Chapter 741: Oscar's Original Soul Skill
As time passed, Tang San finally exhausted the effects of the last True Mushroom Wings. In the stands, the audience assumed that Tang San's last-ditch efforts would end soon, and that he'd either surrender or be forced out of the ring. Yet, to their surprise, he stood alone, resolute, as if he were prepared to face down the entire Mad Battle team by himself.
This display of solo defiance was almost stereotypical for a protagonist, but it didn't make it any less impressive. Just from his posture, one could sense his formidable strength. The nearly berserk Mad Battle team, however, paid no mind to his air of confidence. The white-haired young woman sneered.
"Congratulations," she taunted, "you're just in time for the last dance."
At her words, the Mad Battle team charged at Tang San, unleashing their most devastating techniques: Frenzied Trample, Super Berserk, Rapid Clone—attacking him from all sides with relentless, crushing force.
Unable to rely on hidden weapons or poison, Tang San was left to evade using only his Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track. The platform became a storm of shattered stone and dust, and Tang San's ghostly movements through it all left the audience wide-eyed with awe.
Yet, seeing that all of them couldn't take down Tang San despite their best efforts, the white-haired girl clicked her tongue in frustration and let her hair fly loose, activating her third soul skill.
"Web of Heaven!" she cried.
If individual attacks couldn't corner Tang San, then she'd force him into submission with an all-encompassing web. With Shrek's team reduced to just Tang San, she no longer needed to hold back.
Under the net of thick, sticky threads, Tang San's movements, no matter how elusive, had nowhere to go. As he dodged and spun, casting Blue Silver Grass to keep himself from being entangled, the Mad Battle team members each wore twisted smiles, relishing the chance to wear him down. Human endurance has limits, especially for a soul master barely past the rank of Soul Elder.
At last, the inevitable happened. Weighed down by exhaustion, Tang San found himself caught, and he could do nothing but watch as a tightly wound fist, wrapped in his own Blue Silver Grass, closed in.
But just an inch from his face, the attacker suddenly staggered and went limp.
Tang San, drenched in sweat, let out a sigh of relief, flashing a grin of triumph. The Mad Battle team's berserk state had ended, and the soul skill's backlash had begun.
A wicked smile crept onto Tang San's face as he flicked his wrist, sending the now-exhausted Mad Battle members sprawling out of the ring like a bunch of beached fish. With his plan's success, he was relieved the battle hadn't required a full retreat.
At this point, Tang San couldn't resist a bit of post-victory arrogance. Standing proudly, he tightly bound the white-haired controller in Blue Silver Grass, announcing coldly, "Your winning streak ends here."
With those words, he prepared to toss her out of the ring.
But just then, an unexpected twist occurred.
As she was thrown, the white-haired girl managed to use her hair to latch onto Tang San's wrist in a last-ditch effort to turn the tables.
A veteran of countless battles, she still had enough wits about her to use her last reserves of soul power to drag Tang San out of the ring with her. Before Tang San could react, he found himself being yanked out alongside her.
The white-haired girl collapsed on the floor, looking up at the sky with a heavy sigh. With the battle ending in a draw, they could make up the lost team points in the next match, she thought.
But the referee's announcement chilled her to the bone.
"This match's winner is—Shrek's Seven Devils!"
The white-haired girl's eyes went wide as she scrambled to her feet to protest.
"We both went out! It should be a tie, right?"
The referee calmly explained, "The Mad Battle team did exit the ring, but one Shrek member remained."
Just then, Oscar's carefree voice echoed, "Yup, I'm still here~"
There he was, still hovering above the ground, wings gently flapping as he held up his umbrella, not having technically exited the ring.
In the Great Soul Arena, stepping outside the platform's perimeter counted as exiting the ring. Since Oscar's feet hadn't touched the ground, he was still considered within bounds.
Dumbfounded, the white-haired girl opened her mouth to say something, but nothing came out.
Who would've thought that after all that strategizing on the platform, there'd be someone pulling tricks in the back?
Ye Wen smirked, unimpressed. A team with optimal soul rings and high-quality martial spirits, and they still struggled this much against civilians—only to win with a cheap trick in the end. How pathetic.
As for Oscar's endurance? Ye Wen knew that this was thanks to Yu Xiaogang's custom soul skill, known as Soft Power. By maintaining soul skills at minimal energy consumption, Oscar could stretch his abilities a bit longer—though to Ye Wen, it was a fairly unimpressive technique. But for a civilian like Oscar, it was something rare and valuable.
Yet was this truly what Oscar wanted?
Ye Wen knew well that Oscar, despite his gentle appearance, had a warrior's heart. Though Yu Xiaogang had promised to help Oscar feel less like dead weight to his teammates, victories gained through cheap tricks would likely feel hollow to Oscar, who took his self-worth and ideals seriously.
After this battle, Oscar would likely resign himself to a support role. Soft Power could surprise an opponent once, but it wouldn't be useful again—no one would fall for it twice.
Ye Wen considered approaching Oscar, but he decided to wait. Oscar needed to experience more battles, to truly understand the limitations of his position. When he finally fell for Ning Rongrong, that would be the perfect time to make him an offer.
In the meantime…
Ye Wen turned his gaze toward the Mad Battle team.
The members of Mad Battle had mostly recovered from the berserk state, but their expressions were dark. They had been one match away from a ten-win streak, only to lose to a group of kids. They couldn't deny that Shrek's team had quality spirits, yet the overwhelming difference in spirit power had made defeat all the more painful.
After surveying the other Mad Battle members, Ye Wen's eyes settled on the white-haired girl.
(To be continued)
(End of Chapter)
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Chapter 742: Poaching - Part 2
Most of the Mad Battle team didn't have particularly remarkable potential. But this white-haired young woman stood out—not only was she around 25, her martial spirit, the Cave Demon Spider, was known to rival the legendary Man-Faced Demon Spider. Her control abilities were top-tier, making her an ideal candidate for his team.
After all, in Douluo Continent, an individual's power was limited by their nine spirit abilities. Only a team working in unity could unlock their full potential. Even in future battles like the legendary fight at Jialing Pass, where gods and powerful spirits clashed, it was clear that teamwork was the real key to survival and victory.
Although at her age she was at 38th rank, lower than Shrek's most promising members, the fact that she was battling with a group of civilian spirit masters in the arena suggested a modest background. Her achievements to date proved her innate talent.
Knowing where to find the Mad Battle team's waiting room, Ye Wen soon arrived and knocked politely.
"Is anyone in? May I have a moment of your time?"
Inside, the Mad Battle team looked at each other, puzzled. Who would seek them out after their loss? Could it be someone here to mock them? If so, they'd be happy to give him a lesson on respecting one's elders.
It was the team leader, Mad Ox, who opened the door, his expression fierce. But his harsh words stopped short when he saw Ye Wen's calm and composed smile. After all, you don't hit someone who approaches with respect, and he recognized Ye Wen as one of the Great Soul Arena's rising stars, who had recently earned his Golden Soul Badge.
Watching Ye Wen's fights, Mad Ox knew this young man's strength was exceptional. It would take at least two or three of them just to restrain him, and even then, winning was questionable.
"What do you want?" he asked gruffly.
Instead of answering, Ye Wen replied warmly, "I'm here to talk to your entire team. May I come in?"
After a moment's hesitation, Mad Ox stepped aside, letting Ye Wen enter.
