Chapter 168: Chapter 152 Family
Tao Long said to Tao Yu with a hint of trepidation, the wrinkles on his face all squeezing together.
In his limited understanding, getting so much money must mean risking one's life!
And even risking one's life wasn't enough!
At least, apart from Little Seven who had Grade A talent, the entire family combined wouldn't suffice.
To put it bluntly, they weren't worthy of such income even if they risked their lives!
Little Seven had Grade A talent, and if he were to sign his life away to some major power, there might be a glimmer of hope.
"Hey, you just lack experience, don't you? I'm riding on the coattails of the two Masters from the Suns, even the slightest windfall from them can bring infinite benefits."
Tao Yu imitated the expression Joseph had once worn as he mockingly gestured towards the Floating City in the sky.
It couldn't be helped, his family's knowledge was too limited, bringing out his powerful patrons' identity seemed the only way to stop their worries, as there didn't seem to be any other method!
If he didn't brag a little, he estimated that even if he gave them some pocket money, they would be reluctant to spend it, saving it all instead.
"Hiss~, do those noble people really value you so much?"
Tao Long was shocked, his face failing to hide his astonishment.
"Yes, do you know about the legendary 'Child of Destiny' from the Abyss?"
Tao Yu explained bluntly.
'Child of Destiny,' Tao Yu had heard some stories and legends about it, mainly from his parents.
They all nodded, indicating they knew.
"This 'Child of Destiny' has another name, called 'Chosen One'. When they stay at the base, they can reduce the probability of the base falling into the chaos of the Abyss, so they are quite valuable in the early stages, and I found one for the base."
This was something that could be discussed openly, so he could say it candidly to his family members.
However, seeing their somewhat blank expressions, they still didn't grasp what this meant, Tao Yu pondered for a moment before adding,
"You can think of it as each one granting a reward of one hundred thousand Yuan Force."
The actual price was not calculated like that, but it did not prevent Tao Yu from saying so, as it made it easier for his family to accept and understand.
At these words, Tao Long almost lost his balance and nearly fell. He steadied himself against the doorframe for a long while before quickly darting out the door, cautiously looking left and right, and then coming back to bolt the door.
"You can't talk about this outside, it could get someone killed."
Tao Long warned gravely.
Generally, Pioneers killing each other don't lead to loss of Yuan Force, and robberies are quite rare.
Unless there is some equipment or goods involved.
But if someone has too much Yuan Force on them, there could be jealous people or desperate outlaws willing to take a chance.
What if they can't withstand torture and spill everything?
In the Outer City, one hundred thousand Yuan Force? Even ten thousand is enough to wipe out a family several times over!
"Is it because you don't believe me?"
"We believe, we believe,"
the family members all nodded rapidly like pecking chickens, their cautiousness bringing a slight smile to Tao Yu's face.
It's good to be cautious; although they might miss some opportunities, safety is paramount…
…
After discussing the details and matters of attention for absorbing the [Demonization] Skill with his third brother, fearing his sister-in-law couldn't handle it, Tao Yu also instructed Tao Shi to stay at home to oversee his third brother's absorption process for the month. A maximum of three per day, and if anything felt off, he would have to stop absorbing.
"You can begin the vaccine injection after starting absorption, just in case. What's infused into one's own body is the safest."
"I understand, don't worry, we've waited so many years, we won't mind a bit more time."
A smile appeared on Tao Tong's face.
The years of repression finally seemed hopeful, making him feel as if he was dreaming.
Initially, he was fully aware of what losing a limb meant in the Outer City and had resigned himself to fate.
It wasn't until his younger brother revealed his Grade A talent that he nurtured a faint hope, yet even that hope would have meant waiting another ten or even twenty years.
After all, it was essential not to impede my younger brother's own progress; priorities must be kept clear.
But who would have thought that in just a few months, such a surprise could come so unexpectedly...
...
Leaving two thousand Yuan Force with the third brother for family expenses went quite smoothly this time, without any further refusal.
The whole family was immersed in an atmosphere of joy and happiness.
Mother Hong Xia toiled in the kitchen and brought out a marinated pig head, a plate of smoked ham, and a bowl of steamed cured meat.
Three large meat dishes, coupled with some eggs and tofu, made for a truly sumptuous feast.
But today, everyone ate without a trace of reluctance or stinginess, wholly soaking in the joy and delight.
Our father, who seldom drank as a sentry, even took out a cherished jar of yellow wine.
The alcohol content wasn't high, and the flavor was quite ordinary, but it was enjoyed to the fullest.
Tao Yu felt the ambiance of the gathering and likewise harbored indescribable emotions within his heart.
This is what family is...
"Old Seven, from now on you will be the backbone of our family. You have ideas, and we won't rush or decide for you, but you still need to find a way to pass down your exceptional talent soon," Tao Long said, his face flushing a bit as he alluded indirectly.
"Yes, I've been worn out by all the matchmakers coming lately, I actually saw a few decent prospects..." Hong Xia was much more direct, as older women often enjoy this kind of topic.
"You don't have to worry about that, if I'm going to choose someone, it would at least be from the Inner City, I'll refuse anyone from the Outer City," said Tao Yu, not outright opposing the idea but rather expressing his own ambitions.
"It's good to have aspirations, but actually, that's not an issue. There are plenty who would like to take advantage of good talent..." Hong Xia continued to speak, but before she could finish, Tao Long interrupted her.
"Enough, what vision do we possess? It's not even comparable to that of Seven's experiences these past few months. Let him make his own judgements," he said.
Tao Yu also felt a chill deep down, was she about to say something incredibly crude just now?
However, it seems like that would be normal, not just in the Outer City but even within the Inner City...
...
Because the Development Zone now had a terminal, Tao Yu had completed all the tasks he could and for those he couldn't, Sun Shiyu had already provided Yuan Force for direct subsidies, so there was no further need to visit the task hall.
But with the cost-effective Qi Replenishing Pills and the availability of Qi-tonic Soup, Tao Yu still went to the Wan Liu Dojo for his daily training...
"Master Tao."
"Good day, Uncle Master."
"Master Tao..."
"..."
Compared to before, Tao Yu's presence in the Wan Liu Dojo was completely different now, and everyone who knew him would greet him proactively.
For those learning at the dojo, two months wasn't considered a long time, especially not for the difficulty level of these skill sets.
Tao Yu even spotted a few people who had first entered the dojo with him still engaged in group practice with the larger group, apparently not having finished yet.
But for Tao Yu, these times had seen earth-shaking transformations!
His initial Deification upon returning, followed by the secondary Deification of two talents after four months!
"Though compared to the expenses that will follow, it seems to be a long process of accumulation." Tao Yu sighed slightly.
His journey in the Abyss could be described as smooth sailing throughout.
The fractured Heart of the World, the Chosen One, vaccine information and samples, the wealth secured from these pioneering conquests of the new world, added to the haulage tasks during the initial clearance of the Development Zone, had earned him a hefty first pot of gold.
What he needed next, apart from the daily accumulation of experience, were new matching skills and another round of Deification, both exigent of significantly more Yuan Force.
"Continuing to stay nearby, I can't even guarantee the same rate of earning as before..." Tao Yu thought, as he arrived at the practice fields behind the cafeteria where he often trained, beginning today's exercise regimen...