Father and Son Part Ways

At this moment, in a quiet corner of Holy Spirit Village, inside Tang San's humble Thatched Cottage, Tang Hao was busily packing up.

His movements were simple and forceful. Before long, the room had become much tidier. Once he was done, he walked to the window with a fierce look on his face and stared outside with burning eyes, as though searching for something.

The village was peaceful and harmonious. The villagers went about their own work—some toiled in the fields, while others wove baskets or mended clothes outside their homes. From time to time, they paused to greet one another, chatting about family matters or the latest news in the village.

Yet beneath that calm surface, Tang Hao's heart churned like a stormy sea. His gaze repeatedly swept over the village beyond the window, as if he were looking for something—or worrying about something. His figure seemed somewhat lonely within the Thatched Cottage, standing in stark contrast to the village's tranquil atmosphere.

These past few days, Tang Hao had been unusually diligent around the village, voluntarily taking on the work of a patrolman. But no one in the village knew that he had not done so out of any sense of duty. He only wanted to notice immediately if Blade returned. The vigilance and hostility he held toward Blade had never diminished.

However, day after day passed. Nearly two months had gone by, yet Tang Hao had found no sign of Blade returning. How could he possibly have imagined that Blade had actually remained in the nearby forest all along, keeping company with the deceased wife he could only call part of his past?

He stubbornly believed that Blade had probably been taken away by that group of people who had suddenly appeared at the edge of the forest, which was why he had not been seen since. As for the possibility that Blade had been injured, Tang Hao did not believe it in the slightest. He clearly remembered that after unleashing his ultimate move in that final battle, Blade's aura had reached its peak! How could Blade have been injured in that state? Injured my ass!

A complicated emotion flashed through Tang Hao's eyes—anger toward Blade, along with regret over that unfinished battle. He clenched his fists tightly, his nails digging deep into his flesh, yet he felt no pain at all.

Now, Tang Hao had decided to stop waiting. Tang San was about to leave for Nuoding City to study, and Tang Hao's original plan had been to set out after Tang San left. But Blade's appearance had forced him to move his plans ahead of schedule. Too many concerns and unresolved matters weighed on his heart. The shadow of Spirit Hall and Blade's threat hung over him like two great mountains.

For now, he only needed a little time. Once he had explained a few important matters to Tang San, he would leave in a hurry. He truly had far too much to deal with, and every matter was enough to give him a headache and fill him with irritation.

"Xiao San, come here." Tang Hao's voice was low and powerful. He withdrew his fierce gaze and turned toward Tang San, who was practicing the Disorder Splitting Wind Hammer in the courtyard.

"What is it, Dad?" Hearing the call, Tang San hurriedly set down the hammer in his hand, wiped the sweat from his forehead with his sleeve, and jogged over to his father, Tang Hao.

Tang Hao crouched down so that his eyes were level with Tang San's. His expression turned stern and serious as he stared deeply at Tang San, as though he wanted to pass that seriousness on to his beloved son. He slowly spoke, his tone carrying an unquestionable firmness. "Xiao San, I have important matters to attend to, and I need to go out again. I don't know when I'll return."

Tang San's face was full of confusion. He clearly could not understand why his father, whom he had already deemed useless in ability but powerful in background, was running away from home again. In his mind, if there was something his father could not accomplish himself, shouldn't he wait until Tang San had grown stronger before seeking revenge? His heart was filled with doubt and incomprehension.

"Ah, Dad, can you tell me what it is? I want to share some of your burden too!" Tang San's tone was full of sincerity, and his gaze was resolute, as though he truly wished to lighten his father's load. But inwardly, he merely hoped to learn more about his father, so he could have a better idea of what was going on.

Seeing Tang San's serious expression, Tang Hao could not help but feel a swell of pride. With such a genius son, he was full of hope! Yet he still shook his head, his tone firm and solemn. "You're still young. Not letting you know certain things is the best way to protect you. You don't need to worry about me either. I can take care of myself."

Tang Hao's words made Tang San frown slightly. He was clearly dissatisfied with that answer, but he knew his father's personality. Once Tang Hao made a decision, he would not change it easily.

Then, Tang Hao's expression suddenly turned savage. His teeth ground together with a creak, as though he were suppressing the fury and determination deep within his heart. "Some matters must be handled by me alone!" His voice was low and forceful, revealing an unwavering resolve.

Seeing that his father had no intention of revealing anything more, Tang San had no choice. Though he felt somewhat disappointed, he could only accept it helplessly.

He slowly replied, "Oh. Then, Dad, when are you leaving? At least let me know."

Tang Hao stretched out his rough, broad hand and heavily patted Tang San's shoulder. His eyes held an unquestionable firmness. "I'm leaving right away. Oh, and there's something important I need to remind you of once more."

His voice became stern, his gaze fixed tightly on Tang San's face. "Do not easily reveal the hammer in your left hand. Do you understand?"

Tang Hao thought again of the mysterious Blade. He had originally wanted to remind Tang San to stay away from that person, but upon second thought, Blade had not returned to Holy Spirit Village for so long that he probably would not come back. If Blade truly had influence, he naturally would not bother with a tiny place like Nuoding City. With that thought, Tang Hao relaxed. Xiao San should be safe. As long as he did not expose his secret too early, there was no need to worry too much.

With that, Tang Hao said no more. Seeing Tang San nod vigorously, the corners of his lips lifted slightly. He stood up and heavily patted Tang San's shoulder again, the force seeming to silently say, "Don't disappoint me." Then he turned and left without hesitation.

Tang San's eyelid twitched slightly. He followed for a few steps and watched his father's back until that familiar figure disappeared from sight. Standing where he was, he murmured, "A few hardships are normal. Tang San, Tang San... in the end, you still have to rely on yourself."

Then Tang San tightly gripped the damaged Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum in his hand. Blade had thrown it to him during their previous battle. These past days, he had been studying this legendary immortal-grade herb, hoping to find clues within it that could improve his strength. Yet what he discovered filled him with disappointment—the Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum had long since lost its effects. Like a withered flower, it could no longer bloom with its former brilliance.

Tang San's brows furrowed tightly. His anger toward Blade burned fiercely in his chest like a raging fire. He had followed Blade's instructions and searched around the village for so long, yet he had not even seen the shadow of a similar immortal-grade herb. That only made the flames of anger in his heart burn hotter. He secretly calculated that if he ever met Blade again, he would definitely find a way to pry something better out of him!

"But then again, where exactly did Blade run off to?" Tang San's heart was full of doubts. He had always been skeptical of what his father had told Jack—that Blade had gone out to train on his own, and that some academy had taken a fancy to his Talents along the way and recruited him directly.

He was the protagonist of the story, yet he had not even received such treatment. How could Blade so easily get poached ahead of him?!

Tang San thought to himself.