When the Time Was Ripe

"The influence of the Light of Civilization is spreading, and the feedback to me is a steady increase in the rate of unsealing." Yan Zu realized this in his heart.

The spread of works containing civilized ideas, such as "The Song of Roland" and "The Legend of King Arthur," the initial manifestation of the convenience brought by civilian Soul Tool, and even the limited increase in the production of "Heaven Dou No. 1" rice seeds, are all subtly changing a corner of the Douluo Continent. These positive changes have all become the nutrients for the unsealing of the Xuanyuan Sword.

With a thought, the figure of Qilin Little Jade materialized on his shoulder.

The little creature's jade-colored scales were even more lustrous and translucent, with auspicious clouds swirling around its body. Its pure eyes, opening and closing, revealed a deeper intelligence and a more intimate dependence on Yan Zu.

The most significant change is the extent of its "Auspicious Vitality Domain," which has expanded from twenty-five meters to forty meters. The vitality within the domain is now more concentrated and pure, not only accelerating recovery but also greatly enhancing its ability to purify negative states.

"Little Jade, we are all growing up." Yan Zu gently stroked Little Jade's head, and Little Jade comfortably squinted her eyes, rubbing her head against his palm.

Just as Yan Zu was basking in the fruits of his and his companions' hard work over the past six months, a discordant commotion arose in the front courtyard of the academy.

"Dugu Yan! Come out here! I know you're in the academy!" A young man's voice, filled with urgency and anger, rang out from afar, breaking the afternoon tranquility of the Blue Tyrant Academy.

Oscar, who was in the courtyard helping Dugu Yan familiarize herself with the newly developed "Jade Phosphorous Poison Array," frowned. "Yu Tianheng again? Why is he here again?"

A hint of annoyance and helplessness flashed in Dugu Yan's emerald eyes.

After the unpleasant breakup three months ago, Yu Tianheng kept quiet for a while. After all, Yu Tianheng was a proud person, and in his opinion, Dugu Yan's breakup with him was her loss.

However, in the past two months, as news spread through various channels that her grandfather, Dugu Bo, had resolved the hidden dangers of his Martial Soul, regained his youth, and defeated Tai Tan, the patriarch of the Strength Clan, in one move, the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, especially the elders, became extremely eager to win back this unfathomable Poison Douluo.

After all, the value of a Titled Douluo at his peak is immeasurable. And the most direct way to win over Dugu Bo is obviously through his only granddaughter, Dugu Yan.

Thus, the pressure from the family once again fell on Yu Tianheng. He came this time with the family's death order, "You must bring Dugu Yan back."

However, Yu Tianheng believed that as long as he humbled himself and sincerely apologized, Dugu Yan would surely change her mind out of consideration for their past relationship.

"I'll go see him, make things clear, and make him give up completely." Dugu Yan straightened her clothes, her tone calm yet resolute.

"Sister Yanyan, I'll go with you." Oscar put down what he was holding, stood up, and looked determined.

Dugu Yan turned to look at Oscar. Over the past six months, this once somewhat unruly and eccentric young man had undergone tremendous changes in the Secluded Bamboo Pavilion environment, under the influence of Yan Zu and through his own efforts.

He was no longer the support Soul Master who only hid in the back making Sausage. His diligence, resourcefulness, sense of responsibility in crucial moments, and quiet care for her had all been imprinted in her heart little by little. It was just that the thin veil between them had never been broken.

Seeing the undisguised concern and support in Oscar's eyes, Dugu Yan felt a warmth in her heart, but also a touch of nervousness. Good, she thought, she could use this opportunity to completely sever ties with the past and see her own heart clearly.

"Okay." Dugu Yan nodded gently and walked out first. Oscar immediately followed and walked beside her.

In the open space in front of the academy, Yu Tianheng, dressed in the iconic attire of the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, stood with his hands behind his back, trying to maintain his usual pride, but the anxiety and hidden eagerness between his brows betrayed him.

When he saw Dugu Yan approaching, his eyes lit up instantly. Half a year had passed since he last saw her, and Dugu Yan's temperament had become even more outstanding. Her hair was as green as a waterfall, her face was beautiful, and her figure was even more exquisite and shapely. In particular, her pair of green eyes had lost their former gloom and fierceness, and gained more calmness and confidence, making her even more charming.

