Chapter 42: The Jade Phosphor Serpent
The stronger Ye Wen grew, the more he appreciated the warmth of this world. Although a Soul King might not be extraordinary outside Notting City, in this area, it made him a true force to be reckoned with. The influence of the "Tiangxing" name had now solidified the academy as a dominant presence within the region.
Perhaps inspired by Ye Wen's recent breakthrough to Soul Emperor, Ah Yin had become even more diligent in her cultivation, just two levels away from reaching rank 60 and shedding her fear of Title Douluo hunters. With her increasing power, Ye Wen finally felt he could relax and savor life in this world of Douluo. Living the life of an upper class figure, he enjoyed a comfortable lifestyle, experimenting with soul tools and occasionally inventing useful gadgets.
One day, while he was on his way to indulge in some music at a teahouse, he noticed a boy with pale green hair lying on the ground, appearing to be in distress. Although Ye Wen didn't suffer from a healer's compulsion, he couldn't just ignore a kid in need.
"Hey, kid, are you alright?" he asked gently, adjusting the boy's position for comfort.
Ye Wen's expression grew more serious as he examined the boy's face. The boy was pale, with sunken eyes and a faint bluish green tint to his skin a look associated with severe weakness. Ye Wen could even smell a faintly fishy scent on him, a scent typical of venomous creatures. In a flash, he recognized what he was dealing with.
Just then, a tall shadow loomed behind Ye Wen.
"Could you hand the boy to me?" came a voice that was deep and weary. "I am his father."
Ye Wen glanced back to see a tall, thin middle aged man with green hair and green eyes standing behind him, a figure emanating a subtle but sharp aura.
"Of course, here you go." Ye Wen handed the boy over, observing as the man used his soul power to stabilize the boy. Almost immediately, the boy's discomfort subsided, and he slowly opened his eyes.
After a polite word of thanks, the man and his son turned to leave. Watching them go, Ye Wen suddenly called out.
"Mr. Dugu, if you'd like a permanent solution to the issue plaguing you and your son, come find me at Tiangxing Academy."
The man froze and turned back, astonished, but Ye Wen had already vanished.
The man was none other than Dugu Bo, the future Poison Douluo feared throughout the continent for his deadly reputation. This journey had started because his son, Dugu Xin, had fallen ill after graduating from a beginner's academy, the poison within him intensifying his suffering. To lift his son's spirits, Dugu Bo decided to take him on a journey for both rest and experience.
"Tiangxing Academy?" Dugu Bo murmured. "Solve the problem we share? That young man might be more capable than he seemed."
"Father," Dugu Xin asked, "should we go?"
After a moment of thought, Dugu Bo nodded.
"Let's go and see. If he truly has a solution, it's worth investigating. And if he's lying, he'll quickly learn the cost of deceiving us." A dangerous glint flickered in Dugu Bo's sharp eyes. Though he was only fifty years old, he was already a formidable Soul Saint at rank 75, feared for his unique Jade Phosphor Serpent poison that left anyone affected crippled or dead.
Upon reaching Soul Saint rank, his martial soul had ascended to the Jade Phosphor Serpent King, further enhancing his poison's potency, which had even tinted his hair and eyes green.
(Author's Note: Dugu Bo's story has been calculated based on the original novel and side stories and is accurate. In 2645, Dugu Bo meets Tang San at age 78 [original novel]. In 2630, he achieves his Title Douluo rank at age 63 [side stories], with Dugu Xin succumbing to his poison and Dugu Yan about five or six. In 2605, Dugu Bo reached rank 65 at age 37, and by 2618, at age 50, he's currently at rank 75.)
The Tiangxing name was well known in Notting City, and it didn't take long for Dugu Bo and his son to find their way to Saint Soul Village. They were impressed by the academy grounds, meticulously maintained with a mystical cloud covered mountain that gave it an otherworldly feel.
"Not bad at all. That mountain's covered in a simulated cultivation environment. To think there'd be such a hidden treasure in this remote village," Dugu Bo murmured approvingly.
As they approached, Ye Wen came to greet them, leading them into the academy where Ah Yin's Blue Silver Grass network monitored every movement. In the principal's office, Ye Wen poured them both tea.
"So, it seems you have some faith in me after all, Mr. Dugu," Ye Wen began with a smile.
But the experienced Dugu Bo was cautious, replying, "You said you could solve the problem we face. How, exactly, would you go about it? If you succeed, we'll repay you generously."
Ye Wen shook his head. "I don't want your gratitude, Mr. Dugu. I'd like to propose an arrangement instead."
Dugu Bo's brow furrowed. If Ye Wen could solve his family's issue, he would've been fine paying any price, but this young man clearly had other goals.
"Go ahead," Dugu Bo replied, voice laced with caution. "If it's not too unreasonable, I'll agree."
A smile broke across Ye Wen's face; this was going far smoother than expected. In the original story, Dugu Bo's role was pivotal. Many saw him as the untrustworthy "Poison Douluo," but true fans knew he was simply a man who kept his word. Otherwise, he wouldn't have let Tang San take everything from him and still consider him a friend.
"My conditions are simple: allow your son to become my disciple, and accept an honorary position as the academy's headmaster."
Dugu Bo raised an eyebrow, surprised. An honorary title was nothing to him, as it was only a ceremonial position. As for making his son Ye Wen's disciple, if Ye Wen truly had a way to solve their family's toxic curse, that was a small price to pay.
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