The land stretched out before them, simple and pure, bathed in golden light and filled with promise. Nestled between the gentle hills and clear rivers, near the border of the Heaven Dou Empire and the Star Luo Empire, stood the enchanting Holy Soul Village.
✨ Meeting the Old Village Chief: Jack
With a humble demeanor and a patched cloak draped over his strong shoulders, Tang Hao approached the quaint courtyard of the village elder. There, an old man with flowing white hair and kind, twinkling eyes welcomed him: Village Chief Jack.
Jack: "Good day, traveler. What brings you to our little piece of paradise, Holy Soul Village?"
Tang Hao replied earnestly, "I seek to settle here, to find a quiet life for my family."
Jack's wise old eyes softened with understanding.
Jack: "Ah, family. Do you have little ones?"
Tang Hao nodded, glancing fondly at his twin sons, Tang Yan and Tang San, "Yes, twin sons. Just two years old."
Jack chuckled warmly, a melody of joy in his voice.
Jack: "Two little miracles, I see. Our village could surely use young souls to fill it with laughter."
With a slight bow of gratitude, Tang Hao said, "I am ready to work—carpentry, hunting, farming—whatever is needed to contribute."
Jack stroked his beard thoughtfully, the corners of his mouth curving into a gentle smile.
Jack: "We may be small, but we treasure honesty. You have the hands of a true craftsman... and the heart of a devoted father."
A soft smile graced Tang Hao's lips as warmth spread in his chest.
Jack continued, "We have a lovely plot near the woods, with fresh water flowing nearby. If you wish for it, it's yours."
Tang Hao replied with heartfelt certainty, "I wish it."
Leaning in closer, Jack's voice lowered in urgency.
Jack: "Strange times stir outside these borders, young man. Spirit Hall has been causing unrest. Remain vigilant."
Tang Hao's expression turned serious as he nodded in understanding.
Tang Hao: "We will keep to ourselves and cherish our peace."
Jack smiled knowingly, sensing the resilience in Tang Hao.
Jack: "You carry the strength of one who knows how to weather storms."
Tang Hao replied softly, "For now, my heart longs only for sunshine."
Jack patted his shoulder, a gesture of camaraderie.
Jack: "Welcome to Holy Soul Village, Tang Hao."
✨ Building Their First Home: Playful Love
With their new plot secured, Tang Hao and Ah Yin immediately poured their hearts into building their modest home. Without the aid of soul power or shortcuts, they worked with wood and stone, letting their love guide every effort. Laughter and playful banter filled the air as they toiled side by side.
Ah Yin, eyes sparkling with mischief, teased, "Hao, you're cutting that beam crooked!"
Tang Hao chuckled, "It's artistic in its own way!"
As he lifted heavy stones with ease, he continued with mock seriousness, "Marry a strong man, they said. No one warned me he'd be stubborn too."
With a playful wink, Ah Yin countered, "It's your charm that won me over."
Handing him tools with a playful caution, she said, "Careful! You almost nailed your thumb."
Tang Hao smirked, "It would still be worth it if you kissed it better."
He pointed out a wall that leaned precariously and added with a playful glint in his eyes, "This wall's leaning just like your cooking experiments."
Ah Yin feigned offense, her laughter ringing clear as a bell. "You dare mock a Blue Silver Overlord's culinary skills?!"
Her giggle filled the space as she noticed the sawdust clinging to him. "Hao, you're covered in sawdust!"
Tang Hao replied with a deadpan expression, "True warriors wear sawdust like armor."
With a mock whine, he lamented, "Why am I doing all the heavy lifting?"
Ah Yin's voice was sweet as honey as she replied, "Because you're my mountain, remember?"
Tang Hao felt a warm flush spread across his cheeks as he hefted double the load.
Ah Yin smiled, her gaze softening, "You look so handsome when you sweat."
Tang Hao, ever the charmer, replied with a wink, "Say it louder, and the forest spirits might fall for me too."
With an exaggerated flex, he playfully asked, "Am I still your strongest?"
Ah Yin blushed, teasingly whispering, "Always. My Haotian Hammer."
They laughed together, sharing dreams for the future. "When the twins grow up, we'll tell them Daddy's first hammer was... a building hammer!"
Tang Hao gasped in mock horror, "Don't you dare!"
Their cabin rose slowly before them—a sturdy two-room haven with a small vegetable patch behind it. The walls were moistened with laughter, and the beams cradled their whispered dreams.
✨ Tang Yan's Internal Growth
Watching his parents' tender bickering unfold, Tang Yan nestled into Ah Yin's lap, his heart brimming with admiration.
Tang Yan, thinking: If I refine my spiritual technique... I can synchronize faster and grow stronger, quicker.
Deep within his curious mind, he began sketching models of improved breathing flows inspired by the world around him.
The System, with a playful tone, chimed in: [Host is officially diagnosed with "Baby Genius Syndrome." Proceed with caution!]
But Tang Yan, in a rare moment of seriousness, chose to ignore it.
✨ Bi Ji and Three-headed Mastiff: Loyalty Sealed
Later that night, beneath the soft glow of the moonlight, Bi Ji and the Three-headed Mastiff stood with solemn grace before Tang Hao and Ah Yin. Bi Ji bowed elegantly, her voice resonating with respect.
"Lady Gu Yuena has ordered us to follow the young master, Tang Yan. We swear upon our spirits and souls to guard him, nurture him, and lay down our lives if needed."
The Three-headed Mastiff, with all three heads nodding vigorously, barked with conviction, "Protect! Serve! Forever!"
Their eyes shone with determination, fierce yet affectionate.
✨ Updated Cultivations
Bi Ji now stood at an impressive 670,000 years of cultivation (after a +100,000 years reward from the Thunder Tribulation).
The Three-headed Mastiff had reached 410,000 years of cultivation (after a +100,000 years reward).
Both were formidable forces, though their gentle exteriors belied the strength within. Tang Yan, observing them, felt a comforting warmth envelop him. He realized he wasn't just protected by his parents anymore—he had a family woven not by blood, but by loyalty and boundless love.
As the first stars of the night blinked awake above them, their small cabin radiated warmth and safety under the vast, loving heavens.
Home. At last.
🌑 To be continued...