Dugu Bo Isn't Here, So What About Dugu Yan?
Silence.
A deathly silence.
Xue Ye's eyes twitched, Ning Fengzhi's gentle smile froze, and even Chen Xin's usually calm face showed a hint of surprise. Qian Renxue's hand, hidden in her sleeve, clenched tightly—her younger brother was far too bold!
They're directly targeting the lair of the most formidable Poison Douluo?
Should I consult Dugu Bo about toxicology?
This request sounds naive, but upon closer inspection, it is fraught with unpredictable dangers!
Who doesn't know that Dugu Bo's temperament is unpredictable, and that he uses poison at will?
But on second thought, Dugu Bo probably wouldn't dare to do anything unless he didn't want to live.
However, when Bibi Dong heard Lin Xia's words, a hint of doubt flashed in her deep purple eyes, followed by a light that was a mixture of indulgence, pride, and absolute control.
Bibi Dong didn't blame Lin Xia for her wild ideas at all. Instead, she gently squeezed Lin Xia's small hand and smiled approvingly.
"Alright. Since Xiao Xia wants to visit Poison Douluo and explore the mysteries of toxicology, then so be it."
As soon as she finished speaking, Bibi Dong's deep and majestic purple eyes turned to Xue Ye. Without any pleasantries or preamble, she went straight to the point, her voice clear and resonant, yet carrying the Pressure unique to Pope.
"Your Majesty, on Xue Ye!"
Bibi Dong spoke, her gaze calm yet seemingly able to Infiltrator one's heart.
"Poison Douluo Dugu Bo should have a residence within the Heaven Dou Empire, right? I wonder where it is located? I'll personally lead my disciples to pay him a visit, so as not to appear presumptuous."
Xue Ye was momentarily speechless at the direct, almost commanding question, and the corner of his mouth twitched involuntarily.
Countless thoughts flashed through my mind on that Xue Ye.
Although Dugu Bo is not a member of the Heaven Dou Empire, he is an important strategic deterrent for the Heaven Dou Imperial Family. Although he is uncontrollable, his existence itself is a check on the Spirit Hall.
Bibi Dong personally came to their door to recruit them?
Applying pressure?
Or... is it really just for that little Holy Son's "interest"?
Neither of these approaches seems like a good thing for Heaven Dou.
However, faced with the imposing aura hidden beneath Bibi Dong's calm gaze, Xue Ye knew that making excuses would be foolish.
Moreover, given the strength of the Spirit Hall, verifying this would not be difficult.
A perfectly timed wry smile appeared on Xue Ye's face, carrying a hint of helplessness and sincerity, as she replied:
"Your His Holiness the Pope, it is true that Poison Douluo... does indeed have a residence within Heaven Dou City. However..."
Xue Ye paused, as if considering his words.
"The Poison Douluo is aloof and his whereabouts are always elusive. He travels extensively, seeking out hidden places and rarely stays at his residence. To be honest, Your Majesty, even I... often don't know his exact whereabouts. Although the residence still exists, finding Your Dugu there is probably... a very slim chance."
After Xue Ye finished speaking, he secretly considered that this was the truth and hoped it would make Bibi Dong back down.
Upon hearing this, Bibi Dong showed no disappointment or surprise, as if Xue Ye's answer was already within her expectations.
Bibi Dong merely raised her delicate eyebrows slightly, a knowing glint flashing in her purple eyes, before throwing out her second question, which went straight to the heart of the matter.
"Oh? If that's how it is..."
Bibi Dong's tone remained calm, yet it carried a sharp insight that seemed to know everything.
"What about Dugu Yan, the granddaughter of the Poison Douluo? Surely she hasn't vanished without a trace along with her grandfather? Surely she must have a way to contact him? Or perhaps she knows where he often goes?"
Xue Ye's heart sank suddenly.
It's here!
The problem he least wants to face!
Dugu Yan is the key to finding Dugu Bo!
Xue Ye's expression stiffened slightly. Her eyes quickly swept over Qian Renxue, who was disguised as Xue Qinghe, and then over Ning Fengzhi and the others. She was torn between her inner thoughts and her own.
