Just like that, the days passed by like drifting clouds, and Wu Lan grew stronger with each one.
Every day, he followed the same routine, training in the morning, then going to heal Tang San. Tang San truly was the protagonist of this world. His luck was so high that Wu Lan received a reward every single day.
On the second day of healing, Wu Lan received a Trace of Strength from Tang San. After absorbing it, he clearly felt his strength increase by about ten percent.
After some thought, he came to a conclusion: this must be a small trace of Tang San's strength, maybe one percent, or even less. A loss that small would be hard for anyone to detect. But for someone like Wu Lan, who had only recently reached level four, that trace of strength was worth at least three days of intense training.
Like that, he continued to gather rewards: three Fragments of the Xuan Tian Record, a Trace of agility that improved his reaction speed, better footwork and reflexes, a Trace of defense that toughened his body, and three Traces of soul power.
In just ten days of training and daily rewards, Wu Lan's physical strength had nearly doubled. His soul power had risen to level five. But the biggest gain wasn't that.
It was Tang San's trust.
Every day, they sparred. Tang San always pointed out his mistakes, helping Wu Lan's combat sense improve rapidly.
After training, Wu Lan used his remaining soul power to go around healing the villagers. His gentle nature and kindness made everyone feel grateful.
The next day, Wu Lan noticed his body was getting stronger and needed more pressure. So, he decided to borrow some iron bars from Tang San for weighted training.
He smiled as he walked down the path toward Tang San's house.
As he got closer, he heard the sound of hammering.
Clang. Clang.
He knocked on the door and called out, "Little San, are you there?" as he stepped inside.
Tang San was standing by the furnace, hammering metal. Tang Hao sat nearby, drinking from a gourd. His expression was calm and distant.
Hearing the familiar voice, Tang San looked up and smiled.
"Brother Wu Lan!"
He put down the hammer and walked over.
Wu Lan smiled back. "Your practice looks intense as always."
Tang San nodded, then turned to his father. "Father, this is Brother Wu Lan. He's the one who's been healing me every day."
Wu Lan stepped forward and gave a gentle smile. "Hello, Uncle Tang."
Tang Hao glanced at him and gave a quiet nod. "Hmm." Then he took another sip from the gourd.
Wu Lan looked at Tang San. "Need healing today?"
Tang San stretched his arms and shook his head. "Just started training today, so I'm good."
Wu Lan turned his gaze toward Tang Hao. "Uncle, do you need healing? You must have hidden injuries from all the hammering."
Tang Hao didn't answer right away. He seemed to think for a moment, then slowly nodded. "Alright."
Wu Lan's heart skipped a beat. He held back his grin and walked over.
He summoned the Sacred Orchid. Pure white petals floated into the air. He moved his hand close to Tang Hao's chest.
A soft light flowed gently into Tang Hao's body.
Tang Hao's eyes closed. He felt the warmth spreading through his limbs. Old wounds hidden deep in his body began to stir.
His breathing slowed.
He felt... peace.
But Wu Lan had no time to admire it. A familiar sound rang in his mind.
[Healing in progress...]
[Payment detected: Ring Detonation Fragment]
[Would you like to absorb it?]
His eyes widened.
Ring Detonation? Tang Hao's legendary forbidden move?
"Yes!" he said in his mind.
He continued healing, but soon his soul power hit bottom, and the light faded. At that moment, Tang Hao, who had been relaxed, forgot to suppress his injuries and coughed blood.
"Father!" Tang San rushed forward.
Wu Lan stepped in, worry on his face. "Uncle, are you alright?"
Tang Hao waved his hand slowly. "I'm fine..." He took a deep breath and quietly suppressed his internal injuries.
Wu Lan frowned. "Uncle, why did you cough blood?"
Tang Hao answered calmly, "It's an old injury."
Tang San looked anxious. "Brother Wu Lan, can you heal my father?"
Wu Lan shook his head. "Little San, this looks like a serious injury. I don't have enough soul power for it."
He turned to Tang Hao. "Uncle Tang, you really should find a stronger healer."
Tang Hao slowly shook his head. "No need. I said I'm fine."
After a short silence, Wu Lan spoke again. "Then... I'll come every day and heal you little by little. My soul power is low, so I can only help a little each time."
Tang San looked at him gratefully. "Thank you, Brother Wu Lan."
Wu Lan smiled and shook his head. "Brothers should help each other."
Inside, Wu Lan was excited.
Tang Hao is a Title Douluo. A walking treasure trove.
Even a single trace of strength from him might be worth months of hard training. Not to mention the chance of rare techniques.
"Oh right, Uncle Tang, today I came to borrow some heavy iron bars."
Tang Hao raised an eyebrow. "What are you using them for?"
Before Wu Lan could reply, Tang San jumped in. "Father, Brother Wu Lan is trying a crazy idea, exercising until he breaks the limits of his body, then healing himself to grow stronger."
Tang Hao looked surprised. Then, slowly, a look of approval crossed his face.
"Impressive will."
He nodded.
Wu Lan smiled gently. "Thank you, Uncle Tang."
After Wu Lan left, Tang Hao looked at his son.
"You have a good friend."
A week passed quickly.
During that time, Wu Lan received only five more Fragments of the Xuan Tian Record from Tang San. After that, nothing. Maybe he had squeezed him too hard.
Wu Lan also healed Tang Hao daily. But he only received a Trace of Strength, which he didn't absorb. If his physical strength suddenly increased too much, Tang Hao might notice.
It was a bit disappointing.
But then, today's reward made his heart race.
The final Fragment of the Xuan Tian Record!
Wu Lan ran home, unable to contain his excitement.
He opened the inventory.
[Xuan Tian Record] - (10/10)
[Ring Detonation] - (1/5)
[Trace of Tang Hao's Strength]
He clicked on the Xuan Tian Record.
A voice echoed in his mind.
[Would you like to refine the Xuan Tian Record?]
Wu Lan said "Yes" without hesitation.
Memories flooded his brain. A sharp pain made him clutch his head. He gritted his teeth and endured.
Finally, the pain stopped. The inventory updated.
[Xuan Tian Record] - Mastery: Basic (0%)
[Ring Detonation] - (1/5)
[Trace of Tang Hao's Strength]
"So it's just the basic version," he muttered.
"Now I have to learn it."
As he sorted through the new knowledge in his mind, Wu Lan was surprised. Even the basic version already contained everything Tang San currently used.
That could only mean one thing: the versions were given by the system and could be upgraded.
Amazing.
If I upgrade it, I can even show off in front of Tang San, and he won't know a thing.
Wu Lan grinned.
"Tang San... I can't wait to see your expression."