Tang San's physical constitution was no match for Xiao Tianyang's. The moment he was captured, the overwhelming surge of soul power knocked him unconscious. He had no recollection of how he was taken away.
When he finally awoke, the first thing he heard was that familiar voice, murmuring faintly beside him.
"I said, senior, couldn't you have just spoken to me directly? Was it really necessary to capture me like this? If you had just asked, I might have agreed to your request."
Dugu Bo paced back and forth in front of the table, his expression dark. Finally, he spoke in a deep voice, "Before I take any further action, why don't you clarify your identity?"
This question had been gnawing at him since his return. He couldn't shake the suspicion that this young man might be trying to deceive him.
If he hadn't been cautious at the time, he might have met his end in the West. This wasn't a matter of playing games anymore—it was a matter of life and death.
At the same time, he wondered if Miao Zhenshan had sent his prized disciple to test him, to find a reason to deal with him. But was that really necessary?
Given Miao Zhenshan's strength, a few punches would have been enough to make him back down. Why go through all this trouble?
Unable to find answers on his own, Dugu Bo decided to bring Xiao Tianyang over for clarification.
As for whether this would worsen his relationship with Miao Zhenshan, he couldn't care less at this point. As long as he didn't harm the boy, and with Xiao Tianyang as leverage, he believed nothing catastrophic would happen.
As for Tang San, he was merely collateral damage in this situation—at least for now.
"If I told you I just wanted to test my own strength, would you believe me?" Xiao Tianyang asked, shrugging nonchalantly.
Dugu Bo narrowed his eyes at the response but finally said, "If that's the case, then let's just forget about it, alright?"
"Of course," Xiao Tianyang replied, pulling Tang San to his feet. "Stop pretending, let's go. The senior has agreed to let us leave."
"Wait a moment," Dugu Bo interjected, stopping Xiao Tianyang. "I only agreed to let you go. I never said anything about him."
He turned to Tang San, who had already opened his eyes, and asked, "I heard you're quite knowledgeable about poisons?"
"That's just a rumor. Who's spreading such nonsense? It's utterly ridiculous," Xiao Tianyang interjected angrily. "Tang San has been illiterate since childhood and has dull talents. How could he possibly know anything about poisons? This is clearly a baseless rumor. I'm going to find out who's behind it and make them pay..."
Tang San: "..."
Dugu Bo: "..."
'This kid sure knows how to talk, doesn't he?'
Dugu Bo had only asked one question, and Xiao Tianyang had immediately launched into a lengthy rebuttal. It was both impressive and baffling.
"It was my granddaughter who mentioned it," Dugu Bo said coldly.
"Little San, hurry up and answer the senior's question. Tell him what you know," Xiao Tianyang quickly added, changing his tone.
Tang San had no choice but to shake his head and say, "I only used realgar wine to neutralize the green snake venom on the field. That's all. Does that prove I understand the properties of various poisons?"
"I suppose I'll find out soon enough," Dugu Bo said with a sly smile. "And isn't the best way to know for sure to test it?"
As he spoke, a cloud of green poisonous mist formed in his palm. The foul stench emanating from it made it clear that this was no ordinary poison.
"Wait!" Xiao Tianyang stepped in front of Dugu Bo, his voice firm. "If you really want to test it, use it on me!"
"Brother Tianyang!" Tang San exclaimed, quickly moving to stop him.
"Do you really think I wouldn't dare to kill you?" Dugu Bo's eyes turned icy cold, like those of a venomous snake. This matter concerned not only his own life but also the lifespan of his granddaughter. He couldn't afford to take it lightly.
Even if it meant provoking Miao Zhenshan, he was willing to take that risk. After all, the worst that could happen was his own death. Given Miao Zhenshan's character, he doubted the man would go so far as to exterminate his entire clan.
"Heh, don't you even have the confidence to undo your own poison?" Xiao Tianyang sneered. "That's right, you're already deeply poisoned yourself, and your life isn't long. How could you possibly use poison on others?"
"What did you say?!" Dugu Bo's voice rose in shock. "I've never told anyone about this. How do you know?"
There was no point in beating around the bush with Xiao Tianyang, especially since he was backed by Miao Zhenshan. It was better to get straight to the point.
"Not only do I know that your life is short, but I also know that you've passed this poison on to the next generation—your granddaughter, Dugu Yan," Xiao Tianyang said meaningfully.
"Since you know, you should understand how important the boy behind you is to me," Dugu Bo said, his face darkening. "Step aside. If he can remove the poison from my body, I'll let him go."
"Even if he has a way, it's impossible for him to come up with a solution immediately. Don't forget, he's younger than your granddaughter," Xiao Tianyang argued, refusing to back down. "If you force him with poison, it will only backfire."
"Then what do you suggest?" Dugu Bo glared at him. "If you can't give me a good reason, I'll crush you to ashes today, even if it costs me my life!"
"Heh, then neither of us will be able to leave," Xiao Tianyang retorted, unfazed. "Before I came here, I left the word 'Dugu' behind. If I don't return, my master will come looking for you. At that point, it won't just be about you—it will be about your granddaughter as well."
Dugu Bo's expression hardened, but he didn't relent.
"You may not fear death, but do you want your granddaughter to die with you?" Xiao Tianyang pressed, his eyes narrowing.
"What did you say?!" Dugu Bo's hand shot out, gripping Xiao Tianyang's neck. The latter's face began to turn pale from the pressure.
"Don't forget, my master is very protective of his disciples. If you kill me, do you think he'll let you or your granddaughter live?" Xiao Tianyang choked out, his voice strained but defiant. "And have you even considered whether my talents are comparable to yours—or your granddaughter's? Even if you kill me, what does it matter? You'll still lose everything."
"Senior, think carefully before you act. Don't make a decision you'll regret," Xiao Tianyang warned.
Dugu Bo's grip tightened, his face growing red with anger—or perhaps it was the suffocation taking its toll.
"Let go of Brother Tianyang! I can save you!" Tang San shouted. "Don't you want your granddaughter to live without suffering from this poison?"
Finally, Dugu Bo released Xiao Tianyang and took a step back. "Explain yourself. Make me believe you."
At this point, Dugu Bo was on the edge of madness. His actions were no longer calculated—they were desperate.
"Cough, cough..." Xiao Tianyang gasped for air, clutching his throat.
"Brother Tianyang, are you okay?" Tang San rushed to his side, helping him steady himself.
"Say what you need to say. Don't give him any reason to harm us," Xiao Tianyang whispered hoarsely, his mind racing. 'This man is truly dangerous when pushed to the brink. I need to tread carefully. I almost died just now!'
He hadn't been putting on an act earlier. He genuinely wanted to intimidate Dugu Bo.
Even if Tang San could undo the poison, it wouldn't happen overnight. If something went wrong, the consequences would be disastrous.
…
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