Xue Ye's Invitation, Becoming a Guest Elder of the Heaven Dou Empire! Qualification to Take Three Treasures from the Vault!

Dugu Bo did not say the word "poisoned" directly, choosing his words with care:

"Your Majesty, there is a highly complex, malevolent energy accumulated within your body.

This energy seems to have built up over many years, clashing with certain potent tonics you consume daily, causing your body to reject the nourishment and suffer the consequences instead."

Hearing that no one had been explicitly accused of poisoning, Xue Qinghe, standing outside the door, breathed a slight sigh of relief, his taut nerves relaxing just a fraction.

"Then... is there still a cure?"

Emperor Xue Ye clung to these words as if they were his last straw of hope.

"Difficult.

Extremely difficult."

Dugu Bo stood up and stood with his hands behind his back. Just as the light in Emperor Xue Ye's eyes was about to extinguish, he shifted his tone:

"However, since this old man has come, I naturally will not stand idly by."

"To seek a complete cure in your current physical state, Your Majesty, would be a fool's dream.

But I can use my unique secret techniques, combined with medicine, to clear your meridians and suppress this malevolent energy."

"While I cannot restore you to your former self, I am fairly confident that I can ensure you have three to five years of peace, and perhaps even extend your lifespan."

Yu Nan found the scene amusing.

Even if Dugu Bo did absolutely nothing, according to the plot, Emperor Xue Ye would not die for several more years anyway.

"However..."

Dugu Bo paused, his gaze deep as he looked at Emperor Xue Ye:

"This treatment process is extremely perilous and will consume a great deal of my mental energy and rare medicinal herbs.

I wonder, Your Majesty, do you dare to try?"

"I will!

Imperial We are willing to try!"

Emperor Xue Ye agreed without a moment's hesitation, so excited he nearly sat up in bed.

Three to five years!

For a man who felt he might collapse at any moment, three to five years was nothing short of a luxury!

"Good!"

Dugu Bo nodded, a subtle arc appearing at the corner of his mouth:

"Since Your Majesty trusts this old man, then from today on, your diet, daily routine, and medicinal regimen

must be entirely under my arrangement. As for the reward..."

He deliberately avoided mentioning the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud immediately, leaving the matter hanging:

"Let me first secure your life, Your Majesty; we can discuss the rest later."

Emperor Xue Ye leaned back against his soft pillows, a look of hesitation crossing his pale face.

Although Dugu Bo had agreed to provide treatment, he knew clearly in his heart that

such treatment would never be secure without a deeper bond of interests.

Dugu Bo had always been eccentric and unpredictable, neither strictly good nor evil, and if he were to lose his temper one day and walk away, these old bones of his would not be able to withstand the turmoil.

He took a deep breath, as if having made a firm decision, and looked at Dugu Bo with burning eyes:

"Mr. Dugu, I have a request."

"I know you have always been a free spirit who dislikes being constrained.

But now the empire is in turmoil, and my health is...

I hope to invite you to truly become a Guardian Guest Elder of my Heaven Dou Empire."

At this point, Emperor Xue Ye emphasized his tone:

"Not merely a name under my younger brother Xue Xing, but directly commissioned by the Imperial House, enjoying the same offerings and status as a Prince.

I wonder, sir... what do you think?"

After saying this, Emperor Xue Ye actually felt no confidence.

After all, countless factions had tried to recruit Dugu Bo over the years, and even the olive branch offered by Martial Soul Hall had been snapped by him; the Old Poison Freak's strange temper was legendary.

However, to Emperor Xue Ye's surprise, Dugu Bo did not flick his sleeves and leave as he usually did, nor did he offer any sarcastic retort.

He merely narrowed his eyes slightly, those emerald-green pupils flickering with an inscrutable light in the dim bedchamber.

"Senior, agree to him."

Yu Nan's voice rang out in Dugu Bo's mind at the opportune moment, carrying a touch of calculated composure:

"Only by becoming one of their own will your demands appear justified. Furthermore, with this status, that fake crown prince will have to tread even more carefully when we act in Heaven Dou City in the future."

Dugu Bo understood, yet he feigned a deep, contemplative silence on the surface.

He slowly turned his head, his gaze falling upon Dugu Yan, who had remained silent by his side.

In that look, the original arrogance and coldness instantly melted away, replaced by a highly complex mixture of affection and... "helplessness."

"Your Majesty."

Dugu Bo sighed, his tone tinged with a hint of desolation:

"If this were ten years ago, this old man would have refused without hesitation. I have lived a life of unbridled freedom, and these courtly rules are what I despise the most."

The light in Emperor Xue Ye's eyes dimmed slightly, and just as he was about to speak to smooth things over, he heard Dugu Bo change the subject:

"But now, this old man is old."

He reached out a withered hand and gently patted Dugu Yan on the shoulder:

"This old man's life is already set, but this only granddaughter is the apple of my eye. Yan Yan has exceptional talent and is currently at a critical stage in her cultivation. I must plan for her future; I cannot let her drift aimlessly through the soul master world like I have."

Having said this, Dugu Bo raised his head, looked directly at Emperor Xue Ye, and said in a deep voice:

"I can agree to Your Majesty's request to take the position of Guest Elder for the Heaven Dou Imperial Family, and even take action for the royal family when necessary."

"But all of this is for the sake of my granddaughter, Dugu Yan."

"Truly?!"

Emperor Xue Ye was overjoyed, his previously pallid complexion flushing with excitement.

The genuine addition of a Title Douluo!

For the current Heaven Dou Imperial Family, this was nothing short of a shot in the arm!

Even "Xue Qinghe," standing at the doorway, felt a flash of surprise in his eyes.

This Old Poison Freak was actually willing to bow his head for his granddaughter?

But on second thought, Dugu Bo was famous for being protective of his own; finding a backer for his granddaughter was perfectly reasonable.

As long as he was driven by self-interest, he would be much easier to deal with than if he were driven by "loyalty."

"A monarch does not speak in jest."

Dugu Bo nodded, then shifted his tone, revealing his signature sinister smile:

"However, since this is for Yan Yan, this old man naturally wants to secure some benefits for her. I have no interest in mere empty titles or Gold Soul Coins."

Emperor Xue Ye was in high spirits and waved his hand grandly:

"Speak your mind, sir! As long as I can provide it, I will not be stingy! Is it a Bone? Or perhaps top-tier medicinal herbs?"

Dugu Bo shook his head, a cunning arc forming at the corner of his mouth:

"Bones are a matter of fate, and as for herbs, my own garden is full of them. I have heard that the Heaven Dou Imperial Family has been passed down for a thousand years, and its treasury holds all the rare treasures of the world."

"I wish to enter the imperial treasury once and personally select a few items that Yan Yan can use, either as defensive gear for her future, or perhaps... as a dowry."

"I will only choose three items, how about that?"

Hearing that it was merely to pick a few items from the treasury, Emperor Xue Ye's heart finally settled.

Although the Heaven Dou treasury contained many treasures, in his view, the most valuable Bones had long since been properly stored or bestowed upon meritorious officials.

What remained were mostly antiques, paintings, rare metals, or ceremonial objects that held more symbolic meaning than practical use.

Trading a few inanimate objects for the loyalty of a Title Douluo—this deal was simply too profitable!