Chapter 35: Tang Xiao's Pain
"Didn't I tell you? I'll arrange your marriages in the future. Hao'er has a girlfriend. Why didn't you stop him?"
Upon hearing Tang Xiao mention that Tang Hao had a girlfriend, Tang Zhen couldn't help but speak with sadness.
It must be said that, regardless of the world, some things are always the same.
For example, heirs of wealthy families often have arranged marriages for the sake of interests. Speaking of marrying for love is completely forbidden!
As one of the three major sects in the world of soul masters on the Douluo Continent, the Haotian Sect is undoubtedly the wealthiest family on the continent.
Therefore, when it came to the marriages of his sons, Tang Hao and Tang Xiao—
Even though Tang Zhen had not yet arranged them, he had always wanted Tang Hao and Tang Xiao to marry the daughters of powerful clans to secure the interests of the Haotian Sect.
In fact, Tang Zhen's own father, Tang Chen, had done just that.
Because the wife Tang Zhen married was the daughter of the patriarch of the Min Clan, one of the four major affiliated clans of the Haotian Sect.
Faced with his father Tang Zhen's anger, Tang Xiao instinctively opened his mouth to say something, but in the end, he just gave a bitter smile.
As the legitimate son of the Haotian Sect leader and the eldest son, Tang Xiao naturally knew what kind of woman his future wife should be.
But as a genius, Tang Xiao had his own pride and still resisted a forced marriage.
More importantly, love is something that happens naturally—it cannot be controlled or resisted just because one wants to!
At least he, Tang Xiao, couldn't!
Otherwise, he and his younger brother Tang Hao wouldn't have fallen in love with the same woman at the same time...
Sigh...
Tang Xiao sighed inwardly. Even though he wanted to say that he truly wanted to win over his younger brother's current girlfriend, how could he stop it?
But Tang Xiao knew he couldn't say those words.
"What's wrong? Cat got your tongue? Come on—who is Hao'er's girlfriend? What's her background? I'm not some stubborn old man."
"I was once like you. If possible, I don't want to tear them apart. As long as this woman has a decent past, I might just accept it."
Seeing his eldest son Tang Xiao's bitter face and silence, Tang Zhen frowned and asked sternly.
This…
Hearing his father's words, Tang Xiao knew he should speak honestly, but thinking about the background of his third sister-in-law—or rather, his younger brother's lover, Ah Yin—he became so anxious that he began to sweat.
Because Ah Yin didn't just lack a background—she was actually a 100,000-year-old spirit beast. If his father found out, he would definitely explode with rage!
After all, letting his son marry a 100,000-year-old spirit beast would be a disgrace. If the other forces in the world of soul masters found out, the reputation of the Haotian Sect would be utterly ruined!
"What is it? Why aren't you speaking? Don't tell me your younger brother's girlfriend is just some ordinary soul master?!"
Tang Zhen barked after noticing Tang Xiao's continued silence.
"No! Father, that's not true either. Although Ah Yin has no background, she's incredibly talented. Without a doubt, she'll become a Titled Douluo one day!"
Tang Xiao hurriedly explained when he saw that his father was getting a bit angry.
Although Tang Xiao felt incredibly uncomfortable knowing that Ah Yin preferred his younger brother Tang Hao instead of him, he wasn't a villain and wouldn't do anything to harm Tang Hao or Ah Yin. On the contrary, he tried his best to get his father to support them.
However, Tang Zhen sneered at Tang Xiao's words:
"Xiao'er, I know you have a good relationship with Hao'er, and that's something I'm glad to see, but saying that Ah Yin will definitely become a Titled Douluo isn't something you can just claim so casually."
"In this world of soul masters, even the most talented ones don't dare to guarantee they'll reach the Titled Douluo level. So why would that Ah Yin you mentioned be able to?"
"It would be different if she came from a great soul master family or a powerful sect, but you said she has no background."
"In that case, no matter how talented or powerful she is, the chances are extremely slim. Even if she had a great talent, without background, she'd have no resources."
"In that case, even a soul master with innate full soul power would have limited potential."
"The odds of her becoming a Titled Douluo are lower than some people with only level 8 or 9 innate soul power who belong to large soul master families or powerful sects."
"So what reason do you have to say she'll definitely reach the Titled Douluo level?"
Faced with his father Tang Zhen's interrogation, Tang Xiao felt more and more anxious and frustrated.
He wasn't lying about Ah Yin's 100% chance of becoming a Titled Douluo.
Because Ah Yin was the embodiment of a 100,000-year-old soul beast. As long as nothing unexpected happened, not only was becoming a Titled Douluo entirely possible, but she could even become a legendary goddess.
But could he tell this to his father?
Of course not!
"Hmph! Enough. You don't need to speak for him anymore. Let him have his fun with that Ah Yin, but I will never allow them to marry!"
"They're not young anymore. They've been training for years. The time has come. They've already reached the Soul Douluo level. If they want to become Titled Douluo, it's just a matter of time, effort, and opportunity."
"Now, I need to prepare their marriages. Go and call Hao'er. If he refuses and insists on staying with that Ah Yin, then don't blame me for being harsh!"
Tang Zhen snorted coldly, seeing that Tang Xiao had run out of words.
"Father! Please, give them a chance. Ah Yin's talent is truly outstanding and definitely not inferior to my younger brother's."
"You know I never lie. If you accept their marriage, our Haotian Sect will definitely gain another Titled Douluo in the future!"
Tang Xiao became distressed upon seeing that his father still disagreed with Tang Hao and Ah Yin being together, and wanted to force him back. He even knelt in front of Tang Zhen and pleaded.
"I know you never lie, but you said she has no background and is just an ordinary soul master. Then tell me—how will she become a Titled Douluo?"
"Was she born with a mutated martial soul and full innate soul power?"
"Don't bother me anymore. I know you and your brother are close, and I don't doubt your intentions, but if you want to convince me—then have Hao'er bring Ah Yin back!"
"If she can demonstrate her potential, I might just agree to their marriage!"
Tang Zhen, too tired to listen to more begging, issued a final ultimatum.
Tang Xiao knelt on the floor, distressed to see his father ignore him after delivering the ultimatum.
It wasn't that he didn't want his younger brother Tang Hao to bring Ah Yin back to the Haotian Sect to meet their father—but Ah Yin hadn't reached maturity yet, and doing so would expose the Haotian Sect!
If her true identity was revealed… the consequences would be unimaginable!
What should he do?
(End of Chapter)