Tiandou City

"Father, why are we here?"

For the past few days, Tang San had been following Tang Hao closely.

Tang Hao replied calmly, "We're here to see your aunt."

The father and son walked along the bustling streets, drawing curious looks from passersby wherever they went.

Tang Hao didn't stop until they reached the most prosperous district of the city.

Tang San looked up at the grand building before them. Its design was both elegant and imposing, radiating a sense of sophistication. Hanging above the entrance was a large plaque with two bold characters—Yuexuan.

People dressed in luxurious clothes, exuding grace and refinement, walked in and out of the building.

Compared to them, Tang Hao and Tang San looked completely out of place.

"Dad… are we here looking for someone?" Tang San asked, his eyes filled with confusion.

He had always believed that his father wasn't someone who would associate with people from such a sophisticated place.

Tang Hao didn't respond. He simply walked straight toward Yuexuan.

"Stop right there! Yuexuan doesn't accept beggars dressed like you."

A well-dressed young man blocked their path, glaring at Tang Hao with clear disdain.

Anger flashed across Tang San's face. Just as he was about to speak, Tang Hao calmly raised his eyes. A terrifying aura burst out from him.

The young man instantly froze, his face drained of color. Without saying another word, he stumbled back in fear, making way for them.

Tang San glanced at his father, a fire of determination igniting in his heart.

One day… I will become a Titled Douluo too.

Thinking of Shrek Academy, a flash of coldness passed through Tang San's eyes.

I'll be back…

As they stepped inside, Tang Hao turned to a young girl nearby and said coldly, "Tell Yuehua… an old friend has come to visit."

The girl hesitated at first, but the chilling look in Tang Hao's eyes made her shrink back. Without daring to argue, she quickly went to deliver the message.

Before long, a beautiful, elegant woman appeared at the top of the stairs. Her figure was graceful, her clothes lavish, and her demeanor noble. The moment she saw who was downstairs, her eyes widened in shock.

"Hao… you… you finally came to see me."

The woman trembled as she hurried down the stairs, her voice filled with panic and disbelief.

Everyone in Yuexuan was stunned. They had never seen this dignified woman lose her composure like this.

"Mm..." Tang Hao sighed softly.

Unable to hold back her emotions, the woman rushed forward and threw herself into Tang Hao's arms, sobbing uncontrollably.

The entire Yuexuan fell into stunned silence.

Tang Hao's expression softened slightly as he gently patted the woman's back.

It took a long time before she gradually stopped crying. Her tearful eyes drifted toward Tang Hao's missing arm and leg, her heart aching at the sight.

"You… how did this happen..."

Her slender fingers trembled as they gently touched his empty sleeve.

Tang Hao's expression quickly returned to its usual indifference. He didn't want to recall the past, so he frowned and changed the subject.

"This is my son," Tang Hao said calmly.

The woman's gaze shifted to Tang San.

"This child… is he the son you had… with her?" Her voice was filled with disbelief and confusion.

Tang Hao nodded without hesitation.

The woman's hands flew to her mouth as tears welled up again.

"Good boy… good boy..." she murmured, taking Tang San's hand and patting it gently.

Tang San didn't pull away. His father had already told him about her identity.

She was his biological aunt.

"Come, let's go upstairs and talk."

The woman quickly composed herself, sensing the curious gazes around them, and led them upstairs.

After sitting down, her gaze softened as she studied Tang San closely.

"This child… he looks so much like you… and his mother."

Tang Hao's eyes flickered, but he didn't reply.

"You've come to see me after all these years… I'm guessing you didn't come for nothing, right?" the woman asked gently.

Tang Hao nodded. "I want you to arrange for him to enroll in Tiandou Royal Academy."

The woman was startled. Even Tang San was surprised. He hadn't expected his father's purpose was to send him to an academy.

A trace of reluctance flashed across Tang San's face.

"Dad… I don't want to go."

Tang Hao raised his gaze slightly and asked, "If you don't go to the academy… what exactly do you plan to do?"

That question left Tang San speechless.

What do I want to do...?

I want… I want to kill that man. I want revenge.

But right now, he wasn't strong enough. Now more than anything, what he needed was power.

Thinking of this, he clenched his fists silently.

After all, Tiandou Royal Academy was one of the most prestigious academies in the entire Tiandou Empire. If he enrolled, his strength would definitely improve rapidly.

Not to mention… with the guidance of Teacher Tianmeng...

One day, I will return to Soto City… I will kill Ma Hongjun… and take Xiao Wu back.

Inside his spiritual sea, Tianmeng sneered as he sensed Tang San's thoughts.

Foolish brat.

Every step you take is already within someone else's grasp.

And you think you can become strong enough for revenge?

If you really become stronger, I'm afraid I'll end up sealed by you again...

At the thought of that person, the Tianmeng Ice Silkworm shivered.

"Boy… you're right about one thing. Only strength will give you the chance for revenge."

"Hurry up and grow stronger."

Tianmeng's voice echoed coldly in Tang San's mind.

If he doesn't cultivate... how can I absorb his mental and soul power for the Lord?

Startled, Tang San immediately responded, "Don't worry, Teacher Tianmeng. Once I enter the academy, I'll train as hard as I can!"

Three Days Later

A blazing golden soul ring swirled rapidly around Ma Hongjun, tinged with traces of red and white light.

The ring slowly rose... then vanished.

Ma Hongjun opened his eyes. A sharp gleam flickered within them.

He immediately noticed the stench coming from his body and pinched his nose in disgust.

Stripping off his clothes, he dove straight into the hot spring.

Despite the extreme mixture of ice and fire, the red-haired boy felt incredibly comfortable. A deep sense of relief washed over him as both his body and mind relaxed.

After soaking for a while, his eyes suddenly widened.

Oh no… I forgot something important!

Dugu Bo… he's still stuck in the field!

In a panic, Ma Hongjun jumped out of the hot spring, hurriedly dressed, and sprinted toward the woods.

Inside the cave…

Dugu Bo was in complete despair. Three entire days had passed.

He had tried everything—his martial soul, his poison—but nothing worked.

At first, he believed Ma Hongjun would rescue him. But as the hours turned to days, that hope completely faded.

Just as he closed his eyes, contemplating whether he'd ever get out… a familiar energy suddenly surged toward him.

The tremor of his martial soul jolted him awake.

His green pupils narrowed as a familiar figure appeared in the light.

"You finally… came to save me." Dugu Bo's tone carried a hint of resentment.

"Haha… I had a breakthrough, so I was delayed a bit. I didn't forget you… not on purpose," Ma Hongjun replied, rubbing the back of his head awkwardly.

After all, he really had forgotten… leaving Dugu Bo buried for three whole days.

Dugu Bo's nose twitched slightly. A faint smell of sulfur caught his attention.

His eyes widened. "You… you actually found the Yin-Yang Ice and Fire Eyes?!"

Without my guidance… you two actually managed to find it?!

Ma Hongjun nodded.

Dugu Bo's face instantly turned gloomy.

Ever since he discovered that Ma Hongjun had the backing of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, he had started to feel wary of this boy.

Now there was also a mysterious girl whose strength was completely unfathomable.

With just one palm, she had suppressed a Titled Douluo. Dugu Bo didn't even dare to guess what kind of existence she was.

And now... even the location of the Yin-Yang Ice and Fire Eyes had been discovered by them.

His final bargaining chip was completely gone.

Will this child really cure my poison now...?