Ye Wen glanced around the room. Surprisingly, it was tidy, with a faint floral scent—perhaps to keep things pleasant for the only woman on the team. He greeted everyone with a slight smile.
"Allow me to introduce myself," he began. "My name is Ye Wen, and I believe some of you may already know me. Besides being a soul fighter, I also happen to be the head of a recently established herbal medicine business. I'll be straightforward. I'm interested in having this young lady"—he nodded at the white-haired spirit master—"join my team. I'd also welcome the rest of you to join my business, should you wish."
The room went silent. The members of the Mad Battle team exchanged glances, unsure how to respond.
Ye Wen continued, "In return, I'll be responsible for providing all necessary resources for your spirit rings and cultivation, along with a substantial salary. The only condition is that you must pledge your loyalty to me. Naturally, you're free to refuse. I'm not forcing anyone—I simply wanted to make an offer. From what I've observed, your teamwork and abilities are ideal for regional security roles. However, if you prefer to continue taking on life-threatening fights, I won't stand in your way. I just thought I'd extend an invitation."
The team exchanged glances, surprised by Ye Wen's directness. Many spirit masters around rank 30 or 40, unwilling to live under noble or official oversight, often turned to fighting in the arena or venturing into dangerous Soul Beast forests. Among those in the arena, some hoped to be noticed by a powerful patron, though they often aimed for high-ranking nobles rather than minor ones.
The two brothers with monkey martial spirits took off their masks, revealing weathered faces that looked around thirty. Both nodded at Mad Ox, who was their eldest and the most respected of the group.
"We'll follow your lead, boss," they said in unison.
The twin spirit masters with goat martial spirits also nodded silently.
Mad Ox scratched his head in hesitation. He may have been seen as streetwise by some, but the truth was he relied on his age and strength to lead; decision-making was not his strong suit.
Looking over at the others, he asked, "Old Liang, Xiao Bai—what do you two think?"
As the support master, Old Liang exuded a calm demeanor, with the quiet presence of someone thoughtful and cautious. Adjusting his glasses, he said, "Ye Wen, could you tell us a bit more about your business and background? Even if we were to join, we'd need to know it's a reputable organization."
Ye Wen was more than willing to explain his background. As he spoke, the team listened intently. Learning that Ye Wen had the backing of the Heaven Dou Empire's crown prince and that his mother-in-law's family included a powerful Spirit Douluo—albeit a relatively young family—they couldn't help but feel excited. Ye Wen's words revealed opportunities they had never dared to imagine.
Though the group was clearly tempted, Old Liang didn't immediately agree. Instead, he turned to the white-haired young woman.
"Xiao Bai, what do you think? After all, he's interested in recruiting you specifically for his team."
In the group, the young woman with white hair stood out as the youngest. She had grown up as an orphan, fighting for herself and refusing to submit to noble rule. Eventually, she had crossed paths with Mad Battle, and they had fought together ever since.
Faced with the thought of leaving her close-knit team, she hesitated.
(End of Chapter)
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Chapter 743: Joining Forces and Encounters
The white-haired young woman pursed her lips; after her match against Tang San, she looked a bit disheveled, giving her a somewhat vulnerable air that drew sympathy from anyone who glanced her way. She looked around at her longtime teammates, her eyes filled with reluctance. On one hand, she saw a promising future; on the other, her comrades, who had become more like family.
The other six members of Mad Battle—despite being rough, seasoned fighters—could see her hesitation. They encouraged her to pursue this opportunity, knowing her future was brighter than theirs.
"Xiao Bai, don't hesitate. Hanging around with us, you've become complacent," one teammate said.
"Exactly. You'll likely break through to Rank 40 within half a year. We can't provide the high-quality spirit rings you need, but with this young master, you'll have a much better path ahead," said another.
The Mad Battle members each chimed in with words of support. Only Old Liang, the team's auxiliary spirit master, remained silent. After the others quieted down, he finally spoke.
"No matter what you choose, Xiao Bai, you'll always be our little sister, and we'll support you. Remember, we're not going anywhere—only changing our line of work. You can always visit us if you miss us."
The others nodded in agreement, their eyes full of kindness as they looked at her. Touched by their encouragement, Xiao Bai's face softened, and she nodded, her expression firming with resolve.
"I'll join your team," she said, glancing at Ye Wen. "But I have one condition."
Ye Wen nodded, not surprised. "Of course. Please go on."
Xiao Bai looked back at her teammates. "I'd like us to achieve our goal of earning the Silver Soul Badge as a team before I join you. We've worked so hard toward it, and I don't want to give up halfway. If that's alright, I'll accept your offer."
Hearing such an idealistic request, Ye Wen hesitated, then agreed, though a peculiar expression crossed his face. If his memory was correct, Mad Battle would eventually reach the Silver Soul Badge—but soon after, they'd be facing the elite Huangdou Team.
If Huangdou fought without holding back, they'd easily defeat Shrek, let alone Mad Battle. Still, there was no risk of life or death, so he let it be.
Seeing their new benefactor's easygoing nature, the members of Mad Battle brightened, looking forward to a more secure future. Mad Ox, however, felt a slight pang. Outsiders often assumed he and Xiao Bai were a couple, but he knew better. He was five years her senior, and both his spirit and talent made him feel unworthy. He had only pretended to be her partner to ward off other soul masters' unwanted advances.
Mad Ox stole a quick glance at Ye Wen. "He's good-looking, though he's not even twenty yet. Like me, he's not right for Xiao Bai. But who knows who'll end up with her?"
With both sides in agreement, they celebrated over a hearty meal. Xiao Bai's true name was Bai Zhi, and her spirit, the Cave Demon Spider, was considered a top-tier spirit on par with the Man-Faced Demon Spider. At 25 and Rank 38, her control abilities were rare among civilian spirit masters. Given her talent, Ye Wen believed that with proper support, she could reach Rank 70 or even the Spirit Douluo level someday.
After a brief discussion, the Mad Battle team found Ye Wen to be exceptionally knowledgeable in spirit theory and fighting tactics. Encouraged by his open attitude, they began to ask him questions. Ye Wen, unlike Tang San, was generous in sharing spirit theory, holding back only his secret Xuan Yuan techniques. In the Douluo Continent's rigid hierarchy, advanced knowledge was a closely guarded treasure, usually restricted to noble clans and elite sects. The Mad Battle team, being civilians, was captivated, finding themselves more drawn to him than ever.
Bai Zhi, in particular, was intrigued by Ye Wen. Her admiration grew as she listened, and for the first time, she felt at ease with her new path.
After exchanging contact information, Ye Wen returned to his routine, occasionally visiting the Great Soul Arena. His impressive winning streak soon earned him the Golden Soul Badge, a rare feat among local Spirit Elders, making him somewhat of a legend. Soon, his status caught the attention of some ambitious nobles, who hoped to recruit him into their ranks—or even their family by marriage.
But Ye Wen only smiled, revealing his Ho family insignia, causing the nobles to immediately quiet down. After all, even in a remote area, they knew better than to mess with a family under the protection of a Spirit Douluo.
Life continued peacefully, and Ye Wen spent his days wandering around Soto City, enjoying the local food. One day, as he strolled down the street, he felt something as he brushed past two young women. He stopped, watching them walk away, his eyes thoughtful.
