If Jiang Chen truly wanted to become a god one day, then sticking close to Tang San—the beloved child of destiny—was undoubtedly the easiest and safest route. In a decade or so, he could steadily claim a divine position just by staying by Tang San's side.
Only a fool would turn down such a golden opportunity.
"I suggest you reconsider," Su Yuntao tried again, this time more earnestly. "You must understand—the Spirit Hall is currently the strongest soul master organization on the Douluo Continent. If you join us, you'll receive the best training and resources. With your innate full soul power, it's entirely possible for you to become a Titled Douluo in the future."
This was the first time in Su Yuntao's life that he felt such burning desire for recruitment success. If he could bring Jiang Chen into the Spirit Hall, his status would skyrocket. Promotions, pay raises… maybe even winning the heart of that girl Sisi he'd been thinking about. Just imagining it was enough to make him giddy.
Old Jack, who had been quiet up until now, suddenly snapped. His eyes, usually dim and weary, suddenly burst with fury. He rushed up and smacked Jiang Chen on the head.
"You stupid brat! How could you say no to the Spirit Hall? That's the opportunity of a lifetime! You become a Titled Douluo, and our Holy Soul Village can be renamed Titled Douluo Village!" Old Jack's beard bristled, eyes wide, looking like he wanted to strangle the boy out of frustration.
Jiang Chen stood there dumbfounded. In all the years he'd known Old Jack, he'd never seen the old man get this worked up before.
Su Yuntao smiled patiently. He still believed victory was within reach. After all, who could resist the lure of becoming a Titled Douluo? That was the highest honor a soul master could dream of.
But since Jiang Chen hadn't answered yet, he added another tempting offer. "If you join the Spirit Hall, we can take you tomorrow to get your first soul ring. You'll become a real soul master immediately."
For a six-year-old, becoming a soul master right away was almost irresistible. Unlike Titled Douluo, which was just a dream for the far future, this was something tangible—an achievement they could grasp now.
He was sure the boy would cave.
But to his dismay, Jiang Chen still shook his head firmly. "I'm sorry. I still don't plan to join the Spirit Hall—at least, not for now."
Su Yuntao's heart sank. It seemed there was no hope of winning him over today.
He cast a glance at Old Jack, thoughts flickering in his eyes. If he couldn't persuade Jiang Chen directly, perhaps he could work through Old Jack later.
"…Alright then. You may go for now. Village Chief Jack, please stay behind. I'll prepare the martial soul certificates for both children."
Old Jack shot one last exasperated glare at Jiang Chen, then turned back to Su Yuntao, his face instantly transforming into a fawning grin. "Many thanks, Lord Su Yuntao!"
Finally able to leave, Jiang Chen couldn't wait to go home and study his newly awakened zombie martial soul in peace.
From the side, Tang San and his father had been quietly watching the entire interaction. The moment Jiang Chen stepped out, they followed.
"Hey, kid—wait a moment," came a deep voice.
Jiang Chen paused, then turned in surprise to see that the speaker was actually Tang Hao, Tang San's mysterious and usually aloof father.
He had only seen Tang Hao from afar before, and now, standing so close to the legendary Titled Douluo, Jiang Chen couldn't help but observe carefully.
As usual, Tang Hao looked utterly unkempt—his hair a wild, greasy mess like a chicken's nest, and his patched-up clothes clung to his burly frame. He looked like he hadn't bathed in at least half a year.
Despite being the only blacksmith across several nearby villages, his life was inexplicably downcast—most of his earnings spent on cheap alcohol.
"Uncle, what can I do for you?" Jiang Chen asked, curious but unfazed.
Now that he had full control over the corpse energy within him, he wasn't afraid of Tang Hao anymore. He wasn't worried that the man might suddenly hit him with a hammer again.
"You gave my little San a fish the other day. That was thoughtful," Tang Hao said with a rare smile. "Why don't you come over to our house today? You and Xiao San are the same age—you can play and get to know each other better."
Jiang Chen thought for a moment, then nodded. "Sure."
Tang San, standing beside them, was stunned.
My dad… smiled?
In all his years, Tang San had never seen his father smile like that. And now, of all things, he was smiling at Jiang Chen—that annoying zombie kid.
He stared at Jiang Chen like he was looking at some bizarre creature, but deep down, he also felt a strange sense of gratitude.
For years, his father had been lost in his grief, drowning in wine and apathy—but now, he smiled. Even if it was because of Jiang Chen, it still felt like a small ray of sunlight breaking through the gloom.
Seeing that Jiang Chen had agreed, Tang Hao's smile became even more gentle. He reached out to take Jiang Chen's hand—but was suddenly stopped by Tang San.
Tang San grabbed his father's hand with both of his, digging in with all his strength. He even activated the "Controlling Crane, Capturing Dragon" technique from his secret arts, using every ounce of power in his waist and legs to stop Tang Hao from approaching.
"Dad, don't get close to him! He's dangerous!" Tang San cried out anxiously.
Even he had nearly fallen victim to Jiang Chen's corpse poison. If his father got too close, he might not be able to fend it off—and the consequences could be severe.
Plus, during Jiang Chen's martial soul awakening, the black mist released from that zombie was far more toxic than the mild poison he'd previously sensed. In Tang San's mind, Jiang Chen had now been upgraded from "a little dangerous" to utterly hazardous.
"Hm?" Tang Hao raised an eyebrow in surprise.
He knew Tang San was already very strong for his age, but he hadn't expected this much strength.
With a little force, Tang Hao effortlessly lifted Tang San into the air—despite the boy using his full strength and even infusing his grip with soul power.
Tang Hao chuckled. "How could a child be dangerous?"
Dangling in the air, Tang San was in shock. He had just exerted several hundred pounds of strength, yet his father lifted him like a feather.
He had no choice but to let go, falling to the ground with a soft thud.
"Dad, you don't understand! Jiang Chen has a nickname—Plague God. Anyone who gets too close risks being poisoned!" Tang San warned.
Jiang Chen, standing nearby, flashed a mischievous grin. His jet-black eyes sparkled with amusement as he suddenly darted forward and threw his arm around Tang San's shoulder.
Tang San froze like a plucked chicken, his body stiff with dread.
"Uncle, let's go!" Jiang Chen said cheerfully, still leaning on Tang San, smiling like a little devil.
Tang Hao smiled and nodded, then led the way.
"Come on, Xiao San," Jiang Chen whispered into Tang San's ear, his lips almost brushing the lobe. He even licked his lips as he added teasingly.
Tang San shivered.
He glanced sideways at Jiang Chen's tiny fangs—so close to his neck—and instantly remembered the terrifying form Jiang Chen took during martial soul possession. His hair stood on end.
He was genuinely afraid that Jiang Chen might bite into his neck, pierce his arteries… and start drinking his blood.
(end of chapter)
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