In the deepest part of the valley, the surrounding flowers, plants, and trees were lush and vibrant. A massive emerald-green flower, three meters in diameter, grew there with vigorous life.
At that moment, however, the huge flower trembled continuously, radiating a sense of fear, as if it was about to face a fatal crisis.
A moment later, a figure riding a flying sword arrived not far from the Holy Spirit Flower. After confirming that there were no other powerful soul beasts nearby, Oscar quietly waited in place.
Before long, Ye Lingling, her white wings fluttering, descended gracefully beside Oscar.
Looking at the Holy Spirit Flower, Ye Lingling's eyes were full of excitement and anticipation. Although her martial soul had only a healing effect, soul rings that matched it could greatly enhance her healing power. This Holy Spirit Flower was undoubtedly very suitable for her.
Ye Lingling took out a dagger from her soul guide and slowly approached the flower.
The dagger swung down, and the silver blade pierced directly into the flower's life vein. The powerful Holy Spirit Flower struggled a few times after being stabbed but soon fell completely still.
After a short while, a dark black soul ring began to condense above the flower's body.
Ye Lingling put away her dagger, sat cross-legged, and began to calm her breathing. When the soul ring fully formed, she released her martial soul.
In front of her bloomed a purple Nine-Heart Begonia, and four soul rings,two yellow and two purple,rose around her. As she guided her soul power to attract the black soul ring, it slowly drifted above her head.
Oscar held the Seven Killing Sword, watching Ye Lingling absorb the soul ring while remaining vigilant of their surroundings to prevent any soul beast from interrupting.
...
In Mori City, within the Sword Sect.
A tall, burly middle-aged man with a weathered face cupped his hands toward the gate guards and said, "Haotian Douluo Tang Hao requests to visit the Sword Sect. Please inform your superiors."
The guards exchanged glances. Though the man looked like an ordinary warrior, hearing his self-introduction made them tense immediately. "Please wait a moment, Your Majesty. I'll report this right away."
One guard gestured for another soul master to escort Tang Hao inside, while he himself hurried into the main hall to deliver the message.
Tang Hao followed the guard into the guest hall. After about two and a half minutes, a handsome young man with silver hair walked in.
Seeing Oscar, Tang Hao stood up and cupped his hands. "I have come uninvited. Please forgive the intrusion."
Tang San was Oscar's classmate, so even though this was their first meeting, Tang Hao already knew something about him.
At first glance, he could recognize this extraordinary genius,so talented that even Tang Hao himself had to admire him.
According to Tai Long's information, Oscar was only two years older than Tang San, yet he already carried the demeanor of a seasoned master. He had not only taught Tang San and others for years but also paved the foundation for their future cultivation.
Thus, even though they were of the same generation, Tang Hao regarded Oscar as an equal.
Oscar, on the other hand, was somewhat surprised by Tang Hao's visit. In the original story, Tang Hao had remained hidden until much later, so his sudden arrival was unexpected.
Regardless of the reason, Oscar would not dare show disrespect. After all, Tang Hao was a titled Douluo.
Oscar quickly stepped forward, raising Tang Hao's hand. "Your Majesty, there's no need for formality. My elders always taught me that strength deserves respect. You, as a titled Douluo, are far above me."
Then he said jokingly, "Besides, Tang San is my classmate, and you are his father. That makes you my elder as well. How about I call you Uncle Tang?"
Oscar's enthusiasm stunned Tang Hao. He knew Oscar had selflessly guided Tang San for years, and his son treated Oscar almost like a teacher.
But he hadn't expected such warmth at their first meeting. Still, as the dignified Haotian Douluo, he couldn't appear awkward in front of a junior. Moreover, Oscar's sincerity didn't seem fake, and Tang Hao couldn't help but grow more fond of him.
Such a prodigious talent, humble and without arrogance, was rarer than gold,even Tang Hao in his youth couldn't compare.
Unknowingly, Tang Hao began to feel a trace of envy toward the Sword Sect. With such a successor, no wonder the once-hidden sect had reappeared.
If Oscar continued to grow, the Sword Sect's future would be limitless. With his abilities, he might even one day ascend to godhood and bring a new deity to the Douluo Continent.
These thoughts flashed through Tang Hao's mind, and a faint smile appeared on his face. "Of course. Since you have treated my son like both teacher and father, calling each other uncle and nephew,or even brothers,is no problem."
Oscar's smile deepened. He hadn't expected the usually stoic Haotian Douluo to be so good with words.
"Uncle Tang, don't tease me. Just call me Oscar. 'Young Sect Master' is only a formal title for outsiders,it sounds too distant."
Tang Hao chuckled. "Etiquette must still be observed. Let's each call the other as we wish."
Oscar poured Tang Hao a cup of fragrant honey tea and asked, "Uncle Tang, I doubt you came only for a casual visit. Is this about Tang San?"
Tang Hao shook his head. "Not about Tang San. I came to ask for your help with something."
