Chapter 21: Fang and Flame
The deeper they went, the quieter the forest became.
Not peaceful quiet — the kind that made even seasoned hunters tense.
Chen's brow furrowed slightly. The Library whispered in his mind:
> Detected Spirit Beast:
Species: Steelback Flame Tiger
Age: 3,800 years
Danger Level: High
Compatibility: Medium for Yan, Low for current host.
Recommended Action: Engage only with external support.
Chen's lips curved. "Grandpa. Company ahead — strong this time."
---
The Roar
A guttural roar tore through the air, followed by the crash of trees.
The Steelback Flame Tiger emerged, its massive body wreathed in fire, metal-like plates gleaming on its back.
Yan's breath hitched. "It's huge…"
Before fear could paralyze her, Chen stepped forward, his voice calm.
"Stay behind me. Don't move until Grandpa or I tell you to."
Dugu Bo smirked, rolling his shoulders. "Finally, some entertainment. Let's see if this old man's joints are still working."
---
The Battle
The tiger lunged, claws tearing through the ground, flames whipping around its body.
Chen moved first, poison flaring like a green storm, controlling the battlefield and cutting off the beast's movement paths.
Dugu Bo followed a split second later — faster than the eye could track, his strike precise and devastating.
The tiger roared, staggered, and then collapsed with a heavy thud, the ground trembling under its weight.
Yan could only stare, awe and pride warring in her chest.
---
The Unexpected Arrival
Before they could harvest the core, the sound of rushing footsteps came from the underbrush.
A woman burst into the clearing — tall, fiery-haired, her eyes sharp with killing intent.
Flames licked around her as she glared at them.
"You killed my prey," she growled.
Chen blinked. He recognized her immediately from his memories of the original timeline.
Liu Erlong. The Fire Dragon.
Dugu Bo turned slowly, his poisonous aura subtly flaring in response to her aggressive stance.
"And? What of it, girl?"
Erlong's eyes narrowed, but when her gaze landed on Chen and Yan — especially Yan, still trembling slightly — the fury in her expression faltered.
"…Kids?" she muttered, confusion flashing across her face.
Chen stayed silent, his mind already spinning, the Library recording every detail. This… could be an opportunity.
-
Chapter 22: Fire Meets Poison
The air thickened with tension, the metallic scent of blood mixing with faint poison and residual flames.
Liu Erlong stood poised, her fiery aura licking the edges of the clearing like a living inferno. But when her sharp eyes truly focused on the older man standing calmly before her, her breath caught.
Dugu Bo.
The Poison Douluo.
A man with a reputation for leaving fields of bones in his wake.
Her flames wavered, shrinking slightly as her heartbeat spiked.
An Unequal Standoff
Dugu Bo didn't even need to flare his spirit power — the oppressive pressure of a Title Douluo leaked out naturally.
His voice was calm, but sharp like a blade.
"Girl, if you're looking for trouble, you'll find it. Speak your piece, or leave."
Erlong swallowed, instinct screaming at her to back down.
Calm down, Liu Erlong. He could kill you before you blink. And you'd never even see it coming.
Chen's Intervention
Before the situation could sour, Chen stepped forward.
"We didn't know this Steelback Flame Tiger was your hunt," he said evenly, his tone polite but steady.
"This is our first trip outside the valley. Grandpa brought us out for training."
Yan peeked from behind Chen, her small hands gripping his sleeve tightly, eyes wide but curious.
That tiny, humanizing image — two kids under the wing of the infamous Poison Douluo — cooled some of Erlong's tension.
A Calculated Gesture
With a faint scoff, Dugu Bo gestured at the beast's carcass.
"Take it. It's yours. We don't need it."
Erlong blinked.
This wasn't the poisonous, unpredictable killer she'd imagined.
Instead, she was being offered an olive branch — or at least, a show of indifference that meant survival.
"…Thank you," she said carefully, stepping forward to claim her prize without meeting his gaze directly.
Shadows of Respect
The Library's voice murmured in Chen's mind:
Observation:
Target's hostility reduced by 85%.
Emotional state: Respect, mild fear, and caution toward Host's elder.
Recommendation: Maintain neutral stance.
Parting Words
Before she left, Erlong's gaze fell on Yan again. Something in her expression softened, just a fraction.
"Keep them close, Poison Douluo," she said quietly. "The forest isn't kind to the unprepared."
