His consciousness began to blur under the erosion of Nine Nether Power, and everything before his eyes flickered between light and dark.
But he still did not kneel.
Dugu Bo looked at Niu Gao, a complicated glint flashing through his Dark Golden Dragon Eyes.
This old man was truly tough.
His bones were tough, his will was tough—everything about him was tough.
He released his grip.
The dragon claw dissipated, and the Nine Nether Power receded.
Niu Gao's body swayed, and he dropped to one knee.
Not because he had admitted defeat, but because he could no longer hold on.
His body had reached its limit. He could no longer remain standing.
Niu Gao panted heavily, sweat dripping onto the ground and soaking a patch of earth.
Only after a long while did he raise his head to look at Dugu Bo, his eyes filled with complicated emotions.
"I lost."
The three words were spoken softly, yet they carried immense weight.
The patriarch of the Defense Clan, an eighty-second-level Soul Douluo, owner of the Plate Armor Giant Rhinoceros.
His greatest pride, his defense, had been like paper before Nine Nether Power.
It was not that he was weak. Dugu Bo was simply too strong.
That power was neither a physical attack nor a spiritual attack. It was something he had never seen before, a force completely beyond his understanding.
"From today onward, the Defense Clan will join Nine Nether Hall."
Niu Gao's voice was low and resolute. He rose from the ground, clasped his fists, and lowered his head. "We will follow Hall Master without divided loyalty."
Dugu Bo nodded and reached out to help Niu Gao up.
"Get up. We're family from now on."
Niu Gao straightened and looked at Dugu Bo. Then he suddenly grinned.
"Hall Master, what