Chapter 86

Tang Hao took Tang Yan and fled into the deepest part of the Illusion Forest, concealing all traces of their presence, hiding completely.

Du Yang's condition was extremely dire. In that frenzied battle, he had recklessly tapped into his potential, over and over again, severely damaging his meridians. His spiritual energy could no longer circulate on its own, and his life was in constant danger.

Tang Hao had an extremely delicate control over spiritual energy and carried some life-saving pills with him, so he personally guarded Du Yang, assisting him in gradually restoring the circulation of his spiritual energy. After spending the entire night, he managed to save Du Yang's life. However, Du Yang's internal and external injuries were still very severe. Whether he could open his eyes, when he would open them, and what kind of aftereffects he might have in the future, no one could give an answer.

Whether it was Tang Hao, Tang Qing, or Tang Ba, they were all cold-blooded people, naturally aloof, and rarely developed good feelings for anyone, let alone helped others. But Du Yang had stayed by Tang Yan's side even when the entire city had abandoned him, risking his life time and again to save him. This dedication and loyalty earned their respect.

What is the weight of a bond? What is the measure of righteousness? Only in times of hardship can these be truly tested.

This was the main reason why Tang Hao had spared no effort to save his life.

However, while Du Yang was at least stabilized, they were at a loss about what to do with Tang Yan, unable to find a solution.

Tang Yan was now emaciated, with yellow, withered hair and dry, cracked skin, looking like an old man on the verge of death, not at all like a teenager of fifteen or sixteen.

Tang Ba's brows were almost knitted into a knot: "What kind of evil martial technique did the kid practice? How did he end up like this?"

Tang Qing examined Tang Yan's condition and said thoughtfully: "Stealing lifespan, extracting essence blood, and forcibly enhancing strength. I've heard of techniques that extract essence blood, but never of one that can steal lifespan. I've lived for over forty years and have never heard of such a bizarre thing. Such techniques may seem to save one's life, but the consequences... they will ruin his entire life."

Tang Hao sat down next to Tang Yan, his worry evident: "Losing his lifespan and essence, even his internal organs are aging. Even if he survives, it will be hard for him to live long."

Tang Ba sat beside him: "Looking at him, he can probably last only two or three years, and those will be years of aging to the point where he can only lie in bed."

Tang Qing raised an eyebrow and looked at the two: "We have to find a way, right? We barely helped him escape, and now he's going to die here? The old man's intention was for us to protect him for life. If he only has two or three years... what's the point?"

"Shut your thick lips, no one thinks you're mute when you don't talk," Tang Hao glared at him angrily.

"Am I wrong? Unless we dig a million feet into the ground to find the earth's spiritual veins in this Illusion Forest, who in this world can provide lifespan? Even then, it might not work!"

The atmosphere fell silent, but gradually... Tang Ba's eyes took on a strange look: "What Xiao Qing said makes sense. Second Young Master's lifespan and essence have been severely depleted, and he only has a few years left. It will be hard for him to grow in martial arts. Is such a life worth living?"

Tang Hao raised his eyes, looking at Tang Ba's strange expression and the pretentious Tang Qing: "Your meaning is... to end it early... for him?"

Tang Qing shrugged: "I didn't mean that."

Tang Ba leaned against a root, silent for a moment, then said expressionlessly: "No one expected things to turn out this way. No one wanted to harm him, but... Sister Five, think about it. The old man suddenly announced that we were expelled from the family in that situation. Was it just a spur of the moment decision? Was he just putting on a show for others, not wanting people to criticize the Tang family for standing by while their descendants were slaughtered? Second Brother Qiong's fate is unknown, and if the three of us leave, the only remaining Martial Kings in the family will be Tang Mingjing and Army Leader. Even with the old man in charge, the Tang family's status will likely plummet.

The old man might have acted on impulse, but we need to think seriously. Should we protect a completely broken Second Young Master who can only cling to life for two or three years, or should we return to the family and continue doing what we should?"

Tang Hao frowned slightly, not answering directly but looking at Tang Qing: "What do you think?"

"I don't have an opinion."

"Speak!!"

"Uh... okay... cough... Here's the thing. Regardless of whether we can save Second Young Master, even if we do, he will likely only live in pain, unable to achieve much. All we can do is sigh and watch him suffer every day. Instead of that, why don't we do him a favor and give him a quick end?"