Then she vanished into the trees, her retreat almost hasty, as though staying a second longer in the presence of a Title Douluo was suffocating.
Dugu Bo snorted.
"Knows her place, at least. Hmph. Bold brat, but not stupid."
Chen smirked faintly.
"At least she didn't start a pointless fight. That would've been troublesome."
Yan tugged on his sleeve, still confused.
"Brother… was she scared of Grandpa?"
Chen chuckled softly, ruffling her hair.
"Of course. Grandpa is a Title Douluo. Even the boldest flame knows when it can't burn through a mountain."
Chapter 23: The Whisper of the Abyss
The deeper they traveled, the denser and darker the forest became.
The hum of insects faded, replaced by an almost eerie stillness.
Even Yan stopped humming to herself, gripping Chen's sleeve tighter.
Library's Warning
A ripple passed through Chen's mind.
The Library of Heaven's Path spoke in its emotionless tone:
Detected Spirit Beast:
Species: Abyssal Poison Serpent
Estimated Age: 5,200 years
Attributes: Poison / Darkness
Compatibility: High
Recommended Action: Engage with maximum caution.
Chen's eyes sharpened, but his face remained calm.
"Grandpa," he said quietly, "there's something ahead. Something strong. Poison attribute — perfect for me."
Grandpa's Evaluation
Dugu Bo's sharp gaze scanned the treeline, his aura tightening.
"Abyssal Serpent?" His tone was low, almost eager.
"Hmph. Dangerous, but nothing we can't handle. You ready, brat?"
Chen smirked faintly.
"Born ready."
Yan, on the other hand, swallowed hard. "I… I'll be careful, Brother. I promise!"
Dugu Bo rested a reassuring hand on her head.
"You just watch and learn, little Yan. Stay close, don't panic, and let us handle the hard part."
Planning the Hunt
They paused in a clearing to discuss their approach.
Chen crouched, sketching a rough map in the dirt based on the Library's sensory data.
"It prefers ambush tactics," Chen explained.
"It hides in shallow burrows or under dense foliage, striking when prey is within reach. Its venom can corrode most metals and paralyze instantly."
Dugu Bo grinned, his eyes glinting with predatory excitement.
"Good. I'll draw its attention. You, boy, make sure it doesn't burrow away."
Chen nodded, his mind already running dozens of calculations.
With Grandpa as the main shield, and my improved poison control… this should work.
Yan's Resolve
Yan clenched her small fists.
"I'll help too. Even if it's just distracting it for a moment. I won't be dead weight."
Chen ruffled her hair, a rare warmth in his expression.
"You're never dead weight, Yan. Just remember — one mistake with this thing, and you'll be in danger. Stay sharp."
The Roar Beneath the Earth
As night fell, the ground trembled.
From the shadows of the trees, a low, rumbling hiss slithered through the clearing, so deep it vibrated in their bones.
Then — a glint of black scales broke through the earth.
The Abyssal Poison Serpent erupted from its burrow, its massive form twisting like a nightmare, emerald eyes glowing in the darkness.
Dugu Bo's grin widened.
"There you are, you slippery bastard."
Chen's eyes sharpened, his aura flaring with focused intent.
"Grandpa. Let's begin."
Chapter 25 – Training and the Second Hunt
The morning in Poison Valley was quiet, broken only by the faint whoosh of displaced air and the soft crackle of venom dissolving stone.
Chen vanished from one side of the clearing and reappeared on the other, a faint green glow trailing behind him. His right fist slammed into a boulder with a dull boom, poison energy corroding the rock until it crumbled into dust.
Dugu Bo watched with narrowed eyes, arms crossed.
"Your control's sharper," the old man said gruffly. "But you're wasting energy when you chain the second jump. Clean it up."
"Understood, Grandpa," Chen replied calmly. He didn't pause, his body blurring again as he chained another Chaos Venom Step, this time hitting a target tree without disturbing the nearby grass.
Yan sat nearby, hugging her knees, watching with wide eyes.
"Brother, you're like a ghost now… It's scary."
Chen appeared behind her in a blink, leaning close to her ear.
"Boo."
"Ah! Stop that!" she yelped, flailing her arms while Dugu Bo chuckled.
Planning the Hunt
Once training ended, Chen sat with a focused look, the Library of Heaven's Path glowing faintly in his mind as he analyzed Yan's martial soul.
