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Facing the intimidating Dugu Bo, Ye Lingling felt utterly wronged. She hadn't done anything wrong, so why was he being so harsh?
Still, she obediently answered:
"I'm not sure if it was a Human-Faced Demon Spider, but during the battle, eight spider legs appeared behind him. After the match ended, he not only stabbed Yan Yan but also pointed one of those spider legs at me, threatening us to heal their teammate."
As she spoke, a sudden flash of realization crossed her mind, and she blurted out instinctively:
"Oh, right, Grandfather Dugu! That team's members seem to be acquaintances of Teacher Qin Ming. Before the match, Teacher Qin Ming specifically told us to go easy on them, which is why we lost.
For more details, you should ask Teacher Qin Ming."
Beside them, Qin Ming felt his entire body go numb. After all this, the root of the problem turned out to involve his junior classmates!?
Dugu Bo's cold yet dangerous gaze flickered toward Qin Ming, sending a chill down his spine.
"Explain," Dugu Bo said indifferently.
But Qin Ming's heart sank. What could he say? He only knew the teachers of Shrek Academy—how much did he really know about his juniors?
Wait—no. He could still describe the famous martial souls of Shrek's students, but what about Tang San's Blue Silver Grass martial soul? What was there to say about that?
Hmm!?
At this thought, Qin Ming suddenly felt as if he'd unlocked a hidden truth. If Tang San's martial soul was Blue Silver Grass, where did those spider legs come from?
Seeing Qin Ming remain silent for so long, Dugu Bo grew impatient. With a surge of soul power, he sent another wave crashing into Qin Ming, forcing him to kneel on the ground.
This action instantly snapped Qin Ming back to reality, causing cold sweat to pour down his face. He remembered that he was in front of a Title Douluo, especially one infamous for his unpredictable temper.
To let his mind wander in such a situation was practically suicidal!
Though Qin Ming was extremely loyal, the thought that his side had shown mercy while Shrek had resorted to such ruthless methods—even endangering the life of a Title Douluo's descendant—filled him with rage. He wanted nothing more than to return to Suotuo City and beat his juniors senseless.
However, in this life-or-death situation, Qin Ming couldn't afford to think too deeply. Instead, he focused on how to answer Dugu Bo's question.
While Qin Ming fantasized about beating up the Seven Monsters of Shrek, the idea of throwing them under the bus—especially considering some were direct disciples of his teacher or had prestigious backgrounds—left him speechless.
These second-generation elites didn't need his concern.
Qin Ming carefully recalled the martial souls of the Seven Monsters and the relationships between them during their celebratory feast. Gathering his thoughts, he quickly responded:
"Please forgive me, Lord Dugu. This incident was entirely unexpected. I never imagined that Shrek's people would resort to such malicious tactics, leading to Miss Dugu's poisoning.
However, since Miss Dugu is fine now, I implore you not to act rashly. The person who injured Miss Dugu is the son of Thunder Lord Yu Yuanzhen. If this matter damages the harmony between two Title Douluos, it would be most inappropriate—"
But before Qin Ming could finish, Dugu Bo's eyebrows shot up, anger flashing in his eyes. Without hesitation, he unleashed another soul power wave, sending Qin Ming flying once more.
Dugu Bo coldly stated, "Drop your little schemes.
Do you really think mentioning Yu Yuanzhen will make me hesitate to pursue justice?
Leave. In consideration of your role as Yan Yan's teacher, I'll spare your life. As for this matter, I'll deal with it myself later."
Bitterness welled up in Qin Ming's heart. He inwardly sighed—truly, age brought wisdom. Before he even finished speaking, Dugu Bo had already seen through his intentions. Still, it seemed Shrek's side would avoid serious consequences.
However, Qin Ming knew he had thoroughly offended Dugu Bo. He could only hope that Dugu Bo wouldn't secretly sabotage him, a mere Soul Emperor.
Because of Qin Ming's involvement, this conflict had escalated to the level of Title Douluos.
Now that Dugu Yan was safe, Dugu Bo no longer wished for outsiders to linger in his residence. He waved everyone away, but deliberately left Ye Wen behind.
Ye Wen had anticipated this, but after everyone left, he still asked with feigned confusion:
"May I ask why Elder Dugu has chosen to keep me here?"
The Dugu family, with its hundreds of years of heritage, had always relied on raw soul power to suppress toxins. Now, Ye Wen had used an alternative method to save Dugu Yan's life. If Dugu Bo had possessed such a technique in the past, his own son might not have succumbed to poison. Thus, Dugu Bo found Ye Wen intriguing and decided to keep him behind.
However, Dugu Bo hated owing favors. It was precisely because Prince Xue Xing had once saved his life that he agreed to become a protector of the Heavenly Dou Empire after becoming a Title Douluo.
Therefore, Dugu Bo said, "Young man, I'm very interested in the method you used to suppress the toxins in my granddaughter's body. Name your price—I'll buy it."
Ye Wen feigned surprise but respectfully bowed and replied, "It's just a minor technique, Elder Dugu. There's no need to speak of buying it. I'll simply give it to you—it's not some closely guarded secret."
With that, Ye Wen took out the blood-replenishing pills and explained the principles of the bloodletting therapy.
Dugu Bo listened attentively, occasionally nodding in understanding, his expression brightening as if a fog had lifted.
Though crude and straightforward, the bloodletting therapy, combined with the blood-replenishing pills, was indeed an effective solution to toxin-related issues.
Dugu Bo tested this method on himself and found it to be a viable way to reduce the toxins in his own body. From now on, he wouldn't have to endure such excruciating toxin backlash.
However, Ye Wen eventually mentioned the side effects of the blood-replenishing pills.
Upon hearing that it would slightly reduce lifespan, Dugu Bo frowned, visibly troubled. As a 1.0 version Title Douluo, though only at level 91, he could live for 400 years. A slight reduction in lifespan wasn't significant for him. But Dugu Yan, nearly 20 years old and not yet a Soul Ancestor, clearly lacked exceptional talent. Her future prospects for achieving the Title Douluo rank were bleak. As the first-ever Title Douluo in the Dugu family, Dugu Bo had authority on this matter.
Though Dugu Bo was notoriously unpredictable, Ye Wen knew he wouldn't lash out over these minor side effects. After all, compared to his son's fate, Dugu Yan surviving was already a miraculous blessing.
Though Dugu Yan's longevity was uncertain, Dugu Bo realized he could still ensure her safety and happiness throughout her life. Gradually, his furrowed brows relaxed.
"Young man, you've done well. Since you don't want anything in return, I'll owe you a favor. If you ever encounter a problem you can't solve, feel free to come to me," Dugu Bo said kindly.
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