Chapter 34: Poison Them Back!
Once again, Dugu Feng felt the vibration of the energy bead within him.
The poison afflicting Ge Ying was the same grade as the one that lingered in Emperor Xue Ye's body.
But while the emperor's poison was a slow-acting toxin that eroded life over years—killing him gradually and naturally if left undiscovered—the poison in Ge Ying was the opposite.
This one had exploded violently, triggering immediate symptoms.
Among everyone on this convoy, only the Dugu Clan practiced toxic arts. No wonder the Ge Clan soul masters regarded them with suspicion.
Was the enemy's plan to frame the Dugu Clan—isolating them and turning allies into enemies?
As Dugu Feng pondered, Dugu Shuo's hair turned a deep violet. His entire body pulsed with shimmering, radiant light that soon wrapped around Ge Ying.
Under the brilliant glow, both Dugu Feng and Ge Long could see Ge Ying's meridians and veins in vivid detail.
The colored energy entered his body carefully, precisely.
This continued for nearly fifteen minutes.
Then, with a whoosh, the energy retracted suddenly.
Much of Ge Ying's bluish-black hue faded, and the golden brilliance of his soul power shone anew.
Ge Long let out a heavy sigh of relief, his face filled with gratitude. "Many thanks, Clan Chief Dugu!"
"The poison is extremely complex—a combination of multiple toxins," Dugu Shuo said coldly. "I cannot fully remove it for now. It may flare up again at any time once triggered by the poisoner's soul power, transforming and attacking the host anew."
Ge Long's face darkened with fury. "Who dares commit such shameless evil, poisoning my son!"
"Clan Chief Dugu, shouldn't you give an explanation? In this convoy, only your clan could administer poison undetected!"
The deep, accusing voice came from outside the carriage. Dugu Feng recognized it instantly—it was Tuoba Xi.
Dugu Shuo and Dugu Feng exchanged a glance. They both knew—the opponent had finally made a move.
"Tuoba Xi," Old Snake hissed from outside, "we've traveled peacefully this entire journey. Yet the moment your Holy Dragon Sect joined us, Ge Ying was poisoned. Shouldn't you be giving the explanation?"
At that, the Ge Clan soul masters, who had grown hostile toward the Dugu Clan because of Tuoba Xi's words, hesitated.
"Hmph. The Holy Dragon Sect has eleven representatives this time," Tuoba Xi said arrogantly. "All of them are known by name, and none practice poison. The Ge Clan may inspect our ranks if they wish."
His eyes swept over the others fearlessly.
By now, the Elephant Armored Sect's members had gathered as well.
"Tuoba Xi," Hu Yanzhen said sternly, "don't try to sow discord among Heaven Dou's factions. Clan Chief Dugu has no reason to harm Ge Ying.
Of course, if Clan Chief Ge has doubts, the Elephant Armored Sect's carriage may also be examined. The culprit must not go unpunished!"
He spoke righteously, appearing to defend the Dugu Clan.
Then his gaze shifted toward Thunder Academy's carriage, drawing everyone's attention.
The leader stepping down from it startled Dugu Feng.
The man wore a blue combat suit, his long azure hair flowing behind him. His sturdy frame radiated strength and confidence as he strode forward with ease, a faint smile on his lips.
He seemed utterly unconcerned by the tension.
It was Yu Luomian, the deputy master of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, father of Liu Erlong—one of the Golden Iron Triangle—and uncle to Yu Xiaogang.
Normally, the Blue Lightning Clan remained hidden behind its support of Thunder Academy, rarely appearing publicly. His sudden presence here was quite unexpected.
"If Clan Chief Ge still harbors doubt," Yu Luomian said evenly, "Thunder Academy's carriage may be inspected as well."
His tone was calm and confident. Yet notably, he offered no defense for the Dugu Clan, nor objection to Tuoba Xi's accusation.
With a sharp creak, the Dugu carriage door opened.
Ge Long, Dugu Shuo, and Dugu Feng stepped out.
"I believe this incident was not caused by the Dugu Clan," Ge Long said coldly. "If someone seeks to divide us, they will face our combined retaliation."
His gaze cut directly toward Tuoba Xi, losing all courtesy.
Was the exact culprit important? Not really.
What mattered was that only Dugu Shuo could save his son's life. Even if Dugu Shuo had been the poisoner, Ge Long would have swallowed the truth for now—settling accounts later.
But in truth, he knew the possibility was slim. Dugu Shuo had no motive.
Tuoba Xi's expression stiffened. "Clan Chief Ge values unity and chooses not to pursue the matter—I respect that. However, I urge everyone to remain cautious. Some clans only strike from the shadows."
"Enough, Tuoba Xi," Old Snake snapped. "If you suspect our Dugu Clan, present evidence. Otherwise, you'd best worry about your sect's safety."
His eyes gleamed like twin serpentine fangs, flicking over each of the eleven Holy Dragon Sect soul masters one by one.
Though only a Soul Saint, his venomous aura made even Tuoba Xi frown.
Behind Tuoba Xi, several soul masters felt a chill dance at the base of their skulls—each imagining a deadly snake's kiss.
One bite. One death.
"The innocent need no defense," Dugu Shuo said quietly.
Without another glance, he turned and stepped back into the carriage.
Dugu Feng, Little Snake, and the others followed.
Inside, the door closed firmly behind them.
Everyone's eyes focused on Dugu Shuo.
"I've identified the poison in Ge Ying," he said calmly. "It can be cured at will. It's a compound of three toxins.
When Tuoba Xi of the Holy Dragon Sect arrived, he unknowingly released a unique aura that triggered the poison's activation.
Since the assailant wishes to challenge our family's mastery of poisoncraft—tell me, what do we do?"
He smiled darkly.
"Poison them back!" Old Snake spat viciously.
"Poison them back!" echoed the five other soul masters in unison.
To think someone dared try to frame the Dugu Clan with poison—it was laughably naïve.
"The Holy Dragon Sect's sudden arrival confirms that Spirit Hall is behind this," Dugu Shuo continued coldly. "Even with all your scouting, none of you could find the hidden poisoner. That means a Titled Douluo must be concealing them.
If I'm correct, more people in the convoy will soon fall victim to poison. The Holy Dragon Sect will claim we're the culprits, and at a critical moment, the Elephant Armored Sect will strike."
The enemy assumed the Dugu Clan didn't know about the alliance between the Holy Dragon and Elephant Armored Sects.
But in truth, Tuoba Lan and Hu Yanlie had both died by Old Snake's hand—proof enough of their cooperation with Spirit Hall.
And if Spirit Hall was involved, having a Titled Douluo present was entirely plausible.
Old Snake and the others grew grim. If a Titled Douluo moved, how could they possibly resist?
"Hehe," Dugu Feng murmured calmly. "If their plan relies on the Elephant Armored Sect's betrayal, it means they still dare not use overt force from a Titled Douluo. That's our chance.
Father, let's give them a taste of double poison. Since they don't fear our venom, let's see if their hidden master can cure this one."
He was fully aware that Spirit Hall—under Bibi Dong's reign of seven years—had yet to launch a full-scale war.
For now, her goal was consolidation—silently erasing obstacles, not exterminating clans outright.
Still, he couldn't shake the feeling that his father had more plans in motion—ones he had yet to reveal.
(END CHAPTER)
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