Yuexuan.
"Kitty, another glass?"
"No, I've had enough."
"Rongrong, how about one more?"
"…"
Ever since Princess Xue Ke first brought him here, drinking at Yuexuan seemed to have become routine for Lucien.
Tang Yuehua had even arranged the quietest private room for him, all the way at the top floor.
"These girls are… your girlfriends?" Tang Yuehua appeared in a graceful silver palace dress, wearing her usual warm smile.
"Of course! They're family to me, Big Sis," Lucien said with a mischievous grin. "You'll have to take extra good care of them from now on."
His words grew hazy, his gaze almost dazed as he looked at her.
"Don't talk nonsense in front of so many people, or I really will throw you out!" Tang Yuehua snapped, cheeks tinged red.
"Don't mind him, Sister Yuehua," Zhu Zhuqing said calmly.
"Big Sis Yuehua, could you teach me court etiquette sometime?" Ning Rongrong asked with a smile.
The girls had grown familiar with Tang Yuehua in these weeks of frequent visits to Yuexuan.
"Of course," Tang Yuehua agreed warmly. "As long as you want to learn, come anytime. In fact, I have a few harp lessons soon—you should join me."
Her gaze softened toward these bright, cheerful girls far younger than herself. Somehow, they made her feel both protective and refreshed, as though she was young again.
But the calm didn't last.
"Lucien! Lucien!"
Dugu Yan came running up the stairs in a panic. Her face flushed, tears at the corners of her eyes.
"My grandfather—he's been struck by the backlash of the Jade Phosphorus Snake Emperor's venom. He… he's calling for you!"
"Then let's go!"
Without another word, Lucien's figure blurred. He grabbed Dugu Yan's hand, and in a blink the two vanished from Yuexuan.
Along the way, Dugu Yan hurriedly explained. That morning, her grandfather had tried teaching her a few advanced techniques of their clan's martial soul. But in the middle of it, he suddenly spat blood.
It was the venom of the Jade Phosphorus Snake Emperor—poison long buried inside his body, accumulated for years.
Although Dugu Bo had anticipated this day, he never thought the outbreak would strike so suddenly.
"Before he collapsed, he told me to find you," Dugu Yan choked out. "I don't understand why… What if he just wanted me to say goodbye… and asked you to take care of me after…"
Her tears fell harder.
"Why'd you stop? Hurry!" she urged, noticing Lucien halt.
But before them now stood a stunning woman. Long golden hair, a flowing silver dress—her very presence radiated natural, standing charm, instantly drawing eyes despite the urgency of the moment.
"Pretty one, I don't have time to drink with you right now," Lucien muttered impatiently.
The woman's gaze lingered on him. "So you're Lucien. They say you're strong. I want to see it for myself."
Every movement of hers brimmed with grace and allure, her voice carrying three parts temptation.
"I don't even know you," Lucien waved her off. "We can fight or drink another time. For now—I've got no time for games."
"My name is Hu Liena. Now we've met."
The Holy Maiden of Spirit Hall, personal disciple of Bibi Dong herself—the pride of the Martial Soul Hall's golden generation. Though only a Soul King, Hu Liena's fame already spread across Douluo Continent. Honors, talent, powerful charm ability: all had molded her into an arrogant young master in her own right.
But ever since Lucien appeared on the continent's stage, her once-shining aura seemed to dim. People even whispered about Lucien in Martial Soul Hall itself—diminishing her own name.
Everyone says he's a few years younger than me. A Soul King like me… Just how strong can he be?
She had come today to find out.
"Why waste time talking? Just beat her!" Dugu Yan urged frantically.
Her grandfather was in life-threatening danger—how could they delay?
Hu Liena's body swayed, her eyes glimmering dangerously. A soft moan escaped her lips as rose-colored light flared to life. Behind her, a fluffy tail sprouted as her martial soul awakened.
The charm of her fox spirit poured out, oppressive and alluring. Her second spirit ring shone with crimson light as she released its bewitching power.
She smirked, blinking teasingly at Lucien.
But Lucien didn't look away. His gaze pierced back with overwhelming focus, and raw, crushing spirit power erupted around him.
The charm shattered instantly.
A thud echoed. Hu Liena staggered backward step after step, blood surging painfully in her chest.
Her skill… had backfired on her.
Impossible! The backlash only happens if the opponent's spirit power utterly outclasses mine… as if he's at least two spirit rings above me!
Hu Liena's heart sank. The rumors were true—Lucien was far too strong.
Before she could recover, she suddenly felt herself bound head-to-toe in an inescapable net of soul power. The world around her blurred, things whipping by at fierce speed.
She realized in shock—
He's carrying me?!
One instant of black light… and now she was slung unceremoniously over his shoulder.
"W-what…?"
Hu Liena, proud Holy Maiden of Spirit Hall, realized she had been captured without even raising resistance.
This guy… Is he really just a Soul King? With such monstrous strength, even if I combined with Xie Yue for a Martial Soul Fusion Skill, we'd stand no chance!
Her pride collapsed.
No wonder Teacher spoke of him so warily… no wonder she sent so many powerhouses back from the Pope's Palace because of this boy…
She tried to speak, but Lucien had already sealed her mouth with soul power.
Where is this bastard taking me?!
Sunset dyed the vast forest in shades of gold and red.
Lucien slowed at last, breathing out. Carrying someone did drag his speed down.
"Lucien… You're here."
Dugu Bo emerged from behind a massive tree, his body frail, complexion frightening. Black-purple veins traced his lips and eyes. His spirit power was unstable, his entire form trembling under the venom's assault.
The earlier battle in Xingluo City had drained him, leaving hidden injuries. Now, with his strength unstable, the Jade Phosphorus Snake Emperor's poison had surged beyond his control.
"Old Poison, can you still hold on?"
"Don't worry," Dugu Bo rasped. "I won't die… immediately."
His eyes narrowed when he noticed Hu Liena slung on Lucien's shoulder. A twitch pulled at the corners of his lips.
This brat… tied up someone's daughter AGAIN?!
"Tell me what to do," Lucien said seriously. "Just say it. I'll help however I can."
"The sword. Your sword…" Dugu Bo's voice was hoarse, his words strained. "Use it… to draw the venom out of my body."
From the very first time he'd seen Lucien battle at Tiandou Imperial Academy, Dugu Bo had sensed it—that strange sword held a power that could restrain his snake venom. Though it was risky, there was no other choice.
Lucien frowned. "Old man, you haven't lost your mind, have you? You know nothing about my sword. What if the result is worse than what you've got now?"
He remembered clearly—that very blade had once reduced Shi Nian to a dried corpse.
Even for a Titled Douluo like Dugu Bo, Lucien didn't know if he would survive its touch.
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