Of course, Xiaotian was just joking—he wasn't actually that hungry. The treasures he had now were more than enough to last him for a while, especially after such an intense battle. Sometimes, too much is just too much.
With the soul bottle in hand, Xiaotian was in no rush to visit the Wuhun Branch Hall in Notting City to level up his soul power or collect subsidies from the Wuhun Hall. In fact, he hadn't planned to register at all.
A year passed.
During this year, Xiaotian often bullied Tang San and practiced with Xiao Wu, rapidly improving his strength. Unfortunately, the system didn't grant many rewards during this time, making Xiaotian wonder if it was tempering the rewards after its initial generosity.
At first, Tongzi, the system, advised him not to recklessly test the brink of death—lest Tang Hao, the God of Killing, seeing his son defeated repeatedly, take drastic action.
Xiaotian didn't mind. As long as he stayed moderate, Tang Hao might even be grateful to him for inspiring fighting spirit in Tang San.
Hence, every time he bullied Tang San roughly ten times, Xiaotian purposely revealed weaknesses to keep Tang San hopeful, dangling victory just out of reach.
One day, Tang San invited them, "Xiao Tian, Xiao Wu, tomorrow's a holiday. I plan to visit my father. If you're free, want to come?"
Though Tang San kept glancing at Xiao Wu, she said nothing, only looking silently at Xiaotian beside her.
Xiao Wu always followed Xiaotian's lead. That year, her soul power grew fastest among the three, but still she couldn't match Xiaotian, nor did she know his exact soul power level.
Xiaotian had unwittingly revealed it.
Although Xiao Wu got spanked by Xiaotian each defeat, she gradually got used to it. After each match, she felt an inexplicable sensation that helped her focus during practice.
After a silent moment, Xiaotian nodded.
He'd been on break long enough and could accompany Tang San to visit Holy Soul Village first, then return to Artisan Soul Village to see the village chief.
Tang San felt a bit unhappy watching Xiao Wu seek Xiaotian's opinion but endured it.
After integrating into their team, Tang San planned to ask Xiaotian private questions when the time came.
He still didn't believe Xiaotian's strength or how he could create sword skills—every time he asked, Xiaotian replied:
"I'm a sword cultivator. I don't value soul skills. It's the sword's state of mind that counts. As my swordsmanship improves, so does my soul power."
Xiaotian silently began brainwashing Tang San and Xiao Wu.
Eventually, his cultivation couldn't be hidden forever. If exposed, he'd need a proper explanation.
"I'm following a different cultivation path. Improving sword intent accelerates my soul power growth—like what's said in the Ganges!"
Hehe. If anyone dares to expose him, let them try!
He also planned this trip to Holy Soul Village for another purpose. If his guesses were right...
The next morning, the three set off unhurriedly, walking and resting along the way, arriving at Holy Soul Village by noon the next day.
As soon as they entered, Tang San rushed eagerly to his home, shouting, "Dad, I'm back!"
Just then, the system's voice exploded in Xiaotian's mind again.
[Ding! Warning! Warning! The life core of the Douluo plane—integrated into the ancient life tree—Ah Yin was found in the cave behind Shenghun Village. Its strength is great. Host, keep a low profile!]
After countless warnings, though the system knew its host wasn't discreet, it maintained professional ethics and gave them anyway.
A slight smile crossed Xiaotian's lips.
Just as he expected—if he took Ah Yin from Holy Soul Village and twisted her around enough, might he trigger another critical reward?
Of course, the kneading wouldn't be rough; his tastes weren't so strong.
He would also gain a 100,000-year Blue Silver Emperor right leg bone for free.
However, he recalled Tang Hao had set a formation there. If the box holding the leg bone was disturbed, Tang Hao would immediately sense it.
No need to rush; Tang Hao had endless patience.
Anyway, Tang Hao wouldn't allow Tang San to have the hundred-thousand-year spirit bone early unless his level reached 40 or 50.
Old Jack came out upon hearing the commotion.
Seeing Xiaotian and Xiao Wu at the village gate, he smiled gently.
"You must be Xiao San's classmates, right? Come with me—we'll find Xiao San together."
Xiaotian and Xiao Wu nodded, following behind.
It was Xiaotian's first meeting with Old Jack, who proved as kind as described in the original story.
Old Jack then gave Tang San a letter left by Tang Hao, stating his father had left for some mission.
Xiaotian chuckled internally—Tang Hao was likely nearby, hiding.
Tang San read the letter with a deep breath, realizing his father was hiding many secrets.
He guessed his father was a concealed but powerful figure, like sect sweepers in his prior life—underestimated but formidable.
Having studied theory with his tutor for a year, Tang San knew martial soul inheritance came from parents, and stronger martial souls meant higher innate power.
His Blue Silver Grass and Clear Sky Hammer were inherited from his mother and father.
Not only his father, but even Tang San's teacher advised hiding his Clear Sky Hammer unless absolutely necessary.
Could revealing it bring serious consequences—perhaps a relentless pursuit?
Tang San was more than he appeared.
In his previous life, the Tang Sect was a killer sect, and he knew such matters well.
"Dad, wait for me. I'll practice hard. Soon, I'll be strong enough for you to tell me the truth in person!"
But since his father had left Holy Soul Village, Tang San knew he might never return.
He wiped tears quietly and gave Old Jack a grateful nod.
P.S. This chapter deepens the characters' backgrounds, revealing Tang San's legacy and family mysteries, while strengthening bonds between the trio. The system's warnings add suspense as deeper plots unfold, blending growth, loyalty, and intrigue on their journey.
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