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After many years, walking once again on the rural path felt both familiar and strange to Tang San.
Since Tang Hao had disappeared without a trace during Tang San's first year of school, Tang San hadn't returned to the village for many years.
The blacksmith's hut, which held memories of his early training, was still there. However, after years of neglect, it was overgrown with weeds and exuded an air of decay. The roof had several gaping holes.
Because of Tang San's status as a soul master, even though he hadn't returned for years, no one in the village dared to occupy the hut. They feared that if Tang San ever came back, he might annihilate them with a flick of his hand. The image of soul masters as powerful and mysterious beings was deeply ingrained in the minds of the common folk on the Douluo Continent.
The villagers noticed Tang Hao and Tang San.
Though many years had passed, Tang Hao's appearance hadn't changed, and the elderly recognized him. However, they didn't dare approach him—after all, they weren't close, and Tang Hao's reputation as a drunken troublemaker made people hesitant.
As for Tang San, his current darkened complexion made it hard for them to recognize him immediately. They could only whisper amongst themselves.
The sharp-eyed village chief identified Tang San but remained silent.
After all, this old village chief, who had supported Tang San for years, hadn't heard from him since his first year at school. In the village chief's heart, Tang San had long been labeled as ungrateful.
Regardless, it was best to avoid any connection with Tang San to preserve one's reputation—even if he was a soul master.
Tang Hao and Tang San, in turn, looked down on these commoners at the bottom of society and entered the blacksmith's hut without a second glance.
The air was filled with a faint smell of decay, but Tang Hao paid it no mind.
With a single gesture, Tang Hao shattered the anvil into pieces. The loud noise frightened the villagers, turning their faces pale, and they quickly fled the area.
Pointing to the ground, Tang Hao instructed, "Xiao San, start digging here. Dig two meters down."
Tang San obediently took out a shovel from his storage bracelet and began digging silently.
Seeing this, Tang Hao was satisfied. Though his son had always seemed suspicious, his obedience and filial piety were genuine.
Tang San, being a top-tier hidden weapon expert, worked efficiently. Within fifteen minutes, he reached the required depth and unearthed a sealed lead box.
His eyes sparkled with curiosity, but instead of opening it, he handed it to Tang Hao and asked,
"Dad, what's inside?"
Tang San couldn't help but fantasize about classic jianghu tales from his past life. Hidden so carefully, it must be some kind of top-tier heavenly treasure or rare material.
Thinking about how this discovery might bring him closer to his goals, Tang San's heart burned with excitement.
Taking the lead box, Tang Hao found it heavier than expected, but after so many years, he didn't notice anything unusual.
"Xiao San, after studying under Yu Xiaogang for so many years, do you know the three most coveted treasures for soul masters?"
Without hesitation, Tang San replied, "A hundred-thousand-year soul ring, soul bones, and external soul bones."
At this, Tang San's gaze toward the lead box grew even more intense—he didn't have a single soul bone on him yet.
Satisfied, Tang Hao nodded and proudly glanced at the lead box.
"Xiao San, this is the soul bone I prepared for you—the finest soul bone there is."
As he spoke, Tang Hao opened the lead box.
"At the same time, this is also the treasure your mother left for you—a left arm bone from a 200,000-year Thunderclap Nether Vine?!"
But upon opening the box, Tang Hao froze.
Where's the huge soul bone I remember?!
What's this note?
Casually tossing the box aside, Tang Hao unfolded the note.
(Tang Hao, I've revived. Wait for it. You couldn't even protect our son—I'll make the Hao Tian Sect pay for this!)
Recognizing the familiar handwriting and sensing the familiar presence, Tang Hao's expression turned pale.
"This! This really is from Ah Yu!!!"
Is there really a power in this world that can bring someone back to life?
Does Ah Yu hate me this much?
Is she really going to take revenge on the Hao Tian Sect? What should I do?
I never wanted things to turn out like this.
Overwhelmed by the shock, Tang Hao momentarily lost himself, and the overwhelming aura of a Title Douluo unconsciously radiated outward. Tang San's face turned pale—it was the first time he had faced such terrifying pressure. He quickly retreated, shouting,
"Dad! Snap out of it!"
Tang Hao finally regained his senses. Looking at Tang San's worried expression, an inexplicable sense of irritation flashed in his eyes.
Yes, I failed to protect our child—but Xiao San is now the only hope for the Hao Tian Sect to rise again.
Tang Hao stared deeply at Ah Yu's message threatening revenge against the Hao Tian Sect, and a look of determination crossed his face.
"Ah Yu, I know I wronged you once. Do whatever you want to me, but leave the Hao Tian Sect alone.
My father already died because of my mistakes. Nothing else can go wrong."
Reining in his overwhelming aura, Tang Hao put on a sorrowful expression and said to Tang San,
"Xiao San, the soul bone your mother left for you has been stolen. And they even dared to leave a mocking note for me."
He handed the note to Tang San.
At this point, Tang San was unaware of the existence of resurrection techniques. Reading the note, he couldn't help but feel enraged.
"What do you mean 'failed to protect me'? That's nonsense—I'm perfectly fine!" Tang San still hadn't realized that he had already been exposed.
However, he thought, 'Is Dad part of the Hao Tian Sect? If so, doesn't that mean my second martial soul is the world's number one tool-type martial soul—the Hao Tian Hammer?!'
"Damn thieves! You've signed your death warrant. Don't let me find out who you are, Dad. Do you have any leads? Let's go settle this right now!"
Tang Hao stood there, tears in his eyes, playing the role of a grieving father.
"I didn't want to tell you this so soon, but our family's enemies are none other than the Spirit Hall. Even your mother was killed by the previous Pope."
Hearing this, Tang San's eyes widened with fury. He couldn't believe that the Spirit Hall, which had always provided subsidies to commoner soul masters, could be so despicable. Clenching his teeth, he vowed,
"Spirit Hall, you will not die a peaceful death! You killed my birth mother and stole my treasure. I will seek revenge on you in my lifetime."
At this moment, Tang San even imagined that the Spirit Hall had coveted their family's treasures, leading to his parents' downfall.
By now, Tang Hao had shed his earlier pitiful demeanor and adopted a solemn tone, patting Tang San firmly on the shoulder.
"My son, there's no hope for me, but you're different.
With your talent, you will surely make the Spirit Hall pay in the future."
Tang San believed this as well and nodded resolutely.
Since there was no soul bone to be found, Tang Hao decided to begin teaching Tang San the true essence of the Hao Tian Hammer techniques.
Familiar waterfall, familiar person.
Starting with the force stacking technique of the Disorderly Wind Hammer Technique, Tang San began learning step by step.
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