After Dugu Bo led Qin Jiuxiao out of the reception hall, they arrived at a pavilion within Heaven Dou Royal Academy.
The pavilion stood beside a bamboo grove on the academy's rear mountain. The surroundings were tranquil and secluded, with the occasional crisp birdsong drifting through the air. It was quite elegant.
Dugu Bo pulled Qin Jiuxiao over to sit on a stone bench and personally poured him a cup of tea. He was so attentive that he seemed less like a Titled Douluo and more like a host entertaining an honored guest.
"Come, come, Qin boy. Try my tea. I swiped this good stuff from the imperial palace. I wouldn't bear to bring it out for just anyone."
Dugu Bo chuckled and pushed the teacup before Qin Jiuxiao.
Qin Jiuxiao picked up the cup and gave it a light sniff. It indeed carried a refreshing fragrance.
He took a sip. It was sweet upon entry and lingered pleasantly afterward. It truly was fine tea.
"Not bad. Good tea." Qin Jiuxiao nodded.
"Of course!" Dugu Bo proudly stroked his beard, then leaned closer and rubbed his hands together.
"I've already sent word to Yanyan. She'll be here soon. You young people should talk more and get closer."
Qin Jiuxiao glanced at him. How could he not know what Old Poison was plotting? Still, he did not expose him.
Seeing that Qin Jiuxiao had not refused, Dugu Bo became even more delighted, and his chatterbox opened up.
"Say, Qin boy, how did your strength improve so quickly? It hasn't even been that long since we last met, yet your cultivation has shot up like you've been taking medicine." Dugu Bo's eyes were full of curiosity.
"And those Soul Rings of yours... I remember that the last time we met, your Soul