Chapter 1827 - 1825: Defying Fate

"Why don't you do something else with your day? You're quite good at these deceptive tricks, huh? Although your clothes are a bit tattered, I can recognize the material. And your hands—how can a beggar have skin as good as yours? Who are you trying to fool?"

Tang Rao almost ended up cursing the old man's ancestors back eighteen generations.

Even if this con artist is a deceiver, he shouldn't fool Tang Rao's ancestors.

"Hahaha, young man, your observation skills are average, but you're not stupid."

The old man unexpectedly stopped acting crazy. His eyes became clearer than before. It's hard to imagine someone like him choosing to play the beggar just moments ago!

"I'm not stupid; you're the fool here. Your brain works perfectly well, but you insist on pretending to be a beggar. Are you out of your mind?"

Had Tang Rao not planned to strike, the old man would have probably continued his act.

"No, no, young man, your logic is off. If you weren't foolish, would you come to Care Mother Mountain alone?"

The old man shook his head several times, almost losing hope altogether in Tang Rao!

Care Mother Mountain?

Tang Rao didn't quite get what the old man meant, but after pondering, he somewhat understood. Could he really be on the territory of Care Mother Mountain?

"Old man, are you saying this is Care Mother Mountain?"

Tang Rao realized he was belatedly knowledgeable. He looked around but didn't find any sign resembling Care Mother Mountain.

Based on Wu Suowei's description and the address given by Old Tang, Care Mother Mountain should require a long advance inside.

"Otherwise, what do you think this place is?"

The old man gave Tang Rao a sidelong glance.

Previously, there were people who came to challenge, knowing this was Care Mother Mountain. However, Tang Rao was different; he didn't seem to realize this place wasn't suitable for someone of his status.

Thus, the old man didn't plan to punish Tang Rao immediately; instead, he became extraordinarily interested in this confused fellow.

"No, Care Mother Mountain should be further inside. So, are you just loitering here to collect protection fees? Don't think your little tricks can fool me."

The old man seemed to be the type without the strength to truss a chicken. Given his age, Tang Rao might have an edge if things got serious.

He continued forward, determined to shake off the old man, knowing he was close to finding his mother. He couldn't miss this rare opportunity because of someone irrelevant.

Tang Rao tried various methods, even took out the Divine Stone, planning to use it as an Accelerator to leave this elderly invalid behind. But imagination is beautiful; reality is harsh. Tang Rao's hope was once again crushed.

Standing in front of him, blocking his path further was none other than the old man he described as an elderly invalid.

"Old man, what do you want? Can you just tell me everything at once? I'm quite fragile, you know, don't crush my spirit."

Tang Rao was about to meet his mother. If the old man messed it up, it would be a huge blow to him.

"You're fragile? If you're fragile, go back. This isn't a place for you. Some should come, and some should leave. Don't attempt to enter a world that doesn't belong to you. I'll let it go this time. I'll consider you ignorant, but there won't be a next time. Be careful, or I'll show you no mercy!"

The old man said his piece, and then transformed from a beggar into a powerful figure clad in a Purple Gold Robe.

His aura suddenly activated, forcing Tang Rao, despite his combined prowess of Spirit Root and spiritual power, to step back several paces!

Looking closely, his aura fully unleashed, Tang Rao still couldn't discern the old man's strength, indicating the old man was vastly superior.

If the old man wanted, he could crush Tang Rao in an instant.

So whatever the old man said was all true. The man wasn't unable to do anything to Tang Rao; he simply chose not to.

"Wow, so you're like a hidden monk, always appearing by chance. More skillful masters like you hide in the city. You could've said so earlier. We almost became close without a fight, almost a family fighting a family!"

Tang Rao thought internally, if you'd said earlier, all my efforts to talk and prepare to fight would've been saved.

Suddenly, he felt like his neck was tied to his waistline and walking a circle on the edge of a knife.

Luckily, his head was still above his shoulders. He must be thankful for the years toughening him; he'd lost the impulsive nature he once had.

"We're not family; move along. Next time, don't casually come to such dangerous places. Your Spirit Root looks promising; don't ruin your future with reckless risks!"

The old man said all he needed. From here on, it's Tang Rao's decision where to go.

It's up to Tang Rao to make his choice.

As Tang Rao lowered his head in thought, the old man disappeared.

Truly, like hiding in plain sight, Tang Rao wanted to give him ninety-nine points; one less fearing he'd become arrogant!

At the entrance of Care Mother Mountain, right beneath Tang Rao's feet appeared a line. If he stays or retreats, nothing will happen, but if he advances a step over the line, it signifies he's made a choice that will affect the rest of his life.

"Dad, brother's here; do you want to stop him? He's walking to his doom!"

The woman, often appearing in Tang Rao's dreams, stood beside the man. Initially, she only thought she was seeing things.

Had he not been aware of a higher existence, known of his mother's presence, Tang Rao wouldn't have come to such a place like Care Mother Mountain!

"Looks like your brother knows everything."

The man sighed deeply but didn't tell the woman if she should advise Tang Rao not to continue recklessly.

"Dad, brother's come this far; do you want to watch him start over from scratch?"

Tang Rao's right foot was moving; he could step forward at any moment, but only fate knows when.

"He must choose his own path. If he fails, he'll start anew, and that's his fate. Don't forget the old words; we can only watch, not intervene. If we do, Tang Rao will break the game rules!"

Had the man not brought her to senses, she might have inadvertently harmed Tang Rao.

"What kind of rules are these? How can a father and sister watch their brother walk to death? The game rules have been in place for so long; isn't it time for a change?"