The Day of Departure

"Host is advised to add sour water equal to nearly one-third the volume of the broth now, ensuring the freshest flavor. Wild Sichuan pepper has a stronger numbing taste, so only eighteen peppercorns are recommended. Additionally, the host is advised to pick the six most tender perilla leaves, tear each one by hand into thin strips about one centimeter wide and five centimeters long, and add them to the soup. Finally, stuff all the remaining perilla into the chicken's belly. Steam over high heat for fifteen minutes, then switch to low heat and steam for half an hour. This will make the chicken taste its best."

As the system gave its suggestions, Tang Liu followed them step by step. Though some of the procedures were rather troublesome, he carried them out with utmost care.

Once everything was finally done, Tang Liu put the lid on the pot and let out a small breath. After washing his hands, he headed toward Tang Hao's room.

Lifting the curtain, he was met by the same pungent stench of alcohol.

Tang Liu frowned, but his steps did not stop.

He walked over to Tang Hao, who lay on his side in bed with his back toward him, then dragged over a small stool and sat down.

He looked at Tang Hao's back for a long while before finally speaking softly.

"Dad, I know you're not asleep."

Tang Hao did not move at all.

"We can only come back once a year, but when we come back... will you be leaving?" Tang Liu spoke again.

Tang Hao's body seemed to stiffen slightly, but Tang Liu could not tell.

"I know you have things to do. I just..."

Tang Liu paused. After a long while, he sighed and continued, "Could you take me with you? I think I could help..."

Tang Hao still did not react.

At that moment, faint sounds came from outside. Tang Liu understood that Tang San had probably returned.

Not long after, Old Jack's voice came from outside the door.

"Xiao San, Xiao Liu, Grandpa's here to pick you up!"

Tang San's voice followed. "Shh, Grandpa Jack. Dad doesn't like people disturbing his sleep."

Tang Liu turned and glanced toward the curtain, then turned back.

"Dad, I'm leaving. Drink less, even if that alcohol does nothing to you. There's porridge and stewed chicken in the pot. Don't forget to eat."

He stood and walked toward the door. But after only a few steps, he stopped, then turned and rushed back to Tang Hao's side, wrapping his arms around Tang Hao's shoulders.

"I'm going!"

He immediately ran out of the room, but before lifting the curtain to leave, he quickly raised a hand and wiped his eyes.

Upon seeing Tang Liu, Tang San asked, "Xiao Liu, is Dad still sleeping?"

There was no trace of anything unusual on Tang Liu's face anymore. He smiled and said, "Yeah, he's still asleep."

"Alright, then leave Dad a message. Tell him not to forget to eat," Tang San said.

Tang Liu shook his head. "You do it, Third Brother." He looked back at the lowered curtain. "I... I'd better not."

"Alright." Sensing that something was off with his younger brother, Tang San nodded without saying much. He pulled a piece of still-burning charcoal from the stove, quickly wrote a line on the ground, then cast a reluctant glance at Tang Hao's room before leaving with Old Jack and Tang Liu.

At that moment, the curtain was lifted, and Tang Hao walked out, not a trace of sleepiness in his eyes. He went to the doorway and saw Old Jack and the backs of the two little ones.

He went back inside and saw the words Tang San had left behind.

Just like Tang Liu, Tang San reminded him to take care of himself and drink less. There was porridge and stewed chicken in the pot.

He suddenly rushed to the stove and swept his hand out. The two pot lids fell away.

For a time, the delicate fragrance of rice porridge and the rich aroma of stewed chicken filled the shabby little house...

Nuoding City, Notting Academy.

Old Jack brought Tang San and Tang Liu to the gates of Notting Academy, only to be stopped by the gatekeeper, and an argument broke out.

Tang San naturally stepped in and taught the gatekeeper a lesson, while Tang Liu watched the show from the side.

Just like in the original story, Grandmaster soon appeared and brought Tang San and Tang Liu into Notting Academy. Old Jack naturally returned to Holy Soul Village.

Likewise, Grandmaster later asked Tang San whether he was willing to take him as his master.

After some conversation, Tang San agreed to become his disciple.

"And you? As the fourth Twin Martial Souls wielder in a hundred years, are you willing to take me as your master?" Grandmaster looked at Tang Liu.

Tang Liu smiled. "Grandmaster, I don't have Twin Martial Souls."

Tang San froze at those words. Grandmaster also gave an "Oh," looking at Tang Liu with interest. "Then tell me, if you don't have Twin Martial Souls, how did you become Innate Full Soul Power with a Blue Silver Grass Martial Soul?"

Tang Liu looked completely confident. "My Martial Soul isn't Blue Silver Grass. It's a mutated Martial Soul, the Ethereal Blue Silver Emperor."

"Oh? Ethereal Blue Silver Emperor? What kind of Martial Soul is that?" Grandmaster paused, then said, "But since it is a mutated Martial Soul, Innate Full Soul Power is not impossible. Tang Liu, could you release your Martial Soul and let me have a look?"

Tang Liu first glanced at Tang San. After receiving his permission, he raised his left hand and released his Martial Soul.

A translucent, shimmering blue blade of grass slowly grew forth.

Grandmaster looked at the golden veins on that Blue Silver Grass, amazement appearing in his expression. "Is this really still Blue Silver Grass? It faintly gives off a subtle Imperial Might Effect." Grandmaster extended a finger, wanting to touch the Ethereal Blue Silver Emperor in Tang Liu's palm, but his finger passed straight through its crystal-like blade. "It has no physical form? No wonder. Ethereal Blue Silver Emperor. Another powerful Martial Soul I have never seen before... If my guess is correct, after your Martial Soul mutated into this form, it should have lost its offensive or control abilities, but gained support abilities instead, correct?"

Tang Liu was completely convinced inwardly. As expected of the Grandmaster known as the foremost authority on theory—just by looking and touching, he had identified the traits of Tang Liu's Martial Soul.

"That's right. My Ethereal Blue Silver Emperor is a support-type Martial Soul." Since it had already been seen through, there was no need to hide it any longer.

As for why he did not reveal to Grandmaster that he possessed Twin Martial Souls, Tang Liu had his own plans.

"Then, are you willing to take me as your master?" Grandmaster asked again.

Tang Liu merely smiled. "I won't take you as my master, because my brother already has. That means I've taken you as my master too."

Grandmaster was stunned for a moment before smiling. "That makes sense. Come, I'll take you to the Academic Affairs Office to register."

Tang San, standing beside them, glanced at Tang Liu.

He had the feeling that his younger brother seemed somehow different.

Tang Liu sensed Tang San's gaze and gave a bitter smile inwardly.

He did not have Innate Full Soul Power.

He had Innate Level 20 Super Soul Power.

At present, across the entire Douluo Continent, only Qian Renxue possessed Innate Super Soul Power.

And given his family's circumstances, they were destined to be locked in a fight to the death with Spirit Hall.

So, he would not stay here for very long.