Result: Best compatibility – Jade Poison Butterfly (1,800 years).
Enhancement – Poison control, speed boost, resistance amplification.
Predicted second soul skill – Poison Mist Domain.
Closing the mental screen, Chen nodded to his sister.
"Your next ring will be from a Jade Poison Butterfly. Perfect compatibility. It'll help you control poison better and make you faster."
Yan blinked, surprised. "Butterfly? Aren't those weak?"
"Not this one," Chen said with a faint smirk. "This one will make you stronger. You'll see."
Dugu Bo grunted his approval. "Good choice. Let's go before someone else scares it off."
The Hunt
The trio moved deeper into Sunset Forest, to a quiet glade where shimmering green butterflies drifted among the flowers.
It didn't take long before Chen's gaze sharpened, locking onto a larger one with faint silver lines on its wings.
"There," he said, voice steady.
The butterfly noticed them, flitting higher with surprising speed.
Chen grinned faintly.
"Let's see how far my range really goes."
His figure blurred—Chaos Venom Step—and reappeared directly in the butterfly's flight path, poison swirling from his palm to form a barrier. Startled, the beast tried to veer away, but Yan's poison mist rolled in from the other side, her control much steadier than before.
"Good, Yanyan," Chen said, calm even mid-combat.
The butterfly panicked, trying to dart upward—only for Chen to vanish and reappear above it, delivering a venom burst punch that clipped its wings. The beast tumbled to the ground with a faint screech, incapacitated but alive enough for the ring to form.
Absorption
Yan knelt beside the fallen butterfly, her expression a mix of nerves and excitement.
"You're sure it's okay?"
"Perfect," Chen reassured, resting a hand on her shoulder. "Focus. I'll watch your back."
With Dugu Bo standing guard and Chen nearby, Yan began the absorption. Poison mist swirled around her, forming a small cocoon as the yellow-green ring fused with her martial soul.
Minutes passed before the mist calmed, revealing Yan with eyes glowing faintly green.
Second Soul Skill: Poison Mist Domain
She opened her hands instinctively, and a faint circle of poison mist spread around her feet — stable, controlled, and completely under her will.
Dugu Bo's eyes glinted with pride.
"Hmph. Not bad. With practice, you'll be able to hold an area twice this size."
Yan's grin was bright despite her exhaustion. "Brother, I did it!"
Chen smiled faintly. "Told you. Now you're ready to start catching up."
Return to Poison Valley
As they made their way back, the forest seemed quieter than usual. Chen kept his senses sharp, but nothing unusual followed them.
For now, the Poison Valley family could focus on what they did best — growing stronger together.
Chapter 26 – Poison Space and Growth
Morning sunlight barely reached the depths of Poison Valley, but the air was alive with energy.
Green mist coiled lazily through the valley, carrying the sharp tang of potent venom — lethal to anyone but the family that called this place home.
Chen stood in the center of the training ground, eyes sharp, body thrumming with power. His Abyssal Serpent soul bone pulsed faintly in his right leg, eager to be tested again.
"Ready," he murmured. Then—whoosh!
Chaos Venom Step Mastery
One moment he was at the edge of the field, the next he reappeared ten meters away, poison energy bursting behind him in a sharp wave.
Another jump—cleaner this time—put him directly in front of a training dummy. His fist slammed forward, poison-infused force bursting out in a controlled explosion that melted the dummy into sizzling sludge.
On the sidelines, Dugu Bo grunted approvingly, arms crossed.
"Your range improved," the old man said. "But your second chain still bleeds too much energy. Again."
"Understood, Grandpa," Chen replied, vanishing again in a blur.
Nearby, Yan sat with her legs crossed, her Poison Mist Domain swirling in slow, steady patterns.
"Brother," she called out, wrinkling her nose, "you're like some scary ghost now. Can you even fight fair anymore?"
Chen reappeared behind her in a blink, leaning close to her ear.
"Why would I fight fair?"
"Ah! Stop it!" Yan yelped, flailing while Dugu Bo barked out a laugh.
Poison-Space Experimentation
Later, Chen turned to more dangerous tests: integrating poison marks into his teleportation.
The first attempt fizzled, dumping him into a thorn bush. Yan laughed so hard she nearly fell over.
The second attempt failed completely, leaving nothing but a scorch mark on the dirt.