Oscar gestured casually. "Please, just say it. If I can help, I will."
Seeing Oscar's open attitude, Tang Hao felt reassured. He believed Oscar had the authority to decide and that working through him might be the most efficient path.
Tang Hao was straightforward by nature, so he explained directly. "When I was younger, I sustained some internal injuries. They're not fatal, but they prevent me from fully using my strength. Every time I fight, the injuries worsen."
Oscar nodded thoughtfully as Tang Hao continued, explaining how he had sought the Nine-Heart Begonia Clan and learned from a butler that they had ties to the Sword Sect, leading him here.
"So if you know the whereabouts of the Nine-Heart Begonia Clan, could you tell me? Or perhaps help me contact them? I would be deeply grateful," Tang Hao said sincerely.
Oscar immediately understood his intent,Tang Hao wanted to use the Nine-Heart Begonia's extraordinary healing ability to treat his body.
He could sympathize. In the original timeline, after Ah Yin's death, Tang Hao had lost the will to live, surviving only for Tang San's sake.
Now that Tang San was growing stronger, Tang Hao had regained some purpose and sought to heal himself.
However, Oscar hesitated. In this altered timeline, he had once stolen from Tang Hao's home,taking both Ah Yin and the Blue Silver Emperor's soul bone. If Tang Hao ever learned this truth, they would become mortal enemies.
He wondered whether to use this chance to set a trap and have Gui Yue and Dugu Bo eliminate Tang Hao. Given Tang Hao's current injuries, they had a good chance of success, though not without cost.
But if Tang Hao died within the Sword Sect, suspicion would certainly fall on them. The risks outweighed the benefits.
After much thought, Oscar decided to let Tang Hao meet Ye Haitang. Keeping him alive was more advantageous for now.
Moreover, Oscar had a plan to explain the origin of Ah Yin and the soul bone later,after all, no one could prove he had stolen them, and he could shape the story as he wished.
Whether Tang Hao believed it or not would depend on how convincing Oscar could be.
Besides, with Tang Hao's hatred toward Spirit Hall, his presence would indirectly buy Oscar more time to strengthen himself.
And realistically, even the Nine-Heart Begonia might not be able to cure him now. His injuries were too deep, too old.
Oscar finally said, "Uncle Tang, I understand. I can tell you where the Nine-Heart Begonia Clan is and even take you to meet their leader, Ye Haitang. But I can't guarantee your injuries can be healed."
Oscar placed his fingers on Tang Hao's wrist to feel his pulse. "From both your appearance and your pulse, your body is already severely damaged. If not for a powerful life force sustaining you, you might not have survived this long. At most, you can endure two or three more high-intensity battles before your vitality is completely depleted."
Tang Hao was shocked. He hadn't expected Oscar to be not only a prodigious cultivator and teacher but also knowledgeable in medicine.
Everything Oscar said was precise,just from a pulse reading.
Tang Hao couldn't imagine how the Sword Sect had produced such a versatile genius.
He sighed bitterly. "That's why I've been so desperate to find the Nine-Heart Begonia Clan. Whatever the result, I must at least try. Tang San still needs time to grow, and I have things left to do."
"Oscar, please."
This time, Tang Hao didn't use any titles,his tone was heartfelt and sincere.
Oscar replied, "Actually, the Nine-Heart Begonia Clan has already joined the Sword Sect. They've gone to the ancestral grounds, so it may be some time before they can return."
Tang Hao was stunned. "They joined the Sword Sect?"
No wonder he was shocked. The Nine-Heart Begonia Clan had refused invitations from the three upper sects, both empires, and even Spirit Hall. Yet now, they had joined the Sword Sect?
Perhaps it was because of Oscar's talent, though even that seemed insufficient to sway such a reclusive clan.
Still, now that he knew their whereabouts, there was hope for his recovery.
Tang Hao said, "Then please convey my request. I'm willing to wait as long as it takes."
Oscar waved a hand. "Uncle Tang, you're too polite. I'll send a message to the ancestral grounds right away explaining your situation. I'm sure Sister Ye will be willing to help."
Tang Hao's eyes brightened,and then he caught something odd.
"Sister Ye?" Could Oscar mean Ye Haitang, the clan leader? She was older than Tang Hao himself, yet Oscar, barely an adult, called her "sister"?
He couldn't fathom how Oscar had managed such familiarity.
Tang Hao cupped his hands. "Then I thank you, Young Sect Master. Whether it succeeds or not, I'll be deeply grateful."
Oscar didn't care about gratitude; instead, he continued the conversation, subtly probing for information.
As they chatted, Oscar wrote a letter on the spot and handed it to a subordinate to deliver.
Seeing this, Tang Hao relaxed. He began answering Oscar's questions earnestly, also hoping to learn something from the young prodigy's words and demeanor.
The two men, each harboring their own thoughts, continued their seemingly casual conversation in the guest hall.
Follow me on my patreon for 60 Advanced chapters and 3 chapter daily updates pat*eon.com/GodofTranslation889