Inside the main hall of Cloudmist Mountain, the atmosphere was unusually tense and serious. Everyone sat quietly, clearly more solemn than usual.
Over the past year, the five great elders had all advanced by one or two levels in spirit power. Lin Gong and Long Gong had reached level 89, the highest among them. Niu Gao was now level 86, Yang Wudi at 84, and Bai He at 83.
At this rate, it would only take two years at most for two of them to become Title Douluo. Even Niu Gao had a chance of reaching that level within five years.
Yang Xiong had reached level 50 and was planning to obtain his next spirit ring after taking care of a personal matter. Since he might be away for a long time, he wanted to handle certain issues in advance,especially to eliminate a potential threat.
After Yang Xiong explained everything, only he, Lin Gong, and Yang Wudi remained in the hall, silently waiting.
Just then, Lin Gong, who had been resting with his eyes closed, suddenly opened them. "He's here."
As he spoke, a figure slowly appeared at the entrance of the hall.
The man was lean, with dark green hair and even green eyes. A faint green aura surrounded him,this was none other than Dugu Bo.
Dugu Bo said coldly, "Lin Gong, what did you summon me to Cloudmist Mountain for? My time is precious. If you disappoint me, you know my temperament."
Lin Gong replied with a smile, "Dugu Bo, I invited you here for something important. One reason is to clear up some of your doubts. The other is to help you."
Dugu Bo snorted. "What doubts do I have? And I don't need your help. Are you trying to mock me?"
Lin Gong shook his head. "Actually, this isn't about me. Yang Xiong is the one who asked for you."
Only then did Dugu Bo notice the seating arrangement. Yang Xiong sat at the head of the hall, with Lin Gong and Yang Wudi on the left. The seats on the right were empty.
Yang Xiong gave a slight bow. "Senior Dugu Bo, it's been a while. You still carry yourself as impressively as ever since we last met at the Spirit Master Tournament."
Dugu Bo said, "Yang Xiong? You're Yan Zi's former classmate from Heaven Dou Imperial Academy. I remember your performance in that tournament. I didn't expect you to cozy up to the single-attribute clans using your Qibao Glazed Sect connections."
"But it doesn't matter. I don't care about you people or anyone else. Even your Qibao Glazed Sect wouldn't dare look down on me."
Yang Xiong quickly responded, "Senior, you misunderstand. I invited you here today for a serious matter. It's of great importance, so I had no choice but to seek you out."
Dugu Bo snorted again. "You're not even a Spirit King yet. I hope you understand the price of playing games with me. Not even the Qibao Glazed Sect could protect you then."
Yang Xiong didn't argue. Instead, he took out a lead box containing a ten-thousand-year spirit bone.
He had taken this spirit bone from the Qibao Glazed Sect's treasury. The sect allowed him to use their resources freely, so it wasn't a big deal.
Dugu Bo looked puzzled. "What's the meaning of this? Spirit bones are rare, but I've seen plenty in my lifetime."
Yang Xiong bowed. "Senior, this is just a token of apology for a past offense."
Dugu Bo sneered. "You'd better tell me what you did to offend me before I decide whether or not to forgive you."
Yang Xiong explained, "To be honest, about three or four years ago, I went to Sunset Forest for training. I stumbled upon a poisonous mist. Since I've had an interest in poisons since childhood, I was curious and entered the area."
Dugu Bo's face instantly darkened. "So it was you, you little brat! My entire herb garden was looted back then. I swore I'd tear the thief to pieces. Even if you're from the Qibao Glazed Sect, it won't save you!"
A powerful surge of spirit energy erupted from Dugu Bo. He transformed into a massive Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor, revealing nine spirit rings,a clear sign he was a Title Douluo, overwhelming everyone with his aura.
But at the same time, Lin Gong and Yang Wudi also revealed their spirit power,each with eight rings,barely holding their ground.
Lin Gong quickly interjected, "Dugu Bo, let's talk. Yang Xiong is the disciple of Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo. You don't want to start a conflict, do you?"
Dugu Bo shouted, "Are you threatening me? Maybe Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo should consider finding a new disciple. No one is stopping me today!"
Lin Gong shouted back, "We're only trying to resolve and make amends. If we didn't say anything today, how would you have even known it was him?"
Dugu Bo fell silent. He knew full well that with two top Spirit Douluo present, there was no way he could kill Yang Xiong without resistance.
Moreover, as Lin Gong said, even though he was a Title Douluo, he was no match for Sword Douluo or Bone Douluo. Killing their disciple would bring unbearable consequences.
Dugu Bo finally withdrew his martial spirit and spirit rings and took a seat.
"Fine. Let's see how you plan to appease my anger. Otherwise, the Qibao Glazed Sect can collect your body."
