Lin Qiu withdrew his hand, and the Nine Nether Mastiff's phantom behind him slowly faded away.
He stood at the edge of the pit, looking down at Dugu Bo. His expression remained calm, as though he had done nothing more than swat a fly.
"I told you. You're the weakest."
At the bottom of the pit, Dugu Bo struggled to raise his head.
The green eyes that had once brimmed with pride now held nothing but deep fear.
He had lost.
He had actually lost to a boy barely in his teens.
And he had lost so completely, so utterly helplessly.
This power, this oppressive presence—even the Pope, Bibi Dong, had never made him feel such desperate pressure.
"Who... are you... really...?"
Dugu Bo's voice trembled as blood trickled continuously from the corners of his mouth.
"Lin Qiu."
Lin Qiu stated his name calmly.
Just then, Dugu Yan came stumbling over and dropped to her knees in front of Lin Qiu with a thud, tears streaming down her face.
"Mr. Lin! Please! Please don't kill my grandfather!"
"Grandfather was just confused for a moment. He didn't mean to offend you!"
"I'll serve you and do anything you ask. Please spare him!"
Dugu Yan sobbed as she kowtowed again and again, her forehead quickly swelling red.
At the bottom of the pit, Dugu Bo watched the scene with tears streaming down his face.
He had lived his whole life proud and arrogant. When had he ever suffered such humiliation?
But for his granddaughter, he had no choice but to bow his head.
"Mr... Mr. Lin."
Dugu Bo struggled to his feet, then knelt at the bottom of the pit and lowered his proud head.
"Every mistake was mine."
"I failed to recognize a great man and offended you. Do with me