Flies Lurking in the Dark

"Young Master, are we really just going to let him leave with the immortal herbs?"

Watching the retreating figure of Chrysanthemum Douluo, Poison Douluo Dugu Bo could not help but ask with a hint of worry.

"It is of no consequence."

Yu Shuangbai waved his hand dismissively, a smile of absolute control curling at the corners of his lips.

"A man like Chrysanthemum Douluo may lack other virtues, but he possesses a faith in the things he holds dear that far exceeds that of ordinary men."

"It is not his character that I trust, but his love and reverence for flowers and plants."

"A person who truly loves flowers would never allow an act of treachery to stain their beloved treasures."

Yu Shuangbai spoke with conviction.

Dugu Bo nodded, lost in thought.

Indeed, the effeminate nature of Chrysanthemum Douluo's obsession with these rare flowers and grasses had reached a level he could not comprehend.

It was highly probable that, as Yu Shuangbai said, he would not do such a thing.

What Dugu Bo did not know was that there was one more thing Yu Shuangbai had left unsaid.

That was...

If Chrysanthemum Douluo truly went back on his word, he had plenty of ways to retrieve what he wanted.

Furthermore...

In that event, he would use a far less peaceful method to teach him that his belongings were not so easily taken.

However, Yu Shuangbai felt it was unlikely that things would escalate to that point.

The solemnity with which Chrysanthemum Douluo had made his promise before leaving did not seem feigned.

"Let us go. We shall return to the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well first."

Hearing this, Dugu Bo was stunned for a moment, then asked with some confusion:

"Young Master, should we not be heading to Heaven Dou City to wait for that effeminate fellow to deliver the rest of the items?"

"There is no rush." Yu Shuangbai waved his hand.

"Chrysanthemum Douluo must still follow Bibi Dong's orders to inspect the branch halls before returning to Martial Soul City."

"He certainly cannot bring the items in a short while, so a little extra time will not matter."

As he spoke, he tossed the notebook Chrysanthemum Douluo had just given him.

"Although the records here are incomplete, they contain a great deal of knowledge regarding the rare flowers and grasses within the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well."

"I shall pick two suitable ones for Sister Xue'er, as well as for you, Senior Dugu, and Miss Dugu."

Yu Shuangbai himself did not really need to pick anything.

The two most prominent immortal herbs, the Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass and the Infernal Delicate Apricot, were the most compatible for him.

He intended to return to select suitable immortal herbs for Snow Emperor and the others.

Snow Emperor went without saying.

As one of the two people closest to him in this world, Yu Shuangbai could never forget her.

Immortal herbs were not only useful to soul masters.

Such heaven-sent treasures also held immense benefits for soul beasts.

He also planned to pick one for Ice Empress and find a suitable time to send it back to the Far North.

As for the grandfather and granddaughter of the Dugu family.

The Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well was, after all, Dugu Bo's territory.

Although Dugu Bo had gifted the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well to him after the life-saving grace, Yu Shuangbai was not so stingy as to refuse them a selection of herbs.

While these priceless immortal herbs were not numerous within the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, there were certainly enough.

He was not so petty as to be that miserly.

"This..."

Dugu Bo had never expected that Yu Shuangbai's purpose in returning to the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well included considerations for both him and Dugu Yan.

To be honest, Dugu Bo did not have much desire for those immortal herbs.

Although he had learned from Yu Shuangbai about the heaven-defying effects of those herbs, for Dugu Bo, he was already satisfied that the Jade Phosphorous Serpent venom in himself and Dugu Yan had been resolved.

Yet, without him even mentioning it, Yu Shuangbai had taken him and Dugu Yan into account.

This filled Dugu Bo's heart with deep emotion.

The favorable impression he already held for Yu Shuangbai due to the life-saving grace now reached an unprecedented height.

"Ma-many thanks, Young Master!"

Dugu Bo's voice was filled with suppressed excitement, carrying a slight choke of emotion born from gratitude.

Yu Shuangbai waved his hand, not taking it to heart.

He did not leverage this favor to make Dugu Bo promise anything else in return.

Yet, it was precisely this indifferent attitude that caused Dugu Bo to secretly make a decision in his heart.

After selecting suitable immortal herbs for the grandfather and granddaughter, as well as for Snow Emperor, Yu Shuangbai left the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well and came to stay temporarily in Heaven Dou City.

He waited for Chrysanthemum Douluo to bring the remaining notes regarding the immortal herbs.

He also took the opportunity to accompany Snow Emperor as she explored the human world.

The primary goal of entering the human world could be considered settled.

He could finally relax and spend some time with Snow Emperor.

"The food at this restaurant is quite good. Shuangbai, Sister Xue, let's have our lunch here today."

Dugu Yan turned back to look at Yu Shuangbai and Snow Emperor behind her.

Upon learning that Yu Shuangbai and Snow Emperor would be staying in Heaven Dou City for a while, Dugu Yan had volunteered to be their guide.

She had lived in Heaven Dou City for many years and was very familiar with many things here.

If it were before, given Dugu Yan's arrogant personality, she naturally wouldn't have acted as any sort of guide.

But after experiencing the removal of the Jade Phosphor Serpent Venom and absorbing the immortal herb that Yu Shuangbai had personally selected for her, Dugu Yan's favorability toward him was extremely high.

It was only because of that tiny spark of affection in her heart that she had volunteered to be their guide.

"Mm, you are familiar with this place; we'll listen to you."

Yu Shuangbai nodded.

The three of them walked into the restaurant.

Dugu Yan skillfully found a table by the window, took the menu from the waiter, and began to order.

After spending these days together, Dugu Yan had a rough idea of the preferences of both Yu Shuangbai and Snow Emperor.

The former was not picky at all and seemed to have a great tolerance for any flavor.

The latter preferred lighter fare.

Thus, she quickly ordered a large spread of dishes based on their tastes.

"Shuangbai, someone is watching us."

Snow Emperor spoke suddenly.

"Hm?"

Yu Shuangbai followed her gaze.

Several familiar figures appeared in his field of vision.

A cold smirk curled at the corner of his mouth.

He immediately withdrew his gaze, his expression blank:

"Don't worry about them, Sister Xue."

"Mm." Snow Emperor nodded and withdrew her gaze as well.

Her expression remained as calm as an ancient well.

There was something interesting about that old fellow in the group, but he was nothing to fear and not worth worrying about.

"Is something wrong?"

Dugu Yan, who had just handed the menu to the waiter, noticed their quiet exchange.

However, she hadn't heard their conversation clearly, so she asked curiously.

"It's nothing."

Yu Shuangbai shook his head.

"Just a few flies, that's all."

"Hm?" Dugu Yan was confused, but she didn't press the matter.

She had a vague, slight understanding of Snow Emperor's strength.

This white-haired sister's power was even above that of her own grandfather.

With her around, there was absolutely no need to worry about any petty scoundrels.

If Yu Shuangbai said it wasn't a big deal, then it certainly wasn't.

Dugu Yan did not know.

In another part of the restaurant, the emotions of several people were undergoing violent fluctuations.