Who's that Pokemon?

I lingered for a while in my inner world, taking a moment to ensure I hadn't overlooked anything important.

It had become a sanctuary of sorts, a world that's very helpful for plant spirit beasts to cultivate.

Satisfied that I hadn't left anything behind, I prepared to return to the Great Star Dou Forest.

But just as I was about to depart, my roots detected the presence of someone approaching.

A slight shock coursed through me, and I couldn't help but quip to myself.

"Omaigod, Lady Luck! Are you cheating on me?"

I chuckled at my own joke, but when I sensed who was arriving, I swiftly calmed my thoughts.

It seemed that Dugu Bo was approaching, and he wasn't alone.

Walking beside him was a young human male, and in his arms, he cradled a baby. I pondered for a moment.

Could this be Dugu Bo's son, Dugu Xin, and his granddaughter, Dugu Yan?

My memories of Dugu Bo's life began to resurface, and a plan formed in my mind.

If I could offer him a method to cure his inherent poison, it might be enough to forge a beneficial alliance which in this case more minion.

When Dugu Bo reached Titled Douluo, his specialty was group attacks, which I remember being one of the best on the Douluo Continent!

Although his skills were less effective against Titled Douluo!

Dugu Bo's life had been marked by the burden of a family curse, one that bestowed powerful poison but condemned its bearers to a fatal end due to its side effects.

His father, Ying Dao, had handed him an hourglass filled with the blood of the Jaded Phosphorous Snake King when he was a child.

It was a grim inheritance. Ying Dao had told young Dugu Bo that when the hourglass ran out, he would die unless he became a Titled Douluo.

The only way to counter the poison was by attacking it with an even stronger poison.

Dugu Bo's determination to save his son from this cruel fate was unwavering.

His wife had fallen victim to the poison, and their son, Dugu Xin, had been born with green hair, a testament to his dire condition from infancy.

Dugu Bo had taken it upon himself to train his son rigorously, knowing that only by gaining immense strength could they hope to extend their lives.

He had also embarked on his own journey, believing that becoming a Titled Douluo would grant him the strength to save not only himself but his son as well.

At the age of 37, Dugu Bo had reached Rank 65, an impressive feat.

But his son's condition had continued to deteriorate, poisoning his major internal organs. Dugu Bo had used his own soul power to stave off the inevitable, prolonging his son's life as much as he could.

He had pushed himself relentlessly, reaching Rank 75 by the time he turned 50. Yet, despite his efforts, Dugu Xin's condition had worsened.

When Dugu Xin was 35 years old, tragedy had struck.

His daughter, Dugu Yan, had rushed to fetch her grandfather, informing him that her father was on the brink of death. Dugu Bo, then 70 years old and at Rank 89, had been in the midst of his final breakthrough to Rank 90.

In a cruel twist of fate, he had been physically unable to reach his son's side in time to save him.

He had promised Dugu Yan that he would come to her father's aid once he completed his advancement, but by the time he had, it was too late. His son had already passed away.

Now, with Dugu Xin having reached the age of 30, it was evident that Dugu Bo had yet to attain the status of a Titled Douluo.

The burden of his family's curse still weighed heavily on him, and the memory of his son's tragic end haunted his every step.

As Dugu Bo and his companions drew nearer, I contemplated how I could offer him a glimmer of hope, a chance to break free from the shackles of his family's curse.

It was a risky move, but if it succeeds, I can secure an AOE minion.

Furthermore, his descendant will owe me a favor and be subservient to me.

Dugu Bo has a ruthless personality.

His only soft spot is probably for his own family who inherited his Martial Spirit.

But should I offer him a permanent solution or just an antidote that will mitigate the effects of his poison on his body?

'Sigh, I hate making decisions.'

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.

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After formulating my impromptu plan to potentially enlist Dugu Bo and his family as my subservient minions, I didn't waste any time.

There was no point in waiting around and risking the chance of him slipping away.

