Yu Yuanzhen was already old. His son Yu Xiaogang was useless, his younger brother Yu Luomian was unreliable—he even had an illegitimate daughter. As for his direct grandson Yu Tianheng, just from today's matter, it was clear he was a blockhead. If he actually gained Dugu Bo's full support and one day became clan master, with that brain, who knew how badly he'd drag the clan down.
By contrast, the illegitimate-born Yu Tianxin was much better. He had talent that was no worse than Yu Tianheng's.
More importantly, he had brains. His management ability was already proven—leading the Thunderclap Team with great success. He was hardworking too, and in terms of combat strength had always been Thunderclap Academy's number one.
As the clan's Grand Elder, he felt Yu Tianxin was no less worthy than this so-called genius soul master Yang Yunhai. A commoner soul master, even if his Martial Soul evolved—so what? It was still just Blue Silver Grass.
How strong could it really be?
So in his eyes, Yu Tianxin was far more suited than Yu Tianheng to inherit the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.
Thinking of this, the Grand Elder raised his head with a cold snort. "The matter isn't even settled, and yet you expect our clan to hand over a ten-thousand-year soul bone? Impossible!"
"Of course, if you want my agreement, then the soul bone must be a betrothal gift to formally seal the marriage."
Drawing a Titled Douluo into the clan was certainly worth it, but there had to be guarantees. He would never agree to a losing bargain.
This reasoning, at least, sounded reasonable.
"Otherwise, it's like throwing a dumpling to a dog—gone with no return!" The more he thought, the angrier he became, his voice rising.
"Don't think I know nothing just because I stay home. Do I need to spell out exactly how far Tianheng and that Dugu Yan have gotten?"
Damn it! A rank 39 soul master, and he was crushed by a rank 31 Blue Silver Grass commoner. When they sent people to look for rare herbs, he had someone check discreetly—Dugu Yan was still untouched! Yu Tianheng, useless fool.
Couldn't win fights, couldn't even win over his woman. What did he do all day? Truly a wastrel, a liability.
"Grand Elder, calm yourself. Dugu Bo is a Titled Douluo. This can't be spoken too bluntly." Yu Yuanzhen frowned. To achieve Titled Douluo, Dugu Bo wasn't an idiot.
Truthfully, even he was dissatisfied with Yu Tianheng. After so long, he still hadn't won over Dugu Yan completely.
Back then, it was Yu Yuanzhen himself who arranged for Yu Tianheng to enter Heaven Dou Imperial Academy.
First, to establish ties with the imperial family and strengthen the clan's position.
Second, to lead the Heaven Dou Team to victory over Thunderclap Academy, building prestige.
Third, to win over Dugu Yan and thereby draw in Dugu Bo, the Titled Douluo.
With these three factors, plus his own support, Yu Tianheng would one day inherit the clan without question.
And Yu Tianheng had indeed succeeded in pursuing Dugu Yan. But after that, progress stalled.
"Then tell your grandson to hurry up and claim her! If the rice is already cooked, then fine! If you're too embarrassed to write it in a letter, I'll write it myself!" The Grand Elder's neck flushed red, furious at Yu Yuanzhen's lack of urgency. His palm slammed down on the table, cracking it instantly.
As the clan's eldest and most senior elder, he wasn't afraid of Yu Yuanzhen.
"That's right. Exactly!" the other elders quickly echoed.
"There's no guarantee otherwise. If they break up later, isn't the ten-thousand-year soul bone wasted?"
"Indeed! A ten-thousand-year soul bone, and a strength-type at that—it's no cabbage."
"Frankly, even a cooked-rice situation isn't secure enough. If they quarrel and split, what then? If this is urgent, then using the soul bone as a betrothal gift is more proper and steady. Dugu Bo would surely accept."
"Dugu Bo is incompetent anyway. Can't even find a cure himself, relying on a child's ideas." Someone muttered quietly.
"..." Listening to the clamor, Yu Yuanzhen felt his head pound.
At last, he slapped the armrest beside him. "Enough!" His voice was deep and heavy. The hall fell silent instantly.
"I will write the letter. This meeting is over."
With that, he rose and left.
—
Two days later, afternoon. Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, team dormitories.
Knock knock knock.
Yu Tianheng, nervous and conflicted, climbed to the third floor and knocked on Dugu Yan's door.
"Tianheng, well?" The door opened quickly. Dugu Yan had clearly been waiting, eyes full of hope.
Yu Tianheng's face twisted awkwardly. He opened his mouth, hesitated, then forced the words out. "The clan is willing to give a ten-thousand-year strength-type soul bone as a betrothal gift—to formally arrange our marriage."
He didn't dare say, Or maybe we can handle it ourselves tonight. At this time, it would sound too abrupt and improper.
"..." Dugu Yan fell silent, then forced a thin smile.
"Tianheng, I need to discuss this with my grandfather. He is my only family."
"Of course." Yu Tianheng nodded quickly, then looked embarrassed. "Yan Yan, I'm sorry. I know this is sudden. But it was the elders' decision—I can't oppose or change it."
Even his grandfather had written him personally. There was no room to argue.
"I understand." Dugu Yan nodded softly. Some things went without saying—she understood perfectly.
She forced another smile. "Tianheng, go train. I'll pack up and then go see Grandpa."
"Oh… alright." Yu Tianheng nodded and turned, walking downstairs with unease.
When his figure disappeared from view, Dugu Yan's smile faded. She closed the door gently, leaning against it.
Her expression went blank. After a moment, her nose trembled. She dragged herself to the desk, sat heavily, and stared in silence. Her eyes reddened, tears welling.
Soon, her body collapsed forward, head resting on the desk, arms covering her face.
Tears streamed down. Her body shook with quiet sobs.
From the clan's perspective, nothing was wrong. A ten-thousand-year soul bone was priceless. Yu Tianheng couldn't defy his elders either.
But still—still—
She felt like she was being treated as merchandise, bartered for the price of a soul bone.
All these years of feelings—so fragile, so easily swept aside in the face of interest. If she refused, what then? She didn't dare think further. Bitterness filled her chest, uncontrollable sobs spilling out.
Who knew how long passed before she finally stopped. She wiped her eyes with her sleeve, stood, and washed her face in the bathroom. Looking at her swollen eyes in the mirror, she turned away.
Back at her desk, she wiped away the wet stains, then wrote a note.
She slipped it under Yu Tianheng's door, then quickly left the dormitory, avoiding people as she ran out of the academy.
Soon, a carriage rolled away under the sunset, bound for Heaven Dou City.
When she returned to the Dugu residence, dusk had already fallen. She asked the butler—Grandpa Dugu hadn't returned yet.
So she went straight to her room, lay down on the bed, staring blankly at the ceiling. Tears welled again, sliding uncontrollably down her face.
She turned over, pulling the blanket tightly over herself. Soft sobs echoed, her body trembling.
After a long while, the sound faded. The blanket stilled. She seemed to have fallen asleep.
(End of Chapter)
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