Hehehe, well isn't this obscure. Glancing at his nine-year-old younger brother, Tang Luo looked at his mother, neither of them was really listening.
"Dear husband, you agree, right?" Xu Shuhui probably had a hundred different arguments prepared, hoping that at least one of them could persuade Tang Luo. But to strengthen the persuasiveness of her speech, she nudged Tang Sen, deciding to rope him into playing the sidekick.
Tang Sen, who was eating his food in silent, was suddenly and unexpectedly pushed, nearly poking his nose with his chopsticks. But since he was a man who had weathered many storms, he was able to steadily regain his composure. He sat upright and cooperated, uttering powerfully, "Yes."
Having said that, he continued eating.
Tang Luo looked at his father's submissive demeanor and was somewhat speechless. Where was the pride of a martial artist? His father seemed so gratified this morning, yet his tone had completely changed in his mother's presence. Tang Luo couldn't help questioning if his father had just become a complete pushover.
Perhaps Tang Luo's gaze was too skeptical, causing Tang Sen to sit up straighter and prouder as he ate.
But what good was putting on a show?
As suspected, he has indeed become a pushover. Discovering the real personality of his father, Tang Luo now understood who really ran the household. Sometimes it was better to handle things himself.
His mother's words hinted at him to give up the martial arts, coupled with the previous prohibition that forbidding him from practicing, if he couldn't figure out her motive, then he would be a complete fool.
He could only try to persuade her now.
"Dear Mother," Tang Luo put down his chopsticks and began speaking seriously.
Xu Shuhui, who was enthusiastically describing how easy and prestigious it was to be a steward, became elated when she heard her son speak up. It seemed like her words had stirred the boy, and she smirked in delight. Her eyes full of mirth as she gazed at her son.
"My life's ambition lies entirely in the martial arts."
How could the luxury of this continent compare to the modern brilliance of his previous world? However, the vast ocean of martial arts had completely taken hold of Tang Luo's heart, the evolution and mysteries of martial arts were undeniably fascinating.
"I don't know how far I can advance in martial arts."
Everyone has their own limits, especially considering the problems he was facing now. He previously aspired to reach the pinnacle of martial arts, to be revered and worshipped, but now he was filled with worries.
"Regardless, I want to reach my own limit."
Whether it's the Fierce Realm or transcending the Mortal Realm, even if his ultimate limit was only the Mortal Realm, he wanted to reach it.
"I don't know if I'll face more problems with my body." Tang Luo forced a brittle smile, appearing so vulnerable that it was heartbreaking.
What would happen if all of his cultivation were to be taken away again when he transcended the Mortal Realm, what would he do if he lost his cultivation again when reaching a higher realm in the future? He had truly considered all these possibilities.
However, martial arts were too fascinating and it was impossible for him to give up, so...
"Mother, will you support me?" There was confusion about the future within Tang Luo's gaze, and doubt about himself. However, deep in his pupils, there was unwavering determination to pursue martial arts.
The dining hall fell silent, everyone's attention was focused on Tang Luo and Xu Shuhui. Even the lively Tang Nuannuan was quiet, she was just looking uneasily at their mother and big brother.
Which parents could resist when their children asked them sincerely? All the more when the child is so hardworking and ambitious.
"Go ahead, son, your mother supports you." Xu Shuhui's nose turned sour, overwhelmed by sorrow when she thought of how her talented son was afflicted with an Innate Hollow Body.
Feeling relieved, Tang Luo took a deep breath. The level of support one receives from their family when they want to do something differs greatly from the support they receive when they're not. It was invigorating to see that his own mother was now supporting him and would no longer object to his martial arts training. This way, his father wouldn't be stuck in a difficult position anymore.
"Thank you, dear mother. I'm done with my meal, I'm going back to my room first." After bidding each family member goodnight, Tang Luo stood up, his steps light and at ease as he left the dining hall.
Since he had encountered the way of martial arts, he absolutely had no reason to give up. Regardless of the hardships, the pain, he was willing to accompany it throughout his life. There was determination in Tang Luo's eyes.
...
The night belonged to Tang Luo, it his own space.
In such a peaceful environment, he could enjoy a sense of security and sufficient time to ponder over things.
Tang Luo liked the rooftop best. Not only was it closer to the sky, but it also reminded him of his secure home right beneath him.
The feeling of gazing at the stars with his feet planted firmly beneath him brought him extraordinary joy and a sharp clarity of mind.
If it weren't for the fact that Tang Xing had been loitering in front of his room for an hour or so, he might have already unraveled the mysteries of humanity and the universe.
Tang Luo, his head cushioned on the roof, indulged in a moment of self-mockery.
The more he disappeared, the more Tang Xing lingered outside his door.
He must want something, after all, he's been acting like he wants to say something at the dining hall.
But why the hesitation? Considering their relationship, there's nothing they can't discuss. At times, Tang Luo felt that Tang Xing, his overly attached brother, might be the biggest hindrance to his future marriage.
He knew his little brother well. Tang Xing was a simple and straightforward boy who did not hide his feelings, much like most children.
But his little brother idolized him. Perhaps it was because he had the maturity of an adult and his aloofness made him appear cool?
In any case, Tang Xing had been sticking to him from a young age, always considering him a role model.
That year, when he was eating a lot while building his foundation, the then five-year-old almost killed himself trying to imitate Tang Luo's five bowls of food at a sitting.
Moreover, he would always burst into Tang Luo's room, wanting to sleep together. He was chased out countless times.
Every time he would barge in, making Tang Luo afraid to lock his door for fear of his little brother hurting himself.
But today, this little rascal was hesitating, making many attempts to knock but retreating each time. Tang Luo was curious about what could be weighing so heavily on a nine-year-old's mind.
From the roof, Tang Luo stealthily observed Tang Xing's internal struggle.
After a while, the young boy seemed to have made up his mind, approaching the door with a determined expression.
Finally ready, are we? I'm getting sleepy waiting, Tang Luo yawned, stopping his brother who was about to knock on the door.
"Kid, I'm up here."
The unexpected voice startled Tang Xing. He quickly looked up to see his brother's head peeking over the eaves, a smirk on his face as if he had been watching for a while.
"Did my brother notice me as soon as I arrived?" Feeling like his secret was out, Tang Xing's face flushed.
Tang Luo wasn't laughing to tease him, but because he found the '22.2' figure hovering above his brother's head amusing.
Seeing the stunned boy, Tang Luo decided to climb down the ladder first and then ask what all his brother's dawdling was about. After all, he was such a considerate big brother.
Tang Luo was quite pleased with his own thoughtfulness.
But the young boy didn't see it that way. He had gained the courage to approach his brother's door, and the awkwardness of his hesitation being witnessed had now become a deep embarrassment.
The boy was too embarrassed to face Tang Luo, but he hadn't forgotten his purpose for coming. Summoning his courage, he voiced his first-ever promise in life: "Brother! I will protect you in the future!"
Hearing these words, Tang Luo, who was half-way down the ladder, stopped and turned around.
The little devil who had shouted the vow was already far away, yet his firm voice still echoed in his ears.
Is it common knowledge that I can't fend for myself to the degree that even my little brother feels obligated to protect me?
These strange feelings, a mix of being touched, amused, and a touch of speechlessness.
Ah well, I won't hold it against this little rascal. He'll find out in a few days.
Shaking his head, Tang Luo climbed back to the roof.
The night sky is so beautiful, and my family is fantastic too, yes.