Jiang Chen turned around in confusion. To his surprise, the person calling him was Tang San's father, Tang Hao.
He had only ever watched Tang Hao from afar. Today was the first time he'd been this close to a Titled Douluo.
Tang Hao was as slovenly as ever, his hair like a chicken's nest. It seemed he hadn't washed it in ten days or half a month.
His face was weathered, his build sturdy, and his clothes were covered in patches.
Tang Hao was the only blacksmith in the nearby villages. In theory, he shouldn't have been living in such hardship, but unfortunately, he spent all the money he earned on liquor.
"Uncle, what did you want to see me about?" Jiang Chen asked curiously.
He could now freely control the corpse energy in his body, so he wasn't afraid of Tang Hao anymore. Besides, surely Tang Hao wouldn't be cruel enough to hit him with a hammer.
"You were the one who gave my Xiao San a fish the other day, weren't you? That was thoughtful of you. Come over to my place and play today. You and Xiao San are about the same age, so you can get to know each other better," Tang Hao said with a smile.
Jiang Chen thought for a moment. "Sure."
Tang San was stunned. In all these years, he'd never seen his father smile. He couldn't believe that the old man had smiled because of that detestable Jiang Chen.
Tang San stared at Jiang Chen as if he were some kind of monster, but deep down, he was extremely grateful.
His father had drowned his sorrows in liquor every day for years, living in a daze. Now, though, he'd smiled because of Jiang Chen. That could only be a good thing.
Seeing Jiang Chen agree, Tang Hao smiled even more warmly and reached out to take his hand, but Tang San grabbed him and held on tight.
Tang San clung to his father's hand with both of his own, putting all his strength into his legs and waist as he used the Thousand-Catty Drop to stop Tang Hao from approaching Jiang Chen.
"Dad, don't get near him! He's dangerous!" Tang San hurriedly shouted.
Even he had nearly fallen victim to Jiang Chen before. He was worried about his father: if Jiang Chen's Corpse Poison got into him, he'd be seriously ill.
And the commotion when Jiang Chen had just awakened his Martial Soul, along with the black mist released by his Zombie Martial Soul, had made it clear that the Corpse Poison within was many times more potent than before. In Tang San's eyes, Jiang Chen's danger level had shot up another whole tier.
"Hm?" Tang Hao looked down in surprise. He knew Tang San was strong, but he hadn't expected him to be so strong at only six years old.
He gave his arm a slight flex and easily lifted Tang San into the air, even though the boy was straining with all his might.
Tang Hao smiled. "What danger could a little kid pose?"
Hanging in the air, Tang San was astonished by his father's strength. He'd secretly used Soul Power just now, bringing his strength to several hundred catties, yet his father had lifted him with ease.
With no other choice, he let go and dropped to the ground.
"Dad, you don't know? Jiang Chen's nickname is the Plague Bringer. Anyone who gets close to him can easily be poisoned," Tang San said worriedly.
Jiang Chen's eyes sparkled like black jewels as he gave them a playful roll. He ran over and put an arm around Tang San's shoulders.
Caught off guard, Tang San was suddenly pulled into Jiang Chen's embrace. His whole body stiffened, like a startled hen with all its feathers standing on end.
"Uncle, let's go," Jiang Chen said with a smile. He hooked an arm firmly around Tang San's shoulders, his grin bright.
Tang Hao smiled and nodded, then led the way.
"Come on, Xiao San." Jiang Chen leaned close to Tang San's ear, licked his lips, and said.
Tang San looked at the two little canine teeth Jiang Chen had bared, right beside his neck. Remembering how Jiang Chen had looked when his Martial Soul Possession transformed him, he shuddered from head to toe.
He was genuinely afraid Jiang Chen's teeth would pierce his neck, tear through a blood vessel, and then drink his blood.
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