"Brat," Dugu Bo said flatly, "warn me next time before you turn the valley upside down."
But the third attempt clicked.
Chen placed a poison mark on a tree, and with a thought, his body snapped back to that spot in an instant.
He smiled faintly.
"Poison Mark Teleportation. Perfect for mid-battle repositioning."
Dugu Bo's eyes narrowed, but his tone carried pride.
"Good. Keep sharpening it. One day, that trick will save your life."
Yan's Growth
Yan's Poison Mist Domain had nearly doubled in range over the week.
She demonstrated proudly, her mist expanding in a wide circle, then compressing tightly until it formed a dense sphere around her.
Chen gave an approving nod.
"Good. Start mixing in paralysis toxins. A wider spread won't matter if your poison's weak."
Yan groaned dramatically. "But Grandpa says paralysis poison stinks!"
Dugu Bo chuckled. "Then refine it until it doesn't. Don't whine; you wanted to catch up, didn't you?"
Grandpa's Near-Breakthrough
At the Ice-Fire Yin Yang Well, the ground trembled faintly as Dugu Bo sat cross-legged, cycling his energy. His aura surged, filling the valley with a suffocating pressure that made even the spirit herbs tremble.
When he opened his eyes, sharp emerald light cut through the mist.
"Rank ninety-four, solid foundation," the old man muttered, a grin tugging at his lips. "One more push, and ninety-five is mine."
Chen smiled faintly but said nothing. His Library had already confirmed it: within months, Dugu Bo would hit that next rank.
"Brat," Dugu Bo said suddenly, glancing at Chen, "you're eleven, and you're already at rank thirty-five. At this pace, you'll be a Soul Emperor before you're fifteen."
Chen shrugged. "Why settle for Emperor when I can be a Title Douluo?"
That earned a booming laugh and a heavy hand clapping his shoulder.
"That's my grandson!"
Evening Meditation
As night fell, Chen sat quietly near the Yin Yang Well, his mind processing insights from the Library.
Yan slept soundly nearby, exhausted from another day of intense training, while Dugu Bo meditated in silence, his aura steady and powerful.
Chen's cultivation base thrummed with energy — rank thirty-five at eleven years old. Yan was stabilizing her second ring. And their grandfather, the Poison Douluo, was on the cusp of reclaiming his peak.
For the first time in this life, Chen allowed himself a rare moment of quiet pride.
This family will never be weak again, he thought. Not while I'm here.
Got it — let's revise Chapter 26 to show that by the time Chen and Yanyan enter the academy:
Chen is already 12 years old and Rank 42, thanks to his accelerated cultivation with the Library of Heaven's Path, Ice-Fire Yin-Yang Well, and Whale Gum.
Yanyan is Rank 30, putting her ahead of her peers as well.
They're entering as advanced students, skipping ahead of their age group.
Chapter 26 – Heaven Dou Academy Arc Begins
(Age 12 – Chen Rank 42, Yanyan Rank 30, Dugu Bo Rank 94)
---
Arrival at Heaven Dou Academy
The sprawling campus of Heaven Dou Imperial Academy was alive with noise — students bustling in neat uniforms, spirit beasts in designated training fields, and instructors shouting instructions to sparring pairs.
Then, silence.
Every eye turned to the emerald carriage rolling slowly down the paved path. And when it stopped, the atmosphere froze completely.
Dugu Bo stepped down first, his very presence a storm of poisonous pressure that made even veteran instructors step back unconsciously. His sharp golden eyes swept over the grounds like blades.
Following him, Chen descended, his stride steady, his sharp green eyes calm but predatory. At Rank 42, his aura was dense, controlled, but impossible to hide from those sensitive to spiritual power.
Beside him, Yanyan hopped out, lively as always, her Rank 30 cultivation barely contained.
> "Brother," she whispered, leaning close. "Why do they all look like they're about to faint?"
Chen smirked. "Because they've never seen monsters up close before."
---
The Weight of the Poison Douluo
Whispers filled the air as they walked toward the registration hall.
> "That's… Dugu Bo. The Poison Douluo!"
"Then those two…"
"His grandchildren. I heard the boy reached the Spirit Ancestor realm at twelve. Spirit Ancestor. At twelve!"
The registrar nearly dropped his ledger when Dugu Bo's shadow fell over the desk.