If I don't tell anyone, with the Spirit Hall's intelligence network that spans the entire continent, finding out that Dugu Yan is at the Heaven Dou Royal Academy would be a piece of cake. In that case, it would only make me seem like I'm deliberately hiding something, which would only increase suspicion.
If I were to reveal this, wouldn't I be handing over the opportunity to recruit Dugu Bo to the Spirit Hall? That would be tantamount to aiding the enemy!
Weighing the pros and cons takes only a moment.
In a flash, Xue Ye made a decision—to be honest, and to appear honest.
Xue Ye forced an even more helpless smile, seemingly lamenting Dugu Bo's difficult nature, with a hint of "I'm powerless to help him," and said directly:
"His Holiness the Pope very thoughtful. That girl, Dugu Yan, is indeed studying at the Heaven Dou Royal Academy."
Standing beside Bibi Dong, Lin Xia felt a slight stirring in his heart upon hearing the words "Heaven Dou Royal Academy".
Dugu Yan is at the Heaven Dou Royal Academy... This is practically a breakthrough delivered right to her doorstep!
A barely Frisk hint of excitement flashed in Lin Xia's clear eyes. Although her face still retained the innocent curiosity of a child, her heartbeat quickened involuntarily.
Lin Xia subconsciously touched the Storage Soul Tool hidden under her clothes with her small hand, as if she could feel the call of the Immortal Herb diagrams inside.
I obtained this from Yue Guan.
Having received a definite answer, Bibi Dong's lips seemed to curve into a faint yet all-encompassing smile.
Bibi Dong ignored Xue Ye's complex and indescribable expression and directly announced her decision, her tone not one of discussion but of notification.
"Since Miss Dugu Yan is at the Heaven Dou Royal Academy!"
Bibi Dong's gaze swept across the Xue Ye, finally landing on Meng Shenji, the chief instructor of the Heaven Dou Royal Academy, with an air of matter-of-fact acceptance.
"Then there's no need to look elsewhere. Xue Ye Majesty, Xueye, my Holy Son Lin Xia and I will be staying at the Heaven Dou Royal Academy for the foreseeable future."
"Firstly, it will make it easier for Xiao Xia to exchange and learn from her peers; secondly, it will also facilitate... waiting for and contacting Miss Dugu Yan, and then visiting Poison Douluo. I presume His Majesty will not find this inappropriate?"
Xue Ye smiled bitterly to himself, thinking to himself:
Can I say "appropriate"? But her face was as warm as a spring breeze, even with a hint of "I am honored," and she quickly replied.
"It is an unparalleled honor for the academy that His Holiness the Pope and His Highness the Holy Son have chosen to stay at the Heaven Dou Royal Academy!"
"How could I possibly refuse? You are most welcome! You are most welcome!"
As Xue Ye spoke, she immediately turned to Meng Shenji, who was bowing respectfully to the side. Her tone instantly became serious and imposing, a stark contrast to the respect she had shown when facing Bibi Dong.
"Meng Shenji Education Committee!"
"Your subject is here!"
Meng Shenji's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly stepped forward and bowed deeply.
"The arrival of His Holiness the Pope and His Highness the Holy Son is a matter of paramount importance for our Heaven Dou Empire and the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy!"
The Xue Ye's voice was resolute and left no room for doubt.
"Arrange immediately! Prepare the most tranquil, elegant, and well-equipped residence for Your Majesty and His Highness the Holy Son, with the highest standards and most generous conditions!"
"Every expense must be handled with utmost care! If there is the slightest negligence, causing Your Majesty and His Highness the Holy Son to be uncomfortable, I will hold you responsible! Do you understand?"
"Yes, Your Majesty! I understand!"
Meng Shenji was sweating profusely, bent over even lower, and spoke with unwavering conviction.
"Your Majesty, I swear on my life, I will do everything in my power to ensure that His Holiness the Pope and His Highness the Holy Son feel at home! I will use the highest level of hospitality, without the slightest error!"