Return to the Village and the Witness

In the end, Xiao Tianyang was still late. Though he got a scolding, it did nothing to spoil his good mood.

Overall, today's gains had been quite good.

In such a state of mind, class passed much faster as well.

In what felt like the blink of an eye, Xiao Tianyang heard the dismissal bell.

After the teacher left, the students in the classroom all prepared to get up and head to the cafeteria.

However, Tang San moved closer to Xiao Tianyang. "Brother Tianyang, I'm planning to go home during the break. What about you?"

Xiao Tianyang instinctively wanted to answer, but just then, a system prompt rang out in his mind.

"Ding!"

"Host has triggered a side quest, [Witness]. Objective: witness Tang San and Xiao Wu become sworn siblings!"

"Mission Reward: Host's charm will increase!"

What kind of reward is that?

Xiao Tianyang grumbled inwardly, but his expression remained calm as he said, "I'm planning to go back too. We can go together."

Tang San was just about to nod when Xiao Wu squeezed in beside them and said, "I'm going too!"

"Aren't you going home?"

Tang San asked instinctively.

"If you don't take me with you, I might just stay at the academy and not go back..."

A trace of loneliness appeared in Xiao Wu's beautiful eyes, completely unlike her usual lively self.

"If that's the case..."

Tang San looked at Xiao Tianyang, as though asking for his opinion.

"If you already have the answer in your heart, don't hesitate."

Xiao Tianyang shot him a glare.

With Xiao Tianyang's support, Tang San smiled. "Then come home with us. But my dad may have a rather bad temper..."

"Yay!"

Xiao Wu jumped up excitedly and giggled. "Enough with the unnecessary talk. Let's go eat!"

Then she dragged Tang San and Xiao Tianyang toward the cafeteria.

Early the next morning, the three set off, chatting as they headed toward Sacred Soul Village.

After a year, all three of them had grown to different heights.

But Xiao Tianyang's growth was the most exaggerated—he was a full head taller than Little San!

As for Physical Quality, there was even less comparison to be made.

Half a year ago, Tang San had already been beaten down by Xiao Tianyang. Now that time had passed, the outcome would only be worse; there would be no turnaround.

By the time they arrived at Sacred Soul Village, it was already afternoon.

Before they even entered the village, they heard a familiar voice.

"Tianyang, Little San, why did you two come back without telling anyone?"

Xiao Tianyang looked over and saw Village Chief Old Jack, leaning on his cane and waving at them.

"It's almost winter break, so of course we came back."

Xiao Tianyang stepped forward to support the old man who had treated him so well. "Besides, we aren't children anymore. The whole way was along main roads. What danger could we possibly run into?"

"You're still as reckless as ever."

Old Jack glared at him. "Remember, you're a few years older. You need to know how to take care of others, understand?"

"Got it!"

Xiao Tianyang replied with a grin.

He didn't know how to take care of people?

What a joke. With his cooking skills, how could he fail to take care of anyone?

Seeing Xiao Tianyang's cheeky grin, Old Jack knew that he had not taken his words to heart.

But he did not mind. He simply turned to Tang San. "Little San, your father..."

Tang San had originally wanted to introduce Xiao Wu to Old Jack, but upon hearing those words, he could no longer suppress the excitement of seeing family. "Grandpa Jack, sorry, I need to go home first."

Tang San left, and Xiao Wu immediately followed after him.

As for Xiao Tianyang, he simply supported Old Jack and walked in that direction without any great hurry.

Familiar with the plot, Xiao Tianyang knew that Tang Hao had already left by now. If Tang San wanted to see him again, it would probably be a long time from now.

Vaguely, Xiao Tianyang also heard Old Jack muttering, "Tang Hao really is irresponsible. He even made me deliver the letter..."

The two soon arrived at the blacksmith shop.

When Xiao Tianyang pushed open the door, he saw Tang San standing there in a daze and Xiao Wu looking as though she did not know what to say. The atmosphere was somewhat desolate.

At that moment, Old Jack stepped forward and handed a letter to Tang San. "Little San, this was left behind by your father."

Xiao Tianyang said nothing. He merely patted Tang San on the shoulder. "Sometimes, don't believe only what your eyes see. Feel with your heart, and perhaps you'll gain something different."

After saying that, he supported Old Jack and left.

After he left, Tang San was moved by those words.

Part of it was naturally because they made sense.

But more importantly, he trusted Xiao Tianyang.

All along, he had regarded Xiao Tianyang as a role model.

Whether it was the things Xiao Tianyang said, the things he did, or his strength, Tang San deeply admired him.

If Xiao Tianyang knew what Tang San was thinking, he would surely be greatly gratified and praise him: "You're teachable!"

Inside the house, Tang San Clenched the letter In Hand. "Dad, I don't know why you left, but one day, we will meet again..."

"Little San, are you okay?"

Only then did Xiao Wu slowly step forward and ask softly.

"I'm fine now."

Tang San smiled. "That makes sense. Dad must have had some reason why it was inconvenient to tell me, which is why he left quietly. I believe Brother Tianyang, and I believe Dad even more."

"Whew, you scared me to death."

The tension left Xiao Wu's pretty face. She looked around and could not help pouting. "Seriously, where did Tianyang run off to this time?"

She had wanted to keep Xiao Tianyang here to cook, but what were they supposed to do now?

Who was going to make lunch?

After Xiao Tianyang escorted Old Jack home, he conveniently made him a meal as well.

However, not long after they started eating, a dog bark suddenly sounded beside him.

"Woof!"

He was already used to it, but Old Jack nearly jumped out of his chair in fright.

Xiao Tianyang raised his foot and kicked Bubu, scolding, "Do that again, and you won't get food for three days!"

Didn't it know there was an old man sitting beside him?

What if it scared the old man into something serious?

Bubu lay on the ground indignantly, even stretching out one paw to draw circles on the floor.

It had not known that a single bark would provoke such a huge reaction from the old man.

Xiao Tianyang's mouth twitched, but he tossed it aside and hurriedly stepped forward to help Old Jack catch his breath. "Grandpa Village Chief, are you okay?"

"I'm fine. I was just startled."

Under Xiao Tianyang's soothing, Old Jack gradually calmed down. He turned and looked at Bubu, unable to stop himself from asking, "When did this dog even come in? Why didn't I hear a thing?"

"Maybe it was too quiet."

Xiao Tianyang could only smile awkwardly.

In truth, that was not the case...

Pet: Void-Tearing Hound? Bubu

Physique: Hidden Physique [Blends into the environment, difficult to notice]

Strength Level: Level 18 [Soul Master]

Soul Skill: You Can't See Me

Soul Bone: None

Martial Soul: Body [Void-Tearing Hound]