(Chapter End)
(End of Chapter)
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Chapter 744: Shrek Seven vs. Huangdou
"What a lovely scent... as expected, beautiful girls always smell nice. Though, the one with green hair has a faint trace of fishiness. Smells like... snake scales," Ye Wen thought to himself. Reflecting on his memories, he confirmed that it was indeed a distinctive snake scent.
As the two figures prepared to turn a corner, possibly noticing his gaze, Ye Wen quickly turned away. "A rare green-haired girl, carrying a snake-like smell, and paired with a cute Lolita-type companion… If I'm right, these two must be Dugu Bo's granddaughter, Dugu Yan, and Ye Lingling of the Nine Heart Begonia spirit."
As he continued walking, Ye Wen felt a sense of satisfaction. After waiting in Soto City for so long, he had finally come across the ones he had been waiting for. He almost felt he might die of boredom if he'd had to stay much longer. But even as he mentally planned his next steps, he reminded himself to keep his calm. Acting rashly, or giving Dugu Bo any reason to sense something was off, would only make things complicated.
Before long, the inevitable clash between the Shrek Seven and Huangdou teams was set to begin. Meanwhile, the Mad Battle Team had managed to fulfill their own aspirations by securing the Silver Spirit Badge, only to face Huangdou the very next day and end up brutally defeated. Ye Wen couldn't help but chuckle. Poor group—they had come so close to securing their victory, only to be beaten by the Shrek Seven, and right after, get pummeled by Huangdou.
Out of curiosity, Ye Wen had jokingly asked them if they wanted to try climbing back up to Silver Spirit again, but after those two crushing losses, they finally faced reality, with no desire for another attempt.
This so-called "fated showdown" felt more like rigging from the Great Spirit Arena, Ye Wen mused. Some nobles had recently vented to him about how Huangdou's dominance was costing the arena a great deal of money. In the original story, the arena had indeed lost substantial sums due to such invincible teams, leading to the fateful pairing of Shrek and Huangdou in an attempt to limit the arena's financial losses.
But now, standing in the midst of it, Ye Wen sensed something unusual. After all, both Shrek and Huangdou were rare teams capable of winning streaks in the arena, having defeated even the tough Mad Battle Team. Gamblers would naturally put most of their bets on a winning team—specifically on Huangdou, given their superior strength against Shrek. For the Great Spirit Arena to so desperately plead for Shrek's victory against Huangdou only highlighted the situation's oddity.
Yet, both sides were simply following the rules. Huangdou hadn't broken any protocols, and they too had Spirit Ancestor-level fighters in their ranks. The arena likely feared losing millions in payouts and, in desperation, bet their last hopes on Shrek.
With the referee's lively announcement, both teams took the stage. Watching from his seat, Ye Wen felt a strange lack of excitement. Huangdou was a straightforward Spirit Ancestor team, yet most of Shrek's so-called "seven commoners" were anything but ordinary. Except for Oscar, the "everyday" civilian, each Shrek member had significant ties or resources behind them.
Ye Wen smirked, seeing in Oscar's status as the sole commoner an ideal opportunity. After all, Oscar would likely feel the impact of his position over time, discovering that his peers were heirs and prodigies. Even if he could keep up for now, the unbalanced reality would eventually wear on him. Perhaps this was why Oscar, alone among the Seven, was the one with the strongest sense of justice.
The battle began with ferocity, though Ye Wen noticed that Huangdou, under their teacher Qin Ming's guidance, held back from full power, opting instead for controlled techniques that wouldn't overwhelm Shrek. With all members at Spirit Elder level or above, and some near the Spirit Ancestor threshold, Huangdou's dominance over Shrek was inevitable. Despite Shrek's top-tier spirits, two of their fighters were still stuck at the Great Spirit Master level, and their team had an additional support spirit master instead of an offensive fighter.
As the clash intensified, Zhu Zhuqing, despite her usual reserve, found her competitive spirit ignited by recent battles and the developing sense of camaraderie among her teammates. She joined hands with Dai Mubai, and a flash of white light appeared as their spirit power connected, enveloping them in a haze.
The Ghost White Tiger Spirit Fusion—unique to the royal family of the Star Luo Empire—appeared on the battlefield, albeit in its most basic form. Yet even this entry-level power radiated a terrifying strength, momentarily shifting the momentum of the battle.
The Ghost White Tiger's enhanced abilities propelled Dai Mubai to Spirit Ancestor-level power, a force too great for any standard member of Huangdou to handle alone. Only Yu Tianheng, who wielded the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon spirit, could stand against such might. However, due to Shrek's earlier tactics, Yu Tianheng was recovering from injuries, undergoing healing from Ye Lingling.
Even knowing that Tang San's tactics exploited their familiarity, Ye Wen couldn't help but shake his head, mentally crediting Tang San's teacher, Yu Xiaogang, for guiding him to use every advantage regardless of cost—a fitting reflection of Yu Xiaogang's infamously indifferent ways.
((End of Chapter)
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Chapter 745: Wrath of the Dragon
Under the unstoppable power of the Ghost White Tiger, the Black Tortoise Turtle brothers and Oslo of the Shadow Leopard martial soul fell one by one. Their defeat left Dugu Yan directly in the path of the colossal Ghost White Tiger, its towering height of three to four meters sending her into a panic.
In this moment of crisis, a figure in black appeared before Dugu Yan, shielding her from the looming beast. The height difference between the two was so stark that the entire audience fell silent, stunned by the sight. The figure was none other than Yu Tianheng.
"Your dual Soul Elder defense techniques might have broken through two layers of high-level defense and one layer of extreme defense with that fusion ability, but it's clearly reached its limit. After all, you're just two Soul Elders." Yu Tianheng's voice held an almost domineering tone as he spoke. In the next instant, radiant blue lightning surged around him.
In one decisive blow, he shattered the Ghost White Tiger.
On the battlefield, only Tang San and Yu Tianheng remained capable of fighting. Ma Hongjun, with his sub-30-level soul power, was far too weak to contribute meaningfully. The sole remaining member of the Huangdou Team, Dugu Yan, couldn't counter the raw power of an assault-type martial spirit like Yu Tianheng's with her venom-based control abilities alone.
Having underestimated his opponents and suffered a harsh setback, Yu Tianheng now set aside all traces of arrogance. Removing his white gloves, he declared, "My apologies for underestimating you. To show my respect, I'll reveal the full power of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon."
Tang San's expression grew solemn. As Yu Xiaogang's disciple, he knew all too well what the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon name entailed. His Eight Spider Lances emerged, lifting him into the air. Gasps arose from the crowd as they saw Yu Tianheng's hands—unlike human hands, they resembled the claws of a soul beast.
This wasn't simply a display of soul armor but a complete transformation of his limbs. Recognizing the legendary ability, many seasoned soul masters in the audience gasped in shock. It was none other than the infamous Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon's secret technique: Dragon Transformation.
The Dragon Transformation doubled the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon's attack power and lightning strength. Though its power boost was less than that of the True Body of a Martial Soul, the ability was still a deadly and near-unbeatable force among mid-level soul masters lacking access to True Body transformations.
However, while many in the crowd looked on with awe, Ye Wen merely raised an eyebrow, finding the situation a bit regrettable. If not for Tang San's presence, Yu Tianheng would certainly have fit the mold of a protagonist.
