446: I trained hard for three years, and although I became bald, I also became stronger.

At the edge of Bujiang Bay, a small town had been established, named "Bu Jiang Town".

Though the town was small, it had all the essential facilities.

Many of these facilities were even state-funded, specifically built to serve the martial artists who came here.

Rumble, rumble, rumble—

As the RV came to a stop and Lin Xuan and the others got out, the old town mayor, who had been waiting for a long time, immediately came forward in person to greet them.

"You must be the family of Young Master Tang Hao!"

"Please, come with me. Young Master Tang Hao has been waiting for you at the restaurant for quite some time now..."

Led by the eager old mayor, the group strolled leisurely through the town, admiring the unfamiliar scenery along the way.

At this moment, Bu Jiang Town was bustling with people.

Among them were not only the town's original residents but also martial artists who had come to watch the arena matches, as well as official personnel maintaining public order.

Full of curiosity, Lin Xuan pushed Su Qingge in her wheelchair, looking around in all directions.

Ahead, the old town mayor chattered away as he introduced the situation in the town...

Bu Jiang Town was nestled between mountains and water, self-sufficient.

Therefore, the native townsfolk had almost never been to the outside world, living a secluded life holed up here, isolated from the rest of the world.

It wasn't until decades ago, when the authorities designated this place as the annual venue for the [Jianghu Life and Death Arena],

that this originally isolated town began to establish connections with the outside world.

...

"Those wearing military uniforms, patrolling the streets, are from the Chinese Martial Artists Alliance, [Kunlun]."

"Every year, the authorities dispatch troops and Guardians to maintain stability in the town, to prevent some martial artists from fighting openly in the streets and threatening the safety of the townspeople."

"In the past, there were some beasts who, relying on their bit of strength, bullied men and women in the town, committing all sorts of crimes. And we were helpless against them?!"

"Fortunately, after [Kunlun] found out, they immediately sent people to make an example of them and established a series of countermeasures. After enforcing them with an iron fist for several consecutive years, no one dared to cause trouble on land outside the arena matches anymore."

"..."

Following the direction pointed by the old mayor, Lin Xuan and the others saw rows of well-trained soldiers carrying guns, patrolling back and forth on the streets.

The main street was very lively. Many townsfolk, seizing the annual business opportunity to make money, kept shouting and hawking various unique trinkets.

During this time, many people who were clearly outsiders, wealthy individuals dressed in various brand-name clothes, curiously gathered to look.

Some of them had even been reported on TV news, like well-known entrepreneurs, tycoons, or celebrities...

There was also another group mixed in—people with robust physiques, exuding an aura of trained fighters, suspected to be martial artists.

But no matter who they were or how influential their backgrounds, all these outsiders behaved honestly and properly.

No one was willing to cause trouble here and incur the hostility of [Kunlun].

After all, [Kunlun] was backed by the nation!

Unless they were fools...

Otherwise, even the most arrogant person wouldn't seek their own death, thinking they could single-handedly oppose the might of an entire nation, right?!

And so, the group advanced slowly.

Suddenly, Lin Xuan's mouth twitched.

He turned his head to look to the right →_→ and found his uncle clinging within a one-meter radius around him. If they got any closer, their faces would be touching.

He then turned his head to look to the left ←_← and found Aunt doing the same, sticking extremely close to him.

The couple flanked him left and right, firmly trapping him in the middle.

Of course, if it were just that, it would be one thing...

The most extreme part was when Lin Xuan looked back and found Tang Chuan and Tang Ling, the brother and sister duo, also following closely on his heels, nearly stepping on his heels several times.

"Ahem... Uncle, why are you all standing so close? |_・)? Isn't it hot in the middle of summer?"

Finally, Lin Xuan couldn't take it anymore. He coughed a few times and spoke up to remind them.

Tang Guoan:

"Huh? Not hot at all! The weather has turned cooler lately. We can get even closer to keep each other warm."

Xu Shuyun:

"That's right! I really regret not wearing an extra layer this morning. Otherwise, I wouldn't be shivering from the cold now."

Tang Family's Third Young Master:

"It's too noisy here. We need to be closer to hear each other's conversation! Cousin, don't overthink it!"

Tang Ling:

"(⊙o⊙) Um... I'm in an unfamiliar place! I'm afraid of getting lost, so sticking close is reasonable, right?"

Lin Xuan: "..."

This damn weather?

