Many Forces Came Calling

Just as Xue Qinghe was about to ask another question, a fresh commotion rose in the distance. An ornate carriage came racing over, its curtain lifted to reveal Prince Xue Xing's slightly plump face.

"Dugu Bo! This..." Prince Xue Xing spotted Dugu Bo at once, delight instantly appearing on his face. "You broke through?"

Dugu Bo paused slightly, then caught on and replied blandly, "Just luck."

"Luck?" Prince Xue Xing leaped from the carriage, his face brimming with excitement. "This is no mere luck! That beam of light just now—was it the phenomenon caused by your breakthrough? I've lived all these years, and this is the first time I've seen such a huge spectacle! What rank did you break through to? Ninety-three? Or ninety-four?"

Dugu Bo glanced at Xiao Yun. Seeing him give a slight nod, he answered calmly, "Rank ninety-four."

"Ninety-four!" Prince Xue Xing sucked in a sharp breath. "Weren't you only rank ninety-two before? How did you jump two ranks all at once?"

Dugu Bo's expression remained unchanged. "Years of accumulation finally bearing fruit."

Prince Xue Xing was about to ask more when a synchronized march sounded from afar. A squad of imperial guards approached in formation. The leading general dismounted and hurried forward, clasping his fists toward the group. "This subordinate greets His Highness the Crown Prince, Prince Xue Xing, and the esteemed seniors. May I ask about that beam of light just now..."

Xue Qinghe waved a hand. "We have already confirmed it. It was a phenomenon caused by Dugu Bo's breakthrough."

The general froze briefly, then looked at Dugu Bo with eyes full of reverence. "Congratulations, Lord Poison Douluo!"

Dugu Bo nodded faintly in acknowledgment.

Seeing everyone gathered here, the general did not dare linger. He clasped his fists once more, then led his men