Chapter 259
The Promise Tang Hao Wanted!
Tang Hao's voice returned to its low, hoarse tone, but the domineering and resolute air had been replaced by a deep sense of apprehension and helplessness.
He slowly shook his head, his gaze piercing through the distorted space with a complex expression, landing on Lin Xia's still calm and composed face.
“From the moment you appeared, displaying that miraculous restorative power and the might to control ancient behemoths, I have never underestimated you. Someone who can grow to this level in just six years, someone who can make Zhao Wuji fear as if he were seeing a god, is no ordinary person.”
Tang Hao paused, seemingly organizing his thoughts, or perhaps trying to convince himself.
"Especially after I released my aura to lock onto you..."
Tang Hao's gaze swept over the forest he had ravaged beyond recognition, finally settling on Lin Xia's deep eyes.
"Instead of fleeing immediately, you showed yourself and even revealed my whereabouts before I did... This insight, this courage, this... almost arrogant confidence."
Tang Hao emphasized the word "confidence".
"This in itself shows that you have absolute confidence in facing me, or rather..."
He paused slightly, his voice even lower.
“You don’t care about my threats at all.”
"so what?"
Lin Xia raised his eyebrows slightly, and a yellowish-brown halo flowed slowly around him, as naturally as breathing.
The Tyranitar on his shoulder let out a very faint "Ban~", as if mocking, yet also as if intimidating.
"So, I changed my mind."
Tang Hao's voice carried a weariness of having been relieved of a heavy burden, yet also an undeniable firmness.
"If I really act recklessly tonight, I might have a chance. But the cost... will be far beyond my imagination. The most likely outcome is mutual destruction, or even... mutual annihilation."
Tang Hao frankly stated the worst possible outcome.
"Moreover, when you voluntarily exposed yourself to my senses, I lost the best opportunity to assassinate you. Although I, Tang Hao, have never been one to use any means necessary in my life, I would never stoop to launching a despicable sneak attack on a junior who... willingly walked up to me and lowered all his guard."
Tang Hao dared to say that, but Lin Xia wanted to laugh.
"I lured you out not just to kill you."
Tang Hao's gaze sharpened again, fixed intently on Lin Xia.
"I just want a promise."
"Oh? A promise?"
Lin Xia seemed to have become interested, and the aura around her rippled slightly.
"Yes."
Tang Hao took a deep breath, as if trying to inhale the cold air in the forest into his lungs.
“Lin Xia, there is no enmity between us. The incident in Notting City was due to my son Tang San’s youthful impulsiveness and extreme actions. As his father, I apologize to you on his behalf.”
Tang Hao nodded slightly, a very solemn gesture representing the bowing of the Haotian Douluo.
"As for the Spirit Hall... that's a matter of our differing stances, not a matter of right or wrong. I hate the Spirit Hall to the bone, but you have your choice, and I have no right to interfere."
"I ask for only one thing tonight."
Tang Hao's voice was resolute, carrying an undeniable force.
"Past grievances, whether it was my son's murderous intent towards you, your teaching him a lesson, or my murderous intent today... are all wiped clean!"
"From now on, no matter how you cooperate with the Spirit Hall, no matter how high you achieve in the future, please do not... deliberately target Tang San!"
Tang Hao's words echoed in the silent forest.
"Don't deliberately suppress him, don't deprive him of opportunities to grow, don't... treat him as an obstacle you must remove! Let him walk his own path!"
"Whether it leads to the pinnacle or... plunges into the abyss, this is my only request, Tang Hao, as a father!" The word "request," uttered by a Title Douluo, carried immense weight!
The cold moonlight pierced through the sparse shadows of the trees, casting dappled patterns on the distorted space between the two.
Lin Xia remained silent, her fingertips unconsciously stroking the cold steel armor of Tyranitar, the dark gray armor gleaming with a chilling luster under the moonlight.
After a long while, he slowly raised his eyes, his deep gaze piercing through the ripples in space, landing on Tang Hao's face, which was completely covered by the shadow of the hood. That gaze seemed to pierce through all illusions and look straight into the depths of the soul.
"Haotian Douluo's love for his son is truly touching."
Lin Xia's voice remained calm, yet it carried a knowing understanding that saw through everything.
"I can promise you that as long as Tang San doesn't provoke me or block my path, I have no interest in him."
Lin Xia paused slightly, her tone carrying a subtle sharpness.
"I settled the old scores in Notting City the moment you showed up. As for the cooperation with the Spirit Hall, that's my game. Tang San... is far from qualified to be my pawn, let alone my opponent."
Lin Xia gently patted the little beast on her shoulder. Bangiras lazily uttered a "Bang~", glanced at Tang Hao with its dark golden vertical pupils, and then shrank back into Lin Xia's neck.
"As long as he knows what's good for him."
Lin Xia's words were like the clash of cold jade stones.
"What do I care about his life, death, honor, or disgrace?"
This statement is both a promise and a warning—the boundaries are clear.
Tang Hao's body under the hood seemed to relax completely, and an invisible pressure quietly dissipated.
He didn't say anything more, but simply nodded very slightly in Lin Xia's direction.
The next moment, Tang Hao's figure silently disappeared into the dense darkness behind him, as if he had never appeared at all.
Only a faint, almost imperceptible, heavy aura of the Haotian Hammer remained in the air.
Lin Xia stood alone in the messy woodland under the moonlight.
He looked at the darkness where Tang Hao had disappeared, a cryptic smile curving his lips—a smile that seemed mocking, knowing, and perhaps even a hint of playful anticipation for the future.
"promise……"
The morning mist had not yet completely dissipated, and the simple wooden cabin area of Shrek Academy was still immersed in tranquility.
Zhu Zhuqing had already woken up. She sat on the edge of the bed and turned her head to look at Lin Xia, who was still sleeping beside her.
The morning light streamed through the simple window frame, casting soft shadows on his peacefully sleeping profile.
His breathing was even, and his expression was relaxed, a stark contrast to his image yesterday, when he could turn the world upside down with a flick of his wrist and make the Soul Saint back down with a smile.
Zhu Zhuqing hesitated for a moment, then reached out and gently pushed Lin Xia's shoulder, her voice soft and gentle.
"Brother Lin Xia, get up quickly. It's getting late."
She paused, recalling something similar that Lin Xia had mentioned in her teachings, and added:
Don't you know that the early bird catches the worm?
Lin Xia's eyelashes fluttered a few times, then she slowly opened them.
Those deep eyes initially held a hint of sleepiness, but upon seeing Zhu Zhuqing's earnest little face, they instantly regained their clarity, followed by a touch of helplessness.
"Ugh……"
He sighed softly, his voice hoarse with the characteristic huskiness of early morning.
"You're quite diligent, girl."
Even so, he still sat up as instructed, his movements still somewhat languid.
The two tidied themselves up quickly and then left the room. The morning air carried the slightly earthy scent of grass, refreshing and invigorating. (End of Chapter)