"Enrollment," the old man said bluntly, dropping two sealed documents on the counter. "For these two. Make it fast. My time is more valuable than your life."
The clerk stammered, hands trembling as he processed the forms and handed over two identification tokens.
---
Flashback: The Fourth Ring Hunt
(Six Months Earlier – Poison Valley Swamps)
The Venomshadow Serpent King was a nightmare incarnate — a 10,000-year-old serpent, its scales slick with toxin and water essence, its shadow blending with the murky swamp.
Chen, already Rank 39, hunted it relentlessly with Dugu Bo watching nearby, ready to intervene but never stepping in.
Hours of combat turned the swamp into a battlefield:
Chen blurred through the air with his third ring's spatial steps, leaving afterimages in the fog.
Poison bursts forced the serpent to shed its camouflage, while his precise strikes targeted the beast's weak points identified by the Library.
Finally, instinct fused with technique — his poison and water control merging into a deadly torrent that melted everything it touched.
When the beast finally collapsed, the glowing ring rose above its corpse — a fusion of emerald green and deep ocean blue.
Dugu Bo stood silently, pride hidden behind a gruff expression.
> "A twelve-year-old with four rings… and a soul skill even I would hesitate to face," he muttered.
Chen opened his eyes, feeling the surge of power settle within him. The poison-and-water fusion skill pulsed in his veins, a destructive promise.
"Acid Torrent," he whispered, a feral grin tugging at his lips. "Perfect."
---
Back to the Present
As they stepped through the gates with their tokens in hand, Dugu Bo gave his final warning.
"Remember, you two. You bow to no one. Not here, not anywhere. If someone picks a fight…" His golden eyes glinted dangerously. "…make sure they regret it."
Chen smirked. "No promises, Grandpa."
Yanyan sighed, though the corners of her mouth twitched in a smile.
Heaven Dou Academy had just gained two new students — and it wouldn't take long before the entire school learned what that really meant.
--
Chapter 27 – The Poisonous Siblings Enter the Special Class
(Age 12 – Chen Rank 42, Yanyan Rank 30)
First Day Chaos
The courtyard training grounds of Heaven Dou Academy were already packed when Chen and Yanyan arrived. The moment they stepped in, the noise dulled, whispers rippling through the crowd.
"That's them…"
"The Poison Douluo's grandchildren."
"Rank 42 at twelve… is that even human?"
Chen ignored the chatter, hands in his pockets, surveying the area like he owned it. Yanyan, in contrast, looked around curiously, her bright eyes taking in every detail.
Then, of course, some idiot couldn't keep his mouth shut.
"Hey, country bumpkins!" sneered a tall boy with slicked-back hair, his spirit energy flaring arrogantly. "This isn't a daycare. Go back to your swamp before you get hurt."
Yanyan blinked in confusion. "Who is this clown?"
Chen didn't answer. He didn't need to. The boy lunged forward, spirit beast manifesting, but before his attack could even form—
ZAP
Chen vanished, reappearing behind him in a blur of spatial ripples. A single lazy tap to the back of the neck, laced with paralyzing toxin, and the boy crumpled face-first into the dirt.
Gasps erupted around the courtyard.
"Teleportation—?!"
"He didn't even chant a skill!"
"The Poison Douluo's line… they're monsters."
Instructor's Intervention
An instructor stormed forward, frowning.
"What's going on here? No dueling outside the arena—"
Then his eyes landed on Chen, and his anger faltered. Recognition dawned, followed quickly by something like nervous respect.
"You… you're the new students. The Poison Douluo's kin."
Chen tilted his head slightly, a hint of a smirk tugging at his lips.
"Was just… cleaning up some noise, Instructor."
The man swallowed but forced his professional tone back into place.
"Hmph. Follow me. Both of you. Testing room. Now."
Testing Their Rank
Inside the testing chamber, glowing stones lit up the room as instructors gathered. One by one, they examined Chen and Yanyan.
The results were… shocking.
Chen – Rank 42, four rings, twin martial spirits.
Yanyan – Rank 30, two rings, unique poison attribute.
The head instructor could barely keep his composure.
"Rank forty-two at twelve… This talent rivals the Seven Treasures Clan's heirs. And you—" He looked at Yanyan, then back at Chen, "—you're both beyond the standard classes. You'll be placed directly into the Special Class. Effective immediately."
Special Class Attention
Word spread through the academy like wildfire:
"The Poison Douluo's grandchildren are in the Special Class!"