Instead, I began to make my way in his direction with a clear purpose in mind.

Why wait idly when I could take the initiative?

I used my branches to subtly surround him, ensuring that he remained in place.

I didn't want any sudden escapes or surprises.

As I drew closer, I noticed the widening of his eyes, a clear indication that he could feel the suppressed urge to flee.

I had intentionally reduced the effect of my concealing skill by half, allowing him to sense a fraction of my aura.

It was enough to make him aware that he stood no chance.

As he braced himself for a potential confrontation, I greeted him in a solemn tone.

It was important to maintain an air of mystery, to keep him guessing about my true nature.

Besides, it added a touch of fear to the equation, which was always beneficial in negotiations.

He questioned my presence with a cautious curiosity, to which I responded with a counter-question.

"Oh, a little snake poisoned by its own venom."

I began, my voice carrying a hint of intrigue.

"Why would a spirit beast of your esteemed stature bother with me, a weak Soul Douluo?" he inquired with utmost respect.

'This Dugu Bo is truly a family man; he immediately shows respect to me, not wanting to risk my anger to protect his family.'

"Do you yearn for freedom from that poison?"

His skepticism was evident immediately, and he countered with a question of his own, asking why a spirit beast like me would be willing to aid him.

In response, I maintained a thoughtful silence, allowing the weight of the unspoken answer to linger in the air.

The moment was pregnant with unspoken possibilities.

Dugu Bo's eyes darted back and forth, a mixture of hope and apprehension flickering within them.

He clearly grasped the gravity of the situation and the potential lifeline I might be offering.

But he needed more than vague insinuations; he needed assurance.

"Why should I trust you? We're basically strangers!" he finally asked, his voice trembling with a blend of desperation and caution.

It was a fair question, one that deserved a direct response.

I chose my words carefully, speaking with an air of sincerity that masked my true intentions.

"Trust is something earned," I replied evenly.

"But you have my word that I can offer you a path to break free from the poison that plagues you and your family.

A path that leads to survival and, ultimately, freedom of fear from your own poison."

Dugu Bo's eyes bore into mine, searching for any signs of deceit.

But my demeanor remained steadfast and full with mysteries.

In that moment, he had a choice to make, one that could alter the course of his family's cursed existence.

.

.

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As Dugu Bo weighed his options, his son, Dugu Xin, remained frozen in place like a statue.

It was clear that he was ready to protect his daughter at all costs, even though he understood the futility of such an endeavor if I decided to make a move.

But just as Dugu Xin was about to voice his thoughts, his father, Dugu Bo, raised a hand, signaling for his son to remain silent.

The tension in the air was palpable as the gravity of the situation hung over us.

Dugu Bo's gaze shifted back to me, and he cautiously inquired about how I could help him with his poison.

I offered him a cryptic response, suggesting that I had a few methods at my disposal—some temporary and others permanent.

His reaction was a mixture of shock and hope.

Losing his wife had been a devastating blow, and the potent poison that afflicted his son had only deepened his despair.

His granddaughter, Dugu Yan, was now at risk of suffering the same fate, and he couldn't bear the thought of another generation living in fear.

With a sense of determination in his eyes, Dugu Bo made a pivotal decision.

He knelt before me, a clear sign of his willingness to do whatever it took to save his family.

His voice trembled as he implored me to save them.

I chose to withhold my response for a few deliberate seconds, allowing the weight of the moment to hang in the air.

Then, I presented my offer, speaking with a calm resolve.

"I want you and your family to be under my rule," I began, my words carrying a sense of purpose.

"I aim to create a kingdom, that's all you need to know for now.

I possess the antidote to alleviate the effects of your poison.

As for the permanent solution, I will reveal it to you after you've proven your loyalty to me.

Do you accept, Dugu Bo?"

Then, he kowtowed to me with his hand bringing his son together with him.

"I'll accept! My descendant and I will be under your order from now, Lord...?"

"Verdalor, the last World Tree."