Early morning, Tang San smiled at Xiaotian and Xiao Wu, then said, "Xiaotian, Xiao Wu, sorry for you having to witness that mess earlier. If you don't mind, you can stay at my place tonight. I'll show you around the village today."
Xiaotian and Xiao Wu exchanged glances, quietly noting the sudden shift in Tang San's mood.
Just moments ago, Tang San showed no expression around Old Jack, but now he instantly wore a warm smile.
After bidding farewell to Old Jack, Tang San led them through the Holy Soul Village to the back mountain.
"That's where I've been practicing ever since awakening my martial spirit," Tang San explained with a smile. "It's spacious, filled with blue silver grass—perfect for training."
Xiaotian snorted, "Nonsense. You've trained there since you were little, right?"
In other words, if Ayin could speak, she'd doubtlessly be suspicious: why was her son so precocious, practicing martial arts before awakening? She couldn't understand—those movements seemed like sword intent but didn't quite fit.
Suddenly, Tang San turned to Xiao Wu.
"I have no family left. Will you be my sister?"
What?!
Xiaotian froze.
Hidden in the shadows, Tang Hao fumed, "I just left—not dead yet!"
Xiao Wu shot back instantly.
"No."
She snapped coldly.
Xiaotian sighed inwardly. Tang San was born a killer—straight as an arrow, utterly lacking social grace.
But in the original story, Tang San's emotional intelligence wasn't really low.
Could it be… after just one year growing closer, Tang San's feelings for Xiao Wu had somehow clouded his mind?
Xiaotian laughed to himself—a total "lightbulb" moment—and thought, maybe it's time to leave.
Seeing Tang San rejected so brutally, he maintained a poker face but barely held back laughter.
"Tch! Why? Xiao Wu, tell me—since you're alone, why not be siblings? Don't worry, if danger strikes, I'll stand by your side."
Tang San expected a positive response. After all, he had built good relations with them over the year.
Not so, apparently.
Xiaotian thought, if I were in his shoes and asked someone to be my sister, would they agree—especially someone like Xiao Wu?
She herself couldn't explain her feelings. She only knew she enjoyed practicing with Xiaotian, despite the teasing and punishments.
Even recalling her soreness from losing to Xiaotian made her feel… strangely motivated.
As Tang San pressed on, Xiaotian tried to ease the tension.
"Isn't it fine the way things are? We're friends already. Why insist on 'sister'? What benefit does it bring?"
Tang San's expression stiffened, then he sighed.
"I'm sorry. I said that because I'm grieving my father's death. Please forgive me."
He felt disappointed. What started as a hopeful plan was dashed with the coldness of reality.
Xiaotian thought, a 70–80% chance of success? Might as well be courting death.
Yet Tang San noticed Xiao Wu's glances toward Xiaotian.
Perhaps it was because Xiaotian was stronger—women tend to admire strength.
Only exceptional traits truly win hearts.
Though Tang San lacked romantic experience, his prior life as a killer taught him plenty about emotions.
Internally, he wrestled with conflicting feelings.
Over the year, Xiao Wu endured many "oppressions" from Xiaotian, but trained hard alongside him.
Tang San spent days forging, practicing swordplay, and developing hidden weapons—the silver needles, silent sleeves.
He wondered if it was time to reveal his arsenal to Xiao Wu, perhaps startling her.
"Xiaotian, we haven't sparred for nearly a week. How about a match today, while the courtyard's empty?"
With a smile, Tang San planned to expose some hidden weapons.
He was crafting the Zhuge magic crossbow but lacked the right ore, so deferred it for now.
He pondered revealing hidden weapons—a concept foreign to this world, possibly raising suspicion.
If Xiaotian truly remembered his past life, coming from a martial arts realm, he might recognize such weapons instinctively.
Even if Xiaotian tried to hide it, his Purple Demon Eyes would perceive the anomaly.
This was Tang San's test.
P.S. This chapter explores the complex dynamics between Tang San, Xiaotian, and Xiao Wu, blending emotional tension with martial ambitions. The promise of hidden weapons and the strain of past lives add layers of intrigue as the trio journeys deeper into cultivation and connection.
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