That said, there was one detail about Yu Tianheng that puzzled Ye Wen. Though Yu Tianheng had once been deemed untalented, Yu Xiaogang had somehow managed to turn him into a "genius." The irony was hard to miss, considering Yu Xiaogang—a so-called "trash" who himself lacked the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon spirit—had somehow mentored this prodigy. Was Yu Xiaogang's only qualification simply reading more family books? Whatever the case, Ye Wen decided to drop the question for now, instead turning his attention to Dugu Yan, who was watching on the sidelines.
Having lived a life of smooth victories, Yu Tianheng had never been so thoroughly beaten, let alone in a small, obscure town by what he considered commoners. The humiliation spurred his will to kill. With a sharp shout, he charged forward, wielding thunder in hand.
"Thousand-Handed Shura! I won't let you live to surrender—die!" Roaring his challenge, Yu Tianheng lunged at Tang San, lightning crackling around him.
Tang San did not flinch. Activating his Mysterious Heaven Technique, he expertly weaved through the torrent of lightning with his Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track, moving closer to Yu Tianheng. Despite his agility, the sheer density of the attacks meant that he was occasionally struck, but even through the numbing shocks, Tang San pushed forward relentlessly. His keen senses spotted a brief opening between the thunderous blows, and he seized his chance, launching his third spirit ability, Web of Blue Silver.
Fully powered up, Yu Tianheng saw this attack as laughably weak. Surrounded by his lightning aura, he shattered the Blue Silver Web in an instant. Yet this was precisely what Tang San had anticipated.
Using the brief moment Yu Tianheng took to counter the web, Tang San dashed forward with his Eight Spider Lances, launching a frenzied assault. Though Yu Tianheng's dragon-transformed skin and martial armor protected him, he couldn't entirely avoid the onslaught. Bruised and slightly weakened, he called out for assistance.
Without a word, Ye Lingling began to heal him, the Nine Heart Begonia enveloping him in a gentle glow that restored both his stamina and purged any residual toxins.
Meanwhile, Tang San's Hidden Poison from the Man-Faced Demon Spider became ineffective. Despite his best efforts, Tang San found himself unable to penetrate Yu Tianheng's ever-thickening layers of defense. Desperate, he summoned every ounce of his power, his pupils narrowing as he continued his assault. At the same time, Ning Rongrong, observing the battle from the sidelines, bolstered Tang San's strength and speed.
Tang San's attacks intensified, but Yu Tianheng's arms continued to grow, his muscles and dragon scales expanding further until they formed a massive, spiked arm-shield. With his gigantic dragon arm, Yu Tianheng was able to hold off Tang San's relentless assault.
Watching from the sidelines, Dugu Yan's face turned grim. "Tianheng, stop! Any more of this and you'll suffer a backlash from your spirit ability!" she called out in alarm.
Yet the pride of a genius and noble blood had already clouded Yu Tianheng's mind. Ignoring Dugu Yan's warning, he deflected Tang San's assault with a single, powerful swing, sending Tang San flying backward.
Ye Wen smirked slightly, sensing the battle was nearing its climax.
Yu Tianheng's dragon arm was now fully electrified. With a sharp, decisive step forward, he unleashed a devastating punch, lightning erupting around him.
"Self-Created Spirit Ability: Dragon's Wrath!"
The thunderous explosion of energy surged forward like a dragon's roar, cracking the arena floor in its wake. The earth beneath splintered as the deadly blast advanced, destroying everything in its path.
Sensing the impending doom, Shrek's members, who had been unable to rejoin the fray, quickly retreated, flapping their spirit-enhanced wings. Only Tang San remained behind, steeling himself to face the final blow.
((End of Chapter)
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Chapter 746: The Scheme
A dazzling flash of white light flooded the arena, blinding everyone temporarily. As the light faded and the dust settled, the audience could finally see that Yu Tianheng was pressing forward, trying to punch Tang San, but was blocked by the Eight Spider Lances, unable to move an inch further.
Tang San was already backed into a corner of the stage. With just a bit more force, Yu Tianheng could push him out of bounds. But, perhaps due to the thrill of imminent victory or the inherent arrogance of dragon blood, Yu Tianheng chose to taunt him.
"We've fought this long, and all you managed was to scratch me a little. Your poison doesn't even affect me anym—what... what?! Aaaah—!"
Suddenly, Yu Tianheng screamed in agony, his voice echoing across the stage. Even though Ye Lingling was frantically using her healing abilities on him, they had no effect.
Ye Wen, watching from the sidelines, smirked internally. "It's finally happening. This is why people call Tang San a demonic spirit master."
In addition to speed and venom, the Eight Spider Lances also granted Tang San an additional talent: Devour. This allowed him to absorb the spirit power of others to replenish his own, a skill uncomfortably close to what would be called a demonic spirit technique.
Already weakened from unleashing a high-powered self-created spirit skill, Yu Tianheng was now completely incapacitated from Tang San's energy-siphoning move.
And so, a match that should have been exhilarating concluded in an abrupt, brutal fashion.
But Tang San wasn't finished. With a swift pull, he extracted the Eight Spider Lances from Yu Tianheng, then swiftly moved in front of Dugu Yan. He stabbed her with one of the Lances, then aimed another at Ye Lingling.
"Heal my people, or die."
Watching this, Ye Wen shook his head. Without Xiao Wu by his side, Tang San's bloodlust was unchecked, showing his true, ruthless nature. Why threaten with death in a non-lethal match when no one on his team had even died?
Ye Wen considered intervening, but Flender, recognizing the situation, acted first. If Tang San seriously harmed the members of the Huangdou team, the consequences would be severe—whether Tang San's father was the fabled Haotian Douluo or not.
Ye Lingling, pure-hearted and unaccustomed to such a scene, nodded fearfully and agreed to treat them. Their instructor, Qin Ming, quickly declared their surrender. Though both sides had agreed not to engage in lethal combat, the match had veered into grim territory, ending on a bizarrely anticlimactic note.
Having seen enough, Ye Wen was ready to move.
The defeat had left the Huangdou team members in low spirits. Instead of returning to their hotel together, they went their separate ways after leaving the arena. Though Dugu Yan wanted to console Yu Tianheng, he brushed her off. The proud dragon martial spirit soul master felt humiliated, both for himself and his family, and needed time alone.
Meanwhile, still shaken from Tang San's threats, Ye Lingling returned to the hotel with their teacher's support.
Left with no one to confide in, Dugu Yan wandered aimlessly, feeling emptier than ever. As she walked, a faintly scented breeze brushed past, and she shivered slightly from the chill. Lost in her thoughts, she decided to return to the hotel, hoping a bath and sleep might ease her mind. But as she walked, a strange nausea gripped her, and her body began to tremble uncontrollably.
"What… what's happening to me?"
The realization hit her in a flash: she had been poisoned. Even if her martial prowess was lackluster, as the granddaughter of Poison Douluo, Dugu Yan knew enough about poisons to recognize her symptoms. But how? She had just been healed by Ye Lingling, who should have purged any residual toxins from her system.
Feeling increasingly helpless, a painful thought crept into her mind: someone must have poisoned her intentionally. Though her life had always been sheltered due to her grandfather's protection, Dugu Yan was aware of the ugliness in the world, thanks to his warnings. Knowing was one thing, but experiencing it firsthand was terrifying.
As her condition worsened, her heart raced with fear and uncertainty. Who was targeting her? What would they take from her? Would she bring trouble to her grandfather?
But she received no answers, only the ever-intensifying pain. Stranded alone in a deserted alley just a street away from a bustling thoroughfare, Dugu Yan could only curl up in silent suffering, grappling with an agonizing sense of isolation.
