Chapter 20: A Web of Schemes

Tang San looked at Xu Ran with a furrowed brow.

By now, he had figured out the relationship between Xu Ran and Xiao Wu.

Xiao Wu likely came from a powerful organization and held an impressive status. Xu Ran was also part of this same organization. This explained why Xiao Wu trusted Xu Ran so much. More critically, Xu Ran harbored ulterior motives towards Xiao Wu.

Xu Ran had even manipulated him, leading him to misunderstand Xiao Wu and trying to sabotage their relationship. Having pieced all this together, Tang San cracked a smile. Fortunately, he had realized this early on; otherwise, he might have fallen for Xu Ran's schemes. That would have created a rift between him and Xiao Wu, giving Xu Ran the opportunity to swoop in.

But what was Xu Ran up to, asking about his father Tang Hao? Tang San sank into deep thought once again. Xu Ran was full of tricks; he had almost led Tang San to misunderstand Xiao Wu multiple times. Was he now setting another trap by inquiring about his father?

"Xu Ran, what exactly are you trying to do?" Tang San's eyebrows furrowed tighter as he glanced at Xiao Wu beside him, his heart aching. He couldn't help but wish he could march over and punch Xu Ran. Their feelings for each other were strong, yet Xu Ran was trying to ruin that. Was this guy even human?

There are plenty of beautiful girls in the world. Why was he intent on sabotaging him?

Now, Tang San harbored no negative feelings toward Xiao Wu. Even he had almost fallen for Xu Ran's manipulations, so how could Xiao Wu not be deceived? They were meeting for the first time, and he was already entangled in Xu Ran's schemes. Xiao Wu knew Xu Ran well; it was perfectly normal for her to be misled by his words.

"Your father is a useless man, hiding in Spirit Saint Village, blacksmithing for a lifetime. And you're even more pathetic, not even daring to acknowledge your own background," Xu Ran said. Could he not see the annoyance in Tang San's eyes?

Background?

Tang San paused, suddenly understanding Xu Ran's goal. He wanted to make Xiao Wu aware of how ordinary and unremarkable his background was, so she would disdain him and then leave him.

Thinking of this, Tang San laughed.

He laughed because Xu Ran didn't understand Xiao Wu.

What use were all of Xu Ran's schemes and plots?

He didn't understand Xiao Wu. For the past six years, wasn't it him, Tang San, who had been by her side? Xu Ran couldn't even grasp what Xiao Wu was thinking.

How could Xiao Wu be that kind of person?

If Xiao Wu were the sort to seek fame and fortune, she wouldn't have abandoned the resources of a powerful organization to come to a minor place like Nuoding Academy.

"Yes, my father is Tang Hao. Though I come from humble beginnings and a modest family, so what? I will strive to become stronger, and when I do, those material things will come naturally. 'Thirty years of Hedong, thirty years of Hexi; don't bully the young and poor,'" Tang San looked up at Xu Ran, standing tall and straight. When he uttered those last words, his eyes sparkled with an indomitable spirit.

What Xiao Wu values is a person's character, not their social standing or background. Though he may come from modest beginnings, his outstanding performance would undoubtedly attract Xiao Wu's attention. Xu Ran's dreams of stealing Xiao Wu away from him through deceit and manipulation were utterly delusional, for Xiao Wu detested such scheming individuals the most.

How could Xiao Wu ever be interested in such shameless people?

Lost in his thoughts, Tang San's face was filled with a gentle smile. He was completely oblivious to the dimming look in Xiao Wu's eyes at that moment.

Xu Ran almost burst out laughing. Did Tang San think he was Xiao Yan from next door, putting on airs here? Though Xu Ran considered himself a villain, the idea of Tang San defeating him was laughable.

"Xu Ran, are you trying to trick me again?" Tang San was perplexed. He suddenly noticed a change in the way Xiao Wu was looking at him. Her gaze was no longer warm and affectionate; it was as if she were looking at a stranger.

His heart skipped a beat, and then a surge of anger overwhelmed him. He couldn't understand what had gone wrong. What deceitful words had Xu Ran said to Xiao Wu to bring about such a change?

Tang San couldn't hold back; he grabbed Xu Ran's sleeve, his aura pressing down on Xu Ran.

A dragon has its reverse scales, touching which means death. Xiao Wu was Tang San's reverse scale. Xu Ran had violated their relationship, crossing Tang San's line in the sand.

"How have I tricked you? If you have nothing to hide, how could I have tricked you?" Xu Ran casually remarked, kicking Tang San away effortlessly. Tang San's abilities were not yet at the Soul Elder level, making him no match for Xu Ran—especially after Xu Ran had acquired the bloodline of an Auspicious Beast, which significantly elevated his physical abilities. Even without using his martial soul, he was on par with those at the Soul Elder level.

As for Tang San, his martial soul was just Blue Silver Grass. Even with the bloodline of the Blue Silver Emperor, he was pitifully weak.

"How can you be so strong?" Tang San looked at Xu Ran in astonishment. Xu Ran seemed about his age, but his power was inscrutable. Neither had released their martial souls, yet Tang San, who possessed the Tang Sect's secret techniques, was still sent flying by a single kick.

He didn't even have a fraction of a second to react.

The kick was evidently delivered at lightning speed.

"Your Blue Silver Grass martial spirit is trash to begin with. Do you really think you could ever be a match for me?" Xu Ran sneered, finding Tang San laughable. In this world, Tang San is no longer the most extraordinary individual. What do Tang Sect's unique skills or twin martial spirits matter? To him, it's all a joke.

"You…" Tang San felt indignant. He was, after all, a prodigy with twin martial spirits and yet was so belittled. Blue Silver Grass was just the tip of the iceberg; what did Xu Ran know? Once he became a Titled Douluo and filled his Clear Sky Hammer with spirit rings, he would stand at the pinnacle of the continent.

"Enough, stop arguing," Xiao Wu interjected, feeling a sense of despair. When Tang San revealed that his father was Tang Hao, her heart sank further. She had not been sure if Tang Hao was indeed Tang San's father, as he had never talked about his family, and she hadn't asked. But now, Tang San had confirmed it; could there be any doubt?

Perhaps Tang San came to Nuoding City to work as a work-student at the behest of Tang Hao. To have a father who is a Titled Douluo, yet choose to work as a work-student—it seems he really is willing to go to great lengths for her spirit rings and spirit bones.

Choosing to forgo luxury and wealth, he pretended to be a student with nothing to his name. Even when he arrived at Nuoding, he wore patched-up clothes to lower her guard.

Tang Hao and Tang San are quite the schemers.

But then again, what could be more valuable in this world than hundred-thousand-year spirit rings and spirit bones? Tang San is a prodigy. If he were to kill her and take her spirit rings and bones, who knows how strong he would become?

"Brother, this is the last time I'll call you that. If your conscience is clear, put on this hat. Otherwise, let's cut ties right here and now," Xiao Wu inhaled deeply, her eyes turning cold as she looked at Tang San.