Tang Ba's lips curled into a half-smile: "Two to one, we think this isn't worth persisting. We should just deal with it, hide for a while, and then quietly return home. The old man might scold us on the surface, but he'll be secretly pleased. What do you think, Sister Five?"

Tang Hao's frown deepened, and her expression darkened: "Stop with your high-sounding reasons. You just don't want the trouble, you just want to return to the family, and you think it's embarrassing for a Martial King to protect a broken child! When Second Young Master was a waste, didn't Second Brother Qiong protect him for ten years? Did he ever complain? Huh? Answer me!!"

Tang Qing rubbed his bald head and laughed awkwardly: "See, you made me say it, and now you're upset. We're just discussing, right?"

"No discussion! We'll follow the old man's orders! We'll protect Second Young Master until he leaves this world."

"Huh? That's not like you?" Tang Ba raised an eyebrow at Tang Hao, when did this bloodthirsty woman ever show mercy?

"You've followed the old man for so many years. Is he a pretender? An actor? Since he made this arrangement, he must have his reasons. We need to faithfully carry out his orders, not speculate wildly about his intentions! I warn you, Tang Ba, stop having ulterior motives. I will protect this child!"

Tang Ba didn't speak again, staring at Tang Yan for a long time, then let out a cold snort and leaned back against the root, closing his eyes to rest. Tang Qing rubbed his bald head, looking bored, glanced around, and used his iron heavy knife as a pillow, lying on the ground and soon snoring.

The atmosphere became slightly strange, and Tang Hao silently guarded Tang Yan, watching the two vigilantly.

She could understand their feelings, especially Tang Ba's. He was cold and ruthless, his heart as cold as ice, his soul as venomous as poison. He was loyal only to the old man and willing to shed blood for the Tang family. He would never submit to anyone else or show them any kindness. Being suddenly expelled from the family and asked to protect someone he had never liked was indeed a strain for Tang Ba. In Juxiang City, he had accepted the task purely because of the atmosphere, feeling excited and stimulated. Now, as he calmed down, the first thing that came to his mind was the urge to kill.

Tang Qing was honest and straightforward, but he was also a sly fox, with a dirty and ugly soul, hiding a knife in his smile. No one could command him except the old man. Even if he agreed, he would secretly cause chaos. If Tang Yan were still as strong and heroic as in Juxiang City, he might have followed him silently, but Tang Yan's current condition disappointed him. In Tang Qing's eyes, the only solution to disappointment was to eliminate it.

Although Tang Hao also found it hard to accept life outside the Tang family, she had followed the old man for seven or eight years and knew how much he doted on Tang Yan. The word "doting" couldn't even fully describe it. Today's decision had even made Tang Mingjing jealous. She couldn't imagine what the old man would do if he found out that the three of them had killed Tang Yan on the way or had stood by and watched him die. He would never forgive them.

If it wasn't absolutely necessary, Tang Hao didn't want to make a hasty decision.

After a long silence, Tang Qing suddenly opened one eye and whispered: "Sister Five, why do you think the old man dotes on him so much, to the point of being overly indulgent? Could it be that..."

"Could it be what?"

"Could he not be Tang Mingjing's child?"

"Huh?"

Tang Qing turned over and whispered: "Is he the old man's illegitimate child?"

Tang Hao was speechless: "Your imagination is quite rich! I'm impressed!"

"I'm serious. Who dotes on their grandson to this extent? Why does he only dote on Second Young Master? The First Young Master has good talent, why does he not even bother with him? I have another question, do you remember the person carrying the paper figure?"

"I haven't seen him since the fight. What did you find out?"

"I feel he and Second Young Master are very close."

Tang Hao glared at him: "If you dare to suggest they have that kind of relationship, I'll rip your bald head off and use it as a stool."

Tang Qing laughed awkwardly: "Just a guess, out of curiosity, Sister Five, don't get upset."

Tang Hao said irritably: "If you have the time, think about how to avoid the Spirit King's pursuit. We killed Zhou Linglu and caused such a big mess; they won't let it go. With the Spirit King's power, he could send the Falcon Group Army to surround the entire Illusion Forest. Also, if we manage to escape the pursuit and get out of the Illusion Forest, where do we go? Second Brother Qiong is in the Spirit King's palace. Should we think of a way to save him?"