After departing from the Dugu Estate, Ye Yu and Dugu Bo made their way straight to the headquarters of the Strength Clan.
Upon arriving at the clan's main gate, Dugu Bo—dressed in flowing green robes, hands clasped behind his back, and his eccentric face filled with cold disdain—released the full pressure of a Titled Douluo's Spirit Power.
With a frosty roar, he called out:
"Tai Tan, get your ass out here!"
His voice boomed like thunder, echoing through the skies above the Strength Clan's compound.
Inside the Strength Clan Residence.
Tai Tan had been in the forging room, hammering away with his giant iron hammer when he heard the voice outside.
His expression darkened instantly.
"Who dares shout at me like that?!"
Growling coldly, Tai Tan stormed out of the forge and made his way toward the front gate.
By the time he arrived, several clan members had already gathered, brimming with fury at someone daring to insult their clan leader.
But as soon as they saw who it was—Dugu Bo—they all paled and fell silent.
"Who's calling me?!"
Tai Tan's voice bellowed before he even reached the gate. He had assumed that, at worst, it might be one of the Three Board of Education members of Heaven Dou Imperial Academy: Meng Shenji, Zhi Lin, or Bai Baoshan—perhaps demanding justice on Zhao Wuji's behalf.
Even if they were all Spirit Douluo, Tai Tan wasn't afraid. He had backup too—his friends Niu Gao, Yang Wudi, and Bai He were also Spirit Douluo.
But when he finally laid eyes on Dugu Bo…
His confident sneer stiffened into a forced smile as he cupped his fists:
"So it's His Excellency Poison Douluo.
May I ask what brings you to the Strength Clan today?"
"What brings me?"
Dugu Bo crossed his arms, sneering coldly.
"Tai Tan, you've got some guts."
"That Immovable King Zhao Wuji is my granddaughter's teacher—
and more importantly, one of my grandson-in-law Ye Yu's people."
"You laid hands on him.
Which means you laid hands on someone under Ye Yu's protection."
"If you don't give me a proper explanation today, your entire Strength Clan…
is finished."
His gaze turned chilling and murderous. As always, Dugu Bo repaid kindness with loyalty—but he was also vicious and ruthless when crossed.
Tai Tan's face twitched in anger.
"Then, may I ask what kind of 'explanation' would satisfy Poison Douluo?"
Sure, Dugu Bo was a newly ascended Titled Douluo—only seven years into the rank, maybe Rank 93 at most. Under normal circumstances, Tai Tan wouldn't have cared.
If my master were still around, this Poison Douluo wouldn't dare bark at me like this…
Still, as much as it pained him, he had no choice but to endure. Even with the legacy of his master, Clear Sky Douluo Tang Hao, backing him… the master wasn't here.
"It's simple," Dugu Bo replied.
"You broke Zhao Wuji's arm? Then break your own."
"Go to Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, kneel, and apologize.
Let Zhao Wuji beat you up once in return."
"Do that, and I'll consider the matter settled."
"Absolutely not!!"
Tai Tan exploded in rage. His face turned red, eyes bloodshot.
"That's impossible! That's an insult to my entire clan!"
Self-break my arm? Kneel to that Zhao Wuji and ask for forgiveness?!
I am the leader of the Strength Clan—a god-ranked blacksmith!
Dugu Bo, you've gone too far!
"Impossible?" Dugu Bo's eyes narrowed.
"Then don't blame me."
With a flick of his wrist, his Bi Phosphor Serpent Emperor Martial Soul manifested behind him, and nine Spirit Rings rose around him—two yellow, two purple, five black.
His killing intent surged.
Tai Tan's expression darkened.
"Don't forget, Poison Douluo—I may not be a Titled Douluo,
but my master is Clear Sky Douluo Tang Hao!"
"If he finds out you're bullying me,
you won't walk away unscathed!"
Dugu Bo burst into laughter.
"Tang Hao? That pathetic fugitive?"
"You mean the man hiding like a rat for years,
who hasn't dared show his face since killing the former Pope Qian Xunji?"
"Go ahead—tell him to come protect you.
If he dares show up, I'll send him crawling too."
Of course, Dugu Bo knew exactly where Tang Hao was—like a beaten dog, trapped inside Ye Yu's Wishful Hundred Treasure Purse, completely powerless.
Tai Tan's face twisted with fury, but then—without warning—he dropped to his knees.
"Poison Douluo… I'm willing to break my own arm and apologize.
Just please spare my clan."
Despite the burning humiliation in his chest, Tai Tan submitted.
Dugu Bo's expression turned icy with contempt.
"So much for the mighty Strength Clan…
This is the so-called Vigorous God Tai Tan of the Four Great Clans?"
Without warning, Dugu Bo struck. Before Tai Tan could even react, Dugu Bo ripped off his right arm with terrifying precision. Blood sprayed like a fountain.
Tai Tan let out a scream of agony, clutching his shoulder.
With great effort, he activated his Spirit Power and sealed the wound to stop the bleeding.
"Now go," Dugu Bo said coldly.
"Kneel before Zhao Wuji. Apologize."
"Vigorous God Tai Tan? So you're the only one allowed to protect your own?"
"Now you know how it feels."
Ye Yu watched silently nearby, shaking his head.
So much for the Strength Clan's so-called "Vigorous God" Tai Tan... All bark, then straight to his knees.
But inside Tai Tan's heart, hatred burned hotter than ever.
Dugu Bo, you dared humiliate me... you even tore off my arm...
Just wait—one day, my master will return. And I'll make you all pay.