Yang Xiong wiped away cold sweat. "Senior, I entered your garden out of curiosity. I saw all those herbs and thought it was unclaimed land. I had no idea it was your private property. Only recently did I learn about your medicinal garden in Sunset Forest and realize my mistake. I've been trying to find a way to make amends."
Dugu Bo said impatiently, "A sincere attitude is nice, but don't think one spirit bone is enough to calm my rage."
Yang Xiong didn't argue. He took out another box containing a peculiar flower,seven leaves, each a different color.
"Senior, this is the Jade Phosphor Sevenfold Flower. I found it in your garden and believe it might help resolve your current affliction."
Dugu Bo's expression turned strange. "You want to use my own item to compensate me? That only makes me hate you more."
Yang Xiong stayed silent and glanced at Yang Wudi,it was his turn now.
Yang Wudi burst out laughing. "Dugu Bo, even though you're a Title Douluo, I'm not afraid of a man on the verge of death. If it comes to it, let's fight outside one-on-one. I want to see just how strong a Title Douluo really is."
Dugu Bo's face turned cold. "Yang Wudi, are you threatening me? I could wipe out your entire clan."
Yang Wudi replied, "My clan excels at alchemy and poisons. Judging by your green hair and eyes, and the foul smell around you, you're clearly suffering from a deadly poison. You might die before even making a move."
Dugu Bo was enraged. "You dare speak to me like that? A mere Spirit Douluo?"
Before the argument could escalate, Lin Gong interjected, "Let's not beat around the bush. We invited you here to help cure your martial spirit poison and settle old grudges."
Dugu Bo calmed down. Knowing he held no advantage, he didn't push further.
Besides, he knew there were three powerful Spirit Douluo present, and two more Title Douluo thirty li away. If a fight broke out, he might not escape.
"Fine. Tell me,how did you know I was poisoned?"
Yang Wudi grinned. "It wasn't hard to figure out. Poison-type martial spirits are rare but not unheard of. Yet only you, Dugu Bo, have ever cultivated one to the Douluo level. And despite your strength, no one else with similar spirits ever makes it that far."
"Your green hair and eyes, your smell,it's the classic sign of poisoning by the Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor's own martial spirit."
"After realizing you were poisoned, Yang Xiong and I did some research and developed a possible cure. Now, isn't that worth the herbs you lost?"
Dugu Bo's expression wavered. After a long pause, he asked, "Do you really have a way to cure it?"
Yang Wudi nodded. "We've come up with two possible methods,both should satisfy you."
"Tell me," Dugu Bo said. "If your methods work, I'll forget about the garden."
Yang Wudi laughed. "Of course. When it comes to poison, I, Yang Wudi, am second to none."
"First method: eat the Jade Phosphor Sevenfold Flower. Not only will it cure your poison, but it might even evolve your martial spirit."
"But it's extremely rare,this might be the only one in the whole continent. And I'm guessing you're not the only one in your clan poisoned, right?"
Dugu Bo's eyes flickered with desire, but he composed himself. "Tell me the second method too. If it's viable, I might owe you a favor."
Yang Wudi handed him the spirit bone. "Second method: since the poison is deep in your bones and can't be expelled, why not transfer it into a spirit bone?"
"Of course, once that's done, only you can use this spirit bone,no one else, not even your clan."
Dugu Bo's eyes widened in shock. He muttered, "A spirit bone? Why didn't I think of that? If it works, my clan could finally be free of the martial spirit poison!"
Yang Wudi continued, "Yang Xiong and I have developed a method for transferring poison through special energy circulation. But your case is unique, so we'll need your help for further research. That means you'll need to stay at Cloudmist Mountain for a while."
Dugu Bo remained silent for a long time before finally saying, "Fine. Yang Xiong, I'll forget about you stealing from my herb garden this once. But if you ever trespass again, I won't be so forgiving."
Yang Xiong quickly replied, "Thank you, senior. I'll be more careful in the future and never disturb you again."
After the discussion, Yang Wudi took Dugu Bo to his alchemy lab to explore a specific cure.
Yang Xiong and Lin Gong both sighed in relief,at least they no longer had to bear Dugu Bo's wrath.
Yang Xiong had chosen this timing for a reason,he was preparing to go on a long and dangerous journey. Meeting Dugu Bo now helped settle an old mistake and clear a future threat.
Plus, by allowing Yang Wudi and Dugu Bo to work together, they could build a relationship,and perhaps one day, Dugu Bo might owe him a favor.
If the Spirit Hall launched a soul-hunting campaign, Dugu Bo could become a powerful trump card.
After all, Dugu Bo was known to be invincible in group battles.
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