The architecture of the Hao Tian Sect bore no trace of extravagance, nor could it be called simple. Its most defining feature was its sheer weightiness and solidity.
Entering the main building of the sect—the castle-like structure—Tang Fei passed through a spacious hall, ascended the inner staircase to the second floor, and stopped at the arched doorway at the far end.
Knock, knock, knock.
Tang Fei rapped on the door. "Sect Master Tang Xiao, you wanted to see me?"
"Come in," came a deep, resonant voice from within.
Pushing open the door, Tang Fei stepped inside for the first time.
In the world of soul masters, strength commanded respect, and this was especially true within the Hao Tian Sect. Ordinary third-generation disciples who had yet to come into their own were not permitted to enter such places freely.
Compared to Tang Fei's cramped bedroom, Tang Xiao's room felt exceptionally spacious. The furnishings were minimal: a large desk, two rows of bookshelves, a pair of sofas, and some simple tea sets. That was all.
The Hao Tian Sect prided itself on rugged simplicity. To six-year-old Tang Fei, everything here seemed disproportionately massive.
Standing beside the desk was a towering figure, easily over two meters tall, with a broad back that resembled a boulder. Every movement he made carried an aura of immense gravitas.
Tang Xiao turned around, and upon seeing Tang Fei, his usually stern expression softened into one of warmth.
He gestured with a wave of his hand. "Xiao Fei, don't stand on ceremony. Come here, child."
Obediently, Tang Fei approached.
His thin frame made him look like a small accessory next to Tang Xiao. Only when the latter crouched down could they meet eye-to-eye.
"Uncle Tang Xiao, what did you call me here for?" Tang Fei asked, sizing up the man known as the Roaring Sky (Xiao Tian) Douluo in the books.
In the story, Tang Xiao was a tragic figure—unmarried, solitary, and burdened by life. In cultivation, he fell short of his younger brother, Tang Hao. He hadn't received any of the ancestral spirit bones, and even after becoming sect leader, he remained constrained by the five elders.
But now, facing a child, Tang Xiao's gaze softened considerably. With a smile, he patted Tang Fei's shoulder approvingly. "They say our Hao Tian Sect has produced a diligent little prodigy. Now I see the rumors are true. Just look at your build—none of the other children, like Tang Tian or Tang Yu, compare to your sturdiness."
Tang Fei said nothing, finding it odd to be praised for being sturdy while standing next to someone as massive as a wall.
"Your parents passed away early, and you've been living alone without anyone to care for you. If you face any difficulties, tell me, and I'll help resolve them," Tang Xiao said kindly.
Tang Fei shook his head. Though only six, he had long since become self-sufficient thanks to his transmigration. Besides, he'd already lived independently for a year—why was Tang Xiao suddenly concerned about taking care of him?
Out of the corner of his eye, Tang Fei noticed a flicker of intent in Tang Xiao's gaze.
'Crap,' Tang Fei thought. 'Is this guy planning to adopt me as his son?'
There had always been rumors within the sect that Tang Xiao wanted to adopt a direct disciple as his heir. Could it be true?
Feeling uneasy under Tang Xiao's scrutinizing gaze, Tang Fei took two steps back. "Uncle Tang Xiao, I'm used to living alone."
A fleeting look of disappointment and guilt crossed Tang Xiao's face, but it vanished almost instantly.
He chuckled softly, stood up, and retrieved a small jar from the cabinet behind him. It was about the size of a palm.
"Take this. It's a gift from your uncle," Tang Xiao said warmly.
Tang Fei hesitated before accepting it. "What is it?"
"Ginseng paste."
"Ginseng paste?" Tang Fei frowned. He didn't recall reading about anything like this in the original story.
Tang Xiao explained, "This is a treasure I acquired by chance. In three days, you'll awaken your martial soul. This will be of great help to you."
Tang Fei looked up. Seeing no hint of jest in Tang Xiao's expression, he hesitated briefly before accepting the jar.
"There's a good boy. Remember to visit your uncle often, alright? Off you go!" Tang Xiao ruffled Tang Fei's hair and smiled.
Thoughtfully, Tang Fei bowed and left.
---
Not long after Tang Fei departed, a beautiful woman entered Tang Xiao's room.
"How did it go, Brother?" It was Tang Yuehua, her lovely eyes filled with anticipation.
Tang Xiao sighed deeply. "I… I just couldn't bring myself to ask him outright. How could I possibly suggest adopting him as my son?"
Tang Yuehua smiled gently. "If you can't bring yourself to say it, I can speak to him on your behalf. The key question is, do you find this child acceptable?"
She continued, "According to your criteria, the ideal candidate must meet four conditions: First, they cannot be too old, or it would be difficult to form a bond. Second, they must not have living parents, so they won't feel conflicted about having an adoptive father. Third, they must be diligent. And fourth, they must be a direct disciple of the Hao Tian Sect."
Tang Yuehua paused. "After careful consideration, among this batch of children, the only one who fits all these criteria is Tang Fei."
Tang Xiao sighed again. "You're right. I'm satisfied with Tang Fei as well. But his martial soul hasn't awakened yet, so I can't make a final decision. After all, this concerns the future inheritance of the sect. Neither of us wants the position of sect leader to fall into the wrong hands."
He looked somewhat ashamed, feeling as though he were scheming against the boy.
And ultimately, power still reigned supreme.
Though Tang Fei met all the conditions, if his martial soul awakening showed mediocre talent, Tang Xiao knew he wouldn't adopt him as his son.
Seeing her brother's conflicted expression, Tang Yuehua easily guessed his thoughts.
She reassured him, "Don't feel guilty. Didn't you already give him that precious ten-thousand-year ginseng paste? I saw it! That's a treasure capable of enhancing physical constitution."
Tang Xiao nodded. "I hope it helps him."
...
Back in his quarters, Tang Fei placed the small jar on the table and added more firewood to the hearth. Once the room warmed up, he removed his thick coat and began examining the jar carefully.
"Mix with water?"
On the jar, there were instructions to divide the ginseng paste into three portions and dissolve each in water before consumption.
Though unsure of Tang Xiao's intentions, Tang Fei reasoned that the man wouldn't harm him—there was no need for such roundabout tactics.
Without further hesitation, Tang Fei divided one-third of the paste, dissolved it thoroughly in warm water, and drank it.
As the liquid flowed into his stomach, a sudden wave of warmth spread throughout his body.
It was a strange sensation—intensely hot yet not burning, leaving no discomfort. Over time, a sense of fullness arose.
Despite skipping breakfast after climbing the mountain to gather firewood, Tang Fei felt no hunger whatsoever. Instead, a wave of drowsiness washed over him.
Succumbing to the feeling, he lay down in bed and drifted off to sleep.
---
That night, outside, the wind howled and snowstorm raged. Inside, the hearth had burned out, and the warmth had dissipated.
Yet Tang Fei, clad only in thin undergarments, lay sprawled on the bed, blankets kicked aside, seemingly oblivious to the cold.
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