Dugu Yan: Yu Tianheng, are you unwilling to lose me, or unwilling to lose my grandfather's support?

"But now, I've seen a much wider sky."

"My goal is to become a Titled Douluo, or even reach... that legendary realm."

The image of Yu Nan's purple-gold dragon appeared in Dugu Yan's mind, and the corner of her mouth curved into a fervent smile:

"On this journey, I'll kick aside without hesitation anyone or anything that stands in the way of my becoming stronger."

"Even you."

Those words drenched Yu Tianheng from head to toe like a basin of ice water.

He stood there blankly, staring at that familiar yet unfamiliar figure. It felt as if something had gripped his heart in a cruel fist, squeezing the breath from him.

Dugu Bo, standing nearby, had seen everything.

He was somewhat surprised by his granddaughter's change in attitude, but more than anything, he was pleased.

In the Soul Master World, strength reigned supreme.

Love and longing were, in the end, a hero's grave.

Yan Yan's coming to this realization meant she had truly grown up—and truly... grown stronger.

"All right. Now that there's nothing wrong, stop dawdling around here."

Dugu Bo spoke at just the right moment, breaking the awkward silence. He shot a cold glance at Meng Shenji and the others in the distance:

"Since you're here too, that's convenient. This old man has something to tell you."

"Starting today, Yan Yan will temporarily leave the team and undergo special training with me."

"As for the Spirit Master Tournament...

Hmph. We'll talk about that when the time comes!"

"Wait!

Yan Yan, what... what exactly do you mean by that?"

Hearing Dugu Bo announce that Dugu Yan would be leaving the team, and remembering the heartless words she had just spoken, Yu Tianheng panicked completely.

He paid no mind to Dugu Bo's chilling gaze.

He rushed forward and once again stood in front of Dugu Yan.

Overwhelmed by nervousness and panic, the usually composed and imposing captain of the Imperial Fighting Team could barely get his words out. Even his lips trembled:

"Wha... what do you mean, 'kick aside'?

What do you mean, I'm... I'm no exception?"

"Yan Yan, are you... are you still angry with me because I couldn't help you just now?

I... I was only so worried about you!"

"We... we've been together for so long. Don't you know what kind of person I am?

How can you... how can you say something like that?"

Yu Tianheng stared hard into Dugu Yan's calm, jade-green eyes.

He tried to find even the slightest trace of the love and attachment she had once shown him.

But there was nothing.

Nothing at all.

Those eyes held only the stillness of a deep pool, and an indifference that sent a chill through him.

That indifference sent the panic in Yu Tianheng's heart soaring to its absolute limit.

It wasn't only because he was losing the woman he loved. More than that—

He was about to lose one of his trump cards!

Countless thoughts flashed through Yu Tianheng's mind. His heart pounded violently, as though it would smash through his chest.

*Damn it!

Damn it!

How did it turn out like this?!*

*How could she be so cold toward me?

How long has it even been?

Only two months!*

Yu Tianheng clenched the fist hidden in his sleeve so tightly that his nails pierced his palm and drew blood, but he didn't feel a thing.

Only he knew the real reason he had pursued Dugu Yan in the first place.

Was it truly just because he liked her?

No. That was only a small part of it.

As one of the twin stars of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan,

Yu Tianheng had exceptional talent, but he also had a formidable rival—Yu Tianxin.

The competition within the clan was brutal. If he wanted to secure his position as heir, and even claim the clan leader's seat one day,

talent alone wasn't enough. He also needed powerful allies and connections!

And Dugu Yan was the perfect target.

She was Dugu Bo's only granddaughter, the apple of the eye of this Titled Douluo, renowned across the land for his poison!

If he could win Dugu Yan over and make her devoted to him, it would be the same as tying a Titled Douluo to his own chariot!

The support of a Titled Douluo!

What an enormous trove of resources!

What a terrifying deterrent!

With Dugu Bo backing him, which of those old fogies in the clan would dare to boss him around?

What could that useless Yu Tianxin possibly use to compete with him?!

So, from his very first day at Heaven Dou Royal Academy, Yu Tianheng had begun carefully laying his plans.

He deliberately showed Dugu Yan his domineering, protective, and powerful side.

He had even set aside his pride to indulge Dugu Yan's somewhat spoiled temperament.

He had maneuvered carefully and schemed at every turn. Only after great effort had he won Dugu Yan's heart and managed to maintain their relationship.

Things had been on the verge of falling into place, and Dugu Bo had gradually begun to warm to him.

But now...

Was all of it about to be ruined?!

*No!

Absolutely not!*

I've put so much effort into this. How can I let everything fall apart at the last moment?!

*Without Dugu Bo's support, my influence in the clan will be cut in half at the very least!

How will I compete with Yu Tianxin then?!*

At the thought, the panic in Yu Tianheng's eyes gradually turned into an almost frenzied obsession.

Yu Tianheng took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing his agitation as he struggled to put on what he thought was a heartfelt, anguished expression.

His voice trembling, he said:

"Yan Yan, I know you've grown stronger now, and your horizons have widened."

"But I... I'll work hard to catch up to you!

I'm the heir of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan. You know what kind of talent I have!"

"Please... don't push me away, all right?

The Imperial Fighting Team can't do without you, and I... I can't do without you either!"

As he spoke, Yu Tianheng reached out again, trying to take hold of Dugu Yan's sleeve. He looked utterly humble and desperate.

Like a child about to be abandoned.

Yet, looking at this man begging so humbly before her, Dugu Yan only felt more and more disgusted.

In the past, she might have been moved to tears by this "heartfelt" confession.

But now, with the tremendous spiritual power Yu Nan had given her, along with the transformation in her state of mind just moments ago, she seemed to have gained the ability to see through people's hearts.

The flicker of calculation and anxiety deep in Yu Tianheng's eyes had been very well hidden.

But to Dugu Yan, it was as clear as an ink stain on white paper.

"Heh..."

Dugu Yan suddenly chuckled.

Her laugh carried a hint of mockery and a hint of sorrow.

"Yu Tianheng, is it really that you can't live without me..."

Dugu Yan leaned slightly toward Yu Tianheng's ear and, in a voice only the two of them could hear, said each word clearly:

"Or that you can't live without... my grandfather's support?"

Those words were like a bolt from the blue, striking Yu Tianheng squarely on the crown of his head.

Boom!

Yu Tianheng's mind went completely blank.

All the countless words he had prepared, all those moving vows,

got stuck in his throat.