Cold?

Listening to his uncle's family's bizarre reasons and then looking up at the blazing sun, Lin Xuan's forehead was covered in black lines. ￣□￣｜｜

However, after he stole a glance at the constantly increasing "Affection Points" on his system panel...

Well, alright then! Closer it is! I'm not a girl, so I'm not afraid of losing out!

Besides, I'm getting 'paid' for it. Why not?

All of this is for the sake of achieving the supreme "Immortal Emperor" fruit position!!!

Endure!!!

Because the system notification sound kept prompting even when an ordinary person entered the close contact magnetic field range.

Finding it annoying, Lin Xuan had manually turned off the system notification sound long ago. It only prompted in very specific, special circumstances.

So, he hadn't heard the broadcast for Affection Points in a long time.

But occasionally, when he opened the system panel and saw the daily increasing point number, he still felt a sense of full accomplishment.

On the other side.

Huff~~~ Puff~~~

The Tang Family members were sweating profusely and panting from the heat.

Yet they persevered, steadfastly surrounding Lin Xuan on his ← left, ↓ behind, and → right.

This wasn't because they genuinely wanted to huddle for warmth. It was simply that after numerous experiments, the Tang Family had discovered that if they exceeded a five-meter range, they could hardly hear Lin Xuan's inner thoughts anymore.

┐(ﾟ～ﾟ)┌ No choice~~~~

In order to save their Sixth Brother and figure out the whole story, they had no choice but to stick close to Lin Xuan for some "close contact"~~~

...

In the quiet, quaint town center, a luxurious restaurant stood out abruptly.

[Bu Jiang Restaurant].

It was like a dazzling pearl, yet completely out of place with the simple surroundings.

From the outside, the restaurant was imposing. Its vermilion main gate was solemn and majestic, with stone lions on either side baring their teeth and claws, as if declaring its uniqueness to the world.

Upturned eaves, bracket sets, carved beams, and painted rafters—every detail exuded luxury and refinement.

However, its resplendent, golden appearance amidst the town's grey tiles and earthen walls seemed so glaring, like a discordant note breaking the town's original harmonious melody.

In truth, this was not built spontaneously by the town's residents. It was constructed with state funds, specifically to provide a place to stay for those martial artists wandering the Jianghu, as well as for the wealthy and powerful.

At this very moment.

The restaurant was bustling with noise and excitement. Sounds of laughter, chatter, and music intertwined, drifting out through the carved windows, forming a stark contrast with the town's usual tranquility.

Various spectating forces, a mixed bag of all sorts, gathered together, eagerly awaiting the start of the arena matches...

In the Celestial private room.

Tang Hao, dressed in black training clothes, was clinking glasses and drinking with the Huo Family members, looking utterly content.

Today could be said to be the most glorious day of his life.

After learning that his master was Jiang Yangping, countless people flattered him as if he were the moon surrounded by stars.

Even some seniors stronger than him still cast respectful and polite glances his way, causing Tang Hao's vanity to skyrocket. He was so pleased he nearly floated up to the heavens.

In one word: Awesome!!!!!!

In a wheelchair, the paralyzed Huo Qichen sat quietly to the side.

Watching Tang Hao, who was being made light-headed by a few flattering words from the crowd, he couldn't help but flash a hint of disdain and smugness in his eyes.

Excellent!

Martial artists really are all simple-minded, brawny, easily controlled fools. This makes using them simple and convenient.

Just as the group was engaged in lively conversation and laughter...

A server came to announce that Tang Guoan and the others had arrived outside the restaurant.

"Dad, Mom, they're here? I'll go greet them!"

Hearing this,

Tang Hao's face lit up with pleasant surprise. He hurriedly stood up to go out and welcome them.

Beside him, Huo Qichen shot a glance at the others in the room, signaling them to quickly follow and give the Tang Family plenty of face.

"Brat! No need, we're here!"

Before Tang Hao and the others could reach the door, Tang Guoan had already pushed it open and entered.

"Dad!"

Tang Hao, overjoyed, rushed towards his long-separated father and gave him a big hug.

"Dad! You... you have white hair! You need to rest more!"

Looking at the few extra strands of white hair on his father's head, Tang Hao's nose tingled with emotion. He felt guilty for having left his family for three years.

"Hahaha... Your old man is already past fifty. Isn't it normal to have a few white hairs?"

