Tang Hao's condition was nothing short of bizarre.
This deeply unsettled Tang San.
He had already lived in this world for five years, and through everything he'd seen and heard, he was becoming increasingly certain—this world was nothing like the one he had known.
His thoughts drifted back to what the village elder had once mentioned: the awakening of a martial soul.
Could martial souls truly be the key to mastering the power of this world?
And yet, he remained filled with doubt.
After all, Tang Hao was just an ordinary blacksmith who spent his days with fire and hammer.
With his rough hands and unkempt appearance, he seemed completely unrelated to any kind of mysterious martial soul power.
Then Tang San frowned, recalling the poison he had tried to use on Tang Hao earlier.
It had taken him days of foraging around the village to concoct such a potent toxin.
And yet… it had absolutely no effect?
Now, Tang San found himself completely directionless. The future seemed so uncertain. He was lost and helpless.
"Damn it… will someone please just tell me what kind of world this is?!"
He screamed in his heart, frustration boiling over.
Meanwhile, in spiritual form, Lin Feng was in a playful mood. A wild idea popped into his head, inspired by the story of Xiao Yan and Yao Lao.
Why not try the same trick here?
Tang San, after all, was an ancient-souled young man.
And among those people, the saying went: "A master for a day is a father for life."
He had shown deep reverence for Yu Xiaogang, despite the latter being no more than a measly Grandmaster. Even though Yu Xiaogang eventually failed to keep up with Tang San, Tang San had still done more than enough for him.
So… what if I took Tang San as my disciple?
Behind the village, near a waterfall.
Only the roaring cascade broke the silence.
Taking advantage of Tang Hao's rest, Tang San dragged his bruised and battered body to a clean spot and sat cross-legged.
"Hisss—damn bastard hits hard!"
He winced in pain as he gently touched his wounds.
Just as he was about to close his eyes to rest and focus on recovery—
The calm pool suddenly began to glow with strange light. The glow grew brighter and brighter until it forced Tang San's eyes open.
Startled, he stood up and glanced around, fully alert.
Suddenly, a vast and mysterious aura surged up from the bottom of the pool, as though it intended to engulf the world itself.
"Young one… what year is it now?"
A deep and ancient voice echoed from the depths of the pool, solemn and powerful.
"Stop hiding—if you've got guts, show yourself!"
Tang San immediately tensed up, shocked and wary, his hands clenching instinctively as he tried to communicate with the voice.
"It's been too long… I barely remember. They used to call me… Yao Lao."
Lin Feng put on his best serious tone, speaking with eerie mystery.
"Yao Lao? What kind of name is that?"
"How do I know I can trust you?"
Tang San remained skeptical. In a world filled with the unknown, trusting others recklessly could be fatal.
Upon hearing this, Lin Feng activated a brilliant display of flashy effects—suddenly, a pillar of water erupted from the pool.
Atop the water stood an old man, long white hair and beard flowing, radiating an overwhelming aura of ancient power.
His eyes were deep as an abyss, and his very presence felt as though he had stepped straight out of a mythic age.
Tang San was dumbfounded, instinctively dodging back, his eyes full of awe and reverence.
This Yao Lao must be an absolute powerhouse of this world…
Even with my Mysterious Heaven Skill at full mastery, I can't sense a fraction of the strength he gives off!
"No need to panic, young one. I am but a spirit sealed beneath this pool, and I've only just awakened briefly today."
"I felt a kindred fate with you, so I chose to speak."
Lin Feng played the role of Yao Lao with a warm, grandfatherly air.
And it worked—Yao Lao's appearance naturally inspired trust.
After more conversation, Tang San finally believed this was a long-sealed ancient powerhouse.
"Senior, your strength… it's truly incredible!"
Tang San was thrilled. To be able to speak with such a being was a once-in-a-lifetime chance.
A soul that had survived tens of thousands of years… that's practically divine!
And if he could learn even a fraction of that power—living for tens of thousands of years wouldn't be a dream. It'd be near-immortality.
And immortality… was the ultimate dream of every cultivator.
Tang San's heart surged with excitement.
"Senior Yao Lao, I'm not sure how many years have passed since your time… but do you happen to know the Heaven Dou Empire?"
Tang San asked expectantly, shifting the topic.
"Heaven Dou Empire… oh, that little nation founded by the swan boy? So it still exists?"
Lin Feng paused for effect, replying with a nostalgic, dismissive tone.
Tang San trembled inwardly at the casual remark.
This man… must be unimaginably strong!
And right there, with a thud, he dropped to his knees.
"Senior, I, Tang San, humbly ask to become your disciple. Please… take me in!"
His voice was firm, sincere—filled with the hunger for power and hope for the future.
Lin Feng let out a helpless chuckle.
"I'm trapped here. I cannot leave. I mostly just talk to pass the time. Soon I will return to slumber."
"Even so… I still wish to become your disciple. Please grant me this chance!"
Tang San's gaze was resolute, despite his disappointment. He bowed repeatedly to show his determination.
"Very well," Lin Feng finally said. "Seeing your sincerity, I will accept you as my disciple."
"But—you must promise me one thing."
"When you have the strength, you must free me from this place."
Tang San was overwhelmed with emotion, his voice trembling.
"I, Tang San, swear—a master for a day is a father for life!"
"Even if it costs me my life, I will rescue my master!"
Lin Feng waved a hand casually, dismissing the drama.
"I've taken in so many disciples I can't remember. No need to take it so seriously. Just keep me company and kill time."
Though a little disheartened, Tang San didn't mind.
Instead, he asked curiously, "Master, how were you sealed here?"
A flicker of pain and fury passed through Lin Feng's eyes.
"During the ancient war between the Eight Great Clans… I was ambushed by the Soul Heaven Emperor. In the end, I had no choice but to seal myself here."
Tang San listened intently, his imagination painting a grand, tragic battlefield in his mind—he was in awe.
Then Lin Feng shifted the topic.
"By the way, what happened to your body?"
Tang San's face darkened, rage flashing in his eyes.
"It was my father… he beat me."
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