However, Dazhuang did not rush to drink the tea. Instead, he set it aside and helped Old Karl up, supporting him as he sat on the bed before returning to his own chair.
Then, the old man and the young man began chatting about everyday life in the modest little house.
As they talked, the conversation gradually shifted to Wu Tong without either of them realizing it.
"Ah, if I had known things would turn out this way, I never should have sent Xiao Tong to the Spirit Master Academy. Even an ordinary, peaceful life would have been better than this—constantly being coveted by others."
Speaking of Wu Tong's plight, Old Karl wore a look of deep regret, pouring out years of guilt.
"Grandpa Karl, you can't say that. If you hadn't sent Brother Tong to the academy, how could his talents have shone so brightly? How could he have earned the favor of the Crown Prince... no, the Emperor?"
Dazhuang quickly comforted Old Karl before continuing softly, "Besides, even though Brother Tong has been staying in Heaven Dou City all these years, he's now the most famous person on the continent.
"And didn't he say in his letters that he's living quite well?
"You shouldn't worry unnecessarily. Brother Tong will return one day. Until then, you just need to take care of yourself. And you've got us, haven't you? We'll treat you like our own grandfather."
Hearing this, Old Karl's eyes reddened slightly. "Good children... you're all such good children!"
Just as Old Karl and Dazhuang were sharing this heartfelt moment, a figure came rushing toward the village chief's house.
"Good news! Great news!!"
The figure, panting heavily, shouted excitedly and barged in without even knocking.
"Good... cough... news, Grandpa Karl!"
Cough, cough—
Overcome with excitement, the person started coughing violently before finishing their sentence.
Seeing this, Dazhuang hurried over and patted their back to help them catch their breath before addressing them.
"Old Ye, drink some water and speak slowly. You're as impatient as ever. So, what's the good news?"
Old Ye, whose full name was Ye Qing, was another member of Wu Tong's childhood circle. Due to his prematurely aged appearance and mature demeanor, the kids called him "Old Ye."
Like Dazhuang, Ye Qing and several other childhood friends of Wu Tong had failed to awaken Spirit Power during their Martial Soul awakening, leaving them unable to become Spirit Masters.
They were destined to live ordinary lives in the village... if Wu Tong hadn't intervened.
But now, things were different. If the Spirit Master system didn't work, they could simply switch. Wu Tong had more than one extraordinary system at his disposal. Among so many options, there was bound to be one suited to their cultivation.
Wu Tong had no qualms about helping his friends grow stronger. Not only did he aim to increase the number of powerful individuals, spread his teachings, and elevate the world's rank, but his very nature wouldn't allow him to watch his friends fade into mediocrity, lost to time.
Besides, if he was going to nurture more experts anyway, why not prioritize his own people? Why let outsiders reap all the benefits?
Huff, huff, huff...
Ye Qing took several deep breaths to calm himself before speaking, his voice still tinged with excitement. "Brother Tong is back!!"
"What?!" x2
The news left Old Karl and Dazhuang stunned.
"Is it true, Old Ye?"
"Xiao Ye, is it real? Has Xiao Tong really returned?"
Dazhuang and Old Karl stared at Ye Qing in disbelief, their voices filled with incredulity.
"Of course it's true! Would I joke about something like this? Brother Tong came back in a huge mechanical vehicle and is at the village entrance right now, surrounded by a group of beautiful sisters!"
Seeing their skeptical expressions, Ye Qing quickly explained.
"That's wonderful! Brother Tong is finally back." Dazhuang exhaled in relief, as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders.
Over the years, it wasn't just Old Karl who had worried about Wu Tong—his childhood friends had been equally concerned.
But to spare Old Karl's feelings, they had suppressed their worries and maintained a cheerful front around him.
After all, Old Karl had been exceptionally kind to them. When their parents left for work, it was Old Karl who raised them.
To them, Old Karl was like a second father, and they couldn't bear to see him heartbroken.
Now that Wu Tong had returned, it meant he was safe, and Dazhuang couldn't help but feel relieved.
"Then let's hurry! Xiao Ye, lead the way. We'll go meet him right away."
Old Karl's heart pounded with excitement, his face flushed with renewed vigor. The despondent air around him vanished instantly as he turned to Ye Qing.
With that, he made to leave.
Dazhuang and Ye Qing quickly followed, supporting Old Karl by his arms as they guided him toward the village entrance.
The trio's hurried pace left the villagers, who were still unaware of the situation, puzzled as they watched them pass by.
Panyan Village Entrance
A colossal mechanical monstrosity stood parked at the village entrance, surrounded by a crowd of curious youngsters who quickly recognized their childhood leader—Wu Tong.
At that moment, Wu Tong stood in front of the vehicle, chatting with his old friends and reminiscing about their youthful antics.
Mostly, his friends asked questions while Wu Tong answered.
"Brother Tong, now that you're back, does that mean you don't have to fear those people anymore?"
Before Wu Tong could respond, another voice cut in.
"Fear? Brother Tong only compromised because he was worried about our safety. 'Vigilant' is the right word."
"Tch, showing off again. Think you're so great just because you went to school for a few years?"
Someone nearby scoffed at the correction. Having grown up together, they knew each other inside out—there was no need to flaunt knowledge among friends.
"By the way, Brother Tong, will you leave again?"
"Ah? No way! Brother Tong, we don't want you to go!"
...
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(End of Chapter)