The Mystery of the Poisonous Fog, The Royal Family's Worries

Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.

Ji Xuan finished another stage of ice-and-fire tempering and came ashore to replenish his depleted energy.

He and Golden Crocodile Douluo sat around a campfire, roasting several skewers of Soul Beast meat. Grease dripped onto the flames with a sizzling sound, releasing a rich aroma.

Ji Xuan picked up a skewer, blew on the rising steam, and took a light bite.

The meat was delicious, though it lacked a little seasoning.

Just then, a deep, resonant voice carrying surging Soul Power came from afar:

"His Excellency Dugu, are you inside?"

Ji Xuan raised his head and exchanged a glance with Golden Crocodile Douluo.

Ji Xuan set down the roasted meat, his tone calm. "Dugu Bo has been missing without word for so long. The outside world has noticed after all."

Golden Crocodile Douluo nodded slightly. His vast Spiritual Power spread out soundlessly, instantly giving him a clear grasp of the situation outside.

"Thirty-one people, all from the Heaven Dou imperial family. The leader is a Soul Douluo. Hmm... that kid Snake Lance is also hiding in the rear and watching."

"Martial Uncle Golden Crocodile, there's no need to pay them any mind. The poisonous miasma seals off the perimeter; they can't get in."

After pondering for a moment, Ji Xuan continued, "Why don't you send a voice transmission to Elder Snake Lance about Dugu Bo's situation? Have him return and inform Sister Xue."

"Alright."

Golden Crocodile Douluo nodded slightly, then sent a voice transmission to Snake Lance Douluo in the distance.

He was now a Level Ninety-Nine Limit Douluo. Naturally, the imperial party outside, whose strongest member was merely a Soul Douluo, sensed nothing.

A moment later, Golden Crocodile Douluo's dignified voice rang in Snake Lance Douluo's mind at the rear of the imperial party.

His expression hardened as he listened carefully, then he quietly withdrew without drawing attention.

Outside the valley, Meng Shenji called out several more times, but the only response he received was his own echo.

Meng Shenji sighed helplessly. Knowing it was futile to keep shouting, he waved to the royal Imperial Guards behind him.

"Withdraw. The poisonous barrier here is too strange; it isn't something we can force our way through. We'll return and report to Your Majesty first."

Heaven Dou Imperial Palace, the Crown Prince's palace.

"Young Master, Dugu Bo has been executed in Sunset Forest. Elder Golden Crocodile personally took action."

Snake Lance Douluo's figure silently appeared as he respectfully reported to Qian Renxue.

"Grandfather Golden Crocodile?" A trace of surprise flashed through Qian Renxue's eyes. "Why would he be in Sunset Forest?"

"In reply to Young Master, it happened like this..."

Snake Lance Douluo immediately recounted Ji Xuan's journey for training, Golden Crocodile Douluo's protection of him, and their encounter with Dugu Bo.

Naturally, Golden Crocodile Douluo had not mentioned the core secret of the treasured Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well in his voice transmission. He had only said that Ji Xuan was cultivating in seclusion there.

"So that's how it is... I understand. You may leave for now."

Qian Renxue waved her hand.

"Yes, Young Master."

After Snake Lance Douluo withdrew, the corners of Qian Renxue's lips curved slightly.

"Little Brother Ji Xuan, you've truly helped your sister out tremendously."

With the Variable known as Dugu Bo gone, there would be far fewer obstacles to her plan.

A cold gleam flashed through her eyes as she ordered the empty shadows of the grand hall:

"Elder Pufferfish, starting today, the dosage can be increased appropriately."

"Yes, Young Master."

From within the shadows came Pufferfish Douluo's deep, respectful response.

Two days later.

Having found nothing despite a thorough search, Meng Shenji and the royal Imperial Guards withdrew from Sunset Forest and returned to Heaven Dou City to report.

The atmosphere in the Golden Luan Hall was grave.

After entering the hall, Meng Shenji dropped to one knee, his tone heavy. "This subject... has failed Your Majesty's trust."

"Beloved Minister Meng, rise and speak."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

"Tell me what happened."

"Reporting to Your Majesty, this subject led the Imperial Guards in searching nearly all of Sunset Forest. Only one mountain, shrouded in a strange poisonous miasma, could not be entered."

Meng Shenji paused before continuing:

"However, this subject called out to His Excellency Dugu within the mountain many times, but received no response."

Emperor Xue Ye sat upright upon the dragon throne, his brows tightly furrowed as his fingers unconsciously tapped against the armrest.

The inexplicable disappearance of a Title Douluo retainer was an immeasurable loss to the Heaven Dou royal family.

If news of Dugu Bo spread, the Heaven Dou Empire would inevitably be thrown into turmoil.

