Battle, Annihilation

A Title Douluo appearing in Sunset Forest, especially one at only level ninety-one, could only be Dugu Bo, who had come to Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well to suppress the poison backlash.

Seeing Xie Biyan approach, the palpable killing intent made Dugu Bo's hair stand on end, and he immediately activated his Spirit Soul.

A colossal, emerald green serpent phantom soared into the sky. Yellow, yellow, purple, purple, black, black, black, black, black—nine Spirit Rings instantly lit up, and the pressure belonging to a Title Douluo erupted without reservation!

The next moment, Dugu Bo's fourth Spirit Ring flared brilliantly. He spun around and spat out a viscous, ink-like green poisonous mist. Wherever the mist passed, trees were instantly corroded into black water.

Simultaneously, his eyes lit up with an eerie white light, and two petrification rays shot out!

"Azure Serpent Emperor Poison, Medusa's Gaze."

This was his hidden trump card. Under a sneak attack, even a Title Douluo of the same level would be thrown into disarray, or at least delayed.

Unfortunately, he had encountered an expert in poison, Xie Biyan, who inherited generations of knowledge from the Ten Thousand Scorpion Sect.

Facing the potent poison capable of instantly killing an army, Xie Biyan didn't even move. He merely waved his strangely shaped scorpion-head staff with a casual flick of his wrist.

The next moment, an unbelievable scene unfolded. The surging Azure Serpent Emperor Poison mist, as if encountering royalty, instantly broke free from Dugu Bo's control. It transformed into a green dragon and, like a swallow returning to its nest, was completely swallowed by the small scorpion-head staff!

At the same time, a dark purple barrier, constructed from venom, condensed in front of Xie Biyan's chest, steadily blocking the two petrification white rays. It emitted a "hissing" sound of dissolution, eventually dissipating into two wisps of smoke.

"What?!"

Upon witnessing this, Dugu Bo's heart sank to the bottom.

He could never have imagined that merely out of curiosity about why the nearby Spirit Beasts were gathering in this area, he would encounter such a terrifying enemy.

Most crucially, the opponent not only possessed strength far exceeding his own but was also a top-tier expert in poison! His proudest potent poison was like child's play before him, easily manipulated. How could this not fill him with dread?

Seeing Xie Biyan about to attack again, Dugu Bo decisively yielded. He cupped his fists in salute to Xie Biyan and said with a dry voice:

"Esteemed Sir, I meant no offense. I merely saw the unusual activity of the Spirit Beasts here and came to investigate. I have absolutely no intention of prying."

Unfortunately, Xie Biyan couldn't be bothered to listen to Dugu Bo's rambling. In his eyes, the other party had stumbled upon the Young Master absorbing his second thousand-year Spirit Ring. Even if it was unintentional, he had to be captured first.

Seeing Xie Biyan charging at him without pause, Dugu Bo also prepared to fight desperately. He didn't believe Xie Biyan could ignore his ninth Spirit Ability.

"Ninth Spirit Ability, Azure Phosphorus God..."

"Old Xie, stop!"

Just as Dugu Bo was about to unleash his ninth Spirit Ability without regard for the consequences, a calm and steady voice suddenly came from below.

Hearing Bai Shu's words, Xie Biyan immediately halted his movements and slowly retracted his aura. However, his eyes remained locked onto Dugu Bo, preventing any sudden actions.

Seeing Xie Biyan stop, Dugu Bo broke out in a cold sweat. He quickly interrupted the Spirit Ability he was about to release, and the Spirit Power backlash caused a surge of blood and qi in his chest.

He truly had no confidence in dealing with this old monster who looked younger than him. It was best not to fight.

While the two were in a standoff, Bai Shu, with Xiao Wu in tow, hurried over.

After a brief assessment of the situation, Bai Shu understood about seventy to eighty percent of it. He then cupped his fists slightly towards Dugu Bo and said loudly:

"Senior, are you the esteemed Dugu, known as the 'Poison Douluo'?"

Dugu Bo saw that Bai Shu could command such obedience from Xie Biyan, clearly indicating a higher status. He dared not be negligent and voluntarily lowered his posture.

He first cast a wary glance at Xie Biyan. Seeing no reaction, he then turned his gaze to Bai Shu and said in a deep voice:

"That is correct, it is I. I apologize for intruding upon the Young Master absorbing Spirit Rings. However, I can guarantee with my life that I will not speak a single word of today's events."

Bai Shu smiled and said, "Senior Dugu, you are too kind. Causing such a commotion on your territory was my oversight."

Although Bai Shu's words sounded polite, Dugu Bo was startled. The other party saying this was his territory clearly meant he knew something.

However, he couldn't be sure if the other party was hinting at something, so he could only maintain a calm facade.

"Young Master is joking. Sunset Forest is ownerless land. Although I am a Title Douluo, I would not dare to overstep my bounds and claim it as my own."

Seeing Dugu Bo still probing, Bai Shu didn't expose him. Instead, he turned to another topic.

"Senior Dugu, as far as I know, you have not joined any faction yet."

Dugu Bo naturally understood the implication in Bai Shu's words. Many factions had invited him to join over the years.

"Indeed, I am naturally unrestrained and cannot tolerate the so-called rules. Therefore, I will not join any faction. So, if you are inviting me, Young Master, please spare your breath."

Bai Shu hadn't expected Dugu Bo to be so stubborn, even when he was like a fish on a chopping block.

However, since he had spoken, he was naturally absolutely confident. Thus, he didn't mind Dugu Bo's words in the slightest, and the smile on his lips deepened.

"Senior, don't rush to refuse. Why not hear my conditions before making a decision?"

"The conditions I offer are very simple," Bai Shu said, extending a finger with certainty. "I will completely resolve the issue of poison backlash for you and your granddaughter, Dugu Yan, stemming from your Spirit Souls. At the same time, I will do my best to ensure your Spirit Souls evolve."

As soon as these words were spoken, the composure on Dugu Bo's face instantly crumbled. He loudly asked Bai Shu, "Who exactly are you, and how do you know about my Spirit Soul?"

He had never told a second person about the Spirit Soul backlash. Even his most beloved granddaughter, Dugu Yan, was currently unaware of her future fate! This was the greatest secret in his heart, and also his deepest pain!

"Hmph!"

Unfortunately, Dugu Bo's agitated emotions were instantly interrupted by a cold snort from Xie Biyan. The terrifying killing intent locked onto him once more, making him instantly calm down. Dugu Bo then remembered that his life was still in the hands of the powerful individual beside him.

Bai Shu watched this scene with a smile and said unhurriedly, "Senior, don't get agitated. We didn't specifically investigate you. As for your poisoning... hehe, to those truly skilled in this art, it's not a secret at all. Moreover..."

As he spoke, Bai Shu glanced at Xie Biyan, his meaning clear: our poison skills are far superior to yours.

Dugu Bo was now caught in an internal struggle.

If it were just him alone, it would be fine. At worst, he'd fight to the death, living freely and dying heroically.

But the crucial point was that he didn't want his only granddaughter to walk the same path as him, to be tormented by poison day and night, and ultimately die in agony!

The thought of Yan Yan's innocent and bright smile, and how it might become twisted and pained in the future due to the backlash of her Spirit Soul, sent a stab of pain through his heart.

Especially since this poison could be passed down through generations. If they weren't careful, his Dugu family might be completely wiped out!

Bai Shu saw Dugu Bo's complex expression as he pondered and didn't rush him. He believed that for Dugu Yan's sake, Dugu Bo had no other choice.