But when he saw Oscar following closely beside Dugu Yan, his expression instantly darkened, and a hint of displeasure surfaced uncontrollably.

He suppressed his emotions and forced what he thought was a gentle smile, "Yanyan, you're here."

He ignored Oscar, stepped forward, and said in a deliberately apologetic and gentle tone, "I'm here today specifically to apologize to you again for my previous outrageous behavior. After returning to the family, I reflected on it for a long time, and it was indeed my fault. I was blinded by the pressure from the family and my so-called pride, and I ignored your feelings. Yanyan, please give me another chance, okay? We've had so many years of relationship—"

Dugu Yan calmly interrupted him, her voice clear and cold, without a trace of emotion. "Yu Tianheng, I think I've already made myself very clear."

It's all over between us. I've let go of the past, and I hope you can too. Please don't come back.

Yu Tianheng's expression changed. He hadn't expected that his humble stance would be met with such a cold rejection. He forced a smile and said, "Yanyan, don't be like this. Our relationship of so many years isn't something you can just let go of. I know you're still angry, I—"

"I'm not angry," Dugu Yan interrupted him, her tone still calm. "I just feel there's no need to dwell on it anymore. You have your path, and I have mine. It's best if we both find peace."

Yu Tianheng finally grew impatient and suddenly reached out to grab Dugu Yan's arm. "Yanyan, come with me! We need to talk alone!"

Just as his hand was about to touch Dugu Yan, a slightly thin but unusually steady hand suddenly appeared and blocked the way.

It was Oscar.

"Senior Yu, let's talk this out. Please don't resort to violence." Oscar's tone was calm, but his eyes were firm as he stood firmly in front of Dugu Yan, not giving an inch.

Yu Tianheng's pent-up anger flared up instantly. Not daring to lash out at Dugu Yan, he turned his rage on this "obstructive" Food System Soul Master: "Oscar! Who do you think you are? You dare to stop me? This is between Yanyan and me, get out of my way!"

Oscar remained unmoved and continued to block her way, "Sister Yanyan has already made herself very clear. Please respect her wishes, Senior Yu."

"Respect? I'll show you what respect is!" Yu Tianheng was furious and no longer cared about maintaining his composure. His Soul Power erupted, and the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Martial Soul was activated. The dragon claws, wreathed in blue lightning, went straight for Oscar's chest!

He thought to himself, even if the level is similar, a Food System Soul Master is no match for him in close combat. This is a good opportunity to teach this arrogant brat a lesson and let Yanyan see who is really stronger.

Oscar's eyes narrowed. He couldn't reveal the Six Meridian Divine Sword and the attack methods from the Nine Yin Manual that Yan Zu had taught him. He could only use the "Nine Spiral Shadows" light footwork technique from the Nine Yin Manual, changing his footwork and retreating like a willow catkin, narrowly avoiding the fierce grab.

"Yu Tianheng! Try it again!" When Dugu Yan saw that Yu Tianheng actually attacked Oscar, her suppressed anger exploded instantly.

The Jade Phosphorous Jade Dragon Martial Soul instantly possessed her, and the four Soul Ring —yellow, yellow, purple, and purple—shone brightly. The powerful aura of a level 47 Soul Ancestor was released without reservation, and a green poisonous mist permeated around her.

Yu Tianheng was shocked. He had just acquired his Fourth Soul Ring and advanced to Soul Ancestor recently, and was only at level forty-one. He had thought that with the power of his Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Martial Soul, he would be able to suppress Dugu Yan. But at this moment, the Soul Power fluctuations that Dugu Yan was unleashing were much stronger than his!

"How could you—" Before Yu Tianheng could finish speaking, Dugu Yan had already attacked in anger.

"Third Soul Skill, Jade Phosphor Purple Poison!" This was no longer a test, but a fierce attack filled with rage. A condensed, purplish-black poison arrow shot out, aiming straight for Yu Tianheng's chest.

