[DD]: 34 

With Title Douluo's speed, the Dugu Mansion isn't far from the city gate.

Despite his anxiety, Dugu Bo, who had deliberately slowed his pace, still arrived at the agreed location quickly.

He looked around but didn't see Guang Ling. He breathed a sigh of relief, though he felt a little disappointed.

"Can't blame Grandpa for this, Yan Yan, it's just your luck isn't good," he thought, slightly relaxed.

"What's up? Looking for me?"

Just as he was feeling good and ready to head back home to tell Dugu Yan the news, a familiar voice sounded behind him. Who else could it be but Guang Ling?

Dugu Bo's body stiffened for a moment but quickly returned to normal. He turned around to see Guang Ling, who was watching him with a playful smile.

"Scaring people can kill, you know. Speaking suddenly behind someone's back, aren't you afraid I'll reflexively throw some poison your way?" Dugu Bo gave him a helpless look and said.

"With your strength, ha."

Although Guang Ling didn't continue, his meaning was clear, short but highly insulting.

Having spent two days with him, Dugu Bo was already familiar with him. He clenched his fists tightly, then slowly released them.

Forget it, can't beat him, and besides, there's something to discuss with him, can't afford to be impulsive. Impulse is the devil. Dugu Bo silently comforted his wounded heart.

"Alright, talk. What do you need me for? It's not even the agreed time yet. If I hadn't seen you heading this way in the city, you would've made a wasted trip."

"And your vigilance is too poor. I followed you all the way, and you didn't even notice. How am I supposed to trust you to protect Xiao Li in the future?"

Even as he spoke, Guang Ling didn't forget to berate Dugu Bo.

"I was thinking about something."

Dugu Bo stubbornly replied, then quickly changed the topic to the main issue.

"Right, I wanted to discuss something with you. When we go back this time, can you take my granddaughter along?"

As Dugu Bo spoke, he carefully observed Guang Ling's expression.

As expected, Guang Ling's face darkened immediately upon hearing his words, and he stared at Dugu Bo with a piercing gaze. "Did you tell your granddaughter everything?"

Seeing his intense reaction, Dugu Bo quickly explained, "No, I didn't. I only told her I was going for treatment. As for Han Li's situation, I only mentioned what I could. Don't forget, I swore on my Martial Soul."

Hearing this, Guang Ling's expression improved a lot, but he still didn't let go of his scrutiny.

Dugu Bo continued, "I told her about the Martial Soul poisoning. Yan Yan is a bit worried and wants to come along."

"I was thinking that she would need treatment later on as well. Besides, she will eventually have to deal with the Martial Soul evolution, so it's better to bring her along now. This way, we avoid making multiple trips and leaking information."

"Anyway, I've already decided to join Han Li. I only have this one granddaughter, so of course, she'll be with me. When the time comes, we'll have her swear on her Martial Soul as well. And don't forget what I mentioned before about letting them get to know each other in advance. It's not a bad idea, right?"

Dugu Bo finished his statement with a somewhat wink at Guang Ling.

Guang Ling looked at the weathered face of Dugu Bo with disdain.

Good, good? What's good about it? When we talked about this before, I just subconsciously forgot about Xiao Xue. Now that I remember, do you think I'll let you continue this way? No way, I have to find a way to sabotage this. Given Xiao Xue's personality, it's already tricky with Xiu'er. If she knows Han Li has other companions, it's impossible.

Should I just refuse outright? No, Han Li seems to value this grandfather-granddaughter pair a lot. Plus, Dugu Bo will be needed as a guard for Han Li. Not a good idea.

And what if Han Li and Xiao Xue don't end up together? I'm still waiting to have grandchildren to play with.

You naturally sinister rotten snake, I'll personally...

You're giving me a tough problem, Dugu Bo. I'll remember this.

Seeing Guang Ling's face constantly change as if he were deep in thought, Dugu Bo inexplicably shivered.

Then, as if it was his imagination, he felt that Guang Ling seemed to despise him even more.

"???"

Several big question marks appeared on Dugu Bo's forehead. Is there something wrong with Guang Ling? Why is he suddenly acting weird? It's just a yes or no question, does he need to think so hard?

When we talked about Han Li's fiancée before, weren't you quite happy?

Guang Ling let out a breath and looked at Dugu Bo again. "Alright, bring her along. But you take care of her yourself, don't cause trouble for Xiao Li."

