Chapter Two: Traces and Clues

Xu Sheng waved his hand dismissively. “Hey, no need to thank me for our relationship, but little San, Jack, that old guy, said tomorrow is the day of the Martial Soul Awakening!”

A fierce light flickered in Tang San’s eyes. He looked down at his arm and murmured, “Martial Soul Awakening? I wonder what my Martial Soul is?”

His Xuantian Skill had reached a bottleneck; no matter how much he trained, he couldn’t improve further. This Martial Soul Awakening was the only key Tang San believed could break through this barrier.

Xu Sheng cleared his throat a few times. “Ahem... Little San, what if your Martial Soul turns out to be Blue Silver Grass?”

Tang San grumbled with some grievance, “Brother Sheng, are you cursing me?”

Blue Silver Grass was a standard useless Martial Soul. If Xu Sheng said that, wasn’t he basically cursing himself?

Xu Sheng chuckled but didn’t explain—no way was he going to tell him the truth.

“Well then, Little San, let me help you chop firewood so you can go cook dinner for Uncle Hao earlier!”

Though Tang San had unique insights about Blue Silver Grass, there was no denying that even he didn’t think highly of such a useless Martial Soul.

Tang San thought for a moment and nodded. “Alright, Brother Sheng, you should come eat dinner with us too. Dad will be very happy!”

Xu Sheng scoffed at this. “Happy my foot! As soon as Tang Hao sees me, he always puts on a cold face!”

Still, to fully latch onto a big shot, it couldn’t hurt to visit more often.

He smiled brightly. “Thanks a lot, Little San. I haven’t even figured out dinner yet!”

With Xu Sheng joining in, the two quickly finished chopping the firewood, bundled it up, and carried it down the mountain…

…

Upon reaching the blacksmith’s shop, Xu Sheng plopped down on a chair, patted his chest, and panted, “Little San, your physical fitness is really impressive. I didn’t even see you gasp for breath once!”

Hearing this, Tang San, who was preparing dinner, turned around and smiled slightly at Xu Sheng. “Brother Sheng, that’s because you’re too lazy. Sleeping until afternoon every day without exercising—how can your body be strong?”

His robust physique was thanks to the Xuantian Skill circulating inside him, combined with his daily morning workouts.

However, neither Xuantian Skill nor his hidden weapons were known to his father, so there was no way he could tell Xu Sheng.

…

Leisurely sitting in the chair, Xu Sheng didn’t press the matter and casually let it drop, “That’s true.”

He looked around at the blacksmith’s shop, filled with the scent of the campfire…

With a loud bang, the shop’s door was kicked open with force.

Xu Sheng, sitting in the chair, was so startled he nearly fell off.

Tang San immediately put down what he was holding and went to the door, gazing at the tall, scruffy figure. “Father, you’re back? Dinner’s not ready yet; please wait a moment!”

Tang Hao replied coldly with a grunt.

He then entered the shop, and his gaze landed on Xu Sheng sitting in the chair, growing even colder.

Under this piercing look, Xu Sheng felt as if he were being stared down by a terrifying apex predator, and the intense pressure made him start to suffocate.

Xu Sheng tried to speak but found he couldn’t even utter a word; it stuck painfully in his throat, his face growing increasingly pale.

Seeing this, Tang San hurried over apologetically. “Dad! It was me who invited Brother Sheng. If you’re mad, blame me!”

Tang Hao snorted coldly and released the pressure on Xu Sheng.

Xu Sheng felt as if he had been given a second chance at life and muttered inwardly, “Phew… Damn, Tang Hao is terrifying. Just one look from him feels like death! If only I hadn’t come!”

If he had shown those nine terrifying spirit rings, he might have been scared to death on the spot.

Afterward, Tang Hao ignored Xu Sheng and glanced coldly at Tang San, impatiently urging, “Hurry up and cook! Let me know when it’s ready!”

Seeing Tang Hao’s obvious displeasure, Tang San didn’t dare say more. “Yes, Dad!”

After Tang Hao went into the room, Tang San turned to Xu Sheng with an apologetic look. “Sorry, Brother Sheng. You know how Dad’s temper is…”

Xu Sheng shivered and hastily waved his hand. “It’s nothing, Uncle Hao is just… well… vigorous for his age!”

Though Tang Hao was in the next room, Xu Sheng was certain that if he said anything bad, it would reach Tang Hao’s ears in an instant.

…

At dinner, Tang San bit his lip and looked at Tang Hao with hopeful eyes. “Dad, Village Chief Jack said tomorrow is the Martial Soul Awakening day, and I…”

Tang Hao’s pupils suddenly narrowed, and his entire body emitted a sharp, intense aura, causing the table to shake violently.

But a moment later, as if recalling something, his aura withered as if decades had aged him.

Tang Hao’s face was calm. “If you want to go, then go.”

Tang San’s face lit up with joy. “Thank you, Dad!”

Watching this “heartfelt” exchange between father and son, Xu Sheng, the outsider, buried his head and ate with trembling hands.

He silently prayed, “You two just keep talking and ignore me! Please ignore me…”

Taking a sip of porridge, Tang San casually mentioned Xu Sheng. “Besides me, Brother Sheng is coming too!”

Xu Sheng nearly choked on his drink and cursed inwardly, “Damn it! Little San, can you not drag me into this when you talk?”

But secretly glancing at Tang Hao, who showed no sign of speaking, he breathed a sigh of relief.

Suddenly, Tang Hao asked coldly, “Boy, you’re awakening your Martial Soul too?”

Xu Sheng gave an awkward yet polite smile. “Yes, Uncle Hao…”

“I advise you to give up! Inside your body… forget it, I’m going to sleep. Don’t bother me unless it’s important!” Tang Hao’s cold voice trailed off as he slammed his spoon on the table and turned toward his room.

Only Tang San and Xu Sheng were left, exchanging bewildered glances.

Tang San shook his head and resumed eating his porridge, while Xu Sheng squinted slightly. “Inside my body? Could it be that Uncle Hao knows something?!”

…