Taking Whale Rubber (Part One)

"Haha—"

Hearing Tang Yuehua's startled cry, Tang Hao burst into hearty laughter, pride plain on his face.

He nodded firmly and said with pride, "These two youngsters are the future Asura God and Sea God. Go on, greet your aunt."

He turned to Tang San and Li Xun for that last sentence.

Tang San bowed at once, polite and modest. "Hello, Aunt. I'm Tang San."

Beside him, Li Xun pursed his lips. Tang Hao made me his godson without asking, and now he's making me call someone Aunt, too.

But complaints aside, he knew they needed Tang Yuehua's help to obtain the Whale Rubber. He composed himself and bowed properly.

"Hello, Aunt Yuehua. I'm Li Xun."

Tang Yuehua hurried forward and gently helped them both straighten up.

She was their elder, but knowing these two seemingly young boys would become gods one day, she could hardly put on airs.

"Good boys. Please, stand up."

Smiling warmly, she studied the two future gods before taking two elegant, old-fashioned Storage Mystic Rings from the pouch at her side and placing one in each boy's hand.

"This is our first meeting, and I didn't have time to prepare anything. Consider these your welcome gifts."

"Each ring has a hundred square units of storage space. They're compact and durable—more than enough for your training and travels at this stage."

The rings felt cool in their hands, their designs understated. They were treasures of real practical use.

"Thank you, Aunt!"

Tang San and Li Xun thanked her in unison.

Li Xun meant every word. Since arriving in this world, he had lacked something he could carry to store his belongings. This ring had come at just the right time.

Once the boys had put away their rings, the atmosphere grew thoroughly cordial. Tang Hao let his smile fade and turned serious.

"All right, Yuehua. We can catch up later. I came to Moonlight Pavilion because I need your help with something important."

Tang Yuehua straightened. "Just tell me what you need, Second Brother. Moonlight Pavilion has been established in the Heaven Dou Empire for years. If a rare treasure exists on this continent, I can usually find a way to obtain it."

"Thousand-year Whale Rubber," Tang Hao said gravely. "The more, the better. For now, we need at least two portions."

Tang Yuehua froze. Surprise and confusion spread across her lovely face as she stared at him.

"Second Brother? Thousand-year Whale Rubber?"

Her voice held a note of disbelief. She glanced at the still-young Tang San and Li Xun, a faint blush touching her cheeks, then gave a helpless smile.

"Why do you suddenly need that? Thousand-year Whale Rubber is a rare treasure from the sea and well known among the nobility, but... everyone knows it's mainly used to strengthen the body, nourish vitality, and restore balance. Why would you need something like that?"

She could not understand it. Her second brother looked as sturdy as ever, hardly like someone who needed a tonic.

Tang Hao showed no embarrassment at her puzzled expression. He answered frankly.

"That's because people don't know its true effects."

"I came by highly confidential information. Whale Rubber's real value isn't as a tonic. It tempers the body and strengthens a Soul Master's physique. It's an exceedingly rare natural treasure."

He paused, then continued, "Tang San and Li Xun have extraordinary talent, and they'll become gods one day. If Whale Rubber works as I've been told, they could attempt to absorb thousand-year soul rings for their Second Soul Rings."

He added, "So please help me buy several portions of high-quality thousand-year Whale Rubber. We don't need ten-thousand-year Whale Rubber yet. Its effects may be too strong for their current level of cultivation."

Tang Yuehua was still not entirely convinced, but she agreed.

She nodded gently. "I understand, Second Brother. Leave it to me. Within half a day, I'll have two portions of the finest thousand-year Whale Rubber ready for you."

"Thank you for the effort, Yuehua. The sooner, the better." Tang Hao nodded his thanks.

"It's nothing. We're family—there's no need to thank me."

Tang Yuehua smiled and, wasting no time, strode out of the private room to make arrangements through Moonlight Pavilion's exclusive channels.

Only Tang Hao, Tang San, and Li Xun remained in the elegant room.

With nothing else to do, Li Xun looked at Tang Hao and could not resist teasing him.

"Uncle Hao, I've got to say something. That was pretty unreasonable of you, making me your godson out of nowhere. I haven't even agreed yet."

His tone was light and teasing, without a trace of restraint.

Tang San paused at his words, then chuckled softly as he listened.

Tang Hao stared for a moment before his deep, hearty laughter filled the room. The weariness that usually lingered in his eyes fell away.

"What? Is being Clear Sky Douluo's godson such a hardship?"

Before Li Xun could answer, Tang Hao's smile faded, and his gaze turned earnest.

"I know you'll become a god someday. But right now, you're only a Soul Master who has just absorbed his first soul ring. I called you my godson to protect you, not to take advantage of you."

"With that bond, you're family. If trouble finds you during your training, or you need protection or resources, I'll stand behind you."

"And with my name backing you, others won't dare provoke you lightly."

His words were straightforward and warm.

Something stirred in Li Xun's heart. He understood Tang Hao's intentions at once.

Clear Sky Douluo was giving him protection in the most direct way he knew.

Li Xun smiled and nodded, dropping the teasing. He spoke sincerely.

"All right. I suppose I can be your godson, then. I'll be counting on you, Uncle Hao."

Tang Hao nodded in satisfaction, a faint smile touching his lips. "Focus on your training. As long as I'm here, no one will stand in your way."

After that exchange, Li Xun felt completely at ease. Whatever Tang Hao had been like in the past, he was protecting him now. If I get the chance someday, I'll be generous and help bring his wife, Ah Yin, back to life. That'll repay him!

Before long, soft footsteps sounded outside the door.

Click—

The wooden door of the private room opened gently, and Tang Yuehua stepped inside.

The excitement of reuniting with her brother had faded. She had regained the noble, composed bearing of Moonlight Pavilion's mistress.

She carried a jade tray bearing two portions of thousand-year Whale Rubber. The firm, golden chunks resembled solidified beeswax, their surfaces gleaming with a soft luster.

"Second Brother, I've brought them."