"Grandfather, do you know where we can find the things Xiao Hai mentioned?" Dugu Yan asked as she stood up.
'If we can't find what's needed to cure the poison, then what's the point of going to him?' Her eyes brightened a little. "Could it be… you've thought of another way?" She looked at Dugu Bo, eyes fixed, hope flashing in them.
'If that's the case, then Grandfather really is amazing! Maybe all he ever lacked before was a spark of inspiration.'
"Ahem…" Dugu Bo's old face warmed slightly. He quickly stepped forward, heading toward the door as he diverted the topic. "I've got a few things collected. Not sure if they'll work, but later I'll take that boy to see. Didn't he say he had to see the real thing before making a judgment?"
'So Grandfather does have something, but doesn't know how to use it?' Dugu Yan didn't voice this thought. She only nodded and hurried to follow.
"I must admit, that boy's idea is really wild, completely unexpected." Dugu Bo's voice came again, laced with surprise and a faint tone of admiration.
"Why didn't I ever think of it before?" His expression carried a touch of self-blame.
'If I'd realized earlier and done more research… maybe…' His lips curved in a bitter smile.
"Grandfather, you don't need to blame yourself," Dugu Yan quickly comforted. "Xiao Hai said it himself—his method is another path entirely. You've always specialized in poison. Not thinking of other directions is only natural."
Hearing this, Dugu Bo nodded lightly, dropping the matter. He went on, "Later, we'll also meet Yu Tianheng. Detoxification will need a soul bone. His Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan is wealthy and powerful, they won't lack one. Hmph, if he really wants to marry my granddaughter, then at such a critical time, it's about time he showed some sincerity. If he can't even produce a single soul bone, how dare he claim his feelings for you are genuine?"
"Grandfather, something like a soul bone isn't his to decide," Dugu Yan said softly.
"Whether he can decide isn't the issue. Whether he has sincerity, that's the issue," Dugu Bo replied coldly. "As a direct heir of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, he should at least be able to petition. If he won't even fight for something tied to your very life, then he isn't a man at all. In fact, I'll use this chance to test the clan's attitude as well. Let's see if those old men are willing to give me, Dugu Bo, any face. If they refuse to contribute anything, then I'll have to seriously reconsider your relationship."
"Hmph. I won't allow my only granddaughter to be bullied by outsiders."
"Yan'er, it's not that I want to obstruct your relationship with that boy." Dugu Bo halted, turned, and looked directly at her. "But Yu Xiaogang is the best example. His father, Yu Yuanzhen, the clan's sole Titled Douluo and even the patriarch, couldn't protect his own son who lacked talent. That alone proves just how rotten the high elders of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan are."
"That was his own son. And you, even if you marry in, will always remain an outsider."
"The key point is, that boy is already grown, long since past childhood. He should understand the meaning of responsibility by now. If, in a matter concerning your very life, he won't even try to fight for you, how can I trust him to protect you in the future? How can I trust he'll stand up to his clan's old stubborn fools for you, or for your children?"
"I…" Dugu Yan was struck speechless. She had never considered these things before.
"Enough. This is settled." Dugu Bo turned back around and continued walking. "Later, when we see him, I'll bring it up myself. Think of it as my test for him. You've been with him long enough—he should pass my trial."
"I need to see his attitude. If he shows the courage of a man and fights for you, then I won't make things too hard for him. But if he dithers like a coward, showing hesitation or displeasure, then don't blame me for getting angry."
"Then… Grandfather, please don't set the bar too high," Dugu Yan said nervously.
'Really? My own granddaughter taking his side?' Dugu Bo felt a wave of frustration in his chest.
Everything he did was for her—so she could gain the greatest benefit. A higher-quality, higher-aged soul bone would greatly boost her strength. That way, once she married into her husband's family, her status would naturally rise as well.
This world only respected strength.
Besides, once she married, she'd belong to that family anyway. A soul bone wouldn't be lost; even after death, it could be passed down to the next generation. And this wasn't about Yu Tianheng personally paying—it would come from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan itself.
'What, am I Dugu Bo, a Titled Douluo, not worthy of proper bride price? Why should I let those old men save their precious resources? Damn it, I'm doing all this for my granddaughter, and she still doesn't understand?'
Dugu Bo sighed inwardly, weary.
"Fine, fine. As for the exact age requirement, that's not only for me to decide—it depends on your condition." He curled his lips, casually tossing the responsibility aside. "We'll just ask Yang Yunhai about that later."
"I'm not asking for much. Just one soul bone. As long as it meets the minimum standard, that will do."
"Oh." Dugu Yan finally let out a breath of relief and nodded slightly.
That afternoon, around Shen hour.
"Xiao Hai, I've brought my grandfather!" Dugu Yan's voice rang out as she stepped onto the valley path. But then her face froze.
Ahead, in the bright sunlight, Yang Yunhai was sprinting up a steep slope with a massive log tied to his waist. Behind him, Zhu Zhuqing was doing the same, though the log she dragged was smaller.
"This…" Dugu Yan suddenly realized her daily training was child's play compared to theirs.
And the worst part—she had thought she was already training hard.
Glancing sideways at her grandfather, her face flushed with shame.
'No wonder he could beat Yu Tianheng…' Dugu Bo's eyes gleamed with deeper admiration.
Yes, Yang Yunhai's martial soul evolution was part of it, but without years of grinding effort as the foundation, a rank 31 Soul Elder defeating a rank 39 Soul Elder would've been nearly impossible. Especially since Yu Tianheng's Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon was one of the top beast martial souls on the continent—renowned for its physical strength and its thunder attribute. Losing to Blue Silver Grass was a disgrace.
The boy was several years younger, with less soul power, and still crushed him. It really made Yu Tianheng lose face.
And he was supposed to be a direct heir of one of the Three Upper Sects? Pathetic.
'So, Dugu Bo came?' Hearing the call, Yang Yunhai stopped, untied the rope at his waist, and turned. Standing nearby was Dugu Yan, face tinged pink, and beside her, a tall, thin old man in green armor from head to toe, long green hair flowing down.
So green. Truly, painfully green.
Yang Yunhai's thoughts stirred at the sight.
He glanced at Zhu Zhuqing. Their eyes met briefly before they stepped forward together to greet the two.
(End of Chapter)
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