"This kid is really full of surprises; he even managed to control my men one by one. It seems things have gone beyond expected. For now, I'll let him off. Next time, I'll find an opportunity to increase the difficulty and truly test him, but he won't pass as easily as he did today!"
An old man stood at the rear of the mountain peak, secretly observing Tang San.
This person was none other than Hao Xiao, the brother of Tang Hao!
It turned out he had been following Tang San all along, fortunately, the oblivious Tang Xiao had not realized that he had been secretly surveilled this whole time!
Ever since Ah Yin's death, the relationship between Tang Hao and his brother had always been tense.
Neither party ever sought an opportunity for reconciliation, feeling there was no need for it.
In Tang Hao's view, it was necessary for his son, Tang San, to step forward and resolve the issues.
"Swoosh—"
Tang Xiao disappeared.
"Halt!"
The gate guard sized up Tang San from head to toe.
They had never seen this man before, wondering where he had sprung from!
"What, do you plan not to let me in? My identity should need no introduction."
Tang San flashed the hammer in his hand before the man's eyes.
It was just a weapon, nothing to boast about!
Who hasn't seen a weapon before? They had seen plenty!
But they had never seen a hidden weapon like this before, feeling as though they had seen it somewhere!!
"Tch, don't think that just because you've taken out a hidden weapon that I'll be afraid of you,"
said the guard.
It seemed he truly wasn't afraid of Tang San!
A lesson seemed necessary to show him how formidable his opponent really was!
At that moment, Tang San's eyes bore into the other man fiercely, as if telling him not to wait until it was too late to regret not heeding this initial display of force!
"So, you're thinking of making a move, are you?"
the guard asked.
It was clear that Tang San was ready to strike at any moment if the other man uttered another provocation and enraged him—the consequences were unimaginable!
"You... don't push me to the brink, don't think I really won't dare to lay a hand on you,"
Tang San said outright.
Steam was nearly coming out of his head!!
No matter what, he absolutely could not strike; the indignation had to be swallowed, even if it was unbearable!
"Just leave, we don't welcome you here,"
the guard spoke again.
"Let him in,"
said a deep voice suddenly.
Upon looking at the man standing not far away,
it turned out to be Tang Xiao!
He had returned to the Tang Sect long ago!
He wasn't secretly watching Tang San's every move anymore.
Tang San had already entered the Tang Sect's territory, and Tang Xiao had arranged for people to trouble Tang San in advance; all because he wanted to test just how powerful Tang San was and whether he could hold power within the Tang Sect in the future!
But it wasn't strange, after all this was his territory; one could come and go as they pleased!
"Yes!?"
said the guard.
This time, Tang San was allowed to enter.
Tang San had never seen this old man before. When he was very young, his uncle had held him.
Decades had flown by, yet the memory was still so vivid.
"So, you're Tang San. I held you when you were very little,"
Tang Xiao looked at Tang San earnestly.
At that moment, Tang San was still utterly baffled.
The man before him bore some resemblance to his father!
"Sect Master, you said that you held me when I was very young,"
Tang San said with a puzzled expression.
Whether he truly didn't understand or was pretending, in any case, he had already found the Sect Master, and his task was more or less complete.
His visit to find Tang Xiao was also at Tang Hao's behest!
As to why he had to find Tang Xiao, Tang San probably understood very well in his heart.
"Could it be that you are my uncle?"
Tang San spoke directly.
The uncle didn't seem surprised at all.
The two started chatting as they walked along.
"Why didn't your father come with you?"
He suddenly asked about Tang San's father.
Whether to come or not depended on oneself; forcing someone to come was useless.
"Oh, this time I've come to discuss some matters on his behalf."
"He doesn't have the face to see you, so seeing me instead is essentially the same,"
Ye Feng then said.
He thought himself clever, always considering the feelings of others.
"So how's he doing now? It's been almost ten years since we last saw each other,"
Tang Xiao said with a detached air.
If he was doing fine, why not find Tang Hao himself instead of asking his son?
And here, in front of Tang San, he was putting on an act of benevolence for show.
"Hmm, my father is fine,"
said Tang San, head bowed.
There was more to his words, but it felt improper to say them outright.
In this period, his father and he had faced far too many trials to explain all at once, it was better to leave unsaid!
"What's the matter, have you run into some trouble? Feel free to talk about it, maybe your uncle can help resolve it,"
The problems were too complex for simple solutions.
His father, Tang Hao, wasn't able to solve them, so how could he expect help from another?