"Great, no problem." Dugu Bo was delighted upon hearing his agreement and didn't pay much attention to the warning.

"Then hurry up. Don't make me wait for you. Once you're here, we'll set off immediately." Guang Ling waved his hand, signaling him to leave quickly.

"Got it."

Dugu Bo left with a quick response and headed back to the city to share the good news with Yan Yan.

Guang Ling, on the other hand, found a shady spot to sit and began to think about his next move.

He realized he had underestimated Dugu Bo, falling right into the old man's plan.

...

Meanwhile, Dugu Bo quickly returned home to find that Dugu Yan had already packed her things. She was standing at the door, looking anxiously down the road, waiting for his news.

"Grandpa."

As soon as Dugu Bo appeared, Dugu Yan rushed up to him, clinging to his arm, eager to know the answer.

"Alright, they've agreed. We'll set off shortly," Dugu Bo replied with a smile.

"Hooray! Grandpa, can you tell me where we're going and who we're meeting?" Dugu Yan let go of his arm, skipped a few steps ahead, turned around, and walked backward while asking.

"No, I swore on my Martial Soul. You'll find out by tonight at the latest, so stop asking so many questions. Let's go inside so I can check what you've packed. This trip won't be short, so we need to be well-prepared," Dugu Bo answered decisively, not daring to keep Guang Ling waiting. Who knows if that guy might change his mind again?

"Alright then," Dugu Yan said with a hint of disappointment, but the thought of soon getting treatment lifted her spirits significantly.

Hmm, and it's all so mysterious, just like those adventures in the stories. The excitement quickly dispelled any other feelings, and she couldn't help but look forward to it.

"Hurry up, Grandpa," Dugu Yan urged, finding her normally paced grandfather a bit slow. She jogged up behind him, placed her hands on his back, and pushed him towards the house.

"Alright, alright, I'll walk faster, just as Yan Yan wishes," Dugu Bo said with a cheerful laugh, quickening his pace.

"Oh, Yan Yan, make sure to send someone to the academy to inform them. Just say I'm taking you for special training. Let's request a month's leave first, and we'll extend it if necessary."

"Got it. You hurry inside and see if I'm missing anything. We can send someone to the academy when we leave."

"And pack more convenient clothes. The environment there won't be as comfortable as home or the academy."

The two walked into the house, and their conversation continued, albeit faintly.

On the road from Haven Dou City to the Sunset Forest, three figures were moving swiftly.

No, to be precise, it was two figures, as one of them was being carried by another using soul power.

The three were Guang Ling, Dugu Bo, and his granddaughter Dugu Yan. They had disguised themselves to some extent. Anyone who saw them on the road was astonished by their speed and quickly stepped aside, not daring to look up, fearing sudden misfortune.

Watching the figure ahead, who hadn't spoken a word since they met and was speeding along, Dugu Yan couldn't help but ask softly, "Grandpa, who is he? He hasn't said a word to us and doesn't seem to respect you as a Title Douluo."

Dugu Bo quickly covered her mouth, made a shushing gesture, and couldn't help but sigh inwardly: Yan yan, please be quiet. You can't say such things carelessly. If anything happens, it will be me who suffers.

Seeing that Guang Ling didn't seem to hear or turn around, Dugu Bo lowered his voice and reminded her, "Yan Yan, be patient. You'll find out soon enough. And be respectful; you should address him as 'Your Excellency.'"

"He's a Title Douluo like you?" Dugu Yan exclaimed in surprise, then remembered her grandfather's warning and quickly closed her mouth again.

Grandpa's attitude made it clear—he's not a match for this guy.

But how could that be? This wasn't her first time meeting a Title Douluo. She had seen Sword Douluo and Bone Douluo from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan. Although they seemed younger than her grandpa, they still looked middle-aged at least.

Yet, this one, she had seen his face under the hood. He looked no older than seventeen or eighteen. How could someone so young have such a title? Even the highly acclaimed Clear Sky Douluo, whom she hadn't met, probably couldn't compare to this one.

Little did she know that Guang Ling had a naturally youthful baby face.

"Anyway, stop asking for now. You'll find out everything later," Dugu Bo reminded her again. From Guang Ling's level, he could tell Guang Ling was much older than he looked, which was deceptive.

The key point was his strength. If it weren't for that, Dugu Bo would have mocked him as he did with Chrysanthemum Douluo.

