Dugu Shuo's expression changed as he instantly activated his Martial Soul Avatar, transforming into a massive emerald-green serpent.
The serpent's dark green scales emitted a dazzling black radiance, resisting the phantom attack.
"Gui Mei, bullying the weak again? The poisoner must be nearby. With your strength, finding them should be easy. Or do you need my help to search together?" A deep voice boomed across the sky as a wisp of green smoke dissipated before Dugu Shuo's serpent form - a streak of lightning that had helped him block the attack.
Everyone in the caravan felt as if thunder had exploded in their minds. Who dared address Gui Mei by name so directly?
"Elder Brother, you came?" Yu Luomian exclaimed joyfully from the sky. The only person Yu Luomian would address as elder brother was Yu Yuanzhen, the clan leader of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family.
Dugu Feng looked up at the sky, where an immense ball of lightning brighter than moonlight was slowly approaching. Only then could one discern nine Thunder Dragons circling Yu Yuanzhen's body within the electric radiance, their horns, bodies, claws, and scales clearly visible as if ready to pounce at any moment.
Dugu Feng was awestruck by Yu Yuanzhen's overwhelming presence and flamboyant display. When I reach Titled Douluo status, I must surpass his majesty, he vowed silently. So this was his father's confidence? Had Father actually persuaded Yu Yuanzhen to intervene?
Inside the Sacred Dragon Sect's carriage, Gui Mei's expression darkened behind his shadowy veil. He had sensed a powerful presence nearby and wanted to test it, never expecting to provoke this old dragon from the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family. If pressed, the other might actually find Yang Wushuang - whose existence was crucial to Spirit Hall's grand plans and must not be exposed.
"The Elephant Armor Sect has long been affiliated with the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family. Whether to avenge their destruction is your clan's affair. Since Clan Leader Yu is present, I shall take my leave." Gui Mei smiled faintly.
At these words, the Soul Masters behind Tuoba Xi scrambled into their carriages as if the wooden planks could protect them. Tuoba Xi sighed inwardly at their disgraceful behavior.
"Gentlemen, we shall meet in Suotuo City. Thunder Coronet, we take our leave first!" Maintaining his dignity, Tuoba Xi bowed to Yu Yuanzhen before boarding his carriage.
Watching the Sacred Dragon Sect's hasty retreat, Dugu Feng smirked. Tuoba Xi was truly terrified.
"Greetings, Thunder Coronet!"
"Greetings, Thunder Coronet!"
Both Dugu Shuo and Ge Long paid their respects to Yu Yuanzhen, whose title "Thunder" reflected his formidable nature. The other Soul Masters followed suit - this was a Titled Douluo and leader of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family after all.
Dugu Feng mused that he was witnessing Yu Yuanzhen, the most overlooked Titled Douluo. The Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family had been hyped as incredibly powerful early on, only to be silently annihilated offstage. But seeing Yu Yuanzhen confront Gui Mei so boldly revealed the family's true standing.
"Clan Leader Dugu, my gratitude. The Elephant Armor Sect has indeed betrayed the Five Element Alliance. Huyan Zhen deserved his death. From now on, there shall only be the Four Element Alliance." Yu Yuanzhen first addressed Dugu Shuo and the assembled Dugu Family Soul Masters.
This truly made him see Dugu Shuo in a new light.
He had originally thought that within the Dugu Family, the only one worth noting was Dugu Bo. Since his grandson was pursuing Dugu Yan, he had also been paying close attention to the Dugu Family.
But now, he realized that Dugu Shuo was equally terrifying.
After the Divine Wind Academy, Blazing Fire Academy, and Heaven Water Academy were courted by the Spirit Hall, they immediately informed him.
Only the strongest, the Elephant Armor Sect, had not sent any news.
This made Yu Yuanzhen certain that the Elephant Armor Sect was planning to betray them.