After a long silence, Emperor Xue Ye slowly spoke, his voice carrying a trace of weariness. "I understand. You have worked hard, Meng. Go and get some proper rest first."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Meng Shenji bowed and withdrew.

Emperor Xue Ye turned his gaze toward Xue Qinghe below and asked solemnly, "Qinghe, regarding... His Excellency Dugu, what do you think?"

Xue Qinghe stepped forward, his expression grave.

"Father Emperor, His Excellency Dugu has been missing for nearly two months. Despite searching in many places, we have found nothing. He has always deeply loved his granddaughter; it is impossible for him to leave without a word for so long."

"In this son's opinion, I fear... he may truly have met with misfortune."

Emperor Xue Ye leaned back against the dragon throne and let out a deep sigh.

Having lost their sole Title Douluo retainer, the Heaven Dou royal family's high-level combat strength immediately appeared severely lacking.

"Qinghe, discuss with your teacher, Sect Leader Ning, whether he can send a Title Douluo to assist in investigating that mountain shrouded in poisonous miasma that Education Committee Member Meng mentioned."

"Yes, Father Emperor."

Emperor Xue Ye nodded approvingly. "Go. Remember to be sincere in your approach."

"This son understands."

Heaven Dou Royal Academy.

"Miss Dugu, I have searched the Sunset Forest thoroughly, but found no trace of His Excellency Dugu."

"I understand..." Dugu Yan nodded with a despondent expression.

After so much time, she had long since prepared herself mentally.

Seeing her like this, Meng Shenji could not bear it and gently consoled her.

"Miss Dugu, rest assured. The royal family will retain all of His Excellency Dugu's benefits and honors. All your expenses at the academy will continue to be covered by the royal family as well. If you encounter any difficulties, you may come to the three Education Committee Members at any time."

"Thank you, Education Committee Member. I'll return to my dormitory first."

She said nothing more and turned to leave the Education Committee's office.

Returning to her empty dormitory, she gently locked the door and leaned her back against it.

"Grandfather..." Dugu Yan murmured softly, her fingertips digging deeply into her palms. "I will definitely uncover the truth. If you were harmed by someone else, Yanyan will do everything in her power to avenge you."

Dugu Yan walked to the window, her gaze unconsciously drifting toward the distant training grounds.

"Why hasn't Tianheng returned to the academy for two days..."

It was not as though she had failed to notice the recent changes. Ever since her grandfather disappeared, Yu Tianheng's eyes had carried a hint of avoidance whenever he looked at her. Lately, he had vanished altogether.

"Is it because Grandfather is gone..."

She muttered to herself, a bitter curve appearing on her lips.

All that former tenderness and consideration, all those vows of eternal love, seemed so fragile in the face of reality.

That made sense... Tianheng was the future heir of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, while I, without Grandfather, have nothing.

Dugu Yan shook her head in self-mockery. She had completely seen reality for what it was. On this continent, without strength, one was destined to be abandoned.

She took a deep breath, and her eyes became resolute.

She had to pull herself together. Only by gaining great strength could she uncover the truth behind her grandfather's disappearance.

Prince Xue Xing's residence.

"Royal Uncle, did His Excellency Dugu truly meet with misfortune?"

Xue Beng hurried into Prince Xue Xing's study, his face filled with panic.

Prince Xue Xing rose to his feet, an unprecedented gravity on his face, and sighed.

"Though I do not wish to believe it, His Excellency Dugu... is likely in grave danger."

"How... how could this be?" Xue Beng staggered back half a step. "Senior Dugu was a Title Douluo. Who could make him disappear without a sound? Could it be..."

"Beng'er, watch your words." Prince Xue Xing interrupted him.

"Royal Uncle, then what should we do? Just sit here and wait for death?"

Xue Beng's voice carried a barely perceptible tremor.

"Don't worry, Beng'er. So long as His Majesty remains, Xue Qinghe will not dare make a move against you openly. This is the art of an emperor, and it is also where our chance of survival lies."

He looked at Xue Beng, his tone more serious than ever.

"From this day onward, you must be even more careful. I will further strengthen the guards around you, but you must remain vigilant at all times as well."

"Also... secretly watch which officials in court are dissatisfied with the Crown Prince. We need to unite every force that can be united."

Xue Beng took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the fear in his heart, and nodded.

"I understand, Imperial Uncle. I'll be careful."

Xue Beng clenched his fists, his nails digging deep into his flesh.

His two brothers had vanished without explanation. If Big Brother hadn't done it, who else could it have been?

He had always pretended to be a wastrel in order to lower Big Brother's guard and protect himself.

Now that Dugu Bo had disappeared without explanation, he felt a sense of danger crash down upon him in an instant.