Such a Friend?

Before long, curiosity replaced the previous gravity on Tang San's face, and his eyes gleamed with a thirst for knowledge.

He turned to Village Chief Jack and asked in a childish voice:

"Grandpa Jack, what is a Soul Ring? How can one obtain a Soul Ring?"

The speed of Tang San's change in expression made it almost seem as though his earlier seriousness had been an illusion.

Now, he was like a child full of curiosity about the world, directly asking the question that concerned him most.

He knew he had to understand this world's system of power as quickly as possible so that he could improve his own strength.

In this world ruled by the law of the jungle, he could not rely on anyone, especially not his drunkard father.

Faced with curious little Tang San's question,

Old Jack shook his head helplessly, a trace of affection and bitter amusement in his eyes.

He slowly spoke, his voice carrying the weight of years:

"I don't know what a Soul Ring is either."

"To obtain a Soul Ring, it seems you need to hunt Spirit Beasts?"

"That is very dangerous. Only Spirit Masters would do such a thing."

After hearing this, Tang San immediately frowned and began to ponder.

The new terms "Soul Ring" and "Spirit Beast" echoed through his mind as he tried to find his place within this world's system of power.

Just then, Village Chief Jack suddenly fixed Tang San with a sharp gaze. Surprise and curiosity filled his eyes as he abruptly asked:

"Xiao San, could you be one of the two children the Grandmaster mentioned?"

"One of those kids with Innate Full Soul Power?"

Tang San remained calm, without the slightest hint of surprise or panic.

He merely nodded faintly and replied:

"Yes."

His tone was indifferent, as if he were discussing something entirely ordinary. Yet deep within his eyes lay determination and resolve.

Hearing Tang San's answer, Village Chief Jack revealed a relieved smile, like a ray of sunlight finally breaking through a sky thick with dark clouds.

His eyes were filled with warmth and expectation.

"Then, what is your Martial Soul? A Broken Sword or Blue Silver Grass?"

Village Chief Jack asked gently, his voice carrying a touch of caution, as though he feared touching upon Tang San's sore spot.

Tang San's answer was simple and direct:

"Blue Silver Grass."

Upon hearing this, Village Chief Jack nodded and gently patted Tang San's shoulder, the gesture filled with an elder's relief and encouragement.

"Xiao San, I never expected your talents to be so outstanding."

There was a trace of pride in his voice, as if Tang San's talents were a glory of his own.

"It's a pity you have a father like that..."

Village Chief Jack's tone revealed his dissatisfaction and regret toward Tang San's father.

"He couldn't pass down a good Martial Soul to you. Otherwise, perhaps you really could have become another Spirit Saint from our village!"

He looked at Tang San, hope shining in his eyes, and continued:

"Tell Grandpa, would you like to attend a specialized school to learn how Spirit Masters cultivate? Only there can you find the most accurate knowledge about Martial Souls."

At that moment, because of Blade's appearance, Tang San's heart was burdened with countless worries. His gaze drifted, and his thoughts were clearly not on the village chief's question.

He merely answered casually:

"I'll have to ask my father first."

Village Chief Jack looked at Tang San with kindness and affection in his eyes. He gently stroked Tang San's head, his gesture filled with warmth and care.

"What a good child. Yes, you should ask your father first."

He said with a smile, then extended his hand to signal Tang San to follow him.

"Come on, I'll take you home."

Along the way, Village Chief Jack's steps seemed somewhat heavy beneath the setting sun, but his mood was exceptionally cheerful.

He suddenly recalled the other child Su Yuntao had mentioned, the one who also possessed Innate Full Soul Power, and turned to Tang San with a smile.

"By the way, Xiao San, the Grandmaster said there were two people with Innate Full Soul Power. You're one of them, and your Martial Soul is Blue Silver Grass. Who is the other one, whose Martial Soul is a Broken Sword?"

Village Chief Jack's voice held a trace of curiosity, and his eyes glimmered warmly in the fading sunlight.

At those words, Tang San's eyes narrowed at once, and a fierce glint swiftly flashed through them, deep and dangerous.

But he controlled it perfectly. That wolfish glint vanished in an instant, unnoticed by Village Chief Jack.

His expression remained calm as he answered in an indifferent tone:

"Yes, it's Blade. His talents are very good as well."

After hearing that, Village Chief Jack let out a knowing laugh.

"Oh, haha, so it's him. Holy Spirit Village truly is full of talented people."

His smile was filled with pride in the village and expectations for the children.

"Xiao San, you should get along well with Blade. You both have such good talents. You'd surely make great friends, wouldn't you?"

As he spoke, Village Chief Jack habitually stroked Tang San's head again, the gesture filled with an elder's affection and encouragement.

His face radiated happiness, as though he could already see the two children someday becoming the village's pride together and bringing glory to Holy Spirit Village.

Tang San clenched his teeth, producing a faint grinding sound. His left hand involuntarily tightened into a fist beneath his sleeve, his knuckles whitening from the force.

A faint purple gleam flashed through his eyes again, an instinctive reaction of the Purple Demon Eye driven by anger and killing intent.

Friends?! The word echoed through Tang San's mind like the sharpest mockery.

An inexplicable fury and chill surged within him.

This brat is on the Path to Death!! he thought through gritted teeth.

Once he dies, becoming yin-yang friends with him wouldn't be bad either! I'll visit his grave every year!!

Yet Tang San's face remained as calm as still water, without the slightest fluctuation, as though the killing intent and fury from moments ago had never existed.

His tone was gentle and even carried a trace of sincerity, as though he truly intended to become friends with Blade.

"Mm, if there's a chance, I'll definitely become friends with Blade."

He said it lightly, with no hint of anything unusual in his voice.

Village Chief Jack was extremely satisfied with Tang San's answer. A gratified smile spread across his face, like warm spring sunshine that brightened the heart.

"Haha, good, good! Both of you are good children. This old man is truly happy for you!"

Village Chief Jack said with a laugh, his eyes filled with affection and expectation for the two children.

Tang San looked at Village Chief Jack's trusting, joyful face, yet turbulent waves churned within his heart.

In this world, as the Protagonist, he knew he could only rely on himself. Even when facing the most powerful enemies, he had to learn to conceal his emotions and face every challenge with the calmest mindset!

Meanwhile, Blade stood in an open clearing, a faint Black Light radiating from his body. It was emitted by his Sixty Thousand Year Spirit Ring.

This powerful Soul Ring was especially astonishing on him, like a lamp amid endless darkness. At the same time, however, it brought him no small amount of pain.

Blade's brow furrowed slightly, and an indescribable agony appeared on his face.

This agony came not only from his body, but also from the depths of his soul, as though something were tearing at his mind.

Suddenly, the system's cold mechanical voice rang out in his mind, devoid of any emotion.

Ding! The Protagonist wants to become yin-yang friends with the host. Portrayal Progress increased by 0.1%!

Ding! The Protagonist wants to pay respects to the host. Portrayal Progress increased by 0.15%!

Current Portrayal Progress: 6.26%

After hearing it, Blade slowly withdrew the black Soul Ring around him. Its light gradually faded before finally merging into his body.

Holding Shizun's Sword, he slowly walked over and sat down on a tree stump.

His movements were composed and elegant, but his face was completely expressionless, like a heartless statue.

Sitting on the stump, he silently sorted through his emotions and calmed his mind.

The corner of his lips curved upward slightly, forming a smile that mixed pain, mockery, and composure.

In a low, magnetic voice, he murmured:

"More impatient than I am, huh? Heh."