Soul Land: I Am the True Grandmaster

Chapter 167: Darkened Power Tripled (Conclusion)

Left with little to do, Tang Hao absently asked, "Xiao San, what kind of martial soul did you awaken?"

"It's a green vine, Father."

The wine jug in Tang Hao's hand crashed to the floor, shattering instantly. He turned to face Tang San, eyes bloodshot, tears welling up as he looked at the vine in his son's hand.

"A vine... it's just like hers," Tang Hao murmured, his voice full of bittersweet nostalgia.

Seeing his father's reaction, Tang San decided to push his luck, cautiously asking if he could finally attend school. But Tang Hao's expression twisted into a sneer. "What does becoming a soul master even matter? Whether ordinary or the strongest, they all end up as useless trash in the end. Just work as a blacksmith and earn an honest living. Becoming a soul master isn't as glorious as you think. Now, go prepare lunch. I'm going back to bed."

Unconsciously, Tang Hao's attitude toward Tang San had softened, becoming a bit less detached than before. But just as he turned to leave, Tang San stopped him.

"Wait, Father, can someone only have one martial soul?"

"Isn't that obvious?" Tang Hao replied dismissively, without paying much attention.

Yet in that moment, thoughts raced through Tang San's mind:

"Rule Number One of the Tang Sect's Mysterious Heaven Treasure Record: Never let anyone know your full capabilities unless you trust them completely."

"But Father, I think I have another martial soul," Tang San said, summoning the Clear Sky Hammer. As the tiny hammer materialized in his hand, Tang Hao froze, eyes glistening with tears. Hugging Tang San, he murmured, "My son... my good son. Remember, always use your left hand's hammer to protect the vine in your right hand."

Though Tang San couldn't fully grasp the depth of Tang Hao's words, he solemnly promised. The father and son moment seemed filled with heartfelt connection.

Hidden nearby, Ye Wen observed with a hint of irony. "So, for the sake of revenge, Tang Hao is willing to set aside even basic truth, accepting this child who isn't even truly his son."

Ah Yin stood coldly, watching. To her, Tang Hao's words about using the hammer to "protect the vine" felt hollow, even absurd. What was left to protect in this hollow shell? Could her child's soul be revived through such symbolic gestures?

She turned to Ye Wen, her eyes hopeful, her voice wavering. "Lord God, is there any way my child's soul still exists? Could there still be a way to bring him back?"

Ye Wen sighed, sensing her unwavering motherly love, and shook his head gently. Had her child died in a normal way, they might have had a chance of retrieving his soul from the Spirit World's underworld. But as it was, Asura, the god behind all this, had done the unimaginable: he had allowed Tang San to claim the unborn child's body as his own.

In simpler terms, Ah Yin's child's soul had become nourishment, fully absorbed into Tang San's being.

With hope extinguished, Ah Yin's shoulders slumped, a chilling aura surrounding her as she glared at the world with lifeless eyes. Gazing one last time at the child she had lost and the man she once loved, she turned to Ye Wen, speaking with quiet resolve.

"Now, will you finally tell me why you brought me back, Lord God?"

Having died and returned only to find herself betrayed, Ah Yin's innocence and affection for Tang Hao were gone. She had become a new person, hardened, her gaze as sharp as steel.

Ye Wen raised an eyebrow, slightly impressed by her sudden insight. The once naïve Ah Yin had learned to see through facades.

"Well, you're not wrong. I did have a purpose in bringing you back." He glanced toward Tang San, eyes darkening. "That god's plan for you was never as simple as it seemed. They orchestrated your death to ensure Tang San would inherit the god's position, allowing him to escape the confines of the divine realm and explore the universe freely. Given Tang San's attitude toward family, I believe you're uniquely positioned to influence him, to guide him away from actions that might disrupt things that matter to me."

Ah Yin's expression tightened, weighing his words. If all he wanted was for her to influence Tang San, then fine. Revenge, however, could only be hers if she became strong enough to reach the heavens themselves.

"I agree to your terms, Lord God. But in return, I ask that you help me become a god. I want the strength to personally destroy that thief who stole my child's soul."

Ye Wen couldn't help but admire her newfound intensity. "Becoming a god, however... I can't promise that. But I will provide you with the best training environment available. Beyond that, it's up to you to achieve your goals. Whether or not a lightning god's position exists, I cannot say."

"That's enough," she replied, her tone resolute. "Thank you, Lord God. Then, let us waste no time take me somewhere I can train immediately."

Ye Wen smiled wryly at her newfound determination. Revenge fueled conviction was a powerful motivator. He helped her pen a letter to Tang Hao, laced with her energy signature, the kind that could unmistakably shake him to his core. With Ah Yin's message set, they returned to the Tianxing Academy, leaving Tang San to his fate.

Once back, however, Ye Wen encountered an unexpected scene.

Ah Yin's gaze softened as she spotted his three young children, her eyes moist with affection. She knelt to their level, looking at them tenderly, seemingly pouring all her motherly love into her gaze.

"Ah, well... I suppose motherly instincts really are universal," Ye Wen muttered, watching as Ah Yin took a maternal interest in the three.

When it came time for training, however, Ah Yin's vengeance driven fervor showed. With Ye Wen's guidance, her power rapidly advanced.

While overseeing her progress, Ye Wen's thoughts wandered to another familiar figure. "Now, what's become of Yu Xiaogang lately?"

Curious, Ye Wen decided to investigate. He was surprised to find that Yu Xiaogang, now a level 59 Spirit King, had settled in the humble town of Notting.

"Strange," Ye Wen mused. "Why is Yu Xiaogang hiding out in such an obscure place?"

Curiosity piqued, Ye Wen tapped into the information network of Spirit Hall. After all, for a figure as prominent as Yu Xiaogang, also one half of the "Golden Duo," to go into hiding in such a remote town must mean there was more to the story.

(Chapter End)

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