...
"That's fate, you old poisoner."
Xuan Hao jumped up and patted Dugu Bo on the shoulder, comforting him with a smug look on his face, "Some people are born to be the protagonists, and some people are destined to be doormen.
You have to learn to accept reality."
"Get lost!"
Dugu Bo flicked his sleeve, almost unable to resist punching the kid.
"Alright, enough joking around."
Xuan Hao put away his playful smile and said seriously, "Take Yan Yan and come with me to that hot pot place.
Perhaps this time we can solve the problems between you two in a more thorough way."
"A more thorough approach?" Dugu Bo was taken aback.
"Didn't you say the only option was suppression?"
"That was before, things are different now," Xuan Hao said.
"Since your Azure Phosphorous Serpent Martial Soul possesses the potential to transform into a dragon, belonging to a special sub-dragon species, then shouldn't the ancestors of the dragon race be the most qualified to speak on this kind of defect in the Martial Soul?"
Xuan Hao pointed towards the valley, "Two true dragon kings live down there.
Although they are only remnants of their souls, it would be a piece of cake for them to instruct you little snakes on how to evolve or how to perfectly control the toxins within your bodies."
"this..."
Upon hearing this, Dugu Bo's heart skipped a beat.
Seeking guidance from the ancient dragon soul?!
If this is true, it could not only solve the problem of toxin backlash, but even...
Could his Azure Phosphorous Serpent Emperor Martial Soul evolve again, truly transforming into a dragon?!
But the thought was quickly suppressed by a deep fear.
"Kid, don't mess with me."
Dugu Bo swallowed hard, his face pale.
"You felt those two auras that day too, that kind of superior, domineering pressure that looked down on all living beings as ants.
Do you think those beings would be kind enough to help us?"
"What if they think we've offended the dragon's might and blow us to death in one breath?"
"Don't worry, don't worry."
Xuan Hao patted his chest and assured him, looking completely nonchalant, "I'm here!"
"For my sake, my sister Bing will definitely help."
"Bing... Sister Bing?"
Dugu Bo was completely dumbfounded, feeling like his brain wasn't working properly.
"You call that ancient dragon soul down there... 'sister'?!"
"What's so strange about that?"
Xuan Hao said matter-of-factly, "We hit it off immediately and had a great time talking.
She insisted on taking me in as her sworn brother and even wanted to give me a gift, which I couldn't refuse.
That's how our relationship was established."
"..."
Dugu Bo and Dugu Yan exchanged a glance, both seeing the existential doubt in each other's eyes.
Is this kid just bragging, or is he really that amazing?
Recognizing kinship with the ancient dragon soul? And as for Sister Bing?
What? You don't believe me?
Xuan Hao raised an eyebrow.
"If you don't believe me, come down with me and take a look. Since we're already here, if you back down, then your granddaughter's poison will only be treated slowly with that clumsy method."
"..."
Dugu Bo glanced at Dugu Yan beside him, who looked expectant despite not understanding, and gritted his teeth.
"Alright! I'll go crazy with you!"
"If anything really happens... I'll haunt you even as a ghost!"
...
A moment later.
On the shore of the Yin-Yang Well of Ice and Fire.
Returning here, Dugu Bo and Dugu Yan were noticeably more nervous than before.
Especially for Dugu Bo, the thought of two terrifying dragon souls lurking beneath the calm waters, capable of easily crushing him, made his legs tremble.
"Come out, seniors."
Xuan Hao stood on the shore and shouted at the water, "Stop diving, bring someone to show you."
"Splash—"
As soon as he finished speaking, the previously calm Ice and Fire Spring suddenly began to boil.
Immediately afterward, under the horrified gazes of Dugu Bo and his grandson, two enormous dragon soul phantoms, one blue and one red, slowly rose from the spring, blotting out the sky and exuding overwhelming power.
"hold head high--!!"
The dragon's roar was deafening.
Dugu Bo and Dugu Yan almost instinctively activated their martial spirits to resist the terrifying pressure, but found themselves still unable to move, as if they were frozen in place.
"These are the two little ones?"
The Ice Dragon King's massive head drew closer, its gaze sweeping over the trembling Dugu Bo and Dugu Yan, finally settling on Dugu Yan, a hint of disdain flashing in its eyes:
"Azure Phosphorous Serpent?
This low-level dragon bloodline dares to make us take action?"
"Hey, hey, Sister Bing, don't say that."
Xuan Hao stepped forward, calmly blocking Dugu Yan's path, and said with a grin, "They are my friends.
Just consider it as supporting my little brother.
I already promised to take care of their troubles."
"If this can't be resolved, wouldn't I be incredibly embarrassed?"
"It doesn't matter if I embarrass myself, but if I embarrass you, Sister Bing, I won't be able to sleep!"
"Pfft—"
Seeing Xuan Hao's self-righteous yet charmingly coquettish and shameless demeanor, the Ice Dragon King, who had been maintaining his composure, couldn't hold back and let out a soft laugh that resembled that of a human woman.
The enormous dragon head swayed slightly, raising a cloud of icy blue mist.
"You little rascal, your ability to climb up the ladder is unmatched."
Although the Ice Dragon King was joking, his eyes revealed a hint of helpless doting.
As a former first-level deity of the divine realm and a noble dragon king, she truly looked down on Dugu Bo's mixed Azure Serpent bloodline.
