"SLAP—!"
Tang Hao delivered a resounding slap across Tang San's face.
Grabbing his collar so he wouldn't go flying from the impact,
Then proceeded to slap him back and forth, again and again!
This time—
Neither Gu Rong nor Ning Fengzhi intervened.
Even his own brother had to guard against him.
Why would outsiders treat him well?
When the time came for betrayal, he wouldn't hesitate!
It was best to stay far away from him.
Eventually—
Tang Lan finally snapped out of his "heartbreak."
He pried Tang Hao's hands away, forcibly pulling Tang San away.
"Dad, that's enough…" Tang Lan sighed. "What's done is done. There's no point in wasting more energy."
Then—
He tossed the Cockscomb Phoenix Sunflower to Dai Mubai.
"Do not chew—swallow it whole."
"Use Nine Yang Divine Power to dissolve it. No matter how painful it is, endure it, or all your efforts will be wasted."
Dai Mubai respectfully accepted it, not daring to make any unnecessary movements.
The next moment—
Tang Lan pulled out a soul bone.
A Left Leg Bone of a 64,000-year-old Ghost Nether Cat.
His expression was complicated as he looked at Tang San.
Tang San stared at the soul bone, eyes burning with desire—
Yet he didn't dare to meet Tang Lan's gaze.
He could only lower his head, silent.
"This 64,000-year-old soul bone was something I traded for using the Mystic Golden Titled Chrysanthemum."
"It was originally meant for you."
"But now—"
"Its attributes probably don't match your Xuantian Skill, so I won't trouble you with it."
Tang San's head snapped up!
Only to see Tang Lan handing the soul bone to Zhu Zhuqing.
Then, he pulled out another object.
A stone, with a white flower blooming on it, its petals tinged with streaks of crimson, exuding an unsettling aura.
The roots of the flower were embedded deep into the dark stone, giving it an unusual, mysterious presence.
Tang San's eyes widened in disbelief!
"That… that's…"
"Lovesick Heartbroken Red?!"
"A divine treasure among immortal herbs!"
"Consuming this grants immortality comparable to the heavens!
"At minimum, it raises one's cultivation by 15 levels and completely reforges the body!"
"This… this… THIS…!"
Tang San's jealousy surged!
Everyone thought—
He would shamelessly beg for it again.
But surprisingly—
Tang San remained silent.
Huh?
Had he finally learned his lesson?
At that moment, Tang Lan spoke up—
"This flower is no ordinary treasure—it chooses its owner."
"When picking Lovesick Heartbroken Red, one must think sincerely of their beloved, pouring their heart into it, and spit out a mouthful of blood onto the petals."
"If there is even a hint of hesitation, the flower cannot be plucked—even if the person coughs up blood until they die."
"The stone it grows on is called Black Extinction.
"If someone forcefully destroys it, the flower's medicinal power will be lost entirely."
Everyone suddenly understood!
Tang San wasn't refusing—
He simply couldn't take it!
This guy even guarded against his own brother—
Where the hell was he supposed to find true love?!
Zhu Zhuqing stepped forward on her own, her beautiful eyes locked onto Tang Lan.
She gathered her energy, spat out a mouthful of fresh blood, and let it land on Lovesick Heartbroken Red.
The moment the blood touched it, the flower fell from the stone.
So effortlessly smooth—
As if it was meant to be.
Zhu Zhuqing wiped her lips, smiling as she looked at Tang Lan.
As if to say—"See? I truly love you!"
Tang Lan smiled as well.
Pulling her close, he turned to Tang Hao.
"Dad, this is Zhu Zhuqing—my woman."
Tang Hao laughed heartily.
"Not bad! Not bad at all!"
"This old man has been drifting all these years, doesn't have much to offer you."
"But if this brat ever bullies you—
"Come find me, I'll hammer him for you!"
Zhu Zhuqing's smile grew even brighter.
—Her father-in-law acknowledged her!
All her previous worries disappeared instantly.
However—
"Your Majesty Haotian," Zhu Zhuqing said firmly, "Lan would never bully me."
"He's the best person in the world to me!"
The crowd burst into laughter.
—Except for Tang San.
His gaze was locked onto Lovesick Heartbroken Red, filled with endless desire!
