Chapter 4: Neither Stealing Nor Robbing

"Hmph! Look at you, so eager."

Tang Hao's voice carried a hint of disdain as he looked at Ye Qiu's anxious expression.

However, deep down, he had his own thoughts.

This kid might not seem promising now, but he was born with full innate soul power!

Such a talent appeared only a handful of times in a century. His martial soul could very well be a mutated one.

Thinking of this, Tang Hao couldn't help but sneer inwardly.

Those fools at the Martial Soul Hall were as incompetent as ever!

They had left such a precious gem for the Haotian Sect to claim.

With proper training, this boy could become a powerful ally for his son—helping him reclaim his place in the sect and stand at the peak once again!

Even if his son was... different, the world would still attribute his strength to the name "Haotian."

"How am I not promising?!"

Hearing Tang Hao's words, Ye Qiu immediately frowned in dissatisfaction.

If you keep pushing me, I might just steal your wife!

"I'm not stealing or robbing anyone! I'm earning money fair and square, what's wrong with that?!"

"..."

Tang San, who was standing nearby, couldn't help but furrow his brows.

"Hmph!"

Ye Qiu snorted coldly, shooting a glance at Tang Hao and returning the disdain.

"Look at you, Uncle Haozi. You've got two hands and two feet, yet you can't even spare a few copper coins. You have to rely on Tang San, your own son, to take care of you—aren't you even more useless than me?"

"Ye Qiu!"

Tang San's brows knitted tightly.

Even though what Ye Qiu said was true, he still felt it was an insult to his father!

"Xiao San, you really should think of a way to fix him up," Ye Qiu muttered, complaining to Tang San as if he was feeling sorry for him.

"I..."

Tang San was momentarily speechless.

It wasn't that he hadn't considered doing something, but keeping his father at home, making sure he didn't wander around, was already the best option.

That way, he could train in peace without worry.

"It's just a few copper coins!"

Tang Hao's expression darkened slightly, but he wouldn't stoop so low as to argue with a brat.

Once his true identity was revealed, this insolent boy would have no choice but to worship him like a god!

Hearing this, Ye Qiu's face lit up with joy.

"So Uncle Haozi, does that mean you'll pay up?"

"Money? That's nothing."

Tang Hao scoffed disdainfully.

After munching down on the grass-flavored snacks, he turned to Tang San.

"Xiao San, when you're at the academy, look after him. Make sure he doesn't get bullied. Consider it as paying him back."

"Yes, Father. I understand."

Tang San obediently nodded.

Ye Qiu rolled his eyes.

What a waste of excitement.

He couldn't help but mutter, "Tch! We're both so-called 'trash martial soul' users with full innate soul power. Who's looking after whom is still up in the air."

"Heh..."

Tang Hao chuckled and looked at Tang San.

"If you get the chance, look after him a few more times. Make sure he ends up owing us instead."

"Hmm, I will."

Tang San nodded slightly and glanced at Ye Qiu, amused.

If only you knew what you were really up against.

"Guess I won't be getting my money back."

Ye Qiu sighed in defeat.

These Tang father and son are really something else.

Couldn't they just pay and protect me properly?

Do they really think I don't know about the Haotian Hammer?

Hmph!

If I get the chance, I'll make sure Ah Yin takes it all back!

"Alright, stop pouting! Here, take it back."

After picking out all the ones that tasted like grass, Tang Hao tossed the remaining fruits back to Ye Qiu.

"Thanks for going easy on me, Uncle Haozi."

Ye Qiu wasn't one to waste food, so he took them back without complaining.

Then, he unhooked the wine gourd hanging from his waist.

"Uncle Haozi, I'm heading off to school. This wine is something only you enjoy, so I'll leave it for you."

"Heh, at least you know how to show some respect."

Tang Hao reached out his big hand and took it without hesitation.

Ye Qiu twitched the corners of his mouth.

Whatever.

It was trash I was planning to throw away anyway—might as well dump it in a human waste bin.

Saves me the trouble of carrying it on the road.

"Xiao San, Xiao Qiu, we should get going."

Old Jack shot Tang Hao a harsh glare.

Tang Hao merely narrowed his eyes, said nothing, and continued drinking his bland "horse urine" before heading back inside.

"Father..."

Tang San murmured as he watched Tang Hao's retreating figure.

Old Jack patted his shoulder.

"Alright, Xiao San. No need to feel reluctant to leave your drunkard father. You can always come back during breaks. Now, Xiao Qiu... let's go."

"Got it, Grandpa Jack!"

Ye Qiu slung his small bag over his back and quickly followed along.

Just as Tang San stepped out the door, Tang Hao's voice rang out from inside.

"Xiao San, remember what I told you—protect the grass and take care of each other."

"Father, I'll remember!"

Tang San nodded firmly before catching up with Ye Qiu, a thoughtful look in his eyes.

Why did his father emphasize taking care of Ye Qiu?

Up ahead, Ye Qiu smirked.

Protect the grass?

That was just an excuse to hide the hammer.

When Tang Hao first saw the Blue Silver Grass martial soul, he must have dismissed it as useless. But the moment the Haotian Hammer appeared, he suddenly became emotional and declared, "You are my son!"

If he loved that grass so much, why did it only matter after the hammer showed up?

As for this "take care of each other" nonsense...

Yeah, right. Ye Qiu wasn't counting on Tang San for anything.

What if he tried to steal from him one day?

If he could steal from the Tang Sect, the very place that raised him...

Why would he hesitate to steal from a mere classmate?

As long as he didn't ransack my pockets, I'd already consider it a blessing.

Ye Qiu was clear-headed—his strength was all that mattered!

With his belongings packed, Ye Qiu set off on his journey.

Notting City was located at the crossroads of two great empires and bordered the Star Dou Forest.

A perfect escape route.

That was precisely why Tang Hao had chosen to hide here for so many years.

For ordinary folk, communication was basically shouting, security relied on watchdogs, and transportation was mostly walking.

Few people had access to actual transport.

Luckily,

 Village wasn't far from Notting City.

After half a day's journey, the thick city walls of Notting City finally came into view.

Along the way, Old Jack had enthusiastically shared various facts about soul masters.

Ye Qiu was already familiar with most of them, but Tang San listened intently.

Though Notting City wasn't a major metropolis, it was still near the border, so entry inspections were mandatory.

"Alright, boys. Once I drop you off at the academy, don't wander around. I'll come pick you up when the term ends!"

"Thanks, Grandpa Jack!" x2

"Alright, let's go!"

Old Jack sighed.

City life was expensive.

As a commoner, he couldn't afford a stay at an inn, so he had to head back immediately.

Under the scorching sun, after asking for directions several times, they finally arrived at Notting Academy, located in the western part of the city.

The entrance was a grand archway with a gilded plaque reading Notting Academy, surrounded by iron fences.

At the gate, two guards stood watch.

"Stop right there!"

As soon as they approached, one of the guards sneered at them.

"Commoners like you have no place here!"

Ye Qiu clicked his tongue.

That attitude was starting to piss him off.

Wishing you all a wonderful life!