Suddenly, a shadow passed by the alley entrance. Pausing, the figure seemed to hesitate, glancing her way.
"Don't just stand there, help me!" she screamed inwardly, desperate for aid.
She no longer cared who the person was or whether they had ulterior motives. Anything was better than waiting in agony. But the figure hesitated before finally continuing down the street, leaving Dugu Yan to despair.
On the verge of passing out, Dugu Yan felt her consciousness slipping. Just then, a gentle sigh echoed in the alley.
"So troublesome," came a soft, refined voice. "I can't just leave her here. Hmm? She looks familiar. Wasn't she the girl in the match earlier? What's she doing here?"
The man's cultured tone stirred a flicker of hope in her fading consciousness.
"Are you okay, miss? Do you need help?"
Summoning her last ounce of strength, Dugu Yan forced herself to speak. "S-Soto… Grand Hotel…" But before she could finish, she succumbed to the darkness.
The man, Ye Wen, smiled knowingly as he looked down at her.
Yes, it had been Ye Wen who orchestrated this entire event. He hadn't directly poisoned her; that would be too obvious. Instead, he had simply nudged her toward this outcome, using a particular herb to amplify her symptoms.
After all, the granddaughter of Poison Douluo would undoubtedly be cured in an instant if her poison were blatantly obvious. But through careful manipulation—using a unique herb known to accelerate the effects of snake venom and a soft breeze to deliver it—he'd achieved the desired result without leaving a trace.
((End of Chapter)
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Chapter 747: A Primitive Cure, Part 1
The four words Dugu Yan managed to utter before losing consciousness were unmistakable to anyone familiar with the city: Soto Grand Hotel.
Without a moment's hesitation, Ye Wen lifted Dugu Yan's delicate, limp body and swiftly headed towards Soto Grand Hotel. The sight of a young man carrying an unconscious girl would naturally invite curious glances, but Ye Wen strode confidently with no intention of concealing himself, which prevented any nosy individuals from interfering.
Once at the hotel, he moved straight to the front desk, feigning an urgent tone as he asked, "Miss, could you please tell me which room the members of the Huangdou team are staying in? This young lady is one of their companions and needs immediate help."
Even if the receptionist hadn't attended the match, she knew of the esteemed guests staying at the hotel. Recognizing Dugu Yan by her striking green hair, she instantly understood the urgency and didn't hesitate to guide Ye Wen to their suite.
A soft knock at the door prompted a delicate, timid voice from within. "Who is it?"
Before Ye Wen could respond, the receptionist spoke up. "Excuse me, one of your companions is in need of assistance. Could you please come out and help?"
The sound of hurried footsteps came from within, and the door swung open to reveal Ye Lingling's gentle, pure features. She barely acknowledged Ye Wen, her focus immediately shifting to Dugu Yan.
"Yan Yan! What happened to you?" she cried, her voice filled with alarm. Realizing the urgency, she stepped aside, quickly gesturing Ye Wen inside. "Don't just stand there; bring her in so I can treat her!"
Ye Wen nodded, carrying Dugu Yan into the room and gently laying her on the sofa in the lounge area. Surveying the room, he noted that, aside from Qin Ming and Yu Tianheng, the other Huangdou members had returned.
Ye Wen silently observed that while Ye Lingling seemed kind and unsuspecting, it was clear she felt safe opening the door because her teammates were nearby. The rest of the Huangdou team, focused on Dugu Yan's condition, paid Ye Wen little mind.
Without wasting time, Ye Wen stepped aside to allow Ye Lingling room to work. Dugu Yan's face had turned pale, and her once-lustrous red lips were now a sickly green—an ominous sign. Recognizing the severity of the situation, Ye Lingling summoned her Nine Heart Begonia martial spirit and let a single petal fall delicately onto Dugu Yan.
"Third spirit skill: Complete Heal."
A soft pink light enveloped Dugu Yan, gradually restoring color to her face. Yet, though her complexion improved, the green hue on her lips persisted, making the scene unsettling.
Ye Lingling, worried that her healing wasn't working, increased her spirit power output, but the green on Dugu Yan's lips showed no sign of fading. As the proud owner of a martial spirit known for its extraordinary healing abilities, Ye Lingling was shocked; it was the first time her powers had proven ineffective.
Worse, the green color on Dugu Yan's lips began to darken as her face became flushed. Unaware of the implications, Ye Lingling focused on healing, while Ye Wen's expression darkened, his voice cutting through the air.
"Miss, you should stop. At this rate, you're only making things worse. Your friend could die from an overload of poison."
"Who do you think you are, telling her what to do?" Osler scoffed, dismissing Ye Wen.
However, Ye Lingling suddenly snapped out of her trance, noticing the green spreading ominously across Dugu Yan's lips. Cold sweat broke out on her forehead, and she stopped her skill immediately.
The Shi brothers, who had been silent until now, exchanged glances before asking in unison, "What's wrong, Lingling? Why did you stop?"
Pale and trembling slightly, Ye Lingling shook her head. "It's no use. Yan Yan's poison is unusual. The more I try to heal her, the stronger the poison becomes. I don't know what to do."
Frantic, she turned to the others. "We need to find Instructor Qin and our captain immediately. They might understand Yan Yan's condition better."
Ye Wen, of course, knew exactly why the poison in Dugu Yan's body was growing stronger. It was the innate poison of the Dugu family, a nearly inseparable part of her body. When life force was excessively poured into her through Ye Lingling's spirit power, it only served to intensify the poison. If Dugu Yan were conscious, she could balance or suppress it herself, but in her current state, the poison was running rampant.
Relieved to have a solution, the Huangdou members quickly headed out to find Yu Tianheng and Qin Ming. They couldn't afford to risk Dugu Yan's life, nor could they face the consequences if something went wrong.
Only Ye Lingling, being the most medically knowledgeable, stayed behind to monitor Dugu Yan's condition. With the room now empty and quiet, Ye Wen scratched the back of his head awkwardly, his voice calm.
"Well, if there's nothing more I can do here, I suppose I'll take my leave now."
At this, Ye Lingling, who had momentarily forgotten about Ye Wen, suddenly remembered that he had been the one to bring Dugu Yan here. She eyed him suspiciously, her frail demeanor belying her resolve.
"You're not leaving until Yan Yan is safe. If something happens to her, you'll pay the price," she declared, voice soft but firm.
Ye Wen looked at her with a faint smile. Despite her words, her petite frame and gentle voice made her threat sound almost comical.
Nevertheless, he played along, feigning an innocent expression. "But Miss, I was just trying to help by bringing her here. How could this end up being my fault?"
His genuine look of concern was so convincing that even the usually cautious Ye Lingling found herself feeling a pang of guilt.
(End of Chapter)
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Chapter 748: Primitive Treatment, Part 2
Despite her usual gentleness, Ye Lingling, coming from a noble background, understood the implications of letting Ye Wen leave at a moment like this. If anything happened to Dugu Yan, Dugu Bo's wrath would be beyond what any family, even Yu Tianheng's or her own, could withstand alone. Although she felt guilty about suspecting Ye Wen, she was determined to keep him here as a potential scapegoat.
Unbeknownst to her, this was exactly what Ye Wen wanted. The most cunning predator often presents itself as the prey. If he had tried to force his stay, it would've looked suspicious. But by allowing himself to be "held" here, he was reinforcing the image of an innocent bystander, a stance that would lower the group's guard around him.
