Dugu Yan followed Yu Tianyan nervously into a dormitory. She suspected the dean had found out about her secrets, and Yu Tianyan was here to confront her.
But why bring her to a dormitory for that?Yu Tianyan kicked open the door, mimicking Liu Erlong's bold style.The room was a cozy single dormitory, fully furnished, even with fresh bedding—a clear sign of Yinshu's careful preparations.A bracelet on Yu Tianyan's wrist glowed faintly.
He held out a black, spine-shaped soul bone, its dark light pulsing softly.Dugu Yan's thoughts scattered. Her eyes locked onto the soul bone, drawn to it like a moth to a flame.
Without thinking, her hand reached out.Liu Erlong, standing nearby, raised her hands and clasped them lightly, watching the scene unfold."What are you daydreaming about?
Yu Tianyan said, snapping her out of it.
Absorb this soul bone, then find your grandfather and tell him to meet me.
If his parents hadn't faced that tragedy, if he'd grown up normally in the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan, he might've fallen for Dugu Yan.
But that was a different life.
It's normal for your martial soul to be drawn to a 40,000-year-old Demon Soul Poison Anaconda trunk bone," Yu Tianyan said calmly.
"Do you want it?"Dugu Yan blinked, coming back to herself.
You're… giving it to me?
Yu Tianyan stood and bowed respectfully. "Greetings, Your Majesty Dugu.Dugu Yan frowned, her voice sharp. "Yu Tianyan, what's this about?
Why do you need my grandfather?He sighed, shaking his head. Never mind. I saved your grandparents' lives, you know.Dugu Yan muttered under her breath, clearly familiar with the Demon Soul Poison Anaconda. "That soul bone… it's incredible.Yu Tianyan rolled his eyes. "Don't give it back, then.
What kind of soul bone is this?
Why does it feel so… intense? she asked, still staring at it.No one expected it to take Dugu Yan three full days to absorb the 40,000-year-old Demon Soul Poison Anaconda trunk bone.When she finally emerged from the dormitory, starving but buzzing with excitement, her green eyes sparkled. Jiangzhu, the kind-hearted girl, had food waiting for her—Yu Tianyan's idea."Dean Liu, young friend Yu Tianyan,
a voice called out. I'm Dugu Bo, here to see you.""Senior," Yu Tianyan greeted, bowing slightly.Back in the cabin, he trained with a visibly frustrated Liu Erlong."Absorb it here. No one will bother you, Yu Tianyan had told Dugu Yan earlier.A flicker of shame crossed Dugu Yan's face as she suddenly asked,
Yu Tianyan, you don't… like me, do you?"Dugu Bo's polite facade annoyed Yu Tianyan, but he kept a smile. "My brother and I have two things to discuss with you."Dugu Yan stepped back, clutching the soul bone, a thrilled smile spreading across her face.Yu Tianyan clapped lightly. Truthfully, he didn't trust Dugu Bo. The old man was known for being sly and dangerous.Dugu Bo looked puzzled.
What do you need from me?
As Yu Tianyan left the dormitory, he couldn't help but think of Dugu Yan's beauty—her figure, her long legs. She was striking, but that personality? Impossible to like.He glanced around the room, nodding at its neat setup.Dugu Yan sat cross-legged on the bed, placing the soul bone against her chest to begin absorbing it.Dugu Bo's expression shifted as he glanced at Liu Erlong, who stayed silent. His heart sank slightly.
I don't know why you called me here, Dugu Bo said, his tone light but guarded.He wore a gray robe, his green hair and eyes striking against his youthful face and tall, sturdy frame.Dugu Yan felt stung by Yu Tianyan's dismissive tone. Why did he want her grandfather to come? She couldn't figure it out.
After devouring her meal with no regard for manners, Dugu Yan felt alive again.Late that night, she returned to Dugu Bo's courtyard. After a long talk with her grandfather, he decided to visit Lanba Academy the next day.The evening breeze rustled softly."Senior, since you're here, please show yourself, Yu Tianyan called out.Dugu Yan clutched the soul bone tightly, its real, pulsing soul power almost unreal.
You're really giving this to me? she asked again, stunned.When Dugu Bo learned his granddaughter had absorbed a 40,000-year-old trunk bone, his shock matched hers. He was impressed by Yu Tianyan's generosity and couldn't help but respect the boy more."Forty thousand years?!" Dugu Yan nearly shouted, her voice trembling with excitement.Dugu Bo noticed Liu Erlong's subtle reaction and paused, thinking.Yu Tianyan spoke plainly. I've heard your poison skills are unmatched, Senior. You must know a lot about herbs and medicines.He turned and walked away, ignoring Dugu Yan's lingering words.
Liu Erlong's expression grew serious as she sensed a faint ripple of soul power from behind the cabin.Yu Tianyan glanced over as a figure stepped out from the shadows.Just say what you need, the figure said.This 40,000-year-old Demon Soul Poison Anaconda bone could push my martial soul further, maybe even evolve it into the Jade Phosphorus Snake King," Dugu Yan said, her eyes burning with ambition.Yu Tianyan wasn't in a rush. He sipped his tea slowly,
as if savoring it.Rest assured, my friend, Dugu Bo said. I know what's important. That 40,000-year-old soul bone? My lips are sealed.Yu Tianyan tossed the soul bone to Dugu Yan without a word.Her green eyes gleamed with desire, her martial soul practically humming.He poured a cup of tea for Dugu Bo and said, Your Majesty, no need to test us. You already know what I'm capable of."Dugu Bo's tone was polite, almost too sincere. Liu Erlong frowned—she might've believed him if Yu Tianyan hadn't warned her about his cunning."If Yanyan's studying here, I won't ignore any troubles you have," Dugu Bo said smoothly.Yu Tianyan smiled faintly, setting down his teacup. I trust your character,
Senior, but I do have a small favor to ask.
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