An Unreliable Father (Please Read On)

Holy Soul Village, halfway up the back mountain.

Six-year-old Tang San sat cross-legged, staring intently at the purple qi on the horizon.

His breathing was long and rhythmic, and he looked every bit like someone earnestly cultivating.

Only after the purple qi on the horizon faded did Tang San end his cultivation of the Purple Demon Eye.

He tapped his toes against the ground, exerted strength through his calves, and activated Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track, his figure drifting down the mountain like a ghost.

Before long, he returned to his family's blacksmith shop and began simmering rice porridge for his father.

Today was the day he would leave for Notting Academy, as well as the last time he would cook for his old father before leaving.

Standing on a stool, he moved with practiced skill, looking like an experienced chef.

A moment later, he deftly served out his own portion and set it on the table.

After he finished breakfast, a familiar aged voice came from outside the door.

"Little San, let's go."

Old Jack waved at Tang San. "Looks like your lazy father isn't getting up."

"Grandpa Jack, please wait a moment."

With that, Tang San added some water to the iron pot and put more firewood into the stove, ensuring that his father would have hot porridge when he woke up.

Seeing how sensible Tang San was, Old Jack stroked his head. "Little San, you're far more sensible than my good-for-nothing grandsons."

"That drunkard Tang Hao really is lucky to have such a sensible child as you."

Tang San slung his luggage over his back, looked reluctantly at his father's room, then quietly left with Old Jack.

After the two had walked some distance, the curtain to the inner room was lifted, and a tall figure emerged.

He stood silently before the wooden door, watching his son's retreating figure grow smaller and smaller until it vanished.

Walking along the road to Notting City, Tang San silently followed behind Old Jack, occasionally looking back.

"Little San, do you not want to leave the village, or do you not want to leave that drunkard father of yours?"

"Both..."

Before Tang San could finish speaking, he suddenly stopped, staring warily at the person before them.

The lower half of the newcomer's face was covered by a black mask. No one knew when he had appeared in front of them.

Tang San quietly activated his Silent Sleeve Arrow, ready to trigger it at any moment.

However, his little movement did not escape Ghost Leopard Douluo's eyes.

Ghost Leopard Douluo sneered. Moving swiftly as though teleporting, he appeared before Tang San.

Before Tang San could react, he reached out with his large hand and lifted him up.

Immediately afterward, this level ninety-five Agility Attack System Title Douluo turned and ran toward Notting City.

By the time Old Jack's stunned mind caught up, Ghost Leopard Douluo had already left behind only his receding back.

Ghost Leopard Douluo gripped Tang San's neck tightly, preventing him from resisting while ensuring that he would not truly pass out.

After running several steps, Old Jack also realized the problem.

Not only could he not possibly catch up, but even if he did, he would probably be knocked down with a single punch.

Old Jack then made the most sensible choice—he turned and ran, intending to inform the villagers and seek help.

A moment later, every hair on Ghost Leopard Douluo's body stood on end, and he immediately lunged forward.

The next instant, a slovenly, burly man stood where Ghost Leopard Douluo had been, nine soul rings circling beneath his feet and a pitch-black hammer in his hand.

He wore tattered clothes, his face waxy and sallow, his hair a messy bird's nest, and his beard had clearly gone untrimmed for a very long time.

Despite his unkempt appearance, his gaze remained domineering, and one could vaguely glimpse the glory he once possessed.

"Hehe, Tang Hao, so it really was you!"

"Dad..."

Tang San, already struggling from lack of oxygen, widened his eyes in disbelief. His drunkard father could actually radiate such an overwhelming aura!

Though he was in danger, Tang San's eyes still revealed a trace of longing.

"A mere little leopard dares to harm my son!"

"Release my son now and surrender, and I may yet spare your life!"

"Heh."

Although Ghost Leopard Douluo's lower face was hidden behind his mask, Tang Hao could still see the utter disdain in his eyes.

"Tang Hao, now that you know I'm here, do you really think I came alone?"

Upon hearing this, Tang Hao's pupils suddenly contracted, and he too realized something was wrong.

The next moment, a black staff streaked with golden patterns suddenly enlarged before Tang Hao's eyes, startling him into hurriedly swinging the Clear Sky Hammer to collide with it.

An irresistible force surged from the staff, striking Tang Hao until his face flushed red and his blood churned throughout his body.

A man dressed in a red battle robe appeared to Ghost Leopard Douluo's front left, his imposing presence making Tang Hao's heart pound with alarm.

Tang Hao's expression turned grave as he stared fixedly at the man before him. "Who are you?"

"I am Jiang Mo!"

Then another figure appeared at Ghost Leopard's front right. "I am Qian Jun!"

"Jiang Mo, Qian Jun..."

The two spoke in unison. "Tang Hao, this day next year will be the anniversary of your death!"

While the two Spirit Hall offerings were besieging Tang Hao, Aornia, who had broken through to level ten, ran excitedly into the dining hall.

At that moment, Marquis Full Moon and the others had finished eating, while the servants were clearing the leftovers from the table.

"Father, I've broken through to level ten!"

Seeing his excited daughter, Marquis Full Moon's expression did not change. He said flatly, "It took you three years and three months to reach level ten. What is there to be excited about?"

Aornia's expression stiffened, though delight still colored her voice. "Father, I'll work even harder from now on. When will you take me to obtain a soul ring?"

"Aren't you studying at Heaven Dou Royal Academy? Just have your teacher take you... It's only your first soul ring. There won't be any danger."

Aornia asked anxiously, "Father, what kind of soul beast should I hunt for my first soul ring?"

From beginning to end, Orlando's gaze never shifted, nor did his tone fluctuate in the slightest. "Your martial soul has undergone a malignant mutation. The family's traditional path may not suit you."

"Haven't you already studied for three years? Did your teachers never teach you what kind of soul beasts suit a martial soul like yours?"

"..."

"Enough. Go do whatever you should be doing."

The four people beside the dining table rose to their feet, bowed to Orlando at the head of the table, and then left the dining hall.

Orlando's wife headed toward the rear courtyard, while the other three children walked toward the estate gates.

Aornia stood there blankly, silent for a long while.

Orlando glanced at his youngest daughter, his tone becoming even colder. "What else is it?"

"N-Nothing... I'm going to school too..."

Aornia lowered her head, her crimson eyes slightly reddened.

She slowly turned around and walked outside, one step at a time.