I Like Dad's Braised Rabbit Meat Best

When Tang San heard that, his face immediately fell. "Lu Chen, why are you cursing me? Even a three-year-old knows Blue Silver Grass is the textbook definition of a useless Martial Soul."

"To borrow your old words, I, Tang San, would rather starve to death out there than have the useless Blue Silver Grass Martial Soul."

Lu Chen immediately laughed. "San, careful—you're tempting fate."

"Lu Chen, stop talking. There's no way I'll fall victim to your so-called tempting fate. There are countless kinds of Martial Souls, and the odds of awakening Blue Silver Grass are far too low. There's absolutely no way I'll awaken a useless Martial Soul like Blue Silver Grass."

Lu Chen smiled and nodded as he spoke. "Fine, fine, you're right. If it isn't Blue Silver Grass, then I guess it should be a hammer."

"A hammer? Why?" Tang San asked in confusion.

"Isn't it obvious? Isn't your father a blacksmith? Look at the children in the village who have already awakened their Martial Souls. They have either sickles or hoes, exactly the same as their parents' Martial Souls."

"So I'm guessing there's a high chance your Martial Soul will be a hammer!"

"A hammer?" Tang San pondered for a moment, then relaxed. "A hammer wouldn't be bad. It would be perfect for forging some things I need. If that's the case, then your Martial Soul should be a carrot, just like Grandpa Jack's."

"A carrot? I'm not Old Jack's biological grandson. Old Jack picked me up outside the village, and I don't even know whether my parents are dead or alive. Anyway, the Martial Soul Awakening Ceremony is tomorrow. Little San, if my Martial Soul turns out to be useless, don't forget me." Lu Chen patted Tang San on the shoulder as he spoke, then left directly. He had already said what needed to be said.

Watching Lu Chen leave, Tang San let out a heavy sigh of relief. Thinking of his earlier awkward state, his face grew a little hot. That pose had been far too embarrassing.

"Lu Chen is good in every way, except he's too wicked. He often does things so unbelievable they go beyond common sense."

"He probably didn't see that, right?" Tang San muttered to himself, unconsciously covering his crotch with his right hand. Having his little brother seen by someone else was uncomfortable no matter what.

Sunlight streamed down, and a breeze blew past. The mist blanketing Holy Soul Village was several degrees thinner than before.

"Oh no, I forgot to make breakfast for Dad."

As if remembering something, Tang San hurried into the house. The moment he entered and saw the scene before him, he was stunned.

"You're back?" Tang Hao glanced at Tang San and spoke indifferently, then continued eating the food on the table. Yet his eyes kept darting toward Tang San, watching his reaction.

"Dad, what is this?" Tang San looked at the lavish spread on the table, completely bewildered. Where had all this food come from?

"Sit down and eat."

Tang San obediently sat down. Looking at the abundant food on the table, he suddenly did not know what to do or where to begin. Had Dad made all of this?

"Sigh... San, I've always been an inadequate father. I haven't taken proper care of you. I hope you won't blame me.

"Tomorrow, you'll be taking part in the Martial Soul Awakening Ceremony. Since you want to become a Soul Master, I won't stop you. I only hope that no matter what lies ahead, you'll walk forward bravely." Tang Hao looked at Tang San's helpless expression and spoke with deep guilt.

He owed Tang San far too much. Seeing Tang San's body, much thinner and weaker than those of children his age, and thinking of everything he had done over the years, he felt profound self-reproach.

He only hoped Tang San would not blame or hate him. He only hoped this table full of Braised Rabbit Meat could slightly make up for what he owed him.

"No, Dad. Tang San has never blamed Dad. Dad is my only family in this world. Tang San knows Dad must have his reasons. I only hope Dad can emerge from the fog soon and pull himself together again."

"Good son, you've suffered all these years. Early this morning, I caught a few rabbits and made you a whole table of Braised Rabbit Meat. You're growing right now, so eat more."

For once, Tang Hao reached out with his rough, old hand and stroked Tang San's head.

Tang San was overwhelmed by the unexpected affection. He only felt something fiercely stir in his heart. Was this fatherly love? Was this what it felt like to be cared for? It felt good, warm.

Looking at the table full of rabbit meat before him, Tang San felt warmth for the first time. He then picked up a piece of Braised Rabbit Meat and swallowed it in one tearful bite.

The taste was only average, but Tang San felt it was the best Braised Rabbit Meat he had ever eaten.

"Mmm, Dad, your Braised Rabbit Meat is really delicious."

Tang San's hands moved faster and faster, and soon his mouth was stuffed full.

"If it tastes good, then eat more. Dad will make it for you again another day."

Watching Tang San wolf down his food, Tang Hao felt more and more that he had truly wronged him far too much over the years.

Very soon, father and son finished the entire table of Braised Rabbit Meat.

Just then, the front door opened, and Old Jack, the village chief, walked in.

"Good morning, Grandpa Jack!" Tang San greeted him.

"Good morning, Little San! Haha, what a sensible, good child." Old Jack spoke kindly to Tang San, but his expression immediately changed. Turning to Tang Hao, he shouted sternly, "Tang Hao, your Tang San is six years old now. He needs to attend tomorrow's Martial Soul Awakening Ceremony. Don't be late!"

"If Holy Soul Village can produce a Soul Master, that would bring glory to our ancestors!"

"Producing a Soul Master would be worse than producing a chef. Then Little San could cook for me," Tang Hao said deliberately.

Sure enough, the moment Old Jack heard this, he flew into a rage. Holding his Carrot Martial Soul, he roared at Tang Hao, "Tang Hao! You are not allowed to insult Soul Masters! I challenge you to a duel!"

Seeing this, Tang San immediately stepped forward and pulled on Grandpa Jack. "Grandpa Jack, please calm down. Dad said that on purpose. Dad has already agreed to let me attend tomorrow's Martial Soul Awakening Ceremony."

"Hmph, that's more like it. Tomorrow, Lu Chen and I will wait for you outside the church. Don't be late. If you miss it, you'll have to wait another year. If both you and Lu Chen can become Soul Masters, that would bring glory to our ancestors."

"Got it, Grandpa Jack. I definitely won't be late tomorrow," Tang San said sincerely.

"Mm, then I'll be going. I still need to prepare breakfast for Little Chen. That child has been smart since he was young. He'll definitely become a Soul Master tomorrow, and in the future, he'll surely become a great Soul Master. That would bring glory to our ancestors." At the mention of Lu Chen, Old Jack, the village chief, revealed a satisfied smile.

Of everyone in Holy Soul Village, the ones most likely to become Soul Masters were undoubtedly his grandson Lu Chen and Tang San before him.

However, he favored Lu Chen more. After all, Lu Chen was his grandson, even if he had been picked up.

PS: I suddenly wanted to write a Douluo fanfic, but I've forgotten many parts of the original, and I never even finished reading it. If I write anything incorrectly, I hope everyone will point it out so I can revise it.