Who would believe it if told!
At this moment, Tang San stood rooted to the spot for a few seconds!
To tell or not to tell, if he did tell, would the other party laugh at his ability?
If he couldn't solve such a simple issue, what else could it be but ridicule!
"It's fine, Uncle, you don't need to worry—I can handle it myself."
Tang San said.
"Zzz—"
The door was pushed open with a whoosh.
All he could see was the back of a woman sitting in the chair ahead.
The silhouette seemed so familiar.
"Xiaosan, you've arrived."
Yuehua, smiling warmly, walked up and took Tang San's hand, stroking it gently.
The person who loved him most also included Yuehua!
"Aunt!!"
Tang San's eyes shone brightly.
Looking at his aunt in front of him, she seemed somewhat changed, her complexion pale and haggard!
It seemed that a lot had happened recently.
"Aunt, have you been unwell lately? You don't look well at all—I should have come to see you sooner."
Tang San's voice was tinged with self-reproach.
His words seemed to imply that if you don't come, Yuehua's illness would worsen!
Yet, Tang San still wasn't capable of dealing with Ye Feng—it was harder than ascending to the heavens!
He hadn't made any progress, he felt completely powerless at this moment.
But Yuehua, looking at Tang San, couldn't help but critique him right then and there.
Purple Demon Eyes!
In an instant, Tang San's eyes changed, turning red.
Tang Xiao released some pressure on Tang San, wanting to see if Tang San's Soul Power had improved over the years.
After all, Tang San had been to the Killing God Field.
What an immense pressure—was this a test?
Blue Emperor Domain!!
A Bluesilver Emperor plant flashed into existence.
Soul Power immediately enveloped Tang San.
"Cough cough—"
That was Tang San's voice, coughing repeatedly.
Suddenly, he knelt before Tang Xiao.
The crowd was full of confusion, not understanding why he would kneel before the Sect Master.
Did he make a mistake, why would he do such a thing!
"What are you doing, get up quickly."
Tang Xiao said with a stern face.
But the Soul Power in his hands did not stop, remaining activated.
He was adding to Tang San's difficulty while also testing his endurance!
He disliked it the most when someone knelt before him like this.
Due to Tang Xiao's relentless pressure on Tang San, Tang San felt such discomfort, almost suffocating, unable to catch his breath!!
His condition was very bad.
Tang San continuously knocked his head on the ground until his forehead bled.
"Xiaosan, get up quickly, don't knock anymore, you silly child."
Yuehua felt great heartache for Tang San!
No need to knock your head anymore, it's not necessary.
"A son must pay off his father's debts, Sect Master, I am here to take on everything on behalf of my father."
Tang San said in a low voice.
It was so low, yet wasn't it because he was still not competent enough!
It was also because his father had failed to protect Ah Yin otherwise she would still be alive in the Soul Land!
"Bang—"
Tang San's words directly enraged Tang Xiao.
He vented all his strength on an innocent desk, which fell apart on the spot.
"Is this something you, a little brat, can take on—this is between me and your father, you have no need to meddle in it recklessly."
"If you have something to say, say it quickly. I have a lot of things to take care of afterward."
Tang Xiao said with a heavy demeanor.
In fact, there was nothing that required his attention, he just didn't want to see Tang San at all, as seeing him would remind him of Tang Hao, and thinking of Tang Hao would in turn bring to mind Ah Yin!
"I don't know if I can bear it, but I will serve the sect with my life and do everything within my power."
Unexpectedly, Tang San still assumed responsibility on behalf of his father, carrying this heavy burden!
His own issue requiring a child to assume responsibility—was he still human!
Tang Hao, oh Tang Hao, you could actually do such a thing!
"Sect Master, my father is not what you think, nor is he avoiding matters. He simply feels too ashamed to face the sect."
Tang San spoke to him.
A large box was placed before them, its surface carrying a faint green color.
What did this mean, was it a gift for Tang Xiao?
"What is that?!"
Tang Xiao asked curiously.
Looking at the green-colored box, his heart couldn't help but flutter for a few seconds!
"This is what my father entrusted me to bring to you; it is also all he can do for the sect. I hope you will accept it, Sect Master."
Being addressed as Sect Master made his scalp tingle.
"Do not call me Sect Master, I am your Uncle, please do not make me feel so estranged."
Tang Xiao scolded him.
Indeed, he knew full well he was his Uncle, yet he insisted on calling him Sect Master!