One-Click Upgrade: Super Decomposition System

Chapter 385 - The Card Was Laid out and the Spirit Begged for Mercy

After Lao Wang supplied the brush and ink paper, Jiang Hao left behind a few striking characters, full of vigor and vitality. Soon after, he and his father prepared to take their leave. Surprisingly, Lao Wang took with him several important items, including the freshly penned characters by Jiang Hao, and left the villa alongside him. Despite Jiang Hao's assurances that all was well, Lao Wang couldn't shake off a sense of fear. Fortunately, this wasn't his only residence.

Midway, Lao Wang, Jiang Weiping, and Jiang Hao went their separate ways. Jiang's father took the wheel, with Jiang Hao riding shotgun. In fact, since leaving Lao Wang's villa, Jiang Hao had been clutching the Portrait of Ladies, necessitating that his father drive the entire time. Naturally, Jiang's father was a licensed driver.

Once Lao Wang was gone, a somber mood settled over the car. Breaking the silence, Jiang's father casually remarked, “Hao Hao, is that painting you're holding some kind of ancient treasure?” Jiang Hao glanced at his father, pausing for a long moment before responding. “Dad, with all the changes I've been through recently, haven't you ever suspected anything?”

Jiang's father turned to him, offering a smile. “Suspected what? No matter how much you change, you're still my son. There's nothing for me to suspect.” Moved by his father's words, Jiang Hao felt a warmth in his heart. “Dad, thank you for believing in me so much,” he said. After a brief pause, he continued, “The truth is, I haven't changed—it's the world around us that's different. Fifty days ago, this world transformed; it's no longer the same place it once was. With the emergence of spiritual energy over fifty days ago, martial cultivators appeared, resembling the martial heroes from wuxia novels, or even characters from xianxia tales. Martial cultivators wield extraordinary strength in every action they take. And it was fifty days ago that I suddenly became one, which explains the drastic changes in me. Of course, with the resurgence of spiritual energy, many previously nonexistent things have now emerged.”

While speaking, Jiang Hao lifted the Portrait of Ladies he held and added, “Take her, for instance!” Sensing his father might be worried, he quickly reassured him, “But don’t worry, Dad. She can’t stir up much trouble under my watch!”

“A new era is on the horizon, and I’m already seeking ways for all of you to become martial cultivators!”

Jiang’s father absorbed Jiang Hao’s revelations in silence, his heart pounding with shock. It took a while, but eventually, he seemed to regain his composure.

With a smile, Jiang’s father looked at Jiang Hao and said, “I believe in you! Your mother, Zixuan, and I—we all support you!”

Casting a glance at the Portrait of Ladies Jiang Hao was holding, he inquired, “However, what are your plans for it?”

Having been candid with his father, Jiang Hao felt a great sense of relief. As for what to do with the painting, he was unsure.

“The truth is, I’m not scared of her because I’ve mastered the essence of Confucian and Taoist thought! My writing is imbued with this essence, which overpowers all malevolence.”

“In fact, I could end her with just a single thought!”

No sooner had Jiang Hao’s words fallen than the Portrait of Ladies in his grasp began to wriggle again. Then, a delicate and feeble female voice unexpectedly pleaded, “Mister, have mercy! Please spare my life!”

Caught off guard by the chilling plea, Jiang’s father instinctively slammed on the brakes. Jiang Hao, taken by surprise, nearly hit his head on the car.

Annoyed, he infused his hand, still clutching the scroll, with a surge of Confucian and Taoist energy. A wail of agony followed.

“Ah~!”

“Mister, have mercy! Please spare my life!”