"That boy beat a third-year without even using a full attack…"
"And the girl—she's only twelve, but her spirit power's already at thirty. It's insane."
Chen ignored the whispers, but Yanyan basked in the attention, grinning ear to ear.
"Special class, huh?" she said later, swinging her legs as they sat under a tree. "Feels like we're finally in the spotlight."
Chen smirked faintly, eyes narrowing toward the distant tower where the Special Class trained.
"Spotlight or not," he murmured, "it doesn't matter. I'm here to get stronger. Anyone who tries to stand in the way—"
His aura flared briefly, sharp and venomous.
"—won't be standing for long."
Chapter 28 – First Day in the Special Class
(Age 12 – Chen Rank 42, Yanyan Rank 30)
Arrival at the Special Class Grounds
The Special Class training hall was quieter and more disciplined than the normal sections. Every student there radiated confidence — and spirit power above Rank 30.
Whispers started as Chen and Yanyan entered:
"So that's the Poison Douluo's grandson."
"Rank 42 at twelve… he's terrifying."
"And the girl—she's rank 30 already?!"
Chen ignored the looks and walked straight to the instructor in charge, his posture steady, unbothered. Yanyan, on the other hand, gave a little wave to the stunned students.
Mock Battle
The instructor smirked.
"New blood, huh? Let's see what you've got. Chen, Yanyan — step up. Spar against… Kai and Lian."
Two older students — a Rank 38 boy with a wolf spirit and a Rank 36 girl with a fire lotus spirit — stepped into the ring.
"Try not to cry when you lose, newbies," Kai sneered.
Chen tilted his head lazily. "You first."
The battle started.
Kai lunged with wolf claws glowing, aiming for Chen.
Chen didn't even flinch — a ripple of space and Chaos Step activated, letting him vanish and reappear behind Kai. One light tap of toxin-laced energy and Kai froze mid-strike, collapsing.
Meanwhile, Yanyan faced off with Lian. Her second-ring poison skill, now refined, allowed her to spread a delicate mist that slowed and weakened her opponent. A follow-up strike forced Lian to yield.
Gasps filled the arena.
"Did you see that? He didn't even try."
"The girl's poison is just like her grandfather's… that's scary."
"Monsters… absolute monsters."
The instructor stepped forward, his eyes gleaming with interest.
"Impressive. Both of you. Looks like you'll fit right in."
New Bonds
After the spar, a few students approached.
Kai (after recovering, humbled) apologized and asked to train together.
Lian offered to show Yanyan the academy grounds.
A quiet boy named Rui (Rank 39, control-type spirit master) introduced himself, clearly curious about Chen's teleportation skill.
Yanyan, ever the social butterfly, quickly began chatting with everyone, while Chen stayed reserved but didn't push them away.
End of the Day
As the siblings left the hall, Dugu Bo's shadow loomed in the distance, watching silently.
"Hmph. Let them make friends," the old man muttered to himself. "But if anyone dares to hurt those kids…"
His eyes gleamed with poisonous light.
"They won't live to regret it."
---
Chapter 29 – The Week of Quiet Storms
(Age 12 – Chen Rank 42, Yanyan Rank 30)
---
Settling Into the Academy
The first week at Heaven Dou Academy passed in a blur.
For most students, it was about routine: classes, sparring sessions, and social circles.
For Chen and Yanyan, it was about domination.
Chen won every sparring match without breaking a sweat, teleporting around the arena and striking with surgical precision, his poison-infused blows leaving even older students wary.
Yanyan quickly became popular for her cheerful personality — and infamous for the venomous butterflies that danced on her shoulders during training.
Their reputation spread like wildfire:
> "The Poison Siblings," some whispered.
"Monsters," others muttered.
---
Observing the Special Class
One afternoon, Chen stood silently at the edge of the training grounds, watching the other students spar.
(Internal monologue)
> "Kai's wolf form has a three-second delay when shifting stances.
Rui's control field is stable, but his stamina drains too quickly.
Lian's fire lotus weakens after the third strike… Weaknesses everywhere."
Every flaw he observed was quietly filed away, his mind planning not only how to counter them but also how to improve himself.
---
In the Shadows – Qian Renxue's Interest
High above, in a secluded tower, "Xue Qinghe" stood by the crystal-paneled window, arms folded.