"But you, Sixth Son... hmm, not bad! You've become much sturdier! Good, very good!"

"..."

Tang Guoan patted his son's broad shoulders, his face full of gratification.

Compared to his skinny appearance when he was first taken away, the current Tang Hao could be said to be a completely different person.

If not for the familiar contours in his eyes and brows, he might not have dared to recognize him at first glance.

Behind Tang Guoan, Xu Shuyun and the others also entered the private room one by one.

"Xiao Hao! You... you've grown taller!"

"Mom! Ծ‸Ծ"

Seeing his mother, whom he hadn't seen in so long, Tang Hao's eyes reddened, and his nose tingled even more.

Xu Shuyun was also deeply moved. Looking at her now tall and sturdy sixth son, she held back tears several times.

At that moment, Tang Family's Third Young Master followed closely behind and entered. At a glance, he saw Tang Hao chatting with their parents and couldn't help but exclaim loudly.

...

"Holy crap! Sixth Brother, did you grow up on hormones these years? If I ran into you on the street, I definitely wouldn't recognize you."

"You've turned into a complete muscle-bound hunk! And this bald head, and your height—how did you grow? A second growth spurt? You're even taller than me now! (ΩДΩ)"

"Can practicing martial arts make you taller? Teach me quickly, I want to... hmm, never mind..."

"Seeing you go bald at such a young age, and your face has become a bit fierce-looking, (●￣(ｴ)￣●) your looks have taken a nosedive."

"If this is the price of practicing martial arts, for the sake of my, Tang Family's Third Young Master's, peerless good looks, I'd better not practice! →_→"

"..."

It wasn't without reason that Tang Chuan reacted so strongly. Sixth Brother's changes were simply too drastic, making him extremely uncomfortable.

When he first left home, the other was just a skinny little boy, only reaching up to his nose.

But now...

He was at least 1.9 meters tall. This time, when the brothers stood together, it was his turn as the older brother to only reach the other's nose.

ᕙ༼ຈلﻝ͜ ຈ༽ᕗ A proper muscle-bound hunk, with an extremely fierce appearance, possessing a function that could make children stop crying.

How could such incredible changes not leave Tang Chuan astonished? Σ(⊙▽⊙"a.

"Third Brother, stop teasing me." Tang Hao scratched his bald head and chuckled, coming over for a bear hug. "I've trained diligently for three years. Though I've gone bald, I've also become stronger."

"Alright then! As long as you're happy! When you can't find a wife in the future, we'll see if you cry or not."

Tang Family's Third Young Master responded with a smile, punching Sixth Brother's chest—hmm... rock hard!

"Sixth Brother~~~~"

Just as the two brothers were sharing a moment of bromance, exchanging their experiences over the years, a sweet, coquettish call came, causing Tang Hao to immediately shudder and clench up.

Tang Hao looked up and met a pair of beautiful eyes he had longed for day and night. His breath caught for a moment, and a genuine smile appeared from the depths of his heart.

"Sixth Brother~~~ Why aren't you acknowledging me~~~"

"What are you spacing out for? Don't you remember what Xiao Rou looks like anymore? How sad~~~"

"..."

Tang Rou, dressed in ancient-style clothing, pretended to be delighted and called out sweetly again.

Seeing the doting look in Tang Hao's eyes, she was overjoyed.

It's steady! It's steady!!!

Tang Rou knew that even after three years, Sixth Brother still couldn't escape her grasp. He would still be easily manipulated by her in the future.

"Oh, oh! (.・＿・.)ﾉI'm sorry~~ Sorry~ Sorry~~~"

"My fault, my fault! Xiao Rou, Sixth Brother apologizes to you!"

"You were walking at the very back just now, so Sixth Brother didn't notice you for a moment. I thought with the weather so stuffy and hot, you wouldn't have come with Dad and Mom!"

"Long time no see. You've really blossomed into such an elegant young lady! Little sister!"

"..."

Tang Hao spoke softly, a trace of doting appearing on his fierce face.

And so, the brother and sister silently gazed at each other, completely ignoring everyone else around them...

...

...

...

...

[4,000 words, replenished.]

Never in my wildest dreams did I think that on June 26, 2024, my book would actually get banned.

It can't be found on the website anymore, and I'm still in the book testing period!!! o(╥﹏╥)o

The river of sorrow flows backwards~~~~

I hope the heavens bless me and it gets released soon! Ծ‸Ծ~~~