Bathed in the warm light of the setting sun…
After school, Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling returned home together.
Upon hearing a servant report that His Excellency the Poison Douluo had returned, Dugu Yan lit up with excitement—but Ye Lingling's expression turned anxious.
"Yan Yan… your grandpa won't do anything to Lin Xiao, right?" she asked cautiously.
Dugu Yan blinked.
"He shouldn't…? The servants know Lin Xiao's a guest."
"Grandpa definitely knows he's my friend."
Ye Lingling didn't reply—she simply gave Dugu Yan a look.
Dugu Yan: "…"
Okay, even she wasn't completely sure.
Grandpa was always gentle with her, but toward others? He could be… domineering. Socially awkward too. His first impression was cold and distant more often than not.
Would Lin Xiao be scared off?
Ye Lingling whispered:
"Let's go check quickly. Yan Yan, you call out first… make sure Lin Xiao's still alive."
Though she was close friends with Dugu Yan, Ye Lingling remained nervous around Dugu Bo. Even though he was always kind to her, his reputation—and demeanor—were enough to make her wary.
Half of it was the rumors, the other half… well, he really did look terrifying.
She even lowered her voice, as if afraid he might overhear her badmouthing him… and she'd end up dreaming about venomous snakes crawling into her bed.
No joke. It was that scary.
Dugu Yan huffed.
"Lingling, my grandpa just looks difficult. He's actually super kind!"
Ye Lingling didn't answer, but motioned for her to go ahead.
"Come on, call out to Lin Xiao. Let's see if he still makes noise."
Dugu Yan felt a little hurt.
Her grandfather was a good person! Sure, he was cold on the outside—but that was only because he had few friends… and maybe liked keeping snakes, centipedes, and scorpions as pets.
But wasn't that proof of a loving heart? He adored his little pets—how could he be a bad person?
Sighing, Dugu Yan gave in and called out.
"Lin Xiao? Lin Xiao!"
"Hey!"
"Yan Yan-jie, you're back?"
The courtyard gate creaked open.
Out stepped a striking young man with fiery crimson hair. He looked at them with bright eyes and a faint smile.
"You're finally home."
"Senior Dugu and I had quite the lively conversation."
Lively? That was putting it mildly.
It had been scorching.
Ye Lingling rushed over and began inspecting Lin Xiao like a concerned mother hen—checking his face, poking his belly, even trying to lift his eyelids.
She was one step away from giving him a full medical checkup.
"What are you doing?!"
Lin Xiao jumped back, staring at her suspiciously.
What kind of crazy stunt is this girl pulling?
Ye Lingling patted her chest in relief, her expression sincere.
"Thank goodness, you're still alive."
Lin Xiao: "…"
Dugu Yan: "…"
Dugu Yan finally couldn't take it anymore.
"Lingling! I told you—my grandpa is kind and full of love. He's a sweet old man! Why won't you believe me?"
"Besides, he's not stupid. He could obviously tell Lin Xiao is my friend!"
Ye Lingling nodded furiously like a pecking chick.
Yes, yes, whatever you say.
"Lin Xiao, you said you and my grandpa had a 'lively' talk?"
"Then why didn't he answer when I called?"
Lin Xiao froze for a second, his expression twitching.
Why hadn't Dugu Bo answered? Because he was currently too busy cleaning up the leftover Bi Phosphorus Snake Venom from the courtyard.
The old man only acted tough when Dugu Yan wasn't around. As soon as she returned, he made a 180-degree turn and even begged Lin Xiao to play along.
Threats and flattery in equal measure.
"Ahem… well, the Poison Douluo wanted to surprise you, Yan Yan-jie!"
Just as Lin Xiao said that, Dugu Bo magically appeared in the doorway, sleeves tucked, a grin on his face.
"Not bad! Yan Yan, look what Grandpa brought back for you!"
"Wow! What a beautiful little snake!"
Dugu Yan's eyes sparkled. She ran over joyfully and picked up the emerald-green snake that slithered out of his sleeve, expertly letting it coil in her hands.
Even Lin Xiao had to admit—it looked stunning. It was clearly venomous, but the color and transparency gave it a gem-like beauty.
Dugu Bo always told Dugu Yan he was out gathering poisonous creatures or handling important affairs. And every time he returned, he brought her a gift.
She was his only granddaughter, and he spoiled her endlessly.
Dugu Bo quickly seized the moment.
"I was wondering who this boy was, showing up uninvited. But then I found out he was your friend."
"Kid's a bit young, but got guts."
"Yan Yan, you've made a good friend."
As he spoke, he gave Lin Xiao a discreet look, clearly saying: See? I'm doing you a favor—play along.
Lin Xiao had no choice but to play along.
"There are so many rumors saying Senior Dugu is hard to approach. But maybe because I'm with Yan Yan-jie, he treated me with great kindness. We really hit it off!"
Dugu Bo let out a hearty laugh.
"Ha! This boy knows how to talk!"
"We did hit it off. Honestly, I'm starting to think of him as a friend despite the age gap!"
Dugu Yan was fully reassured now.
She turned and shot a smug look at Ye Lingling.
See, Lingling? I told you my grandpa was nice!
Ye Lingling started doubting herself.
Had she judged him wrong?
Once inside, they all sat down for a chat.
When the topic turned to the Martial Soul defect, Dugu Bo explained that he and Lin Xiao had come up with a plan.
Both Dugu Yan and Ye Lingling were thrilled—even forgetting the part where he said it might not work.
They were simply too excited.
"Oh right—Lin Xiao, when are you planning to leave?" Dugu Bo asked.
For him, Sunset Forest wasn't far. The sooner the better. Waiting only added to the stress.
Lin Xiao thought for a moment and replied,
"I'd like to wait a bit longer."
"What for?"
"I can feel my Evil Fire reaching a critical point. I think the third outbreak will trigger a transformation."
If the Evil Fire evolved, he might be able to take the immortal herb while retaining its powerful traits.
Lin Xiao didn't want to lose the fire.
With the Ice Heart Technique and Five Beasts Exercise, and especially after witnessing the godlike power of Nine-Hearted Begonia, his Evil Fire had become his ultimate trump card.
He wasn't about to give it up just yet.