Through the viewing glass, she watched Chen's movements as he sparred — teleporting in a blur, striking with poison-coated blows, dismantling opponents with calm precision.
> "At twelve years old, Rank 42. A mutated martial soul… poison and space entwined," she murmured, a faint smile touching her lips.
"A monster, born of monsters."
Her aide hesitated.
"Your Highness, should we attempt recruitment? Such talent would—"
> "No," she interrupted, her tone sharp. "Not yet."
The aide blinked.
"But why? To have him—"
> "Because his grandfather is Dugu Bo," she said flatly.
"A Title Douluo who bows to no one. Move too soon, and we risk making an enemy we can't afford."
Her gaze lingered on Chen, golden eyes thoughtful.
> "Let him grow. When the time is right, we'll see where his loyalties lie."
---
Chen's Awareness
Chen wasn't oblivious.
That evening, as they rested in the academy gardens, he murmured to Yanyan, voice low.
"Someone's watching us. Someone important. Don't react. Just train harder."
Yanyan blinked, tilting her head.
"Important like… teacher-important? Or… capital-important?"
A faint smirk tugged at Chen's lips.
"The kind of important that topples kingdoms."
---
The Calm Before the Storm
By the end of the week, the Poison Siblings were fully accepted into the academy's Special Class.
Chen, the quiet but untouchable genius, the student no one wanted to spar against twice.
Yanyan, the social butterfly with a dangerous edge, making friends even as she terrified those who underestimated her poison.
And somewhere in the shadows, Qian Renxue waited, patient as a coiled snake, content to observe until the time came to strike.
---
Chapter 30 – The Poison That Strikes Twice
(Age 13 – Chen Rank 46, Yanyan Rank 34)
---
Time Skip – One Year Later
A year at Heaven Dou Academy changed many things.
Chen had climbed to Rank 46, his poison more refined and his spatial control sharper. Teleporting with perfect precision, his strikes now left even the strongest students wary.
Yanyan had reached Rank 34, her butterfly spirit evolving to carry faint traces of toxins guided by her brother's meticulous tutoring.
Every month, they returned to the Poison Valley for secluded training.
Dugu Bo, though gruff, was quietly proud of their monstrous growth.
> "Brat," the old man muttered one evening, watching Chen form a miniature acid vortex in his palm, "you're going to outstrip me before you turn twenty."
Chen just smirked.
> "That's the plan, Grandpa."
---
Special Class Mission
When the notice arrived, Chen and Yanyan were already expecting it.
A reconnaissance mission: investigate a rogue Soul Master harassing nearby villages and, if possible, capture or eliminate.
The Special Class team consisted of:
Chen and Yanyan
Kai, the wolf spirit user
Lian, the fire lotus prodigy
Rui, the field controller
---
The Encounter
They found their target near a ravine — a Rank 38 Poison Spider Spirit Master.
The fight was swift and brutal.
Rui tried to control the field but nearly got caught in the spider's silk.
Yanyan provided distractions, her butterflies harrying the enemy.
Chen was the executioner.
A flash of distortion, a ripple of space — teleport.
The enemy had only enough time to widen his eyes before Chen's acid torrent engulfed him.
The battle ended in less than two minutes.
---
Aftermath
Kai stared at the smoldering crater where the spider master had stood.
"Remind me never to piss you off, Chen."
Chen didn't respond. He was crouched beside the ruined remains, calmly harvesting the soul core fragments and useful toxins.
Yanyan wrinkled her nose.
"Ugh, brother, must you collect everything? It stinks."
"It's valuable," Chen replied evenly, storing the toxins. "And someday, it'll save your life."
---
Dugu Bo's Distant Guidance
Later that night, back at the academy dorms, a letter arrived.
A short note from Dugu Bo, his handwriting sharp and precise:
> 'I hear you've begun hunting outside the valley.
Control. Always control.
And remember — poison is patient. Let your enemies kill themselves trying to rush you.'
Chen folded the note carefully, slipping it into his personal notebook.
---
Hints of Bigger Storms
Unbeknownst to the students, reports of their mission had already reached ears in high places.
In the royal palace, Qian Renxue skimmed the mission summary.
A slow smile curved her lips.
> "Rank 46 at thirteen," she murmured. "How frightening you are, little serpent… grow stronger. Let the world notice you. It will make it all the more satisfying when I claim you for my plans."
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