Chapter 6: The Butterfly's Little Wings!
"Chen'er, where are you?"
Tang Hao traversed the forest, his body weakened by years of decadent living.
Even his Title Douluo-level soul power was blocked by the chaotic aura, making it impossible to sense distance.
Looking at the devastated state of the forest, Tang Hao's heart clenched, overwhelmed by guilt.
Tang Chen had perfectly inherited Ah Yin's looks and aura.
For years, he hadn't dared to look at her too closely; it was like a curse, plunging him into endless suffering.
But what had become of him?
Now he was in this state, even traveling as a Title Douluo was difficult. His two children were frail and weak, now facing the pain of losing another loved one.
Did he truly deserve to be a husband, a father?
"Ah~ Chen'er!"
Tang Hao roared in anguish. The massive crater before him finally broke him, for Chen'er's aura lingered there.
Could a seven-year-old child survive such a terrifying battlefield?
Pain drove him mad; Tang Hao felt something within him shatter.
Then he coughed up a mouthful of blood and collapsed limply to the ground.
"Huh? Who's calling me?"
Tang Chen, who had already left, stopped. He must have heard correctly.
Someone was calling his name.
"Could it be that brat Tang San?"
Thinking of that reckless guy, Tang Chen quickly turned back.
He saw someone lying by the pit, with a large pool of blood on the ground.
Although it wasn't Tang San, it was his adoptive father, Tang Hao.
A titled Douluo, suddenly coughing up blood and unconscious—had he ruined himself by drinking too much?
Tang Chen didn't know how to heal, but he used his soul power to roughly sense the situation and found it was a recurrence of an old injury.
Could it be because of him?
"Tch, I'll help you this time."
Summoning his Divine Tree Martial Soul, Tang Chen plucked several cultivation fruits, squeezed out the juice, and poured it into Tang Hao's mouth.
Although it only increased cultivation speed, it did offer some relief for his injuries.
It wasn't until he had used five fruits that Tang Hao's breathing became steady, and his face was no longer bloodshot.
"Alright, let's go home."
Tang Chen grabbed Tang Hao's leg and dragged him towards Holy Soul Village.
He was too young to carry this big guy.
In the Holy Soul Village square, over three hundred villagers had gathered.
Although the earthquake had stopped, no one was in a hurry to go home.
Tang San paced back and forth, glancing towards the village entrance every now and then.
After waiting for a long time without anyone returning, he finally couldn't hold back any longer.
"Grandpa Jack, Dad and Brother haven't come back yet! I'm going to find them!"
"Little San, don't be impulsive! Grandpa will take some people to help you find them!"
The old village chief quickly called to the villagers and chased after Tang San.
However, as soon as the large group of people left the village entrance, they all stopped.
Tang Chen's small, thin figure was seen carrying the prey that bent him over, and dragging Tang Hao along with difficulty.
"Big brother, Dad!"
Tang San's eyes instantly reddened, and he shouted as he rushed out.
The villagers gasped and rushed to help.
Tang Hao had been in the village for almost six years. Although the villagers looked down on him, they still had some friendship with him.
After all, he had made a lot of farm tools, and the villagers knew how cheap they were.
"Brother, what happened?" Tang San asked nervously.
"I don't know either. There seemed to be a battle between spirit beasts in the forest, so I picked up some prey."
"When I came back, I saw Dad was unconscious, so I brought him back!"
Tang Chen said casually, not wanting to show off in front of the villagers.
"That good-for-nothing!"
The old village chief thought Tang Hao was drunk and angrily poured a bucket of water on him.
To be honest, he regretted forcing Tang Chen to go hunting earlier.
Now that he saw him return safely, he could finally relax.
"Hmm~"
Tang Hao groaned, groggily opening his eyes, but as if remembering something, he got up to return to the woods.
"Hmph, don't embarrass yourself! You went out to find the child and got carried back by him!"
"Look at the state you're in!"
Old Village Chief Jack roared, his cane almost poking Tang Hao's face.
"What?"
Tang Hao slapped his forehead; his memory was a little hazy.
But seeing Tang Chen, he couldn't suppress his emotions and hugged him tightly.
"Chen'er, it's good you're alright."
"Don't be afraid, don't be afraid, I'll never let you suffer again."
"Sigh~ Everyone, go home!"
Seeing this, the old village chief felt a mix of emotions. He slammed his cane on the ground and led the villagers back to the village.
"Dad, I'm fine!"
"Hurry back, I'm hungry!"
Tang Chen said helplessly. Why did he need comforting now?
"Alright, alright, meat for today!"
Tang Hao hoisted his prey, his steps feeling much lighter.
Tang San also smiled; change often begins in small things.
The blacksmith shop in Holy Soul Village is Tang Chen's current home.
It's a simple house made of wooden blocks, but because of the blacksmithing business, it's quite large.
A sign hangs at the door, listing the prices for various farm tools.
Compared to blacksmith shops in the city, this one is considered good value for money.
The moon is already high, and at this time, the sounds of hammering usually drift from the house.
Tang Hao spends his days indulging in pleasure, and blacksmithing at night helps him forget his worries.
But today is different; smoke is constantly rising from the chimney.
Inside, the atmosphere is harmonious. Tang Hao, unusually, has cooked a whole wild boar.
He stewed the bones, stir-fried the fatty parts, and roasted the rest—it looks quite tempting.
Tang Hao, for once, poured a glass of ale for the two of them and asked,
"Chen'er, why did we go to the forest?"
Tang Chen suddenly put down his chopsticks and replied with a cold expression.
"Dad, look at Xiao San, he's so skinny!"
"He's still growing, how can he eat thin porridge and wild vegetables all day?"
"You don't care about food and drink yourself, at least think about Xiao San!"
These words came from the bottom of his heart. No matter how cunning and ruthless Tang San would become in the future, Tang Hao's attitude was still excessive.
Seeing him remain silent, Tang Chen continued to provoke him.
"Since you're willing to wallow in grief, I won't say much!"
"But as the eldest brother, I must ensure Xiao San grows up healthy, even if it costs me my life!"
"So I'm going to go hunting, and I'll go every day from now on!"
Tang Chen's words were resounding, stunning everyone.
"Brother, don't talk to Dad like that!"
Tang San quickly tugged at his clothes, trying to persuade him in a low voice.
"Shut up and eat your food!"
Tang Chen remained unmoved, his eyes fixed on Tang Hao.
Unlike Tang San, he hadn't lived with him since birth.
The system had skipped seven years for him; it was a lie to say there was affection, it was just to leave him with this identity.
Tang Hao's next words would determine his future attitude towards him.
Whether he's merely a background character or the real father is up to his own choice.
The sudden silence was terrifying. Tang Hao's hands trembled as he gripped his wine glass, staring intently at Tang Chen's familiar face.
Being lectured like this by his son, it would be a lie to say he wasn't angry, but as an adult, he could understand the meaning behind it.
(End of Chapter)