Chapter 268: The Source of All Problems (2/2)

Ma Dutian had seen through Wang Tong's thoughts and was surprised to realize that this young boy could feel his real power. ”You can feel my power? Hehe. Interesting. I have eluded that from everyone in the world, but not a 16-year-old boy. Haha.”

Ma Dutian's laughter lightened up the mood of the conversation significantly. Wang Tong was convinced that Ma Dutian meant him no harm. He was the father of a caring and friendly girl, a living proof of her father's friendliness and righteousness.

”It was the Tactics of the Blade. My... stepfather taught me that. I can feel a pure energy pulsing inside of you, the kind of energy that only appears within an Einherjar. ” Wang Tong said. He decided that there was no point in hiding anything, since Ma Dutian would be able to see through his lies easily.

Ma Dutian smiled the topic away and then asked, ”I thought your sea of consciousness was depleted.”

”Yes, but luckily I got it back. Not sure how I did it though.” Wang Tong had spoken the truth; he had no clue how his sea of consciousness had recovered.

”You are indeed lucky. Well, since you are here, feel free to take a look. She is still in a coma, so she won't be able to speak. ”

Wang Tong was surprised how quickly Ma Dutian had accepted his request.

The thought of Ma Xiaoru made his heart ache. An immense guilt rose inside of him as he said, ”I am sorry.”

Although Wang Tong had nothing to do with Ma Xiaoru's injury, he had failed to protect the girl he liked, and that was a sin to a real man. Ma Dutian was pleased by Wang Tong's sense of accountability, and he nodded approvingly.

”You will leave her alone after seeing her for the last time today.” Ma Dutian announced. Wang Tong's body froze. He knew that Ma Dutian had disapproved his affection for Ma Xiaoru.

If it were before he met Ma Xiaoru, Wang Tong would have given up. However, ever since he met Ma Xiaoru, many things had happened, and Wang Tong had learned one valuable lesson: Don't give up on one’s true love.

”Uncle, how can I prove that I am worthy?” Wang Tong asked in a calm voice. The placidity in Wang Tong's voice caught Ma Dutian by surprise.

”I wager that you have heard about the marriage proposal between my family and House of Li. Ma Xiaoru had put her life in danger twice for you. The first time she lost her memory, and the second time she almost lost her life. Without her, you'd be dead for a long time.”

”You are right. For the sake of Ma Xiaoru's feelings for me, please give me a chance to prove that I am worthy of her affection.” Wang Tong pleaded.

Wang Tong knew that this was his only chance.

Ma Dutian held Wang Tong's gaze and then asked, ”So, you think you are worthier than Li Shiming?”

”First, yes, I am. Second, Ma Xiaoru doesn't like him. Third, you don't want to see their marriage happen either.”

Wang Tong's list of reasons were like three arrows that each had hit the mark squarely.

Ma Dutian finally smiled, as a newfound interest in this young boy flashed in his eyes. Wang Tong wasn't sure if what he said was appropriate, so he had turned into a bundle of nerves.

”You better walk the talk, young man. There is going to be a pan-solar system tournament coming up, and all of the top fighters of the Great Houses would attend that tournament. If you could become the champion of the tournament, I will deem you worthy of my daughter's hand. How about that?”

Wang Tong tried to control the elation sprouting out from his heart, and nodded his head.

”Leave here as soon as you see her. Don't let her mom catch you here. She will skin you alive, and that's not a joke.” Ma Dutian waved his hand.

A door opened, and a robot led Wang Tong to an inner chamber.

Ma Dutian sat down next to a desk and knocked on it twice. A shadowy figure appeared behind Ma Dutian's reclining chair.

”Is that him?”

”Yes, master.” The shadow whispered.

”Young and inexperienced. He would be dead in no time should the Li find him first. Luckily, I am a step ahead of the Li. ” Ma Dutian cracked a smile.

”Master, what is your plan?”

”I don't care if it is Li Shiming or Wang Tong, as long as Xiaoru is happy. Wang Tong needs to prove himself worthy, and I will give him a chance to do so.”

”As you wish, master.”

An eerie light flashed in the shadow's eyes that clearly weren’t human.