While Qin Ming was still unaware of what had transpired, his reunion with Flender had left him in a good mood—until he heard about Dugu Yan's condition. Any calmness he'd felt vanished, replaced by dread; if something happened to her, the fallout from Dugu Bo, who had no family left but her, would be unimaginable.
"Teacher Qin Ming, what should we do?" Ye Lingling asked pitifully.
Qin Ming was confident in his combat skills, but medical treatment was entirely out of his wheelhouse, leaving him as helpless as the rest. Ye Lingling, still shaken from her earlier attempt, knew better than to try healing Dugu Yan again—it might only worsen her condition.
The room fell into panicked silence as each member of the Huangdou team tried to think of a solution, but none could come up with one. The air was thick with anxiety, and the once-confident fighters now resembled ants in a frying pan, lost and overwhelmed.
Seeing that the atmosphere was just right, Ye Wen hesitantly raised his hand, his voice soft as he said, "If I may… I could try something."
His words were soft, but they immediately drew the attention of everyone in the room. Qin Ming frowned. In the chaos, he hadn't noticed Ye Wen's presence.
"Who are you?" he asked, his tone suspicious.
Before Ye Wen could answer, Ye Lingling interjected, explaining, "Teacher Qin Ming, this is the person who brought Yan Yan back."
A seasoned veteran, Qin Ming's eyes narrowed. He wasn't naive—people rarely collapsed without reason. He glanced at Ye Wen with an expression that questioned his motives.
Sensing Qin Ming's suspicion, Ye Wen quickly raised his hands in a placating gesture. "I understand your doubts, but I have no ill intent. And if we delay any longer, Miss Dugu's condition may worsen. I'm suggesting a treatment that could buy her more time—something that could ease her symptoms without risking her life."
Qin Ming's gaze shifted back to Dugu Yan, who was growing visibly weaker. After a moment of hesitation, he reluctantly nodded.
Inwardly, Ye Wen felt a sense of triumph—his plan was unfolding perfectly. As he began retrieving items from his storage soul tool, he instructed, "Could someone fetch a large basin? I'll need it shortly."
Eager for any solution, the Huangdou team scrambled to fulfill his request, quickly placing a basin beside him. But what Ye Wen did next shocked everyone in the room.
Without a second thought, Ye Wen took out a sharp dagger and made a shallow cut on Dugu Yan's right wrist, causing blood to flow into the basin. The bright red liquid quickly filled the basin, and amidst the crimson, flecks of greenish poison floated to the surface, accompanied by a faint, foul smell.
Qin Ming, with his enhanced sense of smell as a beast martial spirit master, immediately detected the noxious odor of toxins in the blood. Alarmed, he seized Ye Wen's arm, his voice sharp and furious.
"What do you think you're doing? Are you trying to kill her right under our noses?!"
He turned to Ye Lingling. "Lingling, heal her! Stop this bleeding at once!"
Ye Wen, however, swiftly raised a hand to stop her. "Wait! This is a controlled treatment known as bloodletting, used to dilute toxins within the body. By letting some blood out, we can reduce the concentration of poison within her system. It won't cure her, but it can slow down the spread."
Although Ye Lingling was familiar with the principle behind his explanation, she shook her head in anger. "Your theory might be sound, but no one can restore blood this quickly, not even with my healing abilities! You're risking her life!"
Ye Wen sighed, as if reluctantly making a sacrifice, then held up a small vial he had prepared earlier. "I understand the risks, which is why I have a special recovery medicine to supplement her blood loss. It has some side effects, but it's still the best option given the circumstances. Once her condition stabilizes, we can take her to Heaven Dou City to find her grandfather, whose expertise in toxins is unmatched. He can give her the care she needs."
Internally, Ye Wen wasn't optimistic that Dugu Bo could entirely cure Dugu Yan; the poison within her was intrinsic to her martial spirit, intertwined with her very being. However, he knew that with his higher level of cultivation, Dugu Bo could suppress it temporarily. This bloodletting treatment was Ye Wen's way of opening a door to Dugu Bo, a step in establishing a connection.
Qin Ming's face was conflicted, but he finally nodded. He'd trained under Shrek Academy, where he had learned the importance of decisive action. If he hesitated, Dugu Yan's situation could worsen, and he'd have no one to blame but himself. And if there were side effects? Well, Ye Wen would have to bear the consequences, not him.
With Qin Ming's reluctant approval, Ye Wen felt another small victory.
(End of Chapter)
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Chapter 749: Primitive Treatment, Part 3
People often say that donating blood occasionally is good for one's health, but life itself has its limits. When the human body's stem cells reach their production threshold, they can no longer create new blood, leading to death. Using bloodletting as a treatment indeed comes with side effects, including a reduction in lifespan—albeit minimal in the grand scheme of life. However, as a Jade Phosphorescent Serpent Soul Master, if Dugu Yan's soul power couldn't keep up with the potency of her venom, death would be inevitable. For Ye Wen, bloodletting was a necessary measure.
After giving Dugu Yan the medication, Ye Lingling quickly attended to her external wounds, and the group hastily set off to seek aid. Meanwhile, Yu Tianheng, recently chastised by Yu Xiaogang, returned to the hotel, only to be informed by staff that his entire team had already left. Initially stunned, he felt the crushing weight of the world's hostility; however, learning of Dugu Yan's condition quickly shocked him back into focus. Without delay, he rushed to Heaven Dou City.
Meanwhile, Ye Wen found himself chatting casually with the Huangdou team as they rode on Flender's back in his Martial Soul True Body form. Though Ye Wen's simple attire was unassuming, his composed and refined manner soon had the noble-born members warming up to him—though he could tell they were subtly probing him, likely to gather information as a safeguard.
Flender, after all, had been persuaded by Qin Ming to lend his assistance. If they'd traveled by carriage, the journey to Heaven Dou City could have taken ages, but thanks to Flender's agility as an agility-type soul master, the group arrived in under half a day.
Upon their arrival in the capital, the Huangdou team wasted no time in rushing Dugu Yan to the Dugu family estate. Qin Ming thanked Flender profusely.
"Dean, we can't thank you enough for your help," Qin Ming expressed, bowing respectfully.
Flender, though visibly exhausted, waved a weary hand in response. Remembering Yu Xiaogang's recruitment strategy, he forced a tired but polite smile and replied, "It's no trouble at all. Take care of your students, and be sure to assist my juniors when you can. Now, go see to her at once."
Qin Ming gave another nod of gratitude before hurrying off with the others toward the estate.
However, unlike most Titled Douluos, Dugu Bo did not remain confined to his home, regularly leaving the estate for his own reasons. Unfortunately, this was one such occasion. With no other options, the group decided to stay at the Dugu residence, waiting anxiously for Dugu Bo's return. In the meantime, Ye Wen continued to treat Dugu Yan's symptoms through repeated bloodletting to dilute the venom in her system.
Ye Wen had long been analyzing the nature of the Jade Phosphorescent Serpent's venom, and after observing how Dugu Yan's toxins would dilute, only to gradually concentrate again, he became confident in his suspicions. The venom had intertwined with the Dugu family's very bloodline, forming a unique symbiotic toxin that strengthened alongside a soul master's cultivation.
He concluded that attempting to remove the toxin completely was both impractical and harmful. Doing so would disrupt the balance of her body's natural enzymes and immune system, leading to severe illness, or worse. For Dugu Bo, removing it entirely would likely result in more than a mere loss of toxin-based power; it would put his life at risk.
