But just as Tang San was filled with anticipation for the upcoming Soul Hunting trip and carefully packed his luggage, he remained oblivious to the cold figure that had silently appeared inside the room.
Only when a piercing chill suddenly enveloped the entire room did Tang San, relying on the sixth sense he had developed in his previous life, finally jerk his head up—just before Tang Hao could speak. His gaze met a pair of murky, icy eyes.
The instant he recognized the newcomer, Tang San froze. But in the next moment, overwhelming joy surged through his heart.
It was Tang Hao.
The father who had given him life.
"Father, you came too! Are you here to see me? And you even managed to find this place... Never mind, that doesn't matter.
"Father, sit down and rest for a while.
"You must be tired from the journey. Have you eaten yet? I'll make you something.
"Oh, and Father, I have to tell you—I met someone at school today..."
He had thought Tang Hao hadn't come. He never expected his father to surprise him like this.
For Tang San, who had been an orphan in his previous life, there was no describing how happy he was at that moment.
But unlike Tang San's excitement, as time passed, even someone as oblivious as he was began to sense that something was wrong with the atmosphere.
What he saw before him held none of the warmth of a long-awaited reunion, none of the affection of a father and son meeting again, and not even a trace of the gentle fatherly love he had dreamed of.
Just as he had in Holy Soul Village, Tang Hao still looked disheveled and destitute.
His unruly hair hid his face, his beard was a tangled mess, and the stench of alcohol mingled with the grime of the road clinging to him. His eyes were as cold as ice that had endured for ten thousand years, and he regarded Tang San with detached indifference.
It was as if the boy before him had never been his own flesh and blood, but merely a tool for him to manipulate and use to achieve his aims.
Six years. A full six years!
Tang San had thought he'd grown used to being looked at like that. But today, he realized he still hadn't.
Deep down, he still yearned for Tang Hao's approval.
But what about Tang Hao?
During his battle with Qian Xunji, Tang Hao had clearly felt the child in his arms lose every sign of life for a time.
He had thought the child had died. But what happened in the end?
It was one thing that Tang San had inexplicably survived. But during all those years Tang Hao had lived in seclusion in Holy Soul Village, what else had he discovered?
His son was precocious and sensible—those traits could be explained by calling him a genius.
But!
On top of that, Tang San had secretly gone to the back mountain to practice in a systematic, disciplined manner!
Tang San thought he'd been careful, that no one could discover what he was doing. But before Tang Hao, a Titled Douluo, his methods seemed so childish.
Could this man really be his child?
Over the past six years, Tang Hao had asked himself that question more than once!
But... once Tang San awakened Twin Martial Souls and confirmed that he possessed the Clear Sky Hammer, none of that seemed to matter anymore.
Just a lousy tool, nothing more. Who cared?
The atmosphere in the room gradually turned icy. The candle flame flickered, casting an even more sinister, frigid look across Tang Hao's face.
Tang San stopped what he was doing without thinking. The warmth in his heart vanished in an instant, replaced by an inexplicable tension and unease.
He had thought that when father and son met again, even if there wasn't much warmth between them, they would at least exchange a few ordinary greetings.
But Tang Hao had remained silent from beginning to end, standing coldly in place as he watched Tang San's every move. That oppressive chill weighed on Tang San so heavily he could barely breathe.
After a long while, Tang Hao finally spoke. His hoarse, low voice held no emotion, as if he were issuing two military orders that would brook no argument—stiff and cold.
"Xiao San, I don't have much time, and I can't stay here long.
"I came to give you two instructions. Don't ask why. You must carry them out. Do you understand?"
"...Please tell me what they are, Father!"
There was no preamble, no questions, and no consideration for Tang San's wishes—only domineering, arbitrary orders.
Tang San's hand hanging at his side clenched quietly. A wave of bitterness and resistance welled up in his heart.
But mindful of the ancient principle that Heaven, Earth, ruler, parents, and teacher came first, Tang San nodded despite his displeasure.
"First!"
Tang Hao's voice was hard, every word landing like a shard of ice.
"Leave the Tang Sect Qin Yun established on his own. I've traveled the mainland for years and never heard of any Tang Sect.
"And even if it does exist, it's no more than a third-rate faction, not worth mentioning!
"That so-called sect is nothing but children playing at founding a clan. It's ridiculous.
"But you don't need to worry. I've already settled the matter of your teacher for you. From now on, you'll take Yu Xiaogang as your master and follow his arrangements. He'll oversee your cultivation and guide your path.
"He was born into privilege and is well-informed. He's also recognized across the mainland as a master of theory.
"Xiao San, don't let other people's opinions sway you so easily. Grandmaster's abilities are beyond your imagination!"
At these words, Tang San's body shuddered and his face turned deathly pale.
Grandmaster didn't matter at all!
Although he'd been defeated fair and square by a six-year-old child, although the way he'd lost was by being knocked unconscious by a fart.
Still, Tang San wasn't one to be overly harsh on the weak.
But... the Tang Sect was different!
The Tang Sect was where he belonged. The Mysterious Heaven Treasure Record was the foundation he relied on to make his way in the world, and Qin Yun had shown him a debt of gratitude he could never repay.
Whether it was the memories of his previous life or what he'd experienced in this one, that bond had long since taken root in Tang San's heart.
To make him leave the Tang Sect and betray Qin Yun would be like cutting away every support and hope he had in both his past and present lives!
"Father..."
Before Tang San could protest, Tang Hao delivered his second order, his tone still cold and forceful, without the slightest hint of compassion.
"Second, I don't care how you do it, but you must get close to Xiao Wu. Maintain your relationship with her and draw the two of you closer."
The first time he'd seen Xiao Wu from afar, Tang Hao had noticed the pale pink light emanating from her. He'd already realized she was a Soul Beast in human form, just like the Blue Silver Emperor had been!
The instant he realized this, Tang Hao had almost laughed out loud.
Back then, he had taken advantage of the Blue Silver Emperor's feelings and become one of the few people on the mainland to possess a Hundred Thousand Year Soul Ring.
Now, if nothing went wrong, his son Tang San might be able to follow in his footsteps!
Both orders were cold, every word driven by self-interest.
Tang Hao paid no heed to Tang San's wishes, preferences, or choices. He treated him only as a chess piece to move at will, a tool for plotting the road ahead.
Sending him to study under Yu Xiaogang was meant to let the man's profound Martial Soul Theory build a solid foundation for him.
Getting close to Xiao Wu, too, was part of a deeper scheme known only to Tang Hao.
From beginning to end, Tang Hao saw only his plans. He saw no family ties.
That cold, calculating attitude completely shattered Tang San's emotional defenses and pushed him to the brink of losing control. He fell into a state of shock.
All the grievances and resentment he'd accumulated over the past few days, together with the disappointment and fury now filling his heart, surged up and slammed against his chest.
He clenched his teeth so hard the veins in his neck stood out. Suppressed fury blazed in his eyes.
One phrase rose and fell in his heart, over and over, the very words Qin Yun often used to remind him:
A Way of Seeking Death!
If Qin Yun hadn't warned him beforehand, Tang San might have lost control and blurted those words out right then!
Before you continue