Dugu Bo's Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor Martial Soul coiled around him, and nine Soul Rings burst forth with dazzling light. He snorted, killing intent surging in his serpent eyes. "You want to take them? Fine! As long as you have the ability to snatch them from my hands! In this world where the strong prey on the weak, fists are the only thing that counts!"
A chilling poisonous mist spread from his body. Wherever it passed, plants withered rapidly, turning into pools of black water.
Huo Yuhao stood outside the poisonous mist, his black robe snapping in the wind. His gaze was as sharp as a torch, taking in Dugu Bo's pale, greenish complexion and faintly trembling fingertips. He sneered inwardly-the Poison Douluo looked imposing, but in truth, the backlash from his Martial Soul had long since left him in unbearable pain. "Senior, the poison in your body is truly potent."
He suddenly spoke, his voice clear. "If I'm not mistaken, these toxins are the backlash produced by cultivating your Martial Soul. They gnaw at your meridians day and night, don't they?"
His words struck like a sledgehammer, making Dugu Bo shudder. Even his Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor Martial Soul froze. His eyes widened, his serpent pupils full of shock. "Brat, how did you tell?!"
Huo Yuhao laughed inwardly. Was it only with the support of the Immortal Herbs in the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well that Dugu Bo could suppress the toxins? Just how green had this old geezer turned? Was he afraid others wouldn't notice he was poisoned? He said calmly, "Never mind how I found out, senior. What matters is that I have a way to free you from this pain. Once it's done, you'll let me pick whatever I like from your herb garden. How about it?"
"Hahahaha!" Dugu Bo suddenly threw back his head and laughed, his laughter full of mockery. "A snot-nosed brat dares boast so shamelessly here! You're just a child in your teens. What could you possibly know about curing poison? Are you trying to stall for time?!" The poisonous mist around him suddenly swelled, his killing intent almost becoming tangible.
Huo Yuhao, however, showed no fear. Instead, he took a step forward, his voice calm and sharp. "Of course, senior, you don't have to believe me. But have you considered what will happen if you continue to suffer this torment from the toxins for the rest of your life? Of course, it's also possible you won't live more than a few years."
Seeing Dugu Bo's expression tighten, he continued, "This poisonous cultivation art doesn't just trouble you, does it? These toxins will bring disaster upon your family. Your family will also die from their backlash. The torment you suffer, your family will suffer too."
"Shut up!" Dugu Bo roared, his presence surging violently. "Damn brat! You dare threaten me? I'll-!"
Huo Yuhao remained unmoved, every word a blade. "If you kill me today, you'll destroy your family's last hope of curing the poison. When that happens, will you really have no regrets?"
Dugu Bo's breathing grew heavy, killing intent and hesitation mingling in his eyes. After a long silence, he gritted his teeth and spoke. "You're saying... you can cure it?"
Huo Yuhao remained composed and gave a slight nod. "That's right. Think it over, senior. Isn't this deal worth it?" A faint golden light rose around him, making him look mysterious amid the poisonous mist. "Since I dared to bring it up, I'm naturally completely confident. It all depends on whether you're willing to take this gamble, senior."
The twilight twisted into an eerie purplish black within the poisonous mist. Dugu Bo's Soul Rings flickered around him, suspicion and killing intent churning in his serpent eyes. "Hmph, you're still wet behind the ears, yet you think you can fool me with empty words? What makes you think I'll believe you?!" An overwhelming pressure bore down like solid chains. Huo Yuhao let out a muffled grunt, fine beads of cold sweat seeping out beneath his black robe, while the rotting leaves underfoot were instantly crushed to dust.
Just as his breathing stopped, a web of cracks suddenly split the void, and brilliant golden light poured out like a waterfall. A white-haired old man stepped out of the light, the power of light flowing around him burning the poisonous mist with a hiss.
(Electrolux, disguised using Light Magic. Why did he materialize? He fashioned a body for himself for the time being; it counts as an avatar, and he only came out to save the situation. Later, he'll either directly lend his power or possess someone like a ghost. I originally wanted to write him possessing a lotus root from Nezha's space, but it felt a little abrupt for one to suddenly appear.)
Electrolux raised a hand slightly. The instant his fingertips swept through the air, it was as though the whole world had been put on pause-the Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor Martial Soul froze in midair, and even the beads of sweat on Dugu Bo's forehead hung motionless in the air.
