Douluo: So You're the Theory Master?

Could there really be anything in the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect that Ning Fengzhi could not control?

Calling this kid out meant they were rejecting him outright?

"You're that kid with half-level Innate Soul Power."

His tone was somewhat unfriendly, and his expression stiff.

His fierce, sinister gaze surveyed the expressions of everyone present, trying to determine the situation.

"Half-level Innate Soul Power—that was before, right?"

Ning Qinghe did not seem as though a sore spot had been stepped on and spoke casually.

This also made Dugu Bo realize that the other party's Martial Soul might truly have changed, and that theory had already worked on him.

That made him even more interested in it.

If even a Martial Soul with half-level Innate Soul Power could benefit, then perhaps his Martial Soul and his precious granddaughter's Martial Soul also had a chance to change.

"I made my purpose very clear just now, didn't I?"

"Whatever request you have, you can make it. I..."

Dugu Bo spoke quickly.

It somewhat shattered the stiff, composed atmosphere from before.

"Poison Douluo is straightforward, so I'll state my thoughts."

"Please join the Extreme Research Institute."

Ning Qinghe spoke directly.

Dugu Bo's pupils contracted at those words. Before he could say anything, Ning Qinghe continued.

"When I published the paper this time, I had already intended to recruit talented people from across the continent."

"To uncover more like-minded companions to research Soul Beasts, Spirit Rings, Martial Soul Evolution, cultivation, and everything else of use."

"The Extreme Research Institute will break the existing limits of Soul Masters and shatter the old Soul Master doctrines."

"..."

Ning Fengzhi and the others looked at Ning Qinghe, who had issued such a direct invitation, and did not know what to say.

He had been so secretive before, but now he was just exposing it outright?

Still, they said nothing. Having an opportunity was a good thing.

"Kid."

Dugu Bo struggled somewhat, wanting to say something.

"Your Excellency Poison Douluo, although I've heard that you prefer freedom, people are ultimately social creatures. Otherwise, you wouldn't have become an imperial offering, wouldn't have a residence in the city, and wouldn't have sent your granddaughter to an academy."

"I can roughly guess your problem. It's poison, isn't it? Not only you, but your granddaughter and even your entire clan have been poisoned because of your Martial Souls, haven't you?"

Before the other party could say anything, Ning Qinghe spoke on his own, laying everything out.

Those words caused Dugu Bo to erupt with considerable killing intent.

He had originally been somewhat shaken, but upon hearing the information Ning Qinghe revealed, he reacted instinctively.

"Old Poison, don't do anything foolish."

The instant that disturbance arose, Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo were already standing beside him, their two Titled Douluo auras suppressing him.

"If I sense your poison leaking out, you won't be going back."

Even Ning Fengzhi cautiously moved to Ning Qinghe's side.

This only worsened Dugu Bo's expression, and his gaze flickered.

"There's no need to be so cautious, Your Excellency Poison Douluo. I wasn't specifically studying or targeting you. When the Research Institute investigated Martial Soul conditions, we also learned about some of your clan's circumstances and history."

"It was all publicly available information. We did not investigate your private affairs. Much of it was actually guessed."

Whether Dugu Bo believed him or not, Ning Qinghe explained himself.

The data was real, though.

Ever since he had decided to recruit Dugu Bo, he had made such preparations.

Even the Herb Compendium contained quite a bit of information on Immortal Herbs.

He knew very well that if the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect was to continue developing and if he was to grow stronger, there were some things he could not afford to miss.

Rather than comforting Dugu Bo, those words made him even more uncomfortable.

Still, deep down, he somewhat felt that being researched might not be entirely without benefits.

Perhaps the other party really had come up with something.

"As long as you join the Research Institute and contribute fully to it, I guarantee that it will do everything in its power to solve your problem—not just yours, but your descendants' as well."

"Anything the institute develops can also be shared with you."

"Don't you want to go a step further? Once the Martial Soul problem is resolved, there's a strong chance you'll be able to advance further."

Ning Qinghe was recruiting Dugu Bo with complete sincerity.

Of course, if he failed, he would have no choice but to use other methods.

If they became enemies then, his attitude would naturally be different.

Ning Fengzhi, standing to one side, watched the somewhat hesitant Dugu Bo.

He was actually a little expectant. Though it was said that Dugu Bo would join the Extreme Research Institute, in practice there would be no difference between him and a member of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.

That way, they would have three Titled Douluo.

"I understand."

"Stop tempting me."

"You kid, you've had designs on me for a long time, haven't you?"

"I never expected that, at my age, I could still be so coveted by you people."

Snapping out of his hesitation, Dugu Bo also realized what was happening.

He was not stupid.

From their attitude and reactions, it was obvious they had been planning for him for a long time.

Even if he had not come here, someone would probably have eventually come to recruit him.

All for this so-called Extreme Research Institute.

"..."

Those words left even Ning Qinghe unsure of what to say.

It made him sound like some kind of pervert.

"With Your Excellency's strength as a Titled Douluo, there are certainly many who covet you, but not many would dare appear before you."

"Your Excellency is far more popular than you imagine."

Indeed, it was a must for a transmigrator.

Even if he could not recruit Dugu Bo, he still had to seize the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well.

How could that not make him popular?

"Stop flattering me. I can join this Research Institute."

"I can also follow your command, but don't have anyone else meddling in my affairs."

"Besides, you already stated my condition. You must solve the problem with my Martial Soul. Otherwise, when I leave this Research Institute, you won't be able to stop me."

"As long as you can solve the problem for Little Yan and me, this old man's life will be yours from now on."

With Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo present, forcing him was practically impossible, so Dugu Bo directly stated his position.

If they merely wanted to use him as a thug, then even if they were the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, he would definitely make them regret it.

But if they truly could resolve the problem that had plagued the Dugu Clan for generations, then making some sacrifices was only natural.

After living freely for more than half his life, it seemed he would have to work for someone through the rest of it.

"Welcome, Your Excellency Poison Douluo."

"From now on, we're partners."

Ning Qinghe stepped forward and extended his hand, completely unafraid of Dugu Bo's poison.

Dugu Bo stiffly reached out and clasped it, but they quickly let go.

"Since we're on the same side now, let's begin immediately."

"First, let's examine your Martial Soul's current condition. As for Miss Dugu Yan, you can arrange for her to come over later."

"Her condition should be much easier to deal with."

Having successfully brought Dugu Bo aboard, Ning Qinghe pulled him into the Research Institute.

He could not wait to understand the situation.