Douluo Dalu: Transforming Soul Rings into Soul Veins

"I am your father. By the time you read this letter, I have already left (scratched out) departed.

Don't ask why I'm leaving - you're already capable of taking care of yourself.

From now on, you must walk your path alone. When you grow up, I will come find you."

Ghost Douluo quietly put away the ink-stained brush while observing Tang San's reaction. Surprisingly, the child showed little emotional fluctuation beyond profound helplessness - the heartbreak of someone who had finally tasted affection only to be abandoned.

This reassured Ghost Douluo. If Tang San had known his father's true identity, a child his age would have shown stronger reactions upon reading such a letter - panic, or perhaps anger if he suspected something had happened to his father. At the very least, had he recognized Tang Hao's handwriting, there would have been telltale changes in his heartbeat, gaze, or demeanor.

Tang San carefully folded the letter, clutching it tightly as tears rolled down his cheeks. Given his years living with his father and the man's usual behavior, this abrupt departure seemed entirely plausible.

Fortunately, Tang Hao's drunken lifestyle meant he'd never written in front of Tang San before, leaving the boy unable to recognize the handwriting. Otherwise, Tang San might have instinctively deemed this a "death-worthy offense" and leaked killing intent that would have alerted Ghost Douluo.

Slumping onto the foul-smelling wooden bed where his father had spent countless drunken days, Tang San grew increasingly agitated.

Though his father had been strict, their life had been manageable. Tang Hao's blacksmithing work provided just enough to scrape by. But now, with no chance to learn metalworking from his father and his own expertise limited to hidden weapons rather than forging, how could he survive?

Selling his hidden weapons was out of the question - too early, too dangerous. Once these weapons appeared, they would inevitably cause a sensation, making him a target before he established proper backing.

Wait!

Tang San's eyes lit up. With his father gone, didn't that mean all the raw iron materials now belonged to him? Even without formal training, he could learn by doing, just as he'd watched his father work. While advanced hidden weapons were too risky now, simpler items like Soul-Piercing Nails could still fetch decent prices.

Most importantly, without Tang Hao around, he could freely use all the materials instead of secretly collecting scraps. How brilliant!

"Father, is this another test for me?" Tang San murmured. "Yes, true strength means standing alone. I will grow step by step and not disappoint you."

He felt so perceptive.

Ghost Douluo watched, baffled, as the boy's eyes gleamed while rummaging through iron scraps.

Wait, child, your father just abandoned you! And you're playing with metal scraps?

What filial piety!

Shaking his head, Ghost Douluo decided to observe further.

"Found it!" Tang San exclaimed upon discovering an ore containing trace amounts of refined iron - perfect for crafting Soul-Piercing Nails.

This small step for his hidden weapons would become a giant leap for the Tang Sect's revival in this world!

Tucking the ore into his tattered pocket, Tang San contemplated his next steps. His financial situation had gone from bad to worse. Before, while perpetually hungry and poorly clothed, there had at least been something. Now what?

Tang Hao had never saved money, spending every coin on alcohol.

"Grandpa Jack!"

Tang San brightened. Among the villagers, old Jack had always been kind to him since childhood, despite frequently criticizing his father (which had always annoyed him).

But this time, Young Master San would graciously forgive the old man. A little help now would be repaid handsomely later - though unbeknownst to him, even in the original timeline after becoming a god, the village remained unchanged beyond its sign being replaced from "Holy Soul Village" to "God Soul Village." Old Jack grew frail with age, never receiving any repayment.

The gaunt boy resolved to seek temporary shelter with the village head. According to his past life's teachings, leaders should assist children in his situation.

With determined steps, Tang San headed for Jack's home.

Knock knock knock!

"Grandpa Jack!"

The elderly man opened the door, leaning on his cane, his face kind. "Oh, Little San? What brings you here? Has that drunkard Tang Hao caused trouble again?" His expression darkened.

That damned Tang Hao! Making a four-year-old fend for himself - what kind of father was that?

Tang San shook his head. "No, it's just... father has some business." He handed Jack the letter.

As Jack read, his cane clattered to the ground. "Who does he think he is?! What kind of father abandons his child?! That worthless—"

Grabbing Tang San's hand: "Come with me, child. Forget that good-for-nothing. From now on, I'll be your grandfather. I'll take care of you."

Tang San stood firm, his eyes turning cold. He snatched back the letter, wiping it as if contaminated.

"My father has done nothing wrong. Even if he had, it's not your place to insult him. I respect you as an elder, but I'll only tolerate this once."

Breaking free, he turned away. He'd miscalculated - someone like Jack could never understand his father's profound love. How could such a person be of use?

Unworthy!

Filial piety came first in all virtues. Children obeyed fathers, honored their teachings. Someone like Jack, daring to insult his father, would deserve death were it not for past kindnesses!

"Little San!" Jack's aged face showed shock. The usually sensible boy speaking like this - all Tang Hao's fault! Corrupting their village's child!

Clutching his chest in distress, Jack hobbled after him. "I was wrong, child. Please come with me. How can you manage alone?"

Tang San avoided the outstretched hand. "No need, Grandpa Jack. I'll be fine on my own."

Ghost Douluo, watching from shadows: ...

So this is what happens when humans and soul beasts procreate? Terrifying. The boy must be mentally deficient...