SS - 3

Chapter 3 Leaving Holy Soul Village

"Xiao San… you…"

Tang Hao stared at Tang San in disbelief before suddenly crouching down and pulling him into a tight embrace.

"Born with twin martial souls, and full innate soul power!"

His voice trembled with excitement, and for the first time, Tang San felt the warmth and security of his father's love.

Su Xiao, standing nearby, smiled softly at the scene of deep affection between father and son.

For the past six years, although he had lived with Tang Hao, the man had rarely shown much care for him. He and Tang San had learned to rely on each other, cooking and tending to their daily needs.

Yet, Su Xiao never blamed Tang Hao; he understood the man's struggles. The man never actually neglected them, he was just more often than not, outside, and when he was at home, he'd be asleep for most of the time.

Naturally, Su Xiao had an idea where he went.

"Ah Xiao, come here too," Tang Hao said, reaching out and clasping Su Xiao's right hand with a rare warmth.

Su Xiao and Tang San stood side by side in front of Tang Hao. Their usual indifferent expressions softened as their eyes filled with a newfound warmth.

"Xiao San," Tang Hao said solemnly, "no matter what happens, remember to use the 'hammer' in your left hand to protect the 'grass' in your right hand, always!"

He carefully wrapped Tang San's left hand with a piece of cloth. "Hide the hammer. Don't let others see your second martial soul unless absolutely necessary."

Tang San nodded earnestly, his expression serious.

Tang Hao then turned to Su Xiao, his gaze deep and filled with regret. "Ah Xiao, I know I haven't been the father you deserved these past six years, but I've always thought of you as my own son."

"Uncle Hao, I understand. And I promise, my Light Holy Dragon will protect Xiao San's 'grass,'" Su Xiao replied, his mind replaying the memories of their time together. In this foreign world, it was Tang Hao and Tang San who had given him a sense of family and belonging.

Tang Hao's expression softened further as he continued, "One day, you'll find something—or someone—you'll be willing to protect with everything you have. But Xiao San's 'grass' is his to protect."

---

After lunch, as Su Xiao and Tang San prepared to clear the table, Tang Hao stopped them.

"No rush," he said, his voice tinged with a rare solemnity. "Let me ask you two something. Do you want to become soul masters?"

The two boys exchanged glances before nodding firmly.

Tang Hao sighed, his gaze growing distant. "This is the path you'll have to walk. In three months, you'll leave for the Soul Master Academy."

During those months, Tang San continued to learn forging techniques and the hammering skills of the Clear Sky Clan from Tang Hao. Su Xiao, on the other hand, focused on physical training—carrying heavy stones, running laps around the village, and honing his speed and strength. Since awakening his martial soul, he felt an endless surge of energy coursing through him.

At night, Tang San would share secret skills from the Tang Sect. Su Xiao quickly realized the significance of these techniques, appreciating the bond it represented.

---

Three Months Later

When the time came to leave for Nuoding City, Old Jack arrived early at Tang Hao's blacksmith shop, calling out excitedly, "Ah Xiao! Xiao San! The carriage is here. Let's go!"

The boys packed their belongings, their eyes lingering on the now-tidy blacksmith shop.

That morning, they had discovered the once-cluttered home unexpectedly organized. Tang Hao was nowhere to be seen, leaving behind only a letter on the table.

> "Ah Xiao, Xiao San, by the time you read this, I'll have already left. Don't look for me. I am just a broken man, but there are things I still wish to protect. Now, I must reclaim what is mine. No matter what lies ahead, walk forward bravely."

As they finished reading, Old Jack urged them again. "Come now, get on the carriage. Tang Hao's probably sleeping off last night's drinking. You know his temperament—he won't come to see you off."

With that, Old Jack climbed onto the driver's seat and shouted, "Let's go!"

The carriage rattled down the dirt road toward Nuoding City, carrying the two boys away from Holy Soul Village.

Su Xiao sat silently, not only feeling reluctant to part from Tang Hao but also wondering about his future encounter with Yu Xiaogang.

'If not for the system,' Su Xiao thought, 'I'd have the same Luo Sanpao martial soul as him. Perhaps we'd even share a special connection.'