet piercing, as though it carried an irresistible force. "There are five people, and three must pay the price." He paused, seeming to question and answer himself. "Are you one of them?" As soon as the words fell, he gave a quiet "Heh heh." The laugh was neither loud nor soft, yet it clearly spread throughout the entire forest, striking directly at Tang Hao hidden in the shadows.

Blade's voice was neither loud nor soft, yet it was filled with piercing force! It struck directly at Tang Hao hiding in the shadows!

At that moment, Tang Hao's heart abruptly skipped a beat. He had never expected Blade to see through his hiding place so easily. That soft laugh was like a sharp blade, cutting through the disguise he had so carefully arranged. Tang Hao's eyes widened, his pupils rapidly contracting as shock flooded his face. In his understanding, such a discovery should have been nearly impossible. A Kid with Innate Full Soul Power, who might not even possess a ten-year soul ring, how could he possibly detect a Titled Douluo like him?

Stormy Waves rose in his heart. If word of this got out, where would Tang Hao's dignity go? He was a Titled Douluo with the Clear Sky Hammer, the greatest Tool Spirit in the world, the pride of the Clear Sky Sect! Such humiliation would not only make him the laughingstock of the world, but would also make the people of Spirit Hall even more arrogant, crushing the Clear Sky Sect until it could not lift its head!

No, something was wrong! Tang Hao quickly calmed himself and noticed that the surrounding plants were acting strangely as well. It was not because Blade was so formidable, but because these plants had inadvertently exposed his location!

But wasn't this the forest where his late wife had once lived? He was also a frequent visitor here. How could these plants possibly refuse to help him and instead aid a Kid who had once beaten up his son? This was utterly backwards, filling his heart with resentment and rage. He felt that these plants were all ungrateful wretches. His wife, the Blue Silver Emperor, was in this forest—he was her husband, yet these plants actually refused to help him!