Meeting Dugu Bo

"A Soul Douluo!"

He had experienced the same aura from his own uncle, so he naturally knew what it meant.

He was deeply regretful now. Why had he gone out today? How was he supposed to resolve this?

"Who exactly are you people?"

Xue Beng's expression was grim. A Soul Douluo was nothing like a Soul Saint; even within the royal family, such a person was unquestionably part of the core ranks!

Aside from his uncle, Xue Beng rarely had the chance to come into contact with any others!

**"Didn't I say so? We're from the Heaven and Earth Commerce Association, just ordinary merchants!

As a member of the Heaven Dou Empire Royal Family, you actually crashed into people in the street. You're utterly lawless! Is this how the Heaven Dou Empire Royal Family educates you?

You're not even as courteous and civilized as a commoner. Or do you think it doesn't matter even if you kill someone, because the royal family will cover for you?"**

Since the opportunity had presented itself, Lin Hao had no reason not to take it.

If the Heaven and Earth Commerce Association wanted to establish itself in the Heaven Dou Empire, it certainly needed someone to make an example of!

The moment those words came out, Xue Beng's expression turned even uglier. He had no way to answer Lin Hao's question.

He wanted to say that these lowly commoners could die if they died, but he did not dare. The surrounding crowd was full of commoners, and stirring up public outrage would be difficult to contain.

Just as Xue Beng was caught in a difficult position, the captain of the guards beside him gritted his teeth, cupped his hands, and said:

**"Young Master, His Highness had some wine before leaving today and is not entirely clear-headed. Please forgive him!

On His Highness's behalf, I offer you my apologies. This is a Seven Treasure Pavilion VIP card. Please accept it, Young Master!"**

He was taking a gamble, giving his master a way out while also hoping to prove himself to the other members of the royal family!

"Not bad. At least there's one smart person here."

Lin Hao saw through his intentions and praised him. He gestured for Avik to take the card, then turned and left with the others.

It was not that he had accepted Xue Beng's apology. He simply had something more important to do now: find Dugu Bo!

When the onlookers saw Lin Hao leave, they also dispersed, afraid of getting caught in the crossfire. After all, Xue Beng's reputation was notoriously bad.

To Lin Hao, this matter was merely a minor interlude, something he had done on a whim.

First, it announced to the many powers outside that Lin Hao had arrived. Second, it was an advertisement for the Heaven and Earth Commerce Association!

As for what Xue Beng thought, Lin Hao did not care in the slightest. The other party had no ability to retaliate against him right now, and he would not dare to anyway.

Xue Qinghe was Qian Renxue now. The more useless Xue Beng was, the safer he would be!

Once the interlude had passed, Lin Hao chatted with Tuoba Hongshan as they walked, and before long, they arrived outside a restaurant.

According to Tuoba Hongshan's inquiries, Dugu Bo was currently here, accompanying Dugu Yan on an outing!

Lin Hao was in no hurry to find him. Instead, he first had a hearty meal here. The chef's skills were fairly good!

"Grandpa! Grandpa!"

As he ate, Lin Hao saw a pretty girl around thirteen or fourteen suddenly run past the entrance.

Turning his head, Lin Hao saw an old man, with the girl acting coquettishly in his arms.

The old man was tall and thin, as straight as a javelin. His beard and hair were both dark green, while his eyes gleamed like emeralds.

Lin Hao immediately identified him as Dugu Bo, the man he was looking for. After all, there were not many green-haired Douluo around!

Tuoba Hongshan also saw the grandfather and granddaughter outside and reminded him:

**"Young Master, that old man outside is the Poison Douluo, Dugu Bo. That girl is Dugu Yan!

This man is neither wholly good nor evil, and the poison he wields is terrifying. He is also very close to Prince Xue Xing!"**

"I know. You're all more or less done eating, right? Let's go make friends with this Poison Douluo!"

Lin Hao wiped his mouth and rose first. Even if the others had not finished eating, they still had to follow!

Dugu Bo, for your granddaughter's sake, would you be willing to give up your freedom?

Lin Hao sighed inwardly as he walked toward the other party.

"This junior is Lin Hao of the Heaven and Earth Commerce Association. Greetings, Your Excellency Poison Douluo."

**"Heaven and Earth Commerce Association? Never heard of it, though you certainly have some nerve.

When others see this old man, they can't wait to take a detour. Yet you actually dare to come up and speak to me."**

Dugu Bo was somewhat surprised to hear Lin Hao introduce himself. He truly had never heard of the Heaven and Earth Commerce Association.

**"The Heaven and Earth Commerce Association has not officially opened yet, so it is only natural that you have not heard of us, Senior.

We sell some novel little trinkets. If you are interested in the future, you are welcome to come take a look."**

Lin Hao smiled politely, habitually slipping in an advertisement before continuing:

**"My elders taught me that when encountering the strong, one must show sufficient respect.

As one of the few Titled Douluo in the world today, it is only proper to treat you courteously when I meet you."**

"Tuoba Hongshan, Zhu Yu'er, and Avik of the Heaven and Earth Commerce Association greet Your Excellency Poison Douluo."

Tuoba Hongshan also followed up, as they all knew what their Young Master was thinking.

This man would very likely become a colleague in the future, so it was certainly necessary to build a good relationship with a Titled Douluo!

Dugu Bo cast a curious glance at Long Xiaoyao, then looked at Lin Hao.

**"A Soul Douluo, a Soul Saint, and a Soul Emperor. The guards around you could probably wipe out most soul master clans!

Yet you are merely a soul master, and you are probably already past twelve years old.

I'm rather curious why I have never heard of your Heaven and Earth Commerce Association. I have not even seen this Soul Douluo before!"**

**"This junior's talent is lacking, so I can only keep more guards by my side.

Moreover, my family has lived in seclusion for a long time. Not only have you not heard of us, Senior, no one else knows of us either.

With guards at my side, I can avoid a great deal of trouble. Why not?"**

Lin Hao smiled faintly, unconcerned by the disdain in the other man's words. After all, his talent truly was not very good at present!

Besides, he rather liked Dugu Bo as a person. He might have many flaws, but he loved his family and valued his promises!

**"Boy, what exactly are you after, suddenly coming up to me like this? Aren't you afraid I'll kill you?

This old man has always acted according to his own mood. I will not consider your background!"**

Dugu Bo disliked the confidence in Lin Hao's tone. Narrowing his eyes, he spoke coldly.

**"Kill me? You can't do it. Besides, you won't.

Because killing me at the cost of both your life and your granddaughter's is clearly not a wise choice."**

The moment Lin Hao finished speaking, Long Xiaoyao, standing beside him, fixed Dugu Bo with a cold stare.

That single glance sent a chill down Dugu Bo's back and made him feel extremely uncomfortable. In an instant, he understood that this was someone he could not afford to provoke.

However, with his granddaughter involved, Dugu Bo still stubbornly said:

"Are you threatening me with my granddaughter?"

"Senior, I have no intention of threatening you. I only want to make a deal with you!"

Lin Hao shook his head and gestured for Long Xiaoyao to withdraw his aura.

"I'm afraid there is no deal to be made between us!"

Dugu Bo instinctively felt that Lin Hao's group was up to no good. He turned to leave with Dugu Yan.

But Lin Hao said directly:

"Senior, don't you want to cure the poison in both your body and your granddaughter's?"

Hearing this, Dugu Bo abruptly turned around. An immense pressure erupted instantly, but Long Xiaoyao easily blocked it.

Instead, an aura pressed down on Dugu Bo until sweat appeared on his brow, as though a massive boulder were weighing down on his body!