However, the Elephant Armor Sect was defecting to the Spirit Hall, and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family had always maintained a neutral stance with minimal entanglements with other factions. Initially, he hadn't planned to pursue the Elephant Armor Sect's betrayal.
But Dugu Shuo informed him that the Elephant Armor Sect intended to present a "letter of submission" when defecting.
During the decision-making process of the six great families, they might suddenly turn against them, helping the Spirit Hall seize the greatest benefits from the Great Soul Arena.
This displeased Yu Yuanzhen.
The reason the Five Element Alliance wasn't merely the five subsidiary academies of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family was that their relationship was more about cooperation than subordination.
If the Elephant Armor Sect wanted to leave, fine—especially since they were joining the Spirit Hall. It wasn't worth offending the Spirit Hall over them.
But to openly cooperate with him while secretly selling out the interests of the Five Element Alliance to present a "letter of submission" was simply dishonorable.
Thus, Yu Yuanzhen agreed to cooperate with Dugu Shuo.
Dugu Shuo's conditions were simple: if a Titled Douluo appeared on the opposing side, he would help resist them.
In return, Dugu Shuo would deal with the Elephant Armor Sect.
This led to the scene that had just unfolded.
Upon hearing Yu Yuanzhen's words, Dugu Feng's heart tightened. His father had indeed struck a deal with Yu Yuanzhen.
But for Yu Yuanzhen to publicly thank his father in front of everyone...
Wasn't this confirming to all that it was his father who had poisoned the members of the Elephant Armor Sect?
It would solidify the belief that the Dugu Family had helped them "clean house."
Although Gui Mei and the Sacred Dragon Sect must have already known the Dugu Family was behind it.
Dugu Shuo had just shifted the blame onto the Destruction Clan, and the fact was that Yang Wushuang had indeed been hiding nearby.
As a cooperative partner, Yu Yuanzhen disregarded Dugu Shuo's earlier denial and outright revealed that Dugu Shuo was responsible.
Was Yu Yuanzhen trying to tie the Dugu Family to the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family's war chariot, or did he have other motives?
This old dragon isn't playing fair! Dugu Feng felt irritated.
Yu Yuanzhen and Yu Luomian now descended as well.
"Many thanks for Thunder Coronet's assistance!" Dugu Shuo spoke succinctly, offering no further words.
"Chief Ge, Chief Dugu, the Spirit Hall has even dispatched Gui Mei.
It seems they intend to seize a share of the benefits during the six great families' decision-making.
But now that the Elephant Armor Sect's hidden move has been thwarted, we cannot afford to concede!" Yu Yuanzhen declared solemnly.
Since they had provoked him into action, Yu Yuanzhen saw no reason to back down.
Both Ge Long and Dugu Shuo nodded in agreement. With the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Family leading the charge, what was there to fear?
Besides, if the Spirit Hall tried to take more, the Zhu Family and Dai Family wouldn't stand for it either.
Once their discussions concluded, they each returned to their carriages. As for the poisoned member of Thunder Academy, Old Scorpion had already administered the antidote, so he was fine.
After such a major incident, they certainly wouldn't travel further tonight.
These Soul Masters needed a good night's rest.
Dugu Feng stood outside the carriage.
Suddenly, an idea struck him, and he walked toward the spot where Huyan Zhen and the other Elephant Armor Sect members had fallen.
The Nine-Section Jadeite in his hands flashed and vanished, flying out.
Having become a thousand-year Spirit Beast, flight had become second nature to the Nine-Section Jadeite.
Its body hovered mere inches above the ground, circling the area.
"What a potent poison! In just this short time, the Elephant Armor Sect clansmen, once a mountain of flesh, have already rotted to the bone. Soon, they'll dissolve into black liquid and seep into the earth!"
"And Father must have controlled the decay rate—otherwise, they would've turned to black liquid instantly."
Dugu Feng sighed, his gaze fixed on the Nine-Section Jadeite.
He needed to do something.
(End of Chapter)