In ancient times, this sub-dragon species wasn't even worthy of carrying the shoes of a true dragon.
but...
The Ice Dragon King's gaze swept over Xuan Hao, and he secretly made plans in his mind.
The Silver Dragon King has now sealed his power, and Di Tian cannot leave the Star Dou Great Forest at will.
Although this kid is exceptionally talented, he hasn't fully matured yet, and he does need a few capable protectors by his side.
Although this old man's bloodline is trash, he is still a human titled Douluo, and can be considered a powerful figure in the human world.
It wouldn't be a bad deal to give him a hand and have him act as Xuan Hao's henchman or run errands.
"Never mind."
The Ice Dragon King's enormous dragon eyes regained their majesty, looking down at Dugu Bo from its high position:
"Since my brother has spoken, I will grant him this favor."
"I can use the power of the Ice and Fire Yin-Yang Well to refine your martial soul, remove impurities, and even... bestow upon you a trace of true dragon energy to help you, the Azure Phosphorous Serpent Emperor, complete your ultimate evolution."
Upon hearing this, Dugu Bo's heart pounded, and his eyes blazed with ecstatic joy.
Ultimate evolution?
That's like... transforming into a dragon?!
However, before he could express his gratitude, the Ice Dragon King abruptly changed his tone, his voice becoming chillingly cold:
"However, there is no such thing as a free lunch."
"If you want to obtain this opportunity to defy fate, you must pay a price."
"I demand that you and your grandson swear an oath immediately to acknowledge Xuan Hao as your master!
To revere him! And to never betray him for all eternity!"
"If I break this oath, my bloodline will reverse, my martial spirit will shatter, and I will be doomed forever!"
Dugu Bo's excited expression froze instantly, then turned extremely ugly, and even a surge of humiliated anger rose up.
Recognizing a master?!
To make the mighty Poison Douluo, the unrestrained and free-spirited Dugu Bo, serve as a servant to an eight or nine-year-old child?!
This is an utter trampling on his dignity!
"senior..."
Dugu Bo gritted his teeth, bracing against the terrifying dragon's might, and struggled to raise his head.
His voice was hoarse but firm, "I respect you as an ancient divine beast, but this request.
I'm afraid I cannot comply!"
"Throughout my life, even when I was being hunted down by the Spirit Hall, even when I faced death, I have never bowed my head to anyone and become their slave!"
"If this poison requires sacrificing my dignity and freedom... I'd rather not seek the cure!!"
"Grandpa!" Dugu Yan exclaimed, both moved and worried.
"Hmph, ungrateful wretch."
The Ice Dragon King's eyes turned cold, and the surrounding temperature instantly plummeted to freezing.
"You think you have the right to bargain?"
The situation was about to reach a stalemate, and the Ice Dragon King was even about to get angry.
"Hey! Stop! Stop!"
Xuan Hao quickly jumped out, standing in front of Dugu Bo like a firefighter, and waved at the Ice Dragon King:
"Sister Bing, Sister Bing! Calm down!"
"What's going on here?
Didn't we agree to help each other? How did it turn into human trafficking?"
The Ice Dragon King frowned slightly and looked at Xuan Hao:
"Brother, this old man doesn't know what's good for him.
I'm doing this to help you subdue your subordinates.
With me here, he won't dare to refuse."
"I know my sister means well."
Xuan Hao smiled, turned around, looked at Dugu Bo, who had a stubborn and fearless expression, and then looked at Dugu Yan, who was pale with fright beside him.
His smile faded, and his tone became serious:
"But, Sister Bing."
"I have no shortage of lackeys, nor do I lack of subordinates."
Xuan Hao pointed at Dugu Bo:
"Although Old Poisoner has a bad temper and a stubborn mouth, he is a loyal friend."
"Forced relationships are never sweet.
Loyalty gained through coercion is illusory and will turn against you at the slightest sign of trouble."
"and..."
Xuan Hao shrugged and said nonchalantly:
"I told you, they are my friends."
"It's only natural for friends to help each other.
If we have to put a master-servant relationship on top of that, how can we be friends?
How can we have fun together in the future?"
"So, forget about recognizing a master or anything like that."
"I trust the old poisoner's character.
As long as I've done him a favor, he'll definitely not stand idly by if I ever need anything in the future.
That's enough."
After speaking, Xuan Hao looked at the Ice Dragon King and winked:
"Sis, can you give me some face?"
The Ice Dragon King looked into Xuan Hao's clear eyes and remained silent for a moment.
She could tell that Xuan Hao was sincere in his words.
He had his own pride and way of dealing with the world, and he disdained to use such coercive methods to control others.
"You..."
The Ice Dragon King sighed helplessly, his immense dragon might slowly receding.
"Too soft-hearted, easily taken advantage of."
"However, since you made the choice yourself, I won't interfere any further."
"Thank you, Sister Bing!" Xuan Hao chuckled.
Dugu Bo, standing to the side, looked at the small figure blocking his way and heard the words.
"They are my friends."
His originally hard and cold heart felt as if it had been hit hard by something.
As he watched Xuan Hao's retreating figure, his eyes actually felt slightly warm.
That brat...
Although she has a sharp tongue, is cunning, and likes to trick people.
But in crucial moments, we truly treat him as a human being, not as a tool.
This respect was more precious to him than any antidote, especially for an "old monster" who had lived a solitary and ostracized life.
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