With this realization, Ye Wen formulated two viable approaches for a lasting solution, but he needed Dugu Bo's cooperation to execute either plan. Knowing Dugu Bo's notorious unpredictability, he took precautions. He had Hou Yuer and her family return to the Hou estate and arranged for his parents to conduct business throughout the empire, their locations constantly changing to avoid being traced. Although his plan carried inherent risk, the potential rewards justified the gamble. If he could intercept the celestial herbs before Tang San could access them, it would thwart the protagonist's growth.
Though the capital remained calm on the surface, news of Dugu Yan's poisoning had already spread among noble families and sects, leaving the ruling class on edge. Dugu Bo was Heaven Dou City's most formidable warrior, but he was notorious for being volatile and beholden to no one, even disregarding orders from the highest authority. Only the royal family or the three top sects held any sway over him.
As the group endured this tense wait, a powerful wave of spirit energy abruptly descended upon the estate, pressing down like an immense, suffocating abyss. Breathing became difficult, and everyone froze, realizing a powerful presence had arrived.
"What a surprise. My humble estate seems rather crowded with unfamiliar faces," came Dugu Bo's cold, piercing voice.
Among them, Qin Ming, the strongest, strained against Dugu Bo's restraint. Bowing respectfully, he managed to stammer, "Greetings, Your Eminence! We beg you to show mercy—Dugu Yan is gravely poisoned. We need your aid at once!"
Dugu Bo's energy wavered slightly at Qin Ming's words, but then, as realization sank in, his aura flared even more ferociously, before abruptly retracting as he composed himself.
"Yan Yan!"
His voice, though harsh, held an edge of concern as he strode forward. The young man with vibrant green hair entered, his gaze falling on Dugu Yan lying on the divan, her complexion pale and her lips stained a sickly green. Dugu Bo's expression darkened as he knelt to examine her, immediately recognizing her condition as a venom backlash from her martial spirit.
He frowned. He had been regularly using his spirit power to suppress her toxins. She shouldn't have had an attack, at least not yet. But as much as he wanted answers, his first priority was stabilizing her. Without another word, Dugu Bo extended his hand, channeling his spirit power into Dugu Yan's body to suppress the poison within.
After ensuring she was stable, he cast a cold look at the group and ordered them out, intent on focusing solely on his granddaughter's treatment.
(End of Chapter)
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Chapter 750: Dugu Bo, Part 1
As Dugu Bo administered his treatment, he quickly discovered why Dugu Yan's toxins had spiraled out of control.
"Hm? This is spider venom… and it's familiar. Let me think—yes, it's the venom of the Man-Faced Demon Spider. But how did Yan'er get poisoned by that creature?" Dugu Bo mused, his brow furrowing.
At this moment, Dugu Bo was completely unaware of Ye Wen's involvement. After several days of bloodletting treatments and frequent washing, any trace of the substances Ye Wen had administered to Dugu Yan had been completely erased. Moreover, Ye Wen had cunningly introduced a small dose of the Man-Faced Demon Spider's venom into Dugu Yan's system through medicinal ingestion. Though mild, it was enough to trigger her already highly reactive Jade Phosphorescent Serpent venom, leading to a fierce, ongoing internal battle that continuously generated fresh toxins.
But both of these poisons were only at the millennium level; Dugu Bo, a Titled Douluo, effortlessly expelled the foreign toxins from Dugu Yan's system with the force of his overwhelming spirit power, restoring her natural balance. Everything played out exactly as Ye Wen had anticipated: in Dugu Bo's presence, the venom was as insignificant as dust.
With her lips now a healthy color and her face peaceful as if in a restful slumber, Dugu Bo's gaze softened slightly as he looked upon his granddaughter. He gently smoothed her hair and tucked her into bed, then turned and exited her room.
Outside, Dugu Bo's expression reverted to its usual coldness as he observed Dugu Yan's disheveled teammates and teacher. His voice low and icy, he commanded, "Follow me."
Relieved that Dugu Bo hadn't come out swinging, everyone's spirits lifted slightly—Dugu Yan was likely out of danger.
Once they gathered in a receiving room, Dugu Bo sat at the head of the table, his long, sharp eyes sweeping over the group before finally landing on Qin Ming.
"Teacher Qin," he began, his voice soft but lethal, "I'd like you to explain how my Yan'er ended up in this condition. If I don't get a good answer, don't blame me for what happens next."
Although Dugu Bo refrained from unleashing his full spirit pressure, the chill in his voice and his imposing stature were enough to make Qin Ming break into a cold sweat. Bowing shakily, Qin Ming replied, "Yes, Your Eminence…."
He then recounted everything that had occurred in Soto City, sparing no detail. Dugu Bo listened in silence, his long fingers tapping the table rhythmically, each beat hammering on the group's nerves.
"I see."
With that, Dugu Bo raised a hand, and a pulse of pure spirit power burst forth, blasting Qin Ming clear across the room. Qin Ming smashed through the wall, landing outside in the courtyard where he rolled to a halt, battered and breathless.
Dugu Bo's cold voice echoed from inside. "As her teacher, you failed to protect your student. Consider this a light punishment. If something like this happens again, you'd better take your own life before I come to finish the job myself."
Struggling to his feet, Qin Ming bowed low, trembling. "Thank you, Your Eminence, for your mercy. I will remember this lesson."
This display left Ye Lingling and the others frozen with fear. As Dugu Bo's gaze shifted over to them, they felt a chill run down their spines. Each one silently pleaded that he spare them from his wrath; after all, they were only students.
However, Dugu Bo was not entirely unreasonable. If Dugu Yan had actually died, he wouldn't hesitate to drag these people down with her, but since she had survived, his rage remained controlled. After scanning the group, his gaze settled on Ye Lingling.
"Young lady of the Ye family," he said, his tone soft but commanding, "I'm well aware of your family's abilities. There's no way you could have stabilized Yan'er's condition alone. So, tell me, who helped her?"
There was no rush among them to take undue credit, given that, as Dugu Bo had stated, he knew the limitations of Ye Lingling's family. If her treatment had been effective enough, the Dugu clan wouldn't still be suffering under the curse of their bloodline's venom.
Ye Lingling pointed toward Ye Wen, who was doing his best to remain inconspicuous at the back of the group.
"It was this young man who stabilized Yan'er's condition, and he's also the one who found her in her poisoned state and brought her to us."
At Ye Lingling's gesture, the Huangdou team stepped aside, revealing Ye Wen, who offered a polite yet modest smile and bowed to Dugu Bo. "Greetings, Your Eminence."
Hearing that Ye Wen had stabilized Dugu Yan's condition, Dugu Bo's expression softened momentarily. However, upon hearing that Ye Wen was also the one who had found her while poisoned, Dugu Bo's naturally suspicious mind darkened. His gaze sharpened as he studied Ye Wen's seemingly innocent demeanor and modest spirit power. Deciding not to act rashly, Dugu Bo asked instead, "Young man, you're quite capable. Thirty-fourth level spirit power at just twelve years old—impressive. Now, which family do you belong to?"
Although the world of Douluo did not formally advocate a "bloodline theory," it was common knowledge that good spirits typically hailed from powerful clans. Since Ye Wen had reached such a high level of cultivation at a young age, it was likely he had support behind him. Dugu Bo, though erratic, was no fool; with Dugu Yan now safe, he was unwilling to risk further conflicts.
