Stick and Carrot

Dugu Bo flashed, vanishing from where he stood.

When he reappeared, he was already hidden within the poisonous mist, stealthily observing the intruders.

But when he caught sight of the newcomers, his nerves tightened instantly!

That Yue Guan in golden armor, and the flickering, shadow-like Gui Mei—could they really be Spirit Hall's Chrysanthemum Douluo and Ghost Douluo?

Why are the two of them here? Are they here for me? But how could they possibly know I'm hiding here?

Dugu Bo's spirit was on high alert!

His strength ranked toward the bottom among Title Douluos, while the Chrysanthemum and Ghost Douluos before him were not only stronger individually, but also possessed a martial soul fusion skill famous throughout the entire continent.

If these two were truly here for him, he knew the odds were grim!

Just then, Chrysanthemum Douluo's voice suddenly rang out, "Since you've discovered us, you might as well show yourself. Hiding and skulking about—are you afraid?"

Chrysanthemum Douluo had clearly spotted Dugu Bo.

Dugu Bo's heart sank, green light flashing in his eyes. After a moment of hesitation, he chose to reveal himself.

Maintaining a safe distance from the two, he glared at them with ill intent. "Yue Guan, Gui Mei, I have always kept to myself regarding Spirit Hall. What exactly is the meaning of you bringing people to barge into my residence today?"

Yue Guan did not answer his question, instead saying in a tone of surprise, "So you really were hiding here. No wonder I could never find you whenever you ran off."

Dugu Bo's expression shifted. "What do you mean?"

He was wary at heart. Are they really here for me?

Yue Guan gave an effeminate laugh, then said, "Don't be nervous; we aren't here for you this time. As long as you cooperate and let us complete our mission, we guarantee we won't do anything to you."

Mission?

Dugu Bo's gaze shifted to Su Ming and Hu Liena.

He had heard that Spirit Hall possessed a Golden Generation of four, and these two were surely two of them.

Since Yue Guan mentioned a mission, could it be related to them?

Sure enough, as Yue Guan finished speaking, Su Ming stepped forward.

Su Ming looked at Dugu Bo and said politely, "Senior Poison Douluo, we didn't come here today to cause conflict with you. We learned that you possess a treasure land here, where various rare herbs grow. For certain reasons, we need to pick a few."

"Of course, we won't take them for free. Whatever requirements you have, we will do our best to meet them."

Hearing Su Ming's words, Dugu Bo was first surprised.

How did this brat know he had such a treasure land?

This place was something even Yan Yan didn't know much about.

Moreover, judging by his tone, he even knew exactly what herbs were inside.

Could it be that this kid had been here before?

But if he had really been here, there was no way he wouldn't have noticed.

Dugu Bo stared into Su Ming's eyes, seemingly wanting to discern something from them.

But Su Ming's gaze was calm and steady; despite having seen countless people in his life, Dugu Bo could not find a single clue.

"You've come to the wrong place. I have no treasure land here, let alone any herbs." Dugu Bo chose to feign ignorance.

That treasure land was his absolute secret; he could not let outsiders enter at will, especially not people from Spirit Hall!

"You stinking loach, don't refuse a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit..."

Yue Guan was just about to use force when Su Ming raised a hand to interrupt him.

Su Ming said, "Senior Poison Douluo, the fact that we came here like this proves that we definitely know this treasure land exists."

"As far as I know, you have very little understanding of the herbs in that treasure land. Instead of guarding it blindly without knowing how to use them, why not trade them for something useful? For example... your granddaughter's life?"

Hearing this, Dugu Bo's aura tightened instantly. "What have you done to Yan Yan? I'm telling you, if you dare to harm Yan Yan, I will kill you even if I have to risk my life!"

Su Ming signaled for Dugu Bo to calm down. "Rest assured, we haven't done anything to Dugu Yan. I am simply telling you that I can cure the Jade Phosphorus Snake poison contained within your granddaughter's martial soul."

"You... who exactly are you?" The look Dugu Bo gave Su Ming finally carried a trace of fear!

Not only did he clearly know about the treasure land, he also knew the flaws of the Jade Phosphorus Snake poison, and even how to resolve them!

Just how long had this guy from Spirit Hall been investigating him in the shadows?

Su Ming continued, "I'll give you two choices. One: I help your granddaughter detoxify, and you let us in."

"Two: We beat you up, and then we go in anyway."

"You can think about it carefully."

After speaking, Su Ming checked the time, seemingly keeping track of the seconds.

Dugu Bo looked at Su Ming and the others with a gloomy expression; he knew that there was no way to settle this peacefully today.

This group had clearly made thorough preparations, even finding a way to solve the Jade Phosphorus Snake poison that he himself was most helpless against.

If he didn't let them in today, he would surely be beaten black and blue!

Dugu Bo's gaze lingered on Su Ming, his heart filled with both unwillingness and a hint of shock.

This fellow from Spirit Hall had prepared both the stick and the carrot; it was clear he had been ready to manipulate him from the very start!

Suddenly, Su Ming looked toward Dugu Bo. "Time is up, Senior Poison Douluo. Have you made your choice?"

Su Ming's voice remained gentle and calm, yet the calmer he sounded, the more menacing he felt!

Beside him, the two Douluos, Chrysanthemum and Ghost, saw their nine soul rings begin to expand beneath their feet. Simultaneously, their immense soul power was released, their presence locking firmly onto Dugu Bo.

The moment Su Ming gave the order, they would charge at Dugu Bo without a second of hesitation!

Cold sweat beaded on Dugu Bo's forehead.

He knew he had no choice today. "Spirit Hall is powerful; this old man admits defeat. Whatever herbs you want from this treasure land, take them as you please!"

With that, Dugu Bo stepped aside to clear the path.

Su Ming smiled faintly and led Chrysanthemum Douluo forward.

As he passed Dugu Bo, he said, "Rest assured, I will cure your granddaughter's poison. I am not lying to you."

Dugu Bo merely stared at him with icy eyes, saying nothing.

Yet deep down, he felt an inexplicable sliver of trust toward this youth.

If he could truly trade a few herbs for a way to cure the poison, then it was not entirely unacceptable.

After all, Su Ming was right about one thing: he had been guarding a treasure land in vain, not knowing how to make use of it.

As for Su Ming, he was not at all surprised by Dugu Bo's concession.

With the cure for his granddaughter as the bait, and faced with the absolute power of Chrysanthemum and Ghost, Dugu Bo had no leverage to negotiate whatsoever.

Hu Liena followed behind Su Ming, her beautiful eyes locked onto his back.

In that brief moment, it was the first time in so long that she had seen Su Ming carry himself in such a manner.

Composed in the face of danger, calculating and in control.

He possessed the true demeanor of a powerhouse.

She had only ever seen this kind of bearing in her own teacher.

She truly could not help but wonder: how exactly did this Su Ming grow up?

Why was it that at the same age, he always displayed such unusual maturity?