"Just a little snake trapped in a poisonous miasma, and you dare bare your fangs at my disciple?" Electrolux snapped his fingers with a crisp crack. Nine chains of light condensed from the void, winding around Dugu Bo's limbs and Martial Soul like living things. The Serpent Emperor struggled fiercely, but wherever its scales fell away, golden light burned charred marks into it. The stench of scorched flesh filled the air.
Dugu Bo's pupils contracted sharply as he looked at the ball of light gathering in the old man's palm. The light seemed gentle, yet it gave him a more terrifying sense of pressure than a Hundred Thousand Year Soul Skill.
Every strand of its radiance was dismantling the poisonous cultivation art he took such pride in, as though he were nothing but an ant before his opponent. "Wh-what kind of power is this?!" A roar like that of a trapped beast tore from his throat, but he could not break free in the slightest.
Electrolux casually flicked his sleeve, and the ball of light instantly expanded several times over, engulfing Dugu Bo. "You have three breaths to think it over." Before his voice had faded, the poisonous mist around the Poison Douluo had begun to vaporize, and even his Soul Power was being drawn away by the golden light.
Dugu Bo thought of the granddaughter he still had at home. If he alone died, then so be it, but Yanyan was still so young...
Besides, this boy's teacher is so powerful. He might really be able to remove my poison. Then Yanyan can escape this pain too.
"Spare me, senior!" Veins bulged on Dugu Bo's forehead. After thinking it over again and again, he finally made his decision. "I agree, I agree! As long as this young friend can cure my poison, he may pick whatever he likes from the herb garden!" His roar echoed through the forest, startling countless Soul Beasts that had been ravaged by the poisonous mist.
Huo Yuhao lowered his eyes to hide the smile in them. Sometimes words alone would never convince others; strength gave one the greatest say. Surely that held true anywhere.
Dugu Bo understood this as well. Now that Dugu Bo had witnessed Electrolux's power, his disciple must surely have a way to cure the poison.
Electrolux dispersed the ball of light, then raised a hand and patted him on the shoulder. "Xiao Lai, I have other matters to attend to. I'll take my leave first." Spatial ripples rose around the old man. Before leaving, he glanced at Dugu Bo, who had collapsed on the ground, and his chilling words pierced to the marrow like icicles. "If you dare play tricks behind our backs, next time I'll crush your soul outright. A Titled Douluo like you doesn't amount to a fart before me."
With that, space tore open, and the figure slowly departed.
Dugu Bo lay trembling on the ground awash with poisonous water, his forehead pressed against the corroded rock. "I wouldn't dare... I would never dare..." For the first time, fear and apprehension appeared in his eyes-that power of light had become a shadow he would never shake for the rest of his life.
Dugu Bo slumped on the ground, the Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor Martial Soul lingering around him long since dimmed. He watched the golden figure gradually fade, his Adam's apple bobbing with difficulty as cold sweat slid down his pale cheeks onto the ground shrouded in poisonous mist.
The raging waves in his heart nearly drowned him. When did such a terrifying existence appear on the Douluo Continent? The power the old man displayed with the slightest gesture had been enough to easily suppress the Jade Phosphor Serpent Emperor he took such pride in. His nine Soul Rings had seemed to count for nothing in the other man's eyes.
He actually forced me into such a state in an instant. There can't be more than a few people like him on the entire Douluo Continent. That terrifying power is hundreds of times stronger than even the Clear Sky Douluo's. Just what faction could wield such influence?
There haven't been any rumors, and I can't find the slightest trace of him... His nails dug deep into his palms, and the poisonous blood seeping between his fingers was instantly corroded by the air. If a powerhouse like that truly was the hidden strength of some reclusive sect, just how unfathomable would that faction be? At the thought, a chill shot up his spine to the back of his neck. Too terrifying... If an existence like that wanted my life, it would take nothing more than a snap of his fingers.
Dugu Bo struggled to prop himself up, the poisonous mist remaining around him dissipating into nothing beneath his trembling fingertips. He looked at Huo Yuhao, his Adam's apple bobbing with difficulty. His earlier arrogance and viciousness were nowhere to be found, replaced by unprecedented respect and caution. "Young friend..." His voice was hoarse, deliberately lowered and somewhat ingratiating. "May I ask your esteemed name?"
P.S. Thanks to Sobchak for the monthly ticket and tip. Thank you...