With her grandpa's warning, Dugu Yan didn't dare say anything more. However, her curiosity about the upcoming events grew, and she started to secretly speculate about what kind of people and forces her grandpa was taking her to meet.

The journey continued in silence. With the two Title Douluos traveling at full speed and having set off early, they reached the edge of Sunset Forest by the originally agreed-upon time of five in the afternoon.

Guang Ling stopped and turned to Dugu Bo, asking, "Can you fly?"

Dugu Bo smiled awkwardly and replied, "I can float briefly, but flying…"

"Forget it. Let's stay on the ground then. You're more familiar with this place. Lead the way, don't keep Xiao Li waiting," Guang Ling interrupted, pointing ahead.

"Okay," Dugu Bo responded. He pulled Dugu Yan's arm, shook his head at his slightly angry granddaughter, and led the way. Guang Ling followed behind.

Unexpectedly, Dugu Yan turned her head and made a face at Guang Ling before quickly turning back and pulling Dugu Bo to run a few steps ahead.

This little girl is quite interesting, with quite a temper.

Guang Ling smiled, not bothered by her provocation, and quickened his pace to follow.

Soon, the three of them stopped in front of a poisonous miasma. Dugu Bo took out three antidote pills and handed them to the others.

"These are antidote pills. They can effectively resist the miasma here."

Guang Ling accepted the pill but didn't take it immediately. Instead, he put it away and took out a bottle of pills given to him by Han Li from his storage belt, swallowing one.

"Xiao Li made those?" Dugu Bo asked, surprised, glancing at the bottle Guang Ling had put away.

"Yes. If you want to study them, you can ask him for some later. He has plenty," Guang Ling replied, not intending to share his supply.

"Alright. Yan Yan, swallow the pill and stay close to me."

Dugu Bo signaled Dugu Yan to swallow the antidote pill. He took one himself and then formed a soul power shield around the three of them before heading into the poisonous miasma.

With the "local guide" leading the way, their speed was quite fast. In just over half an hour, the three of them arrived at the platform where Guang Ling and Han Li had first settled.

By now, the sky had darkened slightly. Due to the fog and the surrounding peaks, this place was even darker than other parts of the forest.

Standing on the platform and looking below, Dugu Yan couldn't help but be amazed. Even though some of the fairy grasses were missing, the scenery was still breathtaking, making her exclaim in awe.

"Is this the place, Grandpa? It's so beautiful!"

...

Hmm? A strange voice, and it sounds like a girl's.

After Guang Ling and Dugu Bo left, Han Li felt uneasy. After thinking for a while, he used his twin blades to carve out a stone chamber on the rock wall below the platform.

He didn't destroy the vines hanging down from above but let them cover the entrance. He also reinforced the stone chamber with materials from his storage space, making it harder for anyone to notice him immediately upon arrival.

Hearing the faint female voice, Han Li, who had just finished training, immediately went into battle mode.

His drastically improved twin blades appeared in his hands instantly. He deliberately restrained all elemental powers to avoid emitting any light, though he couldn't completely hide his soul rings, which glowed faintly.

He didn't dare to directly probe above but instead fully concealed his aura and slowly moved to the entrance. If anyone came down, they wouldn't escape his ambush.

Dugu Yan was still admiring the scenery above, chatting non-stop with her grandpa.

Meanwhile, Guang Ling and Dugu Bo had peculiar expressions on their faces, looking like they wanted to laugh but couldn't.

Han Li didn't dare to probe, but they did. The moment they arrived, they noticed Han Li below the rock wall, and his actions were observed by them.

Hmm, he is cautious.

Noticing her grandpa's odd expression, Dugu Yan stopped talking, touched her face, and found nothing wrong. What was up with Grandpa?

"Ahem."

Guang Ling stifled his laughter and broke the awkward atmosphere by shouting below, "Xiao Li, come out. It's us."

Han Li, who was on high alert, stiffened upon hearing the familiar voice, his expression changing slightly.

After a few seconds, his face returned to calm. He silently retracted his martial soul, pushed aside the vines in front of him, and walked out.

"Alright, Master. Senior, you can come down now."

Han Li's voice came from the basin below.

Hearing the voice, Dugu Yan's eyes lit up. This must be the young man Grandpa mentioned. She was eager to see what kind of person he was—so young, yet so advanced in cultivation and knowledgeable enough to gain Grandpa's approval.

Guang Ling and Dugu Bo exchanged a glance, nodded, and then descended with Dugu Yan.

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