But alas—
The herb had already chosen its master.
It was now forever beyond his reach.
At that moment,
Tang Lan pulled out another herb.
A faintly glowing purple lingzhi.
Its entire body was violet, its stalk a deep emerald green, and its top had nine leaf-like lobes, forming a perfect cap.
"Nine-Grade Purple Lingzhi?"
Tang San's eyes lit up!
"This may not be an immortal-grade herb, but it excels in stabilizing one's foundation, replenishing qi, and boosting cultivation—making it perfect for my Xuantian Skill!"
"Brother!"
"Give—"
Tang San's eager plea was cut off mid-sentence.
Because—
Tang Hao's cold, piercing gaze fell upon him.
"You want this Nine-Grade Purple Lingzhi? Fine!"
Tang Hao's voice was icy.
"But you can't just keep leeching off your brother forever."
"Leave behind copies of all your self-created soul skills, cultivation techniques, and hidden weapons manuals in the Tang Sect. They should be passed down to the right people."
"And also—return the Snow Swan Kiss."
"Can you do that?"
Tang San fell silent.
Giving up his Tang Sect secret arts?
A mere Nine-Grade Purple Lingzhi wasn't worth it!
So—
Tang San reluctantly said,"This herb is also suitable for Shui Bing'er, Shui Yue'er, Jing Ling, and Hall Master Zhao. It doesn't have to be mine."
His intent to delay was obvious.
Tang Hao chuckled coldly and turned away—
From now on, he would pretend this son didn't exist.
Tang Lan simply nodded.
"Since Little San said that, then I'll give it to them instead."
Then, he took out four more pieces of Nine-Grade Purple Lingzhi,
Handing them to Tang Hao, Zhao Wuji, Shui Bing'er, Shui Yue'er, and Jing Ling.
—This stuff grows in clusters!
Tang Lan still had plenty in his storage!
In the original timeline—
Tang San was so stingy he only gave Grandmaster one piece?!
He probably hoarded the rest for himself.
Tang San's jaw dropped.
So many?!
But since he had already subtly refused before, how could he shamelessly ask for one now?
He opened his mouth several times—
In the end, he forced himself to act dignified, simply giving Tang Lan a pitiful look.
—Brother, you really won't leave anything for your little brother?
Tang Lan sighed.
Then, he took out a smaller piece of Nine-Grade Purple Lingzhi.
Compared to the ones Zhao Wuji and the others received, this one was only a third of the size.
Probably still "immature."
Tang San hesitated but took it, forcing a smile.
"Thank you, Brother."
Tang Lan didn't reply, only shaking his head and sighing.
His expression seemed to say—
"How many chances do I have to give you? You only have yourself to blame."
Tang San understood the meaning immediately—and felt a wave of guilt.
If it weren't for those previous mistakes, he would have been the biggest winner today!
"Alright, let's begin absorbing them."
Tang Lan called out, "Bone Uncle, Elder Brother, I'll have to trouble you to stand guard."
"What are you saying? This is our duty."
Ning Fengzhi smiled warmly."Focus on your absorption."
Gu Rong was even more direct.
He immediately summoned his Bone Dragon Martial Soul,
His fourth soul ring lighting up beneath him.
"Fourth Soul Skill—Bone Fortress!"
From the ground, dark, ink-black bones burst forth,
Forming a massive protective barrier, enclosing the area within dozens of meters.
"You all absorb in peace."
Gu Rong gritted his teeth.
"If even a mosquito gets in, I'll smash my own head against this bone wall!"
Clearly—
He was still frustrated about his momentary lapse earlier.
"Grandpa Bone is the best! You got this!"
Ning Rongrong cheered sweetly.
Gu Rong's expression softened, his smile gentle and kind.
"Hurry up and absorb it, Rongrong. Grandpa is looking forward to seeing the Nine-Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda."
Ning Rongrong nodded seriously, then began consuming her immortal herb.
The others also sat down, each following Tang Lan's instructions,
Starting their absorption process.
Except—
Zhu Zhuqing.
She stared at Lovesick Heartbroken Red, feeling reluctant.
This was the symbol of her love with Tang Lan!
Eating it…
Wouldn't that be such a waste?!
Maybe…
She should preserve it instead?