Play the Grandson for Now!

Tang Hao's eyelid twitched involuntarily when Tang San mentioned Blade. That fleeting muscular reaction exposed the turmoil in his heart. His mind swiftly returned to two days ago, to that fierce battle with Blade.

The scene was still vivid in his mind. He, a dignified Titled Douluo, had nearly lost to a kid who had only just awakened his Martial Soul. The thought filled Tang Hao with an indescribable fury.

He gripped his wine cup tightly, his knuckles turning white from the force. The cup warped slightly in his palm, letting out a faint creak. His breathing also grew heavier. Though he tried his best to control it, its slightly quickened rhythm still betrayed his unrest.

However, Tang Hao was a Titled Douluo, and his control over his emotions was exceptionally strong. He quickly adjusted his mindset and regained his composure. He told himself that as long as he said nothing and did not reveal himself, that kid would never suspect his true identity.

Yet one question continued to linger in his mind—why had Blade appeared in that forest? Tang Hao recalled that day's encounter, and the more he thought about it, the more suspicious it seemed. But he shook his head again, trying to dispel the doubts in his heart.

How could a green kid who had only just awakened his Martial Soul possibly have the guts to lie in wait for a Titled Douluo like him, one who already stood among the strongest on the Douluo Continent? The very idea was absurd.

Tang Hao's thoughts wandered amid contradiction. In the end, he could only attribute Blade's appearance in that forest to its abundant Soul Power resources.

After all, a youth with such heaven-defying Talents naturally needed more resources to nurture his growth. This explanation could not completely dispel Tang Hao's doubts, but at least it made the matter seem somewhat more reasonable.

Tang Hao took a deep breath and temporarily suppressed the distracting thoughts in his heart. He knew that what he needed to do now was remain calm and continue observing, while also ensuring Tang San's safety. After all, in this world filled with the unknown and danger, his Beloved Son was the person he most needed to protect—his future!

Tang Hao's voice carried an unquestionable firmness. He looked Tang San directly in the eye, as though trying to carve his words into his son's heart. "Him? You don't need to worry too much, and you don't need to listen to Old Jack either.

"If he comes looking for us, I'll naturally send him away. You just need to remember what I told you: keep your distance from Blade. I don't care whether you're from the same village or whether you're friends or whatever."

As Tang San listened to his father, the doubts in his heart spread like dry grass set ablaze. His brows furrowed tightly, and confusion and shock flickered in his eyes.

As someone born a killer, Tang San had no doubt about Tang Hao's insight into people's hearts. Yet at this moment, his father seemed to display an unprecedented wariness toward Blade. This attitude left Tang San confused, even somewhat uneasy.

What the hell is going on? Tang San screamed inwardly, his fists clenching unconsciously as his nails dug deeply into his palms. My Genius son's grudge hasn't even been settled yet! If I stay away from him, how the hell am I supposed to get revenge?!

Tang San's thoughts ran wild. He suddenly realized that he seemed to have some inexplicable attraction to Blade, as if they were fated enemies who would not rest until one of them died. The feeling sent a chill through his heart. If I keep hiding while he keeps chasing me, how the hell is that a solution?!

A flash of resolve crossed his eyes, and he hurriedly asked, "Dad, what if Blade comes looking for me on his own? I can't just keep hiding, can I? If he really intends to cause me trouble, I can't just sit around and wait to die, can I?"

Tang Hao was stunned for a moment. Confusion flashed through his eyes; clearly, he had not expected Tang San to ask such a question. He believed he had hidden his identity well. As long as Tang San did not expose the Clear Sky Hammer, Blade could not possibly turn his suspicions toward him.

Even if Tang San accidentally exposed it, there were so many Clear Sky Sect disciples who wielded the Clear Sky Hammer. How could Blade possibly trace it back to him? As for Blade beating up his Beloved Son before, he would pretend not to see that for now. Once he had investigated everything clearly, he would settle both old and new scores together!

Tang Hao frowned deeply, seemingly thinking something over. Then he said in a low voice, "Why would he come looking for you? There's no need to say more about this. In short, don't provoke him. If he really keeps bothering you, then pretend to be his friend, curry favor with him a little, and be smarter about it. Remember, you need to grow properly and keep working hard."

At this point, Tang Hao's tone turned serious. He emphasized once more, "And I'll say it again: don't let anyone know about the hammer in your left hand!"

Upon hearing this, Tang San's expression instantly became extraordinarily colorful, his face full of question marks like stars in the sky. He howled inwardly, Dear aunt, dear granny, my brain is wrapped around itself! Dear old man, didn't you say you were going to avenge your son?!

Tang San was nearly on the verge of collapse. He had never imagined that the father he had placed such hopes in would give such an answer. The scene he had imagined of a hero saving the beauty, father and son joining forces against a powerful enemy, had not appeared at all. Instead, he was being told to greet his enemy with a smile. It felt absurd and stifling beyond words.

What the hell is this supposed to be now?! Tang San roared inwardly, his face filled with unwillingness and confusion. When my enemy comes, I have to welcome him?! This isn't revenge—it's making me swallow my anger!

Tang Hao's tone was stern and firm. He stared directly at Tang San, his voice carrying unquestionable authority. "Did you hear me?"

Tang San snapped out of his thoughts and nodded awkwardly, though his mind was a complete mess. It was as though countless Grass Mud Horses were stampeding through his head, and the shock in his heart was beyond words. He had always believed that his father, Tang Hao, was a hidden big shot operating behind the scenes. But now, perhaps his father's strength was not as invincible as he had imagined. If Tang Hao were truly as powerful as the legends claimed, how could a mere Blade make him so wary?

Tang San sighed helplessly inwardly. As the Protagonist, he was still willing to believe that his father, blessed by the Protagonist's Halo, had some kind of background.

But at this moment, he could only silently pray that his father would not truly act out some ridiculous drama like, "Because he was too useless, he was kicked out by his family and could only live in misery in a small village!" Much less some melodramatic plot like, "He accidentally discovers his son's Talents, and the worthless man from back then swears to rise through his son and reclaim everything that belongs to him!!"

Seeing his son nod, Tang Hao's worries eased slightly. He patted Tang San's shoulder with satisfaction. Faced with a son whose Talents were equally heaven-defying, he saw hope for the future.

His tone softened somewhat, and his eyes revealed his expectations and concern for his son. "Xiao San, a Genius who fails to grow up is not a Genius. Remember that. What I mean is that you should make fewer enemies. Once you become truly strong, no one will be able to bully you again!"

"Come on. Let's see how your Hammer Technique has been progressing these past few days." As Tang Hao spoke, he turned and headed toward the training ground, his steps firm and powerful. Tang San followed closely behind his father. Though doubts still lingered in his heart, what could he do when his own father had said so? At worst, he would play the grandson in front of Blade for now! He would settle both old and new scores together someday!!

Tang San thought this through gritted teeth.