With a shy smile, Ye Wen gave a brief, humble introduction, subtly mentioning his connection to the rising influence of the Apothecary Pavilion and his ties to Xue Qinghe's faction. Dugu Bo's suspicions deepened momentarily, yet upon learning that Ye Wen already had two fiancées, he dismissed the idea that Xue Qinghe might be scheming against him. A simple favor would hardly suffice for that level of betrayal.
Could it be mere coincidence?
After deliberating, Dugu Bo cautiously concluded that it might indeed be chance.
Turning to Ye Lingling, Dugu Bo asked, "Girl, before Yan'er was poisoned, did she encounter any soul masters using venom associated with the Man-Faced Demon Spider?"
Ye Lingling didn't recall anything involving that specific type of venom, but she did remember the Cave Demon Spider spirit of the Crazy Battle Team. However, she also remembered the traumatic scene of Tang San brandishing his Eight Spider Lances, and a shiver ran down her spine as her face went pale.
The memory left a deep psychological scar.
Dugu Bo narrowed his eyes at her reaction, his voice growing colder. "Speak. Who was it?"
(End of Chapter)
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Chapter 750: Dugu Bo, Part 1
As Dugu Bo administered his treatment, he quickly discovered why Dugu Yan's toxins had spiraled out of control.
"Hm? This is spider venom… and it's familiar. Let me think—yes, it's the venom of the Man-Faced Demon Spider. But how did Yan'er get poisoned by that creature?" Dugu Bo mused, his brow furrowing.
At this moment, Dugu Bo was completely unaware of Ye Wen's involvement. After several days of bloodletting treatments and frequent washing, any trace of the substances Ye Wen had administered to Dugu Yan had been completely erased. Moreover, Ye Wen had cunningly introduced a small dose of the Man-Faced Demon Spider's venom into Dugu Yan's system through medicinal ingestion. Though mild, it was enough to trigger her already highly reactive Jade Phosphorescent Serpent venom, leading to a fierce, ongoing internal battle that continuously generated fresh toxins.
But both of these poisons were only at the millennium level; Dugu Bo, a Titled Douluo, effortlessly expelled the foreign toxins from Dugu Yan's system with the force of his overwhelming spirit power, restoring her natural balance. Everything played out exactly as Ye Wen had anticipated: in Dugu Bo's presence, the venom was as insignificant as dust.
With her lips now a healthy color and her face peaceful as if in a restful slumber, Dugu Bo's gaze softened slightly as he looked upon his granddaughter. He gently smoothed her hair and tucked her into bed, then turned and exited her room.
Outside, Dugu Bo's expression reverted to its usual coldness as he observed Dugu Yan's disheveled teammates and teacher. His voice low and icy, he commanded, "Follow me."
Relieved that Dugu Bo hadn't come out swinging, everyone's spirits lifted slightly—Dugu Yan was likely out of danger.
Once they gathered in a receiving room, Dugu Bo sat at the head of the table, his long, sharp eyes sweeping over the group before finally landing on Qin Ming.
"Teacher Qin," he began, his voice soft but lethal, "I'd like you to explain how my Yan'er ended up in this condition. If I don't get a good answer, don't blame me for what happens next."
Although Dugu Bo refrained from unleashing his full spirit pressure, the chill in his voice and his imposing stature were enough to make Qin Ming break into a cold sweat. Bowing shakily, Qin Ming replied, "Yes, Your Eminence…."
He then recounted everything that had occurred in Soto City, sparing no detail. Dugu Bo listened in silence, his long fingers tapping the table rhythmically, each beat hammering on the group's nerves.
"I see."
With that, Dugu Bo raised a hand, and a pulse of pure spirit power burst forth, blasting Qin Ming clear across the room. Qin Ming smashed through the wall, landing outside in the courtyard where he rolled to a halt, battered and breathless.
Dugu Bo's cold voice echoed from inside. "As her teacher, you failed to protect your student. Consider this a light punishment. If something like this happens again, you'd better take your own life before I come to finish the job myself."
Struggling to his feet, Qin Ming bowed low, trembling. "Thank you, Your Eminence, for your mercy. I will remember this lesson."
This display left Ye Lingling and the others frozen with fear. As Dugu Bo's gaze shifted over to them, they felt a chill run down their spines. Each one silently pleaded that he spare them from his wrath; after all, they were only students.
However, Dugu Bo was not entirely unreasonable. If Dugu Yan had actually died, he wouldn't hesitate to drag these people down with her, but since she had survived, his rage remained controlled. After scanning the group, his gaze settled on Ye Lingling.
"Young lady of the Ye family," he said, his tone soft but commanding, "I'm well aware of your family's abilities. There's no way you could have stabilized Yan'er's condition alone. So, tell me, who helped her?"
There was no rush among them to take undue credit, given that, as Dugu Bo had stated, he knew the limitations of Ye Lingling's family. If her treatment had been effective enough, the Dugu clan wouldn't still be suffering under the curse of their bloodline's venom.
Ye Lingling pointed toward Ye Wen, who was doing his best to remain inconspicuous at the back of the group.
"It was this young man who stabilized Yan'er's condition, and he's also the one who found her in her poisoned state and brought her to us."
At Ye Lingling's gesture, the Huangdou team stepped aside, revealing Ye Wen, who offered a polite yet modest smile and bowed to Dugu Bo. "Greetings, Your Eminence."
Hearing that Ye Wen had stabilized Dugu Yan's condition, Dugu Bo's expression softened momentarily. However, upon hearing that Ye Wen was also the one who had found her while poisoned, Dugu Bo's naturally suspicious mind darkened. His gaze sharpened as he studied Ye Wen's seemingly innocent demeanor and modest spirit power. Deciding not to act rashly, Dugu Bo asked instead, "Young man, you're quite capable. Thirty-fourth level spirit power at just twelve years old—impressive. Now, which family do you belong to?"
Although the world of Douluo did not formally advocate a "bloodline theory," it was common knowledge that good spirits typically hailed from powerful clans. Since Ye Wen had reached such a high level of cultivation at a young age, it was likely he had support behind him. Dugu Bo, though erratic, was no fool; with Dugu Yan now safe, he was unwilling to risk further conflicts.
With a shy smile, Ye Wen gave a brief, humble introduction, subtly mentioning his connection to the rising influence of the Apothecary Pavilion and his ties to Xue Qinghe's faction. Dugu Bo's suspicions deepened momentarily, yet upon learning that Ye Wen already had two fiancées, he dismissed the idea that Xue Qinghe might be scheming against him. A simple favor would hardly suffice for that level of betrayal.
Could it be mere coincidence?
After deliberating, Dugu Bo cautiously concluded that it might indeed be chance.
Turning to Ye Lingling, Dugu Bo asked, "Girl, before Yan'er was poisoned, did she encounter any soul masters using venom associated with the Man-Faced Demon Spider?"
Ye Lingling didn't recall anything involving that specific type of venom, but she did remember the Cave Demon Spider spirit of the Crazy Battle Team. However, she also remembered the traumatic scene of Tang San brandishing his Eight Spider Lances, and a shiver ran down her spine as her face went pale.
The memory left a deep psychological scar.
Dugu Bo narrowed his eyes at her reaction, his voice growing colder. "Speak. Who was it?"
(End of Chapter)
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Read 40 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Cortez10