Enraged, Dugu Yan attacked without mercy! A condensed purple poisonous mist lunged at Yu Tianheng like a giant python, moving with incredible speed! This Jade Phosphor Purple Poison was not only highly toxic, but also possessed strong corrosive and nerve-paralyzing effects.

Yu Tianheng felt the overwhelming pressure of the Soul Power and the deadly poison gas, and his expression changed drastically. In haste, he activated his Third Soul Skill, "Thunderclap Fury," in an attempt to increase his attack power and resistance and shake off the poisonous mist. At the same time, he unleashed his First Soul Skill, "Thunder Dragon Claw," to try and defend.

But how could he easily withstand the absolute difference in their levels and Dugu Yan's all-out attack in her rage?

"Boom!"

As lightning collided with the poisonous mist, Yu Tianheng's Thunder Dragon Claw was instantly corroded and dissolved. He was struck as if by a heavy blow, let out a muffled groan, and flew backward, crashing into the courtyard wall. His clothes were corroded with holes by the poisonous gas, and his skin felt burning and numb. A trace of blood spilled from the corner of his mouth, leaving him in a sorry state.

He stared at Dugu Yan in disbelief, his eyes filled with shock, pain, and a hint of fear. "How could you improve so quickly?!"

Dugu Yan ignored his question and flashed to Oscar's side, supporting him with concern. "Little Ao, are you alright? Are you hurt?" She checked him carefully and saw that Oscar was only slightly out of breath and not injured, so she breathed a sigh of relief.

Seeing her anxious expression, Oscar felt a surge of warmth in his heart and shook his head with a silly grin. "It's okay, Sister Yanyan, I dodged quickly."

Dugu Yan then turned around, her face as cold as frost as she stared at Yu Tianheng, who was struggling to his feet. Her voice was icy and piercing. "Yu Tianheng, out of consideration for our past acquaintance, this is just a warning! If you dare to bother me again, or dare to touch anyone around me, next time, my Jade Phosphorous Serpent Poison..."

That's all the power you'll get! Get out of here!

Looking at Dugu Yan Yan's protective stance in front of Oscar, seeing the undisguised protectiveness in her eyes and her complete indifference towards him, and feeling the invisible yet clear intimacy between the two, Yu Tianheng finally understood that he had completely lost her.

A huge sense of frustration and resentment welled up in his heart, but he knew even more clearly that Dugu Yan's strength far surpassed his own, and she had the backing of Dugu Bo, who had resolved the hidden danger of his grandfather's Martial Soul and whose strength was unfathomable. He simply couldn't afford to offend her.

He glared at Oscar, then glanced at Dugu Yan, and finally said nothing. Clutching his chest, he staggered away, his back view filled with dejection and resentment.

Only after driving Yu Tianheng away did Dugu Yan's tense nerves finally relax.

She recalled the overwhelming worry and anger that surged within her when she saw Yu Tianheng attack Oscar. At that moment, only one thought occupied her mind: Oscar must not be hurt! This intense emotion made her fully understand her own feelings.

"Fool." Dugu Yan gently took Oscar's hand, her emerald eyes gazing at him with a mixture of reproach and tenderness. "In the future, when you encounter Battle Soul Master, don't rush in so impulsively. You're Auxiliary System; protecting yourself is your top priority."

Oscar felt the warmth and softness from Dugu Yan's palm, and looking at Dugu Yan beautiful face so close to his own and the clear affection in her eyes, he was completely stunned. Then, a huge wave of joy swept through him, and all he could do was grin and nod repeatedly, revealing his signature silly smile, "Yes! Yes! I'll listen to Sister Yanyan!"

Dugu Yan chuckled at his silly antics, her lingering resentment vanishing instantly. She rolled her eyes at him, annoyed, and said, "What a jerk! Let's go back."

"Yes!" Oscar responded loudly, gripping Dugu Yan's hand tightly. The two smiled at each other, then walked hand in hand back to the Secluded Bamboo Pavilion with light steps. In the sunlight, their shadows were stretched long, as if foreshadowing the beginning of a brand new relationship.

This scene was witnessed by Yan Zu, Xiao Wu, and the others who came out after hearing the noise. Everyone smiled knowingly and felt happy for them.