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Dugu Yan's face instantly turned pale at Lan Minghua's first question.
Her fingers unconsciously twisted together, the knuckles turning white from the pressure. Her lips trembled slightly, and a flicker of struggle and pain appeared in her eyes. Memories of Yu Tianheng flashed through her mind like a whirlwind, each scene vivid and immediate.
"I… I…" Dugu Yan opened her mouth, but her voice was trapped in her throat.
She didn't want to disappoint her grandfather, yet she also couldn't bring herself to raise a hand against Yu Tianheng. Her heart was in deep turmoil.
Standing to the side, Dugu Bo watched his granddaughter's suffering with mixed emotions. He hoped she would pass Lan Minghua's test and become his disciple, yet he couldn't bear to see her so tormented. His hands were clasped behind his back, knuckles whitening from the force of his grip.
Inwardly, Dugu Bo sighed, "Yanyan, Grandfather knows this is hard, but for the future of the Dugu family, you must make a choice."
Lan Minghua watched her quietly, his gaze deep and calm, having already seen through her inner conflict. He didn't urge her or show any impatience, simply waiting. He knew this question was too cruel for Dugu Yan at the moment, but it was this very cruelty that would reveal her true character and resolve. Moreover, it was still uncertain whether the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Sect would stand against the Heavenly Dragon Gang.
Just as Dugu Yan was about to be crushed by her inner conflict, Lan Minghua lightly waved his hand and said, "Forget it, you don't need to answer."
Dugu Yan's head snapped up, her eyes wide with shock and confusion. She wondered if her hesitation had cost her the chance to become Lan Minghua's disciple. She opened her mouth to speak but realized she had no idea what to say.
Lan Minghua gave her no time to think and cut straight to the second question: "Second question: why do you want to take me as your master?"
His voice was calm, devoid of any detectable emotion.
Dugu Yan took a deep breath, forcing down the turmoil in her heart. She knew this might be her last chance. She lifted her head, looking directly at Lan Minghua with a firm gaze. Her voice, though slightly trembling, carried an undeniable resolve.
"I'm following my grandfather's advice—for my own safety, and to become stronger."
Her answer was short and direct, without flowery words or false pretense.
Lan Minghua studied her, his gaze like a torch. A moment later, he nodded slightly, a satisfied smile touching his lips. He could tell she was not lying. Her answer was simple, but at least it was sincere.
Dugu Bo felt a bittersweet pang, both relieved and conflicted.
After a brief pause, Lan Minghua took out the Seraphic Tulip and handed it to Dugu Yan.
"Take this and consume it," he said, his voice calm but brooking no refusal. "Afterward, we'll see if your talent is sufficient. If it is, I will accept you as my disciple. If not, I will still keep you by my side and ensure your safety."
Looking at the flower, Dugu Yan's eyes briefly showed doubt, but she didn't question him. She carefully accepted the Seraphic Tulip and nodded solemnly. "Thank you, Senior. I will work hard and not disappoint your expectations."
Seeing this, Dugu Bo's face relaxed into a relieved smile. He knew that if Lan Minghua was willing to give her the Seraphic Tulip, it meant he had already acknowledged her to some extent. Dugu Bo might not know the exact effects of the immortal herb, but he knew anything that caught Lan Minghua's eye was no ordinary treasure. If she could pass this test, her future path would be far brighter.
Lan Minghua waved his hand lightly. "Go. Find a quiet place to consume it. I'll be waiting here for you."
Dugu Yan nodded and walked toward a small grove. Watching her go, Dugu Bo's eyes were full of both expectation and worry. He silently prayed, "Yanyan, you must succeed… the future of the Dugu family rests on you."
Lan Minghua wasn't worried about any mishaps; the only uncertainty was whether her martial soul would evolve, and that was up to fate.
Moments later, a faint ripple of soul power came from the grove. A huge phantom of the Jade-Phosphorous Serpent Emperor appeared above her, and her soul power instantly rose to Rank 40.
Lan Minghua's lips curved upward slightly. He knew her martial soul had successfully evolved. Softly, he murmured, "It seems this girl's potential is even greater than I imagined."
After she finished absorbing the Seraphic Tulip, Lan Minghua checked her talent rating again.
Name: Dugu Yan
Age: 20
Martial Soul: Jade-Phosphorous Serpent Emperor
Soul Power: Rank 40
Talent Rating: 82
"Grandfather, my martial soul evolved successfully!"
Dugu Yan ran out of the grove in excitement, never imagining her martial soul could become the Jade-Phosphorous Serpent Emperor. The Jade-Phosphorous Serpent was already a rare beast-type martial soul, but compared to the emperor version, it was nothing.
Dugu Bo was deeply gratified. If she hadn't taken Lan Minghua as her master, this evolution might have been a double-edged sword. But now, with the antidote methods he possessed, this evolution would only make her stronger.
Seeing her talent meet the mark, Lan Minghua wasted no time. "Dugu Yan, are you willing to become my disciple?"
She had hesitated before, but after absorbing the immortal herb, all doubts vanished. She finally understood why her grandfather had insisted on this. If she wanted to reach greater heights, taking Lan Minghua as her master was the simplest path.
Without hesitation, she knelt and kowtowed.
"Dugu Yan greets Master."
"Mm. Rise."
Lan Minghua treated her as he did the others, giving her a Gravity Sensing Bracelet and a Devouring Pouch. She accepted them as if they were priceless treasures.
Sensing Flender's hesitant movements—he had the will but not the nerve—Lan Minghua inwardly chuckled. "It seems I've put too much pressure on them at Shrek Academy."
Now, with Oscar, Zhu Zhuqing, and Dugu Yan all at Rank 40, and Meng Yiran at Rank 39, it was time to head to the Frozen Forest to obtain their fourth soul rings. If they stayed at Shrek Academy any longer, Spirit Hall and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect would have no chance to act.
And if he didn't create an opportunity, how would they make their move?
Turning to the group, he said lightly, "Let's go—it's time to get your fourth soul rings."
"Yes! Finally!"
Oscar's excitement was boundless; he had waited far too long for this day. Even Zhu Zhuqing's normally cold face showed a hint of joy.
Dugu Yan was stunned. "Master, are Senior Brother and Senior Sister already at Rank 40?"
Lan Minghua nodded. "Oscar and Zhuqing are at Rank 40. Yiran is at Rank 39."
Hearing this, Dugu Yan felt as if struck by lightning. She had thought Lan Minghua was only being modest when he said her talent wasn't exceptional, but now she understood that what she considered "genius" was merely the baseline for his disciples.
Then he turned to Dugu Bo. "I'll be taking her with me. You should remain at Shrek Academy and keep Erlang company."
Dugu Bo nodded, understanding his situation. Having seen Wu Song's strength, he knew staying at Shrek Academy was the safest choice.
Lan Minghua summoned his flying sword, and the four students stepped onto it.
"Hold on tight—time to take off!"
With a whoosh, the flying sword shot into the sky, heading north toward the Heaven Dou Empire. News of Lan Minghua's departure from Shrek Academy spread to every major faction within moments.
Watching him leave, Flender took out a letter from his robe.
"I'm just passing on a letter for someone—it shouldn't cause too much trouble, right?"
(End of Chapter)