Just as Ning Rongrong activated her Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan's token, a ripple of spirit energy shook the hall. The number of people in the Huangdou Academy's Education Committee lobby instantly doubled as powerful auras descended.
"Xiao Chen, are you alright?"
Emerging from a ripple in space, Ning Fengzhi stepped forward, his expression warm as he approached Yu Chen.
"I'm fine, Uncle Ning."
Yu Chen greeted him respectfully, clasping his hands.
"That's good. Otherwise, your father would hold me accountable."
Ning Fengzhi chuckled, then turned his gaze to the corner, where Dugu Bo stood with a cold face.
"Bone Douluo, Sword Douluo, Sect Master Ning,"
Dugu Bo acknowledged with narrowed eyes. "It's been a while."
Seeing the three's arrival through spatial tearing, Dugu Bo immediately withdrew his spirit power and Martial Spirit. Though he had held the advantage earlier, facing two Title Douluo — Gu Rong and Chen Xin — whose strength surpassed his, the situation had drastically changed. Ning Fengzhi, clearly siding with Yu Chen, tilted the balance.
Fighting now would not only be unwise — it could prove fatal.
Prince Xue Xing, who had been smirking moments earlier, now stiffened. His goal in bringing Dugu Bo was to pressure or even kill Yu Chen. But with Bone Douluo and Sword Douluo here, that option vanished.
"Dugu Bo, bullying juniors now?"
Bone Douluo Gu Rong's tone was mocking as he descended in a dark robe, his lips slightly curled.
"Hmph!"
Dugu Bo glared at him, but didn't respond. He turned to leave with Dugu Yan.
"Senior, you may be fearless of death, but what of your granddaughter? Can she withstand the backlash of your poison?"
Yu Chen's calm voice echoed just as Dugu Bo stepped away.
"..."
Dugu Bo's body froze.
He knew better than anyone: his Biphosphorous Snake Emperor Martial Spirit had poisoned not only himself but his granddaughter, Dugu Yan, too. He had been helpless to cure it. Now, hearing Yu Chen's insight, a chill surged through his heart.
"You—do you have a cure?!"
Nine spirit rings surged around Dugu Bo as his Biphosphorous Snake Emperor re-manifested. He lunged forward, eyes burning.
If Yu Chen could read their condition so accurately, he might truly possess a solution. Dugu Bo had one living relative—Dugu Yan. For her, he would risk everything.
"Dugu Bo, do you think we'll let you touch him?"
Hum!
As Dugu Bo moved, nine brilliant spirit rings glowed at the feet of Gu Rong and Chen Xin. Their Martial Spirits erupted:
—Gu Rong's Bone Dragon loomed over ten feet tall, surrounded by nine glowing spirit rings of distinct hues.
—Chen Xin's Seven Kill Sword appeared above his head, four feet three inches long, three inches wide, and radiating piercing killing intent.
Boom!
The three Title Douluo clashed, their soul power surging. The Huangdou Education Committee building crumbled under the pressure!
Amid the chaos, Defense Department elder Bai Baoshan reacted swiftly. His Martial Spirit, the Heavenly Star Furnace, flared behind him. A black spirit ring lit up underfoot as the massive furnace grew, ancient spell symbols spiraling along its surface.
The furnace's immense defensive aura spread out, shielding all present. As one of the Heaven Dou Empire's finest defensive Spirits, the Heavenly Star Furnace was capable of momentarily neutralizing even Title Douluo-level power.
The clash subsided. Gu Rong and Chen Xin stepped back unscathed. But Dugu Bo staggered, a trace of blood seeping from his lips — clearly suppressed by their combined soul power.
"Even so, I'll fight to the death if it means saving Yanyan!"
Despite being overpowered, Dugu Bo refused to yield. His ninth spirit ring glowed darkly as he prepared to strike again.
"Grandpa! Please stop!"
Dugu Yan, still protected behind him, rushed forward and clutched his arm. Her eyes were filled with fear and worry.
Dugu Bo's heart softened. He exhaled heavily and dispelled his spirit power.
Turning to Yu Chen, he asked in a grave tone, "Boy, do you truly have a way to cure Yanyan?"
The great Poison Douluo—an Empire-dreaded figure—was now bowed by worry for his granddaughter.
"Yes, Senior. If you wish to detoxify both yourself and your granddaughter, meet me at Shrek Academy in seven days."
Yu Chen's eyes gleamed. "Also, I know you have a treasure trove of herbs in Sunset Forest. Bring some of those rare elixirs. They'll assist with the treatment."
Yu Chen's words carried weight—not just from confidence, but knowledge. As a transmigrator, he was well aware of Dugu Bo's hidden medicinal garden.
"Very well."
Dugu Bo's expression twitched. He hadn't expected anyone to know of that secret garden. But faced with a cure, he suppressed the thought and nodded.
"In seven days, I'll come."
With Dugu Yan beside him, Dugu Bo turned and left.
"Hah, that old snake is arrogant. You might be the first to bargain with him so boldly,"
Sword Douluo Chen Xin laughed, withdrawing his Seven Kill Sword. Gu Rong mirrored the gesture with his Bone Dragon.
"We didn't expect such upheaval," said Chen Xin. "Sorry for the disruption."
"We've signed the academy approval letter for your advancement. How about staying for dinner as compensation?"
Prince Xue Xing stepped forward, his face stiff from forced calm. Though internally furious, he put on a princely smile and handed the approval document to Flender.
The moment Dugu Bo withdrew, Prince Xue Xing's plan collapsed. Killing Yu Chen was no longer possible. Now, with three Title Douluo standing opposite him, he had no choice but to bow and scrape.
Even a prince is just an ant before a Title Douluo.
"Well said. This little fellow has remarkable talent. We should stay for a bit."
Seeing Yu Chen's display, even the usually aloof Education Committee members softened. Their respect toward Shrek Academy rose several notches.
"If Sect Master Ning and the two seniors are willing, please join us as well."
The offer was extended with genuine admiration.
"We'll pass for now. Affairs await at the clan."
Ning Fengzhi declined with a smile. He then glanced toward his daughter and Yu Chen.
"Rongrong, you need to move faster. If that old man Yu Yuanzhen returns and takes Yu Chen first, don't come crying to me!"
He spoke with a teasing yet fatherly tone, leaving both Ning Rongrong and Yu Chen blushing.
"Let's go."
With a final amused look, Ning Fengzhi left with Gu Rong and Chen Xin, leaving behind a flustered Ning Rongrong — cheeks crimson, speechless in the breeze.
The Duel doesn't end here… it only gets more intense.
30+ chapters ahead are already waiting.
If you want to see the next moves, the hidden strategies, and the outcome before anyone else
join my Patreon: patreon.com/Prince209