Truly an Outstanding, Gentle Man

Gu Yuena leaned closer, raised a brow at the soul bone in the box, and smiled.

"100,000-Year Blue Silver Emperor Right Leg Bone? When she sacrificed herself to Tang Hao, he actually never absorbed it."

She was somewhat surprised. Even to a Titled Douluo, a 100,000-year soul bone was a priceless treasure, yet Tang Hao had hidden it away in this cave.

"He had intended to leave it for his son." Shen Qingling closed the wooden box. "This is the perfect chance to fully awaken Little San's Blue Silver Emperor bloodline and evolve it into the Blue Silver King."

At that moment, Tang San walked over, holding Ah Yin's hand. Tear tracks still lingered on his face, yet he was beaming with joy.

"Mother, this is my teacher, Shen Qingling. Thanks to Teacher, you were able to recover, and I was able to find you."

Ah Yin looked at Shen Qingling. Sensing the vast aura of life around him and the Blue Silver Emperor pressure that shared her origin, she hurriedly bowed slightly, her tone sincere.

"Thank you, benefactor, for lending a hand and caring for my son. Ah Yin cannot thank you enough."

She knew clearly that anyone capable of so easily awakening her remnant soul and condensing it into a body possessed unfathomable strength.

Shen Qingling raised a hand to stop her, smiling.

"There's no need to be so polite. Little San is my disciple, so it is only right that I look after him."

Ah Yin stared at him, her eyes filled with surprise. After her sacrifice, the Blue Silver Emperor line should have remained dormant for a long time. She had never expected a new Blue Silver Emperor to emerge so soon—and one whose bloodline purity was no less than her own. Such fortune was truly rare.

Who would have thought? Little San has such a teacher. He is truly so exceptional. He was able to temporarily restore me and even possesses the ability to condense a body for me—he must have gone to tremendous lengths.

I truly owe him a debt of immeasurable gratitude. How could I ever repay it?

Tang San had also told Hao about all his experiences and hardships over the years. Knowing how Hao had treated their son all these years filled her with grief. If she had still been alive, her son would certainly have been able to live beneath the sunlight.

Hao had clearly promised her that he would take good care of their son, but from Tang San's description, he did not resemble a true father at all.

As Ah Yin gazed at Shen Qingling, a trace of dazed longing inexplicably passed through her heart. So young, yet already possessing such strength; utterly devoted to Tang San, calm and dependable—he was truly a rare, good man. She really wanted to...

She shook herself from her daze and immediately came back to her senses, silently reproaching herself.

No, I cannot wrong Hao. He may look dejected these past years, but he must have his own unspeakable reasons. What happened back then was beyond his control. I should not dwell on such thoughts.

She turned to look at Gu Yuena, who was nestled beside Shen Qingling. A faint envy surfaced in her eyes. To have such an outstanding and considerate husband, to be cherished and protected as the one held closest to his heart—she must be very happy. Unlike herself, who could not even hope to remain by her son's side.

"Mother, Teacher and Mistress are very loving, and they treat Xiao Wu and me very well." Tang San thought of his father again. "Mother, I'll say it plainly. Father has wronged you. In these six years, did he ever come to see you? Did he ever say he missed you? He never even came to see you once."

Her son's complaints plunged Ah Yin into silence. Yes, why had Hao never come to see her?

She had clearly given so much for him, yet he had not brought her to the Blue Silver Forest to recover. Why?

"Little San, stop. Your mother has only just recovered—don't make her think about so much. This is supposed to be a happy occasion, not a sad one. Understand?"

Shen Qingling looked at Tang San and instructed him.

"Yes, Teacher. This disciple understands. I should not have made Mother sad like this."

Tang San nodded, not daring to argue even half a word. Yet inwardly, he grew even more dissatisfied with his father's actions.

Even if his father was the Clear Sky Douluo, so what? He was still so cold and heartless toward his own family.

Only Teacher was truly like a father to him. How wonderful it would be if Mother could be with Teacher—then he could see both Mother and Teacher every day.

Unfortunately, Teacher already had a wife. Mother probably would not be willing either.

Shen Qingling's gentle figure filled Ah Yin's eyes. He was so considerate and so attentive to her. Why had she never encountered such a good man?

If she had met him more than ten years ago, perhaps she would not have ended up like this.

Shen Qingling picked up the wooden box and held it out before Tang San.

"Little San, absorb it. This is your mother's 100,000-Year Blue Silver Emperor Right Leg Bone. It was meant for you from the start."

Tang San looked at the soul bone glowing with a blue-gold radiance inside the box. He instinctively took half a step back and repeatedly shook his head.

"Teacher, a 100,000-year soul bone is far too precious. You should absorb it instead. I'm still young; I don't need something this good."

His heart was both warm and flustered. Teacher had already given him too much—immortal herbs, soul rings, and now even a 100,000-year soul bone.

Such a precious treasure could greatly increase Teacher's strength if he used it. How could Tang San accept it with peace of mind? He only wanted Teacher to become stronger, not to keep holding him back.

"Silly child."

Shen Qingling stuffed the wooden box into his hands, his tone carrying a hint of refusal to accept no for an answer.

"Teacher understands how you feel, but Teacher does not need this. You have only just awakened your Blue Silver Emperor bloodline, and this soul bone can help accelerate your martial soul's evolution. Be good and accept it. If you keep refusing, Teacher will get angry."

Tang San gripped the wooden box, his fingertips growing slightly hot. Seeing Teacher's serious expression, he did not dare argue any further and softly agreed.

"Then... this disciple will accept it. Once I become stronger, I will definitely find Teacher an even better soul bone!"

Tang San silently swore to himself that he had to grow stronger as quickly as possible, so that he could repay Teacher's kindness.

Shen Qingling smiled and rubbed his head. "Silly child. Teacher believes in you."

Ah Yin watched this scene from the side, her eyes filled with comfort. For her son to meet such a wholehearted, devoted teacher was the greatest blessing of his life. As for the debt of gratitude she owed, she could only slowly repay it in the future.

What could he possibly need? I truly have nothing with which to repay him.

"Ah Yin, I will take you somewhere that can heal you."

Ah Yin's body trembled. "Really? You can?"

"Of course." Shen Qingling smiled.

She could finally leave this horrible place. Seven years—she had truly had enough. There had not been the slightest trace of sunlight or hope, only endless suffering in this boundless darkness.

Since Shen Qingling had said so, he surely had a way.

"Thank you, thank you, benefactor. Ah Yin will kneel before you."

Ah Yin made to kneel, but Shen Qingling quickly stepped forward and supported her.

"That won't do. I'm not that kind of person. If you insist on this, I'll leave."

Shen Qingling said.

Ah Yin stood up, her face full of apology. "I was being presumptuous. It's mainly because I have nothing with which to repay you."

"I do not need your repayment. I never did any of this intending for you to repay me."

Shen Qingling's expression was utterly serious.

"Only because you are Little San's mother. That is all."

That is all?

Ah Yin still hoped Shen Qingling would say something else, but none came.