Mutated Tao

Chapter 444: Li Jiancheng

Tied down in two straitjackets, Li Huowang looked around silently at the white walls, LED lights, and the dull green color of the shock-resistant glass.

The place was empty and was furnished simply, but Li Huowang was not bored. In fact, he looked around as if everything was a shade brighter than it was.

That was because these were real, not fake.

Li Huowang looked through Hong Zhongs memories and learned how strong Strayed Ones were. It was all due to the primordial breath hidden within them. The primordial breath was a part of the Heavenly Dao.

Just as how the Muddled Ones would rend the heavens, Strayed Ones could turn "Lies" into "Truth" as long as they mastered it.

The confusion in his mind dissipated once he learned about it. He didn't need to figure out what was real or fake because he could just turn everything into reality.

The metal door creaked open and Li Huowang turned to see who it was.

Two massive-looking prison guards dressed in protective clothing walked into the room and stood guard by the door.

Sun Xiaoqin appeared between them and walked into the room with a container of food, ignoring the two prison guards.

She said, These youngsters. Sigh I already told them that nothing would happen to me here, yet they were still adamant on following me in. And there are even two of them! Is being a prison guard that boring?

One of the prison guards grumbled, Madam Sun, please dont blame us. This is an order from our superior. Even though we work hard and do a lot of things, we only earn a few thousand per month. Look at how expensive houses are nowadays. We wouldnt dare to risk our lives just for fun to deal with your son. We arent getting paid enough for it anyways.

Sun Xiaoqin wanted to continue complaining, but she walked hurridly when she saw Li Huowang looking at her.

She called out, Son? Are you awake? Come, have a meal! Ive made your favoritewintermelon and pork rib soup!

Li Huowang looked at the familiar and friendly face. Sun Xiaoqin used a short plastic spoon to scoop up some rice, pieces of rib, and wintermelon before placing it in front of Li Huowangs mouth.

It was a simple but delicious meal. He enjoyed it slowly, no longer worrying about whether he was eating the real food or chewing on dirt and nails.

When he saw the wrinkles around Sun Xiaoqins eyes, Li Huowang said gently, Mom, theres no reason for you to come visit me so often. You need to rest a lot too. I will gradually recover.

What are you saying? You are in the critical stage of recovery. You need to have someone accompanying you!

Li Huowang stopped trying to persuade his mother because he knew it was useless.

He continued eating and finished his meal peacefully; nothing strange happened.

The two prison guards sighed in relief when they saw one of their colleagues bringing in a middle-aged man.

Their colleague told them, Dont worry. He is the patient's father.

The three prison guards watched the man bring a bag of oranges towards the bed of the martial maniac.

Dad, Li Huowang said, looking at the man in front of him.

He rarely saw his father even in his hallucination previously.

Sun Xiaoqin pulled her husband outside. Why are you here without informing me?

Through the glass window, Li Huowang saw his parents discuss something while looking at him from time to time.

Li Huowang stared at them with complicated emotions. His parents' clothes were looser than before, indicating they had lost a lot of weight.

Five minutes later, Li Huowang saw his father entering the room again while his mother took the finished food container outside.

Do you want some oranges? his father offered.

His rough hands reached into the bag of oranges and took two out.

Li Huowang shook his head, but his father peeled an orange anyway and placed it on the table beside the bed.

Hows everything recently? his father asked.

Li Huowang answered, Not bad. This place is quite good.

Hows your sickness?

Im recovering soon. Im telling the truth.

Oh. Thats good.

Their conversation stopped there. This was normal in Li Huowang's household. Compared to his openly loving mother, his father was more reserved.

Li Huowang looked at his father and saw that he had dark eye bags and bloodshot eyes, a sign of a lack of sleep. His collar was turning yellow, and his sleeves were a bit oily. He hadnt changed his clothes in a while. There were more white hairs on the balding head than there used to be, and the stubble on his chin showed he hadnt shaved in a while too.

Li Huowang's father's name was Li Jiancheng.

Li Jiancheng stared at his son, who was tied to the bed, and the scar running across his face.

Taking a deep breath, Li Jiancheng reached into his pocket and took out a crumpled box of cigarettes. He lit it up with a green lighter. Li Jiancheng took a deep breath and exhaled the smoke out. His eyes were wet as if they were irritated by the smoke.

Sir, Im sorry, but the entire place is a non-smoking area. Please comply, one of the guards said.

Li Jiancheng wanted to snuff out his cigarette, but he couldnt find an ashtray. In the end, he used the discarded pieces of orange skin to snuff out his cigarette.

Dad, I thought you quit? Why did you start smoking again?

Li Jiancheng smiled and put the lighter away. Because Im feeling irritated. Dont worry, this is a cheap brand of cigarette. It doesnt cost me much.

Im not worried about money but your health.

Li Jiancheng remained quiet for a long time before he sighed. Its my fault. I didnt realize you were sick early on. Ive checked online and saw that illnesses related to the mental state had a higher chance of being treated if found early on. If Ive found out sooner, we mightve

Dad, this is not your fault! Li Huowang interrupted his father. This is an issue with my body. Since Im a Strayed One, this is my life. I cant escape it. You dont have to blame yourself; I will deal with it myself. Please dont worry.

However, Li Huowang saw his father's lips quiver and realized he shouldnt have said that.

His father would never understand the other world. In fact, hearing those words made him think his son was still seriously ill.

Huowang Li Jianchengs voice was filled with bitterness and tiredness. I know you cant differentiate the two places. Dont worry. I dont blame you. If you like the other place, then just stay there. If you think you can live much more comfortably there, then go. I will handle everything here. Your father is still here.

Hearing that made Li Huowangs heart ache. Afraid he would cry, he didnt say anything else.

The father and son sat there silently until the prison guard came and informed them that visitation hours were up. Li Jiancheng, who was tired and stressed out, patted Li Huowangs head before standing up and leaving the room.